GB2168018A - Protective cover apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Protective cover apparatus principally for a wheeled vehicle such as a wheelchair comprises a framework (2) of cover-supportable members in association with a cover material (3) permitting vision therethrough for releasably securing to the framework which is also releasably securable to the wheelchair. Some of the members can be telescopically extendible to permit the framework to be permanently left on the wheelchair and the cover removed when not required but without restricting normal wheelchair use and movement. The framework can be foldable with the wheelchair and the apparatus can permit freedom of movement for a wheelchair occupant and avoid the need to wear other protective clothing. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Protective cover apparatus This invention concerns protective cover apparatus for a wheeled vehicle such as a wheelchair and the combination of such apparatus and vehicle.

Many disabled people rely on wheelchairs for transport and there are problems in keeping an occupant of a wheelchair suitably protected from the elements. On occasions when a wheelchair occupant has to venture outside it can be necessary to put on waterproof clothing (and take this off later) which can be a time consuming exercise. Previously, weatherproof capes which wrap around the occupant and the wheelchair have been used. Such weatherproof capes have an integral hood and arm portions to form a close-fit with the disabled per son's arms and head.

In another known form of weatherproof cape a cover material is simply provided with an integral hood portion to enable the wearer to see. These types of cape can restrict freedom of movement and provide no facial protection from wind, rain and cold and may lead to excessive perspiration. If separate waterproof clothing is used by the disabled person the equipment itself can be expensive and requires often awkward movements in wearing and removal and extensive preparation prior to even a short journey in the rain. Furthermore, the wheelchair itself may not sufficiently protected from the elements and may become wet or dirty in use.

It is an object of the present invention to improve the convenience of a protective cover.

The invention seeks to provide protective cover apparatus for a wheeled vehicle such as a wheelchair which can be readily attached to and removed from (if required) a wheelchair whilst providing adequate protection against the elements and less restriction of movement.

According to this invention there is provided a protective cover apparatus for a wheeled vehicle such as a wheelchair comprising a framework having a plurality of cover-supportable members, a cover material permitting vision therethrough for placing around the framework, the members and/ or cover material incorporating means for releasably fastening the cover material to the framework, the framework having means for releasably fastening it to a wheeled vehicle such as a wheelchair.

The framework members and cover material may be provided in a convenient to carry container such as a holdall when not in use or not required.

Means for fastening the framework to a wheeled vehicle are preferably provided on some of the members to allow easy connection thereto and release. The frame members preferably include fastening means such as stud-members to co-operate with other stud-members on the cover material to provide for releasable fastening of cover material to framework.

The cover material preferably excludes close-fitting head or arm portions and may be wholly or partially transparent. It can include one or more openable flaps or "windows".

Most preferably one or more parts of the framework are telescopically extendible and retractable.

At least one member may have a foldable connection such as a pivot or hinge. The framework may include a pair of telescopically extendible substantially U-shaped members on one of which a cross member is attached so as to permit connection to and disconnection from the other U-shaped member.

One suitable cover material comprises clear plastic sheeting. The framework may be constructed in the form of a supporting cage and is conveniently releasably securable to the front and rear frame members of a wheelchair.

The cover-supportable members are preferably easily and rapidly securable to each other so as to form the framework which may permit rapid assembly and dismantling. In a most preferred embodiment the framework can be left permanently attached to a wheelchair even when not in use and the cover material is dismantled therefrom. The protective apparatus of such an embodiment can include a foldable connection to permit folding in unison with the wheelchair when the latter is not required for use.

In order that the invention may be readily understood and carried easily into effect, embodiments thereof will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a view showing wheelchair and protective cover apparatus, Figure 2 illustrates a plurality of cover-supportable members, Figure 3 illustrates other cover-supportable members for use in constructing the framework, Figure 4 illustrates assembled protective cover apparatus, Figure 5 illustrates an alternative framework, Figure 6 is a detail of telescopically adjustable members, Figure 7 is a detail of fastening means for securing framework to wheelchair, Figure 8 is a detail of one end of a cover-supportable member, Figure 9 is a detail showing releasable fastening means for a cover, Figure 10 is a detail showing a removable crossmember, Figure ii is a side view of the framework attached to a wheelchair, Figure 12 is a detail of fastening means, Figures 13-15 show a foldable cross-member, Figure 16 illustrates a cover material, and Figure 17 shows a telescopically adjustable framework in combination with cover material.

Referring firstly to Figures 1-4, a conventional wheelchair 1 has a framework 2 in the form of a supporting cage. This framework is fastened to the wheelchair at eight locations, 6,5 respectively so as to be releasably securable thereto. Examples of suitable fastening means are illustrated in Figures 2, 3 and 4.

A transparent plastics cover material 3 is releasa bly securable to the framework by means of pressstud fasteners 4 located at predetermined positions on the cover material which engage co-operating apertures 4a on the cover-supportable members.

The cover 3 has an extension flap 3a for covering a wheelchair occupant's feet in use. The cover material as illustrated does not include any form of hood portion or arm portions but rather comprises a form of complete enclosure for an occupant.

Figures 2-4 show in more detail one less-preferred form for constructing a framework. Four upright members 10 are used having apertures 4a suitable for receiving press-studs located in the cover. The members 10 also have fastening members 6 in the form of clips and a lower fastening member 5 in the form of a member having slots for engaging the member 10 and a frame member of a wheelchair. A connecting member 9 is to be located at the top of each member 10 and may be retained by means of a projecting stud (not numbered). Cross-members 8 are provided for securing to members 9 and providing the framework with sufficient strength and rigidity.

In use, two upright members 10 are fitted to the rear frame members of a wheelchair and two other upright members 10 are secured (all by means of fasteners 5,6) to the front members of a wheelchair. A rear cross-member 8 is connected to the connecting members 9 so as to join two rear upright members 10. A corresponding front crossmember 8 is similarly secured to two upright members 10 connected to the forward frame members of a wheelchair. To complete this assembly, two side members 7 are inserted within the free ends of the connecting members 9. Each side member has a plurality of apertures 4a suitable for receiving or otherwise co-operating with fastenings in the cover material. The completed framework and cover assembly is illustrated in Figure 4 and in combination with a wheelchair as in Figure 1.

Figures 5-12 illustrate an alternative and more preferred embodiment or particular features thereof. Figure 16 shows only a cover material which may be applicable to the first-described embodiment or this more preferred embodiment. Figure 17 shows the preferred framework of Figure 5 in combination with a cover as shown in Figure 16.

Referring next to Figures 5-10, a framework of cover-supportable members 11, 12, 13, 14 has cross-members for support 25, 26 and 30. Members 25 and 26 are cover-supportable in the sense that a cover material can be releasably secured theeto. Substantially U-shaped members 14 are provided in telescopically adjustable fashion which seat within upright members 13 and further upright members 11, 12. A plurality of press-studs having apertures 4a are provided (detailed in Figure 9) for receiving a co-operating member on the cover material (not shown). The apertures may be located in pop riveted press-studs on the coversupportable members.

Telescopic extendability and retractability is provided by a total of eight extender lock assemblies which are detailed in Figure 6. Each lock assembly 15 comprises a plastic grommet 19 for locating upright member and preventing ingress of diret and water, etc. whereby a coarsely threaded screw 17 can lock the member 14 in position by engaging groove 18. The end 20 of member 14 is flanged and can engage grub screws 21 to prevent complete removal from supporting member 13.

Near the foot of the upright members 11, 12 a releasable securing assembly 22 is located detailed in Figure 7. This comprises a pair of plates each having a semi-circular tubular portion at either end and a nut and bolt assembly 23 for attaching or removing same to a wheelchair frame member, e.g.

32.

The ends of upright supports 11 have a cut-away portion in the form of an elliptic for engaging the horizontal extensions 34 usually found on most conventional wheelchairs. The arrangement is enlarged in Figure 8. Horizontal side members 25 are provided which are welded at their respective ends to the uprights 11 and 12. They are further illustrated in Figure 11.

Foldable rear supporting members 30 are also provided pivotally attached to uprights 11. The members 30 are connected by a foldable connection 16 which is further illustrated in Figures 13-15.

A front cross-member 26 is also provided in the frame illustrated in Figure 5. The said member 26 is secured, as shown in Figure 10, to one of the substantially U-shaped members 14. It is pivotally connected by a spring loaded pin 27 and the member 26 has an aperture 30 for engaging a further pin 28 located upon the other U-shaped member 14. In Figure 5 the pins 27 and 28 are not illustrated. The front cross-member 26 is only secured as shown in Figure 5 when the complete framework arrangement requires erection. When at rest, as will become apparent, the said cross-member is not required and is conveniently releasably secured to frame member 12 and further explanation is given in relation to Figure 11.

Referring next to Figures 11-15, Figure 11 shows part of a wheelchair 1 to which a telescopically extendable framework has been fitted. The releasable fastening means comprise the plates and bolt assembly 22 and 23 as previously described in relation to Figure 7. Such an arrangement provides for rapid connection and dis-assembly as required.

The extender locks 15 are in their lowest settings and their associated screws need only be tightened when the framework is to be erected. At rest, the front cross-member 26 depends vertically and therefore does not obstruct the wheelchair entrance. The lower portion is clipped by means of a twin substantially circular member 31 to the upright member 12. This is further shown in Figure 12. The said member 26 is connected at its upper end by means of pin 27 as formerly described with reference to Figure 10. Upon raising the member 14 the cross-member automatically is pulled out of its retaining member 31. It can be snapped back into position on lowering the framework.

Figures 13, 14 and 15 show details of the folding rear cross-member 30 which permits folding of the framework structure with the wheelchair. The members 30 are inter-connected at 16 by means of a foam rubber ball which is compressed as the members are brought horizontal which can permit the two members 30 to "click" together. The said ball is connected through a pin as shown in Figure 15.

Figure 16 shows one form of cover 3 which has press-stud fastenings 4 for connection to appropriate locations 4a on the cover-supportable members. The cover is arranged in the form of a substantially box-shaped canopy with an extension portion 3a for protecting the feet of an occupant. It is constructed of transparent plastics material or, alternatively, may comprise areas permitting vision therethrough. The said cover or canopy may further include openable flaps or windows if required.

The edges are suitably heat-seamed together to ensure the occupant is protected from the elements whilst simultaneously permitting the cover to be folded away when not required. The seams are shown at 35.

Figure 17 shows the framework and cover 3 combined, the framework being telescopically extendable and retractable and therefore more preferred than the arrangement shown in Figure 4.

The protective cover apparatus may be an integral part of any wheelchair and can be a permanent fixture and released when required. A weather-proof assembly can be readily constructed for use by a wheelchair occupant without the need to dress especially for adverse weather conditions.

The frame can be erected and the front crossmember affixed by relatively easy movements and the cover then secured by means of co-operating press-studs. The extender lock assemblies can be easily operated by a wheelchair occupant. On raising the U-shaped members the rear cross-member can click into position. The front cross-member is automatically removed from its retaining bracket upon elevation and is easily located onto a pin which can be permanently welded to the other corresponding U-shaped member. The cover may be kept in a bag or other accessory holdall in association with the support framework. The cover can be easily and quickly releasably secured to the erected framework.

The protective cover apparatus can retain freedom of use and ensure adequate vision for a wheelchair-bound occupant. The releasable fastening means for securing the apparatus to a wheelchair ensures stability in use which can further be aided by preformed portions in two of the rear upright members. The physical attachment of the cover to the frame can prevent undesirable flapping in the wind which many disabled people find an unpleasant experience.

The cover assembly can provide ample clearance between the head of an occupant and the roof of the cover material. The cover acts as a canopy and can be a complete enclosure for weather protection. The arrangement can provide better weather protection than known cape arrangements which have either integral head and/or arm portions.

Claims (10)

1. Protective cover apparatus for a wheeled vehicle such as a wheelchair comprising a framework having a plurality of cover-supportable members, a cover material permitting vision therethrough for placing around the framework, the members and/ or cover material incorporating means for releasably fastening the cover material to the framework, the framework having means for releasably fastening it to a wheeled vehicle such as a wheelchair.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover material excludes close-fitting head or arm portions.

3. Apparatus as claimed in either preceding claim, wherein the cover material is wholly or partially transparent.

4. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the cover material includes one or more openable flaps.

5. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein one or more parts of the framework are telescopically extendible and retractable.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the members has a foldable connection.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the framework includes a pair of telescopically extendible substantially U-shaped members on one of which a cross member is attached so as to permit connection to and disconnection from the other U-shaped member.

8. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in combination with a wheeled vehicle.

9. A folded or unfolded wheelchair in combination with apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, the cover being either connected to the framework or not.

10. Protective cover apparatus, with or without a wheeled vehicle, substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in any of the accompanying drawings.