EP2417867A1

EP2417867A1 - Canopy

Info

Publication number: EP2417867A1
Application number: EP11250686A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Robert Cooper
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-08-11
Filing date: 2011-08-04
Publication date: 2012-02-15
Also published as: GB2482695A; GB201013438D0; GB2482695B

Abstract

A canopy 10 for a wheelchair 12, which in use extends at least partly over the seat 14 of the wheelchair 12. The canopy has a hood 22 supported by a frame 20. An attachment system 24 fixes the canopy 10 to each arm 18 of the wheelchair 12.

Description

The present invention relates to canopies, particularly but not exclusively canopies for protection against rain and/or sun.
Conventionally, an umbrella might be used to shield the bearer from rain and/or sun. However, it can be difficult for a person to use an umbrella when that person requires the use of both of his or her hands. This is particularly the case for users of wheelchairs, who may require both hands free to propel their wheelchair, leaving none available to support an umbrella. It is an object of the invention to address this problem.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a canopy comprising a frame and a hood supported by the frame, wherein the canopy comprises an attachment system arranged in use to secure the canopy to a wheelchair such that in use the hood extends at least partly over the seat of the wheelchair.
The hood may be arranged to extend fully over the seat of the wheelchair, and may be arranged to extend over the back and sides of the wheelchair. The hood may be arranged to substantially cover the back and sides of the wheelchair.
The attachment system may be arranged to attach the canopy to the wheelchair at a plurality of locations, for example two locations, or four locations, or more. The attachment system may be arranged to secure the canopy to the arms of a wheelchair.
The attachment system may comprise a pair of attachment assemblies. Each attachment assembly may comprise a chair securing mechanism and a frame securing mechanism.
The frame securing mechanism may comprise a socket shaped to receive in use a respective portion of the frame. Each attachment assembly may comprise a pair of spaced sockets. The attachment member may comprise an elongate frame support member, and each socket may be located at a distal end of the elongate frame support member.
The frame securing mechanism may comprise a clamp. The clamp may comprise a threaded member and a handle mounted on the threaded member, such that rotating the handle in a first direction causes the handle to advance along the threads (hence tightening the clamp), whilst rotating the handle in a second, opposite, direction causes the handle to regress along the threads (hence loosening the clamp).
The threaded member may be provided on the frame. The attachment assembly may comprise a through aperture shaped to admit the threaded member. In use, the handle may be mounted on the threaded member such that the attachment assembly is sandwiched between the handle and the frame. Alternatively, the locations of the threaded member and the aperture may be reversed.
The chair securing mechanism may comprise one or more fastenings, for example bolts, such as U-bolts. The chair securing mechanism may comprise two U-bolts. Each U-bolt may define a plane, and in use the planes of the U bolts may be different, for example, at right angles to one another. The U-bolts may be shaped and sized to fit around an arm of a wheelchair.
The chair securing mechanism may comprise a substantially planar member, such as a plate. The plate may define apertures through which, in use, the one or more fastenings are received. The plate may be substantially quarter-circular. The plate may be shaped to be received at or adjacent a terminal region of the wheelchair arm.
The chair securing mechanism may further comprise a stabilisation member, which may be connected between the plate and the canopy, for example between the plate and the attachment assembly, or between the plate and the frame. The stabilisation member may comprise a flexible line, such as a chain or cord, secured at one end to the plate. The stabilisation member may comprise a hook at a remote end shaped to be received in an eye provided on the canopy. Alternatively, the locations of the stabilisation member and the eye might be reversed.
The attachment assembly may be arranged so that, in use, the frame securing mechanism is spaced horizontally from the chair securing mechanism, for example horizontally outwardly of the chair. The attachment assembly may be arranged so that, in use, the frame securing mechanism is spaced vertically from the chair securing mechanism, for example above the arms of the chair.
The attachment assembly may comprise an elongate frame support member. The chair securing mechanism may be located at a first end of the elongate frame support member, and the frame securing mechanism may be spaced from the first end, for example, at a second end of the frame support member. The frame support member may comprise an elongate bar, which may comprise a curve or bend, for example a generally Z-shaped bend.
The frame may be collapsible, so that the hood can be moved from a use position in which the hood covers the wheelchair seat to a stowed position in which the hood substantially does not cover the wheelchair seat.
The frame may comprise a plurality of frame members, which may be pivotally connected.
The frame may comprise at least one generally U-shaped frame member, for example three such U-shaped members. Each U-shaped member may define two terminal ends. The terminal ends of the plurality of U-shaped members may be pivotally connected. For example, a threaded member might be provided at each terminal end of a first U-shaped member. An aperture might be provided in each terminal end of the additional U-shaped members. The threaded members may be received through the respective apertures, such that the plurality of U-shaped members each pivot about an axis defined by the threaded member. The threaded member may comprise the threaded member of the clamp.
An engagement member may be provided on one or both of the terminal ends of a second U-shaped member. The engagement member may be shaped to engage with a locating member provided on the attachment assembly, and in particular on the frame support member. The engagement member might comprise a protrusion. The locating member might comprise a recess, such as a hole.
In use, one or more of the U-shaped members may be supported by the wheelchair at a location which is spaced from the terminal ends of the U-shaped member.
The hood may be water-resistant, for example waterproof. The hood may be transparent, or may comprise one or more transparent regions. The hood may comprise a vent. The vent may be located adjacent one of the transparent regions, for example a rear transparent region, so as to provide an openable window. The hood may be formed of a flexible material such as cloth or plastics.
The hood may be removable from the frame. For example, the hood may be secured to the frame using a releasable fastening such as Velcro TM, buttons, buckles or press studs.
The hood may comprise one or more access regions, so as to permit a user of the wheelchair to access a brake and/or hand wheels of the wheelchair. The access regions may be provided at a lower edge of the hood, and may be defined by the lower edge of the hood. The access regions might comprise one or more apertures in the hood.
The canopy may further include a cover arranged in use to close a front region of the hood. The cover may be arranged so as to extend over the front and/or legs of a user of the wheelchair. The cover may comprise a transparent region, and may be transparent. The cover may comprise a flexible material such as plastics, for example PVC.
The cover may be removable from the hood/frame. For example, the cover may be secured to the hood/frame using a releasable fastening such as Velcro TM, buttons, buckles or press studs.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a canopy for a wheelchair, the canopy comprising a hood arranged in use to extend over a seat of the wheelchair and to cover a back and arms of the wheelchair.
According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a wheelchair comprising a cover in accordance with the first or second aspects of the invention.
It will be appreciated that any of the features discussed above with reference to the first aspect of the invention might also be included in the second or third aspects of the invention.
The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of the wheelchair including a first embodiment of a canopy;
Figure 2 is a side view of the frame showing the canopy of Figure 1 in a stowed position;
Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the frame of the canopy of Figure 1 in a use position;
Figure 4 shows the attachment assembly of the canopy of Figure 1;
Figures 5 to 8 show the canopy of Figure 1 as it is moved from the stowed position (Figure 5) to the use position (Figure 8);
Figure 9 shows an access region of the canopy of Figure 1;
Figure 10 is a perspective view of a wheelchair canopy including a cover in a use position;
Figure 11 shows the canopy of Figure 10 in a stowed position;
Figure 12 is a side view of an alternative wheelchair canopy;
Figure 13 is a rear view of the canopy of Figure 12;
Figure 14 illustrates the frame of the canopy of Figure 12 in (A) a use position and (B) a partly collapsed position;
Figure 15 illustrates the frame and attachment system of the canopy of Figure 12;
Figure 16 shows the frame in a stowed position; and
Figure 17 shows an access region of the canopy of Figure 12.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 9 a canopy 10 is shown mounted on a wheelchair 12. The wheelchair 12 is a conventional folding wheelchair having a seat 14, a back 16 and a pair of arms 18.
The canopy 10 comprises a frame 20. A hood 22 is supported by the frame 20, and attached to the frame. An attachment system 24 is arranged in use to secure the canopy to the wheelchair so that the hood extends at least partly over the seat 14 of the wheelchair. The hood overhangs the frame, such that the lower edges of the hood extend past the lower edges of the frame, so as to cover the location at which the frame is fixed to the wheelchair. The hood is formed from a waterproof material such as treated cloth or plastics.
In use, the hood extends from the back of the wheelchair forwards such that it fully covers the seat of the wheelchair. The hood also extends over the back of the wheelchair and the sides of the wheelchair, so as to cover a substantial part of the back and the arms of the chair.
The hood thus substantially encloses a user of a wheelchair seated in the chair on three sides, and the wheelchair user is shielded by the canopy from rain originating, for example blown, from the sides or rear, as well as from above. Furthermore, the hood extends forwardly to a location which is forward of the front edge of the chair, so that the user's legs are also shielded. It will be understood that the words 'forward', 'rear' and 'sides' etc are used to refer to the canopy when mounted on a wheelchair in its normal operation, and are not intended to be limiting.
The hood is provided with one or more windows in the form of transparent regions 26, so as to provide the user with visibility on one or more of the enclosed sides. In particular, the hood includes two side transparent regions 26a and a rear transparent region 26b.
The hood also includes a vent 28, to allow air flow through the hood, so as to prevent excessive condensation occurring within the hood. The vent 28 is located adjacent the rear transparent region 26b, and comprises an aperture adjacent an edge, and in particular the lower edge, of the transparent region. In particular, the rear transparent region 26a comprises a flap joined with or fixed to the hood at its upper edge. The vent comprises the aperture defined between the unfixed edge or edges of the flap and the remainder of the hood. One or more closures, such as suitably located Velcro TM portions or press studs, hold the vent closed until the user desires to open it.
Thus the vent provides an openable window in the hood. As well as improving air flow through the hood, the vent also allows the wheelchair user to communicate with another person, such as a friend or carer, who might be pushing the chair. In the event of strong winds, the vent will blow open automatically, allowing wind to pass through the canopy, so that it does not damage the canopy or blow the canopy over.
The hood further comprises access regions defined in the sides of the hood, which allow a wheelchair user to access the brake and/or hand wheels of the chair. In this example the access regions are defined by an unfixed portion 30 of the lower edges of the hood, as shown best in Figure 9. In this instance, the unfixed portion is defined by the portion of the hood which overhangs the frame.
The frame of the canopy is best shown in Figures 2 and 3. The frame is collapsible, such that it can be moved from a use position shown in Figures 1 and 3 to a stowed position shown in Figure 2, and back again. The frame comprises a plurality of frame members 32, and in particular an upper frame member 32a, one or more intermediate frame members 32b and a lower frame member 32c. The frame members are pivotally connected so that they can be moved between the stowed and the use positions.
The frame members are substantially U-shaped. Each 'U' defines a pair of terminal ends, and the frame members are pivotally connected at those terminal ends. The details of the pivotal connection are shown best in Figure 4.
Figure 4 shows the attachment system 24 of the canopy which in use connects the frame of the canopy to the wheelchair. The attachment system comprises an attachment member 25, a frame securing mechanism 38 and a chair securing mechanism 39.
The attachment member has the general form of an elongate bar or plate. The attachment member defines a longitudinal axis 27, and includes a bend or curve, such that the attachment member extends generally parallel to that axis, but crosses the axis. The attachment member has a generally doglegged or Z-shaped appearance.
The chair securing mechanism is located at a first end of the attachment member (on a first side of the bend) and the frame securing mechanism is located at a position which is spaced from the chair securing mechanism (and at the other side of the bend), for example at a second end of the attachment member, remote from the first. Thus the chair securing mechanism is spaced from the frame securing mechanism both in a direction which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the attachment member, and in a direction which is perpendicular to that direction. This has the effect that, in use, the frame securing mechanism is both horizontally and vertically spaced from the chair securing mechanism. The frame is thus fixed to the wheelchair at a position which is both above and outward of the arms of the wheelchair, permitting a user of the chair to use the arms of the chair, and to easily access the brake and/or hand wheels of the chair through the access regions in the hood, without being obstructed by the frame.
The frame is pivotally connected to the attachment system at a pivot 34 such that the frame members pivot about a shared axis of rotation 36. For clarity, only the upper and lower frame members 32a and 32c are shown (in part) in Figure 4.
The pivot 34 also forms part of the frame securing mechanism 38. The frame securing mechanism 38 has the form of a clamp, which comprises a threaded member (the pivot 34) and a clamp member 40 in the form of a turnable handle mounted on the threaded member. The threaded member comprises a cylindrical column having external threads which extends coaxially with the axis of rotation 36. The clamp member has cooperating internal threads, such that it can be screwed onto the threaded member.
The threaded member is located on the lower frame member 32c, and passes through pivot apertures 42 defined in the elongate attachment member and the upper frame member 32a. The handle 40 is fitted over the end of the threaded member 34.
Rotating the handle in a first direction causes the handle to advance along the threads towards the lower frame member, hence tightening the clamp. Rotating the handle in a second, opposite direction releases the clamp.
An engagement member 41 is provided on the upper frame member, and a corresponding locating member 43 is provided on the attachment member 25. The engagement member and locating member are positioned so that when the frame is in the use position those two members engage, thus defining a stop position for the upper frame member. The engagement member is in the form of a protrusion, and the locating member is in the form of a notch or recess having a complimentary shape. When the upper frame member is in the stop position, the protrusion is located within the notch. The clamp can then by tightened such that the frame cannot easily move from the stop position.
The chair securing mechanism 39 includes a substantially planar member 42, in the form of a plate. In this example the plate is substantially quarter-circular, so that it complements the curve 18a at the terminal end of the wheelchair arm 18. The plate defines a plurality of apertures 44 through which, in use, one or more fastenings are received to hold the attachment system to the wheelchair arm.
In this example, the fastenings comprise two U-bolts, which are sized so that they can be passed around the arm of the wheelchair and then through the apertures in the plate 42. When located in this way, the U-bolts are secured with nuts (not shown), in a conventional way.
Each U-bolt defines a plane (i.e. the plane in which the 'U' lies), and the apertures in the plate are located so that in use the planes of the U bolts lie at different, and in particular right, angles to one another. In particular, the plate comprises two pairs of apertures 44a and 44b. The apertures 44a lie on a first line, and the apertures 44b lie on a second line at right angles to the first line.
Thus the canopy is secured to each arm of the wheelchair at two locations which are on either side of the curve 18a in the wheelchair arm. This helps to prevent the canopy from moving with respect to the wheelchair arm.
The chair securing mechanism also includes a stabilisation member 46, connected between the plate and the canopy, and in particular between the plate and the attachment member. The stabilisation member includes a flexible line, in this case a chain 48, which is secured at one end to the plate. A hook 50 is provided at the remote end of the chain. The hook is shaped to be received in an eye 52 provided on the attachment member. The stabilisation member helps to prevent the attachment member and the frame twisting with respect to the plate, in the event that wind should catch the canopy.
The operation of the canopy is shown in Figures 5 to 8. In particular, Figure 5 shows the canopy in the stowed position. In this position the wheelchair can be used as normal, with the handles of the chair being accessible through slits provided in the back of the hood, and the brake of the chair being accessible to the user of the chair through the access regions (as shown in Figure 9). In the stowed position the canopy lies folded above the handles of the chair, and does not substantially impinge on the seat area. The lower frame member rests on top of the handles at a location remote from the pivotal connection (see Figure 2), providing further stabilisation for the canopy.
Figures 6 and 7 show the canopy in intermediate positions between the stowed position of Figure 5 and the use position shown in Figure 8. In the use position the chair can be used as normal, with the canopy substantially shielding a user of the chair from rain and/or sunshine directed from above, the rear, or the sides.
The frame can be made from any suitable material, for example a metal such as steel or aluminium, or plastics. The hood might be made from any suitable water-resistant material, in the event that the canopy is intended to shield from rain, or light-resistant material, in the event that the canopy is intended to shield from sun. Examples of suitable materials are cloth, or plastics such as polyvinylchloride (PVC).
Figures 10 and 11 show a canopy including a cover 54 arranged in use to close a front region of the hood. The cover is shaped to fit over the front region of the hood, and extend a small way around the sides of the hood, to minimise leakage. In use, the cover is releasably fixed to the hood using a releasable fastening such as press studs.
When a user of the wheelchair is seated in the chair, the cover is fixed to the hood so as to extend over the front and/or legs of the user. The cover is formed of a flexible material such as plastics, for example PVC, and is substantially transparent, allowing the user to see through the cover.
Figure 11 shows that the canopy may be folded into the stowed position with the cover in place. Thus the cover may be used to protect the seat of the wheelchair when it is not in use.
Figures 12 to 17 show an alternative canopy 110. The alternative canopy 110 shares many features in common with the previously described canopy 10, and so only the differences will be described, for the sake of brevity.
As before, the canopy includes a frame 120, a hood 122 supported by the frame 120, and an attachment system 124 for securing the canopy to wheelchair so that the hood extends at least partly over the seat 14 of the wheelchair. However, the frame 120 and the attachment system 124 are of a different design to the frame 20 and attachment system 24 described above.
In particular, the frame 120 is generally rectangular in shape, and comprises a plurality of frame members 121. The frame members are pivotally connected, so that the frame can be folded from the use position shown in Figure 14 A through the intermediate position shown in Figure 14B to the stowed position shown in Figure 16.
In particular, the frame comprises eight upper frame members 121 a and four lower frame members 121 b. The upper frame members form the roof of the canopy, with the lower frame members supporting the roof and defining the sides of the canopy.
The lower frame members are pivotally connected to the upper frame members at hinges 122. The hinges permit a lower frame member to fold from a plane which is substantially parallel to the plane of the upper frame members (in the stowed position) to a plane which is substantially at right angles to the plane of the upper frame members (in the use position).
The upper frame members are pivotally connected in pairs. Each pair is arranged to hinge from a position in which the two frame members lie substantially end to end (in the use position), to a position in which the two frame members lie substantially adjacent (in the stowed position). Hinges 123 join the ends of the paired upper frame members.
Six outer upper frame members define a square forming the edges of the roof. A central pair of upper frame members supports the centre of the roof.
The attachment system 124 comprises a pair of elongate bars 125 having a chair securing mechanism 139 and a frame securing mechanism 138.
The chair securing mechanism comprises one or more apertures, in this case two spaced pairs of apertures, through which fastenings such as bolts or screws are passed in use to secure a respective elongate bar 125 to each arm of the chair.
The frame securing members include a pair of sockets each of which is shaped to receive a distal end of one of the lower frame members (i.e. the end which is not pivotally connected to the upper frame members). Once located in the socket, the frame member may be held in place by its own weight, or may be fixed in place using a fastening such as a screw or clamp. The sockets are spaced from one another at the respective ends of the elongate bar, to provide stability.
The lower frame members are not completely parallel to one another but splay outwardly, such that the roof of the canopy has greater surface area than the seat of the chair.
The canopy 110 can be removed from the wheelchair when it is not in use, and conveniently stored in a bag 126, because the frame and hood can both be folded into a compact space. The attachment system 124 may remain bolted to the arms of the chair when the hood is not in use, so that the canopy can be quickly erected in the event of rain.
Various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, other shapes and constructions of frame may be possible. The frame need not be collapsible. Additional or fewer vents might be provided. The access regions might comprise apertures in the fabric of the hood.
Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

A canopy comprising a frame and a hood supported by the frame, wherein the canopy comprises an attachment system arranged in use to secure the canopy to a wheelchair such that in use the hood extends at least partly over the seat of the wheelchair.
A canopy according to claim 1, in which the hood is arranged to extend over the back and sides of the wheelchair.
A canopy according to any of the preceding claims, in which the attachment system is arranged to attach the canopy to the wheelchair at a plurality of locations, and the attachment system may be arranged to secure the canopy to the arms of a wheelchair.
A canopy according to any of the preceding claims, in which the attachment system comprises a pair of attachment assemblies, and each attachment assembly may comprise a chair securing mechanism and a frame securing mechanism.
A canopy according to claim 4, in which the attachment assembly is arranged so that, in use, the frame securing mechanism is spaced horizontally from the chair securing mechanism, and may be arranged so that, in use, the frame securing mechanism is spaced vertically from the chair securing mechanism.
A canopy according to any of the preceding claims, in which the frame is collapsible, so that the hood can be moved from a use position in which the hood covers the wheelchair seat to a stowed position in which the hood substantially does not cover the wheelchair seat.
A canopy according to any of the preceding claims, in which the frame comprises a plurality of frame members, and the frame members may be pivotally connected.
A canopy according to any of the preceding claims, in which the hood is water-resistant, and may be waterproof.
A canopy according to any of the preceding claims, in which the hood comprises one or more transparent regions.
A canopy according to any of the preceding claims, in which the hood comprises a vent, and the vent may be located adjacent a transparent region in the hood, so as to provide an openable window.
A canopy according to any of the preceding claims, in which the hood is removable from the frame.
A canopy according to any of the preceding claims, in which the hood comprises one or more access regions, so as to permit a user of the wheelchair to access a brake and/or hand wheels of the wheelchair.
A canopy according to any of the preceding claims, in which the canopy further includes a cover arranged in use to close a front region of the hood.
A canopy according to any of the preceding claims, in which the cover may comprise a flexible material.
A canopy according to claims 13 or 14, in which the cover is removable from the hood/frame.