EP1185228A1 - Moyen de transport - Google Patents

Moyen de transport

Info

Publication number
EP1185228A1
EP1185228A1 EP00940506A EP00940506A EP1185228A1 EP 1185228 A1 EP1185228 A1 EP 1185228A1 EP 00940506 A EP00940506 A EP 00940506A EP 00940506 A EP00940506 A EP 00940506A EP 1185228 A1 EP1185228 A1 EP 1185228A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
transport means
means according
frame member
rotatable support
seat
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP00940506A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Maurice Andrew Jackson
Chandru Ray
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Thama Holdings Ltd
Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust
Original Assignee
Thama Holdings Ltd
Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Thama Holdings Ltd, Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust filed Critical Thama Holdings Ltd
Publication of EP1185228A1 publication Critical patent/EP1185228A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
    • A61G5/04—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs motor-driven
    • A61G5/041—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs motor-driven having a specific drive-type
    • A61G5/042—Front wheel drive
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
    • A61G5/10—Parts, details or accessories
    • A61G5/1051—Arrangements for steering
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K5/00—Cycles with handlebars, equipped with three or more main road wheels
    • B62K5/02—Tricycles
    • B62K5/05—Tricycles characterised by a single rear wheel
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G2203/00—General characteristics of devices
    • A61G2203/10—General characteristics of devices characterised by specific control means, e.g. for adjustment or steering
    • A61G2203/14—Joysticks
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
    • A61G5/10—Parts, details or accessories
    • A61G5/1056—Arrangements for adjusting the seat
    • A61G5/1059—Arrangements for adjusting the seat adjusting the height of the seat
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
    • A61G5/10—Parts, details or accessories
    • A61G5/1056—Arrangements for adjusting the seat
    • A61G5/107—Arrangements for adjusting the seat positioning the whole seat forward or rearward

Definitions

  • This invention relates to transport means and especially to transport means adapted for use by infirm or disabled persons.
  • transport means and especially to transport means adapted for use by infirm or disabled persons.
  • Some patients are capable of travelling only 20-30 yards without experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath and/or pain. Such patients include, for example, amputees, those suffering from diseases such as asthma, arthritis and angina pectoris, or those born with a physical disability.
  • Other conditions which can adversely affect mobility include: hemiplegia; severe osteo-arthritis of hip or knee; peripheral vascular disease; a history of poliomyelitis; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; multiple sclerosis; major orthopaedic trauma; and multiple fractures.
  • Powered wheelchairs are heavy, bulky, cannot be stored or folded and cannot easily fit into a car.
  • Powered wheelchairs are in general intended to have a travelling-range of 20 miles or more.
  • Powered wheelchairs and other mobility aids need to be highly manoeuvrable within a small space.
  • Known aids are turned by steering the front or rear wheels.
  • Increase in manoeuvrability can be achieved by shrinking the wheelbase of the vehicle i.e. by bringing the front wheels closer to the rear wheels. This requirement conflicts with the need for a stable aid which adequately and safely support the user over a variety of terrain.
  • One method of achieving this stability with manoeuverability has been to increase the weight of the aid.
  • the present invention aims to provide a mobility aid which can be readily deployed and readily stored.
  • a patient who has the use of a car may only require a mobility aid with a relatively short travelling-range (say 3-4 miles) , but such a mobility aid must be capable of being deployed by a patient with physical disability or infirmity.
  • transport means comprising; (a) an elongate frame member having front and rear portions (relative to the predominant direction of motion) ;
  • steering means adapted in use to change the direction of motion of the transport means.
  • transport means according to the present invention is capable of being used in more than one mode.
  • a patient may "sit on” the device as a passenger or may, in suitable circumstances, use the device in the manner of a "scooter” by assisting propulsion from a "standing” position.
  • first rotatable support means are individually or independently powered, they are mounted on and rotatable about an axle or other mounting means which may be fixed relative to the elongate frame.
  • the mounting means is an axle which is fixed at right angles to the elongate frame to form a T-shaped or substantially T- shaped framework.
  • the transport means may be steered either to the left hand side or the right hand side, relative to its direction of travel.
  • the wheel located on the same side of the transport means as the intended direction of steering may stop rotating, or be powered in reverse.
  • the other wheel of the pair, disposed on the opposite side of the transport means may continue to be powered in a forwards direction, or the power to this wheel in the forwards direction may be increased to effect a tighter turn.
  • the second rotatable support member (c) is adapted to be powered.
  • the second rotatable support member (c) may be steerable. By means of such powered steering, torque may be applied between the member (c) and the surface over which it moves, thereby increasing the stability of the transport means.
  • Transport means may suitably be provided with a seat.
  • the seat may be operatively associated with the elongate frame member (a) .
  • the length of the rod may be made variable, for example by making the rod to have two or more articulated or telescoping portions.
  • the height of the steering means (d) relative to the frame member (a) will be adjustable.
  • the steering means (d) may be provided with powered movement (e.g. by means of a motor driven by one or more batteries) .
  • powering of the transport means may be assisted or provided by the user supporting some of his weight on the seat and using a trailing leg to push the transport means forwards.
  • the single second rotatable support member allows the trailing leg to assist powering of the transport means without catching or otherwise impeding the trailing leg.
  • the frame member (a) may conveniently be made of a metal. It may suitably be of hollow, generally tubular construction, for example of circular, elliptical or oval transverse cross-section. In an especially preferred embodiment of the present invention, the frame member (a) may be adapted to be reduced in overall dimensions, e.g. by having one or more articulated or telescoping portions so that the frame member (a) is effectively "foldable" for storage or removal.
  • the frame member (a) may be further provided with means to receive one or more batteries for powering the rotatable supports (b) , and/or one or more electric motors, together with associated electronic components and circuitry. This may be achieved, for example, by providing one or more housings on the frame member (a) .
  • the aforesaid electronic components can conveniently include a charger for the batteries.
  • a further housing may be provided for this purpose and can be located on the frame member (a) . If the transport means is used as a "scooter” , the manual power supplied by the user may assist charging of the battery.
  • the seat may comprise one or a plurality of seats adapted to be fitted to and supported by seat support means.
  • the seat may be mounted on a central portion of an elongate, substantially C-shaped or curved, member which is rigid enough to support a person's weight.
  • Each end of the rigid elongate member may be fixed to the frame so that the seat is supported at a height therefrom.
  • a gear-train may further be provided to transmit motive power from the electric motor to the front wheels. Preferably, this will be a reducing gear-train.
  • the present invention provides transport means comprising: (a) an elongate frame member having front and rear portions;
  • the present invention provides a program on a carrier, the program being adapted to effect control of the transport means, e.g. by rotating at least two of the first rotatable support members at different speeds and/or in different circumferential directions relative to each other.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of transport means according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2 is a side view of a second embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 3 is a top view of the embodiment of Figure 2;
  • Figure 4 is a front view of the embodiment of Figure 2;
  • Figure 5 is a side view showing transport means according to the invention, in relation to a typical user
  • Figure 6 is a rear view of transport means according to the invention, in relation to a typical user
  • Figure 7 shows schematically an alternative embodiment of the second rotatable member
  • Figure 8 illustrates schematically how, in transport means according to the invention, the seat support may be adjustable; and Figure 9 shows schematically an electronic control system according to the present invention.
  • the transport means comprises a generally elongate frame 2 formed from a folded length of metal tubing having two substantially parallel elongate portions 2a, 2b. At the rear end of the frame there is a looped portion of tubing into which is mounted a rotatable castor 3 in the form of a ball member.
  • the ball member is mounted so as to be rotatable in any direction about the point X.
  • wheel mounting means 4 in the form of folded metal tubing is fixed by welding to the frame.
  • the strength of the welding connection is improved by welding the wheel mounting means at four positions on the two lengths 2a, 2b of the frame where the wheel support means and frame overlap.
  • the welding connection defines a cavity 5.
  • the framework which results from the welding connection between the frame 2 and the wheel mounting means 4 is generally T-shaped.
  • the wheel mounting means 4 is folded so as to be symmetrical about the elongate frame 2, forming two identical enclosures 6 and 7.
  • a battery 8 In each of the enclosures 6 and 7, there is located and supported a battery 8, and an electric motor 9, together with electronic components to operatively connect a battery to each motor.
  • the spatial arrangement of one battery and one motor on either side of the frame 2 provides ballast to and confers balance on the transport means 1.
  • a wheel 10 is fitted to each end face 11 of the wheel mounting means 4.
  • Each motor 9 operatively engages a wheel 10 so that the motor can drive its associated wheel in either circumferential direction, and so that each wheel is driven independently of the other.
  • Suitable electronic components and wiring operatively communicate movements of the joystick 16 to the motors 9.
  • the elongate rod 12 is hollow, so that wiring can be passed through the rod 12 and emerge from its base to engage each motor 9.
  • the slide member 20 is moveable along the length of the frame between the two lengths of frame 2a, 2b. Once a position along the length of the frame has been selected, the slide member 20 can be locked to secure the seat 18 and seat support rod 19 in position.
  • the lock (not shown) may be in the form of a nut or rotatable piece on the underside of the slide which can be tightened to effect locking of the slide member 20 relative to the frame 2.
  • the seat support rod 19 comprises two telescoping portions which allow adjustment of the height of the seat 18 relative to the frame.
  • a locking mechanism (not shown) allows the length of the seat support rod 19 to be fixed, securing the seat 18 at a particular height above the frame 2.
  • the angle of the seat on the seat support rod 19 relative to the frame 2 may be adjusted to suit the user, for example by operating a series of levers on the underside of the seat (not shown) .
  • the seat 18 may be one of a range of possible seats each adapted to be fitted to the upper portion of the seat support rod 19. In this way, a seat can be selected which suits the user of the transport means 1.
  • the seat may fold against the frame in the direction indicated by arrow 21 , the seat support rod pivoting about a connection with slide 20.
  • the seat support rod 19 and the seat are easily detachable from the frame 2 and can be stored separately whilst the transport means is in storage.
  • the user rests part of his/her weight on the seat, and uses one or both trailing legs to support the rest of his/her weight on the ground.
  • the transport means can be powered by moving the joystick in a forwards direction to power the front wheels, whilst manual assistance can be provided from the trailing legs to push the transport means along.
  • the transport means could be powered entirely by the trailing legs.
  • the single rear castor, and the absence of a rear axle or protrusions from the sides of the frame 2 ensure that the trailing legs are not impeded.
  • the second preferred embodiment is especially applicable to those patients who still have the use of one or both legs, or who wish to build up the strength in their leg after an operation or other medical treatment.
  • transport means 25 is provided with a seat post 26, fixed to a rear portion of an elongate frame member 27.
  • the elongate frame member is bifurcate towards its rearward portion, one part of the member extending upwardly to receive the seat post and a second part extending rearwardly.
  • a rotatable member 28 is mounted rearwardly of the seat post 26.
  • the seat post 26 can be telescoped in order to adjust the height of the seat relative to the elongate frame member.
  • the seat post is easily removable from the elongate frame member 27.
  • the rotatable member 28 comprises a castor wheel. This castor wheel is fixed and independently driven by a motor (not shown) . Its horizontal position is adjustable in relation to the elongate member, for example by clamp means or by pivoting.
  • a shock absorber 29 is located between the castor wheel 28 and its mounting 30 on the elongate frame members 27. This increases the user's comfort and the stability of the transport means on uneven surfaces.
  • a seat 31 is removably mounted on top of the seat post 26. It may be pivotally mounted or adjustable horizontally or vertically, for example by means of clamping devices. The seat is custom-made for each user. The user is thus securely held and supported on the transport means. Additional support for the user may be provided by means of a front support 32 which may extend from the front part of the elongate frame member 27 or, as illustrated in Figure 2, from elongate rod 33 which supports the handlebars 34. A pad 35, secured to the front support, is contoured to the user's shape.
  • a removable stump support 31 A may extend from the seat post 26 or, as illustrated in Figure 3, from the elongate frame member.
  • the stump support is also contoured to fit the user.
  • Running boards 37, one for each foot, are removably mounted, for example by clips, to the twin portions of the elongate frame member.
  • the running boards can be clipped together for extra security. They enable the user to sit back on the seat and to rest his/her feet, if he/she is tired.
  • Forearm or elbow supports 38 may also be provided on the front handlebars. These comprise shaped pads which may be contoured to fit the user and adjustably secured to the handlebars.
  • FIG. 7 an alternative embodiment of the second rotatable member is shown generally at 52.
  • This embodiment comprises a castor wheel and can pivot with respect to the frame member.
  • a plastics wheel 53 is mounted on an axle 54 which is supported in an external frame 55 and connected, via a shock absorber 56, to a shaft 57 engaging the frame member.
  • the wheel 53 is shaped so that it contacts the ground by at least two points, spaced apart orthogonally with respect to the length of the elongate frame member. This increases the sideways stability of the mobility aid.
  • the dual points of contact also reduce "castor clatter" .
  • the same effect can be achieved by means of duplex wheels which rotate together. These are considered to comprise a single rotatable member in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG 8 shows schematically an alternative embodiment of the seat post 26 and seat 31. These are pivotally mounted with respect to each other and the frame such that several positions of the seat post 26 and seat 31, for example those indicated at (a) , (b), and (c), are possible.
  • spring members located on the seat post may engage suitably- positioned holes in the elongate frame member 27.
  • FIG 9 shows schematically an electronic control system for the embodiment shown in Figure 2.
  • This battery 43 is preferably lightweight but still able to provide adequate power for at least 5 miles.
  • the electronic control system is contained in a box 44. It is microprocessor-control based. It receives input from switches 59, which are mounted on the end of the handlebars so that they may be easily controlled by the user's thumbs. It also receives input from a proportional joystick 60.
  • the switches or joystick may each respectively alone control the system or they may both do so. They may be interchangeable so that the control system can receive input from either.
  • the control system may be set up for individual users in order to maximise their control of the mobility aid.
  • either the joystick or the switches may be used to control speed; the joystick may be used for directional control and the switches for acceleration, or vice versa.
  • the software is sufficiently adaptive to allow this.
  • the action of the joystick can be suitably damped, e.g. by electronic or software means, so that it is suitable for use by a person suffering with tremor.
  • the version of the software shown in Appendix A (below) enables a user suffering with moderate to severe tremor to control the mobility aid effectively.
  • the COMMS and SETUP screens shown in Appendix A assist downloading and enable the user to set the parameters shown.
  • the user can be downloaded into the microprocessor-based controller.
  • the acceleration of the motor can be controlled separately.
  • a mobility aid according to the present invention thus provides a complete mobility solution for users having a wide variety of impairments. It promotes and improves leg functioning and increases physical fitness, while enabling the user to rest when tired. It may be used indoors or outdoors, and is easily transportable. Its steering system ensures a high degree of manoeuvrability whilst stability is maintained or even enhanced. Many adaptations, variations and improvements will be apparent from the disclosure contained herein which fulfil the aims of and are encompassed by the present invention.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Motorcycle And Bicycle Frame (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un moyen de déplacement (destiné par exemple à une personne infirme ou handicapée), qui comprend: (a) un élément de cadre allongé (2) comprenant une partie antérieure et une partie postérieure par rapport au sens de marche principal du moyen de déplacement; (b) une paire de premiers éléments de support rotatifs (10) fonctionnellement associés à la partie antérieure; (c) un deuxième et unique élément de support (3) fonctionnellement associé à la partie postérieure; et (d) un moyen de guidage (12,13,14) apte, en cours d'utilisation, à modifier la direction du mouvement du moyen de déplacement. Chacun des éléments de support rotatifs (b) et (c) peut être entraîné indépendamment, par exemple à l'aide de moteurs électriques (a) alimentés par une ou plusieurs batteries rechargeables (8) montées sur le moyen de déplacement.
EP00940506A 1999-06-09 2000-06-09 Moyen de transport Withdrawn EP1185228A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB9913302.7A GB9913302D0 (en) 1999-06-09 1999-06-09 Transport means
GB9913302 1999-06-09
PCT/GB2000/002247 WO2000074622A1 (fr) 1999-06-09 2000-06-09 Moyen de transport

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1185228A1 true EP1185228A1 (fr) 2002-03-13

Family

ID=10854951

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00940506A Withdrawn EP1185228A1 (fr) 1999-06-09 2000-06-09 Moyen de transport

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1185228A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU5543400A (fr)
GB (1) GB9913302D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2000074622A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2962403B1 (fr) * 2010-07-07 2015-03-27 Raoul Parienti Tricycle ultraleger motorise electriquement
WO2018006289A1 (fr) * 2016-07-06 2018-01-11 尚艳燕 Véhicule d'équilibrage

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2586273A (en) * 1947-06-09 1952-02-19 Electro Glide Company Inc Electrically driven hospital chair
DE3128112A1 (de) * 1981-07-16 1983-02-03 Gerhard Dipl.-Ing. 6100 Darmstadt Heid Kleines elektrofahrzeug
GB2111442A (en) * 1981-11-09 1983-07-06 William Fergusson Mccaw Three-wheeled vehicle
US4708219A (en) * 1986-05-09 1987-11-24 Cresswell Thomas A Disassemblable sulky for attachment to a steerable front wheel assembly condition
FR2617455B1 (fr) * 1987-06-30 1991-06-14 Lignones Hubert Vehicule d'appoint a usage temporaire pour une personne occupant une station debout
DE29619085U1 (de) * 1996-11-04 1997-02-20 Horcher Gmbh Vorrichtung zum Transportieren von Personen

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO0074622A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU5543400A (en) 2000-12-28
GB9913302D0 (en) 1999-08-11
WO2000074622A1 (fr) 2000-12-14

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