GB2197628A

GB2197628A - Vehicle wheelchair restraints

Info

Publication number: GB2197628A
Application number: GB8726770A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Cecil Norman Unwin
Original assignee: UNWIN C N LTDS; CN Unwin Ltd
Current assignee: UNWIN C N LTDS; Braunability UK Ltd
Priority date: 1986-11-14
Filing date: 1987-11-16
Publication date: 1988-05-25
Also published as: GB8726770D0; GB2197628B

Abstract

A frame (2, 3) which can be anchored at selected positions to floor rails (1), has catch devices (12) for engagement with a wheelchair backed against the frame. A foldable seat is hinged to the frame and comprises two leaves (6, 7). In the seat mode these fold together to project forwardly from the frame, leaving a backrest (5) over the frame to provide back and head support, while in the restraint mode they are folded out and hinged up to lie against the backrest (5). Their exposed faces may be padded for comfort in both modes. <IMAGE>

Description

Improvements Relating to Wheelchair Restraints This invention relates to wheelchair restraints and it is a modification of that described in our co-pending Application No. 8600185.

In the previous invention, a wheelchair restraint is held firmly by an angled strut to a special wall fitting.

This is sound enough, but complicated, and it sometimes requires considerable modifications to be made to the vehicle for that wall fitting to be mounted. It is also rather greedy of space. It is the aim of this invention to provide an alternative restraint which should be simpler to construct, mount and adjust, take less space.

According to the present invention there is provided a wheelchair restraint comprising an upstanding frame anchorable solely to a fixed floor structure, means for retaining a wheelchair to the frame, and a foldable seat on the frame retractable for wheelchair use.

The floor structure will preferably be parallel rails and they may run transversely to allow'sideways adjustment or fore and aft to allow the seat to be adjusted forwards and backwards.

Conveniently the seat comprises a first leaf hinged to the frame to fold upwards to cover a first lower section of the frame and a second leaf hinged to the first leaf to fold out therefrom and cover a second, upper section of the frame. The leaves will preferably be padded to provide a cushion in the seat mode and a cushioned backrest over both sections in the wheelchair restraint mode.

The restraint will normally be provided with a safety belt, which will be usable in the seat and wheelchair restraint modes.

The means for retaining a wheelchair to the frame preferably comprise catch devices carried by the frame below the seat automatically to engage framework of a wheelchair brought into co-operation therewith, but releasable by remote control.

For a better understanding of the invention, one embodiment will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which; Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seat convertible into a wheelchair restraint, and Figure 2 is a perspective view of the seat in its restraint mode, with a wheelchair indicated in outline.

It will be assumed that the seat faces forwardly, but it will be understood that it could be arranged to face backwards, or even sideways, although the latter is unlikely.

The seat/restraint is designed to be anchored to two rails 1 set in the floor of a vehicle. As shown, the rails run transversely and therefore the seat can be adjusted sideways. Means for anchoring to such rails are known and will not be described. However, it will be understood that the same principles could apply to rails running longitudinally of the vehicle, so that the seat could be adjusted forwards or backwards.

The seat has a base frame 2 with upstanding columns 3 at each side at the rear, supported by angled struts 4 from the front of the base frame 2. The columns may be the arms of an inverted U-shaped frame similar to that of the restraint described in co-pending Application No. 8600185, and they are largely concealed within a padded backrest 5.

A seat/backrest assembly has two padded or cushioned leaves 6 and 7 mutually connected by a transverse hinge 8, and with the leaf 6 carried on the columns 3 by a parallel transverse hinge 9. Figure 1 shows this assembly in the ordinary seat mode in full lines, with the leaves 6 and 7 folded together and projecting forwardly. To change to the restraint mode the two leaves are pulled up, as shown in broken lines, to fold out against the backrest 5 where they provide additional cushioning. There may be means (not shown) such as clips to hold them in that position.

An adjustable height bridge 10 extends between the columns 3 below the seat and has collars 11 at its ends embracing those columns. At each side, the bridge carries wheelchair engaging devices 12 with automatic catches similar to those described in the co-pending Application, and similarly releasable through remote control cables 13.

In Figure 1 they are shown raised to lie just below the sides of the seat, but for use they may be lowered as shown in Figure 2. This can be controlled by a central ratchet and release trigger mechanism 14 so that by pressing down on the bridge 10 the whole assembly will be depressed against springs (not shown) and remain held by the ratchet at whatever height is desired. Release is achieved by disengaging the ratchet whereupon the assembly is returned to the maximum height by the springs.

An inertia lap and diagonal seatbelt 15 is provided and can be stowed alongside the backrest 9 when the conversion between modes is taking place. It can be used either in the seat mode or in the wheelchair restraint mode.

Claims

1. A wheelchair restraint comprising an upstanding frame anchorable solely to a fixed floor structure, means for retaining a wheelchair to the frame, and a foldable seat on the frame retractable for wheelchair use.

2. A restraint as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the floor structure comprises parallel rails providing selectable positions for anchorage.

3. A restraint as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the seat comprises a first leaf hinged to the frame to fold upwards to cover a first, lower section of the frame and a second leaf hinged to the first leaf to fold out therefrom and over a second, upper section of the frame.

4. A restraint as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the leaves are padded to provide a cushion in the seat mode, and a cushioned backrest over both sections in the wheelchair restraint mode.

5. A restraint as claimed in any preceding claim, and including a safety belt usable in the seat and wheelchair restraint modes.

6. A restraint as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the means for retaining a wheelchair to the frame comprise catch devices carried by the frame below the seat automatically to engage framework of a wheelchair brought into co-operation therewith, but releasable by remote control.

7. A wheelchair restraint substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.