EP3581163A1 - Rollstuhl, insbesondere manueller rollstuhl für bariatrische oder intensive beanspruchung - Google Patents

Rollstuhl, insbesondere manueller rollstuhl für bariatrische oder intensive beanspruchung Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3581163A1
EP3581163A1 EP18177705.3A EP18177705A EP3581163A1 EP 3581163 A1 EP3581163 A1 EP 3581163A1 EP 18177705 A EP18177705 A EP 18177705A EP 3581163 A1 EP3581163 A1 EP 3581163A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
wheelchair
backrest
chassis
support structure
rolling
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Withdrawn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
EP18177705.3A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Jean-Michel Roncin
Aurélie MINOIS
Laurent Derche
Lukas WEBER
Gustave MOOT
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.)
Invacare International GmbH
Original Assignee
Invacare International GmbH
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 Invacare International GmbH filed Critical Invacare International GmbH
Priority to EP18177705.3A priority Critical patent/EP3581163A1/de
Priority to CA3102498A priority patent/CA3102498A1/en
Priority to PCT/IB2019/054633 priority patent/WO2019239250A1/en
Priority to EP19742897.2A priority patent/EP3806805A1/de
Priority to EP19742896.4A priority patent/EP3806804A1/de
Priority to PCT/IB2019/054634 priority patent/WO2019239251A1/en
Priority to US17/251,834 priority patent/US20210251828A1/en
Priority to US17/251,835 priority patent/US20210251829A1/en
Priority to AU2019285416A priority patent/AU2019285416A1/en
Priority to CA3102522A priority patent/CA3102522A1/en
Priority to AU2019285417A priority patent/AU2019285417A1/en
Publication of EP3581163A1 publication Critical patent/EP3581163A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current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
    • A61G5/12—Rests specially adapted therefor, e.g. for the head or the feet
    • A61G5/122—Rests specially adapted therefor, e.g. for the head or the feet for the back
    • 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
    • A61G5/104—Devices for lifting or tilting the whole 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
    • A61G5/1056—Arrangements for adjusting the seat
    • A61G5/1072—Arrangements for adjusting the seat rotating the whole seat around a vertical axis
    • 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
    • A61G5/1089—Anti-tip devices
    • 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
    • A61G5/1097—Camber- or toe-adjusting means for the drive wheels
    • 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
    • A61G5/14—Standing-up or sitting-down aids
    • 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
    • A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
    • A61G7/10—Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons, e.g. special adaptations of hoists thereto
    • A61G7/1038—Manual lifting aids, e.g. frames or racks
    • 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
    • A61G2200/00—Information related to the kind of patient or his position
    • A61G2200/10—Type of patient
    • A61G2200/16—Type of patient bariatric, e.g. heavy or obese
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to a wheelchair, in particular a manual wheelchair intended for bariatric or heavy-duty use, also referred to as bariatric wheelchair or heavy-duty wheelchair.
  • Bariatric wheelchairs are known as such in the art and are typically based on enlarged, more robust iterations of conventional wheelchairs.
  • Typical bariatric wheelchairs are in essence widened versions of conventional wheelchairs with larger seating areas and reinforced chassis structure designed to cope with the inherent requirements that come with increased load.
  • bariatric wheelchairs provide limited comfort for the patient, are more difficult to use and handle than conventional wheelchairs, are visually bulky and have too much of a "medical" look, and the aesthetics thereof could accordingly be greatly improved.
  • Figure 11 is a greyscale photographic illustration of a conventional bariatric wheelchair as sold for instance by Invacare® Corporation under the product designation Invacare 9000 TopazTM, which bariatric wheelchair is typically available with a seating width ranging from 20 to 30 inches (i.e. approx. 500 millimeters to 760 millimeters) and has a weight capacity exceeding 250 kg.
  • US Patent Publication No. US 2014/0252747 A1 discloses wheelchair designs and enhancements for use with conventional wheelchair designs, including bariatric extension panels allowing extension and widening of the seating area if need be.
  • the proposed wheelchair designs are especially intended to be used in high security areas (such as prisons and psychiatric wards) and are therefore ill-suited for more conventional, day-to-day uses.
  • a general aim of the invention is to provide a wheelchair, which improves comfort for bariatric patients as well as handling of the wheelchair by such population of wheelchair users.
  • a further aim of the invention is to provide such a wheelchair that exhibits a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
  • Yet another aim of the invention is to provide such a wheelchair that is both lighter and easier to handle, but which does not compromise robustness.
  • Still another aim of the invention is to provide such a wheelchair that can be more easily handled and transported by bariatric patients, in particular through narrow passages like doorways or elevators.
  • a wheelchair as defined in claim 1 in particular a manual wheelchair for bariatric or heavy-duty use, comprising a wheelchair chassis, a seating area provided on the wheelchair chassis, a backrest supported onto the wheelchair chassis, as well as front wheels and rear wheels provided on the wheelchair chassis to allow wheeling of the wheelchair.
  • the wheelchair further comprises a rolling support structure provided at a rear portion of the wheelchair to support the wheelchair in an upright position in which the wheelchair is tilted back and is supported by the rolling support structure to allow displacement of the wheelchair in the upright position, which rolling support structure includes at least three, in particular four, rolling elements providing rolling support for the wheelchair in the upright position.
  • the rolling elements preferably provide omnidirectional rolling support for the wheelchair in the upright position and may in particular advantageously be ball casters.
  • At least part, especially all, of the rolling elements are supported onto the wheelchair chassis.
  • each rear wheel in the upright position of the wheelchair, the rear wheels do not rest on the ground, each rear wheel being preferably mounted on the wheelchair chassis by means of a quick-release mechanism.
  • the rolling support structure is at least partly deployable between a storage position at a rear portion of the wheelchair chassis and a working position where the rolling elements are fully deployed to provide rolling support for the wheelchair in the upright position.
  • the rolling elements may furthermore include at least a pair of lower rolling elements that also act as anti-tip devices.
  • a front-to-rear position of a rear-wheel axis of the rear wheels along the wheelchair chassis is adjustable and the rolling support structure is supported in such a way that any adjustment of the front-to-rear position of the rear-wheel axis of the rear wheels leads to a corresponding adjustment of a front-to-rear position of the rolling support structure.
  • the rolling support structure may in particular be supported in a fixed relationship with respect to the front-to-rear position of the rear wheel axis.
  • the wheelchair chassis is designed as a rigid, non-foldable chassis and is made of lightweight materials, in particular aluminum.
  • the backrest may advantageously be foldable frontward onto the seating area.
  • the wheelchair chassis may be designed as a rigid, non-foldable chassis comprising side frames provided on left and right sides of the wheelchair chassis, each comprising a rear wheel support to support a corresponding one of the rear wheels at a position defining the rear-wheel axis, a front-to-rear position of the rear wheel support along each side frame, and therefore the front-to-rear position of the rear-wheel axis, being adjustable.
  • the rolling support structure can be supported in a fixed relationship with respect to the front-to-rear position the rear-wheel axis.
  • the rolling support structure may be supported directly onto the rear wheel supports or onto a rear cross member of the wheelchair chassis, which rear cross member is interposed between the rear wheel supports.
  • the backrest may advantageously exhibit a lower backrest portion supported onto the wheelchair chassis, next to the seating area, the seating area and lower backrest portion having a first width that is selected to accommodate a wheelchair user's hips.
  • the backrest further exhibits an upper backrest portion, in the vicinity of the wheelchair user's shoulders, having a second width that is smaller than the first width, which second width is selected to liberate space for movement of the wheelchair user's arms and shoulders.
  • the first width is selected to accommodate a wheelchair user's nominal hip width ranging between 500 millimeters and 800 millimeters and the second width is selected so as not to exceed a wheelchair user's nominal shoulder articulation width ranging between 400 millimeters and 600 millimeters.
  • the backrest may advantageously comprise a backrest frame acting as structural element of the backrest, which backrest frame is shaped to exhibit lower and upper frame portions supporting respectively the lower and upper backrest portions.
  • the backrest frame preferably includes a pair of back canes having lower ends supported onto the wheelchair chassis and being separated by the first width, which back canes are curved inwardly so that upper ends thereof, in the vicinity of the wheelchair user's shoulders, are separated by the second width.
  • the wheelchair may further comprises a pair of removable front canes supported into corresponding sockets provided on the wheelchair chassis next to a front part of the seating area, which pair of removable front canes can take at least a first position in which the removable front canes act as transfer aid devices to assist the wheelchair user in raising up from or, conversely, sitting onto the seating area of the wheelchair, each removable front cane exhibiting a handle portion that is oriented frontward, in the first position.
  • the removable front canes are reversible and can take at least a second position, opposite to the first position, with the handle portion being oriented rearward, to act as forearm supports for the wheelchair user.
  • Figures 1A and 1B there is shown a bariatric (or heavy-duty) wheelchair designated generally by reference numeral 1 in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention.
  • Figures 1A and 1B are greyscale perspective views, respectively from the front and from the rear, of the wheelchair 1.
  • Figures 2A and 2B are black-and-white perspective views of the wheelchair 1 (without shadings) corresponding respectively to Figures 1A and 1B .
  • Figures 2C and 2D are respectively a perspective frontal view of the wheelchair 1 and a perspective view of the wheelchair 1 as seen from the right-hand side.
  • Figure 2E is a perspective view of a cross-section of the wheelchair 1 as seen from the same perspective as Figure 2D , which cross-section is taken along a median plane A-A as depicted in Figure 2C .
  • the wheelchair 1 comprises a wheelchair chassis 30, a seating area 10 provided on the wheelchair chassis 30, a backrest 20 supported onto the wheelchair chassis 30, as well as front wheels 45 and rear wheels 40 provided on the wheelchair chassis 30 to allow wheeling of the wheelchair 1, as is typical in the art.
  • the wheelchair 1 may optionally, but preferably, be equipped with a pair of footrests 50, known as such in the art, that are mounted on a front end of the wheelchair chassis 30.
  • armrests and/or elbow supports to provide support for the wheelchair user's arms or elbows, as well as clothing guards or like protective panels interposed between the rear wheels 40 and the seating area 10 to prevent clothing from getting stuck or caught in the rear wheels 40.
  • armrests or armpads as found typically on conventional wheelchairs (see e.g. Figure 11 ) could in effect be detrimental in that they potentially interfere with a proper handling and driving of the wheelchair by the wheelchair users. In that respect, it may be preferable not to equip the wheelchair of the invention with any armrest or armpad at all.
  • the rear wheels 40 are each typically equipped with a hand rim 41 allowing the wheelchair user to wheel the wheelchair 1 in any desired direction as is known in the art (see also Figure 7A which illustrates handling and wheeling of a wheelchair 1' in accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention).
  • the front wheels 45 are mounted on the wheelchair chassis 30 so as to pivot about a vertical axis, here by means of a pair of front wheel supports (or forks) 46.
  • the wheelchair chassis 30 is designed as a rigid, non-foldable chassis and is preferably made of lightweight materials, in particular aluminum. While a foldable chassis could in theory be contemplated within the context of the present invention (see e.g. International Publication No. WO 2014/020377 A1 , the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference), the necessary structural elements to allow the chassis to be foldable would inherently increase weight, which is counterproductive for application as a bariatric wheelchair.
  • the wheelchair chassis 30 therefore exhibits a rigid construction (as depicted e.g. in Figure 4 ) with a pair of side frames (partly visible in Figures 1A-1B and 2A-2E and designated in the following by reference numeral 310), on the left and right sides of the wheelchair chassis 30, each supporting a rear wheel 40 and front wheel 45, which side frames 310 are connected together by means of a plurality of cross members (also partly visible in Figures 1A-1B and 2A-2E and designated in the following by reference numerals 301, 302 and 303).
  • cross member 301 is provided at a location of the wheelchair chassis 30 corresponding basically to a front part of the seating area 10, while cross member 302 is provided in a middle portion of the wheelchair chassis 30, under the seating area 10, and cross member 303 is provided at a rear portion of the wheelchair chassis 30.
  • a particularly preferred configuration of the wheelchair chassis 30 will be detailed further below with reference to Figures 3A-3D , 4 and 5A-5D .
  • a self-supporting seat upholstery 15 is provided on the wheelchair chassis 30, which seat upholstery 15 consists of a sheet of resistant material adapted to suitably support a wheelchair user, such as vinyl or nylon material.
  • the seat upholstery 15 is supported onto the upper portion of the wheelchair chassis 30, namely between a pair of upper frame members 310A (see e.g. Figures 3D , 4 and 5A ) each forming a part of the side frames 310.
  • Any other suitable seating area configuration could be contemplated within the scope of the present invention, and the particular seating area configuration illustrated in Figures 1A-1B and 2A-2E is only illustrative of a possible, non-limiting configuration.
  • the backrest 20 preferably comprises a backrest frame 21 acting as structural element of the backrest 20, which backrest frame 21 is supported onto the wheelchair chassis 30 by means of a pair of backrest frame supports 320 that are partly visible in Figure 2D (see also Figures 3A-3D , 4 and 5A-5D ).
  • Such backrest frame supports 320 are especially designed, in the illustrated embodiments, so as to allow the backrest 20 to be folded (or collapsible) frontward onto the seating area 10, as depicted for instance in Figure 5D .
  • the backrest frame supports 320 can in particular be designed in accordance with International Publication No. WO 2014/020378 A1 , the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • mounting location P in effect corresponds to a pivotal axis of the backrest with respect to the wheelchair chassis.
  • the backrest frame 21 further comprises a pair of back canes (not visible in Figures 1A-1B and 2A-2D but designated in the following by reference numeral 210 - see e.g. Figures 3A-3C and 4 that will be discussed more extensively in the following). These back canes 210 are each supported at a lower end onto the wheelchair chassis 30, namely via the aforementioned backrest frame supports 320.
  • the backrest 20 exhibits a lower backrest portion supported onto the wheelchair chassis 30, next to the seating area 10.
  • the seating area 10 and lower backrest portion of the backrest 20 have a first width W1 that is selected to accommodate a wheelchair user's hips.
  • the backrest 20 further exhibits an upper backrest portion, in the vicinity of the wheelchair user's shoulders, having a second width W2 that is smaller that the aforementioned first width W1, which second width W2 is selected to liberate space for movement of the wheelchair user's arms and shoulders (see also Figures 7A and 7B ).
  • the first width W1 is selected to accommodate a wheelchair user's nominal hip width WH (see Figure 7C ) ranging between 500 millimeters and 800 millimeters, while the second width W2 is selected not to exceed a wheelchair user's nominal shoulder articulation width WS (see again Figure 7C ) ranging between 400 millimeters and 600 millimeters.
  • the wheelchair user has far better mobility in the arms and shoulders, leading to better ergonomics and a greater amplitude of arm movement.
  • the backrest typically includes two vertical back canes, separated by a distance corresponding to the aforementioned wheelchair user's nominal hip width WH (as schematically illustrated by the two vertical dashed lines in Figure 7C ), which vertical back canes in effect restrain arm movement as they end up directly behind the upper portion of the wheelchair user's arms.
  • space for movement of the arms and shoulders is liberated.
  • a front-to-rear position of the rear wheel axis O along the wheelchair chassis is adjustable between a plurality of selected positions so as to change a horizontal distance separating the rear wheel axis O and the mounting location P of the backrest - which horizontal distance is referred to as distance D2 in Figures 2D , 3B , 3C and 5A .
  • the selected positions could be such that distance D2 can be changed between the following values: 50, 75, 100 and 125 millimeters, which value are given for the purpose of illustration only.
  • This adaptability is especially useful in order to possibly adjust the wheelchair configuration to different user weights and to the resulting shift in the user's center of gravity.
  • the relevant wheelchair configuration for a given user can especially be selected with consideration of e.g. the normative definition of the position of the user's center of gravity pursuant to ISO norm 7176 (which position is a function of the weight of the user).
  • the backrest 20 further comprises a backrest trim (or backrest upholstery) 25 that encloses part of the backrest frame 21, as well as a (first) cushion member 26 that is provided in the upper backrest portion of the backrest 20 to support a corresponding upper portion of the wheelchair user's dorsum.
  • a cushion belt 27 that carries an additional cushion member 27A that is designed to provide additional support for the wheelchair user's dorsum.
  • Elements 25, 26, 27, 27A are of relevance insofar as they are used to provide adequate support for the wheelchair user's dorsum. These elements 25, 26, 27, 27A can be designed and formed in a variety of ways so as to shape and adjust a profile of the backrest 20 to ensure optimal comfort for the wheelchair user.
  • Figures 1A-1B and 2A-2E show that the lower portion of the backrest 20 sits frontward of the upper backrest portion
  • Figures 8A-8B show an alternate backrest 20*, the profile of which is such that the lower backrest portion forms a recessed area 20A* facing a lower portion of the wheelchair user's dorsum.
  • This helps accommodating different wheelchair user's morphologies, providing space for the circulation of air if need be and for accommodating for different user morphologies (see Figures 8A and 8B which schematically illustrate a person with an apple-shaped morphology and a person with a pear-shaped morphology respectively).
  • Figure 8A-8B further illustrate that one can play with the shape of the cushion members 26*, 27A* to adjust the backrest profile to the user's morphology.
  • a rolling support structure 60 including a plurality of (here four) rolling elements 61, 62 provided at a terminal end of corresponding support members 610, 620 (see e.g. Figure 2E ), which rolling support structure 60 is preferably provided at a rear portion of the wheelchair 1, namely at a rear portion of the wheelchair chassis 30.
  • the purpose of this rolling support structure 60 will be detailed later with reference to Figures 5A-5D .
  • the wheelchair 1 is further provided with a pair of removable front canes 70 that are supported into corresponding sockets 370 provided on the wheelchair chassis 30 next to a front part of the seating area 10.
  • This pair of removable front canes 70 can take at least a first position (as depicted in Figures 1A-1B and 2A-2E ) in which the removable front canes 70 act as transfer aid devices to assist the wheelchair user in raising up from or, conversely, sitting onto the seating area 10 of the wheelchair 1.
  • the front canes 70 each preferably exhibit a handle portion 70a that is oriented frontward, in the depicted first position of the front canes 70. Further details will be provided later in respect of these front canes 70 with reference to Figures 9A-9C .
  • Figure 3A is a perspective view of the wheelchair 1 as seen from the same perspective as Figure 2A , where the seat upholstery 15, backrest trim 25 and wheelchair cushions 26, 27, 27A have been omitted.
  • Figure 3B is likewise a perspective view of the naked wheelchair 1, stripped of elements 15, 25, 26, 27, 27A, as seen from the right-hand side, like Figure 2D .
  • Figure 3C is a perspective view of a cross-section of the naked wheelchair 1 as seen from the same perspective as Figure 3B , which cross-section is taken along the same median plane A-A as depicted in Figure 2C .
  • the wheelchair chassis 30 With its two side frames 310 and cross members 301, 302, 303 interposed therebetween an ensuring the structural integrity and rigidity of the wheelchair chassis 30.
  • the sockets 370 designed to provide support for the front canes 70 are preferably formed in corresponding lateral extensions 375 (also visible in Figures 1A-1B and 2A-2E ) on either side of the wheelchair chassis 30.
  • These lateral extensions 375 can advantageously be an integral part of the cross member 301, thus ensuring optimal bearing for the load that could be applied via the front canes 70.
  • FIGS 3A-3C Also visible in Figures 3A-3C are two rear wheel supports 340 that are secured to the wheelchair chassis 30 (namely to the side frames 310) and provide support for each of the rear wheels 40.
  • These rear wheel supports 340 - which are also partly visible in Figures 1A-1B , 2A-2B and 2D-2E - define a position of a rear wheel axis O of the rear wheels 40.
  • a front-to-rear position of each rear wheel support 340 along the wheelchair chassis 30 (and therefore a front-to-rear position of the rear wheel axis O) is adjustable.
  • a vertical position of the rear wheel axis O is likewise adjustable, namely thanks to the provision of a plurality of (here four) mounting locations vertically along each rear wheel support 340.
  • the rear wheels 40 are mounted on the second mounting location starting from the lower mounting location.
  • Adjustment of the front-to-rear position of the rear wheel supports 340 is achieved by designing the chassis 30 so as to permit mounting of the rear wheel supports 340 at a plurality of distinct positions along each side frame 310. Only one position is depicted in the illustrations, but it should be understood that the rear wheel supports 340 could for instance be moved forward to one of multiple positions along each side frame 310.
  • a plurality of mounting holes are provided on a lower side of each upper frame member 310A (see Figure 3D ) and corresponding securing elements (such as screws or the like - not shown) are provided to secure the upper end of each rear wheel support 340 to the relevant mounting holes provided on the upper frame member 310A.
  • a claw member 345 at the lower end of each rear wheel support 340, there is provided a claw member 345 (see Figures 3C and 3D ) that is used to clip the lower end of the rear wheel support 340 onto the lower frame member 310B of each side frame 310.
  • FIGS 3C , 3D and 4 further illustrate how the rolling support structure 60 is mounted onto the rear portion of the wheelchair chassis 30 in the context of this particular embodiment.
  • each rear wheel support 340 is designed in this particular embodiment to exhibit a rear extension 340A projecting towards the rear of the wheelchair 1, which rear extension 340A is an integral part of each rear wheel support 340.
  • a support 360 carrying the relevant components of the rolling support structure 60, namely the lower and upper support members 610, 620 carrying the lower and upper rolling elements 61, 62, respectively.
  • the rolling support structure 60 is supported in such a way that any adjustment of the front-to-rear position of the rear wheel axis O of the rear wheels 40 leads to a corresponding adjustment of a front-to-rear position of the rolling support structure 60. More precisely, in the illustrated example, the rolling support structure 60 is advantageously mounted on the rear wheel supports 340 directly, and thus in a fixed relationship with respect to the front-to-rear position of the rear wheel axis O.
  • FIGS 3C , 3D and 4 further illustrate that the rear cross member 303 is interposed between the rear wheel supports 340 (namely between the rear extensions 340A) and thus likewise follows any adjustment of the front-to-rear position of the rear wheel axis O.
  • the rolling support structure 60 could, by way of alternative, be mounted on the rear cross member 303.
  • the lower rolling elements 61 that are mounted at a terminal end of the lower support members 610 can advantageously act as anti-tip devices, i.e. devices preventing tipping of the wheelchair onto its back.
  • the lower rolling elements 61 and associated lower support members 610 could be fixedly secured to the relevant supports 360 or be potentially foldable or retractable for storage purposes.
  • the upper rolling elements 62 that are located at a terminal end of the upper support members 620 are preferably mounted on the relevant supports 360 so as to be movable between at least a first position (as illustrated in Figures 1A-1B , 2A-2E , 3A-3D , 4 , 5A and 5B ), or storage/non-deployed position, and a working/deployed position (as illustrated in Figures 5C and 5D ) to provide rolling support for the wheelchair 1 in an upright position in which the wheelchair 1 is titled back and supported by the rolling support structure 60, which upright position is depicted in Figure 5D .
  • a first position as illustrated in Figures 1A-1B , 2A-2E , 3A-3D , 4 , 5A and 5B
  • a working/deployed position as illustrated in Figures 5C and 5D
  • the wheelchair 1 In the upright position depicted in Figure 5D , and with the backrest 20 folded frontward onto the seating area 10, the wheelchair 1 exhibits a sufficiently small profile to allow the wheelchair 1 to be rolled through narrow passages, such as doorways or elevators.
  • the wheelchair chassis 30 is preferably designed as a rigid chassis.
  • each rear wheel 40 is preferably mounted on the wheelchair chassis 30 by means of a quick-release mechanism, not shown, but known as such in the art. Thanks to such an arrangement, removal of the rear wheels 40 for e.g. transport purposes is greatly facilitated and can easily be performed either single-handed or with both hands being freed for that task.
  • all of the rolling elements 61, 62 are supported onto the wheelchair chassis 30, but one could alternatively contemplate to support only part of the rolling elements 61, 62 on the wheelchair chassis 30 (e.g. the lower rolling elements 61 only), while the remaining part of the rolling elements 61, 62 (e.g. the upper rolling elements 62) could for instance be supported on the backrest 20. With such a configuration, the upper rolling elements 62 could be deployed to the working position upon folding the backrest 20 onto the seating area 10.
  • the rolling elements 61, 62 are ball casters, which ensures omnidirectional rolling support for the wheelchair in the upright position.
  • ball casters are known as such in the art, for instance from US Patent No. US 5,455,988 A and US Patent Publication No. US 2015/0113765 A1 , the disclosure of both of which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • FIG. 3A-3C and 4 one can see the structure of the backrest frame 21 with its two back canes 210 supported onto the wheelchair chassis 30 at lower ends thereof, as well as the push handle 215 that is secured to upper ends of the two back canes 210.
  • the push handle 215 may conveniently be secured to the upper ends of the back canes 210 so as to be adjustable in height.
  • a pair of cross members 211 interposed between the two back canes 210 and providing structural integrity to the backrest frame 21, which pair of cross members 211 are adapted to receive a backrest panel 212 (such as e.g. a wooden panel) - which backrest panel 212 has been omitted in Figure 4 .
  • the backrest frame 21 is further shown in isolation in the illustrations of Figures 6A-6C .
  • lower ends 210A of the back canes 210 are supported onto the wheelchair chassis 30 and are separated by the aforementioned first width W1.
  • the back canes 210 are furthermore curved inwardly so that upper ends 210B thereof, in the vicinity of the wheelchair user's shoulders, are separated by the second width W2.
  • the back canes 210 each exhibit an inwardly-curved section 210a where the backrest frame 21 transitions from a lower frame portion (corresponding to the lower backrest portion of backrest 20) to an upper frame portion (corresponding to the upper backrest portion of backrest 20).
  • the backrest frame 21 further exhibits an offset between the upper and lower frame portions, the upper frame portion sitting rearward of the lower frame portion.
  • the upper and lower frame portions are preferably offset by a distance D1 ranging between 50 millimeters and 100 millimeters. This offset advantageously provides more room to play with the backrest profile and incorporate varying sizes of cushions as depicted e.g. in Figures 8A and 8B .
  • FIGS 7A and 7B show another wheelchair 1' in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention having a backrest 20' comprising a backrest frame including two back canes 210' (which could in essence be similar to the back canes 210 shown in Figures 3A-3C , 4 and 6A-6C ) with the difference that upper ends thereof are further curved rearwardly to form a pair of push handles 215'.
  • a positive effect resulting from the aforementioned dimensional considerations regarding the design of the backrest also resides in the overall improvement of the wheelchair aesthetics and look. Indeed, the "slimmed" backrest design provides a far better general look and feel to the overall wheelchair which appears visually less bulky than conventional bariatric wheelchair. This is a non-negligible aspect for the relevant wheelchair users. As a matter of fact, the backrest of the invention gives the visual impression of a wheelchair that would be smaller than it actually is, which is a very positive and important element for bariatric users.
  • the pair of removable front canes 70 can take at least a first position, as depicted in Figures 1A-1B , 2A-2E , 9A and 9B , in which the removable front canes 70 are oriented with the handle portion 70a facing frontward.
  • the front canes 70 can be used by the wheelchair user as transfer aid devices to assist the wheelchair user in raising up from or, conversely, sitting onto the seating area 10 of the wheelchair 1.
  • the wheelchair user applies load to the handle portion 70a of the front canes 70, which ensures optimal support and stability for the wheelchair user, the applied load being adequately distributed amongst the four contact points between the ground and the wheels 40, 45.
  • the front canes 70 are advantageously adjustable in height with respect to the wheelchair chassis 30 in order to accommodate for different user's morphologies, which can be ensured by an adequate support of the front canes 70 into the relevant sockets 370.
  • the removable front canes 70 are preferably reversible and can take at least a second position, opposite to the first position, with the handle portion 70a facing rearward.
  • the front canes are designated by reference numeral 70' for the sake of differentiation. In this position, the front canes 70' thus also act as forearm supports for the wheelchair user. This arrangement is also beneficial in that, in the second position, the front canes 70' do not prevent the user from getting closer e.g. to a table or desk.
  • the removable front canes 70 are preferably designed so as to be insertable from above into the corresponding sockets 370, and can be removed entirely in case of necessity, especially during transport of the wheelchair e.g. in the upright position depicted in Figure 5D .
  • Figures 10A to 10C are respectively a perspective view and two cross-sectional views of a wheelchair 1* in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
  • the wheelchair backrest has been omitted and could in essence be identical to the backrest 20 of wheelchair 1.
  • the wheelchair 1* comprises a wheelchair chassis 30* that differs slightly from the wheelchair chassis 30 of wheelchair 1, but likewise comprises two side frames 310* and three cross members 301*, 302*, 303* interposed therebetween.
  • One difference may be noted in respect of the middle cross member 302* that is interposed between the side frames 310* and connects both the upper and lower frame members thereof 310A*, 310B* in this other embodiment, rather than only the lower frame members.
  • the wheelchair chassis 30* likewise comprises a pair of rear wheel supports 340* supporting the rear wheels 40 (here at the upper mounting location), which rear wheel supports are secured to each side frame 310* between the upper and lower frame members 310A*, 310B* by means of adequate securing elements, including a claw member 345* used to clip the lower end of the rear wheel support 340* onto the lower frame member 310B*.
  • the rear wheel supports 340* are shown as being mounted at a more forward position on the wheelchair chassis 30* compared to the previous embodiment.
  • Each rear wheel support 340* likewise comprises a rear extension 340A* forming an integral part thereof, which extension 340* is used to secure a support 360* carrying the rolling support structure 60*.
  • the rear cross member 303* is similarly interposed between the rear wheel supports 340*, namely between the rear extensions 340A*.
  • Figure 10A illustrates that each support 360* can be pivoted about a vertical axis so as to move the associated elements 61*, 610*, 62*, 620* of the rolling support structure 60* between a retracted storage position (shown on the left-hand side of Figure 10A ) and a (partly) deployed working position (shown on the right-hand side of Figure 10A ).
  • the rolling support structure 60* can thus be fully retracted to a storage position behind and underneath the wheelchair 1* if need be.
  • Figures 10B and 10C respectively show the rolling support structure 60* in partly and fully deployed configurations.
  • the lower rolling elements 61* and associated supporting members 610* take a position where they can act as anti-tip devices, as in the previous embodiment.
  • the upper rolling elements 62* and associated supporting members 620* are not fully deployed as they are not particularly exploited when the wheelchair 1* is being wheeled normally on its front and rear wheels 40, 45.
  • the fully deployed configuration the upper rolling elements 62* and associated supporting members 620* are moved to an upper, working position, much like the upper rolling elements 62 and associated supporting members 620 of the previous embodiment.
  • the wheelchair 1* can once again be tilted back to an upright position and be supported by the rolling support structure 60* to allow displacement of the wheelchair in the upright position.
  • the rolling elements 61*, 62* are once again preferably ball casters, which ensures omnidirectional rolling support for the wheelchair 1* in the upright position.
  • power-assisted means could additionally be provided to help, support or otherwise assist propulsion of the wheelchair, including electric motors or the like.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Nursing (AREA)
  • Handcart (AREA)
EP18177705.3A 2018-06-14 2018-06-14 Rollstuhl, insbesondere manueller rollstuhl für bariatrische oder intensive beanspruchung Withdrawn EP3581163A1 (de)

Priority Applications (11)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP18177705.3A EP3581163A1 (de) 2018-06-14 2018-06-14 Rollstuhl, insbesondere manueller rollstuhl für bariatrische oder intensive beanspruchung
CA3102498A CA3102498A1 (en) 2018-06-14 2019-06-04 Wheelchair, in particular manual wheelchair for bariatric or heavy-duty use
PCT/IB2019/054633 WO2019239250A1 (en) 2018-06-14 2019-06-04 Bariatric wheelchair
EP19742897.2A EP3806805A1 (de) 2018-06-14 2019-06-04 Rollstuhl, insbesondere handrollstuhl für bariatrischen oder schwerlastgebrauch
EP19742896.4A EP3806804A1 (de) 2018-06-14 2019-06-04 Bariatrischer rollstuhl
PCT/IB2019/054634 WO2019239251A1 (en) 2018-06-14 2019-06-04 Wheelchair, in particular manual wheelchair for bariatric or heavy-duty use
US17/251,834 US20210251828A1 (en) 2018-06-14 2019-06-04 Bariatric wheelchair
US17/251,835 US20210251829A1 (en) 2018-06-14 2019-06-04 Wheelchair, in particular manual wheelchair for bariatric or heavy duty use
AU2019285416A AU2019285416A1 (en) 2018-06-14 2019-06-04 Bariatric wheelchair
CA3102522A CA3102522A1 (en) 2018-06-14 2019-06-04 Bariatric wheelchair
AU2019285417A AU2019285417A1 (en) 2018-06-14 2019-06-04 Wheelchair, in particular manual wheelchair for bariatric or heavy-duty use

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP18177705.3A EP3581163A1 (de) 2018-06-14 2018-06-14 Rollstuhl, insbesondere manueller rollstuhl für bariatrische oder intensive beanspruchung

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EP3581163A1 true EP3581163A1 (de) 2019-12-18

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Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2130154A (en) * 1982-11-16 1984-05-31 Invacare Corp Sports wheelchair
US5181733A (en) * 1991-12-13 1993-01-26 Tague George E Anti-tip device for wheelchair
US5455988A (en) 1993-02-24 1995-10-10 Marraccini; Marco Ball support
EP1205172A2 (de) * 2000-11-14 2002-05-15 Socinser 21, S.A. Tragbare Einstellvorrichtung für Rollstühle
WO2003065959A2 (en) * 2002-02-05 2003-08-14 Ruty Gabrieli Device and method for traversing curb in a wheelchair
DE202009004967U1 (de) * 2009-06-30 2009-11-19 Freerider Corp., Kang-Shan Elektrischer Rollstuhl
WO2014020377A1 (en) 2012-07-31 2014-02-06 Invacare International Sàrl Foldable wheelchair frame including a self locking device
WO2014020378A1 (en) 2012-07-31 2014-02-06 Invacare International Sàrl Wheelchair including a collapsible and/or angle adjustable backrest frame
US20140252747A1 (en) 2012-08-14 2014-09-11 Jane Hermes Wheelchair with Security Features
US20150113765A1 (en) 2013-10-24 2015-04-30 Leelund Perry Ball caster assembly for a wheelchair application

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2130154A (en) * 1982-11-16 1984-05-31 Invacare Corp Sports wheelchair
US5181733A (en) * 1991-12-13 1993-01-26 Tague George E Anti-tip device for wheelchair
US5455988A (en) 1993-02-24 1995-10-10 Marraccini; Marco Ball support
EP1205172A2 (de) * 2000-11-14 2002-05-15 Socinser 21, S.A. Tragbare Einstellvorrichtung für Rollstühle
WO2003065959A2 (en) * 2002-02-05 2003-08-14 Ruty Gabrieli Device and method for traversing curb in a wheelchair
DE202009004967U1 (de) * 2009-06-30 2009-11-19 Freerider Corp., Kang-Shan Elektrischer Rollstuhl
WO2014020377A1 (en) 2012-07-31 2014-02-06 Invacare International Sàrl Foldable wheelchair frame including a self locking device
WO2014020378A1 (en) 2012-07-31 2014-02-06 Invacare International Sàrl Wheelchair including a collapsible and/or angle adjustable backrest frame
US20140252747A1 (en) 2012-08-14 2014-09-11 Jane Hermes Wheelchair with Security Features
US20150113765A1 (en) 2013-10-24 2015-04-30 Leelund Perry Ball caster assembly for a wheelchair application

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