Apparatus for transporting a load from a first to a second level includes means for maintaining the load carrier in a predetermined rotational position. The means includes a motor to rotate the load carrier relative to the frame. The apparatus includes an emergency rotation blocking arrangement having a first braking member rigidly connected to the frame or load carrier, a second braking member rigidly connected to the other of the frame and load carrier, a third braking member between the first and second braking members, and a movable retaining member which holds the third braking member and is movable relative to the second braking member. In braking mode the retaining member moves relative to the second braking member to move the third braking member to engage the primary and secondary braking surface and block rotation of the second braking member in a tangential direction relative to the first braking member.

Apparatus for transporting a load from a first to a second level includes means for maintaining the load carrier in a predetermined rotational position. The means includes a motor to rotate the load carrier relative to the frame. The apparatus includes an emergency rotation blocking arrangement having a first braking member rigidly connected to the frame or load carrier, a second braking member rigidly connected to the other of the frame and load carrier, a third braking member between the first and second braking members, and a movable retaining member which holds the third braking member and is movable relative to the second braking member. In braking mode the retaining member moves relative to the second braking member to move the third braking member to engage the primary and secondary braking surface and block rotation of the second braking member in a tangential direction relative to the first braking member.

A compact screw drive stairlift has the drive screw retained in a cavity within the rail and engages drive transfer elements extending along an inner surface of the cavity. The combined configurations of the screw and the rail ensure that the stairlift carriage is retained on the rail.

A footrest safety pad arrangement is incorporated in a stairlift carriage in which movement of a safety pad relative to the carriage is sensed by an electromagnetic sensor and a control signal applied to the stairlift drive motor.

A friction drive stairlift has a single drive wheel mounted to rotate in a plane passing through the centreline of the stairlift rail. The rail is preferably formed from two parallel tubes and a facility to maintain the chair level as the stairlift passes through a transition bend is preferably mounted on the same axis as the friction drive wheel.

A method of controlling a stairlift, the stairlift including a rail, a chair, and a drive assembly having a drive engine for driving the chair along the rail. The chair is attached to the drive assembly and the chair has an armrest, wherein the armrest is pivotably supported at the chair by a hinge. The hinge allows a rotational movement of the armrest, in particular along a vertical axis. The method includes detecting an angular position of the armrest and controlling at least one functionality of the stairlift, in particular a functionality of the drive assembly, as a function of the detected angular position.

A method of controlling a stairlift, the stairlift including a rail, a chair, and a drive assembly having a drive engine for driving the chair along the rail. The chair is attached to the drive assembly and the chair has an armrest, wherein the armrest is pivotably supported at the chair by a hinge. The hinge allows a rotational movement of the armrest, in particular along a vertical axis. The method includes detecting an angular position of the armrest and controlling at least one functionality of the stairlift, in particular a functionality of the drive assembly, as a function of the detected angular position.

A staircase mobility system is disclosed. The system includes a docking assembly that is configured to dock or undock with a dockable seat assembly. The docking assembly includes support rods configured to engage or disengage with the dockable seat assembly when docked or undocked, respectively. Further, the docking assembly includes dock connecters are disposed along the support rods. The dock connecters are configured to communicatively connect or disconnect with the dockable seat assembly when docked or undocked, respectively. Further, the system includes a drive assembly coupled to the docking assembly. The drive assembly includes a motor that is configured to drive the docking assembly along a guide rail in a forward or reverse direction, and to operate the docking assembly to dock or undock with the dockable seat assembly.

A stair lift device laid upon a staircase can support upward and downward movement of a platform of the device along stairs of the staircase. The device has two side supports in at least partial contact with the stairs of the staircase for supporting movement of the platform, and each side support can include a rail of the device along which the platform moves.

A rail segment for a stairlift and its method of formation are provided. The rail segment includes an elongate tube made of a first material, the tube comprising a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal retaining slot extending from the first end to the second end; a rack made of a second material, the rack comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the rack is held within the retaining slot; and anchor securing the rack within the retaining slot to the tube at or adjacent to ends of the tube.