JP2000225151A - Hand rim for wheelchair - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable even a user with a weak carrying function to easily rotate driving wheels by forming the cross section of hand rims for rotating driving wheels of a wheelchair in a shape other than a true circle such as approximate ellipse and polygon. SOLUTION: A hand rim 1 has a cross section of approximate ellipse whose major axis extends in a direction perpendicular to the radial plane of the hand rims 1. The hand rim 1 is constituted so that sides facing each other of the approximately elliptic cross section have straight lines, and the sides facing each other are parallel to each other. The ellipse of the cross section of the hand rim 1 had preferably a length of the major axis 2 of 24-25 mm and that of the minor axis of 19 mm, and the sides facing each other have a length of 8-10 mm. Thus, by forming the cross section of the hand rim 1 in a non-true- circle, concretely, in an approximate ellipse or polygon, and aged person or handicapped person with a small gripping power can easily grip and rotate the hand rims 1.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a hand rim for rotating a driving wheel of a wheelchair, and more particularly to a hand rim having a substantially elliptical or polygonal cross section so that a user of the wheelchair can easily grip the wheel and apply a force to the driving wheel. And a hand rim capable of efficiently transmitting the rim.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A hand rim of a wheelchair is used to rotate a driving wheel by rotating the rim, and is a part that plays a very important role for a wheelchair user. In particular, for an elderly person with a weak force or a handicapped person with extremely small grip strength, turning the hand rim to rotate the drive wheels and move themselves is a very heavy labor. The conventional hand rim has a cross section of a perfect circular shape, and the surface of the hand rim is made uneven so that it does not slip, or a knob is attached to make it easier to grasp, so that the user's convenience is improved. ing.

[0003]

The hand rim is usually made of a light metal such as aluminum or titanium in the form of a pipe in order to reduce the weight. However, in manufacturing a hand rim having irregularities on the surface, a method of molding a resin is used, and a molding die is required, which complicates the manufacturing process and increases the manufacturing cost. There is a problem. Further, since the resin is molded and manufactured, there is also a problem that the interior of the hand rim cannot be hollowed out and the weight cannot be reduced.

[0004] In addition, a hand rim with a knob is provided for a handicapped person having an impaired gripping function of the upper limb or the finger. However, such a hand rim requires a large number of manufacturing steps, which also increases the manufacturing cost. Would.

[0005] In addition, there has been proposed a method of making the hand rim easier to grip by making the diameter of the cross section of the hand rim larger than that of a normal one. However, simply increasing the diameter in this way increases the width of the wheelchair, which causes inconvenience such as hindering the running of the wheelchair in a narrow alley or the like. In addition, there is a disadvantage that the weight of the hand rim itself is increased, and the weight of the entire wheelchair is increased.

An object of the present invention is to provide a hand rim for a wheelchair, which is lightweight and enables a user having a weak gripping function to easily rotate a driving wheel.

[0007]

The hand rim according to the present invention comprises:
The cross-sectional shape is a shape other than a perfect circle. With this configuration, it is possible to provide an easy-to-use hand rim for each user by selecting the shape of the cross section of the hand rim according to the location and symptoms of the obstacle for the wheelchair user and according to the user's preference.

[0008] The hand rim of the present invention is characterized in that the cross section of the hand rim is formed to be substantially elliptical. By configuring the cross section of the hand rim to be substantially elliptical, the surface area of a specific portion of the hand rim can be increased. In addition, such a hand rim fits more easily with fingers than a circular rim. For this reason, an elderly person with a weak force, a handicapped person with extremely low grip strength, and the like can easily grasp the hand rim and efficiently transmit the force to the drive wheels.

In the hand rim according to the present invention, it is preferable that a major axis of the ellipse of the hand rim cross section extends in a direction perpendicular to a radial plane of the hand rim.

This configuration is effective, for example, for a user who has an impaired upper limb or finger gripping function. A user with an impaired upper limb or finger gripping function often turns the hand rim by pressing the palm or arm against the hand rim using the muscles of the shoulder or elbow. When the hand rim is mounted on a wheelchair, the cross section of the hand rim has an elliptical shape that is horizontally long with respect to the ground, so that when the hand or arm is pressed from above, the area where the hand or arm contacts is larger. Therefore, even if the user has a problem with the upper limb or the like, the force can be efficiently transmitted to the hand rim.

In addition, in addition to the above configuration, the major axis of the ellipse of the hand rim section may be extended in a direction parallel to the radial plane of the hand rim, or the major axis of the ellipse of the hand rim section may be You may make it extend obliquely with respect to the radial plane of a hand rim. The shape to be used is selected according to the location, degree, or preference of the user's obstacle.

If such a hand rim is used by attaching it to a wheelchair according to the state of the obstacle, the wheelchair can be driven more comfortably. For example, a user who has a symptom that the upper limb or finger bends only in a certain direction may select and use a hand rim that matches the direction.

In the case of a user having a hemiplegic disorder, the hand rim must be driven with one hand. By selecting a hand rim adjusted to an angle that is easy for the user to use, the hand rim can be securely and firmly selected. It can be gripped and the wheelchair can be driven efficiently.

The hand rim according to the present invention is characterized in that the cross section is substantially elliptical, and there are straight portions parallel to each other on opposite sides extending in the longitudinal direction of the hand rim cross section. With this configuration, a flat portion is formed on the surface of the hand rim, and the area of the portion that applies a force to the hand rim is larger than that of a conventional circular cross section, and the force is efficiently applied to the drive wheels. Be able to communicate.

In order to manufacture a hand rim having an elliptical cross section and a long axis extending in a direction parallel to a radial plane of the hand rim, the hand rim having a circular cross section is crushed from both left and right sides. Can be manufactured more easily. On the other hand, when manufacturing a hand rim in which the long axis extends in a direction perpendicular to the radial plane of the hand rim, a straight aluminum pipe having a circular cross section is crushed from both upper and lower sides to form a pipe having an elliptical cross section. A method of rounding the shape into a hand rim, a method of preparing a straight aluminum pipe having an elliptical cross section in advance, and rolling the pipe into the shape of a hand rim can be considered.

The hand rim of the present invention may have a polygonal cross section. In this case, usability is further improved by adding an R to the corner.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a view showing a first embodiment of a hand rim according to the present invention. FIG. 1 (a) is a side view of the hand rim, FIG. 1 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX, and FIG. Is an enlarged view of this section. FIG. 1 (b)
As shown in the figure, the hand rim 1 of the present embodiment has a substantially elliptical cross section, and a major axis of the ellipse of the cross section extends in a direction perpendicular to a radial plane of the hand rim. Becomes Further, this hand rim is configured such that opposing sides of a substantially elliptical cross section are straight, and these opposing sides are parallel.

As shown in FIG. 1C, the elliptical cross section of the hand rim preferably has a major axis 2 of 24 to 25 mm and a minor axis 3 of about 19 mm. or,
The length of the opposing sides of the ellipse is preferably about 8 to 10 mm. However, this numerical value is merely an average length, and can be set to an appropriate length according to the degree of disability, physique, etc. of the wheelchair user.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a second embodiment of the hand rim according to the present invention. FIG. 2 (a) is a side view of the hand rim, and FIG. 2 (b) is a sectional view taken along line XX. The cross section of the hand rim 4 of the present embodiment is substantially elliptical,
The major axis of the cross section of the ellipse is an ellipse extending in a direction parallel to the radial plane of the hand rim.
Further, this hand rim is configured such that opposing sides of a substantially elliptical cross section are straight, and these opposing sides are parallel. Further, the elliptical structure of the cross section of the hand rim is the same as that described in the first embodiment, so that the description is omitted here.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a third embodiment of the hand rim according to the present invention. FIG. 3 (a) is a side view of the hand rim, FIG. 3 (b) is a sectional view taken along line XX, and FIG. (C) is an enlarged view of this cross section. As shown in FIG. 3B, the elliptical long axis of the cross section of the hand rim is configured to extend obliquely with respect to the radial plane of the hand rim.

The elliptical structure of the cross section of the hand rim according to the present embodiment is the same as the structure of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. The width A of the ellipse is 24 to 25.
mm and B is preferably about 30 mm. This numerical value is also an average value, and can be set to an appropriate length in accordance with the degree of disability and the physique of the wheelchair user.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 (a) is a side view of a hand rim.
4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX, and FIG. 4C is an enlarged view of this cross-section. As shown in FIG. 4C, the cross section of the hand rim of this embodiment is a hexagonal ellipse, and the hexagonal corners are rounded.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 (a) is a side view of a hand rim, and FIG.
5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X, and FIG. 5C is an enlarged view of this cross-section. As shown in FIG. 5 (c), the cross section of the hand rim of the present embodiment has a dent in a part, and the entire rim has a shape like a bean, and the dent is formed along the finger. I have. Also, the size of the dent is
It is preferable to make the size suitable for the finger of the wheelchair user.

The hand rim according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible.
For example, the shape of the cross section of the hand rim, such as a triangle, a square, or a star, can be adjusted according to the physique or the degree of obstacle of the wheelchair user, or can be made according to the user's preference. Further, it may be formed to have a gourd shape or a plurality of convex portions protruding outward (for example, a flower shape).

[0025]

As described above, according to the hand rim of the present invention, the cross section is formed into a non-circular shape, specifically, an almost elliptical shape or a polygonal shape, so that an elderly person or a handicapped person having extremely small grip strength can be obtained. Can easily grip and turn the hand rim, and can suitably transmit force to the hand rim when the wheelchair is driven. Further, the hand rim of the present invention can be easily manufactured by using a light metal such as aluminum or titanium, and can be made lighter than one obtained by attaching a knob or molding a resin.

[0026] Further, the frictional resistance between the hand holding the hand rim and the hand rim can be easily increased as compared with the conventional hand rim by forming the shape into a substantially elliptical shape or a polygonal shape. Furthermore, when the hand rim of the present invention is mounted on the driving wheel, the width can be made smaller than that of the conventional one, so that the width of the wheelchair itself can be made smaller if necessary. Further, processing is easy, and it can be manufactured at low cost.

[Brief description of the drawings]

1 (a) is a side view showing the configuration of a first embodiment of a hand rim according to the present invention, FIG. 1 (b) is a sectional view thereof, and FIG. 1 (c) is an enlarged sectional view thereof. It is.

FIG. 2 (a) is a side view showing a configuration of a second embodiment of the hand rim according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 (b) is a cross-sectional view thereof.

FIG. 3A is a side view showing a configuration of a third embodiment of a hand rim according to the present invention, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view thereof.

4 (a) is a side view showing the configuration of a fourth embodiment of the hand rim according to the present invention, FIG. 4 (b) is a sectional view thereof, and FIG. 4 (c) is an enlarged sectional view thereof. It is.

5 (a) is a side view showing a configuration of a fifth embodiment of the hand rim according to the present invention, FIG. 5 (b) is a sectional view thereof, and FIG. 5 (c) is an enlarged sectional view thereof. It is.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1,4 Hand rim 2 Long axis 3 Short axis

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A hand rim attached to a driving wheel of a wheelchair for rotating the driving wheel, wherein the cross section of the hand rim has a shape other than a perfect circle. 2. The hand rim according to claim 1,
A hand rim for a wheelchair, wherein the cross section is configured to be substantially elliptical, and the major axis of the ellipse of the cross section is extended in a direction perpendicular or parallel to a radial plane of the hand rim. 3. The hand rim according to claim 1,
A hand rim for a wheelchair, wherein the cross section is formed in a substantially elliptical shape, and a major axis of the ellipse of the cross section extends obliquely to a radial plane of the hand rim. 4. The hand rim for a wheelchair according to claim 2, wherein mutually parallel straight portions are present on opposing sides extending in a longitudinal direction of the cross section of the hand rim. 5. The hand rim according to claim 1, wherein
A hand rim for a wheelchair, the cross section of which is formed in a polygonal shape. 6. The hand rim according to claim 5, wherein
A hand rim for a wheelchair, wherein the corner of the polygon of the cross section is rounded. 7. A wheelchair provided with the wheelchair hand rim according to claim 1.