Apparatus for handling heavy loads such as a trolley or a rolling chair for the handicapped

An apparatus for handling heavy loads, over discontinuous surfaces, said apparatus comprising a step raising/lowering device comprising at least a pair of endless chains, wherein each said chain further comprises at least one stud which bears two coaxial and juxtaposed rollers located on either side of said chain, said device further comprising an electric drive motor for said raising/lowering device, that, in the course of operation said drive motor drives said raising/lowering device, so that said raising/lowering device, imparts to said apparatus a pivoting force about a horizontal axis,

• wherein said apparatus further comprises an inclination sensor for detecting said apparatus inclination with respect to said horizontal axis, and means for stopping said raising/lowering device, said means for stopping being controlled by said sensor, when a predetermined inclination with respect to said horizontal axis of said apparatus is exceeded.