FR2872699A1 - Wheelchair for physically handicapped person, has cross wheels mounted on both sides of front wheels, and jockey wheel placed in alignment with anti-tilting wheels that are fixed symmetrically in two drive wheels by two arms - Google Patents

Abstract

The wheelchair has two cross wheels (CM) mounted on both sides of two front wheels. Anti-tilting wheels (r3) are fixed symmetrically in two drive wheels (b) by two arms that connect the wheels (b) to a frame. A jockey wheel (U) is placed in alignment with the wheels (r3), inside the wheels (b). Two mudguards (G) protect the wheelchair against dust from the wheels (b).

Description

1- DESCRIPTION

  The present invention applies to the use of wheelchairs for disabled persons to increase their comfort and safety.

  1.1 This invention is integrated in five devices.

  S - The first concerns the transfer of a disabled person alone, and or, with his companion, inside a house (house, retirement home, rest home, hospital center, etc.). Transfers: from the chair to a bed or the reverse, from the chair to a toilet seat or vice versa, from the chair to a bathroom chair or vice versa, from the chair to a workstation or vice versa etc. ... either outside for the transfer of the disabled person alone, and or with his companion. Transfers: in a vehicle seat or other and vice versa.

  In S - The second concerns wheelchair public access by the disabled person alone, and or, with his companion, for the crossing of obstacles such as small sidewalks, shop edges etc ... in order to avoid any risk of reverse rollback.

  2o - The third concerns the possibility for the disabled person to remain in his wheelchair when changing one of the two driving wheels.

  - The fourth concerns the possibility for the handicapped person to reduce the width of his wheelchair in order to facilitate access to the cramped rooms of an apartment or a house.

  - The fifth concerns a set of additional comforts provided to the disabled person.

  1.2 Traditionally with a basic or electric wheelchair, a paraplegic handicapped person can not get out alone, and with the help of his companion, only by the front of the armchair taking care, however, to remove the gallows foot rest. Extraction of the armchair laterally is a delicate operation since, after raising 3 s the armrest of the chosen side, the disabled person must move over the drive wheel whose height is greater than the seat plane of the chair. This procedure is subject to the risk of falls.

  In addition, a basic or electric wheelchair is limited in crossing at an obstacle height and does not prevent a possible rear rollover.

  It is also forbidden on a basic wheelchair or electric wheel to change a driving wheel (for example, a flat tire), leaving the handicapped person sitting in his chair.

  The five devices adapted to a basic or electric wheelchair, according to the invention, not only make it possible to remedy these drawbacks, but also to provide the disabled person and his or her companion with greater flexibility of use, greater security and comfort.

1.3 First device.

  The transfer of the disabled person to the wheelchair.

  This device includes two features: The removable backrest and two transfer rollers.

  1.3 a) Removable backrest: This feature allows the disabled person to move alone, flexibly, or Q, tj be transferred longitudinally from the seat back, without risk of falling. This removable backrest is of relatively rigid design (ex: canvas equipped with metal strips, plastics, or semi-rigid material to keep the comfort of the support of the back) to facilitate its implementation on the sheaths of the push bars by blockages ki of turn on illets. This operation is done by the disabled person himself or his companion without the help of tools.

  In addition, after removing the removable backrest, we can remove the gallows or push bars which increases the passage width of the basin of the disabled person. This maneuver makes it possible to fit these brackets or push bars in the sleeves of the footrests, thus allowing the carer to put the wheelchair in reverse to position it precisely near a toilet, bed, chair , etc. ... The opposite action (transfer of a place in the chair) remains just as flexible.

  1.3 (b) Transfer rollers: Two removable idle rollers placed, one at the front of the seat cloth, the other at the rear of the seat, facilitate the sliding of the body of the handicapped person. By their free rotation, these rollers reduce the friction of the transfer movement. The efforts made by the handicapped person and his or her companion are reduced, in particular, for persons with a large body of disability.

  Access to public roads by wheelchair.

  This device has two characteristics: two pairings of wheels mounted in star or naming in the invention Maltese cross and two anti-tippers installed on the wheelchair.

  The current wheelchairs are equipped at the front with two crazy wheels 1.0 mounted on a pivoting fork with flush angle. The diameter of the wheels may vary from one manufacturer to another. To overcome an obstacle, the disabled person and his or her companion must adjust the wheelchair to allow the front wheels to rise to at least the height of the obstacle. The higher the obstacle is, the greater the risk of overturning, especially when the wheelchair is raised by a stroke of kidney which is difficult to control in power.

  1.4 a) Maltese cross: Each crazy front wheel is equipped with a double Maltese cross.

  Î O This set of three small wheels installed on a star frame, promotes the rise of obstacles. They cancel by their winding effect on the obstacle the wheeling force of the chair.

  1.4 b) Anti-tip wheels: These are two small-diameter wheels placed at the rear of the two large drive wheels. They ensure by their position, when crossing an obstacle, a maximum inclination not to exceed. They avoid a reverse rollover. That is about 30 which determines an obstacle height of about 14cm.

1.5 Third device.

  Change of one of the two driving wheels.

  Two wheels known in the invention as jockey wheels are attached to the chassis inside the driving wheels and parallel thereto. They are mounted, each of them, on a set of levers said knee. Maneuvering one or the other of these knee pads causes the necessary support on the floor of the jockey wheel requested. Removing one or the other driving wheel becomes possible while leaving the disabled person sitting 1 (0 in the chair.

1.6 Fourth device.

  Reduced width of the chair for limited access.

  It is a second application for the use of jockey wheels.

  Possibility for the disabled person to withdraw itself, and or his companion, the two drive wheels and thus obtain according to the invention a transfer chair or wheelchair for apartment. This operation is done without tools and technicians. The driving is done from the two jockey wheels. The motricity is always exercised by the two handrails. The motorization system is made by disks or AQ wheels juxtaposed on each of the handrails. These disks or wheels are tangentially connected to each of the jockey wheels when the set of kneepads, attached to the third device, remains locked in the open position. The only practical modification that this device imposes is that the movement of M. forward printed on the handrails becomes the reverse movement and vice versa.

1.7 Fifth device.

  Set of extra comforts.

  This device includes two features: To date, basic wheelchairs do not have or not always comfortable support points at the armrests and mudguards that sufficiently protect against projections or other dirt.

  1.7 a) Two foam-padded sheaths, for example, fixed ZS by scrash on the armrests, thus removable, bring a better comfort.

  1.7 b) Two removable mudguards, fixed on the frame uprights by clips, perfectly cover the driving wheels. They protect the hands and sleeves of the disabled person from all splashes and other soiling. 1.8 The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention: FIG. 1 represents the different parts of a basic wheelchair concerned by the invention.

  FIG. 2 represents the implantations of the first device iS of the invention on the basic wheelchair.

  - Figure 3 shows the implantations of the second device of the invention on the basic wheelchair.

  FIG. 4 represents the operating principle of the characteristic of the Maltese cross (second device of the invention).

  - Figure 5 shows the implementation of the third device of the invention on the basic wheelchair.

  FIG. 6 represents the operating principle of the third device of the invention.

  FIG. 7 represents the implantation and the operating principle of the fourth device of the invention.

  FIG. 8 represents a wheelchair equipped with all the improvements according to the invention.

  1.9 According to embodiments, the various devices of the invention can be made as follows: 1.9 a) the removable file (fig.1,2et8).

  O Quarter-turn butterflies (01 and 02) can be attached to the top and bottom of each or a single scabbard of the back cloth (t) wrapping one or both tubes of the jibs or push rods (a ). In the case where these butterflies are only two in number, the fabric (a) will be implanted on one of the two brackets or push rods by two hooks positioned on the stem in question, in reference to the butterflies 1-turn fixed on the other push bar.

  The canvas (a) backrest is made of fabric, leather, synthetic material etc ... armed or not, by inserts giving a certain rigidity. This fabric (a) has a series of two eyelets per side, located at the same distance as the positions of the butterflies (01 and 02), and or hooks mounted on the brackets or bars (a).

  The brackets or push bars (a) are removable. They engage in the uprights of the chassis (C) of the chair and are positioned rigidly by ball pawls (like tent pegs).

  These same stems or push rods (a) can fit on the frame of the frame (C) of the chair at the front, in place of the footrest attachments (g). They are positioned in the same way that is to say by ball pawls.

  1.9 (b) Transfer rollers (fig. 1, 2 and 8).

  Two idle rolls (rl and r2), removable or non-removable. In this case they are positioned automatically, on both sides of the seat (f) and at the same level as the latter, so that the upper tangents of the rollers (r1 and r2) are in alignment of the seat (f). To keep the chair looking like a homogeneous collapsible assembly, these rollers (r1 and r2) can be entered into the frame design (C) by being attached to one side of the frame by a hinge on their axis and the on the other side of the frame (C) by maintaining their axis in a stirrup which is at 70S 3S office support. In addition the appearance of their fasteners in their stirrup on the one hand and the chassis on the other hand, helps to give rigidity on the spacing of the chassis of a foldable or non-folding wheelchair.

  S 1.9 c) Maltese cross (fig.3,4et8).

  Characteristic of the second device. They are mounted automatically. They allow easier access over a greater height with less effort. Their simple application is commercially available. They are used, for example, some (0 home shopping cart and or industrial trucks called devil.To keep a good driving coefficient, it is interesting to keep only the design of the two front wheels (I) of origin, in contact Figure 4 shows a Maltese cross set (CM) for a front wheel (I).

  AS Both wheels (I) must be equipped with Maltese crosses (CM). This characteristic (CM) is that two assemblies of the three wheels (r4) star with three branches (E) are associated with a wheel [(I) and the section (AA)]. This has the effect of keeping the independence of each wheel (I) in rotation during change and or the preservation of direction when the chair is moving. They are mounted in perfect symmetry since mechanically linked to each other. We will say that they are twinned. They rotate freely on their axis (A). A spring-loaded ball in their rotating common sheath lodges slightly in one of three indentations positioned at 120 on the axis (A). This system ensures a wedging of (CM) always in reference position as shown in Figure 4. In no case, these Maltese Crosses (CM) are used for driving. Their application allows only the crossing of obstacles. This facility with respect to an ordinary wheel is shown in Figure 4. A difference in height (H) instead of (h2) characterizes the torque or the force to be given for the crossing, when the wheelchair moves along the path (T ) on the obstacle (0) and meets the point (i). The set of two maltese crosses (CM) rotates (R) on their axis 3S (A) and rolls on the obstacle (0). It is necessary that the wheels are independent (no connection between the left front wheel assembly and the right front wheel assembly (I + CM) example of the AA cut). Their independence allows their self-alignment on the obstacle to be crossed. .

  1.9 d) Anti-tip wheels (fig.3, 5, 6, 7 and 8).

  Characteristic of the second device. They are mounted automatically.

  These two wheels (r3) can be fixed symmetrically behind the drive wheels (b) by two arms (l) connecting them to the frame (C). They are mounted "free in rotation" on their axis. These wheels are of a small diameter not exceeding 50 mm. We can say that they are roulettes. Their altitude position is determined by the length of their arms and the angle of attachment of these arms on the frame (C). This will be of the order of a height (hl) that allows a tilt or pitch (alfa) of the chair about 30. This angle of inclination can be modified / (O by a wheelchair manufacturer according to tests obtained (weight of the wheelchair, center of gravity, diameter of the driving wheels, etc.) .Therefore, and by their position, they provide the disabled person with a kind of anti-tipping stop.

  1.9 e) Change of driving wheel (fig.5,6,7et8).

  S It is a device that completes the feature anti-tip (fig.3) in that it adapts in part to the symmetrical parts that are the arms (l) of fixing the anti-tip wheels.

  The principle comes down to a construction of a system called O knee mechanical. It is a principle that makes it possible to make a displacement of a strong load, of a small amplitude by operating a lever with little effort compared to the load to be displaced (example a force of 30N in application can develop a force 5000N for a displacement of 6mm) knowing ZS that the more the system opens, the more the application force decreases and the force developed increases. The construction of these knee pads is symmetrical. Each side is equipped with this system.

  A wheel called a jockey wheel (U) mounted freely rotating on its ek) axis (05) and on an arm (n), attached in rotation on the axis of attachment of the anti-tip wheel (r3). It is therefore in alignment anti-tip wheels, that is to say inside the drive wheels. An arm (k) attached to the axis of the jockey wheel (U) serves as a maneuver. On this arm (k) a rod (m) is attached to the 3S point (o4) in rotation and to the frame (C) on the point (ol).

  The assembly is in the locked position by the position of the arm (k) on the fixed stop (q) fixed on the arm (l). This so-called return position can be maintained by the attachment of an extension spring between the axis (ol and o5). The jockey wheel (U) is thus t (O in elevation with respect to the ground of the value (h3) The action of maneuver on the arm (k) to bring the axis (o4) in successive positions (o4 ' and o4 ") has the effect of lowering the jockey wheel towards the ground (o5 goes to o5 ') and the arm (n) maintains the position of the jockey wheel by making the angle of rotation (alfa 1). h3) is covered then one arrives at the position (h4), so-called open position insofar as on the fixed point (ol), the triangulation of the lengths determined by the points (o4-o5 and o1-04) in the so-called position of recall with respect to the so-called open position gives the quantity (h3 + h4).

  In this way, the jockey wheel is on a so-called locking equilibrium on an abutment blocking for example the connecting rod (m) AO on the chassis (C). The height (h4) is the height necessary and sufficient to lift the chair to one side and thus put the drive wheel (b) above ground. Once the change and or repair done, the reverse maneuver on the arm (k) will position the jockey wheel (U) in so-called return position.

  Each system is independent and can be operated together to change the two-wheel drive (b).

  1.9 f) Width reduction of the chair (fig.5,7et8).

  It is a device that fully utilizes the operation of the jockey wheels (U) in their so-called locking position (see 2J ≈1.9 e). This device is also symmetrical. Its application as a transfer chair or a wheelchair requires neither the use of tools nor the skill of a technician.

  The driving wheels (b) no longer exist. They were removed by unlocking a clip on their carrier shaft or 2 axis (d). Are placed on each axis (d), drive wheels (b), a disc or wheel (V) of a diameter corresponding to what they tangent correctly in good friction (w) each their corresponding jockey wheel in position called recall. The mounting of these disks or wheels is done by locking a clip on their respective axis (d). The outer appearance of the rim of these discs or wheels (V) must be of a coating allowing the adhesion with their jockey wheel (U), the rotation of a wheel (V) must cause in rotation the jockey wheel ( U) correspondingly. The handrail (c) is associated with this wheel (V) as it is in the case of an assembly with an ordinary drive wheel (b). Because of the interior construction since in relation to the positioning of the jockey wheels (U), the width of the wheelchair is reduced by twice the thickness of the ordinary driving wheels (b). It is the weight of the wheelchair and / or the disabled person (0) who will provide friction for the motorization from the standard handrail (c) The wheelchair will roll with a height difference equal to or less than (h3) c 0 to 15 mm, depending on the diameter of the wheel (V) The toggle system will be between the so-called return to open positions The motorization from the two handrails (c) is located reversed in the sense that the action of the hand that was moving forward, reverses the wheelchair and vice versa.

  1.9 g) Extra comfort (fig.7 and 8): armrests. Feature of the fourth device.

  Two removable sheaths (M) are padded with foam and or equivalent material. They are fixed by scrash and or by a rapid system O for example said pressure on the armrests (e).

  1.9 h) Extra comfort (fig.7 and 8): Mudguard.

  Two mudguards (G) for protection against dirt from ordinary drive wheels (b). Removable quickly, they are attached to the chassis (C) by fasteners for example snap half-moon (f1 and f2).

  1.9 1) The devices according to the invention are particularly intended to facilitate longitudinal transfers of the seat to the rear and the external and internal accesses, increase the? O security of persons with disabilities when crossing obstacles and their ease and improve comfort for the disabled person and his / her companion.

Claims (4)

  1 basic or electric wheelchair consisting of a chassis articulated tubes, foldable, a seat surface and a backrest made of flexible material, two large motorization wheels and a front axle composed by two small directional wheels in free rotation, characterized by a device which is intended to improve the crossing of obstacles. This device being composed of two Maltese Cross (CM) systems mounted on either side of each of the independent front directional wheels (I), said Maltese cross (CM) systems being formed of three small wheels (r4 ) installed on a star frame (E) having a common sheath and an anti-tip wheel system (r3) symmetrically fixed behind the two driving wheels (b) by two arms (1) connecting them to the chassis ( vs).   2 wheelchair according to claim 1 characterized in that it further comprises a system of so-called jockey wheels (U) rotatably attached to the axis (o3) for fixing the antitipper wheel (r3) in alignment with the wheels q0 antitipper (r3) inside the driving wheels (b) allowing the removal of said driving wheels (b) and the reduction of the width of the wheelchair.   3 wheelchair according to any one of claims 1 or 2 characterized in that each jockey wheel (U) is rotatably mounted free on an axis (o5) and on an arm (n) attached to rotate on the axis of attachment ( o3) antitipper wheels (r3) and on an arm (k) fixed to the axis of the jockey wheel (U) which serves as a maneuver on which is fixed at point (o4) a rod (m) attached to its other end on the frame (c) so that the maneuvering action on the arm (k) has the effect of bringing the axis (o4) in different successive positions (o4 ', o4 ") and down the jockey wheel (U) to the ground.   Wheelchair according to claim 1 characterized in '3; the drive wheels (b) are provided with quick-fixing removable mud guards (G).