GB2562472A

GB2562472A - Improvements in or relating to mobility aids

Info

Publication number: GB2562472A
Application number: GB1707514.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ashraf Aletaha Saeidah; Dobbin Benjamin
Original assignee: Stannah Stairlifts Ltd
Current assignee: Stannah Stairlifts Ltd
Priority date: 2017-05-10
Filing date: 2017-05-10
Publication date: 2018-11-21
Also published as: GB201707514D0

Abstract

The assembly is used to magnetically mount a walking stick to a support surface. The assembly may be formed of first and second parts 5, 7 connected magnetically, wherein the two parts 5, 7 connect to a support surface and walking stick respectively. The second part 7 may have a semi-annular 9 or annular section to receive the walking stick shaft (8, figure 2). The two parts 5, 7 may have inter-engaging sections (10, figure 3), 11 to prevent relative movement of the two parts 5, 7. The inter-engaging sections (10, figure 3), 11 may be complimentary convex and concave surfaces to bias the two parts 5, 7 towards full engagement, rotation of which may result in separation. The mounting assembly may be part of a stairlift, where the support surface may be a chair or carriage thereof. A stairlift user can safely and securely retain the walking stick while travelling on the stairlift.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Improvements in or relating to mobility aids Abstract Title: Magnetic mounting assembly for holding a walking stick (57) The assembly is used to magnetically mount a walking stick to a support surface. The assembly may be formed of first and second parts 5, 7 connected magnetically, wherein the two parts 5, 7 connect to a support surface and walking stick respectively. The second part Ί may have a semi-annular 9 or annular section to receive the walking stick shaft (8, figure 2). The two parts 5, 7 may have inter-engaging sections (10, figure 3), 11 to prevent relative movement of the two parts 5, 7. The inter-engaging sections (10, figure 3), 11 may be complimentary convex and concave surfaces to bias the two parts 5, 7 towards full engagement, rotation of which may result in separation. The mounting assembly may be part of a stairlift, where the support surface may be a chair or carriage thereof. A stairlift user can safely and securely retain the walking stick while travelling on the stairlift.

10'

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO MOBILITY AIDS

This invention relates to mobility aids and, more particularly, to a method of mounting a walking stick. While the invention has been developed for use by stairlift users who are also walking stick users, the invention is in no way to be restricted to use by such persons.

Background to the Invention

A walking stick is a very common and widely used mobility aid, and is often used by those requiring other forms of assistance with their mobility. For example, a stairlift user may make use of a walking stick to assist with mobility when not using the stairlift; but, typically, the user will want to carry the walking stick with them when using the stairlift. This can lead to problems in that the user needs to use their hand to operate the stairlift controls and this may involve releasing their grip on the walking stick. In this event the walking stick may fall away from the user and even interact with the safety edges of the stairlift causing the stairlift to come to a halt mid-journey.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a mobility aid which goes at least some way to addressing at least some of the drawbacks as outlined above; or which will at least provide a novel and useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly the invention provides an assembly for mounting a walking stick to a support surface, characterized in that the mounting is effected by magnetic attraction.

Preferably said mounting includes a first connection part for engagement with said support surface and a second connection part engageable with said walking stick, said first and second connection parts being held in engagement by magnetic attraction.

Preferably said second part includes an annular or semi-annular section to receive a walking stick shaft.

Preferably said first and second connection parts have inter-engaging sections configured to physically prevent relative vertical and lateral movement therebetween.

Preferably said inter-engaging sections comprise a socket on one of said connection parts and a complimentary plug on the other of said connection parts.

Preferably said plug and socket are configured to bias the connection parts towards full engagement.

Preferably said plug and said socket are formed with complimentary convex and concave surfaces.

In a second aspect the invention provides a stairlift including an assembly as set forth above.

Preferably said support surface is defined by a chair or carriage of said stairlift.

Preferably said stairlift further includes a walking stick mounted thereon by way of said assembly.

Many variations in the way the present invention can be performed will present themselves to those skilled in the art. The description which follows is intended as an illustration only of one means of performing the invention and the lack of description of variants or equivalents should not be regarded as limiting. Wherever possible, a description of a specific element should be deemed to include any and all equivalents thereof whether in existence now or in the future. The scope of the invention should be limited by the appended claims alone.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The various aspects of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1:	shows an isometric exploded view of components forming an assembly according to the invention;
Figure 2:	shows an isometric view of one of the components shown in Figure 1 mounted on a walking stick;
Figure 3:	shows a vertical cross-section through the components of Figure 1 when assembled together; and
Figure 4:	shows a horizontal cross-section through one of the components shown in Figures 1 and 3.

Detailed Description of Working Embodiment

As shown in the drawings the invention provides an assembly for mounting a walking stick so that, when not in use, it is retained securely in a position from which it can be readily accessed by the user when next required. The invention has been developed particularly for stairlift users who, when using the stairlift, will want to have free use of hands to operate the stairlift controls yet will need the walking stick to be retained in a convenient position for use when the stairlift reaches its destination. This reduces the risk of the walking stick falling from the user as the stairlift is travelling, and possibly interfering with stairlift safety mechanism.

In the form shown, the assembly comprises a first connection part 5 having a rear face 6 that is engageable with a support surface (not shown). The face may be fixed to the support surface by any suitable means including adhesives, fasteners and magnetic attraction. The assembly further includes a second connection part 7 which, in use, engages with the first part 5 and is fixed to a walking stick, the shaft 8 of which is shown in Figure 2. To this end the second connection part 7 may include an annular or semi-annular section 9 to engage about shaft 8; and the parts 5 and 7 include inter-engaging sections to physically prevent relative vertical and lateral movement of the parts. These sections preferably take the form of a socket 10 formed in the part 5 and a complimentary plug 11 formed on the part 7. As can be seen in Figure 4, the socket in the first connection part 5 is preferably formed with a concave surface 14 and the plug 11 if formed with complimentary convex front surface 15. When the surfaces 14 and 15 are fully engaged, the magnetic attraction generated by magnets 12 and 13 is at its maximum. And the contours of the surfaces bias the components 5 and 7 towards full engagement.

While the second part 7 of the embodiment described herein is fixed to the walking stick through an annular or semi-annular bracket 9, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other forms of attachment may be substituted, particularly if it is desired to adapt the invention to walking stick shafts of differing cross-sections. For example, strapped or part strapped connections could be provided, spring loaded connections could be provided or the part 7 could simply be attached to the walking stick by a screw or bolt.

When a user desires to use the walking stick, the same can be detached from its holder by way of a rotating action which separates the surfaces 14 and 15 until the magnetic attraction can be easily overcome. When the stick is being returned to its holder, it can be offered up and a less than perfect angle whereupon the complimentary surfaces 14 and 15 cause the stick to rotate to the correct position.

The two magnets 12 and 13 located in recesses in the connection parts 5 and 7 are arranged with opposed poles so that, in use, the connection parts are held securely together. The magnet 12 may also serve to retain the assembly on a ferrous support surface.

When applied to a stairlift, the first connection part 5 is fixed to a vertical or substantially vertical surface on the stairlift, preferably a surface on the carriage or chair, so that the walking stick can be easily secured when a user sits in the stairlift chair and easily recovered at the end of the journey. Further connections parts 5 may be secured to other surfaces in the home to provide convenient stowage for a walking stick when not in use.

At least in the case of the embodiment described here, the invention is particularly advantageous in that a stairlift user can safely and securely retain a walking stick while travelling on the stairlift, leaving hands free to operate the stairlift controls.

Claims

1. An assembly for mounting a walking stick to a support surface, characterized in that the mounting is effected by magnetic attraction.

2. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said mounting includes a first connection part for engagement with said support surface and a second connection part engageable with said walking stick, said first and second connection parts being held in engagement by magnetic attraction.

3. An assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein said second part includes an annular or semi-annular section to receive a walking stick shaft.

4. An assembly as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein said first and second connection parts have inter-engaging sections configured to physically prevent relative vertical and lateral movement therebetween.

5. An assembly as claimed in claim 4 wherein said inter-engaging sections comprise a socket on one of said connection parts and a complimentary plug on the other of said connection parts.

6. An assembly as claimed in claim 5 wherein said plug and socket are configured to bias the connection parts towards full engagement.

7. An assembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein said plug and said socket are formed complimentary convex and concave surfaces.

8. A stairlift including an assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

9. A stairlift as claimed in claim 8 wherein said support surface is defined by a chair or carriage of said stairlift.

10. A stairlift as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9 further including a walking stick mounted thereon by way of said assembly.

Intellectual

Property Office

Application No: GB1707514.4