This disclosure relates generally to a staircase mobility
system, and more particularly to staircase mobility system comprising a
docking assembly that docks or undocks with a dockable seat assembly.
Background
[002] Stairlift is a safety-critical staircase mobility device that is
installed on staircase for use by persons with reduced mobility. Typically,
the stairlift suits persons who can walk on flat ground with minimum or little
discomfort but find it difficult to climb the staircase. However, wheelchair
bound persons may find it difficult to use the stairlift. To use the stairlift, a
wheelchair bound person need to physically shift from the wheelchair to the
stairlift. Additionally, the wheelchair needs to be physically moved to a
location where the person deboards the stairlift. In some cases, when the
mobility of a person deteriorates, the person may need to upgrade from
using a stairlift to a wheelchair lift to go up the stairs. However, such
transition may be expensive in nature. Moreover, two persons may have
different mobility needs – one requiring stairlift while the other requiring
wheelchair lift.
[003] Therefore, it is desirable to provide an effective and efficient
staircase mobility solution for easy mobility of people with reduced mobility
in a safe and cost effective manner.
SUMMARY
[004] In one embodiment, a staircase mobility system is described.
The staircase mobility system may include a docking assembly configured
to dock or undock with a dockable seat assembly. The docking assembly
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may include one or more support rods configured to engage or disengage
with the dockable seat assembly when docked or undocked, respectively.
Upon the one or more support rods being engaged, the one or more support
rods may provide support and stability to the dockable seat assembly. The
docking assembly may further include one or more dock connecters
disposed along the one or more support rods. The one or more dock
connectors may be configured to communicatively connect or disconnect
with the dockable seat assembly when docked or undocked, respectively.
When the one or more dock connectors are communicatively connected
with the dockable seat assembly, the one or more dock connecters may
facilitate transmission of control signals from the dockable seat assembly to
the docking assembly. The staircase mobility system may further include a
drive assembly coupled to the docking assembly. The drive assembly may
include a motor operable by a power source. The motor may be configured
to drive the docking assembly along a guide rail in a forward or reverse
direction. The guide rail may be configured to be installed substantially
parallel to at least one of an incline of a staircase or a flat ground. The motor
may further operate the docking assembly to dock or undock with the
dockable seat assembly.
[005] In another embodiment, a dockable seat assembly for a
staircase mobility system is disclosed. The dockable seat assembly may
include a dockable base configured to dock or undock with a docking
assembly of the staircase mobility system. The dockable base may include
one or more compatible conduit to engage or disengage with one or more
support rods of the docking assembly. The dockable base may further
include one or more compatible dock connecters disposed along the one or
more compatible conduit and configured to communicatively connect or
disconnect with the one or more compatible dock connecters disposed
along the one or more support rods. The dockable seat assembly may
further include a seat disposed over the dockable base. The dockable seat
assembly may further include a control pad accessible to a user occupying
Docket No: IIP-HCL-P0079A
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the seat. The control pad may include a plurality of input peripherals
operable to generate control signals to drive the docking assembly to
perform a plurality of corresponding operations. The plurality of
corresponding operations include at least one of: driving the docking
assembly along a guide rail in forward or reverse direction; and driving the
docking assembly to dock or undock the dockable seat assembly.
[006] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary and
explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[007] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and,
together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles.
[008] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a staircase mobility
system, in accordance with an embodiment.
[009] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a docking assembly, in
accordance with an embodiment.
[010] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a drive assembly, in
accordance with an embodiment.
[011] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the staircase mobility
system, in accordance with an embodiment.
[012] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a staircase mobility
system, in accordance with another embodiment.
[013] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a staircase mobility
system, in accordance with yet another embodiment.
[014] FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of a docking assembly,
in accordance with another embodiment.
[015] FIG. 7B illustrates a perspective view of a staircase mobility
system, in accordance with yet another embodiment.
Docket No: IIP-HCL-P0079A
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[016] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the
accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference
numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein,
modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without
departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is
intended that the following detailed description be considered as exemplary
only, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
Additional illustrative embodiments are listed below.
[017] Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a staircase
mobility system 100 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment. In
some embodiments, the staircase mobility system 100 may include a
docking assembly 102. The docking assembly 102 may be configured to
dock or undock with a dockable seat assembly 104. The docking assembly
102 may include one or more support rods 106 configured to engage or
disengage with the dockable seat assembly 104 when docked or undocked,
respectively. When the one or more support rods 106 are engaged with the
dockable seat assembly 104, the one or more support rods 106 may provide
support and stability to the dockable seat assembly 104.
[018] The docking assembly 102 may further include one or more
dock connecters 108 (not shown in FIG. 1) disposed along the one or more
support rods 106. The one or more dock connectors 108 may be configured
to communicatively connect or disconnect with the dockable seat assembly
104 when docked or undocked, respectively. When the one or more dock
connectors 108 communicatively connect with the dockable seat assembly
104, the one or more dock connecters 108 may facilitate transmission of
control signals from the dockable seat assembly 104 to the docking
assembly 102.
[019] The dockable seat assembly 104 may include a dockable
base 110 configured to dock or undock with the docking assembly 102. The
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dockable base 110 may include one or more compatible conduit 112 (not
shown in FIG. 1) to engage or disengage with the one or more support rods
106. In particular, the one or more support rods 106 of the docking assembly
102 may slide in or out of the one or more compatible conduit 112 of the
dockable base 110. The dockable base 110 may further include one or more
compatible dock connecters 114 (not shown in FIG. 1) disposed along the
one or more compatible conduit 112. The one or more compatible dock
connecters 114 may be configured to communicatively connect or
disconnect with the one or more dock connecters 108 disposed along the
one or more support rods 106. The dockable seat assembly 104 may further
include a seat 116 that may be disposed over the dockable base 110.
[020] In an embodiment, the docking assembly 102 may further
include one or more securing latches 132 (not shown in FIG. 1) disposed
along the one or more support rods 106. The dockable base 110 may further
include one or more compatible notches 136 (not shown in FIG. 1). The one
or more securing latches may be configured to engage or disengage with
the one or more compatible notches when docked or undocked,
respectively.
[021] The dockable seat assembly 104 may include a control pad
118 that may be accessible to a user occupying the seat 116. The control
pad 118 may include multiple input peripherals that may be operable to
generate the control signals to drive the docking assembly 102 to perform a
plurality of corresponding operations. The plurality of corresponding
operations may include at least one of following operation: (a) drive the
docking assembly 102 along a guide rail 120 in a forward or a reverse
direction, and (b) drive the docking assembly 102 to dock or undock the
dockable seat assembly 104. In an embodiment, the dockable seat
assembly 104 may be a dockable wheelchair assembly 104A (not shown in
FIG. 1). The dockable wheelchair assembly 104A may further include a set
of wheels 126 (not shown in FIG. 1). The set of wheels 126 may be
configured to move the dockable wheelchair assembly 104A on the flat
Docket No: IIP-HCL-P0079A
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ground when not docked on the docking assembly 102 for easing the user
mobility. Additionally, the plurality of corresponding operations may include
raising a set of wheels 126 of the dockable wheelchair assembly 104A when
docked to the docking assembly 102 and lowering the set of wheels 126
when undocked from the docking assembly 102.
[022] The staircase mobility system 100 may further include a drive
assembly 122 coupled to the docking assembly 102. In some embodiments,
the drive assembly 122 may be disposed within the docking assembly 102
so as to form one integrated compact component of the staircase mobility
system 100. The drive assembly 122 may include a motor 124 (not shown
in FIG. 1) that is operable by a power source 128 (not shown in FIG. 1). The
motor 124 may be configured to drive the docking assembly 102 along the
guide rail 120 in forward or reverse direction. Further, the guide rail 120 may
be configured to be installed substantially parallel to an incline of a staircase
or a flat ground. Additionally, the motor 124 may operate the docking
assembly 102 to dock or undock with the dockable seat assembly 104.
[023] In an embodiment, the motor 124 may be configured to
operate the docking assembly 102 to dock or undock by moving the one or
more support rods 106 linearly within the one or more compatible conduit
112 to engage or disengage with the dockable seat assembly 104.
Additionally, the one or more support rods 106 may be moved rotationally
within the one or more compatible conduit 112 to engage or disengage with
the dockable seat assembly 104. As may be appreciated, the support rods
106 may be moved rotationally so as to allow rotation of the dockable seat
assembly 104, docked to the docking assembly 102, away from open stairs
for a safer exit for the user from the staircase mobility system 100.
[024] In an embodiment, the drive assembly 122 may be configured
to drive the docking assembly 102 along the guide rail 120 based on one of:
the control signals received from the dockable seat assembly 104 via the
docking assembly 102, or remote control signals received from a remote
control held by the user.
Docket No: IIP-HCL-P0079A
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[025] In an embodiment, a support rail 130 may be installed parallel
to the guide rail 120 near the flat ground. The support rail 130 may support
the dockable seat assembly 104 when it is undocked from the docking
assembly 102. In another embodiment, the drive assembly 122 may
temporarily suspend the docking assembly 102 to dock or undock with the
dockable seat assembly 104 until the docking assembly 102 is on a portion
of the guide rail 120 that is substantially parallel to the flat ground.
[026] Referring now to FIG. 2 a perspective view of a docking
assembly 102 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment. The docking
assembly 102 may include one or more support rods 106. The one or more
support rods 106 may be configured to engage or disengage with a
dockable seat assembly 104 (not shown in FIG. 2) when docked or
undocked respectively. When the one or more support rods 106 are
engaged with the dockable seat assembly 104, the one or more support
rods 106 may provide support and stability to the dockable seat assembly
104.
[027] As an example, the one or more support rods 106 may be
present either at a center position and/or on each corner of the docking
assembly 102. The one or more support rods 106 may be slidably and/or
rotatably supported in a tube. The tube may be disposed at a substantially
ninety degree angle and attached to a drive assembly 122. It should be
noted that the one or more support rods 106 may be completely or
substantially retractable within the docking assembly 102. Thus, when not
in use, the one or more support rods 106 may be pulled inside the docking
assembly 102 for safety and aesthetics.
[028] The docking assembly 102 may further include one or more
dock connecters 108 disposed along the one or more support rods 106 and
configured to communicatively connect or disconnect with the dockable seat
assembly 104 when docked or undocked, respectively. When the one or
more support rods 106 are communicatively connected with the dockable
seat assembly 104, the one or more dock connecters 108 may facilitate
Docket No: IIP-HCL-P0079A
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transmission of control signals from the dockable seat assembly 104 to the
docking assembly 102. Again, it should be noted that the one or more dock
connecters 108 may be completely or substantially retractable within the
one or more support bars 106. Thus, when not in use, the one or more dock
connecters 108 may be pulled inside the one or more support bars 106 for
safety and aesthetics.
[029] By way of an example, the one or more dock connecters 108
may be represented as a plurality of engagement pins spaced from each
other. When the support rods 106 moves upward or downward, the plurality
of engagement pins may come in physical contact with a plurality of
corresponding engagement members configured within the dockable seat
assembly 104 so as to establish communication between the dockable seat
assembly 104 and the docking assembly 102.
[030] By way of another example, the one or more dock connectors
108 may be represented as a plurality of pins/contacts arranged in a plurality
of rows (e.g., a plurality of first pins/contacts in a first row and a plurality of
second pins/contacts in a second row). It should be noted that the multiple
pins/contacts in each row may not be necessarily arranged on same lines
in a vertical direction, but may be displaced in a left-right direction. When
the support rods 106 moves upward or downward, the plurality of
pins/contacts may come in physical contact with a plurality of corresponding
members/contacts configured within the dockable seat assembly 104 so as
to establish communication between the dockable seat assembly 104 and
the docking assembly 102.
[031] In another embodiment, the docking assembly 102 may
further include one or more securing latches 132 disposed along the one or
more support rods 106. Additionally, a dockable base 110 of the dockable
seat assembly 104 may include one or more compatible notches 136 (not
shown in FIG. 2). The one or more securing latches 132 of the docking
assembly 102 may be configured to engage or disengage with the one or
more compatible notches 136 of the dockable base 110 when docked or
Docket No: IIP-HCL-P0079A
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undocked, respectively. As may be appreciated, when the one or more
securing latches 132 in the docking assembly 102 are engaged with the one
or more compatible notches 136 in the dockable base 110 in a docked state,
the docking assembly 102 and the dockable base 110 are tightly secured.
Further, when undocked, the one or more securing latches 132 in the
docking assembly 102 are disengaged with the one or more compatible
notches 136 in the dockable base 110. It should be noted that, the forward
or backward movement of the dockable seat assembly 104 along the guide
rail 120, when docked to the docking assembly 102, may be suspended
unless the securing latches 132 are engaged with the compatible notches
136 so as to prevent any mishap. Further, it should be noted that the one or
more securing latches 132 may be completely or substantially retractable
within the one or more support bars 106. Thus, when not in use, the one or
more securing latches 132 may be pulled inside the one or more support
bars 106 for safety and aesthetics.
[032] Referring now to FIG. 3 a perspective view of a drive assembly
122 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment. The drive assembly
122 may include a motor 124 that is operable by a power source 128. The
motor 124 may be configured to drive the docking assembly 102 along a
guide rail 120 in a forward or reverse direction. The guide rail 120 may be
configured to be installed substantially parallel to at least one of an incline
of a staircase or a flat ground. In other words, the flattened portion of the
guide rail corresponds to a portion of the guide rail that is parallel to the flat
ground, while the inclined portion of the guide rail corresponds to a portion
of the guide rail that is parallel to the incline of the staircase. Further, the
motor 124 may be configured to operate the docking assembly 102 to dock
or undock with the dockable seat assembly 104.
[033] As an example, the motor 124 may be a direct current (DC)
motor where input electrical energy is direct electric current, and the input
electrical energy is transformed into a mechanical rotation of a shaft of the
DC motor. Operation of the motor 124 is powered by the power source 128,
Docket No: IIP-HCL-P0079A
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that may be powered by an external power supply (not shown) located at
either or both extreme ends of the guide rail. As may be appreciated, in
some embodiments, the power source 128 may be further equipped to
operate with rechargeable batteries that may be constantly trickle-charged
when the power source 128 is connected to the external power supply. If
the external power supply gets disconnected from the power source 128,
the rechargeable batteries may take over so as to operate the motor 124
within the drive assembly 122. In such embodiments, the external power
supply may be in form of a charging station. It should be noted that, in some
embodiments, the power source 128 may further power the control circuitry
of the dockable seat assembly 104 when the dockable seat assembly 104
is docked with the docking assembly 102.
[034] In an embodiment, the drive assembly 122 may be configured
to drive the docking assembly 102 along the guide rail 120 upon either
receiving control signals from the dockable seat assembly 104 (via the
docking assembly 102), or upon receiving remote control signals from a
remote control operated by a user of the staircase mobility system 100. As
an example, the remote control signals may be generated from a remote
control, operated by the user or an asssitant, so as to automatically call or
send the docking assembly 102 up and down the guide rail 120 when the
user is located on a different floor than the docking assembly 102. This
enables multiple users to utilize the staircase mobility system 100.
[035] The docking assembly 102 may further include a footrest 134.
The footrest may be linked to a lever and may be raised and folded using
the lever. Alternatively, the footrest may be completely or substantially
retractable within the docking assembly 102. In some embodiments, when
the staircase mobility system 100 is not in use or when the dockable seat
assembly 104 is undocked from the docking assembly 102, the footrest 134
may be folded or drawn back within the docking assembly 102. Similarly, in
some embodiments, when the dockable seat assembly 104 is docked to the
docking assembly 102, the footrest 134 may be unfolded or drawn out from
Docket No: IIP-HCL-P0079A
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the docking assembly 102. In some embodiments, the folding/unfolding or
drawing in/out of the footrest may be achieved based on a control signal
from the dockable seat assembly 104. The user generates the control signal
by using the control pad 118..
[036] Referring now to FIG. 4, an exploded view of the staircase
mobility system 100 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment. The
dockable seat assembly 104 includes a dockable base 110 configured to
dock or undock with the docking assembly 102. The dockable base 110
includes one or more compatible conduit 112 to engage or disengage with
the one or more support rods 106. The dockable base 110 further includes
one or more compatible dock connecters 114 that are disposed along the
one or more compatible conduit 112. The compatible dock connecters 114
may be configured to communicatively connect or disconnect with the one
or more dock connecters 108 disposed along the one or more support rods
106.
[037] By way of an example and as described with respect to FIG.
2, the one or more dock connecters 108 may be the plurality of engagement
pins spaced from each other on the one or more support rods 106. In such
cases, the one or more compatible dock connecters 114 may be the plurality
of corresponding engagement members configured within the one or more
compatible conduit 112. By way of another example and as described with
respect to FIG. 2, the one or more dock connectors 108 may be represented
as the plurality of pins/contacts arranged in the plurality of rows on the one
or more support rods 106. In such cases, the one or more compatible dock
connecters 114 may be the plurality of corresponding members/contacts
configured within the one or more compatible conduit 112. When the support
rods 106 moves upward or downward, the one or more dock connecters 108
disposed along the one or more support rods may come in physical contact
with the one or more compatible dock connecters 114 that are disposed
along the one or more compatible conduit 112 of the dockable base (110)
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so as to establish communication between the dockable seat assembly 104
and the docking assembly 102.
[038] In another embodiment, the docking assembly 102 may
further include one or more securing latches 132 disposed along the one or
more support rods 106. Additionally, a dockable base 110 includes one or
more compatible notches 136. The one or more securing latches 132 of the
docking assembly 102 may be configured to engage or disengage with the
one or more compatible notches 136 of the dockable base 110 when docked
or undocked, respectively. As may be appreciated, when the one or more
securing latches 132 are engaged with the one or more compatible notches
136 in a docked state, the docking assembly 102 and the dockable base
110 are tightly secured. Further, when undocked, the one or more securing
latches 132 are disengaged with the one or more compatible notches 136.
As stated above, the forward or backward movement of the dockable seat
assembly 104 along the guide rail 120, when docked to the docking
assembly 102, may be suspended unless the securing latches 132 and the
compatible notches 136 are engaged so as to prevent any mishap. In
particular, a control on the control pad 118 (not shown in FIG. 4) for allowing
movement of the docking assembly 102 on the guide rail 120 may be
enabled only when the securing latches 132 are engaged with the
compatible notches 136.
[039] By way of an example, the one or more securing latches 132
may be a retractable bracket (e.g., in form of one or more bolt-like piece) on
the one or more support rods 106, while the one or more compatible notches
136 may be a compatible recess (e.g., in form of one or more compatible
cavity) within the one or more compatible notches 136. When the retractable
bracket draws-out and locks onto the compatible recess, the one or more
securing latches 132 may be considered to be engaged with the one or more
compatible notches 136. As will be appreciated, the retractable bracket
draws-in and disengages from the compatible recess when the dockable
seat assembly 104 is undocked from the docking assembly 102.
Docket No: IIP-HCL-P0079A
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[040] In some embodiments, when the dockable seat assembly 104
is accurately positioned over the docking assembly 102, a sensor (not
shown) may be activated to produce at least one of an audio or a visual alert
for the user so as to enable the user to perform the docking operation using
control pad 118. By way of an example, LED lights may be flashed in a predefined color (e.g., green) for the visual alert, and/or an audible alarm may
be generated for the audio alert if the dockable seat assembly 104 is
accurately positioned over the docking assembly 102 prior to docking. Until
such alert, the user may adjust the docking assembly 102 (through a forward
or a backward movement of the docking assembly 102 along the guide rail
120) or adjust the doackable seat assembly 104 (through a forward or a
backward movement of the doackable seat assembly 104 along the support
rail 130) so as to align the docking assembly 102 and the dockable seat
assembly 104. By way of an example, the LED lights may be activated in a
pre-defined color (e.g., red) during a period of misalignment. Additionally,
the control on the control pad 118 for allowing docking of the docking
assembly 102 with the dockable seat assembly 104 may be enabled only
upon receiving an alignment notification from the sensor. It should be noted
that one or more techniques may be employed to determine the alignment
between the docking assembly 102 and the dockable seat assembly 104.
For example, an infrared light source (not shown) installed at a center of
each of the one or more support rods 106 may emit an infrared light, which
may be detected by an infrared light sensor (not shown) installed in the
center of each of the one or more compatible conduit 112 so as to determine
a perfect alignment between the docking assembly 102 and the dockable
seat assembly 104.
[041] Referring now to FIG. 5, a perspective view of a staircase
mobility system 100 is illustrated, in accordance with another embodiment.
As above, the dockable seat assembly 104 may include a seat 116. The
seat 116 may be disposed over the dockable base 110. The seat 116 may
be a wide seat with thick padding and may have a backrest with variable
Docket No: IIP-HCL-P0079A
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settings as per preferences of the user. The seat 116 may have either a
vinyl or nylon covering. In addition, the seat 116 may have a seatbelt to be
used by the user during movement of the dockable seat assembly 104 over
the guide rail 120. The dockable seat assembly 104 may further include a
control pad 118. The control pad 118 may be accessible to the user
occupying the seat 116. In an embodiment, the control pad 118 may include
a plurality of input peripherals that may be operable to generate the control
signals to drive the docking assembly 102 to perform a plurality of
corresponding operations. The plurality of corresponding operation includes
at least one of: (a) driving the docking assembly 102 along the guide rail
120 in a forward or a reverse direction, and (b) driving the docking assembly
102 to dock or undock the dockable seat assembly 104.
[042] The control signals transmitted from the dockable seat
assembly 104 may be directed to perform operations such as but not limited
to docking or undocking the docking assembly 102 to the dockable seat
assembly 104, moving the docking assembly 102 in a forward or a reverse
direction along a guide rail 120, halting movement of the docking assembly
in case of an obstruction, and so forth.
[043] The plurality of input peripherals on the control pad 118 may
include, but may be not limited to, switches, buttons, handles, joysticks, and
so forth. The input peripherals may be designed so that users with arthritis,
neuromuscular conditions, and general unsteady or weak ligaments may
use the peripherals without discomfort or trouble. As will be appreciated,
though the control pad 118 has been illustrated to be present on an arm of
the dockable seat assembly 104, varied options may be provided to the user
to choose where the control pad 104 is to be installed. For example, the
control pad 118 may be installed on both the arms of the dockable seat
assembly 104 or may be installed in form of a controller flexibly coupled to
one of the arms.
[044] Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the dockable seat
assembly 104 is a dockable wheelchair assembly 104A that is capable of
Docket No: IIP-HCL-P0079A
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being driven around on a flat surface. In particular, the dockable wheelchair
assembly 104A comprises a set of wheels 126 that may be configured to
move the dockable wheelchair assembly 104A on the flat ground. In such
embodiments, one of the operations of the control pad 118 may include
raising or lowering the set of wheels 126 when docked or undocked,
respectively. For example, prior to the dockable wheelchair assembly 104A
being undocked, the set of wheels 126 may be brought to a level of the flat
ground so that the dockable wheelchair assembly 104A may rest and move
on the wheels thereafter. Similarly, after the dockable wheelchair assembly
104A is docked, the set of wheels 126 may be raised or folded so that the
set of wheels do not interfere with the movement of the dockable wheelchair
assembly 104A on the staircase. As will be appreciated, the set of wheels
126 may be in any configuration, and may include a pair of front wheels and
a pair of rear wheels, or a pair of two side wheels, or the like.
[045] By way of example, the dockable seat assembly 104 may
have arms for ease of the user. Further, in some embodiments, the dockable
base 110 along with the seat 116 and the arms of the dockable seat
assembly 104 may be foldable using a lever or a switch, when not in use. In
other words, the seat 116 and the arms may be flipped-up or folded-up so
as avoid taking additional space.
[046] Referring now to FIG. 6, a perspective view of a staircase
mobility system 100 is illustrated, in accordance with yet another
embodiment. The staircase mobility system 100 may include the support rail
130 configured to be installed parallel to the guide rail 120 near the flat
ground. The support rail may support the dockable seat assembly 104 when
undocked from the docking assembly 102.
[047] As an example, consider a home having installed the staircase
mobility system 100 for use by a plurality of users with mobility challenges.
One of the users say ‘John’ may be comfortable with walking on a flat
surface but has challenges in climbing a staircase, and another user say
‘Jim’ may have extensive mobility challenges and cannot physically move
Docket No: IIP-HCL-P0079A
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around in the home. In this exemplary scenario, when the user ‘John’ wants
to visit an upper floor of the home, he may use an already installed dockable
seat assembly 104 on a docking assembly. ‘John’ may reach out and sit on
the dockable seat assembly 104. He uses relevant controls on a control pad
118 to guide movement of the docking assembly 102 so as to travel to the
next floor. The controls on the control pad 118 may transmit relevant control
signals to initiate movement the docking assembly 102.
[048] In an additional scenario, consider another user say ‘Jim’ who
is bound by a wheelchair and wants to visit to a lower floor of the home.
Considering that in this scenario, the docking assembly 102 along with the
dockable seat assembly104 is not available on the floor where ‘Jim’ is
placed but is present on another floor. In this case, ‘Jim’ may use a remote
control to instruct the dockable seat assembly 104 to undock from the
docking assembly 102 and may further send a control signal to have the
docking assembly 102 being available on a floor where ‘Jim’ is placed. The
undocked dockable seat assembly 104 is held and supported by a support
rail 130 that is installed parallel to a guide rail 120 near flat ground. It should
be noted that docking and/or undocking of the dockable seat assembly 104
from the docking assembly 102 is performed when the docking assembly
102 is on a flat ground surface.
[049] Further, upon calling the docking assembly 102, ‘Jim’ may
dock the dockable wheelchair assembly 104A onto the docking assembly,
and upon the dockable wheelchair assembly 104A being docked safely to
the docking assembly, ‘Jim’ may instruct movement of the docking assembly
102 using the control pad 118.
[050] Referring now to FIG. 7A, a perspective view of the docking
assembly 102 is illustrated, in accordance with another embodiment. The
docking assembly 102 may include a set of support ridges 138 that may be
configured to securely couple and support an external platform (not shown
in FIG. 7A) with a corresponding set of compatible grooves (not shown in
FIG. 7A). The external platform may be configured to support and secure a
Docket No: IIP-HCL-P0079A
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wheelchair (not shown in FIG. 7A) when secured or docked to the docking
assembly 102. By way of an example, the external platform may be a
wheelchair platform that may slide into or latch onto the set of support ridges
138 with the help of its corresponding set of compatible grooves. The
wheelchair platform may accommodate, support and secure various types
of wheelchairs. The wheelchair platform may be of varying symmetrical or
asymmetrical shapes to fit any staircase. Further, the wheelchair platform
may have multiple dimensions, for example, 1000mm x 800mm, 900mm x
750mm, or 1250mm x 800mm. Varied dimensions of the wheelchair
platform may facilitate to accommodate wheelchairs of varying types and
weights.
[051] By way of an example, the external platform may be made
from solid steel parts thereby making the compatible external platform
robust and secure. Additionally, the set of support ridges 138 may be
arranged parallelly and the external platform may be pivoted on each of the
set of support ridges 138 using the corresponding set of compatible grooves
in the external platform. When the external platform is pivoted on the set of
support ridges 138, the set of support ridges 138 and the corresponding set
of compatible grooves may interlock amongst themselves, thereby ensuring
safe movement of the external platform (and any user seated on the
wheelchair) along with the docking assembly 102. Additionally, in some
embodiments, the control pad 118 may be provided on the external platform
such that it is accessible to a user on the wheelchair that is being carried on
the external platform. In such embodiments, the set of support ridges 138
may not only act as a securing and support means, but may also act as a
means of providing communication between the docking assembly 102 and
the external platform. It should be noted that, any dockable seat assembly
104 may be undocked from the docking assembly 102 prior to docking the
external planform to the docking assembly 102.
[052] Referring now to FIG. 7B, a perspective view of the staircase
mobility system 100 is illustrated, in accordance with yet another
Docket No: IIP-HCL-P0079A
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embodiment. As illustrated, an external platform 144 may be securely
coupled to the docking assembly 102. The docking assembly 102 may
include the set of support ridges 138 that may be configured to securely
couple with a set of compatible grooves 142 within the external platform
144. The control pad 118 may be provided on the external platform so as to
operate the docking assembly 102. As discussed above, the docking
assembly 102 may be coupled to the drive assembly 122 that may include
the motor 124. The motor 124 may configured to drive the docking assembly
102 along the guide rail 120 in a forward or reverse direction. Thus, when
the external platform 144 is secured with the docking assembly 102, the
motor 124 may configured to drive the external platform 144 along the guide
rail 120 in a forward or reverse direction. The external platform 144 may be
configured to support and secure a wheelchair 140 when secured or docked
to the docking assembly 102. It should be noted that wheelchair 140 may
be any wheelchair and not necessarily the dockable wheelchair 104
discussed above. The external platform 144 may further include a hinged
safety bar 146 to secure the wheelchair from rolling over while ascending or
descending the staircase. It should noted that when the external platform
144 is not in use, it may be decoupled or undocked from the docking
assembly 102 so as to make the staircase mobility system 100 aesthetically
pleasing and unobtrusive.
[053] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the above
techniques relate to a staircase mobility system. The system provides for a
simple yet effective way of enabling movement of people dealing with
mobility restraints. The system does away with a need for wheelchair bound
people to transfer from the wheelchair to a seat on a stairlift for facilitating
movement. Moreover, the system takes away the need to install a
wheelchair lift and the user can work with existing installed stairlift. In
addition, the system is efficient and is cost coefficient, and help easing
movement of people with mobility issues.
Docket No: IIP-HCL-P0079A
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[054] It is intended that the disclosure and examples be considered
as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of disclosed embodiments
being indicated by the following claims.

CLAIMS
We Claim:
1. A staircase mobility system (100), comprising:
a docking assembly (102) configured to dock or undock with a
dockable seat assembly (104), the docking assembly (102) comprising:
one or more support rods (106) configured to engage or
disengage with the dockable seat assembly (104) when docked or
undocked, respectively, wherein, when engaged, the one or more
support rods (106) provide support and stability to the dockable seat
assembly (104); and
one or more dock connecters (108) disposed along the one or
more support rods (106) and configured to communicatively connect
or disconnect with the dockable seat assembly (104) when docked
or undocked, respectively, wherein, when communicatively
connected, the one or more dock connecters (108) facilitates
transmission of control signals from the dockable seat assembly
(104) to the docking assembly (102); and
a drive assembly (122) coupled to the docking assembly (102), the
drive assembly (122) comprising a motor (124) operable by a power source
(128), the motor (124) configured to:
drive the docking assembly (102) along a guide rail (120) in a
forward or reverse direction, wherein the guide rail (120) is
configured to be installed substantially parallel to at least one of an
incline of a staircase or a flat ground; and
operate the docking assembly (102) to dock or undock with
the dockable seat assembly (104).
2. The staircase mobility system (100) of claim 1, wherein the drive
assembly (122) is configured to drive the docking assembly (102) along the
guide rail (120) based on one of:
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the control signals received from the dockable seat assembly (104)
via the docking assembly (102), or
remote control signals received from a remote control.
3. The staircase mobility system (100) of claim 1, wherein the dockable
seat assembly (104) comprises:
a dockable base (110) configured to dock or undock with the docking
assembly (102), the dockable base (110) comprising:
one or more compatible conduit (112) to engage or disengage
with the one or more support rods (106); and
one or more compatible dock connecters (114) disposed
along the one or more compatible conduit (112) and configured to
communicatively connect or disconnect with the one or more dock
connecters (108) disposed along the one or more support rods (106);
a seat (116) disposed over the dockable base (110); and
a control pad (118) accessible to a user occupying the seat (116),
the control pad (118) comprising a plurality of input peripherals operable to
generate the control signals to drive the docking assembly (102) to perform
a plurality of corresponding operations, wherein the plurality of
corresponding operations comprise at least one of:
driving the docking assembly (102) along the guide rail (120)
in the forward or the reverse direction; and
driving the docking assembly (102) to dock or undock the
dockable seat assembly (104).
4. The staircase mobility system (100) of claim 3, wherein the motor (124)
is configured to operate the docking assembly (102) to dock or undock by:
moving the one or more support rods (106) linearly within the one or
more compatible conduit (112) to engage or disengage with the dockable
seat assembly (104).
Docket No: IIP-HCL-P0079A
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5. The staircase mobility system (100) of claim 3, wherein the docking
assembly (102) further comprises one or more securing latches (132)
disposed along the one or more support rods (106), wherein the dockable
base (110) further comprises one or more compatible notches (136), and
wherein the one or more securing latches (132) are configured to engage
or disengage with the one or more compatible notches (136) when docked
or undocked, respectively.
6. The staircase mobility system (100) of claim 3, wherein the dockable
seat assembly (104) is a dockable wheelchair assembly (104A) and further
comprises a set of wheels (126) configured to move the dockable
wheelchair assembly (104A) on the flat ground, wherein the plurality of
corresponding operations comprise raising or lowering the set of wheels
(126) when docked or undocked, respectively.
7. The staircase mobility system (100) of claim 1, further comprising:
a support rail (130) configured to be installed parallel to the guide rail
(120) near the flat ground, wherein the support rail (130) supports the
dockable seat assembly (104) when undocked.
8. The staircase mobility system (100) of claim 1, wherein the drive
assembly (122) temporarily suspends the docking assembly (102) to dock
or undock with the dockable seat assembly (104) until the docking assembly
(102) is on a portion of the guide rail that is substantially parallel to the flat
ground.
9. The staircase mobility system (100) of claim 1, wherein the docking
assembly (102) further comprises a set of support ridges (138) configured
to securely couple with a corresponding set of compatible grooves (142) in
an external platform (144), and wherein the external platform (144) is
configured to support and secure a wheelchair (140).
Docket No: IIP-HCL-P0079A
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10. A dockable seat assembly (104) for a staircase mobility system (100),
the dockable seat assembly (104) comprising:
a dockable base (110) configured to dock or undock with a docking
assembly (102) of the staircase mobility system (100), the dockable base
(110) comprising:
one or more compatible conduit (112) to engage or disengage
with one or more support rods (106) of the docking assembly (102);
and
one or more compatible dock connecters (114) disposed
along the one or more compatible conduit (112) and configured to
communicatively connect or disconnect with the one or more dock
connecters (114) disposed along the one or more support rods (106);
a seat (116) disposed over the dockable base (110); and
a control pad (118) accessible to a user occupying the seat (116),
the control pad (118) comprising a plurality of input peripherals operable to
generate control signals to drive the docking assembly (102) to perform a
plurality of corresponding operations, wherein the plurality of corresponding
operations comprise at least one of:
driving the docking assembly (102) along a guide rail (120) in
forward or reverse direction; and
driving the docking assembly (102) to dock or undock the
dockable seat assembly (104).
11. The dockable seat assembly (104) of claim 10, wherein the dockable
seat assembly (104) is a dockable wheelchair assembly (104A) and further
comprises a set of wheels (126) configured to move the dockable
wheelchair assembly (104A) on the flat ground, wherein the plurality of
corresponding operations comprise raising or lowering the set of wheels
(126) when docked or undocked, respectively.