Stannah Stair Lifts - The Most Stylish On The Market.

Stannah stair lifts are the world's most popular with over a quarter of million homes having one. The functionality and safety features are what have made the Stannah the most popular of home stair lifts. But they are also the most stylish.

Stannah is a UK stair lift manufacturer that now exports to over 40 countries. The company has a wide network of dealers who will advise, sell and carry out installation. The price of a chair lift is high and Stannah tend to be more expensive than most, so how can the company justify the price? But when looking at stair lifts you shouldn't just look at price; sure, other makes are cheaper buy you won't be getting everything you would if you bought a Stannah. They come with far more features than most, helping to give the customer a more comfortable and safer ride. The company also makes stylish machines so let's review them in terms of its style.

Stair lifts have been on the market for quite some time and they serve their purpose. However, many people who want one are also looking for something that is aesthetically pleasing and will complement rather than down-grade the look of a staircase. The ' baby boomer' generation is more design-conscious than their parents were and want to buy products that not only work well but look contemporary and stylish.

Most companies were oblivious to this but Stannah realized the need for change. The company worked with the internationally renowned design consultancy, SeymourPowell, on a new line of machines. The result was the introduction of the Stannah Solus and Stannah Sofia stair lift. These new models have the look of other household products instead of the industrial machine look of most other brands.

The two new stair lifts from Stannah are available in both straight and curved configurations. The two models were designed to appeal to two different tastes.

The Solus stair lift from Stannah is modern, stylish with a more minimalist look. The seat is shorter and more discreet with a cut-out to give a greater feeling of light and space. Its look is urban modernity with its chic leather upholstery that comes in a neutral color range including cocoa, oyster and slate. For those who don't like leather there is a soft woven fabric option in fawn and flame.

The Sofia stair lift from Stannah has a more classic look. The seat is comfortable and supportive and is generously upholstered with a soft fabric seat. New colors have been introduced to appeal to a wider audience while still being attractive to consumers with more traditional tastes. Colors include soft woven, woolen fabric in flame, conifer, melon and fawn or modern new vinyl in sand or lavender.

The company also reviewed the track. The new Stannah stair lift still uses a rack and pinion system to pull the chair (the industry norm) but it employs a unique double rail. This double rail track really complements the modern look of the Solus. By the way, not only does this innovative rail look stunning, it actually takes up less space; its mounted around 5" off the wall as compared to 7-8" of the Bruno curved stair lift.

Since their launch, the Solus from Stannah has received the Gold Trophy of Design at the Batimat Exhibition in Paris - this is a prestigious construction industry exhibition. Stannah appreciates that it makes products that help those with mobility problems but it hasn't forgotten that its customers also appreciate style and elegance like everyone else.

Bruno And Stannah Stair Lifts - Makers Of The Best Curved Stair Lifts

Bruno is a US stair lift manufacturer while Stannah is a UK stair lift manufacturer. Both companies make and supply their products all over the world and both are considered to be market leaders. Bruno and Stannah make curved lifts of the best quality. What follows is a comparison of both models.

Bruno has been is business since 1984 and is a family owned US manufacturer. They are an ISO 9001 Certified manufacturer, which means they produce products of the highest quality using the best materials and latest technology. Bruno chair lifts are very popular. The company makes a curved version called the Electra-Ride III Curved Rail.

Stannah is a UK manufacturer and has been in business for over 140 years and is still owned by the family that founded the company. It began making appliances for the UK market in 1975 and began exporting in 1979. Stannah stair lifts are now exported to over 40 countries. To date the company has installed over a quarter of a million of them. The company makes a curved model called the Stannah 260 Stair Lift.

What follows is a comparison and review of both models.

Seat

Both companies' seats come with the usual features of fold-down seat and flip-up foot rest. Both seats offer safety detectors mounted on the footrest to immediately stop the chair if any obstacle is encountered.

The standard weight capacity of the Stannah 260 is about 270 lbs. The Bruno lift can carry heavier loads; up to 350 lbs as standard. If you're on the large size the Bruno might be the best choice.

Both seats come with controls in the armrest. The Bruno comes with a 3 position, momentary rocker switch requiring the user to continuously hold it down to the control unit; the switch is mounted under arm. The Stannah comes with one removable ‘on/off’ key cap at the end of arm and a light-touch tiller-style control for up/down operation. What control system is best is a matter of personal preference, however, the Stannah does look the more attractive of the two and its ergonomic design is easier for most to use effortlessly.

Both chairs can be swiveled to allow easy access. Both the Stannah and the Bruno stair lift come with manual operation as standard - you depress a lever to swivel the seat. However, with the Stannah you have the option to upgrade to a motorized swivel seat - this can be a real plus point for those with more restricted mobility.

Track

Both companies use a rack and pinion system, which is the industry norm. Both tracks look attractive but the unique twin rail system of the Stannah perhaps does look a little more elegant. The Stannah also beats the Bruno when it comes to space requirements. The Bruno rail is fitted to about 7 to 8 inches from the wall; the Stannah rail is fitted closer at around 5 inches. Also, the actual width of the rail is thinner due to its innovative twin track system. Finally, the standard angle at which the rail can be fitted is a maximum of 45 degrees with the Bruno. The Stannah wins again, as its stair lift can cope with 52 degrees as standard.

Therefore, if your staircase is narrow or quite steep, the Stannah stair lift would be the best choice.

Safety Features

Both companies' chairs come with a plethora of safety features. Both come with retractable safety belts. They also come with overspeed governors to slow the carriage from travelling over a certain speed. Both have footrest safety sensors to stop the carriage when touching any obstruction. Both are battery powered, therefore they can still operate if there's a power outage. All in all, both lifts match each other in terms of safety.

The stair lift price for the Bruno and Stannah will depend on what features you want and what deal your local supplier will give you. A curved model requires an onsite survey as the track has to be custom made. Surveys from reputable dealers are free with no obligation to buy. Your best bet is to ask for a survey for both the Bruno Electra-Ride III Curved Rail and the Stannah 260. Compare the options on offer and the overall cost. You can easily find both a Bruno and Stannah supplier on the web.

An Overview Of Bruno Stair Lifts

Michael R. Bruno and his wife Beverly founded Bruno Stairlifts over 20 years ago. The company is now one of America’s leading manufacturers of mobility aids. Today, Bruno manufactures over 50 different products, ranging from stair chair lifts, vehicle lifts and turning automotive seating. The company makes straight and curved stair lifts for indoor and outdoor use.

The company has been awarded the ISO-9001 certification, which means that Bruno Stair Lifts are recognized for product excellence worldwide. Indeed, the company occupies the high-end of stair lifts. Most companies don't have the technical expertise to produce outdoor stair lifts or curved stair lifts; Bruno and some others like Stannah Stair Lifts do.

All stairlifts are sold, installed and serviced by Bruno’s factory trained network of dealers. Bruno stair lifts come with a 2 year warranty on all parts and a 5 year warranty on the gear box, motor and rail system, which is as good as any warranty in the industry.

Bruno makes 3 home stair lifts; the Electra-Ride LT, the Electra-Ride II and the Electra-Ride Elite. It also makes an outdoor model called the Outdoor Electra-Ride Elite and is the first in the industry that can carry a pay load of 400 lbs.

All of the straight stair lifts made by Bruno can operate up to a maximum incline of 45 degrees and to a minimum stair case width of 32". Other companies can offer better specifications; the Stannah 120 stair lift can handle an incline of 52 degrees and the Acorn Superglide Perch stair lift can be fitted on narrower stairs. However, most domestic staircases can be fitted with a Bruno stair lift.

Bruno also makes a curved stair lift called the Electra-Ride III Curved Rail. Again what's impressive about this stair lift is that it can carry up to 350 lbs. The Stannah curved stair lift carries less than 300 lbs.

All of Bruno's stair lifts are powered by DC 24 volt rechargeable batteries. Just about all modern stair lifts now use batteries rather than mains power. There are many advantages to using batteries; they're safe with no possibility of electrocution; they provide smoother starts and stops; and you can still use the stair lift during power outages. What is particularly impressive about Bruno stair chair lifts is the length of their battery life. The company claims that the battery will last an amazing 3-4 days or 15 trips up and down the stairs. The battery itself is built to last 3-5 years and replacements can easily be bought from your local hardware store.

Bruno's products have been awarded accreditations and awards, including the Today's Caregiver Magazine's “Caregiver Friendly” product award and the Da Vinci new product award for a lift-up power mobility seat.

So, are Bruno stair lifts the best on the market? Well, we have to say that there stair lifts on the market that offer more features as standard and look more stylish; the Stannah Solus stair lift being one. Also, other manufacturers supply stair lifts at a lower price; the Ameriglide stair lift being an example. However, in the price range of the Bruno stair lift, it probably does offer the best product. You can get more features from other brands but you pay more, or you pay less for another brand stair lift but you'll get fewer features than the Bruno

Common Stair Lift Parts And Components That You Should Know

Almost identical to a home wheelchair lift, a chair stair lift is similar in the function and the job it performs. Unlike an elevator it is not a very complex machine. Stair lifts are installed in your stairway and typically consists of five main components. These include the track, drive, chair, controls, and power systems. Each has an important role in delivering you or your loved one from floor to floor.

Track

The track is what the lift moves up and down on. The simplest and least expensive designs are straight. Tracks are available for a curved stairs and tend to be more expensive.

Drive

The drive is what transfers the movement of the motor to move the chair lifting or lowering you to your destination. The most popular today is rack and pinion drives. Cable or screw drives are older technology and may be available as well.

Chair In order to make the trip you've got to have a place to sit. Chairs on a stair lift may swivel so you can safely get on at either landing. The two types that swivel will turn 90 or 180 degrees. On some models the track may be long enough that a swiveling chair may not be needed. All chairs will include a footrest but a powered folding footrest may also be an option.

Controls

You need some type of control to make your lift move. Many use a hand held wired remote. Wireless remotes are becoming more popular and depending on your situation may be more appropriate for your use.

Power

Your stairlift will require electricity to make the trip up or down the track. There are three types of power sources. The most popular and least complicated is a battery pack located in the chair/motor assembly. The batteries are charged from a charging station located at either end of the track which are plugged into the nearest AC outlet.

The other two types consist of a tethered cord that moves along with the chair/motor assembly. One type has batteries but is constantly charged. The other type relies solely on the AC power. The downfall to either of these is the tethered cable. It is constantly winding and unwinding and can eventually fail causing problems and requiring repair service.

Although each manufacturers stair-lift vary slightly you will find that they have these common features. Each will have their own design requirements for each style of staircase. Each will have literature or phone numbers available discussing what options are available to you and what dimensions are required in your stairway.

Stone Dupree has been active in repairing and maintaining medical devices in the hospital and clinical environment for nearly twenty years. He loves to share tips from his experiences with others through his websites. Visit http://www.stairliftinfo.info to learn more about straight stair lifts and other lifts for the home. You'll find many tips and advice on finding and purchasing a stair lift for your home.

How To Measure A Straight Stair Lift

Installing a straight stair lift is easy and most people with a small amount of DIY experience can install one in only a few hours. However, many people are unsure about purchasing a straight stair lift because they don't know how to accurately measure their stairs so that they can feel confident when ordering one. However, measuring is not that difficult and can be done in about 5 minutes.

You can save a great deal of money is you buy and install a straight chair lift yourself. Even if you have the dealer install it for you, you can still sometimes save money if you give them the measurements beforehand; some agents make a charge for a pre-sales, on-site inspection.

Taking measurements is quite straight forward; there's not that much to it. The measurements are few and very easy to take. These machine are specifically designed to tolerate slight differences, meaning that things like carpet runners will not make a difference, so don’t worry. Just follow the measurement instructions step by step and you’ll be fine. You'll need a pen, paper and a measuring tape that can extends to the full run of your stairs.

Stand at the bottom of the stairs, look up, and decide which side of the stairs the lift will be mounted on. Most staircases run along a wall and most people prefer that the track also run on that side of the stairs: the track is actually fixed to the stair tread and never the wall. Small obstructions like handrails shouldn't be a problem as stair lifts are designed to clear these obstacles. This is the first and most important measurement.

For the next measurement, stand at the top of the stairs, and extend the measuring tape so that it lies on each of the stair treads - it should run parallel to the skirting board. You may find this easier to do if someone lends a hand. Take note of the measurement when the measuring tape touches the floor at the bottom of the stairs.

The next step is to measure from the edge of the top step to the edge of the first step - the tread. The next step is also simple enough. You just need to measure the width of the staircase. If there is a wall or door at the bottom of the stairs, measure the distance form the bottom step to the wall or door. This will tell the stair lift company how much clearance is needed.

The above measurements are the basic requirements that a stair lift company will need to supply you with the correct straight stair lift. Certain brands and models of may require more specific measurements to get a sense of space. If this is the case, the stair lift company will have instructions for any additional measurements needed. The company will usually supply you with graphs or easy to follow instructions, making measuring for your new straight stair lift an easy and simple process.

If you have any doubts you can request a survey from a reputable stair lift company. You can find these companies on the web and many will make no charge for an onsite survey regardless of whether you buy a straight stair lift or not.

What Is The Best Handicap Stair Lift

If you're handicapped a stair lift can really give you back your independence. But the cost of a handicap stair lift is expensive so before you part with your money you should make sure you buy the best stair lift for you. Here's a quick review of stair lifts for the disabled.

There are two basic types of stair lift; the straight stair lift and the curved stair lift. These further divide into electric AC mains stair lifts and DC battery operated stair lifts. First off, do you require a curved stair lift? The price of a curved stair lift is many times more expensive than a straight stair lift. And most stair lift manufacturers only make straight stair lifts. These manufacturers will tell you that you can use two straight stair lifts if you have a middle landing, however you should bear in mind that you will have to get on and off the stair chair lift twice; this may not be so easy, depending on your handicap, especially when changing stair lifts on a small interim landing.

Until recently just about all stair lifts for the disabled were powered from mains electricity. This had some problems: the units were noisy: they had a trailing cable, which could be easily tripped over; the ride action was somewhat 'juddery'; and you couldn't use it when there was a power failure. Most new handicap stair lifts are battery powered. You get many advantages with a battery stair lift: quiet ride; smooth ride; no mains wires and easy to install; and you can use it when there is a power outage.

However, there are some advantages to main power. With an electric stair lift you can use it as much as you like; battery operated stair lifts need to be recharged. So, if you think you might use the handicap stair lift more than 20 times a day, then you could consider an electric stair lift.

The following manufacturers make handicap stair lifts for straight stairways only.

The Acorn Superglide 120 stair lift is a very good battery powered unit. You get many features as standard; safety sensors to stop the chair when it encounters an obstacle, fold up seat and flip up foot rest, swivel seat, and a directional paddle switches that are operated by the lightest touch and can be used easily by those even with limited dexterity. You also get a choice of safety belts; inertial reel lap harness comes as standard - you have to pay more for a fixed 3-point shoulder harness.

Finally, Acorn also manufactures the Superglide Perch Stair Lift. This perch stair lift is especially useful for those who have only limited movement in their knees - it's also ideal for stairways that are narrower than normal.

Summit stair lifts are designed to be cheap and easily installed. The company makes electric stair lifts and not battery. You get many of the features that come with the Acorn; however the controls on the Summit stair lift are not ideal for the disabled. Also, you don't get a safety belt. If your disability is such that you have limited use in your hands or you need to be secured with a safety belt, then you really should consider the Acorn; the price of its disable stair lift is more than that of the Summit stair lift but you do get a lot more features that are better for the handicapped.

If you need a curved stair lift then you're probably best is considering either a Bruno stair lift or Stannah stair lift - both of these companies also make excellent straight stair lifts.

All Bruno stair lifts are battery powered. The company makes the Bruno Electra-Ride III Curved Rail stair lift. You get a retractable safety belt; optional wrap-around parking so the chair doesn't occupy too much space on the landing; and it can carry up to 350 lbs. All in all, the Bruno is an excellent stair lift for the disabled.

Stannah is a UK stair lift manufacturer who supply handicap stair lifts all over the world. The Stannah 260 stair lift is its curved stair lift. This stair lift is ideal for the disabled. The arms come with integrated controls that operate at the lightest touch - you can also get a joystick option if you prefer. You get a manually operate swivel seat as standard but there's also a powered swivel option. The stair lift comes with 9 sensitive safety edges to detect any obstacle and stop the chair. Finally, the chair travels along a unique dual track that is very elegant in design.

The Stannah stair lift is a little more expensive that the Bruno handicap stair lift but it is worth paying that little bit extra.

The above four stair lifts all work well for the disabled. For a straight stair lift, the Acorn Superglide stair lift is your best option. For a curved stair lift, the Stannah stair lift is my recommendation. Whichever model of handicap stair lift you choose make sure it has the features you need.

Acorn Stair Lifts - A Brief History

Stair chairs have become increasingly popular over the last few years. Partly because of reductions in manufacturing costs that have been passed down to the consumer. A stair chair, or stair lift, is a device that is used to allow people to easily traverse a set of stairs. It consists of a chair or small platform that travels up and down the stairs via a track that is secured to the stairs or walls. There are several companies that sell stair lifts, and one of the more popular companies is Acorn Stair Lifts. Acorn Stair Lifts is an international company that has over 800 employees throughout the world. Created in 1992, Acorn began by buying new and used stair lifts and reselling them. They completely refurbished the used ones at their facility in the UK, but were quickly overwhelmed by the demand for their products. In order to meet demand, and to guarantee that the customer was receiving a well made product, they began manufacturing their own stair lifts, and have not looked back since. While Acorn Stair Lifts had been refurbishing other company's stair chairs, they had become alarmed by the number of design flaws in these products. By manufacturing their own, they were able to guarantee high levels of safety and reliability. Their goal was to provide a stair liftthat was easy to install, simple to use, and required little maintenance. The result was the Acorn SuperGlide Stair chair, which continues to be one of their most well known products. Until Acorn began manufacturing stair chairs, they had traditionally been powered by AC current. The engineers at Acorn realized that there were many advantages associated with DC, battery, power. DC powers many advantages include higher safety, smooth operation, and the ability to still operate during power disruptions. Acorn pioneered this technology, and currently almost all stair lift manufacturers now offer a DC powered stair lift. Acorn Stair Lift's main headquarters and manufacturing hub is located in Yorkshire, New England. They have locations all over the world, including distribution centers in Orlando, Florida and Ontario, Canada. With over 30,000 stair chairs manufactured each year, they are the biggest manufacturer in the United Kingdom. They have dealers all over the world and supply stair lifts to customers in over 70 different countries across the globe. Their dealers are located in places like Argentina, Belgium, Japan, France, Ireland, Austria, Africa, and Portugal, and it is safe to say that they are the most diverse stair lift manufacturer in the industry today. If you are in the market for a stair lifts, then you have likely seen the many different manufacturers. Acorn provides well made products that are built to last and can be depended upon to provide many years of safe operation. With over 15 years of experience in the stair lifts industry, they have continued to think of the customer's safety first and have largely contributed to developing new and advanced technology that is geared towards creating a safe, reliable, and relatively maintenance free product. For more information on stair lifts, wheelchair lifts, lift chairs, and other types of home medical equipment

Ameriglide vs. Acorn Stair Lift

Ameriglide stair lifts - also known as Summit stair lifts (they are the same company) - are cheaper than Acorn stair lifts. Ameriglide claim that, although it offers a cheap machine its product is as good as that of the Acorn. But does a comparison between the Ameriglide and Acorn stair lift prove this claim?

First off, the Ameriglide is cheaper than that of the Acorn Superglide machine. If the customer's sole consideration is a low cost stair lift then the Ameriglide is the first choice. But the price of a chair lift is determined by the quality and features that come with it.

What follows is a review and comparison of the Ameriglide and the Acorn on a component by component basis.

DC Battery or AC Power?

When chair lifts were first manufactured they were mains powered but today Acorn, and most other leading brands, are powered by a 24 volt battery pack. However, Ameriglide/Summit chair lifts are still mains powered. So, what's the issue with using mains power? Well, batteries present no risk of electric shock. Also, many stair lift can be self-installed but many states will only allow a qualified electrician to install a main powered appliance.

A mains powered unit like Ameriglide has a trailing cable. The cable is constantly reeled in and out as the chair travels up and down the stairs. This will produce wear and tear - over a relatively short period - and will require maintenance and/or replacement of the cable. In some situations the cable can fail when the lift is in use leaving the user stranded mid way up or down the stairs.

DC batteries have proved so popular because of the smoother ride, especially when starting or stopping. The Acorn machine gives a very smooth ride. DC battery operated units like the Acorn are also quieter than those that are mains powered.

Power outages also make batteries a clear winner. You can continue to use the Acorn stair lift during these outages. Ameriglide, do suggest a solution to this problem - go out and buy a universal power supply - which contains a stair lift battery.

A final note about batteries; all batteries used in new stair lifts like the Acorn can be easily purchased from a local hardware store. The cost of replacing them is very cheap too – the company charge around only $15.00 for each battery.

The drive systems.

Ameriglide use a cable system. This is considered old technology by just about every other manufacturer. Acorn, like nearly all modern designs, use a rack and pinion system. The problem with cable systems is that the track is very wide and trough shaped - which creates a problematic dirt-trap. It's claimed that rack and pinion tracks need regular cleaning and lubrication to prevent damage. However, with Acorn machines this is not so; the system is maintenance free.

Safety controls and devices.

The easiest type of control for anybody to use is the joystick, which is why the Acorn chair is fitted with one on the arm rest. The control used on the Ameriglide is a rocker switch, which is not as easy to use, especially by those with severe arthritis. The remote controls supplied with the Acorn are modern, wireless infra-red devices, rather than old-fashioned, hard-wired controls that must be fixed to the wall as is the case with Ameriglide.

The Acorn has an electro-magnetic braking system with a self-locking gearbox. The self-locking gearbox alone, as installed in Ameriglide is not really a braking system.

The Acorn has sensors mounted on each side of the footrest and on the carriage itself to stop it immediately if any obstacle gets in the way. The Ameriglide is fitted with a sensor only on the footrest, so an obstacle found on the track will not stop the stair lift.

There are other items found on the Acorn machine that are superior or not even present on the Ameriglide version.

In conclusion, there's nothing wrong with the Ameriglide. It's cheap and does its job and there are many satisfied customers who use it everyday. In fact, many consumer reviews like its no-frills functionality and cheap price. But there's no doubt that the Acorn stair lift is a superior product. The price of the Acorn machine may be higher than the Ameriglide, but you get what you pay for.

Used Outdoor Stair Lift: An Inexpensive Way To Keep Enjoying The Outdoors.

A stair lift made for the outdoors has been invented to answer the needs of the disabled by allowing them to enjoy the beauty and fresh air of the outdoors.

Today most houses are made with patios and viewing decks so the resident(s) can step outside for a little recreational "breather." However, most homes fail to provide a feasible way for handicapped individuals to enjoy the same things.

In many cases, these individuals have a hard time utilizing the staircase, which adds hazard to inconvenience. That is why the outdoor stair lift was invented! There are many options to choose from in this day and age, so it's typically fairly easy to find one that best suits your needs.

All stair lifts are made up of 4 basic parts, including the train, which drives the lift, the actual track, the chassis and the chair. The drive trains can be found within the lift's chassis. These trains are made up of gears and pulleys as well, which cause it to move along its track. The drive trains are operated by either the pinion, cable or by a rack.

There are many different factors to be considered when one decides to install a stair lift. A few of these include the type of material in which the steps will be made of(ie. Concrete, wood etc.) and an accurate measurement of the length of the stairs.

You can usually get a good deal on a used or a pre-owned outdoor stair lift. In many cases you can find a stair lift, which still looks and operates like new for half price or better; you just have to look. They usually come with the remainder of the factory's warranty as well.

An outdoor stair lift is really a great investment for someone who is disabled and in a wheelchair. They will most definitely benefit from it and will no longer be limited to the confines of their home and their life in general will typically be happier!

Stairlifts - Different Types and What They Do

Straight stairlifts are made up of a chair placed on the side of your stairs that will take you up them without having to walk. These are especially useful if you have any kinds of disabilities or illnesses which restrict you from climbing stairs or make climbing stairs difficult.

Straight stairlifts only go straight up the stairs meaning that they are ideal if you have one set of stairs that don’t bend round corners.

Getting into and out of these straight stairlifts have been made easier in the last few years. Many of them will swivel around when you get to the top or bottom of the stairs allowing you to easily get out of the chair without having to twist and possibly cause more pain. The lifts are also really easy to use, all you have to do is press a button and hey presto the chair will move up the stairs. Straight stairlifts get off to smooth and easy starts and also stop very smoothly allowing for an easier experience.

You can get many different types of seats for straight stairlifts which is very good because you can get very comfortable chairs and many different materials can be used, so you shouldn’t have any difficulties in finding the perfect chair for you. Straight stairlifts are also easy to store, they are very thin allowing for the stairs to be used still anyway but if you do still need more space then the chair can be folded away allowing for more space on the stairs

Straight stairlifts do not need to be made loud either you can get them with very quite motors therefore allowing for you to use the lift at any point and not disturb others. Most straight stairlifts also come with battery packs added into them as well as being plugged into the mains allowing for you to carry on using your straight stairlifts even when a power cut occurs.

Also when you get straight stairlifts installed you may want to request an extra remote control if others in the house or building are going to be using it aswell. If you have a second control you will be able to bring the chair from upstairs to downstairs easily if it has been left up there leaving you downstairs. This can happen a lot if others are using the stairlifts aswell.

Most straight stairlifts come fitted with sensors that can tell when someone or something may be in the way. If there is an object in the way then the chair will sense this and stop going into the object allowing for safe stair climbing at all times.

Straight stairlifts can be fitted quite quickly as well compared to other types of stairlifts. They should be able to be fitted within a matter of hours but this can vary depending on what your stair set is like. If you have a difficult staircase then it can take longer than a few hours to install but this is the general time.

Straight stairlifts also have a docking bay usually where they will automatically recharge, saving you from forgetting or not being able to charge the chair.

Stair Lifts: Increased Mobility and Independence

Stair lifts ensure increased mobility and independence to physically challenged people, as well as the elderly generation. Different models of stair lifts are available in the market, conceptualized for both indoor and outdoor use. Stair lift models are offered by major companies for both residential and commercial applications.

Stair lifts are available in AC and DC models. The DC model comes with battery back-up and is more expensive. Before installation, make sure the instructions are available online or these will be sent to you before purchasing. Stair lifts are mainly categorized into two groups based on the type of drive train that moves the lift upward and downward the stairs. Cable driven lifts employ cable system while the Rack and Pinion type stair lifts use the gear system for upward movement. Since they are easier to maintain, the cable driven stair lifts are the most commonly used ones. With the major lift manufacturers coming up with new and innovative models, it would really be a daunting task for individuals unfamiliar with lift technologies to select the right model. Before buying a stair lift, the user should have a basic understanding of the operation of lifts.

Stair lifts, the right solutions for home accessibility, can help your loved ones take up the stairs up and down safely and effortlessly. Straight stair lifts are suitable for stairs without bends and curved stair lifts for stairs with curves and corners. By installing stair lifts, the risk of accidents such as slipping or falling down the stairs can be avoided to a certain extent. Most of the stair lifts come with armrests and footrests positioned on tracks. With these safety features, the stair lifts are ideal for persons with limited mobility caused by diseases, old age or accidents.

Stair lifts can be fitted easily to any stairway without much hassle. These lifts can also be fitted to the steps outside your home for easy access to the garden or the entrance door. A properly installed stair lift can change your life for the better, since the staircases in your home will no longer be an obstacle in your daily routine.

Gas Mileage Devices - A Guide To Saving Money At The Gas Pump

Let's face it, with the ever-increasing gas prices and the government's lack of initiative to fund a good replacement energy source, we've been left holding the bag. For this very reason, many people have resorted to conservation and have started using gas mileage devices to lower their overall gas consumption. Here are a few examples of these gas-saving instruments:

1. Vapor Bleed instruments. These types of devices are installed near the engine compartment and bleeds air through a container of water and an anti-freeze mixture. Some examples of these tools include the Atomized Vapor Injector, the SCATPAC Vacuum Vapor Induction System and the Turbo Injection System.


2. Air Bleed Instruments. Similar to the Vapor Bleed devices mentioned above, Air Bleeders bleed air but this time they are injected into the carburetor.

3. Liquid Injection Devices, which add liquid into the fuel and air intake system instead of the combustion chamber.

4. Coolants for Fuel Line Devices. These nifty little devices prepare the fuel before it is entered into the carburetor. The coolant heats the fuel in order to take the load off the exhaust and the electrical system.

5. Ionized Fuel Line Devices. These are specialized devices installed in the fuel line and promote ionization in the fuel, through the use of several dissimilar metals.

6. Carburetor Mixture Enhancers. These gas mileage tools are installed between the intake manifold and the carburetor and do the job of improving the vaporization of the air/fuel mixture.

7. Liquid Mixture Enhancers. These things do the same job as the carburetor mixture enhancer, but are in liquid form and mixed with the fuel.

8. Various Engine Modifications. These are usually done to enhance the efficiencies of the engine, which means they would require less gas for propulsion. Most of these are done on old engines that are worn down because of age.

9. Various Fuel Additives. These types of gas mileage increasing additives vary in purpose and makeup, from liquid oil enhancers to lubricants to coolants, they are all lumped in this category as long as they are added internally to the gas tank.

10. Driving Aid Devices. These are by far the odd part of the bunch. Instead of helping the car increase mileage internally, these devices usually try to modify the driver's habit. For example, a light or sound device that alerts the driver if he is going to fast or suggests a shift in gears. The most expensive types are usually digital devices that also provide warnings for other instances such as leaving the door or the trunk ajar.

There has been much criticism thrown at gas mileage devices due to some manufacturers' claim that they can increase gas mileage by as much as 30%, even though the EPA has tested them and found only 12% to 25% increase in overall gas mileage. Either way, even though these devices were not able to live up to their hype, the 12% mileage increase would still go along way, especially in the long term. Just make sure to assess the total cost of some of the devices, if the savings on gas money will justify their cost.

Gift Basket Theme Ideas

Some gift baskets offer a delightful miscellany of items. But successful gift baskets often attract attention because they're built around a unifying theme. Those themes can run the full range of creativity.

They may be as simple and obvious, but still as lovely, as the items desired for an upcoming wedding. Perfumes, dried flowers, or small jewelry will be appreciated by bridesmaids. Or the theme may run in an entirely different direction connected to no single event at all. A gift basket of potpourri or forest-related items can bring joy to any recipient.


Combination themes always make for a great gift basket. Chocolates can well stand alone in a delightful container of straw or wood. But how much better to add a small bottle of champagne or wine to mix in with the sweets? Sometimes a combination makes for a unifying theme itself, as when sewing accessories are combined with beautiful buttons or cloth samples, for example.

The traditional fruit basket is sometimes mocked. But there's always the possibility of giving a new twist to an old idea. Pick exotic fruits from a certain country, or combine them with unusual nuts. Lay some flowers from the fruit trees themselves among the produce and create an explosion of color. The result will be not only something delicious, but a work of art as well.

Gift baskets that are associated with a particular state or country are very popular. Everyone loves to see the familiar items from home joined together in creative ways.

The pine cones of Idaho or the native flowers of Colorado are only two possibilities of natural items that will be welcomed. But miniature toys like oil wells from Texas or skyscrapers from New York can equally fill the bill. Go international and include some stuffed lions from Africa or turtles from the Galapagos islands. Announce the time in a gift basket with a reproduction of London's Big Ben.

Handicrafts make for a great gift basket theme and the choices are endless. Small, hand-made jewelry of jade quickly become collector's items. Silver shaped into tiny tools or trinkets will be kept for a lifetime. Tiny bears or badgers carved out of ivory or sandstone can fill a basket with reminders of happy vacations.

Holiday gift baskets are a natural theme. There are many to choose from. Christmas is an obvious, but still perfect option. Tiny toys or traditional foods can be surrounded by a perfect wreath. Miniature reindeer happily pull a sleigh filled with Santa and his package of gifts. But the 4th of July, Halloween, and many more make it just as easy to devise a great set of gifts for friends and loved ones.

Let your imagination soar. The possibilities for a gift basket theme are bounded only by the creativity you possess.

Benefits Of A Stair Lift

Do you struggle with the stairs? Have you found the climb taking your breath away? Instead of having to live downstairs and making expensive and stressful alterations to your home have you thought about installing a stair lift?

Stair lifts have been around for years and have developed into very user friendly and positive additions to your home.


Most stair lifts are reasonable priced obviously depending on which one you require. There are so many to choose from you can take your pick and make sure you don’t exceed your budget. Think about how much it will cost to install a stair lift compared to maybe having to install a bathroom downstairs or changing one of your reception rooms into a bedroom or sometimes having to have an extension built. All very costly solutions compared to the stair lift. Why would you only want to stay on the ground floor of your home and leave your bedroom?

With so many to choose from you can get one with a design to compliment your décor so it won’t be so noticeable, also some are designed to fold away for the narrow staircase or small landings again depending on your circumstances but good storage and safely out of the way of anybody walking by.

They manufacturer seats with padding to give you a comfortable ride so you should feel like you are seating on your lounge chair.

Most of the stair lifts have moving armrests which could be an advantage when you are boarding the chair or leaving. Another comfort if turning can be a problem maybe if you suffer with arthritis or hip problems.

There is also a foot rest so your feet wont be dangling as you are moving for not only again a comfortable ride but safety as there maybe an obstruction on the stairs or you may hit you foot. The seat and footrest can be adjusted to your height as we are all different sizes and you need it to be individual for you to maximise the benefits and safety.

Most of the controls are user friendly with either buttons or a joystick. Some can have a remote control giving you access to the stair lift without actually being sat on it, giving you complete control.

The speed of the stair lift should be slow and steady again most ensure a smooth ride. The modern stair lifts are fitted with a soft start and stop so you won’t come to sudden jolt when you arrive at the top or bottom of the stairs which could cause you pain, but this not only takes that away but gives you another safety facility.

There is a lap belt again with adjustable strap so you can wear with ease and so the belt can be used correctly. Most will have safety sensors which are placed on the footrest and seat some vary as to the position but all are there to detect any obstructions on the stairs, landing and at the bottom which will stop the chair immediately and not continue until it has been cleared. This is ideal if you have small pets who like to follow you or may have a favourite place to sleep at the bottom of the stairs and sometimes not always easy to see.

Some stair lifts are attached to the wall and some to the stair trend again depends on the manufacture and which stair lift you choose. There are stair lifts available for straight, curved, spiral and even outside stair cases.

The outside stair lift can be ideal if the stairs are wet, icy or very steep and dangerous giving you peace of mind and preventing a possible fall.

Most companies can provide a quick turn around with installation and minimum disturbance as most stair lifts are designed for easy installation. Also there should be a guarantee should you have any faults or questions once installed.

Wheel Chair Ramps

To provide simpler access to areas for wheelchair users, having a system of lowered curbs and smoothed out pathways is an essential consideration of your outdoors areas, but these are design changes and must be implemented at the planning stage of construction. IF you want to provide immediate access to an area where there has not been previous thought given to providing access, then an alternative must be implemented, and this is normally done with wheel chair ramps.

These flexible and easily positioned devices stretch across areas that would otherwise present an access issue, and make sure that there are no obstacles to get in the way of people who want to access your facilities with ease. Whether you just need to install a simple wheelchair ramp over a raised curb to ensure that people with mobility issues are able to get from the car park onto the sidewalk, or alternatively need a ramp to provide an alternative to a short stair case, then there are many solutions in a range of different sizes and strengths.

Wheel chair ramps feature a number of well thought out design features that are intended to maximize their safety and stability in use and give the impression and feel of a permanent solution that will make getting around your workplace with confidence a reality for anyone who might otherwise have problems.

One of the main innovations that you will see on a wheelchair ramp is the pair of raised lips on either side of the ramp. These prevent users from accidentally rolling off the ramp in use, and increase the safety. The surface too is specially prepared for additional safety in use. By using a high quality serrated pattern on the main surface of the ramp, users can get traction when rolling up, and enjoy good control on the way back down.

If you need to be able to move the ramps quickly, then their lightweight construction out of extruded and bonded aluminum minimizes the weight, while a centrally positioned carrying handle means that they can be moved from one location to another by a single person, allowing them to be rapidly repositioned in order to make accessing different areas of the facility much more simple, and reducing the cost impact of purchasing multiple wheel chair ramps when one or two sets can be used in multiple locations without any trouble.

It has become a moral and legal obligation for business owners to ensure universal access to all facilities in order to reduce their exposure to anti discrimination laws, and by providing a means for all staff, however physically able to gain entry to places that would otherwise be off limits by installing wheel chair ramps, you as an employer are ensuring that you are completely in line with existing and forth coming legislation that is designed to ensure that no one is discriminated against solely on the basis of being confined to a wheelchair.

Wheel chair ramps come in many styles, including safespan telescoping, roll-o-ramp, fold-away, and suitcase ramps.

Wheel Chair Lifts

Enabling people with physical disabilities to gain access to all areas is now an essential part of anti discrimination laws, and all business owners need to ensure that they take all appropriate steps to ensure that access is possible wherever required or face severe penalties. Providing consideration to the physically challenged is more and more important thanks to the increasing numbers of disabled people in the workforce.

I, and although they can be expensive to install, they allow staff complete access to areas where they need to be, and therefore boost productivity thanks to staff being able to properly enter all areas of the building and make use of facilities without any restrictions.

There are many different designs of wheelchair lifts available on the market, and all of them have specific uses, but the key for maximizing effectiveness is to opt for a design that best fits with the requirements of the environment it is to be installed in, while also ensuring that it is simple to use, and safe for other workers nearby.

The most effective wheel chair lifts offered feature all the ergonomic innovations that you would expect, and are reliable and hard working as you are. The standard model we offer provides smooth and powerful action that raises wheel chair users up to 36 inches at the touch of a button. Ideal for providing access without the need to use a ramp up a short set of steps, the wheel chair lift has a number of different safety features as standard that ensure that users are fully protected when using the lift to negotiate the stairs.

On operation, a lip is automatically raised at the back of the wheel chair lift to prevent the user from accidentally rolling off backwards and potentially injuring themselves. The lift will also stop automatically on descent if it detects that something is trapped underneath it, preventing injury to bystanders. The standard load capacity of the lift is 750 pounds, meaning that it can easily cope with all normal situations, and thanks to the powerful 2 horse power electric motor, and back up batteries to ensure operation in a power cut; it is designed with safety and reliability under all circumstances at the highest priority.

Although you may not have previously considered accessibility issues in your workplace, existing and planned legislation is increasingly placing the onus on business owners to provide full access to their premises to disabled users, and this is universally applied. Aside from the legal requirement, there is also a moral reason for ensuring that all staff are treated equally by the business, and this should be just as important when planning your business’ disability strategy to comply with all of your requirements to ensure universal access to facilities.

To provide access to areas for wheelchair users, having a system of lowered curbs, concrete ramps and smoothed out pathways is an essential consideration of your outdoor and indoor areas, but these are design changes and must be implemented at the planning stage of construction. IF you want to provide immediate access to an area where there has not been previous thought given to providing access, then an alternative must be implemented, and this can be accomplished with the installation of wheel chair lifts.

Using And Maintaining Your Stair Lift Safely

Climbing the stairs has consistently been rated as one of the most challenging tasks for mobility challenged individuals. This often results in people avoiding their stairs, which in turn can result in large portions of their homes going unused. A stair lift is one medical device that has been developed to solve this problem and is incredibly popular. A stair lift is a medical device that is used to transport a person up and down the stairs. They generally feature a track that is secured to the stairs. A small platform or chair is then sent up and down the stairs resulting in what is in many ways a personal escalator.

The safety advantages associated with a stair lift are many, but like any medical device it is imperative that it is used in the manner it was intended. One of the most common mistakes made when purchasing a stair lift is regarding the weight capacity. All stair lifts are rated to safely support individuals up to a certain weight. Even though they frequently use incredibly strong materials, such as reinforced steel and special aircraft cables, they are still designed and tested for individuals of a certain weight. This weight capacity is often a reflection of the design of the system it self, but also the manner in which it is secured to the stairs. Stair lifts that support higher weights generally cost a little more, and this is one reason people sometimes ‘fudge’ their weight. Others may feel self conscious about their weight, or if they are buying it for someone else might not feel right asking about their weight. It is important that you honestly evaluate your weight requirements and include any anticipated weight growth. It is far better to air on the side of caution and get a unit that supports too much weight, than to purchase a unit that has an inadequate or borderline weight capacity.

There are several practices that must be maintained while using a stair lift to promote safety. It is important to never try to stand or move while the stair lift is in motion. Many units come with seat belts and if one is included, it is a good idea to buckle up. Since your stair lift will be traveling up and down the stairs it is very important that the stairs remain free from clutter and debris. It is never a good idea to have clutter on your stairs, but it can be very dangerous if you have a stair lift. The problem with clutter on the stairs is two fold. On the one hand if it interferes with your stair lifts movement, you could damage your unit. Many stair lifts have built in sensors that will detect most objects in its paths, but you should not rely on these sensors alone. The other safety issue presented with objects on the stair case involves people who walk up and down the stairs. A misplaced object can cause them to trip, and because the stair lift takes up a small portion of the stair case, it is much harder to avoid objects while avoiding the stair lift as well.

In regards to the amount of regular maintenance that is required to keep them running, modern stair lifts have come a long way from their older relatives. Most are designed with sealed drive systems that do not require any lubrication and will not leak. Even with these many advances, it is still important to follow any maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer. This is important because it ensures that the device will continue to function properly and safely. It can be very easy to follow the “If it is not broke, don’t fix it mentality,” but this can be incredibly dangerous if applied to stair lifts. Most only require lubricating a few points on the device and a brief inspection, so it makes no sense to take a chance with something that carries so much.

While stair lifts have been thoroughly tested to provide safe and reliable service, it is still important to use these devices in the manner which was intended. When in doubt use your common sense when deciding how to use your stair lift.

Lift Chair - A Way To Enjoy Comfort

At the present time when modern technology simplifies and gives solutions to the various problems, there is luxury lift chair that serves the purpose to enjoy and cherish the comfort. One of the examples is a reclining arm chair that gives comforts to users as well as enables them to be able to stand with an effortless manner.

As the time is passing by, people seems to be more concerned about comforts which sometimes make them want to get up from a chair easier which becomes a normal habit, embarrassing and awkward at many times which is too much to bear. There comes myriad of variety of lift chairs to choose from:

- Lift chairs with steel frame: this is cost effective, lounger with countless positioning and have 300 lbs weight. The added advantages that it exhibits the weight capacity and style back of knock down and steel frame as well as an exceptional durability and strength. The other important thing is that all the components of upholstery can be fully removed for the lasting style and comfort. This exclusive type is available in two designs which are pillow back and T-back designs.

- Lift chair with removable arms: this another beautiful and premium upgrade which offers great benefits like hardwood frame, 375 lbs weight capacity with lifetime warranty of the steel frames, emergency back up for battery. An external transformer which helps in battery back up and scissor mechanism of heavy duty makes another preferable choice among different users as all these features ensure smooth comfort. Also the other benefit it gives is that its arms can be lifted off which makes it easy to transfer the things.

- Lift chair with in arm storage: Another great product is engineered with the furniture laminations and has hand control with only a single switch. The benefit is having strong capacity to store day to day items. It also has other features which can be found in lift chairs with arm chairs. This type of lift chair are available with different options like head pillow, deluxe heat and massages, pocket and control on the left side, which helps in easy accessibility, lumbar pillow and have dual pockets ranging in various different series like 50, 530 and 520.

- Lift chairs with bed covers: this one has a unique feature of attached bed options like fitted bed sheets, mattress and storage bags of LL-670 at the side place of it, which absolutely gives the comfort. The feature provided is truly better than all the other ones because apart from having all the features which could be found in other contemporary products, this is one unique option that the chair provides to the users.

Space-saving lift chair: as the name suggests they consume very less space, have a patented, smooth and quiet lifting system. Because it consumes less space, it even has less weight capacity than other ones of 300 lbs, which mainly helps to take less storage space in the house. It has lifting and arm covers to give better comfort and also requires space of unbelievable equal to six inches between wall and the chair.