FR3126868A1 - Wheelchair - Google Patents

Abstract

Wheelchair A wheelchair (10) comprises a rigid frame (12), two main wheels, at least one front wheel, a seat and a seat cage (24). The chassis has two side flanks connected by a spar (44) on which the main wheels are pivotally mounted, a distance separating the two lateral flanks being fixed. The seat is attached to the seat cage, which includes a left wing and a right wing (92), and a width of the seat cage is adjustable. The left fender and the right fender each include a seat bar (94) and a backrest bar (96). The seat includes a seat (20), held between the seat bars, and a backrest, held between the backrest bars. Each seat bar carries two riders (118, 120), the seat cage being held on the frame by means of the riders. During the adjustment of the width of the seat cage, the riders slide on the frame. Figure for abstract: 2

Description

Wheelchair

The present invention relates to a wheelchair.

A wheelchair generally comprises a frame, two main wheels, auxiliary wheels and a base comprising a seat and a backrest.

In the field of wheelchairs, it is known to adapt a wheelchair to its user. For this, it is common for a user to acquire a personalized wheelchair, the geometry of which is adapted to his morphology. However, this personalization of wheelchairs leads to wheelchairs that are particularly expensive to manufacture.

Thus, it is known to offer adjustable wheelchairs, in particular in terms of the width of their seat, in order to be able to adapt these wheelchairs to several different morphologies. However, these chairs are generally complex and therefore expensive, and their adjustment systems generally lead to weakening their structure, which reduces their longevity and makes them unsuitable for their use in the context of certain environments, such as for example in certain sports.

For example, FR-A-3 026 942 describes a handisport racing wheelchair, the frame of which is adjustable in width and in height. The chassis comprises a main structure, on which the main wheels are pivotally mounted, with the possibility of adjusting their spacing, and on which a front wheel is also pivotally mounted. The chassis also comprises a seat cage, including two brackets, a right side and a left side and fixed to the main structure via the brackets by means of telescopic tubes, so that its height, with respect to the main structure, can be adjusted. In addition, the right and left sides of the seat structure are connected to the stems using telescopic tubes, so that their spacing, corresponding to the width of the seat, can be adjusted.

Although suitable for racing, this type of chair is not suitable for uses subjecting the chair to greater mechanical stress, such as wheelchair basketball. Indeed, the multiplicity of adjustments and telescopic tubes makes the structure of such a chair fragile, which is then more subject to damage and less durable.

DE-U-29 705 494 describes a wheelchair intended for the practice of sport, comprising a frame on which are fixed two main wheels, two front wheels and two footrests, and comprising a seat cage comprising two shells of seat fixed in an adjustable manner to a support, the support being connected to the frame by a strut. The positioning of the shells on the support can be adapted so as to modify their spacing, and thus the width of the seat cage. The length of the strut is adjustable, and it is fixed to the frame so that its inclination can be adjusted.

When such a chair is used, the weight of the user exerted on the seat and all the additional forces exerted on the seat, such as for example forces generated by dynamic movements of the user, or shocks, are transmitted to the frame by the strut. This strut is therefore subjected to very high forces, which can cause it to break, plastic deformation or failures of its adjustment system. In addition, the strut is moved away from the edges of the seat cage, where the lateral forces are generally exerted, which leads to an increase in the intensity of these forces by lever arm effect. Thus, such an adjustable chair is particularly fragile, except when the strut is oversized, which makes the chair significantly heavier. In either case, such a chair is not very suitable for the practice of certain sports, in particular wheelchair basketball.

It is these drawbacks that the invention more particularly intends to remedy, by proposing a wheelchair whose seat width is easily adjustable while being robust, reliable and light.

To this end, the invention relates to a wheelchair comprising a rigid frame, two main wheels, at least one front wheel, a seat and a seat cage, in which the frame comprises two lateral sides connected by a spar on which the main wheels are pivotally mounted, a distance separating the two side flanks being fixed, in which the seat is attached to the seat cage, in which the seat cage comprises a left wing and a right wing and in which a width of the seat cage is adjustable.

According to the invention:

- the left wing and the right wing each include a seat bar and a backrest bar,

- the seat comprises a seat and a backrest, the seat being held between the seat bars and the backrest being held between the backrest bars,

- each seat bar carries two riders, the seat cage being held on the frame by means of the riders, and

- during adjustment of the width of the seat cage, the riders slide on the frame.

Thanks to the invention, the seat cage is connected to the frame by four riders, which allows effective transmission of the forces from the seat cage to the frame while ensuring the stability of the seat cage. In addition, the adjustment of the seat width is facilitated by the sliding of the riders on the frame.

According to advantageous, but not compulsory, aspects of the invention, this wheelchair incorporates one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically admissible combination:

- The left wing and the right wing of the seat cage are assembled together by a telescopic tube whose length corresponds to the width of the seat cage.

- The chassis comprises a frame and a seat base, the frame is rigid and one-piece and includes the two side flanks and the spar and the seat base is flat and includes two crosspieces which extend between the two flanks side, the riders being maintained on the crosspieces.

- The inclination of the seat base relative to the chassis is adjustable and, preferably, an adjustment range of the inclination of the seat base is between 5° and 20°.

- The jumpers are in the shape of a "U" and each jumper surrounds a crosspiece.

- The seat base comprises, among the crosspieces, a front crosspiece and a rear crosspiece, each seat bar comprises, among the two riders, a front rider and a rear rider, first riders among the front riders and the rear riders are open towards the bottom of the wheelchair, and second jumpers among the front jumpers and the rear jumpers are open towards the front or the rear of the wheelchair.

- One of the crosspieces comprises two through holes and, for each seat bar, the two jumpers are held on the two crosspieces and one of the two jumpers is fixed to one of the two crosspieces by a bolt, said jumper comprising a plurality of through-holes, each through-hole allowing the installation of a bolt, or, for each seat bar, the two riders are held on the two cross-members and one of the two riders is fixed to one of the two cross-members by a bolt passing through a through-hole, said cross-piece comprising two series of through-holes, each through-hole having a series of through-holes allowing the installation of a bolt for the fixing of one of the two riders fixed to this crosses.

- The left wing and the right wing of the seat cage each include a holding plate fixed to the seat bar and the backrest bar, an angle between the seat bars and the backrest bars is adjusted by the retaining plates, and, preferably, the angle is between 76° and 94.5°.

- The seat comprises a seat sling and straps, the straps being stretched between the left wing and the right wing of the seat cage, the seat sling resting on the straps.

- The wheelchair comprises a footrest, the footrest comprising two support tubes fixed to the two lateral sides of the frame, a support fixed between the support tubes and a platform comprising a rim and resting on the support, the inclination of the support tubes relative to the frame is adjustable, a useful length of the support tubes is adjustable, the support is horizontally and vertically flippable, and the platform is horizontally and vertically flippable.

- The wheelchair is a wheelchair suitable for the practice of disabled sports and the wheelchair comprises at least one anti-tilt wheel located at the rear of the wheelchair and fixed to the frame and a protective fairing, the protective fairing connecting the two side flanks of the chassis and surrounding each front wheel.

The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the light of the following description of an embodiment of a wheelchair in accordance with its principle, given solely by way of example. and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

There is a perspective view of a wheelchair according to the invention;

There is a perspective view of the wheelchair from the , from the same angle of view, on which the main wheels and the seat are hidden;

There is analogous to the , from another angle of view;

There is a perspective view of a frame of the wheelchair of Figures 1 to 3;

There is analogous to the , from another angle of view;

There is a perspective view of a framework of the chassis of Figures 4 and 5;

There is a perspective view of a seat cage of the wheelchair of Figures 1 to 3;

There is analogous to the , from another angle of view;

There is a top view of the seat of the wheelchair of Figures 1 to 3, the seat being shown flat;

There is a perspective view of the seat cage and part of the seat of the wheelchair of Figures 1 to 3;

There is a perspective view of a footrest of the wheelchair of Figures 1 to 3; And

There is analogous to the , from another angle.

A wheelchair 10 is shown at . The wheelchair 10 is, in the example, a wheelchair intended for the practice of disabled sports, in particular for the practice of basketball in a wheelchair.

The wheelchair 10 comprises a frame 12, two main wheels 14, two front wheels 16 and a seat 18 allowing a user to sit on the wheelchair.

A transverse axis X of the wheelchair 10 is defined as being an axis connecting the center of the two main wheels 14. In the remainder of the description, the “left” and “right” orientations are understood relative to the transverse axis X.

The front of the wheelchair 10 is defined as being the side of the wheelchair where the front wheels 16 are arranged. Thus, in the rest of the description, the term “front” designates an element located towards the front of the wheelchair and the term “rear” designates an element remote from the front of the wheelchair.

In the remainder of the description, the terms "top" and "bottom" are understood to refer to a vertical axis of the wheelchair 10, when the wheelchair is resting on the ground, that is to say when the main wheels 14 and the front wheels 16 are in contact with the ground. In addition, the "vertical" and "horizontal" orientations are to be considered when the wheelchair is placed on the ground.

The two main wheels 14 are located on either side of the frame 12 and the seat 18 and allow a user seated on the seat 18 to drive the wheelchair 10 in motion. Advantageously, the main wheels 14 comprise each a handrail 15 allowing the user of the wheelchair to drive the main wheels in rotation, by acting on them by hand.

The two front wheels 16 allow the wheelchair 10 to be stable when placed on the ground.

The seat 18 comprises a seat 20 and a backrest 22. At the , the seat 18 is shown in a simplified manner.

In practice, the seat 18 is attached to a seat cage 24. In addition, the seat cage 24 is itself fixed to the frame 12.

Advantageously, the wheelchair 10 also includes a footrest 26, fixed to the frame 12.

Advantageously, the wheelchair 10 also comprises anti-tilt wheels 28, located at the rear of the wheelchair and fixed to the frame 12 via a bracket 30. In the example, the wheelchair 10 comprises two wheels anti-tip 28. Alternatively, the wheelchair includes a single anti-tip wheel, or no anti-tip wheel.

In Figures 2 and 3, the main wheels 14 and the seat 18 are hidden, for more visibility. As best seen in these figures, the seat cage 24 forms an independent assembly of the frame 12, which rests on the frame and which is fixed to the frame.

In Figures 4 and 5, only the frame 12 and the front wheels 16 are shown.

The frame 12 comprises a framework 40 and a seat base 70. In practice, the seat cage 24 rests on the seat base and is fixed to the seat base.

On the , only the frame 40 and the front wheels 16 are shown.

Frame 40 is rigid and one-piece.

The frame 40 comprises two side flanks 42, that is to say a left flank and a right flank. The two lateral sides 42 thus delimit the ends of the frame 40 along the transverse axis X of the wheelchair 10.

The frame 40 comprises a spar 44, which connects the two lateral flanks 42. In practice, the spar 44 is fixedly and rigidly attached to the two lateral flanks 42. In the example, this attachment is made by welding, using fixing brackets 46 welded on the one hand to the spar and on the other hand to the side flanks. As a variant, this fixing is carried out by bolting, by riveting, by an intermediate attachment piece, or by any other fixing technique.

Thus, the distance separating the lateral flanks 42, denoted “D42” and measured parallel to the transverse axis X, is fixed. Preferably, the spar 44 is in one piece.

The spar 44 comprises two ends 48, which allow the attachment of the main wheels 14. Thus, the main wheels are pivotally mounted on the ends of the spar. In addition, the spacing of the main wheels, measured along the X axis, is constant, since the length of the spar 44 is fixed.

In the example shown, the main wheels 14 are inclined, that is to say that their axis of rotation is not parallel to the axis X. This inclination of the wheels, which corresponds to the creation of an angle non-zero camber for these wheels, makes the wheelchair 10 more stable, therefore better suited to the practice of disabled sports.

Advantageously, the spar 44 comprises a fixing tube 50, to which the stem 30 is removably fixed. Thus, the stem 30 and the anti-tip wheels 28 can be removed from the wheelchair 10. It is therefore simple to modify the wheelchair 10 to change the number of anti-tip wheels, or to remove these wheels.

Each sidewall 42 includes a fitting tube 52, provided for a front wheel 16 to be fixed there. Thus, each front wheel is fixed to one side of the frame 40.

Advantageously, each sidewall 42 comprises two fixing lugs 54, to which one end of the toe clip 26 is attached. Thus, the footrest is attached to the two sides of the frame 40.

Advantageously, the framework 40 comprises a protective fairing 56. The fairing connects the two sides 42 by the front of the wheelchair 10, so as to surround the front wheels 16. In addition, the fairing 56 extends beyond sides 42, on the left and on the right of the wheelchair, thus forming two spaces accommodating two protective plates 58, shown only in Figures 1 and 2.

In practice, the protective fairing 56 and the protective plates 58 make it possible to protect the front wheels 16, the main wheels 14 and the footrest 26 from possible shocks which may occur on the front of the wheelchair 10. Thus, the fairing acts as a bumper. This protection is particularly advantageous for protecting the user of the wheelchair, and in particular when practicing sports that may involve contact with other wheelchairs, such as wheelchair basketball, for example. In addition, the fairing contributes to the rigidity of the frame 40, by connecting the two sides 42 together at the front of the wheelchair 10.

In the practice of certain sports, the presence of a protective fairing is also mandatory, for safety reasons.

Each flank 42 of the frame 40 comprises fixing lugs 60, in the example two fixing lugs 60. In practice, for each flank 42, a fixing lug is located at the front of the flank and a fixing lug is located at the rear of the flank. The fixing lugs are used to fix the seat base 70.

The seat base 70 comprises two crosspieces 71 of fixed length, which extend parallel to the transverse axis X between the two sides 42, and two bars 74, which each extend between the two crosspieces 71, at the level ends of the sleepers. Among the crosspieces 71, there are a front crosspiece 72 and a rear crosspiece 73.

Thus, the crosspieces 71 and the bars 74 together form a rectangular structure which lies in a plane parallel to the transverse axis X. In other words, the seat base 70 is flat. In the example, the bars 74 are flat and the bars 74 are fixed to the crosspieces 71 by welding.

Each bar 74 is fixed to one of the two lateral flanks 42. More specifically, a front end 76 of each bar 74 is fixed to the fixing lug 60 located at the front of the associated lateral flank, preferably by bolting, and a rear end 78 of each bar is fixed to the fixing lug 60 located at the rear of the associated side wall, preferably also by bolting. In other words, the seat base 70 is fixed to the frame 40 at four points, via the fixing lugs 60.

Advantageously, the rear end 78 of each bar 74 is a bracket in which several fixing holes 80 are provided. In practice, for each bar 74, all the fixing holes 80 are equidistant from the front end 76 of the bar. In other words, the holes 80 of a bar are distributed over an arc of a circle perpendicular to the transverse axis X and whose center corresponds to the front end of the bar. We note “α” the angle separating the two opposite fixing holes of the rear end 78 of a bar 74, measured along this arc of a circle. Preferably, the angle α is between 5° and 20°, more preferably between 10° and 15°. In the example, the angle α is equal to 10°.

For each bar 74, a single fixing hole 80 is used to fix the bar to the fixing tab 60 of the side wall 42 associated. Thanks to this plurality of fixing holes 80, the bars 74 can be fixed to the frame 40 according to several orientations, which makes it possible to adjust the inclination of the seat base 70 with respect to the frame 12, and therefore to choose the inclination of the seat cage 24 supported by the seat base relative to the frame. Thus, an angle formed between the plane in which the rectangular structure of the seat base fits and a horizontal plane can be adjusted. In the example, this angle is between -5°, when the lowest fixing holes 80 are used, the rear crosspiece 73 of the seat base 70 then being higher than the front crosspiece 72, and 15 °, when the highest fixing holes 80 are used, as shown in the figures, the rear crosspiece 73 then being lower than the front crosspiece 72.

Thus, the adjustment amplitude of the inclination of the seat base 70 is equal to the value of the angle α.

The seat base 70 being fixed to the two sides 42, and extending between the two sides, it makes it possible to reinforce the frame 40. Thus, the frame 12 is particularly rigid and robust.

Seat cage 24 is shown alone in Figures 7 and 8.

The seat cage 24 comprises a left wing 90 and a right wing 92. The two wings 90, 92 of the seat cage each comprise a seat bar 94, a backrest bar 96 and a support plate 98.

The seat bars 94 are parallel to each other and extend in a front-rear direction of the wheelchair 10, perpendicular to the X axis and not intersecting therewith. The backrest bars 96 are parallel to each other and extend from the bottom to the top of the wheelchair 10, in a vertical direction perpendicular to the X axis and not intersecting therewith.

In practice, the seat 20 of the seat 18 is held between the two seat bars 94, and the backrest 22 of the seat is held between the two backrest bars 96.

A rear end of the seat bar 94 of a wing 90, 92 is connected to a lower end of the backrest bar 96 of this wing, via a connection 100. In addition, the retaining plate 98 of a wing 90, 92 is connected on the one hand to the backrest bar 96 of this wing, via a connection 102, and on the other hand to the seat bar 94 of this wing, by the intermediary of a link 104.

Advantageously, the links 100, 102 and 104 are pivot links. Preferably, these connections are formed by bolting. Advantageously, the retaining plates 98 include a plurality of holes 106, close to the seat bars, so that each hole 106 can be used to make the connections 104 between the retaining plates and the seat bars. Thus, the positioning of a retaining plate relative to the associated seat bar is adjustable, depending on the hole 106 selected to make the connection 104 connecting this retaining plate to this seat bar. Thanks to this adjustment, the angle between the seat bar 94 and the backrest bar 96 of a wing 90, 92, denoted “β” and measured in a plane perpendicular to the transverse axis X, can vary. In practice, the angle β is preferably between 76° and 94.5°. In the example, the angle β is equal to 90°. In other words, the retaining plates 98 make it possible to adjust the angle β. This adjustment is particularly advantageous, because it allows the user of the wheelchair 10 to choose the inclination of the backrest 22 relative to the seat 20, allowing for example to improve the comfort and stability of the user.

The left wing 90 and the right wing 92 respectively comprise a first section of tube 108 and a second section of tube 110, which extend towards each other parallel to the transverse axis X. 108 and 110 together form a telescopic tube 112, the length of which is adjustable and which makes it possible to determine the distance separating the left wing 90 from the right wing 92, that is to say the width of the seat cage 24, denoted “L24” and measured parallel to the transverse axis X. The width of the seat cage 24 is also called “seat width”.

In the example shown, the section of tube 108 includes a through hole 114 and the section of tube 110 includes a series of through holes 116 spaced from each other and the two sections of tube are assembled by bolting, through the hole 114 and one of the holes 116. When the hole 114 and one of the holes 116 are aligned, a bolt 117 is put in place to assemble the tube sections 108 and 110 together. Thus, the length of the telescopic tube 112, which corresponds to seat width L24, is adjustable in increments.

The left wing 90 and the right wing 92 are therefore assembled together by the telescopic tube 112.

Each wing 90, 92 of the seat cage 24 carries a front rider 118 and a rear rider 120, which are fixed to the seat bar 94 of this wing. Thus, each wing carries two riders.

Each rider 118, 120 is a "U" shaped bar extending parallel to the transverse axis X. Thus, each rider 118, 120 comprises a sole 122 and two wings 124 which extend perpendicular to the sole 122.

The front 118 and rear 120 riders are fixed to the seat bars 94 by means of brackets 126. Preferably, each bracket 126 is welded on the one hand to a seat bar and on the other hand to a front rider or back.

In practice, the brackets 126 and the riders 118 and 120 are arranged so that the riders are located lower than the seat bars 94, in the mounted configuration of the seat cage 40 on the seat base 70.

Advantageously, the front riders 118 are oriented such that their sole 22 is horizontal and their wings 124 extend vertically downward from the sole. In other words, the front jumpers 118 are open downward. Thus, the brackets 126 fixing the front riders 118 to the seat bars 94 are fixed on the soles 122 of the front riders. Additionally, the rear riders 120 are oriented such that their sole 122 is vertical and their wings 124 extend horizontally, preferably forward of the wheelchair 10. In other words, the rear riders 120 are open forward. Thus, the brackets 126 fixing the rear riders 120 to the seat bars are fixed on one of the wings 124 of the rear riders.

In practice, the retaining plate 98 of a wing 90, 92 is fixed to the seat bar 94 of this wing via the front rider 118 of this wing, each front rider comprising a fixing lug 128 making it possible to carry out the pivot link 104 of this wing. In the example, the fixing lugs 128 extend from the sole 122 of the front riders 118.

When the seat cage 24 is mounted on the seat base 70, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the riders 118 and 120 are held on the crosspieces 71, that is to say that the riders rest on the sleepers. In practice, and as best seen in Figures 2 and 3, the front 118 and rear 120 riders surround the crosspieces 71. Thus, the riders being located lower than the seat bars 94, the seat cage 24 is essentially located higher than the crosspieces 71. In practice, the seat bars 94 and the backrest bars 96 are located above the crosspieces 71.

More precisely, the two front riders 118 are held on the front crosspiece 72 which they surround from above and the two rear riders 120 are held on the rear crosspiece 74 which they surround from the rear.

The shape of the front 118 and rear 120 riders makes it possible to slide the riders along the crosspieces 71, that is to say parallel to the transverse axis X. Thus, when the length of the telescopic tube 112 is adjusted, the riders 118 and 120 guide the movement of the wings 90 and 92, and thus facilitate the adjustment of the seat width L24. In addition, the adjustment of the seat cage 24 does not require removing the seat cage from the seat base 70.

In addition, the orientation of the front 118 and rear 120 riders is particularly advantageous for transmitting forces from the seat cage 24 to the seat base 70, which makes it possible to secure the maintenance of the seat cage on the seat base. In particular, the fact that the front riders 118 are open downwards and that the rear riders 120 are open forwards makes it possible to effectively transmit all the forces exerted on the seat cage towards the seat base. , regardless of the direction of these efforts. In particular, a force exerted on the seat cage and directed downwards, such as for example the weight of a user of the wheelchair 10, is transmitted to the seat base by the sole 122 of each front rider 118 and by the highest wing 124 of each rear rider 120. A force exerted on the seat cage forwards is transmitted to the seat base by the wing 124 located at the rear of each front rider 118 and by the sole 122 of each rear rider 120. A force exerted on the seat cage towards the rear is transmitted to the seat base by the wing 124 located at the front of each front rider 118. A force exerted on the seat cage upwards is transmitted to the seat base by the lowest wing 124 of each rear rider 120. In practice, the seat cage 24 can undergo a force oriented towards forwards or backwards in the event of impacts to the front or rear of the wheelchair 10, or in the event of a sudden movement of the wheelchair user, for example when the wheelchair is used for disabled sports practice. In practice, the seat cage 24 can be subjected to a force directed upwards when the user of the wheelchair performs a sudden movement directed upwards, for example when the wheelchair is used for the practice of disabled sports, and in particular wheelchair basketball.

In addition, the fact that the seat cage comprises four riders arranged at the front-rear and left-right ends of the seat cage makes it possible to minimize the forces transmitted to the seat base 70, avoiding increasing these forces by a lever arm effect, and makes it possible to increase the stability of the seat cage, thanks to the presence of several points of support.

In addition to being held on the front crossmember 72, the two front riders 118 are fixed to the front crossmember 72. In the example, this fixing is carried out by bolting.

In practice, the front cross member 72 includes two through holes 130 and each flange 124 of the front riders 118 includes a series of spaced apart through holes 132. For each front jumper, the through holes of the two wings are aligned with each other.

During the adjustment of the seat width L24, when the hole 114 of the section of tube 108 is aligned with one of the holes 116 of the section of tube 110, that is to say when the telescopic tube 112 is in able to be assembled using the bolt 117, each hole 130 of the front crosspiece 72 is aligned with one of the holes 132 of the wings 124 of one of the front riders 118, thus making it possible to put in place a bolt 134 through the respective front rider and the front crossmember, and to secure the respective front rider to the front crossmember. Thus, the seat cage 24 is firmly fixed to the seat base 70. Each hole 132 therefore allows the installation of a bolt 134.

When the bolts 134 are in place, the forces exerted laterally on the seat cage 24 are transmitted to the seat base 70 via the bolts.

This holding of the seat cage 24 on the seat base 70 by means of the riders 118 and 120 is particularly advantageous, because it makes it possible to easily and quickly adjust the seat width L24 while guaranteeing effective fixing and robustness of the seat cage on the seat base. In particular, any movement of the seat cage relative to the seat base is prevented, since the front riders 118 are fixed to the front cross member 72.

This easy and quick adjustment is essential when wheelchairs have to be adapted to the morphology of the players of a disabled sports team, for example wheelchair basketball, at the start or during a match.

Changing the seat width L24 is particularly simple, since it is carried out simply by removing the bolt 117 and the two bolts 134, which makes it possible to adjust the width of the telescopic tube 112 and the position of the left wings 90 and right 92 of seat cage 24, then lock the new seat width by refitting bolts 117 and 134.

In the example represented, the front riders 118 each comprise five holes 132 and the telescopic tube 112 comprises five holes 116. Thus, the width L24 of the seat cage 24 can take five different values. Preferably, the width L24 is adjustable between 340mm and 420mm, in 20mm increments. In the example, two adjacent holes 116 are spaced 20 mm apart and two adjacent holes 132 are spaced 10 mm apart. Thus, during the adjustment of the width L24 of the seat cage by one increment, the wings 90 and 92 are each moved by 10 mm relative to the seat base 70, which makes it possible to increase or to reduce the seat width L24 by 20 mm. This adjustment is particularly advantageous, because it makes it possible to maintain the seat cage 24 centered with respect to the seat base 70, along the X axis, independently of the adjustment of the seat width L24. Alternatively, the number of holes 132 and 116 is different, for example equal to three or six, and the seat width L24 can thus take three, or six, different values. Alternatively, the spacing between two adjacent holes 116 is different, for example equal to 10 mm or 30 mm, and the spacing between two adjacent holes 132 is adapted accordingly, being for example equal to, respectively, 5 mm or 15mm.

The front riders 118 are thus fixed to the front crossmember 72, whereas the rear riders 120 are not fixed to the rear crossmember 73, but are slidably mounted thereon. Thus, thanks to the shape and orientation of the riders 118 and 120, the rear riders 120 make it possible to guide the movement of the wings 90 and 92 and to transmit the forces of the seat cage 24 towards the seat base. 70 without having to be fixed to the rear crosspiece 73, which is particularly advantageous, because it makes it easier and faster to adjust the seat width L24 by reducing the number of bolts that have to be put in place.

The seat cage 24 is also particularly simple to disassemble from the seat base 70. To separate the seat cage from the seat base, it suffices to remove the bolts 134, then to pivot the seat cage around the rear cross member 73 so as to move the front riders 118 away from the front cross member 72, then to move the seat cage towards the rear of the wheelchair 10, so as to move the rear riders 120 away from the rear crossmember 73.

The seat 18 is shown alone in . The seat 18 comprises a seat fabric 140 and straps 142.

In practice, among the straps 142, the seat 18 comprises seat straps 144 and backrest straps 146. In the example, the seat 18 comprises nine straps 142, including five seat straps 144 and four backrest straps 146. Alternatively, the number of straps 142 is different, for example four seat straps 144 and three back straps 146.

As seen at , where the straps 142 are shown stretched on the seat cage 24 and the seat cover 140 is not shown, the straps 142 are stretched between the two wings 90, 92 of the seat cage 24. In practice , the seat straps 144 are stretched between the seat bars 94 of the two wings, and the backrest straps 146 are stretched between the backrest bars 96 of the two wings. For this, each strap 142 forms a loop which surrounds the two seat bars or the two backrest bars.

The seat fabric 140 rests on the straps 142. Thus, the straps 142 form a support for the seat fabric 140. The fact that the straps 142 are stretched between the two wings 90, 92 of the seat cage 24 allows a user to sit on the seat sling 140 without the seat sling sinking significantly. In practice, the straps are sufficiently stretched to limit the sinking of the seat cover caused by the weight of the user, so that the seat cover does not come into contact with the crosspieces 71 of the base. seat 70, which are located lower than the wings of the seat cage, which would be uncomfortable. In addition, the weight exerted by the user on the seat fabric is transmitted to the straps 142, then to the seat cage 24, then to the seat base 70, via the riders 118 and 120 .

The 142 straps are adjustable, i.e. their length can be changed. Thus, when the seat width L24 is modified, it is simple to adjust the straps 142 so that they remain taut between the wings 90, 92. For example, when the seat width L24 is reduced, the straps are tightened so as to maintain sufficient tension so that the sinking of the seat cover 140 is limited. When the seat width L24 is increased, the straps are relaxed beforehand so as not to oppose the separation of the wings 90 and 92. The use of straps 142 to hold the seat cover 140 is therefore particularly advantageous, because the straps adapt easily to the spacing of the wings 90 and 92, which makes it possible to adapt the seat 18 to the seat cage whatever the width L24 of the seat cage 24.

Preferably, the straps 142 are strips comprising self-gripping closures 148, with hook and loops, marketed in particular under the “VELCRO” brand. The adjustment of the straps is thus carried out by separating the self-gripping fasteners 148, then by closing these fasteners after having tightened or relaxed the straps.

The seat fabric 140 and the straps 142 together form the seat 20 and the backrest 22 of the seat 18. In practice, the seat fabric 140 is a rectangular fabric, which comprises a seat part 150, a backrest part 152 and advantageously a flap part 154.

The seat portion 150 rests on the seat straps 144 and the back portion 152 rests on the back straps 146, towards the front of the wheelchair 10. Advantageously, the flap portion 154 covers the back straps 146, towards the rear of the wheelchair 10. In other words, the backrest 152 and flap 154 parts are parallel to each other and located on either side of the backrest straps 146. The flap part 154 makes it possible to hide the backrest straps 146, this which avoids any involuntary manipulation of the backrest straps, in particular any involuntary manipulation of the hook-and-loop fasteners 148. in disabled sports.

The seat cover 140 is for example made of fabric, plastic or leather. Advantageously, a cushion, not shown, is placed on, or fixed to, the seat part 150 of the seat cover.

Advantageously, the seat cover 140 includes a support strip 156, which extends over the seat 150 and backrest 152 parts. This support strip 156 is for example sewn to the seat cover. In addition, the retaining band 156 forms several loops 158, through which the straps 142 pass. Thus, the seat fabric is integral with the straps, and cannot be removed from the wheelchair 10 when the straps are attached to seat cage 24. In practice, the straps 142 are capable of sliding in the loops 158, which makes it possible to attach the seat cover 140 to the straps without preventing the adjustment of the straps.

The toe clip 26 is shown in more detail in Figures 11 and 12. In these figures, the fixing lugs 54 for fixing the toe clip to the frame 40 of the frame 12 are also shown.

The footrest 26 comprises two support tubes 182, each support tube being associated with a side 42 of the frame 40. In practice, each support tube is fixed, at one of its ends, to a leg of fixing 54, using a bolt 184 and an adjustment screw 186. On each side of the toe-clip 26, a bolt 184 passes through the support tube and the fixing lug 54 right through, allowing to fix the support tube to the fixing lug, while allowing a rotational movement of the support tube with respect to the fixing lug, around a main axis of the bolt, which is in practice parallel to the transverse axis X. Rotation of the support tube relative to the bracket is prevented by the set screw 186, when the set screw is tightened. Thus, the inclination of the support tubes 182 relative to the fixing lugs 54 is adjustable when the adjustment screws 186 are not tightened, which makes it possible to adjust the inclination of the footrest 26 relative to the frame 40 The support tubes 182 extend from the framework 40 essentially downwards, and thanks to the bolts 184 and the adjusting screws 186, their inclination with respect to a vertical axis can vary between −5° and +5°.

Each support tube 182 comprises, at one of its ends opposite the end fixed to the fixing lug 54, several through holes 188 which each allow, using a bolt 190, to fix a support 192 In the example, each support tube comprises four through holes 188, making it possible to choose the position of the bolts 190 between four distinct positions Thus, the support 192 is fixed between the two support tubes by two bolts 190. the support 192 is fixed to the support tubes, the choice of the through holes 188 in which the bolts 190 are fixed makes it possible to adjust the distance between the support 192 and the fixing bolts 184, measured along the support tubes 182. This distance is marked "D54" and corresponds to a useful length of the support tubes. In the example, the through holes 188 are spaced 15 mm apart and the distance D54 is thus adjustable between 40 mm and 85 mm, in 15 mm increments.

Alternatively, the support tubes 182 include a different number of through holes 188. Alternatively, the spacing between two adjacent through holes 188 is different by 15 mm.

The support 192 is formed by a tube having two fixing ends 194, a straight part 196 connecting the two fixing ends 194 and a curved part 198. Each fixing end 194 is fixed to a support tube 182 by a bolt 190.

Curved portion 198 extends from straight portion 196. In the example, curved portion 198 is "C" shaped and portions 196 and 198 together form a "D". In the example of the figures, the curved part 198 extends towards the rear of the wheelchair 10. Advantageously, the support 192 can be turned over horizontally, that is to say it can be fixed to the support tubes 182 so that curved portion 198 extends from straight portion 196 forward of the wheelchair.

Advantageously, the fixing ends 194 are inclined with respect to the straight part 196, so that, as in the example of the figures, the straight part 196 and the curved part 198 are arranged lower than the fixing ends 194 and that the bolts 190. In addition, the support 192 can be turned over vertically, i.e. it can be fixed to the support tubes 182 so that the straight part 196 and the curved part 198 are located higher than the fixing ends 194 and the bolts 190.

The footrest 26 comprises a platform 200, which rests on the straight part 196 and on the curved part 198 of the support 192.

The platform 200 is generally flat, generally horizontal and allows a user of the wheelchair 10 to rest their feet on it. In practice, the inclination of the platform 200 with respect to the horizontal varies between −5° and +5°, depending on the inclination of the support tubes 182.

Advantageously, the platform 200 includes a rim 202. In the example, the platform 200 is oriented so that the rim 202 extends from the platform to the top of the chair, at the rear of the platform. Thus, in the example, the user of the wheelchair 10 can place his feet on the platform 200 and wedge his heels against the rim 202.

Platform 200 includes two oblong holes 204, which extend from the front of the platform to the rear of the platform. The platform is fixed to the support 192 using two screws 206. In practice, each screw 206 is placed in one of the oblong holes 204, a first screw is screwed onto the straight part 196 of the support and a second screw is screwed onto the curved part 198 of the support.

Depending on the preferences of the wheelchair user 10, the orientation of the platform 200 is adaptable. Thus, the platform can be turned horizontally, so that the rim 202 is located at the front of the platform, allowing the wheelchair user to wedge the tips of his feet against the rim. Additionally, platform 200 can be flipped vertically, so that ledge 202 extends from the platform downwards, allowing the wheelchair user to rest their feet on a flat platform, with no ledge against which to brace their feet. feet.

Thanks to the possibility of horizontally and vertically flipping the platform 200, the possibility of horizontally and vertically flipping the support 192, the possibility of adapting the distance D54, and the possibility of adapting the inclination of the support tubes 182 relative to the frame 40, the footrest 26 is particularly adjustable. Thus, the footrest 26 is easily adaptable to the preferences of the user of the wheelchair 10, which increases the comfort of this user.

The fact that the frame 40 of the frame 12 is rigid and one-piece, and in particular that the distance D42 between the two sides 42 of the frame is constant and that the two sides are rigidly connected by the spar 44, is particularly advantageous, because the wheelchair 10 is thus particularly resistant. In particular, the wheelchair is particularly suitable for withstanding significant forces and shocks, which may for example come from its use during the practice of disabled sports.

The resistance of the wheelchair 10 is also increased by the presence of the seat base 70, which connects with the aid of the two crosspieces 71 the two sides 42 of the frame 40. Thus, the seat base 70 stiffens the frame 12.

In addition, the fact that the distance between the two sides 42 of the chair is fixed is particularly advantageous, since it facilitates the design of the footrest 26, which does not need to be adjustable in width. The toe-clip 26 is thus more resistant and less expensive to manufacture. The fixed distance between the two sides 42 also allows the installation of the protective fairing 56, which improves the strength and rigidity of the chassis 12 and which does not have to be adjustable.

The design of the wheelchair 10, with a frame 12 and a seat cage 24 that are independent, but fixed to each other in a robust and reliable manner, is particularly advantageous for allowing the seat width L24 to be easily adjusted from the seat cage without reducing the robustness of the frame 12. Thus, the wheelchair is adaptable to its user, while remaining robust, and the seat cage 24 is particularly stable.

In addition, the forces exerted on the seat cage 24 being effectively transmitted to the frame 12, the constituent elements of the wheelchair 10, and in particular the frame and the seat cage, do not have to be oversized and can be lightened. without degrading the robustness of the wheelchair.

Thanks to these advantages, the wheelchair 10 is particularly robust, reliable and light, which makes it very suitable for use in demanding environments, such as for the practice of disabled sports.

Alternatively, wheelchair 10 includes a single front wheel 16.

Alternatively, the seat base 70 is fixed to the frame 40 by other means, for example by riveting, or by welding.

Alternatively, the seat 18 comprises a seat shell instead of the seat fabric 140 and straps 142. The seat shell is fixed to the seat cage 24, for example using fixing lugs whose length is adjustable according to the seat width L24.

Alternatively, the front riders 118 are not attached to the front cross members 72 and the rear riders 120 are attached to the rear cross members 73 using bolts 134.

Alternatively, the front rider 118 of one of the wings 90, 92 is attached to the front crossmember 72 using a bolt 134, and the rear rider 120 of the other of the wings 90, 92 is attached to the rear crossmember 73 using a bolt 134.

Alternatively, front riders 118 and rear riders 120 are attached to cross members 71.

Alternatively, the front jumpers 118 are open towards the front or rear of the wheelchair 10 and the rear jumpers 120 are open towards the bottom of the wheelchair.

Alternatively, the tube section 110 comprises a single hole 116 and the tube section 108 comprises a series of holes 114. Thus, the assembly of the telescopic tube 112 is carried out by aligning the hole 116 with one of the holes 114 , then inserting bolt 117.

Alternatively, each wing 124 of the front riders 118 comprises a single through hole 132, the two holes 132 of each front rider 118 being aligned with each other, and the front crosspiece 72 comprises two sets of holes 130. Thus, during adjustment of the seat width L24, when the telescopic tube 112 is able to be assembled using the bolt 117, the two holes 132 of each front rider 118 are aligned with one of the holes 130 of one of the two sets of holes in the front crossmember 72.

Alternatively, each retaining plate 98 includes a single hole 106 and the mounting tab 128 of each front rider 118 includes multiple holes. For each rider, each hole makes it possible to make the pivot connection 104 between the seat bar 94 of this rider and the associated retaining plate 98, which thus makes it possible to adjust the angle β.

As a variant, the rear end 78 of each bar 74 comprises a single fixing hole 80 and the fixing lug 60 located at the rear of each side 42 of the frame 40 comprises several holes distributed over an arc of a circle perpendicular to the transverse axis X and whose center corresponds to the front end of the respective bar 74. Thus, for each bar 74, a single hole in the fixing lug 60 located at the rear of the associated sidewall 42 is used to fix the bar to the fixing lug, making it possible to choose the inclination of the seat base 70 compared to chassis 12.

Alternatively, the wheelchair is a wheelchair suitable for practicing other disabled sports than wheelchair basketball, such as wheelchair rugby or wheelchair tennis.

Alternatively, the wheelchair is not a wheelchair adapted to the practice of disabled sports. For example, the wheelchair does not include anti-tip wheels or a protective shroud. Such a wheelchair is suitable for use in environments where many users are required to use the wheelchair, which makes the possibility of adjusting the seat width L24 advantageous. For example, the wheelchair is a rental wheelchair or used as a loaner wheelchair.

Any feature described for one variant in the foregoing can be implemented for the other variants described previously, as far as technically feasible.

Claims (11)

Wheelchair (10) comprising a rigid frame (12), two main wheels (14), at least one front wheel (16), a seat (18) and a seat cage (24), in which the frame comprises two lateral flanks (42) connected by a spar (44) on which the main wheels are pivotally mounted, a distance (D42) separating the two lateral flanks being fixed, in which the seat is attached to the seat cage, in which the seat cage comprises a left wing (90) and a right wing (92) and in which a width (L24) of the seat cage is adjustable,
characterized in that:

• the left wing (90) and the right wing (92) each comprise a seat bar (94) and a backrest bar (96),
• the seat (18) comprises a seat (20) and a backrest (22), the seat being held between the seat bars and the backrest being held between the backrest bars,
• each seat bar (94) carries two riders (118, 120), the seat cage (24) being held on the frame (12) by means of the riders, and
• during adjustment of the width (L24) of the seat cage, the riders (118, 120) slide on the frame (12).

A wheelchair (10) according to claim 1, wherein the left wing (90) and the right wing (92) of the seat cage (24) are joined together by a telescoping tube (112) of which a length ( L24) corresponds to the width (L24) of the seat cage (24). A wheelchair (10) according to any of claims 1 and 2, wherein the frame (12) comprises a frame (40) and a seat base (70), wherein the frame (40) is rigid and in one piece and comprises the two lateral flanks (42) and the spar (44) and in which the seat base (70) is flat and comprises two crosspieces (71) which extend between the two lateral flanks, the riders ( 118, 120) being held on the crosspieces. Wheelchair (10) according to Claim 3, in which the inclination of the seat base (70) with respect to the frame (12) is adjustable and in which, preferably, an adjustment range (α) of the The inclination of the seat base is between 5° and 20°. A wheelchair (10) according to any of claims 3 and 4, wherein the struts (118, 120) are "U" shaped and wherein each strut surrounds a cross member (71). A wheelchair (10) according to claim 5, wherein the seat base (70) comprises, among the crossbars (71), a front crossbar (72) and a rear crossbar (73), wherein each seat bar (94) comprises, of the two jumpers (118, 120) a front jumper (118) and a rear jumper (120), in which first jumpers among the front jumpers and the rear jumpers are open towards the bottom of the wheelchair ( 10), and in which second riders among the front riders and the rear riders are open towards the front or the rear of the wheelchair. A wheelchair (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein one of the crossbars (71) includes two through holes (130) and wherein, for each seat bar (94), the two saddles ( 118, 120) are held on the two crosspieces (71) and one of the two riders (118, 120) is fixed to one of the two crosspieces (71) by a bolt (134), said rider comprising several through holes (132), each through hole allowing the installation of a bolt,
or in which, for each seat bar (94), the two riders (118, 120) are held on the two crosspieces (71) and one of the two riders (118, 120) is fixed to one of the two crossbars (71) by a bolt (134) passing through a through hole (132), said crossbar (71) comprising two series of through holes (130), each through hole of a series of through holes allowing the installation of a bolt for fixing one of the two riders fixed to this crosspiece. A wheelchair (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the left wing (90) and the right wing (92) of the seat cage (24) each include a support plate (98) attached to the seat bar (94) and to the back bar (96), in which an angle (β) between the seat bars and the back bars is regulated by the retaining plates, and in which, preferably, the angle (β) is between 76° and 94.5°. A wheelchair (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the seat (18) comprises a seat sling (140) and straps (142), the straps being stretched between the left wing (90) and the right wing (92) of the seat cage (24), the seat upholstery resting on the straps. A wheelchair (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the wheelchair (10) includes a toe clip (26), the toe clip including two support tubes (182) attached to the two side walls (42 ) of the frame (12), a support (192) fixed between the support tubes and a platform (200) comprising a flange (202) and resting on the support, in which the inclination of the support tubes with respect to the frame is adjustable, wherein an effective length (D54) of the support tubes is adjustable, wherein the support (192) is horizontally and vertically flippable, and wherein the platform (200) is horizontally and vertically flippable. A wheelchair (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the wheelchair (10) is a disabled sports wheelchair and wherein the wheelchair includes at least one anti-tilt wheel (28) located at the rear of the wheelchair and fixed to the frame (12) and a protective fairing (56), the protective fairing connecting the two lateral sides (42) of the frame (12) and surrounding each front wheel (16).