CA1229545A - Conveyance for supporting and for transporting a handicapped person, in a standing mode - Google Patents
Conveyance for supporting and for transporting a handicapped person, in a standing modeInfo
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- CA1229545A CA1229545A CA000443625A CA443625A CA1229545A CA 1229545 A CA1229545 A CA 1229545A CA 000443625 A CA000443625 A CA 000443625A CA 443625 A CA443625 A CA 443625A CA 1229545 A CA1229545 A CA 1229545A
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Abstract
CONVEYANCE FOR SUPPORTING AND FOR TRANS-PORTING A HANDICAPPED PERSON, IN A STANDING MODE
Abstract of the Disclosure A wheeled conveyance for securing, supporting, and for transporting a handicapped person-operator in a standing mode. The device is fashioned for use by persons who are physically incapable of effecting normal locomotion and who are unable to stand unassisted. A particular feature of the invention is that it provides vertically-spaced, multiple-point body supporting and restraining elements which brace and retain one's body in a generally upright but slightly forwardly pitched attitude to establish a forwardly displaced center of gravity. The posture established frees the user's arms for drivingly rotating the wheels of the conveyance to achieve controlled propelled travel along a selectable path, thereby affording the user a degree of mobility and independence not otherwise achievable.
Abstract of the Disclosure A wheeled conveyance for securing, supporting, and for transporting a handicapped person-operator in a standing mode. The device is fashioned for use by persons who are physically incapable of effecting normal locomotion and who are unable to stand unassisted. A particular feature of the invention is that it provides vertically-spaced, multiple-point body supporting and restraining elements which brace and retain one's body in a generally upright but slightly forwardly pitched attitude to establish a forwardly displaced center of gravity. The posture established frees the user's arms for drivingly rotating the wheels of the conveyance to achieve controlled propelled travel along a selectable path, thereby affording the user a degree of mobility and independence not otherwise achievable.
Description
CONVEYANCE FOR SUPPORTING AND FOR TRANSPORTING
A HANDICAPPED PERSON, IN A STANDING MODE
Background of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a wheeled conveyance for transporting and for supporting a handicapped person in a standing mode. More particularly, the invention is directed to an improved vehicle for use by a "patient-operator" who by reason of physical handicaps is unable to maintain a standing position, unaided.
In a specific preferred embodiment, the invention is fashioned to accommodate a child afflicted with Spine Buffed.
However, the invention is useful as well to support a pane-plegic or a person suffering from other physical handicap sin a manner and in a physical attitude enabling the person to move from place to place, under his own power, unaided.
The therapeutic benefits of vertical positioning for persons who are unable to assume a standing position us-aided has long been recognized in the medical community. For example, when the abdominal viscera are not pushing against the child's diaphragm, it is easier for children afflicted with Spine Buffed to breathe. Additionally, the bladder drains more effectively and more readily, and bowel functions are en-hanged. Moreover, the lower limbs are rendered less pronto osteoporosis. By holding the handicapped child's hips and knees in extension, and the ankles at neutral, contractor formation is minimized.
In addition to the above and other well-kno~n physical benefits derived from upright posture for handicapped persons, there are psychological and sociological benefits. For example, the 'environment" in which the handicapped child exists is I;
markedly improved. The supporting and conveying device of the invention allows the handicapped, otherwise immobilized person a degree of independent mobility so that, for example, the child will have an opportunity comparable to that of his us-handicapped peers to explore and to traverse his environment.
Being able to move in an upright attitude or mode, and being a* eye-level with one's peers is an important aid to the hand-capped child's psychological and psycho-social development.
The prior art is replete with various types of wheel-chairs and related support and conveyance devices, many officio have significant features contributing to the mobility and well being of handicapped persons. However, each of these devices has one or more shortcomings which have precluded gent oral adoption and which have obviated the use of such devices for particular specific types of physical malfunctions and in-adequacies. Among the special groups of handicapped persons for whom no satisfactory conveyance has heretofore been avail-able are children afflicted with Spine seafood. It is according-lye a principal aim of the present invention to provide a con-vines whereby such children may be supported and transported through their own power in an upright position, acquiring a mobility and independence not heretofore achievable.
SUMMARY OF TIE INVENTION_ It is an important attribute of the wheeled convey-ante of the invention that it constitutes a device for securing, supporting, and for transporting a handicapped person-operator in a standing mode. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is fashioned for use by children who are afflicted with Spine Buffed and others who are physically incapable of affecting normal locomotion and who are unable to stand unaided.
A functionally significant feature of the invention is that it provides a series of vertically-spaced, multiple-zone body supporting and restraining elements which brace and retain the user's body in a generally upright but slightly for-warmly pitched or angled attitude. The described physical orientation ensures the establishment of a forwardly displaced center of gravity, imbuing the patient with an assurance of stability against falling rearwardly~ At the same time, the mode of support established through use of the novel conveyance of the invention frees the user's arms for drivingly rotating the wheels of the conveyance. Thus, the patient-operator is able to achieve controlled propelled travel, totally under his own control, along a selectable path, thereby affording the user a degree ox mobility and independence not otherwise achieve able.
It is a principal feature of the vehicle of the in-mention that it constitutes a conveyance which includes no-straining and supporting elements for effectively supporting a patient who is physically incapable of standing without assistance.
A related feature of the invention is that it enables the patient-user to proper himself along a predetermined course, under his own power.
It is an important feature of the present invention that the apparatus includes body restraining means and bracing means which, in combination, define a multiple-zone support system acting upon the erect patient and operative to facilitate and to effectuate, for the patient, a standing mode.
A related object of the invention is that it provides, in combination, structures for engaging, stressing, and stabile Jo icing a patient in zones including the legs, the buttocks, and the sternum to held even a weak child in a comfortable standing possession., a 90 angle between foot and leg.
A related feature of the invention is the inclusion of foot-locating and demarcation pads for holding the patient's feet at a 90 angle to the legs, thereby ensuring optimum weight distribution, such weight distribution being enhanced by also holding the patient's hips and knees in extension, with the ankles at "neutral".
A general object of the invention is to provide an improved vehicle including support elements for enabling a Spine Buffed child or enabling a paraplegic to maintain an upright position and to propel the vehicle and himself from place to place.
A related feature of the invention is that the mode of Sacramento and support of the patient enables the patient to grip and to rotate the wheels of the vehicle for effecting travel prom location to location.
Yet, another object of the invention is to provide a conveyance in which an incapacitated person is supported in a standing mode and in such a manner that the skeletal structure of the patient provides support for a major portion of the patient's body.
A general mechanical feature of the vehicle of the invention is that the various supporting components which retain and stress, and support the body are adjustable to accommodate the physical parameters of the patient.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sup-porting elements engage the patient along a lineally-extending ~¢~
expanse of the body, including the feet, the knees, the buttocks, and the sternum.
It is a practical mechanical feature of the conveyance of the invention that it is readily disassembled to provide components sized for easy storage, even in the -trunk of a small automobile.
It is a general feature of the conveyance of the in-mention that it may readily be modified, without extensive expense and time demands to accommodate patients of different heights and weights.
In a preferred embodiment of the conveyance, there is included a tray element which is supported on the conveyance adjacent the top portion thereof near the sternal pad. The tray may be conveniently used for food service, for studying, and for playing. Preferably of a transparent, shatterproof plastic material, the tray need not be removed when not in use, since it in no way impairs the field of view.
It is a general mechanical feature of the conveyance of the invention that the wheels and other components are pro-voided with quick-disconnect features so that the vehicle may be quickly and efficiently dismantled for transport or for storage.
Yet, another mechanical feature of the conveyance is that it is provided with independent braking mechanisms for securing each of the support wheels so that the vehicle may be easily locked against movement, as desired.
A related feature of the conveyance of the invention is that the brake levers are actable through a two-inch throw, and using a minimum of physical force --all within the capably-flies of a child.
A practical mechanical feature of the vehicle of the invention is that it is readily adaptable to receive any pro-furred wheel size, and that such transformation is effected utilizing a minimum of replacement or conversion parts, the removed parts being reusable.
In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle of the invent lion is stabilized through the use of caster assemblies carried on the underside of the platform or base of the vehicle.
A special feature of the vehicle of the invention is that it includes independently adjustable knee pads which are readily moved in and out, or up and down, and side to side, and which level themselves on the tibia for maximum pressure disk tribution.
A related feature of the invention is that a large, sternal pad provides for leaning comfort, and a quick-connecting securely strap gives posterior support at the buttocks.
A related functional feature of the device is that it includes a sternal pad which is cut away at lateral zones to permit shoulder flaxen during propulsion of the vehicle.
Yet another feature of the invention is that there is provided a sternal pad which is cut away at opposed sides to define an upwardly converging, peaked configuration facile-toting forward shoulder movement such as occurs when the user propels the device, in use.
Still another important structural feature of the transport device of the invention is that the sternal pad is formed to define a shelf-like, flattened support surface to which a service tray is secured, the tray being slightly pitched to extend in a gently upwardly projecting mode, thereby to facilitate and to enhance the retrieval of tray-carried articles.
I
An important feature of the quick connect securely strap is that it includes a laterally extending metallic bar which may be forcibly bent -to define a "custom-fitted" side-to-side curvature corresponding to the particular size and physical configuration of the rider. Thus, is good lateral as well as rear support assured.
It is a feature of the conveyance of the invention that it is fabricated of high-strength, light-weight material, and that all parts are precision machined and manufactured to ensure a long, useful life.
An important feature and advantage of the conveyance of the invention from an economic view-point is that the device is readily and simply adjustable to permit periodic size ad-justments correlated with the growth of the user.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invent lion will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a con-side ration of the following detailed description of the pro-furred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 is a side elevation Al view of a wheeled con-vines according to the invention r embodying the features thereof;
FIGURE lo is an enlargement of the detail encircled in FIGURE I and showing the brake actuating pin and slotasse~bly;
FIGURE 2 is a rear elevation Al view of the conveyance of the invention FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially on the lines 3-3 of FIGURE 2;
FIGURE 4 shows an enlarged view of the foot-locating pads carried on the base or platform of the vehicle, as seen generally along the lines 4-4 of FIGURE 2;
FIGURE 5 shows the foot or leg supporting braces, as viewed generally along the lines 5-5 of FIGURE 3;
FIGURE 6 is a partial top-elevational view showing the adjustable and shakable securely support strap as fastened in use, as seen generally along the lines 6-6 of FIGURE 3;
FIGURE 7 shows an enlarged details of a strap coupler element for securing the securely strap in place during use; and FIGURE 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary top view showing the detail encircled in FIGURE 6, and showing the strap length adjustment element for securely support.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In a preferred embodiment, the aims and objects of the invention are accomplished by providing a wheeled conveyance for transporting a handicapped person-operator, in a standing mode. Fashioned for use by persons who are physically incapable of effecting normal locomotion and who are unable to stand unassisted, the conveyance provides vertically-spaced, multiple-support and restraining elements which brace and retain one's body in a generally upright but slightly forwardly-pitched at-twitted, establishing in the transported person, a forwardly-displaced center of gravity. The posture described frees the user's arms for drivingly rotating the wheels of the conveyance to achieve controlled propelled travel along a selectable path, thereby affording the user a degree of mobility and independence not otherwise achievable.
Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGURES 1 through 3, there is shown, for illustrative purposes and not in any limiting sense, one form of the present invention embodying the features thereof. The conveyance 20 includes a I
base or platform 24 surmounted by an upstanding frame assembly 30 including a pair of laterally-spaced side frames 36 and aye.
The platform 24 is preferably tilted downwardly to establish a forwardly pitched attitude in the user of the device.
Each of the side frames is formed of pairs of tote-sloping elongated tubular shafts, including forward shafts 40 and aye and generally in-line rearward shafts 42 and aye, each pair of forward and rearward shafts being symmetrically disposed laterally and the forward and rearward shafts extending up-warmly from the platform 24 at a slight converging angle.
The lower extremities of the side frames 36 and awry fastened at their respective forward ends 48 and aye and their rearward ends 50 and aye to the base or platform 24 as shown in FIGURE 3. At their upper ends, the tubular shafts 40, aye, and 42, aye are fastened 56, aye and 58, aye to a generally horizontally extending plate or sill 64 which bridges across to interconnect and stabilize the frame assembly 30 at its upper extremity. That is, the plate 64 which surmounts the side frames 36 and aye serves to stabilize and mechanically to inter couple the side frames 36 and aye to each other in a stable mechanical configuration.
Referring further to FIGURE 1 and 3, each side frame 36 and aye also includes an elongated tubular strut 62, aye fastened at its forwardly directed end -to the base of the tubular shaft 40, aye at a point aye adjacent to the locus of the at-tachment of the shaft 40, aye to the platform 24. The tubular struts 62, aye project upwardly and rearwardly, being fastened 66, aye at their rearward ends to the rear tubular shafts aye.
Referring further to the structure as shown in FIGURE
3, mechanical supports for carrying a wheel-supporting axle art also secured to as part of the side frames 36 and aye. As shown, a tubular brace 70, aye is fastened 72, aye to extend generally upwardly from the rearwardly directed tubular strut 62, aye. A
second and cooperating tubular brace, 80, aye is fastened 82, aye to extend generally rearwardly from the forwardly positioned tubular shaft 40, aye. The upwardly and the rearwardly directed elements 70, aye and 80, aye intersect or meet at their respect-ivy shafts 62, aye and 40, aye each end supporting terminal bushings aye and aye (and 90 and 92, not shown). The bushings rotatively support a horizontally extending wheel axle 100. Ad-jacent each of the opposed ends of the axle 100 and journal led thereon is a pair of laterally spaced wheels 106 and aye by means of which the conveyance is caused to bear upon and traverse a supporting substrate. The wheels 106, aye, themselves are mounted 108, aye on the opposed ends of the axle 100 to define a camber (about 3) in which the wheels toe out at the base, thereby establishing a more convenient angle for the user and an enhanced mechanical advantage. Additional and augmenting support and mechanical stabilization of the vehicle is provided by casters including a pair of forward casters 110 and loo and a pair of laterally-spaced, swivel-mounted rearward casters 114, aye all attached to protrude about 1/2 inch from the underside 120 of the platform 24, and to stabilize the conveyance 20.
The conveyance 20 of the invention is provided with a dual system of hand-actuated articulated braking assemblies.
The various components and the mode of operation are described below. As shown in FIGURES 1 and 3, the wheels 106 and aye include radially-extending spokes 130 and aye to which are fastened rings 134 and aye which serve as brake bands. The brake bands are frictionally engage able with respective brake bars or braking arms 138 and aye which, in the specific embody- -mint of the invention shown, are pivotal mounted 142, aye on generally L-shaped support links 146, aye, the latter being secured 150, aye at their lower ends to the struts or braces 80, aye. At the other ends 152, aye, the supports 146, aye are secured 156, aye to pivotal brake actuating levers aye, the actuating levers being attached at a position intermediate their respective opposed ends. Hand-grip balls 162, aye for actuating the levers 160, aye, surmounts the upwardly-extending ends ox the brake levers 160 and aye.
As indicated schematically in the enlarged detail of FIGURE lay each lower end of the levers 160, aye carries a laterally-extending pin 166, which is slide ably received in a cooperating generally L-shaped slot 170 formed in the forwardly-extending end portion of each brake arm 138, aye. It will be appreciated from the foregoing description that when one grips a brake lever control ball 162 and pulls it rearwardly, the lever 160 pivots on its support pin 156. Concurrently, the pin 166 at the lower end of the brake lever 160 moves forwardly through the L slot 170 causing the opposed or opposite end 174 of the braking arm 138 to move upwardly and to engage friction-ally an undersurface 178 of the circular brake band 134. The entire assembly functions as a "toggle" or "over center" mock-anise so that it is locked or biased against inadvertent spurious movement in either direction and so that it remains positively engaged in an operational mode when actuated. As previously pointed out, there is a separate but similar assembly associated with each of the pair of conveyance wheels 106 and aye. Opera-lion of the braking mechanism requires only about a two-inch rj throw of the lever 160 and only a minimum of physical force.
In order to assist the user-operator of the convey-ante 20 to stand, the apparatus is provided with body position-in and locating devices as well as supports and bracing elements.
All of these combine and cooperate to establish a body oriental lion, stabilization, and support system including vertically-spaced multiple-point body-contacting and restraining elements.
These elements brace and retain the operator's body in a goner-ally upright but slightly forwardly-pitched attitude to establish a forwardly-displaced or shifted center of gravity. The result-in posture establishes confidence and frees the user's arms for drivingly rotating the wheels of the conveyance -to achieve controlled, propelled travel along a selectable path. Various cooperating elements which serve to effect the above-indicated purposes of the invention are described in the paragraphs below.
As shown in FIGURES 2, 3, and 4, a pair of shaped foot-locating and demarcation pads 180, aye are fastened to the base or platform 24. These locator pads serve as positive place-mint guides and foot stabilizers to ensure proper positioning and angular orientation of the feet of the user of the vehicle.
The foot locator pads 180, awry in combination with knee pads or braces, hereinafter described, ensure a proper amount of knee extension (the angle at which the knee is bent).
A body-support sternal pad 190 or chest rest of special contour is secured to and extends upwardly from the top plate 64 which surmounts and interconnects the side frames 36 and aye of the frame assembly 30. The structure of the unique body sup-port pad 190 is pyramidal in form being cut away or relieved laterally so as to engage and bear against an abutting sternum area of a person standing on the platform 24 of the vehicle, and to permit forward flaxen of the shoulders of the rider.
In order to accommodate users of various heights, all of the struts, tubular shafts and braces of the conveyance are tote-scopically adjustable for length as well as for angular modes.
The adjustment is facilitated through the use of tube locks 200.
The linear adjustability of the struts, shafts and braces of the frame assembly also facilitates the selectable substitution of substitute driving wheels of various diameters as may be pro-furred or required in any given application, or to accommodate a specific user.
Referring now further to the user support system of the vehicle 20, and as shown in FIGURES 2, 3, and 5, a pair of adjustable leg-engaging braces or props or pads 2Q4 and aye are secured to each of opposed support shafts 42 and aye by means of clamps 206, aye and linking arms 210, aye. The come bination of simple clamp positioning, and ready angular adjust-mint of the linking arms 210 and aye and pivotal joints 214 and aye ensures a useful degree of adjustability, vertically and laterally, of the leg-embracing assemblies. The leg pads 204 and aye are also pivotal through a vertical arc about pins 216 and aye, to complete adjustment capabilities and to ensure complete and positive physical engagement between the leg and the pads. Preferably, the assemblies are positioned con~actingly to engage forwardly presented surfaces of the leg of the operator in a zone just below the knee.
Yet, a further mechanism for ensuring the proper and safe positioning and orientation Al attitude of the user-operator of the device constitutes a belt-lime flexible strap assembly 220 with a contour-adjustable, shape-retentive metallic band or bar 222. The strap assembly 220 is slide ably and adjustable supported to bridge the opposed, rear, upright tubular shafts 42 and aye. An adjustable web 224 is pivotal secured at one end to a slide buckle 226 fastened to the shaft 42. At the opposite end, the web 224 is fitted with a slide buckle coupling element 228 constituting a lift-out shackle or link detachably carried by the shaft aye. The strap assembly 220 utilizes the slide-buckle elements 226 and 228 as means by which the effect-ivy length of the web 224 may be easily adjusted to center a cushion 234 of the strap assembly 220 on the rear of the rider.
The mechanical structure described, facilitating the ready no-moral and replacement of the body-supporting web 220 itself, is positioned at a height to extend laterally across and support-tingly to engage and brace a securely area of the back of the per-son standing on the platform 24l thereby to support and to pro-vent one from falling rearwardly while standing on and while being propelled along with the conveyance 20~ Selectively pox sitionable, locking slide blocks 236l aye secure the buckles 226, 228 and the strap assembly 220 in place.
In the specific preferred embodiment of the apparatus shown, a generally horizontally extending general utility tray 20 240 is secured 244 at the top of the conveyance to the support plate 64. The tray, which extends forwardly from the body-support pad 190, is readily accessible for convenient use by the operator of the conveyance. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tray is pitched or angled upwardly at about 5 to facilitate and to enhance the retrieval of tray-carried articles. Being a shatter-proof, transparent plastic, the tray 240 need not be removed when not in use; it in no way impairs the field of view.
LO it While preferred embodiments of the invention have been thus-treated and described, other variations may be made utilizing the inventive concepts herein-disclosed. It is intended that all such variations be considered as within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
A HANDICAPPED PERSON, IN A STANDING MODE
Background of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a wheeled conveyance for transporting and for supporting a handicapped person in a standing mode. More particularly, the invention is directed to an improved vehicle for use by a "patient-operator" who by reason of physical handicaps is unable to maintain a standing position, unaided.
In a specific preferred embodiment, the invention is fashioned to accommodate a child afflicted with Spine Buffed.
However, the invention is useful as well to support a pane-plegic or a person suffering from other physical handicap sin a manner and in a physical attitude enabling the person to move from place to place, under his own power, unaided.
The therapeutic benefits of vertical positioning for persons who are unable to assume a standing position us-aided has long been recognized in the medical community. For example, when the abdominal viscera are not pushing against the child's diaphragm, it is easier for children afflicted with Spine Buffed to breathe. Additionally, the bladder drains more effectively and more readily, and bowel functions are en-hanged. Moreover, the lower limbs are rendered less pronto osteoporosis. By holding the handicapped child's hips and knees in extension, and the ankles at neutral, contractor formation is minimized.
In addition to the above and other well-kno~n physical benefits derived from upright posture for handicapped persons, there are psychological and sociological benefits. For example, the 'environment" in which the handicapped child exists is I;
markedly improved. The supporting and conveying device of the invention allows the handicapped, otherwise immobilized person a degree of independent mobility so that, for example, the child will have an opportunity comparable to that of his us-handicapped peers to explore and to traverse his environment.
Being able to move in an upright attitude or mode, and being a* eye-level with one's peers is an important aid to the hand-capped child's psychological and psycho-social development.
The prior art is replete with various types of wheel-chairs and related support and conveyance devices, many officio have significant features contributing to the mobility and well being of handicapped persons. However, each of these devices has one or more shortcomings which have precluded gent oral adoption and which have obviated the use of such devices for particular specific types of physical malfunctions and in-adequacies. Among the special groups of handicapped persons for whom no satisfactory conveyance has heretofore been avail-able are children afflicted with Spine seafood. It is according-lye a principal aim of the present invention to provide a con-vines whereby such children may be supported and transported through their own power in an upright position, acquiring a mobility and independence not heretofore achievable.
SUMMARY OF TIE INVENTION_ It is an important attribute of the wheeled convey-ante of the invention that it constitutes a device for securing, supporting, and for transporting a handicapped person-operator in a standing mode. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is fashioned for use by children who are afflicted with Spine Buffed and others who are physically incapable of affecting normal locomotion and who are unable to stand unaided.
A functionally significant feature of the invention is that it provides a series of vertically-spaced, multiple-zone body supporting and restraining elements which brace and retain the user's body in a generally upright but slightly for-warmly pitched or angled attitude. The described physical orientation ensures the establishment of a forwardly displaced center of gravity, imbuing the patient with an assurance of stability against falling rearwardly~ At the same time, the mode of support established through use of the novel conveyance of the invention frees the user's arms for drivingly rotating the wheels of the conveyance. Thus, the patient-operator is able to achieve controlled propelled travel, totally under his own control, along a selectable path, thereby affording the user a degree ox mobility and independence not otherwise achieve able.
It is a principal feature of the vehicle of the in-mention that it constitutes a conveyance which includes no-straining and supporting elements for effectively supporting a patient who is physically incapable of standing without assistance.
A related feature of the invention is that it enables the patient-user to proper himself along a predetermined course, under his own power.
It is an important feature of the present invention that the apparatus includes body restraining means and bracing means which, in combination, define a multiple-zone support system acting upon the erect patient and operative to facilitate and to effectuate, for the patient, a standing mode.
A related object of the invention is that it provides, in combination, structures for engaging, stressing, and stabile Jo icing a patient in zones including the legs, the buttocks, and the sternum to held even a weak child in a comfortable standing possession., a 90 angle between foot and leg.
A related feature of the invention is the inclusion of foot-locating and demarcation pads for holding the patient's feet at a 90 angle to the legs, thereby ensuring optimum weight distribution, such weight distribution being enhanced by also holding the patient's hips and knees in extension, with the ankles at "neutral".
A general object of the invention is to provide an improved vehicle including support elements for enabling a Spine Buffed child or enabling a paraplegic to maintain an upright position and to propel the vehicle and himself from place to place.
A related feature of the invention is that the mode of Sacramento and support of the patient enables the patient to grip and to rotate the wheels of the vehicle for effecting travel prom location to location.
Yet, another object of the invention is to provide a conveyance in which an incapacitated person is supported in a standing mode and in such a manner that the skeletal structure of the patient provides support for a major portion of the patient's body.
A general mechanical feature of the vehicle of the invention is that the various supporting components which retain and stress, and support the body are adjustable to accommodate the physical parameters of the patient.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sup-porting elements engage the patient along a lineally-extending ~¢~
expanse of the body, including the feet, the knees, the buttocks, and the sternum.
It is a practical mechanical feature of the conveyance of the invention that it is readily disassembled to provide components sized for easy storage, even in the -trunk of a small automobile.
It is a general feature of the conveyance of the in-mention that it may readily be modified, without extensive expense and time demands to accommodate patients of different heights and weights.
In a preferred embodiment of the conveyance, there is included a tray element which is supported on the conveyance adjacent the top portion thereof near the sternal pad. The tray may be conveniently used for food service, for studying, and for playing. Preferably of a transparent, shatterproof plastic material, the tray need not be removed when not in use, since it in no way impairs the field of view.
It is a general mechanical feature of the conveyance of the invention that the wheels and other components are pro-voided with quick-disconnect features so that the vehicle may be quickly and efficiently dismantled for transport or for storage.
Yet, another mechanical feature of the conveyance is that it is provided with independent braking mechanisms for securing each of the support wheels so that the vehicle may be easily locked against movement, as desired.
A related feature of the conveyance of the invention is that the brake levers are actable through a two-inch throw, and using a minimum of physical force --all within the capably-flies of a child.
A practical mechanical feature of the vehicle of the invention is that it is readily adaptable to receive any pro-furred wheel size, and that such transformation is effected utilizing a minimum of replacement or conversion parts, the removed parts being reusable.
In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle of the invent lion is stabilized through the use of caster assemblies carried on the underside of the platform or base of the vehicle.
A special feature of the vehicle of the invention is that it includes independently adjustable knee pads which are readily moved in and out, or up and down, and side to side, and which level themselves on the tibia for maximum pressure disk tribution.
A related feature of the invention is that a large, sternal pad provides for leaning comfort, and a quick-connecting securely strap gives posterior support at the buttocks.
A related functional feature of the device is that it includes a sternal pad which is cut away at lateral zones to permit shoulder flaxen during propulsion of the vehicle.
Yet another feature of the invention is that there is provided a sternal pad which is cut away at opposed sides to define an upwardly converging, peaked configuration facile-toting forward shoulder movement such as occurs when the user propels the device, in use.
Still another important structural feature of the transport device of the invention is that the sternal pad is formed to define a shelf-like, flattened support surface to which a service tray is secured, the tray being slightly pitched to extend in a gently upwardly projecting mode, thereby to facilitate and to enhance the retrieval of tray-carried articles.
I
An important feature of the quick connect securely strap is that it includes a laterally extending metallic bar which may be forcibly bent -to define a "custom-fitted" side-to-side curvature corresponding to the particular size and physical configuration of the rider. Thus, is good lateral as well as rear support assured.
It is a feature of the conveyance of the invention that it is fabricated of high-strength, light-weight material, and that all parts are precision machined and manufactured to ensure a long, useful life.
An important feature and advantage of the conveyance of the invention from an economic view-point is that the device is readily and simply adjustable to permit periodic size ad-justments correlated with the growth of the user.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invent lion will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a con-side ration of the following detailed description of the pro-furred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 is a side elevation Al view of a wheeled con-vines according to the invention r embodying the features thereof;
FIGURE lo is an enlargement of the detail encircled in FIGURE I and showing the brake actuating pin and slotasse~bly;
FIGURE 2 is a rear elevation Al view of the conveyance of the invention FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially on the lines 3-3 of FIGURE 2;
FIGURE 4 shows an enlarged view of the foot-locating pads carried on the base or platform of the vehicle, as seen generally along the lines 4-4 of FIGURE 2;
FIGURE 5 shows the foot or leg supporting braces, as viewed generally along the lines 5-5 of FIGURE 3;
FIGURE 6 is a partial top-elevational view showing the adjustable and shakable securely support strap as fastened in use, as seen generally along the lines 6-6 of FIGURE 3;
FIGURE 7 shows an enlarged details of a strap coupler element for securing the securely strap in place during use; and FIGURE 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary top view showing the detail encircled in FIGURE 6, and showing the strap length adjustment element for securely support.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In a preferred embodiment, the aims and objects of the invention are accomplished by providing a wheeled conveyance for transporting a handicapped person-operator, in a standing mode. Fashioned for use by persons who are physically incapable of effecting normal locomotion and who are unable to stand unassisted, the conveyance provides vertically-spaced, multiple-support and restraining elements which brace and retain one's body in a generally upright but slightly forwardly-pitched at-twitted, establishing in the transported person, a forwardly-displaced center of gravity. The posture described frees the user's arms for drivingly rotating the wheels of the conveyance to achieve controlled propelled travel along a selectable path, thereby affording the user a degree of mobility and independence not otherwise achievable.
Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGURES 1 through 3, there is shown, for illustrative purposes and not in any limiting sense, one form of the present invention embodying the features thereof. The conveyance 20 includes a I
base or platform 24 surmounted by an upstanding frame assembly 30 including a pair of laterally-spaced side frames 36 and aye.
The platform 24 is preferably tilted downwardly to establish a forwardly pitched attitude in the user of the device.
Each of the side frames is formed of pairs of tote-sloping elongated tubular shafts, including forward shafts 40 and aye and generally in-line rearward shafts 42 and aye, each pair of forward and rearward shafts being symmetrically disposed laterally and the forward and rearward shafts extending up-warmly from the platform 24 at a slight converging angle.
The lower extremities of the side frames 36 and awry fastened at their respective forward ends 48 and aye and their rearward ends 50 and aye to the base or platform 24 as shown in FIGURE 3. At their upper ends, the tubular shafts 40, aye, and 42, aye are fastened 56, aye and 58, aye to a generally horizontally extending plate or sill 64 which bridges across to interconnect and stabilize the frame assembly 30 at its upper extremity. That is, the plate 64 which surmounts the side frames 36 and aye serves to stabilize and mechanically to inter couple the side frames 36 and aye to each other in a stable mechanical configuration.
Referring further to FIGURE 1 and 3, each side frame 36 and aye also includes an elongated tubular strut 62, aye fastened at its forwardly directed end -to the base of the tubular shaft 40, aye at a point aye adjacent to the locus of the at-tachment of the shaft 40, aye to the platform 24. The tubular struts 62, aye project upwardly and rearwardly, being fastened 66, aye at their rearward ends to the rear tubular shafts aye.
Referring further to the structure as shown in FIGURE
3, mechanical supports for carrying a wheel-supporting axle art also secured to as part of the side frames 36 and aye. As shown, a tubular brace 70, aye is fastened 72, aye to extend generally upwardly from the rearwardly directed tubular strut 62, aye. A
second and cooperating tubular brace, 80, aye is fastened 82, aye to extend generally rearwardly from the forwardly positioned tubular shaft 40, aye. The upwardly and the rearwardly directed elements 70, aye and 80, aye intersect or meet at their respect-ivy shafts 62, aye and 40, aye each end supporting terminal bushings aye and aye (and 90 and 92, not shown). The bushings rotatively support a horizontally extending wheel axle 100. Ad-jacent each of the opposed ends of the axle 100 and journal led thereon is a pair of laterally spaced wheels 106 and aye by means of which the conveyance is caused to bear upon and traverse a supporting substrate. The wheels 106, aye, themselves are mounted 108, aye on the opposed ends of the axle 100 to define a camber (about 3) in which the wheels toe out at the base, thereby establishing a more convenient angle for the user and an enhanced mechanical advantage. Additional and augmenting support and mechanical stabilization of the vehicle is provided by casters including a pair of forward casters 110 and loo and a pair of laterally-spaced, swivel-mounted rearward casters 114, aye all attached to protrude about 1/2 inch from the underside 120 of the platform 24, and to stabilize the conveyance 20.
The conveyance 20 of the invention is provided with a dual system of hand-actuated articulated braking assemblies.
The various components and the mode of operation are described below. As shown in FIGURES 1 and 3, the wheels 106 and aye include radially-extending spokes 130 and aye to which are fastened rings 134 and aye which serve as brake bands. The brake bands are frictionally engage able with respective brake bars or braking arms 138 and aye which, in the specific embody- -mint of the invention shown, are pivotal mounted 142, aye on generally L-shaped support links 146, aye, the latter being secured 150, aye at their lower ends to the struts or braces 80, aye. At the other ends 152, aye, the supports 146, aye are secured 156, aye to pivotal brake actuating levers aye, the actuating levers being attached at a position intermediate their respective opposed ends. Hand-grip balls 162, aye for actuating the levers 160, aye, surmounts the upwardly-extending ends ox the brake levers 160 and aye.
As indicated schematically in the enlarged detail of FIGURE lay each lower end of the levers 160, aye carries a laterally-extending pin 166, which is slide ably received in a cooperating generally L-shaped slot 170 formed in the forwardly-extending end portion of each brake arm 138, aye. It will be appreciated from the foregoing description that when one grips a brake lever control ball 162 and pulls it rearwardly, the lever 160 pivots on its support pin 156. Concurrently, the pin 166 at the lower end of the brake lever 160 moves forwardly through the L slot 170 causing the opposed or opposite end 174 of the braking arm 138 to move upwardly and to engage friction-ally an undersurface 178 of the circular brake band 134. The entire assembly functions as a "toggle" or "over center" mock-anise so that it is locked or biased against inadvertent spurious movement in either direction and so that it remains positively engaged in an operational mode when actuated. As previously pointed out, there is a separate but similar assembly associated with each of the pair of conveyance wheels 106 and aye. Opera-lion of the braking mechanism requires only about a two-inch rj throw of the lever 160 and only a minimum of physical force.
In order to assist the user-operator of the convey-ante 20 to stand, the apparatus is provided with body position-in and locating devices as well as supports and bracing elements.
All of these combine and cooperate to establish a body oriental lion, stabilization, and support system including vertically-spaced multiple-point body-contacting and restraining elements.
These elements brace and retain the operator's body in a goner-ally upright but slightly forwardly-pitched attitude to establish a forwardly-displaced or shifted center of gravity. The result-in posture establishes confidence and frees the user's arms for drivingly rotating the wheels of the conveyance -to achieve controlled, propelled travel along a selectable path. Various cooperating elements which serve to effect the above-indicated purposes of the invention are described in the paragraphs below.
As shown in FIGURES 2, 3, and 4, a pair of shaped foot-locating and demarcation pads 180, aye are fastened to the base or platform 24. These locator pads serve as positive place-mint guides and foot stabilizers to ensure proper positioning and angular orientation of the feet of the user of the vehicle.
The foot locator pads 180, awry in combination with knee pads or braces, hereinafter described, ensure a proper amount of knee extension (the angle at which the knee is bent).
A body-support sternal pad 190 or chest rest of special contour is secured to and extends upwardly from the top plate 64 which surmounts and interconnects the side frames 36 and aye of the frame assembly 30. The structure of the unique body sup-port pad 190 is pyramidal in form being cut away or relieved laterally so as to engage and bear against an abutting sternum area of a person standing on the platform 24 of the vehicle, and to permit forward flaxen of the shoulders of the rider.
In order to accommodate users of various heights, all of the struts, tubular shafts and braces of the conveyance are tote-scopically adjustable for length as well as for angular modes.
The adjustment is facilitated through the use of tube locks 200.
The linear adjustability of the struts, shafts and braces of the frame assembly also facilitates the selectable substitution of substitute driving wheels of various diameters as may be pro-furred or required in any given application, or to accommodate a specific user.
Referring now further to the user support system of the vehicle 20, and as shown in FIGURES 2, 3, and 5, a pair of adjustable leg-engaging braces or props or pads 2Q4 and aye are secured to each of opposed support shafts 42 and aye by means of clamps 206, aye and linking arms 210, aye. The come bination of simple clamp positioning, and ready angular adjust-mint of the linking arms 210 and aye and pivotal joints 214 and aye ensures a useful degree of adjustability, vertically and laterally, of the leg-embracing assemblies. The leg pads 204 and aye are also pivotal through a vertical arc about pins 216 and aye, to complete adjustment capabilities and to ensure complete and positive physical engagement between the leg and the pads. Preferably, the assemblies are positioned con~actingly to engage forwardly presented surfaces of the leg of the operator in a zone just below the knee.
Yet, a further mechanism for ensuring the proper and safe positioning and orientation Al attitude of the user-operator of the device constitutes a belt-lime flexible strap assembly 220 with a contour-adjustable, shape-retentive metallic band or bar 222. The strap assembly 220 is slide ably and adjustable supported to bridge the opposed, rear, upright tubular shafts 42 and aye. An adjustable web 224 is pivotal secured at one end to a slide buckle 226 fastened to the shaft 42. At the opposite end, the web 224 is fitted with a slide buckle coupling element 228 constituting a lift-out shackle or link detachably carried by the shaft aye. The strap assembly 220 utilizes the slide-buckle elements 226 and 228 as means by which the effect-ivy length of the web 224 may be easily adjusted to center a cushion 234 of the strap assembly 220 on the rear of the rider.
The mechanical structure described, facilitating the ready no-moral and replacement of the body-supporting web 220 itself, is positioned at a height to extend laterally across and support-tingly to engage and brace a securely area of the back of the per-son standing on the platform 24l thereby to support and to pro-vent one from falling rearwardly while standing on and while being propelled along with the conveyance 20~ Selectively pox sitionable, locking slide blocks 236l aye secure the buckles 226, 228 and the strap assembly 220 in place.
In the specific preferred embodiment of the apparatus shown, a generally horizontally extending general utility tray 20 240 is secured 244 at the top of the conveyance to the support plate 64. The tray, which extends forwardly from the body-support pad 190, is readily accessible for convenient use by the operator of the conveyance. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tray is pitched or angled upwardly at about 5 to facilitate and to enhance the retrieval of tray-carried articles. Being a shatter-proof, transparent plastic, the tray 240 need not be removed when not in use; it in no way impairs the field of view.
LO it While preferred embodiments of the invention have been thus-treated and described, other variations may be made utilizing the inventive concepts herein-disclosed. It is intended that all such variations be considered as within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
Claims (17)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A vehicular conveyance for securing and for transportingly supporting thereon, in a standing mode, a handi-capped person physically incapable of effecting normal locomotion and being unable to stand unassisted, said conveyance comprising an upstanding frame assembly, generally horizontal platform means for supporting a person standing on said conveyance, said platform means being mounted on and bridging across said frame assembly at a base thereof, axle means for rotatably supporting a pair of side wheels, a pair of laterally-spaced side wheels rotatably journalled on said axle means and supporting said frame assembly adjacent opposed sides thereof, body-restraining means and body-bracing means carried by said frame assembly for maintaining in a generally upright but slightly forwardly-pitched attitude a person standing on said platform means, said body-restraining and said body-bracing means establishing for a person held thereby a center of gravity dis-placed forwardly with respect to a reference axis projecting nor-mally of a vehicle-supporting terrain traversed by said convey-ance, said body-restraining means and said body-bracing means and the forwardly-inclined disposition of the conveyance-carried person being effective to free the arms of the person for use in gripping and drivingly rotating said wheels to effect locomotion of said conveyance and controlled propelled travel along a selectable path.
2. A self-standing wheeled, mobile conveyance for supporting and for transporting a handicapped person carried in an upright position thereon, said conveyance comprising a pair of laterally-spaced ground-engaging wheels, axle means for journalling said wheels thereon, an upstanding frame assembly disposed between said wheels, coupling means for engaging and for interconnecting said axle means of said wheel with said frame assembly and for establishing a bridging physically-stabilized interjoinder there-between, generally horizontally disposed platform means and means fastening said platform means at a base portion of said frame assembly and to extend thereacross and between said wheels, said platform means including stabilizing means for en-gaging a substrate terrain traversed by said conveyance to pre-clude tipping of said conveyance while resting on and while traversing the substrate, said platform means constituting floor means for sup-porting a patient standing thereon, leg-engagement means displaced upwardly of said plat-form means for stressing and stabilizing engagement with the legs of a person standing on said platform means, and means firmly se-curing said leg-engagement means to said frame assembly, body-support pad means for esting and for su-porting thereagainst a sternum area of a person standing on said platform means, and means securing said pad means to said frame assembly, posterior support, strap-like web means and securement means fastening said web means to said frame assembly at a height to extend lateally across and supportingly to engage a sacral area of the back of a person standing on said platform means, thereby to prevent one from falling rearwardly while standing on and while moving along with said conveyance.
3. The structure as set forth in Claim 1 wherein said body-restraining means and said body-bracing means define, in combination, a three-point pressure system to facilitate and to effectuate assumption of a standing position by a handicapped person who uses said conveyance.
4. The structure as set forth in Claim 2 and further comprising tray means for carry-ng articles thereon, and attach-ment means securing said tray means adjacent to and extending forwardly of said body support pad means.
5. The structure as set forth in Claim 2 and further comprising platform-carried foot-locater means for facilitating predetermined positive positioning and orientation of the feet of a person standing on said vehicle.
6. The structure as set forth in Claim 2 and includ-ing caster assembly means secured to and carried by said platform means to provide an additional zone of substrate contact for supporting and stabilizing said conveyance.
7. The structure as set forth in Claim 2 and further comprising a wheel-braking bar attached to said frame assembly and a manually-operated, articulated toggle-like linkage for se-lectively bringing said wheel-braking bar into rotation-arresting frictional abutment with a wheel-carried element of said convey-ance to constrain and hold said conveyance in position.
8. The structure as set forth in Claim 5 wherein said foot-locater means constitute foot-receiving forms for hold-ing each foot at a selectable predetermined angle with respect to each leg.
9. The structure as set forth in Claim 1 wherein said frame assembly includes a pair of laterally-spaced side frame means for supporting said platform means on said shaft means, each of said side frame means constituting a pair of elongated structural framing elements extending upwardly from said platform means at a slightly converging angle, fastening means for securing lower ends of said fram-ing elements to said platform means at forwardly and rearwardly spaced positions thereon, connector means for stabilizing and for mechanically intercoupling adjacent respective upper extremities of each of said structural framing elements to each other and to an opposite one of said pair of laterally-spaced side frame means in a stable configuration, each of said side frame means including means for con-necting said side frame means to said axle means.
10. The structure as set forth in Claim 9 wherein said strut means includes first strut means for bridging between and connecting a first of said elongated framing elements to a second of said elongated framing elements, fastener means for anchoring a lower end of said first strut means and for attaching an upper end of said first strut means to said second of said elongated framing elements, second strut means for bridging between and connecting said first strut means and said axle means rotatably supporting said wheels, coupling means for securing a first end of said second strut means to said first strut means at a position intermediate lineally-spaced ends thereof, and coupling means for connecting and securing a second end of said second strut means to said axle means.
11. The structure as set forth in Claim 9 and further comprising brake means including means for individually braking each of said wheels to lock said wheels and to restrain said conveyance immobilized in a fixed position, said brake means for each of said wheels comprising a wheel-engaging braking arm and cooperating articulated toggle-controlled linkage including a manually manipulable, shiftable control lever carried by each of said side frame means, manual throw of said control lever being effective through said linkage to shift said wheel-engaging arm selectively between a first position in which said braking arm stressingly abuts and locks one of said wheels, and a second position in which said braking arm is spaced from and permits rotation of one of said wheels.
12. The structure as set forth in Claim 2 and further comprising manually-adjustable means for selectively positioning said leg-engagement means and said body support pad means to ac-commodity physical parameters of a user of said conveyance.
13. The structure as set forth in Claim 9 and further comprising means for adjusting said second strut to accommodate optional changes in diameter of wheels of said pair of said wheels.
14. The structure as set forth in Claim 4 and further comprising means for selectively adjusting height of said tray means.
15. The structure as set forth in Claim 2 and further comprising means selectively adjustable for positioning said posterior support web means at heights to accommodate physical parameters of a person using said conveyance.
16. The structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein said platform means extends forwardly in a plane which is pitched downwardly about 10° to establish a forwardly tilted attitude in the user of the device.
17. The structure as set forth in Claim 1 wherein said side wheels are cambered outwardly at their base.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US52387183A | 1983-08-17 | 1983-08-17 | |
| US523,871 | 1983-08-17 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1229545A true CA1229545A (en) | 1987-11-24 |
Family
ID=24086776
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000443625A Expired CA1229545A (en) | 1983-08-17 | 1983-12-19 | Conveyance for supporting and for transporting a handicapped person, in a standing mode |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1229545A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN115531096A (en) * | 2022-09-26 | 2022-12-30 | 中国人民解放军西部战区总医院 | Folded cascade patient fracture postoperative care removes seat |
-
1983
- 1983-12-19 CA CA000443625A patent/CA1229545A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN115531096A (en) * | 2022-09-26 | 2022-12-30 | 中国人民解放军西部战区总医院 | Folded cascade patient fracture postoperative care removes seat |
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| MKEX | Expiry |