AU2005202856B2

AU2005202856B2 - Swing for handicapped persons

Info

Publication number: AU2005202856B2
Application number: AU2005202856A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Wayne Devine
Original assignee: Jenway Industries Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Jenway Industries Pty Ltd
Priority date: 1999-11-15
Filing date: 2005-06-29
Publication date: 2005-09-22
Anticipated expiration: 2020-11-14
Also published as: AU2005202856A1

Description

-1-

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE

SPECIFICATION

FOR A STANDARD

PATENT

ORIGINAL

Name of Applicant/s: Actual Inventor/s: Jenway Industries Pty Limited Wayne Devine Address for Service is: SHELSTON IP Margaret Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 CCN: 3710000352 Attorney Code: SW Telephone No: Facsimile No.

(02) 97771111 (02) 9241 4666 Invention Title: SWING FOR HANDICAPPED

PERSONS

Details of Original Application No. 2003248427 dated 26 Sep 2003 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- File: 28676AUP03 500630769_1.DOC/5844 N FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to playground apparatus, and in particular to a swing apparatus which may be used by a person confined to a wheelchair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In recent years, there has been an increasing awareness of the needs of physically 00 and/or mentally handicapped persons. For example, whereas in the past there has been segregation of able-bodied and disabled children in schools, recently there has been a move towards integrating handicapped persons into the general community. Schools designated "special" have been established to permit both disabled and able-bodied children to coexist in an environment that is beneficial to both groups. Disabled children experience an environment that is similar to that which they will experience outside of school. Able-bodied children are given a chance to mingle with the physically disabled and become familiar with and understand various disabilities and the associated problems with which the disabled must contend.

Whilst there are many playgrounds available for use by able-bodied people, little consideration appears to have been given to the provision of playground facilities for persons confined to a wheelchair. Most playground equipment is made for able-bodied people and, in spite of the desire of disabled people to participate in playground activities, they are generally not able to do so due to a lack of suitable recreational equipment.

The present invention is directed to providing swing apparatus which may be used by a person confined to a wheelchair and the object of the present invention is to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to at least provide a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To this end, the present invention provides a swing apparatus for persons confined to a wheelchair, the swing including: a frame structure; a body adapted to accommodate a wheelchair, the body including a seat assembly comprising a pair of seat members moveable between a first position whereby the seat members are engaged with each other to form a seat for a user, and a second position whereby the seat assembly is collapsed to accommodate a wheelchair; rwherein the body is suspended from the frame structure for reciprocating motion by means of two pairs of substantially parallel arms which are pivotably connected at first ends to mounting points on the frame structure and pivotally connected at opposing ends to mounting points on the body.

Preferably the seat assembly comprises a pair of seat members moveable between a first position whereby the seat members are engaged with each other to form a 00 Nseat for a user, and a second position whereby the seat assembly is collapsed to Naccommodate a wheelchair. Preferably the seat assembly includes a pair of seat Smembers, a first seat member being pivotably mounted to a platform of the body and a second seat member being pivotably mounted to a rear wall of the body. Preferably the seat members are adapted to clip together so as to provide a secure engagement of the two members when the seat is in its erected position. Preferably the rear wall includes a generally upright surface which provides a back rest for the user. Preferably the rear wall is provided with anchor points for the installation of a seat belt so as to provide for restraining the user whilst the swing is in motion.

Preferably the swing apparatus further includes a ramp so as to permit access to the body by a person confined to a wheelchair, one end of the ramp adapted to be attached to the ground, and a second end of the ramp adapted to be releasably attachable to the body so as to enable wheelchair access to the body. Preferably the ramp comprises a first ramp member for securing to the ground, the first ramp member being pivotably connected to a second ramp member adapted to releasably engage with the body of the swing. Preferably the ramp is provided with a locking means so as to lock the ramp onto the body of the swing. Preferably the ramp is provided with a biasing means which is configured so as to provide a biasing force which acts to reduce the weight load of the ramp thereby enabling a person to lift the ramp into engagement with the body of the swing more easily.

Preferably the body includes a retaining means for securing the wheelchair in position with respect to the body, the retaining means being mounted on a movable mounting so as to facilitate positioning of the mounting with respect to the wheelchair.

Preferably the body is of unitary construction. Preferably the body of the swing is formed from moulded plastic.

Preferably the body includes vertically extending frame members. Preferably the frame members take the form of steel rods. Preferably the frame members are connected 3ai to the mounting points on the body. Preferably the swing apparatus further includes transversely extending frame members which pass underneath the body and connect the vertically extending frame members located on each side of the body.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words 'comprise', 'comprising', and the like are to be construed in an V) inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the 00 N sense of "including, but not limited to".

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 depicts a side elevation of a preferred embodiment of the swing according to the present invention, with the access ramp being disconnected and the internal seat in a collapsed position; Fig. 2 depicts a side elevation of a preferred embodiment of the swing according to the present invention, with the access ramp being connected and the internal seat in an erected position; Fig. 3 depicts a rear end elevation of the swing assembly according to the preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 depicts a perspective view of the main body of the swing, with the internal seat shown in a collapsed position; Fig. 5 depicts a perspective view of the main body of the swing, with the internal seat shown in an erected position to provide seating for the occupier; Fig. 6 depicts a side elevation of the main body of the swing; Fig. 7 depicts a plan view of the main body of the swing, with the internal seat shown in a collapsed position; Fig. 8 depicts a front elevation of the main body of the swing, with the internal seat shown in a collapsed position; Fig. 9 depicts a rear elevation of the main body of the swing; Fig. 10 depicts an inverted plan view of the main body of the swing; and Fig. 11 depicts a rear elevation of a further embodiment of the main body of the swing incorporating a closable storage compartment.

-4- DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED

EMBODIMENT

;Fig. 1 depicts a preferred embodiment of the swing apparatus 1 according to the (Ni present invention. The apparatus includes a frame structure 2 which is suitably secured to the ground 3. In the arrangement depicted, the frame structure is secured to the ground by means of concrete footings 4 into which the lower ends 5 of the frame 00 structure are set. However it is to be appreciated that other means of securing the frame structure to ground may be employed.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, the swing apparatus 1 (includes a body 10 which is adapted to accommodate a wheelchair. The swing body is suspended from the frame structure for reciprocating motion by means of two pairs of substantially parallel arms 11 a, 1 lb which are pivotably mounted at their respective upper ends 12a, 12b to mounting points 13a, 13b on the upper section of the frame structure. The lower ends 14a, 14b of the arms are pivotally connected to mounting points 15a, 15b on the swing body.

Figs. 4 to 10 depict various views of the preferred embodiment of the main body of the swing apparatus. The body 10 is adapted to accommodate a wheelchair and includes a platform 17 upon which the wheelchair is carried when in use. Extending upwardly from the platform 17 are side and rear walls 18, 19 respectively. Preferably the main body of the swing is formed from moulded plastic so as to provide suitable strength whilst also minimising weight. In the preferred embodiment the body 10 is of unitary construction, with the platform, side and rear walls being integrally formed by means of moulding. Ribbing 21 may be provided in one or more walls of the body so as to enhance the rigidity of the body.

As shown in Fig. 1, the mounting points 15a, 15b are located on the side walls of the swing body. More particularly, the mounting points 15a, 15b are located on an upper face of the side walls. In practice, the mounting points are located of the order of 600 mm to 1000 mm above the level of platform 17 and in use this reduces the degree of tilting of the platform as the swing body reciprocates backwards and forth. Thus, by having the pivot points elevated above the platform, the platform remains relatively level as the swing is operated.

As best illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, the body includes vertically extending internal frame members 30 within the side walls of the body. In the preferred embodiment the internal frame members 30 take the form of steel rods. The upper ends of the members are connected to the mounting points 15a, 15b on the swing body 10. The lower ends ;of the internal frame members 30 are connected to transversely extending frame 1 members 31 which pass underneath the body. Preferably the transverse members 31 take the form of steel plates or sections. Thus, the members 30, 31 combine to form a frame and the load of the swing is carried by the frame rather than the swing body itself.

0In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, the body of the swing O includes a seat assembly 40 which can be moved between a collapsed position as shown in Fig. 1, and a raised position as shown in Fig. 2. Preferably, the seat assembly Oincludes a pair of members 41, 42, a first member 41 being pivotably mounted to the platform of the body and a second member 42 being pivotably mounted to the rear wall.

Preferably, the members are adapted to clip together so as to provide a secure engagement of the two members when the seat is in its erected position. If the swing is to be used by a person in a wheelchair, the seat is collapsed as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 so as to allow the wheelchair to be accommodated within the body. The rear wall of the main body also preferably includes a generally upright surface 45 which provides a backrest for the user. Preferably, the surface 45 is integrally formed in the rear wall 19 of the main body and is formed so as to provide support to a user when seated on the seat assembly The rear wall may also be provided with anchor points 46 for the installation of a seat belt so as to provide additional safety for a user whilst the swing is in motion.

As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, a third aspect of the present invention is a ramp assembly 50 for facilitating the movement of a wheelchair on and off the swing.

Preferably, the ramp comprises a first ramp member 51 which is secured to the ground.

The first ramp member is pivotably connected to a second ramp member 52 which is adapted to releasably engage with the body 10 of the swing. As illustrated in Fig. 2, in order to connect the ramp to the body of the swing, the body of the swing is moved forward to a position whereby the end of the ramp member can engage with a transversely extending connecting rod 53 located along the leading edge 54 of the swing body. It has been found that a ramp angle in the range of 6 to 120 to the horizontal facilitates relatively easy wheelchair access up and down the ramp.

As shown in Fig. 2, the ramp assembly 50 is preferably provided with a locking means 55 so as to lock the ramp 52 onto the body of the swing. It is envisaged that when installed in a park the ramp 52 would be locked onto the body of swing when the swing is not in use so as to provide ready wheelchair access to the swing body. Once the ;wheelchair is in position, the lock would be released so as to enable the ramp 52 to be (N detached from the body of the swing and lowered to position adjacent the ground as shown in Fig. 1.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the ramp assembly 50 is provided with a biasing means 00 which is configured so as to provide a biasing force which acts to reduce the weight load of the ramp thereby enabling a person to lift the ramp 52 into engagement with the body of the swing more easily. More particularly, the biasing means is configured to provide Ca moment as indicated by the arrow 56 around the pivot point 57 of the second ramp

(N

member 52 which opposes the weight load of the ramp. In one preferred embodiment, a torsion spring is provided at the pivot point 57 to provide the moment.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, and as shown in Fig. 9, the body of the swing is preferably provided with mounting points 60 on its rear wall so as to provide for a means of retaining a wheelchair securely in position within the body of the swing whilst the swing is in motion. In a preferred form, the retaining means takes the form of a chain, strap, or the like which is connected to a mounting point 60 on the rear wall of the body of the swing. In use, a free end of the retaining chain or strap is passed through a wheel of the wheelchair and then connected to the rear wall and tightened sufficiently to securely retain the wheelchair in position. In the preferred embodiment, a retaining chain, strap or the like is provided on each side of the body of the swing so as to engage with and retain each of the two rear wheels of a wheelchair.

Preferably, the retaining chain is connected to the mounting 60 which is slidably mounted on a member 61 so as to permit relative lateral movement of the mounting point as shown by the arrows 62. In this way, the mounting point of the chain or strap can be positioned directly behind the wheel of the wheelchair so as to ensure that the wheelchair is securely retained in position. In use, when the wheelchair is positioned within the body of the swing, the mountings for the retaining chains are positioned directly behind the respective rear wheels of the wheelchair. One end of the retaining chain is connected to the mounting, whilst the free end of the chain is passed through the wheel of the wheelchair and then connected to a hook, clip or the like on the mounting.

The hook or clip is located on a threaded member, the axial position of which can be adjusted by turning the member in the desired direction. In this way, it is possible to tighten the retaining chain.

-7- In a further embodiment of the present invention the main body 10 of the swing ;Zapparatus is provided with a closable storage compartment 65, preferably located in the N rear wall of the swing body. The storage compartment 65 is provided with a door or cover 66 so as to close the compartment. It is further preferable that the door or cover be 0 5 provided with a lock so that access to the compartment can only be obtained if a Vt) 0matching key is used. The storage compartment may be used to store a seat belt which ,I may be used to provide restraint for the user whilst the swing is in motion as previously t described.

0Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

1. A swing apparatus for persons confined to a wheelchair, said swing including: a frame structure; a body adapted to accommodate a wheelchair, said body including a seat assembly comprising a pair of seat members moveable between a first position whereby INO V) the seat members are engaged with each other to form a seat for a user, and a second 00 Sposition whereby the seat assembly is collapsed to accommodate a wheelchair; N wherein said body is suspended from said frame structure for reciprocating motion by means of two pairs of substantially parallel arms which are pivotably S 10 connected at first ends to mounting points on said frame structure and pivotally connected at opposing ends to mounting points on said body.

2. A swing apparatus for persons confined to a wheelchair as claimed in claim 1 further including: a ramp so as to permit access to the body by a person confined to a wheelchair, one end of said ramp adapted to be attached to the ground, and a second end of the ramp adapted to be releasably attachable to said body so as to enable wheelchair access to said body.

3. A swing apparatus for persons confined to a wheelchair as claimed in claim 2 wherein said ramp comprises a first ramp member for securing to the ground, said first ramp member being pivotably connected to a second ramp member adapted to releasably engage with the body of the swing.

4. A swing apparatus for persons confined to a wheelchair as claimed in claim 2 or 3 wherein the ramp is provided with a locking means so as to lock the ramp onto the body of the swing.

5. A swing apparatus for persons confined to a wheelchair as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the ramp is provided with a biasing means which is configured so as to provide a biasing force which acts to reduce the weight load of the ramp thereby enabling a person to lift the ramp into engagement with the body of the swing more easily.

6. A swing apparatus for persons confined to a wheelchair as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said body includes a retaining means for securing said wheelchair in position with respect to said body, said retaining means being mounted on a movable mounting so as to facilitate positioning of said mounting with respect to said wheelchair.

7. A swing apparatus for persons confined to a wheelchair as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said seat assembly comprises a pair of seat members moveable between a first position whereby the seat members are engaged with each V other to form a seat for a user, and a second position whereby the seat assembly is 00 collapsed to accommodate a wheelchair. O

8. A swing apparatus for persons confined to a wheelchair as claimed in claim 7, wherein said seat assembly includes a pair of seat members, a first seat member being O pivotably mounted to a platform of the body and a second seat member being pivotably mounted to a rear wall of the body.

9. A swing apparatus for persons confined to a wheelchair as claimed in claim 8, wherein the seat members are adapted to clip together so as to provide a secure engagement of the two members when the seat is in its erected position.

10. A swing apparatus for persons confined to a wheelchair as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein said rear wall includes a generally upright surface which provides a back rest for the user.

11. A swing apparatus for persons confined to a wheelchair as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein said rear wall is provided with anchor points for the installation of a seat belt so as to provide for restraining the user whilst the swing is in motion.

12. A swing apparatus for persons confined to a wheelchair as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said body is of unitary construction.

13. A swing apparatus for persons confined to a wheelchair as claimed in claim 12, wherein said body of the swing is formed from moulded plastic.

14. A swing apparatus for persons confined to a wheelchair as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said body includes vertically extending frame members.

A swing apparatus for persons confined to a wheelchair as claimed in claim 14, wherein said frame members take the form of steel rods.

16. A swing apparatus for persons confined to a wheelchair as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein said frame members are connected to the mounting points on the body.

17. A swing apparatus for persons confined to a wheelchair as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16, further including transversely extending frame members which pass V¢ O C1 underneath the body and connect vertically extending frame members located on each Sside of the body.

18. A swing apparatus for persons confined to a wheelchair, substantially as herein Sdescribed with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or examples. OO 00 CN DATED this 7th Day of September, 2005 Shelston IP n Attorneys for: JENWAY INDUSTRIES PTY LIMITED