Stair lifts are devices that are made to carry people who suffer from arthritis, are older, or are otherwise mobility challenged use the stairs. Using either a set of batteries, or by plugging directly into the wall, these units are responsible for restoring independence and opening houses back up. They are often called stair chairs because generally a chair is attached to the stairs via an aluminum track. There are some models called perch lifts however, that utilize a small platform instead. A perch lift is usually used for someone who has trouble sitting down because of knee or back problems. One popular manufacturer of stair lifts is Acorn, who makes several models including a perch lift.
Acorn is a family owned company that operates worldwide. Their US headquarter is in Orlando, Florida, and they employ over 800 employees worldwide. Acorn opened their doors in 1992 and began buying and selling new and reconditioned stair lifts. They quickly realized, due to high demand, that they would not be able to continue purchasing stair lifts and reselling them, and maintain their commitment to their customers, so they began manufacturing their own. Over the years Acorn pioneered the battery stair lift, and has continuously brought innovation and remarkable engineering to the field. They currently manufacture more than 30,000 units a year. Acorn has a very strong presence in the United States, the United Kingdom, South America, Europe, and Australia. Their quality and professional workmanship has made them into the powerhouse they are today, and they are the largest independent straight stair lift manufacturer in the world.
One of their stair lifts that has a very distinctive design is the Acorn 140. It allows the rider to stand on the foot rest and travel up and down the stairs. For those suffering from joint problems, this is often much less painful and much more practical than a traditional stair lift. It has a set of handle bars attached to the unit that can be held onto for added support, as well as an additional adjustable handle bar. It also includes a pad to lean against, so it is not necessary to stand straight up, and instead the rider can put their weight on the pad.
This perch lift can support up to 294 ponds. It is battery powered, featuring a constantly recharging battery, that ensures that even if the power goes out, you will be able to use your stair lift. The unit includes 15.2 foot of track, which will accommodate most stair cases. The foot rest folds and helps the Acorn Perch Lift retain its low profile. The controls for the Acorn 140 are designed to be very simple and straight forward to use.
Acorn produces several stair lifts and one of their other popular models is the Acorn SuperGlide. All of their models are designed to be easy to use, require very little maintenance, and to be as safe as possible. They all utilize the best materials available, utilize special safety sensors to ensure that the device is not used unsafely, and are designed to take up as little space as possible.
Brad Brubaker is an experienced technical writer. For some great deals on used stair lifts or to check out the innovative Acorn 140 visit http://www.a1-medical-supplies.net.
Acorn Stair Lifts
Stair Lift Safety
A stair lift is a piece of home medical equipment that is designed to allow someone who is mobility challenged safely use the stairs. Typically a track is attached to the stairs and a chair or small platform is sent up and down the track by a set of hand or foot controls. There are several well known manufacturers of stair lifts including: AmeriGlide, Summit, and Acorn. A quality stair lift has been thoroughly tested for safety and has built in safeguards, but it is still very important to safely use and maintain these devices.
One of the most important ways to ensure safety is to follow the installation instructions, properly installing the stair lift using the correct tools and materials. Most reputable dealers have trained installation technicians available, so if you do not feel comfortable installing the stair lift yourself, you should contact your dealer. Once the stair lift is installed it is imperative that you use the stair lift in the manner it was designed, especially paying close attention to the weight capacity. Most stair lifts utilize high grade materials, but you can put an unsafe strain on the device if you go over the weight limit. Stair lifts made by AmeriGlide are some of the most reliable and safe in the industry. They all utilize high grade aircraft cable that has a breaking point of 4200 pounds, but this does not mean that you should in any way disregard the stated weight capacity.
It is extremely important that you do not allow children to play on the stair lift. Most stair lifts have, either included or as an extra option, some sort of locking mechanism. If you live with small children, the locking mechanism is a good investment because it ensures that the unit will not be used when you are not around to monitor it. If the unit is to be in a public area, like a church or a school, then it goes without saying that some sort of lock will be necessary.
Stair lifts manufactured by Summit and AmeriGlide have built in sensors on the footrest that stop the stair lift if it detects objects that could impede the stair lifts movement. They are also designed to not move if the seat is not in the correct locked position, which ensures that the unit will be used correctly. You should never try to bypass these safety features, because it can result in serious injury. In models that do not have a seat belt included, it is a good idea to purchase one separately. Just like in your car seat belts can save lives so make sure you buckle up.
Most stair lifts offer foldable seats that save space when the unit is not in use. If others use your stairs it is a good idea to get in the habit of folding the seat after each use. This will free up space on the stairs and allow for others to safely traverse the steps. If used correctly your stair lift will provide years of safe quality service. Like anything though it is important to follow the instructions on use provided with the unit and to under no circumstances let the unit be used as a toy.
Brad Brubaker is an experienced technical writer. For some great deals on used stair lifts visit http://www.a1-medical-supplies.net. They also have new stair lifts and a large assortment of other home medical equipment.
Smart Way In Buying Portable Stair Lifts
Portable stair lift is something that more and more people are willing to invest into because of their more valuable benefits. Because of their conveniences, many will expect to get them. Portable stair lift doesn't require extra effort when you access, every user is happy and comfortably flight in the stair.
Many types of stair lifts need a professional technician to install. In certain circumstances there is technical problem occur like power outage. Portable lifts uses electricity to function and carry every passenger up and down stair. Portable ones are easy to access than other stair lift products.
The following will guide you in choosing a good portable stair lift.
Company-If you are not aware to the lift you are choosing, you are free to inquire to a sales dealer for more instruction about the product choose from. Not all company is equal when it comes from selling promotions. Choose the product that has a longer warranty but with lesser price.
Feature- Make a design of the lift attractive, blend to the structure and color of the stair. Whoever comes at your home will be amazed to see the stair lift.
Cost- Various products come from the different prices, don't let your mind that the expensive one are the quality one. Choose the best products that are affordable and yet reliable.
Lifting capacity -It refer from how we lift or raise person in the chair, be sure that the portable stair lift has an enough capacity to lift or raise a passenger and their belonging safe and secure depending on the floor or place you were going to climb
Reliability- What is good about home stair lift systems is that the system is extremely reliable. The company will then keep the maintenance of the lift to ensure that it stays great working.
Learning the different factors will gain a smart way in buying a useful portable stair lift. It enhances your productivity so that whatever product you were able to buy you are wise enough.
Ramir is an IT professional and a web marketer as well. He writes and publish information on various topics covering portable stair lift and many more. Check out his articles on http://www.topicarea.com for more comprehensive and related portable stair lift topics.
Wheelchair Stair Lifts And Other Assistive Devices Can Increase Your Mobility
For people with a disability there are many different concerns over daily tasks that others take for granted. Assistive devices such as wheelchair stair lifts make it possible to have a home that is not a single story ranch house. Increasing opportunities and choice availability to those who are wheelchair bound is more than just picking out a few assistive devices; having wheelchair stair lifts installed in a home opens worlds of possibilities to people who are having limitations set upon them at every turn.
For people who have difficulty with stairs and do not have either of the budget or the space for an elevator, wheelchair stair lifts are an option that allows them access to other floors in the house. These lifts come in a few different styles.
First, for those who are not wheelchair bound but still have difficulty getting up a straight flight of stairs, there are straight stair lifts or 'stair chairs'. These lefts attach to the stair treads and rail. There is an adjustable swivel type seat that you set yourself in and a safety belt to keep you from falling out while the chair moves. These are powered by rechargeable batteries much like electric wheelchairs are.
This type of wheelchair stair lift is quite simple, it just moves along the rail up or down the stairs. You simply sit in the chair and ride slowly one way or the other. These are best if there is only one person in the home using this lift as it sits at the end of the stairs where you last used it. Since the place it was last used is the floor where you are you are able to ride it up and down as needed.
Second, there is this basic same type of lift made for people who are wheelchair bound. These platform lifts are used in the same manner except instead of having a chair that you sit in there is a platform that you park your wheelchair on. The rest of the mechanism works in about the same way.
A third type of lift would be a wheelchair shower lift. These are lightweight and fairly easy to manage lifts that assist a wheelchair bound person into the bathtub. With push button controls disabled people are able once again to take a nice, long, hot and luxurious bubble bath without having to have someone physically pick them up and place them in the tub or physically remove them from the bathtub.
The different types of assistive devices beginning with wheelchair stair lifts and continuing through wheelchair shower lifts and other high tech assistive devices are available to improve the life quality of disabled people around the world and allowing them to put more 'ability' back in their lives again.
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