EP1295582A2 - Siège autoportant et fauteuil roulant équipé d'un tel siège, et méthode pour les fabriquer - Google Patents

Siège autoportant et fauteuil roulant équipé d'un tel siège, et méthode pour les fabriquer Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1295582A2
EP1295582A2 EP02078947A EP02078947A EP1295582A2 EP 1295582 A2 EP1295582 A2 EP 1295582A2 EP 02078947 A EP02078947 A EP 02078947A EP 02078947 A EP02078947 A EP 02078947A EP 1295582 A2 EP1295582 A2 EP 1295582A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sitting
frame
wheelchair
sitting support
support
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP02078947A
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German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1295582A3 (fr
EP1295582B1 (fr
Inventor
Stephanus Theodorus Antonius Gertrudes Beumer
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.)
Ludgerus Beheer BV
Original Assignee
Revab BV
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of EP1295582A2 publication Critical patent/EP1295582A2/fr
Publication of EP1295582A3 publication Critical patent/EP1295582A3/fr
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Publication of EP1295582B1 publication Critical patent/EP1295582B1/fr
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Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • A61G5/10—Parts, details or accessories
    • A61G5/1056—Arrangements for adjusting the seat
    • A61G5/1067—Arrangements for adjusting the seat adjusting the backrest relative to the seat portion
    • 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
    • A61G5/006—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs convertible to stretchers or beds
    • 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
    • A61G5/08—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs foldable
    • 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
    • A61G5/08—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs foldable
    • A61G5/0808—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs foldable characterised by a particular folding direction
    • A61G5/085—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs foldable characterised by a particular folding direction folding up and down, e.g. reducing or expanding the overall height of the wheelchair
    • 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
    • A61G5/08—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs foldable
    • A61G5/0866—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs foldable folding down backrest, e.g. where the backrest folds down onto the seat support
    • 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
    • A61G5/08—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs foldable
    • A61G5/0883—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs foldable having locking means for maintaining a folded or unfolded condition
    • 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
    • A61G5/08—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs foldable
    • A61G5/0891—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs foldable having rigid supports, e.g. seat or back supports which retain their shape after folding of the wheelchair
    • 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
    • A61G5/1054—Large wheels, e.g. higher than the seat portion
    • 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
    • A61G5/1081—Parts, details or accessories with shock absorbers or other suspension arrangements between frame and 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
    • A61G5/12—Rests specially adapted therefor, e.g. for the head or the feet

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a wheelchair, in particular a foldable wheelchair and a sitting support for same.
  • wheelchairs which can be folded in a direction transverse to the main driving direction.
  • Such wheelchairs are built-up from two parallel frame parts, interconnected by means of a cross frame and between which a sitting support is provided in the form of a cloth which is suspended between the frame parts. Further, each frame part is provided with at least one wheel.
  • the wheelchair can be brought into a folded position by moving the frame parts with the wheels parallel towards each other, with the cross frame hinging and the sitting support, at least the cloth, being folded together between the frame parts.
  • a disadvantage of this known wheelchair is that, as to design, the sitting support is poorly adjusted to the anatomy of the human body. Therefore, the wheelchair offers little comfort and consequently, is unsuited for long-term use.
  • the cross-frame under the sitting support hinders the building-in of comfort-enhancing provisions such as suspension, damping, or a tilting mechanism with which the position of the sitting support can be varied.
  • wheelchairs are known whose sitting support is foldable about a horizontal axis extending at right angles to a main driving direction. Due to this folding direction, the sitting support can be provided with a profiled sitting surface, for instance by means of sitting cushions. As a result, a user can be comfortably supported for a longer period of time. However, this comfort is at the expense of the transportability of the wheelchair, as the sitting support is relatively voluminous, even in folded condition. Further, such wheelchairs are often overdimensioned as the rigidities of the frame and the sitting support are not adjusted to each other and, hence, partly overlap. As a result, the wheelchair as a whole has an unnecessary, because redundant, rigidity, which results in a voluminous, heavy chair with a supporting substructure taking up an unnecessarily large amount of space, both in unfolded and in folded condition.
  • the invention contemplates a wheelchair, in particular a foldable wheelchair, wherein the referred-to drawbacks are obviated while maintaining its advantages.
  • a wheelchair according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 1.
  • the sitting support of the wheelchair By providing the sitting support of the wheelchair with a relatively rigid frame, preferably manufactured from double bent tubes, a self-supporting sitting support is obtained.
  • the sitting support can absorb forces acting thereon during use without, to that end, a separate supporting frame being required.
  • the sitting support can function as a carrier of other wheelchair parts. For instance, one or more wheels can be suspended from the sitting support directly or with the aid of only minimal frame parts.
  • the rigidity of the sitting support is optimally utilized and frame parts which do not add rigidity but only provide additional weight can be left out.
  • a very light and yet sufficiently rigid wheelchair can be constructed.
  • additional space is formed under the sitting support.
  • the space can also be filled-up with, for instance, a tilting provision for the sitting support or a spring system for absorbing shocks and vibrations, so as to enhance the driving and sitting comfort.
  • a wheelchair according to the invention is characterized by the features of claims 5 and 6.
  • a three-dimensionally curved sitting surface can be created, whose curves follow the body shapes of a user.
  • this user can be optimally supported, while the frame provides sufficient rigidity and the preferably somewhat resilient upholstery provides for a uniform pressure distribution over the body of the wheelchair user.
  • the resilient upholstery enhances the suspension and damping of the sitting support, which, in particular with dynamic wheelchair use, enhances the driving and sitting comfort.
  • the frame offers space and hold for various adjusting provisions, for instance for the back, in particular the loins, with which the body of the user can be positioned in a desired position. All this results in a highly comfortable sitting support, suitable for long-term wheelchair use.
  • the sitting support is compact in shape and light in weight.
  • a wheelchair according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 7.
  • the frame By combining the frame with one or more sitting cushions, in a simple manner, a diversity of seats can be created with one frame, while the frame provides for rigidity and the or each cushion for enhanced sitting comfort.
  • the or each cushion can be an orthopedic cushion especially manufactured for a specific person, or a standardized cushion.
  • a wheelchair according to the invention is characterized by the features of claims 8 - 11.
  • the sitting support is foldable about a horizontal transverse axis
  • a wheelchair is obtained which is both foldable to a compact, light and transportable package and suitable for long-term use, due to the excellent support offered by the sitting support.
  • this transverse axis Due to the location of the transverse axis at the height of the hip joint of a user seated in the sitting support, this transverse axis can also be used to set a sitting angle between the bottom and the back supporting part. With this, a still better positioning of the body is possible and the sitting comfort is increased still further.
  • the transverse axis is preferably provided with a detent plate. This plate can be operated in a simple manner both by a user and an assistant.
  • a wheelchair according to the invention is characterized by the features of claims 15 and 16.
  • the road-holding of the wheelchair can be adjusted to the driving conditions, so that, as desired, a more stable or less stable road-holding is obtained.
  • the sitting support is self-supporting, such a provision can be provided directly between the respective wheels and the sitting support, for instance in the form of a series of wheel attachment points located, viewed in the driving direction, one behind and/or above the other on the sitting support, or a slide mechanism in which the sitting support can slide relative to, at least, a number of the wheels.
  • a wheelbase can be constructed which can be adjusted in a simple manner.
  • a wheelchair according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 17.
  • a self-supporting sitting support can be arranged so as to be pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis extending at right angles to a driving direction.
  • the pivot axis can be arranged such that the sitting support can be fixed in several pivotal positions, or can freely oscillate about this pivot axis for absorbing shocks and vibrations during active wheelchair use.
  • a sitting support 1 of a wheelchair is understood to mean that part of the wheelchair in which the wheelchair user is seated during use.
  • This can be only a bottom supporting part, but also comprise a bottom supporting part with a back supporting part, a head support, arm supports and/or leg supports.
  • Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a sitting support 1 for a wheelchair according to the invention, wherein a double bent frame 5 is covered with an upholstery 3.
  • the upholstery 3 follows the curves of the frame 5, so that a profiled sitting support 1 is formed.
  • shape it follows the anatomy of the human body and hence, can offer support or, conversely, space, where the body requires it, for instance at the location of the tuberosities of the ischium.
  • the double bent design of the frame 5 enhances its rigidity to all directions.
  • a self-supporting sitting support 1 is obtained, which is at least understood to mean that forces acting, during use, on the sitting support 1 are preferably completely absorbed by this sitting support 1, in particular the frame 5.
  • the sitting support 1 can function as a 'coat stand' from which other wheelchair parts, for instance the wheelchair wheels, can be suspended. This will be elucidated further.
  • the frame 5 can be manufactured from one single piece, but is preferably composed of several modular single or double bent frame parts 6, as shown in Fig. 1b. With this, the frame 5 and thus the sitting support 1 can be adjusted in a simple manner to the different body dimensions of various users or to a still growing user.
  • the single or double bent frame parts 6 can be manufactured from metal, such as corrosion resistant steel or aluminum, of wood or of plastic, reinforced or not reinforced with glass fibers. The choice of a particular material influences the desired end rigidity and the weight of the frame and will, inter alia, be motivated by the intended field of use of the sitting support 1. Generally, the use of aluminum, aluminum alloy or steel tubes is preferred.
  • the three-dimensionally curved shape of the frame 5 and the frame parts 6 can be realized by utilizing computer-controlled manufacturing techniques such as bending, extrusion or injection-molding.
  • a flexible and preferably slightly elastic material is used for covering the frame 5, a flexible and preferably slightly elastic material is used.
  • the material can be stretched over the frame 5 in one single layer and be fastened around the tubes of this frame 5, but is preferably pulled over the frame 5 in the shape of a cover.
  • Such a cover can be easily fitted and, moreover, through the air layer enclosed by the cover, provides for a good insulating effect.
  • the material is stretched over the frame 5 with a particular, preselected bias.
  • a high bias results in a sitting support 1 offering the user much support, while a low bias is favorable to a uniform pressure distribution over the body of the user.
  • the optimal bias depends, inter alia, on the intended use of the sitting support and the personal preference of the user. It will be directly clear to the skilled person which bias to select in the given situation.
  • the material to be used can be a foil-shaped material, but is preferably a woven material, for instance nylon, canvas, elastomeric foil or a woven of latex-encapsulated threads, for instance of the brand Matkskin.
  • Woven material can be easily biased and, moreover, can be differently biased in different directions. Moreover, it has good ventilating and moisture-permeable properties.
  • the frame 5 prior to the fitting of the cover 3, can be covered with a relatively soft material to prevent high contact pressures between the frame and the user.
  • the cover 3 can be finished with a layer of resilient and/or damping material, for instance foam rubber.
  • the thus formed sitting support 1 is comfortable, light in weight and compact in shape.
  • the ergonomic seat shape provides for a uniform support of the body, which, moreover, allows for some movement so that the risk of decubitus is reduced.
  • the upholstery in particular when this is formed from a woven cover, has good insulating and moisture-absorbing properties and hence contributes to a favorable microclimate between the sitting support and the user. Further, the sitting support 1 can relatively easily be adapted to the conditions and individual desires of a user, due to the above-mentioned modular structure of the frame parts 6 and the settable bias of the upholstery 3.
  • the frame offers space and hold for various comfort-enhancing adjustment provisions, such as, for instance, a lumbar and/or head support adjustment (not shown), or a sitting angle adjustment (shown) with which the body, or parts thereof can be brought into a desired position.
  • the sitting angle adjustment is formed by a transverse axis 10 along which a bottom supporting part 8 and a back supporting part 9 are pivotally connected to each other.
  • This transverse axis 10 can be a real or a virtual axis or, for instance, a biomechanical axis, known from, inter alia, applicant's Japanese patent application 3-100920.
  • an adjustable hinge for instance a detent plate 12 shown in Fig.
  • a sitting angle ⁇ can be set about this transverse axis 10, between the seat parts 8, 9. With this, the sitting angle ⁇ can be adjusted to the sitting position desired for a particular activity, so that the user is always adequately supported. Also, the sitting support 1 can be folded double along this transverse axis 10 to a position wherein both seat parts 8, 9 are approximately moved against each other, as shown in Fig. 2. In this position, the ergonomic curves of the back supporting part 9 are virtually fittingly situated in the profile of the bottom supporting part 8, so that a very compact package is obtained which can be easily transported.
  • the detent plate 12 maintains the sitting support 1 locked in the folded condition. The operation of the detent plate 12 will be elucidated with reference to the cross-section shown in Fig. 3.
  • Fig. 3 shows, in front and side view, one ef the two disks 50 which together form a detent plate 12.
  • each disk 50 is provided with cams 52, extending in radial direction in an evenly interspaced relation to each other.
  • cams 52 extending in radial direction in an evenly interspaced relation to each other.
  • the two disks 50 abut against each other by their sides provided with cams 52, with the cams 52 interlocking and the disks 50 not being able to pivot relative to each other.
  • the disks 50 are pushed against each other in axial direction by means of, for instance, a bias spring (not shown).
  • the detent plate 12 is locked and seat parts 8, 9 connected to the detent plate 12 cannot be pivoted relative to each other.
  • the detent plate 12 is provided with an unlocking mechanism in the form of, for instance, a handle, with which the disks 50 can be forced apart along the axis 10 against the pre-stressing force.
  • an unlocking mechanism in the form of, for instance, a handle, with which the disks 50 can be forced apart along the axis 10 against the pre-stressing force.
  • the cams 52 will no longer interlock and the disks 50 can be freely pivoted relative to each other.
  • a desired sitting angle ⁇ can be set between the seat parts 8, 9.
  • the step size with which the desired angle ⁇ can be set depends on the shape of the interlocking cams 52 and, hence, can be affected as desired by a suitable design of the cam pattern 52 of the disks 50.
  • the cams 52 can be designed in many other manners than as shown in Fig. 3.
  • the cams 52 can have the shape of a toothing extending along the circumference, or interlocking pins and holes.
  • the cams 52 can be provided in the disks 50 so as to be movable in axial direction, so that the locking between the disks 50 can be removed by retracting the cams 52 instead of the entire disk 50.
  • a detent plate 12 as described offers the advantage that it can be operated in a simple manner with one hand, so that a user himself, seated in the sitting support 1, can set the desired sitting angle.
  • the hinge 12 can also be operated by an assistant, for instance when the sitting support 1 forms part of a wheelchair.
  • the operating mechanism can be moved to a location more suitable for an assistant, for instance adjacent the pushing brackets of the wheelchair.
  • Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a sitting support according to the invention.
  • This sitting support 1' is built up around a double bent frame 5 as shown in Fig. 1.
  • the frame 5 is provided with a number of sitting cushions 13.
  • These can be orthopedic sitting cushions, which are completely formed following the anatomy of one specific user.
  • these can also be standardized sitting cushions such as, for instance, recorded in the standards for seats Revab, Jay, Roho, Sedeo or Postura.
  • the advantage of the standardized sitting cushions is that, when designing and dimensioning the frame 5, these can already be taken into account, so that the frame 5 and the or each sitting cushion 13 are compatible.
  • the sitting cushions 13 can be attached to the frame 5 by means of mounting brackets, click mechanisms, bolt-nut connections or other attachment means known per se from practice.
  • the thus obtained sitting support 1' can be manufactured in a simple manner. Due to the large freedom of choice in sitting cushions 13, a comfortable sitting support 1' suitable for long-term use can be realized for any user.
  • the sitting support 1' is rigid and self-supporting. Like the sitting support 1 shown in Fig. 1, the sitting support 1' can be provided with a transverse axis 10 for setting a sitting angle ⁇ and folding the bottom supporting and the back supporting parts 8, 9 towards each other for forming a package which can be transported.
  • Fig. 5 shows an example of a foldable wheelchair 16, wherein a sitting support 1 as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is used.
  • the wheelchair comprises four wheels, i.e. two relatively large rear wheels 20 and two small front wheels 21. They are connected to the sitting support 1 by means of frame parts 24, 25.
  • the self-supporting property of the sitting support 1 is utilized.
  • the fact is that it is capable of maintaining the frame parts 24, 25 and the wheels 20, 21 upright so that the frame parts 24, 25 themselves need not, at least not necessarily, be self-supporting and can therefore be of light and small construction. This results in a lighter and more compact foldable wheelchair 16.
  • due to the absence of a voluminous supporting frame relatively much space is available under the sitting support 1. This space offers a wheelchair user the possibility to advance the wheelchair with his feet.
  • the space can also be used for, for instance, a motor for driving the wheelchair 16, respirator means or an adjusting mechanism with which the position of the sitting support 1 can be varied.
  • Fig. 5 an embodiment of such an adjusting mechanism is shown, in particular a tilting provision.
  • the sitting support 1 can be attached with any chosen part of its double bent frame 5 in any desired position to a frame part 24, 25 or wheel 20, 21 of the wheelchair 16.
  • the sitting support 1 is connected by a leading edge, viewed in driving direction, to the frame part 24, pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis 23 extending transversely to the driving direction.
  • the sitting support 1 can be fixed in a desired position, for instance a backwards tilted position of rest.
  • suspension- and damping elements to have the sitting support 1 freely oscillate about the pivot axis.
  • shocks and vibrations can be absorbed during active wheelchair use and the driving comfort is enhanced.
  • pivot axis 23 is not bound to the position shown in Fig. 5 and can even be a virtual pivot axis.
  • the pivot axis 23 can also be advantageously used in sitting supports intended for static use, for instance an office chair or easy chair.
  • wheelchair parts can be attached, such as arm supports 26, a head support 27, feet supports 28 or pushing brackets 30.
  • These parts 26, 27, 28, 30 are preferably connected to the frame 5 such that, for the purpose of a folded condition of the wheelchair 16, they can be detached or folded inwards. Because of its greater ease of use, this last option is preferred.
  • the wheels 20, 21 too are preferably detachably or foldably connected to the substructure. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the wheels 20, 21, at least a number thereof, are connected to the substructure 18 or the frame 5 of the sitting support 1 such that the wheelbase (W), i.e. the distance between the axes of rotation of the rear and the front wheels 20, 21, is settable.
  • W wheelbase
  • Figs. 6 and 7 two embodiments of a wheelchair are shown whose wheelbase (W) can be set.
  • Fig. 6 shows a wheelchair 16, wherein the rear wheels 20 are directly attached to the frame 5 of the sitting support 1.
  • the frame 5 is provided on both sides with a wheel attachment part 31, in which a number of holes 32 is provided behind each other viewed in driving direction, for attachment of the rear wheels 20. Through selection of the hole 32, the distance between the respective rear wheel 20 and the front wheels 21, and therefore the wheel base (W), is determined.
  • the front wheels 21 are preferably foldable. To that end, via a frame part 25, the front wheels 21 are pivotably connected to the sitting support 1 through a pivot axis 33.
  • this pivot axis 33 can have a similar function as the above-described pivot axis 23 of the wheelchair 16 of Fig. 5.
  • the wheels 21 can be folded-in, against the underside of the sitting support 1. Due to the above-mentioned features, i.e. the foldable front wheels 21 and the easily detachable rear wheels 20, the wheelchair 16 can be folded-in in a very simple manner to form a manageable package.
  • Fig. 7 shows, in perspective bottom view, a second embodiment of a wheelchair with an adjustable wheelbase (W).
  • the front wheels 21 are connected to the sitting support 1, at least the frame 5 thereof.
  • the sitting support 1 is connected to a substructure 18, which substructure 18 (not shown) comprises at least one frame and two rear wheels 20 suspended from this frame.
  • the sitting support 1 is self-supporting, it can be autonomously slid along the slide 34. Then, the position of the sitting support 1 with the front wheels 21 changes relative to the rear wheels 20 and, hence, the wheelbase (W) can be varied.
  • the invention is not limited to sitting supports 1, but can, for instance, also be used with lying supports, as shown Figs. 8a/d.
  • a self-supporting lying support 40 is obtained by elongating the back- and bottom supporting part 8, 9 of the sitting support 1 with a head, leg and feet supporting part 42, 44, 46.
  • these parts 42, 44, 46 can be formed from double bent tube segments 6, which are covered with a flexible material 3.
  • the parts 42,44, 46 are preferably hingedly connected to the sitting support 1 and to each other. As a result, between the parts 42, 9, 8, 44 and 46, desired angles can be set, so that the lying support of Fig. 8a can also be used as a sitting support, as shown in Fig.
  • the sitting and/or lying support 40 can be adjusted to virtually any sitting or lying position of a user desired in a particular situation.
  • the sitting/lying support 40 can be folded to a compact package, by folding together the different parts 42, 9, 8, 44, 46 accordion-wise, as shown in Fig. 8d.
  • the sitting/lying support 40 can be provided with front and rear wheels 21, 20, which, like the embodiments shown in Figs. 5, 6 and 7, are preferably detachably or foldably connected to the sitting/lying support 40. It will be clear that the number of supporting parts can be expanded or limited as desired.
  • Figs. 9A and B show two further embodiments of a sitting support, wherein the frame 5 of the sitting support 1, apart from being self-supporting, also provides suspension and damping.
  • the frame 5 is elongated and curved near the front side of the sitting support 1, to form an arch 60 extending at least partly under the sitting support 1, the last part 64 of which extends substantially parallel to the sitting support 1.
  • the sitting support 1 will bend slightly under the weight of a user.
  • a damping element 62 can be provided, as shown in Fig. 9A.
  • the arched frame part 60 also serves for attaching the front and rear wheels 21, 20.
  • the rear wheels 20 are preferably connected to the frame 60 with a quick release mechanism and the front wheels 21 are pivotally connected via frame parts 25 to the frame 5 so as to be pivotal about a pivot axis 33.
  • this pivot axis 33 adjacent the top side of the arch 60 is chosen such that when the front wheels 21 are pivoted to under the sitting support 1, the front wheels 21 come to lie between the extremities 64 of the arch 60, in which position the front wheels 21 take up hardly any additional space. Consequently, this sitting support 1 can also be folded so as to be very compact.
  • the sitting support can be provided with other hinges than the detent plate mentioned. Between the bottom and back supporting seat parts, for instance a rubber hinge can be used, so that an even lighter sitting support is obtained. Also, a second transverse axis can be provided in the sitting support, parallel to the first one and at a short distance therefrom. Thus, an even better setting of the sitting angle becomes possible and in the folded condition, some space is obtained between the seat parts situated parallel to each other in this position. In particular when the frame is provided with relatively voluminous sitting cushions, such a second transverse axis contributes to an even better foldable sitting support.
  • the sitting support can also be used in different fields, for instance as office chair, bucket seat or car seat.
  • a horizontal pivot axis can be provided, extending adjacent a leading edge of the sitting support, preferably through the hinge point of the knees of a user seated in the sitting support.
  • Such a pivot axis can contribute to a dynamically suspended, comfortable sitting support.

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)
  • Handcart (AREA)
  • Special Chairs (AREA)
  • Mattresses And Other Support Structures For Chairs And Beds (AREA)
EP02078947A 2001-09-24 2002-09-23 Fauteuil roulant avec un siège autoportant et méthode pour les fabriquer Expired - Lifetime EP1295582B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL1019017A NL1019017C2 (nl) 2001-09-24 2001-09-24 Zelfdragende zitondersteuning en daarmee uitgeruste rolstoel, alsmede een werkwijze voor het vervaardigen daarvan.
NL1019017 2001-09-24

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1295582A2 true EP1295582A2 (fr) 2003-03-26
EP1295582A3 EP1295582A3 (fr) 2004-01-02
EP1295582B1 EP1295582B1 (fr) 2012-06-20

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP02078947A Expired - Lifetime EP1295582B1 (fr) 2001-09-24 2002-09-23 Fauteuil roulant avec un siège autoportant et méthode pour les fabriquer

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1295582B1 (fr)
NL (1) NL1019017C2 (fr)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2850013A1 (fr) * 2003-01-17 2004-07-23 Philippe Rinaldi Chassis de fauteuil roulant amortissant les chocs
GB2421009A (en) * 2004-12-10 2006-06-14 Karma Medical Prod Co Ltd A collapsible wheel chair structure
GB2426698A (en) * 2005-06-04 2006-12-06 Space Net Technology Ltd Push-chair with two closed support frames over which a flexible membrane is stretched
US7243935B2 (en) 2001-01-25 2007-07-17 Ludgerus Beheer B.V. Wheelchair having a pivot provision adjacent the knee of a user
WO2007099565A1 (fr) * 2006-03-02 2007-09-07 Gaetano Danilo Ragona Fauteuil roulant pour les handicapés et cadre de celui-ci
EP2243454A1 (fr) * 2009-04-24 2010-10-27 Reha Technik Möller GmbH Coque en tissu dotée d'un appuie-tête réglable
US8038212B2 (en) 2005-06-04 2011-10-18 Space Net Technology Limited Child vehicle seating system
JP2018202020A (ja) * 2017-06-08 2018-12-27 全 浦田 椅子ベッド

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL2028153B1 (en) * 2021-05-05 2022-11-23 Life & Mobility Dev B V Backrest and chair

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JPH03100920A (ja) 1989-09-12 1991-04-25 Fujitsu Ltd 磁気記録媒体の表面潤滑方法

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DE2517418A1 (de) * 1975-04-19 1976-11-04 Wienand Rollstuhl
DE3904150C1 (en) * 1989-02-11 1990-07-05 Kernforschungszentrum Karlsruhe Gmbh, 7500 Karlsruhe, De Lightweight wheelchair
JP3231327B2 (ja) * 1992-02-20 2001-11-19 エイチ． グリーブ，ロバート 発泡形成された基部を有するモジュラークッション構造
CH692179A5 (de) * 1997-06-25 2002-03-15 Kueschall Design Ag Rollstuhl und Sitzmodul für den Rollstuhl,
US6428029B1 (en) * 2001-02-09 2002-08-06 Advanced Mobility Systems Corporation Wheelchair frame
DE20112331U1 (de) * 2001-07-26 2001-10-18 Reha Technik Moeller Gmbh Flexibles Lagerungssystem

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH03100920A (ja) 1989-09-12 1991-04-25 Fujitsu Ltd 磁気記録媒体の表面潤滑方法

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7243935B2 (en) 2001-01-25 2007-07-17 Ludgerus Beheer B.V. Wheelchair having a pivot provision adjacent the knee of a user
FR2850013A1 (fr) * 2003-01-17 2004-07-23 Philippe Rinaldi Chassis de fauteuil roulant amortissant les chocs
GB2421009A (en) * 2004-12-10 2006-06-14 Karma Medical Prod Co Ltd A collapsible wheel chair structure
GB2426698A (en) * 2005-06-04 2006-12-06 Space Net Technology Ltd Push-chair with two closed support frames over which a flexible membrane is stretched
US8038212B2 (en) 2005-06-04 2011-10-18 Space Net Technology Limited Child vehicle seating system
CN101233039B (zh) * 2005-06-04 2012-01-04 空间网络技术有限公司 幼童推车
US8152182B2 (en) 2005-06-04 2012-04-10 Space Net Technology Limited Pushchair
WO2007099565A1 (fr) * 2006-03-02 2007-09-07 Gaetano Danilo Ragona Fauteuil roulant pour les handicapés et cadre de celui-ci
EP2243454A1 (fr) * 2009-04-24 2010-10-27 Reha Technik Möller GmbH Coque en tissu dotée d'un appuie-tête réglable
JP2018202020A (ja) * 2017-06-08 2018-12-27 全 浦田 椅子ベッド

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1295582A3 (fr) 2004-01-02
EP1295582B1 (fr) 2012-06-20
NL1019017C2 (nl) 2003-03-25

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