CN110799152B - transport recliner - Google Patents

Abstract

A transport chair is provided comprising a base frame, a seat assembly pivotally mounted to the base, and a footrest assembly pivotally mounted to the base frame, the footrest assembly is associated with the seat assembly to pivot in unison with the seat assembly until the seat assembly is pivoted forward into contact with the footrest assembly floor or ground at which point the footrest assembly does not pivot further when the seat assembly pivots further forward. Additional embodiments of the transport chair allow the seat assembly to recline alone or in unison with the leg rest assembly while the footrest remains in place.

Description

transport recliner

Cross References to Related Applications

This application is a continuation (pending) of US Patent Application Serial No. 15/452,454, filed March 7, 2017. U.S. Patent Application No. 15/452,454 is a continuation (pending) of U.S. Patent Application No. 15/173,259, filed June 3, 2016. US Patent Application No. 15/173,259 is a continuation of US Patent Application No. 13/574,267 (now US Patent No. 9,358,166), filed July 2, 2012. US Patent No. 9,358,166 is the national phase entry of International Patent Application No. PCT/US11/21834 (abandoned) filed on January 20, 2011. International Patent Application No. PCT/US 11/21834 citing Provisional U.S. Patent Application Nos. 61/304,638 (expired) filed February 15, 2010, 61/304,699 (expired) filed February 15, 2010 and priority of 61/296,724 (expired) filed January 20, 2010. The contents of all of the above patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, although the proceedings of the above patent applications are not incorporated by reference.

Background technique

It is common to transport hospital patients in wheelchairs. In this case, the patient is typically seated in a wheelchair, and an operator (often called a chaperone) pushes the wheelchair to move the patient to the desired position. To do this, the caregiver typically has to maneuver the chair and the patient in and out of elevators, through corridors, up and down ramps, in and out of patient rooms, etc. In addition, the caregiver often has to assist the patient out of the chair or into the chair. Unfortunately, conventional wheelchairs are not very effective in this situation because they are designed to self-move, not transport the patient.

One disadvantage of conventional wheelchairs is that the caregiver must bend over to be able to reach the handles of the wheelchair in order to propel the wheelchair. The handle usually extends straight back in an orientation that is unnatural to the chaperone, and the handle is usually not adjustable. In addition, wheelchairs do not provide enough room for the carer's feet when walking, especially if the carer is tall or if the carer is moving quickly with long strides. Additionally, wheelchairs do not provide sufficient storage space for items such as patient belongings or medical documents and equipment. Often, the only storage space provided is a rear pocket integrated into the flexible backrest of the wheelchair. When items are placed in the pockets, these items tend to poke the patient's back, making sitting uncomfortable for the patient. Furthermore, the upright sitting position and lack of head support may make the patient uncomfortable for an extended period of time even without placing items in the rear pockets.

In addition to these disadvantages, it may be difficult for a caregiver to assist a patient in and out of a conventional wheelchair. In either case, the caregiver must stoop while supporting at least a portion of the patient's weight. This action can cause back injuries to the escort. Even without such an injury, the act of helping the patient sit into or out of the seat can require a lot of strength, which the chaperone may not possess. Sitting in and out of a conventional wheelchair can also be physically detrimental to the patient, especially in the case of such patients who are debilitated by age, illness or injury.

Another disadvantage of conventional wheelchairs is that, when not in use, they take up a lot of space and tend to be cluttered in hospital corridors such that they get in the way of personnel and hospital equipment. Furthermore, the footrests of conventional wheelchairs are detachable and easy to lose. Additionally, conventional wheelchairs are easily stolen.

Another disadvantage of conventional wheelchairs is that they cannot be reclined. Sitting upright for long periods of time may tire patients suffering from weakened core muscles, spinal injuries, and the like. Conventional wheelchairs may be suitable for relatively able-bodied patients who cannot walk for extended periods of time, but in practice wheelchairs are used to transport patients with more severe disabilities. In practice, wheelchairs are not only used to transport patients from one place to another, but often patients have to wait in wheelchairs for long periods of time for medical attention, such as when patients are taken from a hospital ward to a busy radiology center time.

In view of the above disadvantages, it will be appreciated that it would be desirable to have alternative means for transporting individuals, such as hospital patients, from one place to another.

Description of drawings

The disclosed transport chair embodiments can be better understood with reference to the following figures. It should be noted that the components shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an example embodiment of a transport chair.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the transport chair of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a side view of the transport chair of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a front view of the transport chair of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the transport chair of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 is a top view of the transport chair of FIG. 1 .

7 is a bottom perspective view of the base frame, seat assembly bottom tray, and footrest assembly of the transport chair of FIG. 1 .

8 is a top perspective view of the base frame, seat assembly bottom tray, and footrest assembly of the transport chair of FIG. 1 , with the footrest assembly shown separated from the base frame.

9 is a front perspective view of the base frame and footrest assembly of the transport chair of FIG. 1 showing locking of the footrest assembly in a raised orientation.

10A-10D are sequential side views showing the transport chair of FIG. 1 as its seat assembly articulates from a fully reclined position to a fully reclined (forward reclined) position.

11A and 11B are additional rear perspective views of the transport chair of FIG. 1 , but showing the chair in a reclined (tilted forward) position to illustrate the attachment of the bottom bracket to the seat assembly.

12 is a side view of the transport chair of FIG. 1 showing the bottom hanger attached to the seat assembly and the footrest stop assembly deployed.

Figure 13 is a side view of two transport chairs of the type shown in Figure 1 nested together for more compact and organized storage.

14 is a rear perspective view of another example embodiment of a transport chair.

15A is a perspective view of an alternative version of the transport chair in an upright configuration.

15B is a perspective view of an alternative version of the transport chair shown in FIG. 15A in a reclined configuration. Note the rise in the leg rests and the change in angle and position of the armrests.

16A is a side view of an alternative version of the transport chair shown in FIG. 15A in an upright configuration.

16B is a side view of an alternative version of the transport chair shown in FIG. 15B in a reclined position.

17A is a top view of an alternative version of the transport chair shown in FIG. 15A in an upright configuration.

17B is a top view of the alternative version of the transport chair shown in FIG. 15B in a reclined position.

18A is a front view of an alternative version of the transport chair shown in FIG. 15A in an upright configuration.

18B is a front view of the alternative version of the transport chair shown in FIG. 15B in a reclined position.

Detailed ways

As noted above, conventional wheelchairs have several disadvantages when used to transport individuals, such as hospital patients, from one place to another. Disclosed herein are transport chairs that are specifically designed to transport such individuals with maximum comfort while reducing the effort required of the individual and chair operator (eg, hospital attendant) and thereby reducing the chance of injury. In some embodiments, the transport chair includes a seat assembly supported by a base frame and pivotable relative to the base frame about a pivot axis located near a front edge of the chair seat. This pivoting capability not only makes it easier for patients to move in and out of the chair (especially for patients with leg weakness or balance problems), but also facilitates chair nesting, which significantly reduces storage The amount of space required for the chair.

In this disclosure, specific embodiments are described and illustrated. It should be noted that those embodiments are merely examples and that many other variations are possible. This disclosure is intended to embrace all such variations.

An example embodiment of a transport chair 10 is shown in FIGS. 1-6 . In general, the transport chair 10 includes a seat assembly 12 supported by a base frame 14 . Seat assembly 12 includes a seat frame 16 that includes a plurality of frame components that may be configured as hollow metal (eg, steel or aluminum) tubes. For the purposes of this discussion, the frame components will be referred to as tubes. The seat frame 16 includes two opposing side tubes 18 and a top cross tube 20, a rear cross tube 22 and a bottom support member or tray 24, each of which extends between the two side tubes. As described below, at least one seat assembly tube section 26 is attached to the bottom tray 24 to facilitate articulation of the seat assembly 12 .

Extending between the side tubes 18 is a support member 28 which supports the user (patient) when transported in the chair 10 . In some embodiments, support member 28 includes a flexible material that both conforms to the patient's body and promotes air circulation for increased patient comfort. By way of example, support member 28 comprises medical grade vinyl fabric or mesh. Regardless of the specific nature of the support members 28, the side tubes 8 may be continuous so as to form a lower portion or seat 30 of the chair 10 and an upper portion or backrest 32 of the chair. In some embodiments, the backrest 32 forms a fixed angle with the seat 30 greater than 105 degrees. This angle is known as the "hip opening angle" and not only increases patient comfort by enabling correct positioning of the spine, but further facilitates entry and exit of the transport chair 10 . In some embodiments, the side tubes 18 form a seat profile based on the Grandjean curves specifically designed to provide maximum comfort for all body types. Although the seat 30 and backrest 32 are described and shown as being formed by a continuous side tube 18, and thus defining a fixed angle therebetween, separate tubes or other assemblies may be provided for the seat and backrest to enable Adjust the angle between the backrest and seat.

As further shown in the figures, the lower and upper portions of the side tubes 18 belonging to the seat 30 and the backrest 32 respectively are individually curved. Specifically, the lower portions of the side tubes 18 curve downward at the front of the seat 30 to accommodate the curvature of the patient's knees and upward at the rear of the seat to accommodate the curvature of the patient's hips and transition into the backrest 32 . The upper portions of the side tubes 18 curve slightly forward near the lower middle portion of the backrest 32, slightly backward near the upper middle portion of the backrest, and slightly forward again near the top of the backrest to accommodate the natural curvature of the spine and Provides support for the shoulders (and the head of shorter patients). Furthermore, the top ends of the side tubes 18 extend rearwardly from the support member 28 towards the chair operator.

With particular reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 , extending rearwardly from the top ends of the side tubes 18 and extending laterally between the side tubes is an operator handle 34 that may be used by a chair operator to move the transport chair 10 . In some embodiments, the handle 34 includes a side portion 35 extending rearwardly from the side tube 18 and a laterally extending portion 37 extending between the side portions and forming a handle grip. Because the handle 34 extends back from the side tube 18, which itself extends back from the support member 28, the position of the handle ensures that the chair operator has sufficient room for the operator's feet and legs when walking with the seat 10 pushed. . Furthermore, because the handle 34 incorporates a lateral extension 37 for gripping, it is easier to grip than a wheelchair handle.

Handlebar 34 is pivotally connected to side tube 18 and may be angularly adjusted to accommodate the height of the operator and/or to account for the recline angle of seat assembly 12 . In the illustrated embodiment, adjustability is achieved by a pivot joint 36, which is normally in the locked orientation, but can be adjusted by pressing and holding a release button 38 on the side of the pivot joint. Make adjustments. For example, the laterally extending portion 37 of the handle 34 may hinge from a 60 degree decline angle to a 60 degree slope angle, thereby providing about eight inches of vertical adjustment. As best shown in Figures 2 and 5, the laterally extending portion 37 of the operator's handle 34 can be economically bent to accommodate the natural position of the operator's hand outstretched.

Opposite armrests 40 are also mounted on the side tubes 18 . In the illustrated embodiment, the armrest 40 is mounted to the side tube 18 with a mounting bracket 42 which is fixedly secured to the rear side of the side tube. In some embodiments, the armrest 40 is pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket 42 such that the armrest can be hinged from a bottom that is generally parallel to the generally horizontal position of the seat 30 to a position that is generally parallel to the backrest 32 and thus out of the way of the patient. The top in an approximately vertical position. In some embodiments, the mounting brackets 42 each include an attachment element 44 (eg, a hook) configured to receive and secure a bottom hanger of the transport chair 10 as described below. This receiving and securing facilitates nesting of the transport chair 10, also as described below.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the transport chair 10 optionally includes a rear storage component 46 that can be used to store various items such as a patient's personal items, medical documents, and equipment ) or power for the chair's motorized lifting mechanism (if provided). The rear storage member 46 may be fabricated from sheet metal (eg, steel or aluminum) or plastic material and, as shown, may be secured to the top cross tube 20 and rear cross tube 22 of the seat assembly 12 . As further shown in the figures, the rear storage component 46 may define an upper storage compartment 48 in the form of a large pocket and a lower storage compartment 50 in the form of a flat tray. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 , storage member 46 may include an integral IV pole post 52 that may be manually extended from a horizontally stowed position (as shown) to a vertically extended position. (not shown), so that the IV bag or other components can be hung on the hook 54 of the pole. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower storage compartment 50 supports a power source 55 (eg, a battery) for the lift mechanism.

As mentioned above, the seat assembly bottom tray 24 extends between the two side tubes 18 . More specifically, the bottom tray 24 extends below the seat 30 between the lower portions of the side tubes 18 . The bottom tray 24 provides structural integrity to the seat assembly 12 as do the cross tubes 20 , 22 . Additionally, the bottom tray 24 facilitates pivoting of the seat assembly 12 about a front pivot axis 56 of the transport chair 10 located near the front edge of the seat 30 . Specifically, the bottom tray 24 supports at least one horizontal seat assembly tube section 26 fixedly mounted on and concentric with a horizontal pivot axis 58 concentric with the pivot axis 56 and thus having a A central longitudinal axis defines the pivot axis. In some embodiments, shaft 58 comprises a hollow metal (eg, steel) tube. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two seat assembly tube sections 26 . Because tube section 26 is fixedly connected to bottom tray 24 that supports seat assembly 12 , the seat assembly can rotate or pivot about pivot axis 56 along with pivot axis 58 . As described below with reference to FIGS. 10A-10D , the seat assembly 12 may be positioned in any number of orientations between a fully reclined position and a fully reclined (or forwardly reclined) position. In the illustrated embodiment, the pipe sections 26 are mounted to the bottom tray 24 by flanges 60 extending from the tray to the pipe sections (see FIGS. 8 and 11A ).

The bottom tray 24 also facilitates pivoting of the seat assembly 12 because the bottom tray acts as an attachment point for a lift mechanism 62 that assists the operator in pivoting the seat assembly about the pivot axis 56 . Embodiments of the lift mechanism 62 and its operation are described below.

Like the seat frame 16 , the base frame 14 includes a plurality of frame components that may be configured as hollow metal (eg, steel or aluminum) tubes. For the purposes of this discussion, the base frame assembly will also be referred to as a tube. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 , the base frame 14 includes two opposing, generally vertical front tubes 64 . Located at the top end of the front tube 64 is a horizontal base frame section 66 which, like the seat assembly section 26 , is mounted on the pivot shaft 58 . However, unlike the seat assembly tube section 26, the base frame tube section 66 is not fixed to the pivot shaft 58 so that the pivot shaft can rotate independently of the base frame tube section. With this configuration, the head tube 64 supports the pivot shaft 58 and thus the seat assembly 12 mounted to the shaft 58 .

Attached to the bottom end of the head tube 64 is a front wheel assembly 68 . As shown, the front wheel assemblies 68 are each configured as castor wheels that include wheels 70 that are rotatable about a horizontal axis and brackets 72 that are rotatable about a vertical axis. For example, the wheel 70 includes a resilient outer surface made of rubber or a polymer with similar properties.

Extending between the head tubes 64 is a generally horizontal front cross tube 74 . The front cross tube 74 provides structural support for the front tube 64 and further supports the lift mechanism 62 via a downwardly extending mounting flange 76 to which the lift mechanism 62 is pivotally mounted. Although capable of alternative configurations, lift mechanism 62 may include an internal motor (not visible) contained within outer housing 78 that linearly drives a motor that is pivotally connected to bottom tray 24 of seat assembly 12 shaft 80. When the motor is actuated to extend shaft 80 from housing 78 , bottom tray 24 moves upward and seat assembly 12 pivots forward about pivot axis 56 . In contrast, when the motor is actuated to retract shaft 80 into housing 78 , bottom tray 24 moves downward and seat assembly 12 pivots rearwardly about pivot axis 56 .

FIG. 6 shows an example controller 77 that may be used to actuate lift mechanism 62 . As shown, the controller 77 is mounted within the upper storage compartment 48 of the rear storage component 46 and includes an up and down button 79 . Although the controller 77 is shown as being integrated with the rear storage compartment 48, in other embodiments the controller may be connected to a long (e.g., 8-10 feet long) cable that This enables the operator to remotely actuate the lift mechanism 62 from a location other than the rear of the chair 10 . For example, the cable would enable the operator to actuate the lift mechanism 62 from the front of the chair 10, allowing the operator to actuate the lift mechanism and assist the patient at the same time. In still other embodiments, the controller 77 may be a wireless controller.

Extending rearwardly from the front tube 64 are two opposing, generally horizontal side tubes 82 . In embodiments where the transport chair 10 can be nested with similar chairs, as shown in FIG. 5, the side tubes 82 extend outwardly from the front tube 64 at an angle to provide room for another chair to fit between the side tubes. As best shown in FIG. 2 , side tubes 82 each terminate in a vertical rear flange 84 to which rear wheels 86 are mounted. In this embodiment, the rear wheels 86 are significantly larger than the front wheels 70, but like the front wheels, each may include a resilient outer surface made of rubber or a polymer with similar properties. Fixedly mounted inside each wheel 86 is a toothed hub 88 . Brake elements (not visible in the drawings) operated by tread plates 90 located adjacent wheels 86 may engage teeth of hub 88 to provide independent positive braking for each wheel 86 . Although independent braking has been described, in an alternative embodiment, the braking elements associated with each wheel 86 may be operated simultaneously by a single pedal 90 .

Extending below the seat assembly 12 is a bottom storage component in the form of a bottom hanger 100 . The front end of the pylon 100 is pivotally mounted to the side tube 82 near the point where the side tube connects to the front tube 64 (see FIG. 5 ), and the rear end of the pylon is supported by the rear flange 84 of the side tube 82 (resting on it above), with this configuration, the rear end of the bottom hanger 100 can be lifted up from the rear flange 84 and connected to the attachment element 44 for nesting purposes (see FIGS. 11A and 11B ). In the illustrated embodiment, the hanger 100 is constructed as a wire frame.

Extending downwardly from and between the side tubes 82 is a U-shaped central cross tube 102 . The central cross tube 102 provides structural support for the side tubes 82 and further supports a stop assembly 104 pivotally mounted thereto. As described below, the stop assembly 104 is used to prevent the footrests of another transport chair from damaging the lift mechanism 62 when an operator improperly attempts to nest the chairs without first folding up the footrests of the rear chair . In the retracted or undeployed position shown in Figures 3 and 5, due to the magnetic attraction between the magnets provided on the stop assembly 104 and the metal of the bottom hanger (or the associated magnet of the hanger, if provided), The stop assembly 104 is lifted from the floor or ground and suspended from the bottom hanger 100 . When the bottom bracket 100 is lifted up for nesting, the magnetic coupling is broken and the stop assembly 104 falls to the floor or ground under the force of gravity to assume an extended or deployed position that ensures nesting is possible The footrests of the chair are blocked.

In addition to the seat assembly 12 , the pivot shaft 58 of the base frame 14 also supports at least one footrest assembly 108 . The illustrated embodiment includes two footrest assemblies, one for each foot, although a single footrest assembly 108 may be provided to support both feet of the patient. Each footrest assembly 108 includes a horizontal footrest assembly tube section 110 mounted on and concentric with pivot axis 58 . However, unlike seat assembly tube section 26 , tube section 110 is free to rotate about pivot axis 58 . Extending from each footrest assembly tube section 110 is a leg 112 that is about the length of a human lower leg. Pivotably mounted to the bottom end of each leg 112 by a pivot joint 114 is a footrest 116 . In some embodiments, footrests 116 each include a generally planar metal plate 118 . Attached to the bottom surface of each plate 118 is a layer of resilient non-slip material 120 that acts as an additional stop for transporting the chair 10 when the patient sits in or out of the chair, as described below.

In some embodiments, the footrest assembly 108 pivots in unison with the seat assembly 12 until it contacts the floor or ground, at which point the patient can stand on the footrest and sit in or out of the chair 10 . In the illustrated embodiment, this functionality is provided by the key and groove arrangement defined by the seat assembly tube section 26 and the footrest assembly tube section 110 . An example key and slot arrangement is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , showing the base frame 14 (with the lift mechanism 62 removed), the bottom tray 24 of the seat assembly 12 , and the footrest assembly 108 . Specifically, the key and groove arrangement defined by the paired seat assembly tube section 26 and footrest tube section 108 is shown.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , keys 122 in the form of rectangular and arcuate indicia extend from the inner edge of each seat assembly segment 26 toward its adjacent footrest segment 10 . The key 122 is received within an arcuate slot 124 disposed along the outer edge of the footrest tube section 110 facing the adjacent seat assembly tube section 26 . Each slot 124 has a top end 126 and a bottom end 128, and a key 122 may travel along the slot and engage at least the top end of the slot. The key and slot pair is angularly positioned on the tube sections 26, 110 such that when the seat assembly 12 reclines beyond a predetermined point (e.g., a point beyond the level of the seat 30), the key 122 engages the top end 126 of the slot 124, and Continued reclining of the seat assembly will lift the footrest assembly 108 off the floor or ground such that the footrest assembly will pivot in unison with the seat assembly. When the seat assembly 12 is again pivoted forward to the extent that the footrest 116 is again supported by the floor or ground, the footrest assembly 108 will "disengage" from the seat assembly, and even if the seat assembly continues to Before pivoting, the footrest assembly will also remain stationary. During this continued pivoting, the key 122 of the seat assembly tube section 26 travels unimpeded along the slot 124 of the footrest assembly tube section 110 . Examples of such operations are shown in Figures 10A-10D below.

In some embodiments, the footrest assembly 108 can be independently locked in a predetermined orientation relative to the seat assembly 12 to elevate one or both of the patient's feet. Figure 9 shows an example of such a lock. The figure shows the base frame 14 of the transport chair 10 (with the lift mechanism 62 removed) with the footrest assembly 108 attached. As shown in FIG. 9 , the left footrest assembly 08 has been locked in a raised orientation relative to the right footrest assembly 108 using a locking pin 130 which has passed through a tube section formed in the left footrest assembly. 110 and the opening in the pivot shaft 58. When the pin 130 is so positioned, the footrest assembly 108 is fixedly connected to the pivot shaft 58 and will therefore move in unison with the seat assembly 12 (not shown) which is likewise fixed to the shaft.

Having described the construction of the example transport chair 10 above, the operation of the seat will now be discussed. As noted above, the seat assembly 12 is infinitely adjustable between a fully reclined orientation in which the patient can sit in the chair 10 and a fully forward or forward reclined orientation in which the patient can sit in or out of the chair. 10A-10D illustrate the seat assembly 12 articulating from a fully reclined orientation (FIG. 10A) to a fully forward reclined or forward reclined orientation (FIG. 10D). As shown in FIG. 1OA, when the seat assembly 12 is in the fully reclined orientation, both the seat 30 and the backrest 32 are reclined. In some embodiments, when the seat assembly 12 has been fully reclined, the seat 30 forms an angle of approximately 10 to 30 degrees from the horizontal and the backrest 32 forms an angle of approximately 20 to 40 degrees from the vertical. For example, in a fully reclined orientation, the seat 30 reclines at an angle of approximately 20 degrees (from the horizontal) and the backrest 32 reclines at an angle of approximately 30 degrees (from the vertical). As also shown in FIG. 1OA, the footrest assembly 108 is lifted upwardly off the floor or ground due to the key and slot arrangement described above.

When lift mechanism 62 is activated to extend shaft 80 , seat assembly 12 will pivot forward about pivot axis 56 and the seat assembly recline angle will decrease. FIG. 10B shows the transport chair after the lift mechanism 62 has been operated to place the seat 30 in a horizontal orientation. As also shown, as the seat assembly 12 pivots forward to the point where the footrest 116 initially contacts the floor or ground, the footrest assembly 108 pivots downward. Although footrests 116 have been described and shown as contacting the floor or ground first when seat 30 is in the horizontal position, it should be noted that this relationship is exemplary only and that when the seat is in the other orientation, the feet The pedals can touch the floor or the ground first.

If lift mechanism 62 continues to operate, seat assembly 12 continues to pivot forward, as shown in FIG. 10C , and both seat 30 and backrest 32 will begin to tilt forward. However, it is worth noting that since the footrest assembly 108 is now supported by the floor or ground, the footrest assembly no longer continues to pivot with the seat assembly 12, and FIG. The seat assembly 12 is forward tilted or tilted forward facing. As shown, the footrest assembly 108 is not moving. In some embodiments, when the seat assembly 12 is fully reclined forward, the seat 30 forms an angle of approximately -10 to -30 degrees from the horizontal, and the backrest 32 forms an angle of approximately 0 to -20 degrees from the vertical. . For example, in a fully reclined orientation, the seat 30 is tilted forward at an angle of about -20 degrees (from the horizontal) and the backrest 32 is tilted forward at an angle of about -10 degrees (from the vertical).

It is easier for the patient to get out of the transport chair 10 when the seat assembly 12 has been tilted forward as shown in Figure 10D. Specifically, the pivoting of the seat assembly 12 places the patient in a more upright position that is closer to standing than the seating position of a conventional wheelchair. Therefore, less energy and leg strength are required to stand. When the patient begins to stand, the patient's weight is pressed on the footrest 116, and this force brings the footrest 116 into close contact with the floor or ground. This force in combination with the non-slip material 120 disposed on the underside of the footrest 116 stabilizes the chair 10 and thus the patient when the patient leaves the chair. The forward tilt of the seat assembly 2 also reduces the energy or force required by a person (eg, a hospital attendant) called to assist the patient out of the chair 10 .

The forward tilt of the seat assembly 12 also makes it easier for the patient to sit on the chair 10 . Specifically, because the seat 30 is tilted forward and upward in the orientation shown in FIG. 10D, the patient does not need to descend to sit as the patient would need using a conventional wheelchair. It also results in less work for the individual assisting the patient into the chair 10 .

The pivoting of the seat assembly 12 not only facilitates the patient getting into and out of the transport chair 10, but also facilitates storage of the chair through the nest. FIG. 11A shows the transport chair 10 from the rear when the chair is at or near a fully reclined (tilted forward) orientation. As shown, the bottom pylon 100 is still supported by the rear flange 84 of the side tube 82 of the base frame 14 . When the stand 100 is in the described position, it occupies the space between the rear wheels 86 that can be used for nesting. If nesting is desired, the pylon 100 can be manually pivoted upward and attached to the seat assembly 12 as shown in FIG. 11B . Specifically, the pylon 100 may be suspended from an attachment element 44 provided on a mounting bracket 42 that is connected to the side tube 18 of the seat assembly 12 . In some embodiments, this attachment is performed when the seat assembly 12 has been reclined forward almost to the fully forward reclined position. Once the pylon 100 has been attached, the seat assembly 12 can pivot fully forward. Regardless, once the pylon 100 has been attached to the seat assembly 12, the space between the rear wheels 86 is open and clear.

When the bottom hanger 100 is pivoted upward, the magnetic coupling connecting the footrest stop assembly 104 to the hanger is broken, and the stop assembly lowers to the floor or ground into its deployed state, as shown in FIG. 2 . As noted above, once deployed, the stop assembly 104 is positioned to block the passage of the footrest 116 of another chair that one might attempt to nest behind the chair 10 , and thus prevent the footrest from damaging the lift mechanism 62 . Because of the stop assembly 104, the footrest 116 of another chair that will be nested behind the chair 10 must be folded up before nesting.

This upward fold is shown in FIG. 12 . Specifically, footrest 116 has pivoted approximately 90 degrees such that it moves from a generally horizontal orientation to a generally vertical orientation. In some embodiments, friction holds the footrest 116 in a vertical orientation, preventing it from being inadvertently dropped into a horizontal orientation.

Figure 13 shows the nesting of two transport chairs: a front chair 10a and a rear chair 10b. As shown in this figure, the rear chair 10b has been moved into the space between the rear wheels 86 of the front chair 10a so that the two chairs occupy less space than if they would be stored separately. As further shown in FIG. 13, the seat assembly 12 of the rear chair 10b does not occupy the space below the seat assembly 12 of the front chair 10a.

To place the chairs 10a, 10b in the orientation shown in Figure 13, the chair operator may first place the front chair 10a in the desired storage position and set the chair's brakes. Next, the operator can pivot the front chair 10a forward and attach the bottom hanger 100 of the front chair to its associated chair at a position between fully reclined and fully reclined (forward). The seat assembly 12. Once the bottom hanger 100 is attached to the seat assembly 12, the operator can complete the forward tilting of the front chair 10a. Next, the operator can fold up the footrests 116 of the rear chair 10b, and then push the rear chair forward between the rear wheels 86 of the front chair 10a until the footrests of the rear chair contact the front until the stop member 104 of the expansion of the chair. At this point, the operator can set the brakes on the rear chair 10b and, if desired, attach the bottom hanger 100 to the seat assembly 12 and tilt the seat assembly fully forward so that another chair can be nestled. Slips on behind the rear chair.

The operator can perform the reverse operation to un-nest the rear chair 10b from the front chair 10a. For example, the operator can pivot the seat assembly 12 of the rear chair Ob rearwardly and remove the bottom pylon 100 so that it can be placed in a horizontal orientation (supported by the rear flange 84 of the side tube 82). Once the seat 12 assembly has reclined, the operator can release the brakes on the rear chair 10b and remove the rear chair from the front chair 10a. The operator must deploy the footrest 16 before the patient can use the rear chair 10b. If deemed necessary, the seat assembly 12 can be tilted forward again after the footrest 116 has been deployed to facilitate easier seating of the patient into the chair 10 . Because the forward tilt of the chair causes the footrest 116 to engage the floor or ground, the operator must tilt the chair 10 back before he can use the chair 10 to transport a patient. It is worth noting that this reclining will still be necessary even if the footrest 116 does not engage the floor or ground due to the forward tilt angle of the seat 30 and backrest 32, so that if the seat assembly 12 is reclined Prior to attempted transport, the patient could slide forward and fall out of the chair 10 .

Another example transport chair 200 is shown in FIG. 14 . Chair 200 is similar to transport chair 10 in many respects. However, lift mechanism 202 of chair 200 is configured as a gas piston lift mechanism. In the embodiment of FIG. 14 , the lift mechanism 202 includes two gas pistons 204 each having a housing containing pressurized gas for driving a shaft 208 from the housing. The lift mechanism 202 operates in a similar manner to the lift mechanism of an office chair. Specifically, piston 204 maintains a given seat orientation until activated, in this case via foot pedal 210 . At this point, gas may flow within piston 204 to apply tension to shaft 208 . In some embodiments, the force provided by the piston 204 alone is insufficient to pivot the seat assembly 12 forward when the patient is seated in the seat 10 . And when the operator manually pivots the seat assembly 12 forward using the handle 34, the piston 204 provides the operator with lifting assistance. That is, the force provided by the piston 204 greatly reduces the effort required by the operator to pivot the seat assembly 12 forward. When the footboard 210 is released, the piston 204 will remain in whatever orientation the seat assembly 12 is in.

In addition to having the ability to lean forward (in this regard, forward is referred to as "lean forward" or simply "lean"), the alternative general embodiment of the wheelchair 300 shown in FIGS. 15-18 is also capable of Reclining. In some embodiments of the recliner 300, the seat assembly 12 reclines and reclines forward about the same pivot axis 56, which may be the pivot axis 58 described above. A number of additional features may be present to provide the patient with a comfortable and ergonomic reclined position.

For example, there may be one or more functions that lift the patient's legs when the patient is leaning back. One such feature is a leg rest assembly 302 that is separate from the footrest assembly 108 . Although the footrest can be designed to rise when the patient leans back, such an approach has a number of problems. Too much angle of the footrest will prevent the patient's foot from resting smoothly, and the patient's foot will tend to slip off (missing some complex mechanism for redirecting the footrest). The footrest will protrude in front of the patient and may strike objects in front of the chair when moving forward or turning. In the reclined position, the foot is not well positioned to support the rest of the patient's leg. Independently hinged leg rests do not have these problems.

Accordingly, embodiments of the wheelchair 300 may include a leg rest assembly 302 configured to pivot independently of the footrest assembly 108 for elevation and configured to 12 pivots back and pivots in unison with seat assembly 12 to rise. When wheelchair 300 is in its upright position, leg rest assembly 302 retracts to a non-raised position (see FIGS. 15A and 16A ). Leg rest assembly 302 may be raised by any of a variety of types of actuators known in the art. Leg rest assembly 302 may be configured to stop raising once the patient's leg is raised to an approximately horizontal position. Some embodiments of leg rest assembly 302 may have the ability to raise independently of seat assembly 12 to allow a patient sitting upright to rest one or both legs. Although the embodiment of the leg rest assembly 302 shown in FIGS. 15-18 is shown with two leg rest pads 304 (left and right), it is contemplated that the leg rest assembly 302 may have a single pad 304 for resting both legs. In the embodiment shown with a leg rest 302 having two pads 304, the leg rest assembly 302 may be configured to allow each leg to be raised independently of the other. This may be useful in various situations, such as when a patient has one leg in a cast or brace that does not allow the patient to bend the knee.

As leg rest assembly 302 rises in unison with seat assembly 12 as it reclines, the degree to which leg rest assembly 302 rises may be a function of the degree of recline of seat assembly 12 . An advantage of this configuration is that it allows the patient's back to tilt back without placing the legs in a potentially uncomfortable seating position. Leg rest assembly 302 may also have the ability to rise independently of reclining of seat assembly 12, for example to support a patient's injured leg while sitting upright.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the leg rest assembly 302 pivots about an axis 306 at the front edge of the seat, directly forward of the pivot axis 58 of the seat assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, axis 306 is adjacent axis 56 about which the footrest assembly 108 and seat assembly 12 pivot. In further embodiments, leg rest assembly 302, footrest assembly 108, and seat assembly 12 pivot about a common axis (not shown). As shown, the legrest pivot axis 306 intersects the engaged left and right legrest support assemblies 308 . In other possible embodiments, leg rest assembly 302 may share pivot axis 58 with seat assembly 12 .

Another possible feature of recliner 300 is a pair of articulated armrests 310 . As the patient leans back, the patient's shoulders translate downward, which redirects the arms. This may allow the arm to be pulled to a position where the elbow does not make contact with the stationary armrest. Not only is this uncomfortable, but if the patient is receiving IV fluids, this position may place unnecessary tension on the IV line or cause the hypodermic needle to damage surrounding tissue. In the illustrated embodiment of the wheelchair 300 , the armrest 310 pivots about a pivot axis 312 located near the back of the armrest 310 and translates toward the rear wheels 86 as the seat assembly 12 reclines. Therefore, the patient's arm is always supported by the armrest 310 . Superior ergonomic positioning can be achieved by pivoting the armrest 310 so that it is always parallel to the footrest assembly 108 as the armrest 310 pivots and translates. In another embodiment of the wheelchair 300, the armrest 310 translates toward the rear wheel 86 until the armrest 310 makes contact with the rear wheel 86 (shown in FIGS. 15B and 16B ). This contact may have the effect of limiting or preventing wheel 86 from rolling. It can be used to lock the wheelchair 300 from moving when the patient is in the reclined position.

Another possible feature of the recliner 300 shown in FIGS. 15-18 is the headrest 314 . Regular wheelchairs do not provide head support. The absence of a headrest precludes the use of conventional wheelchairs for patients with neck injuries or weak neck muscles, requiring the use of a gurney or similar means of transport. In addition, sitting in a wheelchair for long periods of time can be tiring even for patients who are able to keep their head in an upright position, whereas a patient cannot lie in a conventional wheelchair without the patient's head turned to one side. Usually wakes up the patient (thus making it impossible to sleep). The headrest 314 can be configured to be adjustable to meet the needs of patients of different sizes. As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the position can be adjusted using a headrest support arm 316 that rotates about an axis 318 behind the patient's head and translates toward or away from the axis 318 . The headrest 314 may also have a generally arcuate profile 320 as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B ; this holds the head in the same orientation as the upright position, ie, in a reclined position.

In the foregoing publications, different embodiments were discussed. It should be noted that those embodiments are merely examples and that many other variations are possible. In one such variation, an electric motor could be added to the chair to drive the rear wheels. In such embodiments, the patient can drive himself. In another example, the lift mechanism may include a compressor that pneumatically raises and lowers the seat assembly. In another example, the chair can be a stationary chair that does not include wheels. In this case, the chair can be used in other situations where assistance with sitting or standing is required. For example, a chair can be used in a doctor's or dentist's office. Many other modifications are possible, and all such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims (38)

CLAIMS 1. A wheelchair configured to tilt backward and forward, said wheelchair comprising: (a) a base frame having a first pivot axis; (b) at least two wheels rotatably mounted to said base frame; (c) a seat assembly and a footrest assembly configured to pivot about said first pivot axis from a first seating position to a reclined seating position; (d) a leg rest assembly pivotally coupled to the base frame and configured to pivot about a second pivot axis to rotate the seat assembly about the first the pivot axis rises in unison with the seat assembly when reclined but not constrained by the footrest assembly; and a pair of armrests configured to allow translation of the armrests relative to the base frame, wherein the armrests are configured to combine with the seat when the seat assembly pivots and reclines The members translate in unison to contact the wheels of the wheelchair, this contact limiting the rotation of the wheels. 2. The wheelchair of claim 1, wherein the second pivot axis is adjacent to or coincident with the first pivot axis. 3. The wheelchair of claim 1 comprising: a pivot axis defining the first pivot axis, wherein the seat assembly is fixedly mounted to the pivot axis such that the seat assembly pivots about the pivot axis to tilt forward and causing the seat assembly to pivot rearward about the pivot axis; wherein a frame assembly extends from said pivot shaft to said at least two wheels such that said pivot shaft is free to pivot independently of said frame assembly; and wherein the footrest assembly is pivotally mounted to the pivot shaft such that the footrest assembly is free to pivot independently of the pivot shaft, the footrest assembly being combined with the seat so as to pivot in unison with the seat assembly as the seat assembly is lowered forward until the footrest assembly pivots forward to the point where the footrest assembly contacts the floor or the ground, at which point, without human intervention, the footrest assembly does not pivot to descend further forward as the seat assembly pivots further forward. 4. The wheelchair of claim 1 comprising: front wheels, and wherein said two wheels rotatably mounted to said base frame are rear wheels mounted to a rear portion of said base frame; a pivot axis on the base frame positioned near the front edge of the seat, the pivot axis defining the first pivot axis about which the seat assembly can pivot a pivot axis pivots to tilt forward or backward, the seat assembly being fixedly mounted to the pivot axis; in the seat assembly defines a seat and a backrest; the base frame supports the seat assembly; and The footrest assembly is mounted to the pivot shaft, the footrest assembly is free to pivot independently of the pivot shaft to tilt forward and is physically coupled to the seat assembly so as to be connected to the The seat assembly pivots in unison to tilt forward until the seat assembly tilts forward to the extent that the footrest assembly contacts the floor or ground, at which point, without human intervention, the The footrest assembly does not pivot to tilt further forward as the seat assembly tilts further forward. 5. The wheelchair of claim 1, comprising: (a) a pivot shaft defining the first pivot axis and pivotally mounted to the base frame so as to be pivotable relative to the base frame, wherein the seat assembly fixedly mounted to the pivot axis such that the seat assembly pivots about the pivot axis to tilt forward and backward; (b) a frame assembly extending from the pivot shaft to at least one wheel such that the pivot shaft is free to pivot independently of the frame assembly; (c) a member disposed on said seat assembly and said footrest assembly to enable said footrest assembly to Pivots in unison with the seat assembly to tilt forward, but if the footrest assembly is in contact with the floor or ground, then enables the footrest assembly to remain stationary while tilting; and wherein the footrest assembly is pivotally mounted to the pivot shaft such that the footrest assembly is independent of the pivot shaft and connected to the seat assembly during use of the chair by the seat user Free to pivot in unison to recline forward, but the footrest assembly does not pivot in unison with the seat assembly to recline when the seat assembly reclines. 6. The wheelchair of claim 1, wherein the seat assembly includes a seat having a front edge and a rear edge, the seat assembly being configured to recline forward and recline; The footrest assembly includes a support assembly having an upper end and a lower end and a treadle extending from the support assembly near the lower end of the support assembly; the seat assembly and the footrest assembly are pivotally coupled to each other proximate the front edge and the upper end; and The seat assembly and the footrest are configured to pivot in unison while pivoting about the first pivot axis to tilt forward from a first seating position to a second seating position in the a first seated position with the pedals raised above the floor and a second seated position with the pedals in contact with the floor where the seat assembly is configured in combination with the footrest parts uncouple and continue to tilt forward. 7. The wheelchair of claim 1, comprising a pivot shaft defining the first pivot axis. 8. The wheelchair of claim 1, wherein the second pivot axis is forward of the first pivot axis. 9. The wheelchair of claim 1, wherein the second pivot axis is at a forward end of the seat assembly. 10. The wheelchair of claim 1, wherein the leg rest assembly includes right and left leg pads. 11. The wheelchair of claim 1, wherein the leg rest assembly includes a right leg pad supported by a right leg pad arm, and a left leg pad supported by a left leg pad arm, and wherein the left leg pad arm and the right leg pad arm each extend to and pivot about the second pivot axis. 12. The wheelchair of claim 1, wherein the leg rest assembly is configured to raise independently of the seat assembly when the seat assembly is in the first seating position. 13. The wheelchair of claim 1, wherein the leg rest assembly is configured to be independent of the seat except to rise in unison with the seat assembly when the seat assembly reclines. The chair assembly is raised and lowered. 14. The wheelchair of claim 1 , comprising a pair of armrests configured to allow the armrests to translate relative to the base frame and pivot relative to the base frame about a third Axis pivot. 15. The wheelchair of claim 1 , comprising a pair of armrests configured to allow the armrests to translate relative to the base frame and pivot relative to the base frame about a third An axis pivots, wherein the armrest is configured to translate in unison with the seat assembly toward the rear and bottom of the wheelchair as the seat assembly pivots and reclines. 16. The wheelchair of claim 1 , comprising a pair of armrests configured to allow the armrests to translate relative to the base frame and pivot relative to the base frame about a third pivot axis, wherein the armrest is configured to pivot to maintain an inclination parallel to the inclination of the footrest when the seat assembly pivots to the rear. 17. The wheelchair of claim 1 including a headrest mounted to the seat assembly and adjustable in at least two degrees of freedom. 18. The wheelchair of claim 1 , comprising a headrest mounted to the seat assembly by a headrest post that pivots with the headrest substantially parallel to the coronal plane. An axis is pivotally connected to the seat assembly. 19. The wheelchair of claim 1 including a headrest mounted to the seat assembly by a headrest post connected to the seat assembly by a sliding connection , the sliding connection allows adjustment of the distance from the seat assembly to the headrest. 20. A wheelchair configured to recline and to recline forward, the wheelchair comprising: (a) a base frame having a first pivot axis; (b) at least two wheels rotatably mounted to the base frame; (c) a seat assembly and a footrest assembly configured to pivot about said first pivot axis from a first seating position to a reclined seating position; (d) a leg rest assembly pivotally coupled to the base frame and configured to pivot about a second pivot axis to rotate the seat assembly about the first the pivot axis rises in unison with the seat assembly when reclined but not constrained by the footrest assembly; and a pair of armrests configured to allow translation of the armrests relative to the base frame, wherein the armrests are configured to combine with the seat when the seat assembly pivots and reclines The members translate in unison to contact the wheels of the wheelchair, this contact limiting the rotation of the wheels. 21. The wheelchair of claim 20, wherein the second pivot axis is adjacent to or coincident with the first pivot axis. 22. A wheelchair as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 21 comprising: a pivot axis defining the first pivot axis, wherein the seat assembly is fixedly mounted to the pivot axis such that the seat assembly pivots about the pivot axis to tilt forward and causing the seat assembly to pivot rearward about the pivot axis; wherein a frame assembly extends from said pivot shaft to said at least two wheels such that said pivot shaft is free to pivot independently of said frame assembly; and wherein the footrest assembly is pivotally mounted to the pivot shaft such that the footrest assembly is free to pivot independently of the pivot shaft, the footrest assembly being combined with the seat so as to pivot in unison with the seat assembly as the seat assembly is lowered forward until the footrest assembly pivots forward to the point where the footrest assembly contacts the floor or the ground, at which point, without human intervention, the footrest assembly does not pivot to descend further forward as the seat assembly pivots further forward. 23. The wheelchair of claim 21 comprising: front wheels, and wherein said two wheels rotatably mounted to said base frame are rear wheels mounted to a rear portion of said base frame; a pivot axis on the base frame positioned near the front edge of the seat, the pivot axis defining the first pivot axis about which the seat assembly can pivot a pivot axis pivots to tilt forward or backward, the seat assembly being fixedly mounted to the pivot axis; in the seat assembly defines a seat and a backrest; the base frame supports the seat assembly; and The footrest assembly is mounted to the pivot shaft, the footrest assembly is free to pivot independently of the pivot shaft to tilt forward and is physically coupled to the seat assembly so as to be connected to the The seat assembly pivots in unison to tilt forward until the seat assembly tilts forward to the extent that the footrest assembly contacts the floor or ground, at which point, without human intervention, the The footrest assembly does not pivot to tilt further forward as the seat assembly tilts further forward. 24. The wheelchair of claim 21 comprising: (a) a pivot shaft defining the first pivot axis and pivotally mounted to the base frame so as to be pivotable relative to the base frame, wherein the seat assembly fixedly mounted to the pivot axis such that the seat assembly pivots about the pivot axis to tilt forward and backward; (b) a frame assembly extending from the pivot shaft to at least one wheel such that the pivot shaft is free to pivot independently of the frame assembly; (c) a member disposed on said seat assembly and said footrest assembly to enable said footrest assembly to Pivots in unison with the seat assembly to tilt forward, but if the footrest assembly is in contact with the floor or ground, then enables the footrest assembly to remain stationary while tilting; and wherein the footrest assembly is pivotally mounted to the pivot shaft such that the footrest assembly is independent of the pivot shaft and connected to the seat assembly during use of the chair by the seat user Free to pivot in unison to recline forward, but the footrest assembly does not pivot in unison with the seat assembly to recline when the seat assembly reclines. 25. The wheelchair of claim 21, wherein the seat assembly includes a seat having a front edge and a rear edge, the seat assembly being configured to recline forward and recline; The footrest assembly includes a support assembly having an upper end and a lower end and a treadle extending from the support assembly near the lower end of the support assembly; the seat assembly and the footrest assembly are pivotally coupled to each other proximate the front edge and the upper end; and The seat assembly and the footrest are configured to pivot in unison while pivoting about the first pivot axis to tilt forward from a first seating position to a second seating position in which In the first seated position, the pedals are raised above the floor, in the second seated position, the pedals contact the floor, when the seat assembly is configured to engage the footrests The assembly uncouples and continues to tilt forward. 26. The wheelchair of claim 21, comprising a pivot shaft defining the first pivot axis. 27. The wheelchair of claim 21, wherein the second pivot axis is forward of the first pivot axis. 28. The wheelchair of claim 21, wherein the second pivot axis is at a forward end of the seat assembly. 29. The wheelchair of claim 21, wherein the leg rest assembly includes right and left leg pads. 30. The wheelchair of claim 21 , wherein the leg rest assembly includes a right leg pad supported by a right leg pad arm and a left leg pad supported by a left leg pad arm, and wherein the left leg pad arm and The right leg pad arms each extend to and pivot about the second pivot axis. 31. The wheelchair of claim 21, wherein the leg rest assembly is configured to raise independently of the seat assembly when the seat assembly is in the first seating position. 32. The wheelchair of claim 21 , wherein the leg rest assembly is configured to be independent of the seat except to rise in unison with the seat assembly when the seat assembly is reclined. The chair assembly is raised and lowered. 33. The wheelchair of claim 21 , comprising a pair of armrests configured to allow the armrests to translate relative to the base frame and pivot relative to the base frame about a third Axis pivot. 34. The wheelchair of claim 21 , comprising a pair of armrests configured to allow the armrests to translate relative to the base frame and pivot relative to the base frame about a third An axis pivots, wherein the armrest is configured to translate in unison with the seat assembly toward the rear and bottom of the wheelchair as the seat assembly pivots and reclines. 35. The wheelchair of claim 21 , comprising a pair of armrests configured to allow the armrests to translate relative to the base frame and pivot relative to the base frame about a third pivot axis, wherein the armrest is configured to pivot to maintain an inclination parallel to the inclination of the footrest when the seat assembly pivots to the rear. 36. The wheelchair of claim 21 , comprising a headrest mounted to the seat assembly and adjustable in at least two degrees of freedom. 37. The wheelchair of claim 21 , comprising a headrest mounted to the seat assembly by a headrest post that pivots with the headrest substantially parallel to the coronal plane. An axis is pivotally connected to the seat assembly. 38. The wheelchair of claim 21 , comprising a headrest mounted to the seat assembly by a headrest post connected to the seat assembly by a sliding connection , the sliding connection allows adjustment of the distance from the seat assembly to the headrest.

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