Multi-function stairlift connectivity includes a stairlift data collection system having data collection devices communicatively connected to a main controller. Such data collection devices may include sensors, switches, controllers, detectors, control boards, and location detectors providing data and settings in a stairlift (e.g., diagnostic information, system status data, faults, drive performance data). A communication module receives collected stairlift data and communicates wirelessly with a remote communication device. Waypoint detection may include stairlift carriage position detection employing electrical contacts on a stairlift carriage. Carriage position can be determined when the carriage stops at or passes a waypoint marker that includes electrical contacts connected to a waypoint element possessing a detectable electromagnetic characteristic (e.g., an identifiable resistive value). Where resistive value are used, waypoint locations can be determined by using a different resistive value for each waypoint.

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 mechanically-based arrangement for locking a stairlift chair relative to a stairlift carriage in the event of a failure within the drive that is provided to maintain the chair level as the stairlift is in operation. The arrangement uses inter-engaging components that are engaged and dis-engaged in timed relationship to rotation of the levelling motor. At all times at least one set of inter-engaging components are engaged.

A stairlift with an elongated rail includes a first side running surface and a second side running surface; and a carriage movable along the rail. The carriage having a first roller including a first roller friction surface which is in frictional engagement with the first side running surface for guiding the first roller; and a second roller including a second roller friction surface which is in frictional engagement with the second side running surface for guiding the second roller; and a first bridge. The first roller being rotatable around a first axis at a first end of the first bridge and the second roller is being rotatable around a second axis at a second end of the first bridge.

A stairlift for moving along a staircase having: a curved rail having a centre line, a load bearing surface, and a carriage including a first and a second guiding unit connected to each other by a connecting unit. The second guiding unit is connected to the connecting unit via a third rotation joint about a third axis and a fourth joint about a fourth axis, the connection unit includes a fifth rotation joint about a fifth axis. The fifth axis extending from outside the rail to an area close to or on the centre line of the rail in a first plane close to or on the third and the fourth axis.

A stairlift has a load carrier, or chair, which can be levelled in both roll and pitch. Two level drive motors are provided which engage with a levelling wheel centred on the roll axis and when the level drive motors are driven in the same direction, the load carrier is driven about the roll axis. A linkage connects the level drive motors with the load carrier and is configured such that, when the level drive motors are driven in opposite directions, movement of the load carrier about the pitch axis is induced.

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 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 stairlift includes a rail and a carriage. The carriage includes a frame, a central drive unit mounted to the frame, the central drive unit including a drive motor and a drive gear, a yoke assembly pivotably mounted to the frame, and a first bogie unit attached to the yoke assembly and a second bogie unit attached to the yoke assembly, wherein each bogie unit includes a bogie socket mounted to the yoke assembly, and a bogie ball spherically pivotable within the bogie socket, the bogie ball including a plurality of bogie ball rollers configured to hold the bogie ball to the rail, and further wherein the plurality of bogie ball rollers are configured to maintain the bogie ball in a generally perpendicular travel orientation relative to the rail.

A stairlift includes a rail and a carriage. The carriage includes a frame, a central drive unit mounted to the frame, the central drive unit including a drive motor and a drive gear, a yoke assembly pivotably mounted to the frame, and a first bogie unit attached to the yoke assembly and a second bogie unit attached to the yoke assembly, wherein each bogie unit includes a bogie socket mounted to the yoke assembly, and a bogie ball spherically pivotable within the bogie socket, the bogie ball including a plurality of bogie ball rollers configured to hold the bogie ball to the rail, and further wherein the plurality of bogie ball rollers are configured to maintain the bogie ball in a generally perpendicular travel orientation relative to the rail.