EP2234573B1 - Improvement for wheelchair - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a wheelchair (1) having a general longitudinal vertical symmetry plane (P), that comprises a frame (2) bearing a seat (3) including at least one seat portion (30) and including, at the front, a front steering and rolling assembly (4) and, at the rear, a rear rolling train including two rear wheels (6) that, in a normal use position, are vertical and provided on either side of the seat and have a surface (S) covering the area located under the horizontal plane of the seat portion and a portion of the space located above said plane, characterised in that said chair comprises: raising and rolling means used for raising and pivoting the seat forward, as well as advantageously simultaneously raising the rear of the frame until the rear wheels (6) are not in contact with the ground while the front wheels bear against the ground; and a stowing means adapted so that the rear wheel can assume an inactive stowed position in order to create, under the seat portion, a space that is open towards the rear.

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle of the wheelchair type as, for example that described in the document US 4,515,385 and more particularly a wheelchair for off-road practice including downhill. It applies, for example, to non-motorized downhill machines used to hurtle down slopes.

Wheelchair sport has existed for many years, and is particularly well developed in mountainous areas. Climbing is done either by traction or by "quad" or 4x4 or trailer with the same traction means. Ski resorts facing climate change, are increasingly developing summer recreation, and currently the majority of them equipped chairlifts with hooks that allow mountain bikers, free rider, to climb the slopes without fatigue , the bike being attached to the chairlift.

In this context wheelchair users, who are in most cases disabled, are particularly penalized, because the structures set up in summer, do not allow them to satisfy their need for escape and practice of sport while indeed legitimate.

Thus, the present invention aims to solve the aforementioned problems using simple, reliable, inexpensive and easy to implement.

Thus the chair of the invention allows access to the chairlift without descending from his chair and without outside assistance, and also allows and in the same conditions to descend from the chairlift to the finish at the top.

• des moyens de surélévation et de roulage qui permettent d'une part de soulever et faire pivoter vers l'avant le siège et d'autre part et avantageusement simultanément de soulever l'arrière du châssis jusqu'à ce que les roues arrière décollent du sol, les roues avant restant en appui sur le sol.
• et des moyens d'escamotage permettant de faire prendre aux roues arrière une position inactive escamotée afin de créer sous l'assise un espace ouvert vers l'arrière.

Thus the wheelchair of the invention, as defined in claim 1, which comprises a chassis carrying a seat comprising at least one seat and comprising at the front a set of steering and driving forward, and at the rear a rear running gear, consisting of two rear wheels which in the normal position of use are vertical and arranged on both sides of the seat and whose surface covers the area disposed under the horizontal plane of the seat, and a part of the space above this plane, is characterized in that what the chair includes:

• raising and rolling means that allow on the one hand to lift and pivot the seat forward and secondly and advantageously simultaneously lift the rear of the chassis until the rear wheels off the ground , the front wheels remaining resting on the ground.
• and retraction means for making the rear wheels take an inactive position retracted to create under the seat an open space to the rear.

According to additional features, the retraction of the rear wheels is done by dismounting them, or by pivoting forward around a vertical axis, in order to place the rear wheels towards the front of the seat, while by maintaining their vertical position.

According to other complementary features, the retraction means allow the plane of the wheels to move from a vertical position to a horizontal position, while the raising means comprise at least one rolling wheel.

Note that according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the raising and rolling means are constituted by a parallelogram of elevation, consisting of two links articulated on the frame, namely a first link and a second connecting rod, the latter is constituted by an upper portion and a lower rear portion, said upper portion extending upwardly from the pivot axis constitutes the levers for gripping and maneuvering for the user, while the rear and lower portion extending towards the rearward from the pivot axis comprises at least one wheel. Preferably the rear and lower portion which extends rearwardly from the pivot axis comprises two successive wheels.

According to a complementary feature, the retraction means are constituted by a pivoting support, each of the axes of rotation of the rear wheels is fixed on the pivoting support, and the latter is articulated on the frame about a horizontal pivot axis. Each of the supports is constituted by a structure consisting of a horizontal arm whose rear end carries the axes of rotation and whose front end comprises a vertical arm whose lower end is hinged to the frame around the horizontal pivot axes.

• La figure 1 est une vue en perspective avant gauche représentant le fauteuil dans sa position d'utilisation normale.
• La figure 2 est une vue en perspective avant gauche représentant le fauteuil dans sa position escamotée de prise en charge par le télésiège.
• La figure 3 est une vue latérale schématique représentant le fauteuil dans sa position d'utilisation normale.
• La figure 4 est une vue latérale schématique représentant le fauteuil dans sa position escamotée de prise en charge par le télésiège.
• Les figures 5 et 6 sont des vues en perspective montrant une partie du châssis et plus particulièrement montrant les moyens de surélévation.
• La figure 5 est une vue en position normale d'utilisation.
• La figure 6 est une vue en position surélevée.
• La figure 7 est une vue en perspective représentant les moyens de blocage du levier de manoeuvre, dans la position surélevée du fauteuil.
• Les figures 8a et 8b sont des vues en perspective illustrant les moyens permettant le basculement des roues arrière.
• Les figures 9a à 9e illustrent le processus opératoire de surélévation du fauteuil et de sa prise en charge par le siège du télésiège.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows with reference to the accompanying drawings which are given by way of non-limiting examples.

• The figure 1 is a front left perspective view showing the chair in its normal use position.
• The figure 2 is a front left perspective view representing the chair in its retracted position supported by the chairlift.
• The figure 3 is a schematic side view showing the chair in its normal use position.
• The figure 4 is a schematic side view showing the chair in its retracted position supported by the chairlift.
• The Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views showing a portion of the frame and more particularly showing the raising means.
• The figure 5 is a view in normal use position.
• The figure 6 is a view in elevated position.
• The figure 7 is a perspective view showing the locking means of the operating lever, in the raised position of the chair.
• The Figures 8a and 8b are perspective views illustrating the means for tilting the rear wheels.
• The Figures 9a to 9e illustrate the operating process of elevating the chair and its handling by the chairlift seat.

The vehicle according to the invention, bearing the general reference (1), is a wheelchair of longitudinal plane, vertical of general symmetry (P), which comprises a frame (2) carrying a seat (3) comprising at least one seat ( 30) and advantageously a folder (31). Furthermore, the chassis (2) on which the driver is installed comprises at the front a set of steering and driving forward (4), and at the rear a rear rolling train (5) comprising two rear wheels ( 6).

It will be noted, as cala appears on Figures 1 , 3 , 8a , 9a , that the rear wheels (6) in the normal position of use are vertical and arranged on either side of the seat and whose surface (S) covers the zone (Z) disposed under the plane (H) of the seat , and a part of the space above this plane (H).

The front steering and rolling assembly (4) advantageously comprises two front wheels (40), controlled in directional pivoting by a not shown control member. The front steering and rolling assembly (4) is intended for wheeling the wheelchair and managing the steering by pivoting the front wheels about a vertical axis.

According to the invention, the wheelchair comprises retraction means making it possible to make the rear wheels (6) take an inactive retracted position in which the plane of the wheels (PR) moves from a vertical position, as illustrated in FIGS. figures 1 , 3 , 8a , 9a at a horizontal position as illustrated in figures 2 , 4 , 8b , 9b , 9c , to create under the seat a space (E) open to the rear (AR).

As will be seen later in the description each of the rear wheels (6) can take two positions, an active position of normal use of the chair as illustrated in FIGS. figures 1 , 3 , 8a , 9a and an inactive retracted position, as illustrated in figures 2 , 4 , 8b , 9b , 9c .

In the active position of use, the plane (PR) of each of the rear wheels (6) is substantially vertical and parallel to the longitudinal plane, vertical of general symmetry (P), while in the inactive position of retracted, the plane (PR) of each of the rear wheels (6) is horizontal.

Of course each of the rear wheels (6) is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation respectively (8) which in the active position of use is disposed horizontally and perpendicularly to the longitudinal plane, vertical of general symmetry (P). In the inactive retracted position, each of the axes of rotation (8) is in the vertical position.

In order to take the two positions described above, each of the axes of rotation (8) is fixed on a pivoting support (9). Each of the supports (9) is articulated on the frame around a horizontal pivot axis (10). Each of the supports (9) is constituted by a tubular structure constituted by a horizontal arm (11) whose rear end carries the axes of rotation (8) and whose front end comprises a vertical arm (12) whose end lower is hinged to the frame around the horizontal pivot axes (10). Note that the upward extension of the vertical arm (12) is the means of maneuvering the pivoting of the rear wheels. Locking means (50) are provided for locking the supports in their position of use. These locking means are illustrated by the Figures 8a, 8b . These locking means (50) are constituted by a locking pivot hook, intended for locking position, as illustrated in FIG. figure (8a ), to retain the end of the vertical arm (12) of the corresponding support.

According to the invention the chassis comprises raising and rolling means (20) which allow on the one hand to lift and pivot the seat forward and secondly and advantageously simultaneously lift the rear of the chassis up to the rear wheels (6) lift off the ground, the front wheels (11) remaining resting on the ground.

For this purpose, the raising and rolling means are constituted by an elevation parallelogram (20). This last one is constituted by two links articulated on the frame, namely a first link (21) and a second link (22). The latter (22) is constituted by an upper portion (220) and a lower rear portion (221). The upper portion (220) which extends upwardly from the pivot axis (23) constitutes the gripping levers and maneuvering for the user, while the rear and lower portion (221) which extends towards the rear from the pivot axis (23) comprises two rollers (24, 25). The rear ends of the rear portions (221) carrying the wheels are arranged under the seat cushion, while the operating and gripping levers are arranged at the front, in front of the seat.

It has been understood that, in the active position of use, the rear wheels (6) occupy the zone (Z) situated below the plane (H) of the seat, or at least of the portion of the chassis carrying the seat. seated. It has also been understood that in the retracted inactive position the fact that the wheels are tilted downwards and outwards frees the zone (Z) and creates a space (E) open towards the rear, which makes possible the introduction of the chairlift seat as illustrated in Figures 9c to 9f .

Note that locking means of the gripping levers are provided to lock the raised position, as illustrated in FIG. figure 7 .

The Figures 9a to 9e illustrate the operating process of elevating the chair and its handling by the chairlift seat.

The Figures 8a, 8b are views illustrating the chair in a position of normal use. From this position the user pulling the gripping arm (22) towards him moves the lower portion (221) downwardly as shown in FIG. figure 5 and at the figure 6 causing the rear wheels to take off, the rollers (24, 25) then bearing the rear of the wheelchair. The user will take care to lock the gripping arm in the rear position as shown in figure 5 , thanks to locking means, for example those illustrated in FIG. figure 7 .

The rear wheels are then raised and therefore completely free, the user tilts the plane (PR) of the rear wheels to place it horizontally, as is illustrated in the figures 4 , and 8b by pivotally pivoting the pivoting support (9) about the pivot axis (10). Previously the user will have taken care to unlock the vertical arm (12) of the support, in order to release the support (9).

The user, thanks to the raising means, and the possible rolling thanks to the rollers (24, 25), moves by rolling his chair to place it in front of the seat (30) of the chairlift (31). It was understood that when moving the chairlift seat ( Figure 9c ), towards the chair (1), its seat (30) can be introduced without hindrance in the space (E) left free between the seat of the seat and more precisely the frame and the rear wheels placed in a horizontal position, such that this is illustrated in Figures 9b to 9e .

We therefore understood that thanks to the chair of the invention, the user accesses the chairlift without getting off his chair and without outside assistance.

Once at the top, the user can get off the chairlift leaving the seat and without help and without having to get off the chair. After leaving the chairlift with the possible rolling, the user will operate inversely by replacing the rear wheels in vertical position, and lock the position through the locking system (50). The user will then unlock the handle lever, which will be moved forward, to cause the lower rear portion (221) of the second link (22) to retract under the seat, the rear wheels then take over. placing themselves in contact with the ground.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and represented by way of examples, but it also includes all the technical equivalents as well as their combinations.

Thus in the embodiment shown, the retraction of the rear wheels was made by pivoting to place them horizontally to release the space under the seat, but the retraction can be realized from in any other way without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Thus the retraction, which is made possible after elevation of the wheelchair, could be achieved by outright disassembly of the rear wheels, or by pivoting forward around a vertical axis, to place the rear wheels forward of the seat, while maintaining their vertical position.

Claims (9)

1. Wheelchair (1) with an overall longitudinal and vertical symmetry plane (P), which comprises a chassis (2) carrying a seat (3) comprising at least one squab (30) and comprising at the front a front steering and running assembly (4) comprising two front wheels which are controlled for directional pivoting by a control member and, at the rear, rear running gear (5) comprising two rear wheels (6) that in the normal position of use are vertical and disposed on either side of the seat, and the surface (S) which covers the area (Z) disposed under the horizontal plane (H) of the squab and part of the space situated above this plane (H), characterised in that the wheelchair comprises:

   - raising and running means that make it possible firstly to raise the seat and pivot it forwards and secondly and advantageously simultaneously to raise the rear of the chassis until the rear wheels (6) leave the ground, the front wheels (11) remaining in abutment on the ground,

   - and retraction means for causing the rear wheels to adopt a retracted inactive position in order to create under the squab a space (E) which is open towards the rear (AR).
2. Wheelchair (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises means of removing the rear wheels (6) enabling them to be retracted.
3. Wheelchair (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises means of pivoting the rear wheels forwards about a vertical shaft, enabling the rear wheels (6) to be retracted in order to place the rear wheels towards the front of the squab while keeping their vertical position.
4. Wheelchair (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the retraction means comprise pivoting means enabling the plane of the wheels (PR) to pass from a vertical position to a horizontal position.
5. Wheelchair (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the raising means (20) comprise at least one running castor (24, 25).
6. Wheelchair (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the raising and running means consist of a raising parallelogram (20), consisting of two links articulated on the chassis, namely a first link (21) and a second link (22), the latter (22) consisting of an upper portion (220) and a lower rear part (221), the said upper portion (220) extending upwards from the pivot shaft (23) constitutes the gripping and manoeuvring levers for the user, while the rear lower portion (221) that extends towards the rear from the pivot shaft (23) comprises at least one castor (24, 25).
7. Wheelchair (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the rear lower portion (221) that extends towards the rear from the pivot shaft (23) comprises two successive castors (24, 25).
8. Wheelchair (1) according to any one of the preceding claims with the exception of claim 2, characterised in that the retraction means consist of a pivoting support (9), each of the rotation shafts (8) of the rear wheels (6) is fixed to the pivoting support (9), and the latter is articulated on the chassis about a horizontal pivot shaft (10).
9. Wheelchair (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that each of the supports (9) consists of a structure formed by a horizontal arm (11), the rear end of which carries the rotation shafts (8) and the front end of which comprises a vertical arm (12) the bottom end of which is articulated on the chassis about the horizontal pivot shafts (10).

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