GB2259281A

GB2259281A - Movable body support system for a wheelchair

Info

Publication number: GB2259281A
Application number: GB9119169A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Matthew John Callaghan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-09-06
Filing date: 1991-09-06
Publication date: 1993-03-10
Also published as: GB9119169D0

Abstract

A wheelchair has a body support system S mounted on a slide mechanism attached to the frame 1 of the wheelchair. The slide mechanism. which may be motorised, allows the occupant to move the body support system S between the rear and front wheels 2, 3 thereby adjusting his/her centre of gravity. The body support system S can be detached from the wheelchair onto runners 20 provided on a platform 40 in a vehicle or on a trolley 30. <IMAGE>

Description

BODY SUPPORT SYSTEM The invention relates to a body support system of the type which can be incorporated in a wheelchair. Known wheelchairs comprise a frame connected to a pair of relatively large rear wheels and a pair of relatively smaller front wheels, a body support system resembling a seat assembly being mounted on the frame.

It is an object of the invention to provide a body support system of improved versatility and in particular structured to enable the occupant to interface directly with any one of a multitude of activity appliances.

In one aspect the invention provides a wheelchair comprising a frame mounted on a pair of rear wheels and a pair of front wheels, a body support system connected to the frame characterised in that means are provided for the occupant to move the body support system between the rear and front wheels.

Preferably, the frame and the body support system are connected by co-operating parts of a slide mechanism, by which the seat assembly may be slid relative to the frame. Most preferably the slide mechanism includes releasable lock means and the seat assembly is arranged to move in steps between rear and front wheels.

In a much preferred feature of the invention not only can the system move between the wheels of a wheel chair but it is detachable from the wheelchair so that the occupant may sit on the same system and may be transferred (or transfer himself) to other fixed or movable supports. Such supports may be any one of a wheeled or fixed stool or the like, having the co-operating part of the slide mechanism functionally the same as that of the frame whereby the system may readily be transferred between the supports.

In another aspect the invention provides a movable carriage for indoor use comprising a frame and a pair of front and rear wheels, on which is mounted a body support system incorporating means by which that system may be incorporated in a wheelchair as disclosed.

In yet another aspect the invention provides an outdoor vehicle incorporating a body support system incorporating means by which that system may be incorporated in a wheelchair as disclosed.

In order that the invention may be well understood it will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic view showing a wheelchair incorporating a body support system of the invention, and a movable indoor carriage and a car seat chassis; and Figure 2 shows a partial section through one side of the co operating parts of the chair and body support system.

The outdoor wheelchair of Figure 1 comprises a frame 1 mounted on a pair of relatively larger diameter rear propelling wheels 2 and a pair of relatively smaller diameter front castor wheels 3.

Although not shown each rear wheel 2 has the usual hand rim and brakes. A detachable axle 5 extends between the frame and each rear wheel. A body support system S comprises a seat assembly made up of the seat base S1, the back rest S2, the arm rests S3, the foot supports S4 and the (detachable) push handles S5. The system S is detachably connected to the frame 1 by a slide mechanism at each side, one of which is shown in Figure 2. The slide mechanism comprises a runner 20 mounted the frame 1 and a generally channel section slide 21. The runner 20 has a shaped ratchet like surface 22 to mate with teeth on the mating surface 23 of a locking mechanism 24 having a handle. The slides 21 at each side of the base s1 are bridged by strut 25.

As shown in Figure 1, the occupant may move the system S with respect to the frame to adjust his/her centre of gravity. The seat s1 may be moved to its limit until the seat base s1 projects forwardly of the frame 1 and until the base S1 is detached from the frame. The occupant can then transfer while on the seat base on on to say an indoor carriage 30 or to a platform 40 in a vehicle. The carriage 30 and the platform 40 each have runners corresponding to those 20 of the frame 1, so that the body support system S may be mounted thereon and be used with the same advantages as in the outdoor wheelchair.It is easier for the occupant to move while sitting on the seat S1, as opposed to having to struggle using weak or powerless limbs to move on and off a seat and it is also easier for an attendant to move the occupant while on the system.

A wheelchair incorporating the detachable seat assembly and slide mechanism of the invention is very versatile, because the occupant can adjust his/her balance and use the seat assembly to move between the chair and other supports, e.g. a car, an indoor carriage, a vehicle or a desk or work station. The ability to move the seat assembly relative to the wheels enables the occupant to accurately adjust his/her centre of gravity according to need and comfort. The system offers greater independence to the occupant. The wheelchair is of especial value to all disabled persons, including amputees, paraplegics, multiple sclerosis victims, and the like. It is also of value in reducing the physical effort required of attendants.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment shown. Thus the slide may be motor powered; the seat may be movable vertically using scissor action jacks; parts of the system may be omitted.

Claims

1. A wheelchair comprising a frame mounted on a pair of rear wheels and a pair of front wheels, a body support system connected to the frame characterised in that means are provided for the occupant to move the system between the rear and front wheels.

2. A wheelchair according to Claim 1 characterised in that the system is detachable from the frame whereby the occupant may sit on the system and may be transferred to other fixed or movable supports.

3. A wheelchair according to Claim 1 or 2 characterised in that the frame and the system are connected by co-operating parts of a slide mechanism, by which the system may be slid relative to the frame.

4. A wheelchair according to Claim 3 characterised in that the slide mechanism includes releasable lock means.

5. A wheelchair according to Claim 2,3 or 4 characterised in that one co-operating part of the slide mechanism is secured to the system and the other to a range of supports each of which includes the other co-operating part.

6. A wheelchair according to any preceding Claim characterised in that the means is arranged to allow the system to move beyond either the rear and front wheels while connected to the frame.

7. A movable carriage for indoor use comprising a frame and a pair of front and rear wheels, on which is detachably mounted a body support system assembly incorporating means by which that assembly may be incorporated in a wheelchair according to Claim 1.

8. An outdoor vehicle incorporating a platform, and a body support system incorporating means by which that system may be incorporated in a wheelchair according to Claim 1.