Mount Pal
The modern stair lift is installed in over 1 million homes, used by the disabled, elderly, and unable. The device minimizes the help needed from others, allowing multi level access within a home.
However, the device is:
Intrusive and aesthetically medical.
Time consuming to operate (2 + minutes).
Sacrifices the user's identity, labeling them as "old" and "un-able"
No exercise is required
Expensive (starting at ~ 3,000 +)
HOW CAN WE CHANGE THIS?
Mount Pal is an unobtrusive, simple alternative to the stairlift. Targeting the middle class, aging population (above 40), Mount Pal is for anyone with issues of balance, coordination, physical confidence, strength or stamina.
Mount Pal is intended for those with the ability to use a staircase and be mobile around the house, but not necessarily the security of knowing they can use the stairs, each and every time.
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Mount Pal acts as a physical and mental safety net, encouraging the elderly to continue staying active and mobile, using their staircases daily.
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It is an inexpensive, unobtrusive device that makes lives safer, and easier.
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Mount Pal uses 3 basic components:
- A custom side rail, that instals into the wall,
- A horizontal hand rail, that folds down, parallel to the stairs
- An optional leather safety belt that wraps around the user
SO HOW DOES IT WORK?
An accelerometer is nested in the front rail, capable of detecting slight changes in motion. When the user wants to move forward, only a small amount of pressure is needed to begin movement. The accelerometer is triggered, telling the motor (located discreetly at the top of the side rail) to drive the belt, sending mount pal, and its user up, or down, the stairs, both smoothly and safely.
The device requires a consistent amount of light pressure to operate smoothly. Much like a safety belt, any sudden change in direction or speed will be detected, locking the device, and stopping mount pal in a quick, secure manner.
If a user were to fall forward, the he/ she is holding onto can be used to catch their fall.
If a user were to fall backwards, the belt, will catch his/ her fall, potentially saving a life.
Or against the side rail for discreet storage.
If guests were to come over - Mount Pal provides the home with a detail, not an eye sore
ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
The horizontal wood bar is height adjustable, electronically. It allows for a relaxed, comfortable center of gravity.
The bar offers the presets of 3 user profiles. For instance a 6' 2'' husband will not have the same settings as his 5' 4'' wife. To acknowledge this, there are two buttons for each user, one for going up, and one for going down.
The bar will raise roughly one foot when descending the stairs, to account for a person's center of gravity.
The bar adjusts automatically, much like a drivers seat in a car.
Additionally, this will all be set up for you by a certified technician at the time of installation.
Speed ring - for adjusting speed of travel