DK2621446T3

DK2621446T3 - SEAT DEVICE FOR EXAMPLE. WHEELCHAIR, with pivoting FOOT SUPPORT

Info

Publication number: DK2621446T3
Application number: DK11758217.1T
Authority: DK
Inventors: Michael Markwald
Original assignee: Interco Ges Für Die Planung Und Den Vertrieb Von Reha Hilfen Mbh
Priority date: 2010-09-28
Filing date: 2011-09-21
Publication date: 2015-07-20
Also published as: EP2621446B1; DE102010037809A1; DE102010037809B4; EP2621446A1; WO2012041749A1

Description

The invention relates to a seat arrangement for disabled persons, in particular a wheelchair or pushchair, with a seat surface and a foot rest which is pivotable with respect to the seat surface and is fastened in the region of the centre of the front edge of the seat surface, and with an abduction wedge in the centre of the front edge of the seat surface.

The seat surface can be a component of a seat shell which further comprises a back rest which is pivotable with respect to the seat shell. The seat surface can, however, also be integrated with the foot rest as a mounting unit into the frame of a seat arrangement (e.g. wheelchair frame), wherein the frame is provided with a back rest. A seat arrangement with a seat shell, which comprises a seat surface and a back rest pivotably with respect to one another, proceeds from European Patent EP 0 911 008 B1 of the applicant. The wheelchair described here or the seat arrangement described here serves in particular to accommodate patients suffering from spastic cramps. In the case of these patients, impulses are transmitted in an uncontrolled manner to the muscles, which impulses lead to cramp-like muscle tension which generally brings about stretching of the body. This means that the sitting person unintentionally activates his or her muscles such that the hip joints and knee joints are straightened. In order to avoid the patient falling out of the seat shell of the seat arrangement, the patient is generally fixed to the seat shell with fastening means, comprising, for example, a lap belt or lap band. In the case of conventional wheelchairs with a rigid seat or a locked, adjustable seat shell in which the patient is fixed, the muscle forces of the patient act in the event of a spastic attack against the rigid or locked seat shell which holds the joints of the patient in the angled position and fixes the patient in his or her seat position. This leads on one hand to it not being possible for muscle tension to lead to stretching of the body and the muscles and ligaments of the patients being exposed to high mechanical strain. The full muscle force is furthermore introduced into the fastening means and into the seat shell so that significant mechanical strain also arises here. The arrangement described in EP 0 911 008 B1 solves these problems by proposing that the seat surface and back rest are connected to one another in a freely pivotable manner, a tensioning device being provided which generates a tensioning force which holds the seat surface and the back rest in the bent seat position with respect to one another and that the foot rest is articulated freely pivotable on the seat surface, a tensioning device being provided which generates a tensioning force which holds the foot rest in the bent seat position with respect to the seat surface. In concrete terms, below the seat surface, a linear guide is fastened on the frame of the chassis, the seat surface being pivotably articulated on the displaceable component of the linear guide. The seat surface of the seat shell has side panels in which bores, which are flush with one another, are arranged. Pivot pins, on which in each case one of two lateral struts of the foot rest is pivotably fastened, penetrate through these bores. A tension spring pulls at least one strut of the foot rest into the seat position which is bent with respect to the seat surface.

Other manufacturers have adopted this innovation as is apparent e.g. from publication EP 1 743 612 Bl. The mounting below the seat surface is brought about in that the end of the seat surface facing away from the back rest lies linearly displaceably on a rest so that this end is pivotable on the rest. The foot rest also has two lateral struts here. These are connected pivotably to supporting struts arranged laterally on the seat surface.

Wheelchairs, the foot rests of which have central struts which are fastened in the region of the centre of the front edge of the seat surface pivotably on the seat surface, proceed, for example, from publications US 4 538 857 A, DE 600 22 752 T2, DE 10 2004 051 392 B3, DE 195 20 585 Al, DE 20 2004 017 110 Ul, GB 2 381 742 A, GB 2 067 294 A, GB 2 067 394 A, US 2006/0086202 Al, EP 2 062 557 A1 and EP 1 374 819 Al. EP 1 374 819 A1 and DE 195 20 585 A1 show further abduction wedges which can be fastened in the centre of the front edge of the seat surface.

The object of the present invention is to create a wheelchair or a similar seat arrangement for disabled persons, wherein the fastening for the foot rest ensures a pivoting about the physiological fulcrums with a simple structure. This object is achieved by Claim 1.

As a result of the fastening of the foot rest in the region of the centre of the front edge of the seat surface, it is ensured that the pivot axis of the foot rest lies in close proximity to the knee joints. An abduction wedge, which spreads the legs of the patient accommodated in the seat shell slightly apart, is provided in the centre of the front edge of the seat surface. The foot rest is articulated here so that the knees of the patient directly adjoin the pivot point of the foot rest. The mechanical fulcrums of the foot rest correspond to the mechanical fulcrums of the knee joints. Moreover, in the case of a central articulation of the foot rest, only one joint is to be provided and not two joints lying outside the seat shell. As a result of this, the design can be structurally simplified.

In one preferred embodiment, the abduction wedge can be lowered. The abduction wedge can be lowered downwards. In the lowered downwards position, the abduction wedge is no longer located between the knees of the patient. As a result of this, the patient can be more easily placed into the seat shell and strapped in there.

In practice, a supporting arm can be arranged in the centre of the front edge of the seat surface, the free end of the supporting arm having a pivot axis for the foot rest. The supporting arm consequently lies between the knees of a person accommodated in the seat shell. In practice, it can extend obliquely upwards from the front edge of the seat surface so that the pivot axis lies in the region of the pivot axis of the knee joints of the accommodated patient. A pivoting of the foot rest about the physiological fulcrums of the knees is ensured as a result of this. This has the result that, in the case of a pivoting of the foot rest by a stretching movement of the muscles of the accommodated patients, no forces act on the knee joints which could put a strain on the joints.

In practice, the part of the foot rest and of the supporting arm located between the knees can be provided with a padded cover which forms an abduction wedge. This abduction wedge ensures that the knees are pushed a few centimetres apart and a certain degree of bracing is achieved in the hip joints. As a result of this, incorrect positioning of the hip joint is avoided.

The end of the supporting arm remote from the pivot axis can be fastened tiltably on the seat surface so that the supporting arm can be tilted downwards. This tilting function is advantageous if the patient is placed into the seat shell. In the downwards tilted position, the supporting arm and the abduction wedge covering it are no longer located between the knees of the patient. As a result of this, the patent can be placed more easily into the seat shell and strapped in there. Only when the patient is located in the proper seat position can the supporting arm be tilted upwards again with the abduction wedge so that the abduction wedge lies between the knees of the patient. For tilting of the supporting arm, a detachable latching device is preferably provided which locks the supporting arm in its upper position in which the pivot axis is located between the knees of the patient. In order to tilt the abduction wedge downwards, the latching device is detached. A pivot arm on which the foot rest is fastened can furthermore be fastened on the supporting arm in practice. The supporting arm with pivot axis and pivot arm forms in this manner a structural unit which can be replaced in the event of damage. It is also possible to combine different foot rests with one pivot axis in order to adapt the wheelchair to the size and physiological requirements of the patient to be accommodated.

The supporting arm can have two limbs which are parallel to one another and between which the pivot arm is arranged. Here, a pivot pin can protrude through bores, which are flush with one another, in the supporting arm, in particular in the two limbs of the supporting arm, and in the pivot arm.

The foot rest has a foot plate on which the patient sitting in the wheelchair places his or her feet. The geometry of the supporting arm and pivot arm is preferably selected such that the foot plate of the foot rest places the foot rest on the ground in the case of an abduction wedge which is moved downwards. A person to be accommodated in the wheelchair can in this manner be easily placed in the wheelchair, and he or she can walk, walk almost even with the ground onto the foot plate and place himself or herself into the seat shell without being disturbed by the abduction wedge which projects upwards. This assistance in getting in is a significant aid to the patient.

One embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to the enclosed drawings.

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment formed as a wheelchair of a seat arrangement according to the prior art in a side view in the unloaded starting position.

Fig. 2 shows the wheelchair of Fig. 1 with a seat shell and foot rest extended counter to the tensioning force of the tensioning devices.

Fig. 3 shows a wheelchair according to the invention in a three-dimensional view without padding on the seat shell.

Fig. 4 shows a three-dimensional view of the seat shell with a foot rest projecting straight downwards.

Fig. 5 shows a representation corresponding to Fig. 4 with a foot rest pivoted upwards.

Fig. 6 shows a representation corresponding to Fig. 4 with a tilted supporting arm for the foot rest.

Fig. 7 shows a side view of the supporting arm and pivot arm for the foot rest in the position of use.

Fig. 8 shows a side view of the supporting arm and pivot arm for the foot rest in the tilted position.

Figure 9 to 11 show representations corresponding to Figures 4 to 6 of the seat shell with seat surface padding and abduction wedge.

Figs. 1 und 2 shows a seat arrangement in the form of a wheelchair according to the prior art. It comprises a chassis 1 with large rear wheels 2 and small front wheels 3 in each case on both sides of chassis 1. The upper part of chassis 1 is formed as a double frame 4 which is L-shaped in a side view. A plurality of cross struts (not represented) running transverse to the representation plane between the two L-shaped frame portions stabilise chassis 1. A seat shell 6 lies on L-shaped frame 4. It comprises a seat surface 7 and a back rest 8 which are connected to one another pivotably about a pivot axis 9. Pivot axis 9 between seat surface 7 and back rest 8 runs through the pivot point of the hip joint. A foot rest 10 is articulated pivotably about a pivot axis 11 at the front end of seat surface 7 in its two lateral wall portions. Foot rest 10 comprises here two struts which are parallel to one another and of which in each case only one is visible in Figs. 1 and 2 in a side view.

In order to offer the person to be accommodated a comfortable seat, padding supports are placed on seat surface 7 and back rest 8. These are not represented in the drawings for the sake of clarity. The seat arrangement is provided for accommodating a person suffering from spastic cramps which is fixed by fastening means in seat shell 6. A lap holder 13, which forms the fastening means, is plotted schematically with dashed lines in Fig. 1.

It is apparent in Fig. 2 that the seat arrangement can follow a stretching movement of the person accommodated in seat shell 6. The person can pivot foot rest 10 forwards by muscular strength and pivot back rest 8 backwards in relation to seat surface 7. Tensioning devices 14 and 15 are provided which pull the movable parts of the seat arrangement into the seat position represented in Fig. 1. First tensioning device 14 comprises a tension spring which on one hand is fastened on a receiving block 16 fixed on the L-shaped frame and on the other hand is connected to seat surface 7. The connection to seat surface 7 is carried out via a linear guide 17 below seat surface 7. The lower part of linear guide 17 is fastened on L-shaped frame 4. The front end of the upper part of linear guide 17 is connected pivotably to the underside of seat surface 7. Tension spring 14 is articulated at the rear end of the upper part of linear guide 17. Tension spring 14 thus pulls seat surface 7 into the rear position and thus entire seat shell 6 into the right-angled position represented in Fig. 1.

Tensioning device 15 also comprises a tension spring which is arranged between foot rest 10 and the upper part of linear guide 17. Said tension spring 15 pulls foot rest 10 into the rear, angled position as is represented in Fig. 1.

The seat surface according to the invention with a pivotable foot rest is, however, also suitable for arrangement on a seat frame without a back rest or on a frame on which the back rest is fastened independently of the seat surface.

Fig. 3 shows a wheelchair according to the invention. The wheelchair comprises in turn a chassis 21 with large, rigidly mounted rear wheels 22 and two pivotably mounted front wheels 23 which enable steering of the wheelchair. Wheels 22, 23 are fastened on an L-shaped frame 24. L-shaped frame 24 serves to accommodate a seat shell 26. Seat shell 26 comprises a seat surface 27 and a back rest 28. Back rest 28 is connected in an articulated manner to seat surface 27 by means of two pivot axes 29 which are formed e.g. by rivet or screw connections. A linear guide is arranged below seat surface 27. A supporting arm 32 which extends upwards and at the upper end of which a pivot arm 33 is fastened pivotably about a pivot axis 38 is arranged on the front edge of seat surface 27 of seat shell 26 in the centre. A foot rest can be fastened on pivot arm 33. This is particularly apparent in Figs. 4 to 9.

Figs. 4 to 6 show seat shell 26 without a chassis. As mentioned, a supporting arm 32 which extends upwards is fastened in the region of the front edge of seat surface 27. Supporting arm 32 comprises a plurality of limbs which are parallel to one another and between which pivot arm 33 is fastened pivotably about a pivot axis 38. A tension bar 34 is fastened with its front end on pivot arm 33. The rear end of tension bar 34 is arranged to be longitudinally displaceable within supporting arm 32 counter to a tensioning force of a spring. Tension bar 34 thus pulls pivot arm 33 back into its rear position (Fig. 4). This is the home position of the arrangement in which foot rest 37 protrudes downwards almost straight from seat surface 27. There is fastened on pivot arm 33 a strut 35 which projects downwards and at the lower end of which a foot plate 36 is arranged. The patient accommodated in seat shell 26 can pivot foot rest 37 forwards by muscular strength via foot plate 36. Pivot arm 33 pivots about pivot axis 38 and pulls tension bar 34 forwards. If no muscular strength acts on foot rest 36, it is pulled by tension bar 34 into the home position represented in Fig. 4. The forwards pivoted position is represented in Fig. 5.

Fig. 6 shows a further position in which supporting arm 32 is tilted downwards in relation to seat surface 27. As a result, supporting arm 32 is lowered and it is made easier to get into the wheelchair.

Entire foot rest 37 is inclined downwards and backwards during this process so that it is pulled back out of the region in front of seat surface 27. Tilting of supporting arm 32 is enabled in that it is articulated via a tilting axis 39 on the underside of seat surface 27 (see Figs. 7 and 8). Tilting axis 39 protrudes through openings in supporting arm 32 and in an abutment 41. Abutment 41 is fastened on the underside of seat surface 27. Moreover, a latching pin 40 is provided which is pushed into the pushed-in latching position relative to supporting arm 32 by a bias spring (not represented). In this latching position (Fig. 7), latching pin 40 protrudes through openings in abutment 41 and in supporting arm 32 and in this manner fixes supporting arm 32 relative to abutment 41 and thus to seat surface 27. If latching pin 40 is pulled out in the direction from the image plane of Fig. 7 so that it now only protrudes through an opening in abutment 41, supporting arm 32 can be tilted downwards, as is shown in Figures 6 and 8. It is made easier to get in because supporting arm 32 is lowered and foot rest 32 is pivoted backwards. If supporting arm 32 is tilted upwards again, latching pin 40 is pushed by a bias spring (not represented) into the opening of supporting arm 32 and fixes it again in its tilted upwards position of use on abutment 41.

During use, seat surface 27 is covered by a seat surface pad 30. This is represented in Figures 9 to 11. A receptacle for an abduction wedge 31, which is also formed by a pad element, is provided within seat surface pad 30. Abduction wedge 31 is formed to be internally hollow and movable relative to the seat surface pad. Abduction wedge 31 receives the upper ends of supporting arm 32 and pivot arm 33.

Abduction wedge 31 has the same position, in which it protrudes at the top beyond seat surface pad 30, both in the backward pivoted position of foot rest 37 (Fig. 9) and in the forward pivoted position of foot rest 37 (Fig. 10). A patient, who is sitting on seat surface pad 30, as a result does not feel any relative movement between abduction wedge 31 and seat surface pad 30 during pivoting of foot rest 37. Seat surface pad 30 offers the patient a comfortable support, wherein abduction wedge 31 spreads the knees of the patient slightly apart.

If supporting arm 32, however, tilts downwards, abduction wedge 31 is lowered (see Fig. 11). At the same time, foot rest 37 swings backwards with foot plate 36. Foot rest 37 and abduction wedge 31 are largely removed from the front region of seat surface 27 and it is made easier for the patient to get into seat shell 26 according to the invention.

List of reference numbers 1 Chassis 2 Rear wheel 3 Front wheel 4 L-shaped frame 5 Horizontal strut 6 Seat shell 7 Seat surface 8 Back rest 9 Pivot axis 10 Footrest 11 Pivot axis 12 Foot placing board 13 Lap holder 14 Tensioning device, tension spring 15 Tensioning device, tension spring 16 Receiving block 17 Linear guide 21 Chassis 22 Rear wheel 23 Front wheel 24 L-shaped frame 25 Handle 26 Seat shell 27 Seat surface 28 Back rest 29 Pivot axis 30 Seat surface pad 31 Abduction wedge 32 Supporting arm 33 Pivot arm 34 Tension bar 35 Strut 36 Foot plate 37 Foot rest 38 Pivot axis 39 Tilting axis 40 Latching pin, detachable latching device 41 Abutment

Claims

Seating device for physically handicapped persons, especially a wheelchair or stroller, with a seat surface (27) and a footrest (37) which can be pivoted relative to the seat surface (27) and secured in the area at the center of the front edge of the seating surface ( 27), and with an abduction wedge in the middle of the front edge of the seating surface, characterized in that the footrest is connected articulated within the abduction wedge, the pivot axis of the footrest of a person accommodated in the seating device being in the region of the pivot axis of the person knee joint.

Seating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the abduction wedge can be lowered downwards.

Seating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the seating surface (27) is part of a seat bowl (26) provided with a backrest (28) which can be pivoted relative to the seating surface (27).

Seating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the seating surface (27) with pivotable footrest (37) is mounted on a frame for the seating device which carries a backrest (28).

Sitting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a support arm (32) is provided in the center of the front edge of the seating surface (32), the free end of which has a pivot axis (38) for the footrest (37).

Sitting device according to claim 5, characterized in that the support arm (32) extends obliquely upwardly of the leading edge of the seating surface (27) so that the pivot axis (38) is in the region of the pivot axis of the knee joints of the patient the seat bowl (26).

Sitting device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the part located between the knees of the footrest (37) and of the support arm (32) is provided with a padded cover forming an abduction wedge (31).

Seating device according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the end of the support arm (32), which is remote from the pivot axis (38), is pivotally attached to the seating surface (27), so that the support arm (32) can be tilted downwards .

Seating device according to claim 8, characterized in that a detachable engaging device (40) locks the support arm (32) in its upper position, in which the pivot axis is between the knees of a person accommodated in the seating device.

Seating device according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that a swinging arm (33) is secured to the support arm (32), to which the footrest (37) is fixed.

Seating device according to claim 10, characterized in that the support arm (32) comprises several legs which are parallel to one another and between which the swing arm (33) is located.

Sitting device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the pivot axis (38) projects through several bores which align with each other in the support arm (32) and the pivot arm (33).

Sitting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the footrest (37) is provided with a footplate (36) which, when the abduction wedge is moved down, rests on the footrest (37).