GB2521109A

GB2521109A - A Wheeled Chair Modification Apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2521109A
Application number: GB1317066.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Susan Green
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-09-26
Filing date: 2013-09-26
Publication date: 2015-06-17
Anticipated expiration: 2033-09-26
Also published as: GB2521109B; GB201317066D0

Abstract

A modification apparatus for a stroller or other wheeled chair 300 comprises a topmost interaction end, for example a tray 200, containing a part (220, Figure 6), such as a steering wheel, capable of being interactively displaced by a passenger, and a cover 100 providing a waterproof shield over the passengers legs. Cover 100 extends from topmost end 200, at or adjacent a user's hands, to a lowermost end at or adjacent at least one wheel of chair 300, and preferably comprises a lightweight, durable material such as a plastic. Cover 100 and topmost end 200 may be themed, for example to resemble a car or an animal. Cover 100 may be secured to chair 300 using straps and buckles (410, 420, Figure 12), and topmost end may be secured to chair 300 and to cover 100. Cover 100 may be curved in two orthogonal axes to wrap around the passengers legs.

Description

A WHEELED CHAIR MODIFICATION APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a wheeled chair modification apparatus, in particular an apparatus for modification of a pushchair or the like; more particularly but not exclusively apparatus to provide entertainment for a user in the chair.

Background

Wheelchairs or wheeled chairs can be in use for some long periods of time. For example, children are often required to be seated for long periods of time and can become bored or agitated when seated. Parents often struggle to keep their children entertained so that they remain seated and as a result the child may have to leave their seat. In some situations where a child in a wheeled seat such as a pushchair or wheelchair the child is required to remain seated so as to move from one location to another however when bored and agitated the child may become unhappy and distressed, forcing the parent or carer to stop to tend to the child. Various devices such as toys or interactive devices may be used to entertain the child in order to keep them seated, however the child may still not want to remain in the same seated position.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: Unites States Patent Application US2OI 10089674 discloses a removable cover for use on a baby stroller comprising: a first panel configured to wrap around the baby stroller; a plurality of fasteners affixed to the panel and configured to change an overall size of the removable cover; an opening in the removable cover configured to allow access to a handle and a seating area of the baby stroller; and an internal frame affixed to the panel and configured to provide support for the pane! such that the removable cover has a unique design.

United States Patent Application US20050200174 reveals a child bunting system for a manually manipulated child carrier having a child carrying portion, such as, for example, a child stroller and the like, comprising: a bottom core element of flexible material having a top area and a bottom area and placeable in or on the carrier with the child placed on top of said bottom core element, with said bottom core element being at least about co-existent in size with the child carrying portion of the child carrier; a separable, top core element of flexible material attachable to and easily removable from said bottom Oore element.

United States Patent Application US200301 84032 shows a child carrier comprising a seat portion including a seat, a backrest, and a floor. The child carrier further includes a substantially rigid body, at least partially surrounding and supporting the seat portion. The rigid body also includes substantially solid side surfaces and at least partially defines a panel. In addition, the child carrier provides a plurality of wheels supporting the body, and an electronic device supported by the body.

In contrast the present invention provides a chair accessory to provide entertainment for the infant user to encourage them to remain seated.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a wheeled chair modification apparatus comprising a cover extending from a topmost interaction end arranged in use to be located at or adjacent a user's hands, to a lowermost wheel end arranged in use to be Located at or adjacent the chair's wheels; wherein the interaction end is arranged to interact with the chair and provide at least one part capable of interactive displacement by the user, and the cover provides a waterproof shield over the users legs.

Preferably the topmost end comprises a plurality of interactive parts suitable for a user carried in the chair. The parts are advantageously arranged to allow multiple opportunities for interaction and the topmost end comprises an elongate tray arranged with a plurality of interactive parts.

In this way the apparatus provides a rain cover as well as a means for the user to remain occupied.

Preferably the apparatus comprises a means of displaceable attachment of the cover direct to the chair. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a mechanism for fastening the topmost end or tray to the chair. The apparatus may also comprise a means of displaceable attachment of one cover to another, or tray to tray, or cover to another chair tray, as appropriate, for example so as to allow daisy-chaining or side-by-side attachment of wheeled chairs.

In this way the appearance of the chair is altered by addition of the apparatus, so as to appeal to the user, thereby encouraging the user to use the chair, and in particular to remain seated. Advantageously this allows the topmost end or cover to be used simultaneously or separately.

The apparatus may be fitted to any chair for example a children's chair such as a pushchair, buggy or wheelchair to alter the chair's appearance.

The apparatus may be decorated for example to give the chair the appearance of being a vehicle or animal from in front and from the user's viewpoint. Therefore the chair may be more appealing for the user, providing a fun element to entertain them whilst seated, thereby encouraging them to remain seated.

Typically whilst the apparatus may be for use on a wheeled chair such as a pushchair, buggy or wheelchair so as to help encourage the user to be seated and to provide entertainment to the user in order to prevent boredom, it may be envisaged that other embodiments of the apparatus may also be suitable for use on other types of chair such as a highchair or dining chair.

In some embodiments the apparatus connects the cover and tray in a permanent manner. The cover may be adapted to fit over a lower portion of the user's body when seated; over the user's lap in use, typically covering the lower leg, knee and upper leg.

Preferably the cover includes two axes of curvature in relation to a top axis defined by the topmost end, with one of the axes orthogonal to this top axis, and one substantially parallel to this top axis, so as to wrap about the users legs in use. An outer face may be decorated or moulded. An inner face may be blank or smooth.

Ideally the cover is arranged to pass over the user without touching them, leaving a gap in use between the cover and the user so as to allow movement of the user and not cause any discomfort. Advantageously the gap may allow the user to be lifted from or placed into the chair without having to remove the apparatus.

In preferred embodiments the cover has a substantially straight lower or bottom end or edge which in use is arranged parallel to the ground. Typically the bottom edge is arranged to be situated a distance above the ground so as to allow the wheeled chair to negotiate different terrains such as uneven ground or steps without the cover becoming caught and allow sufficient rain cover for the user's feet.

In some embodiments the feet may be visible from below the cover whilst in other embodiments the feet may be enclosed by the cover.

In some embodiments the bottom edge may be shaped so as to include an arch to pass over the wheel(s) and/or feet, for example to allow movement of the feet without straining the attachment means.

In preferred embodiments each side edge of the cover is angled rearwards so that the cover extends over the user's lap, wherein a top edge passes over the user's lap and the bottom edge passes over or around the user's feet.

Advantageously all edges of the cover are rounded so as not to cause any discomfort to the user or snag any fabric such as clothing, blankets or toys.

Ideally the outer face of the cover is decorated so as to appeal to the user. For example the outer face may be decorated in different colours or pafterns, or so as to appear as a vehicle, animal or character. For example the cover may represent a car, a Dalmatian dog or a ladybird.

In some embodiments the outer face may be decorated in relief so as to have a three dimensional appearance. For example features of the decoration such as eyes, ears bumpers or lights may project from the outer face.

Typically the outer face may be printed, painted, moulded, etched, embossed or debossed so as to provide decoration and decorative features.

Typically the inner face of the cover is blank and smooth so as to not have any sharp edges that may cause discomfort to the user or may snag on clothing. For example the inner face may be a polished surface.

In preferred embodiments the inner face includes a plurality of connectors for the attachment means, for attaching the cover to the chair and in order that the connectors are not outwardly visible in use.

In some embodiments the attachment means may be integrated with the cover for example wherein the attachment means comprises part of the cover, such as a clip part.

In other embodiments the attachment means may be displaceably attached to the cover, in order that the type of attachment means may be varied and connectors of different sizes may be used to suit the chair to which it will be fitted.

Ideally the attachment means comprise at least one adjustable strap which can be placed around part of the chair and secured in order to attach the cover to the chair so as to allow the user flexibility in how tightly fitting the cover is to the chair. For example in some embodiments the straps may include elastic material, and in other embodiments the straps are of sufficient length to permit relatively ample displacement of the cover's bottom end.

Preferably the connectors forming attachment means may be at least two open loops formed by two straps with interlocking portions arranged at each distal end of the strap. Therefore the straps can be passed around the chair and one strap connected to another or itself by the interlocking portions. At least one of the straps may include shortening arrangements.

The interlocking portions may be clips with corresponding mating parts which can be connected and disconnected from one another.

In preferred embodiments the straps are formed from a fabric so as to be flexible, for example being formed from a synthetic webbing or a canvas material.

Preferably the straps include a buckle so as to allow the length of the strap to be altered so that the connector can be fitted tightly to the chair thereby limiting movement of the cover in use.

Typically the connectors may be attached spaced about the chair's frame so as to provide a strong anchor point for attachment of the cover and so as not to interfere with where the user may be seated.

Advantageously as the straps are adjustable they may be adapted for use on different chairs.

In some embodiments the straps may be elasticated, or include an elasticated section so as to allow the straps to be easily stretched around the chair and to fit the cover more tightly to the chair.

Furthermore the cover may be attached to different parts of the chair frame by the connectors. For example the connectors may be attached to horizontal or vertical or tubular members of the frame. In this way the cover at least can be attached to various chairs.

Additionally the connectors may be attached in different places so as to alter position of the cover on the user. For example the cover may be arrangeable to be located over the user's head in use so as to serve as aweather shield.

Preferably the cover is formed from a lightweight, durable material such as a synthetic plastic so as to be flexible and enable the cover to flex about the chair and so as to flex if knocked by the user thereby reducing likelihood of injury or damage.

For example the cover may be formed from a semi-rigid sheet of synthetic plastic.

Typically the tray is arranged to be substantially parallel to the ground in use so as to provide a substantially flat, level surface upon which items can be arranged.

In preferred embodiments the upper edge of the cover inctudes a clip for receiving the tray, comprising a section of the fastening mechanism. Preferably the tray includes a bar mounted on an underside of the tray that in use is accepted into the clip. Typically the clip is an elongate hook capable of receiving the bar so as lock the tray to the cover in a manner which allows pivoting of the cover, or rotation of the clip with respect to the bar. Alternatively the clip may be arranged on the tray and the bar provided on the cover.

Ideally the clip and bar interlock together for example the bar slotting into the clip, friction or interference fit and/or a detent mechanism.

In use the tray provides a plurality of interactive features for the user comprising moving parts. Typically the tray includes a plurality of parts arranged on the tray such as toys with which the user can play. For example the tray may support an imitation steering wheel or gear stick, a counter, a cuddly toy, a mirror, buttons, levers and/or lights. Typically the features are themed in accordance with the cover.

Typically the parts are integrated with the tray so as to form part of the topmost end and cannot be detached during use.

In some other embodiments the topmost end may accept wholly displaceable parts for example the tray may include recessed portions for receiving parts and other locating points In this way parts may be chosen and added to the tray thereby providing greater variety and allowing replacement of broken or damaged parts. For example in some embodiments there may be included displaceable parts such as tablets, celiphones etc. In yet further embodiments the interactive features may include electrical components, for example, lights, a display screen or a means of relaying sound.

Additionally the try may include recesses for accepting electrical devices, for example to hold a display screen such as a table or smartphone.

Furthermore the parts may be removed so that the tray may be used for other activities such as writing, drawing or eating wherein a flat surface may be required In yet further embodiments replacement fasciae or covers may be available for updates or replacements to the tray, for example to alter characters, styling, aesthetics or theme of a bare tray.

Preferably therefore the tray comprises a displaceable portion for replacement of fasciae and a securement part for securement of replacement portions.

In preferred embodiments the topmost end includes plural-piece mechanisms for attaching the tray to the chair and for connecting the tray to the cover. In this way the tray is secured to the chair whilst also being linked to the cover.

Preferably the mechanism may comprise adjustable clamps that open to encompass and clamp over part of the frame which in some embodiments may automatically or manually be tightened so as fix in position. For example the clamp may include two displaceable arms that can be urged apart so as to accept part of the frame. The arms are then closed around the frame and tightened by means of an adjuster, for example a screwthread so as to fix the tray at the desired orientation by locking the arms about the frame.

In preferred embodiments the tray fastening mechanism may include articulated joints so as to allow the clamp to be aligned to the part of the chair around which the clamp is fitted, Preferably the clamp may. be displaced from the tray so that the clamp may remain attached to the chair whilst the tray is removed. Therefore the tray can be quickly added to the chair when required. Advantageously this allows the tray to be partially detached from the chair in order that the user can be allowed to exit the chair.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of one embodiment of a cover; Figure 2 shows a front view of one embodiment of a cover; Figure 3 shows a top view of one embodiment of a cover; Figure 4 shows a side view of one embodiment of a cover; Figure 5 shows an isometric view of one embodiment of a lap tray; Figure 6 shows a top view of one embodiment of a lap tray; Figure 7 shows a front view of one embodiment of a lap tray; Figure 8 shows a bottom view of one embodiment of a lap tray; Figure 9 shows an exploded view of a cover, a lap tray and a wheeled chair; Figure 10 shows an exploded view of a cover, a lap tray and a wheeled chair; Figure 11 shows an overview of the apparatus mounted on a wheeled chair; And Figure 12 shows an embodiment cia connector.

Detailed Description of Figures

The figures show the apparatus as individual parts, a cover 100 and a tray 200 and as the parts together in use. In the figures the apparatus is shown attached to a wheeled chair in the form of a child's buggy 300 so that the apparatus alters the appearance of the buggy 300.

Figures 1-4 show an embodiment of the cover 100 with a straight upper edge 140 arranged to pass over a users lap in use, a straight lower edge 130 for arranging about the user's feet in use and reclined side edges 120. The reclined edges 120 are dimensioned to match the chair to which the cover is attached and typically form an angle of approximately 45 degrees in use. Alteration of the angle is possible by the attachment means.

The cover 100 is formed from a semi-rigid, lightweight synthetic plastic moulded into a single piece.

Figure 3 shows the upper edge 140 when viewed from above. The upper edge 140 is arcuate so as to pass around the user in use.

The upper edge 140 also includes a clip 120 adapted for receiving the tray 200 and forming a displaceable attachment therebetweeri. This enables the lap tray 200 to be attached to the cover 100 so that the parts are connected in use to form a single unit.

The parts may be connected before being fitted to the chair or whilst fitted to the chair.

The clip 120 is shown in the form of a hook which receives a bar 210 arranged on the underside of he lap tray.

The cover 100 is arcuate so as to bend around the user in use, therefore the cover forms a shell over the user which serves to protect the user as well as altering the appearance of the chair.

The 100 cover is shown decorated on an external surface 105 to give the appearance of a vehicle with a face. The decoration includes a pair of headlights/eyes and moulding to give the impression of a vehicle bumper 105.

Figures 5 -8 show an embodiment of the tray. The tray is a hemispherical planar portion having and upper 250 and lower surface 260. The tray 200 includes a clamp 240 arranged at each corner so as to enable the tray 200 to be attached to the chair.

The clamps 240 include two arms 241, 242 for arrangement about a chair frame and an adjuster 243 for adjusting the arms 241 and 242 so that they are fixed about the frame of the chair in order to hold the lap tray in position during use.

The clamps 240 include a hinge 245 so that the clamp can be articulated to fit to the chair.

The upper surface 250 of the tray 200 includes a plurality of entertainment means 220, including a steering wheel, various dials, levers and buttons. Some of the entertainment means 220 project from the upper surface 250 whilst others are recessed into the upper surface 250.

Each corner of the lap tray also includes a mirror 230 to represent a wing mirror as on a standard vehicle. The mirror 230 is also an entertainment means and may also be used by the user to see people behind them or the person pushing the wheel chair, in particular if they are unable to easily turn their head.

Figure 8 shows the bar 210 which is accepted into the clip 110 so that the cover 100 and tray 200 are fixed together.

Figures 9, 10 and 11 show the cover 100, tray 200 and a wheeled chair 300.

In figures 9 and 10 the clamps 240 are shown detached from the tray 200 and attached to the chair 300. Therefore the clamps 240 can be attached to the chair 300 and the tray 200 then slotted onto the damps 240 which are already positioned on the chair 300.

Figure 12 shows a connector 400 arranged about a buggy frame 305. The connector 400 has two straps 410A and 410B. The straps 410A and 410A are made from a fabric so as to capable of passing around the buggy frame 305.

The distal ends of each strap 410A/410B include interlocking portions 420A and 420B. In use the straps 410 A and 4108 are passed around the frame 305 and the interlocking portions 420A and 4208 are joined together so as to form a closed loop about the frame 305.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention in particular for the avoidance combining of features of embodiments described herein.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A wheeled chair modification apparatus comprising a cover extending from a topmost interaction end arranged in use to be located at or adjacent a users hands, to a lowermost wheel end arranged in use to be located at or adjacent the chair's wheels; wherein the interaction end is arranged to interact with the chair and provide at least one part capable of interactive displacement by the user, and the cover provides a waterproof shield over the user's legs.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the topmost end comprises a plurality of interactive parts suitable for an infant user carried in the chair.
3. An apparatus according to claim 2 comprising a means of displaceable attachment of the cover direct to the chair and a mechanism for fastening the topmost end to the chair.
4. An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the attachment means comprises a plurality of straps and buckles.
5. An apparatus according to claims 3 or 4 wherein the mechanism comprises means for securing the topmost end to the cover.
6. An apparatus according to any of claims 3 to 5 wherein the mechanism comprises clamping members for clamping to the chair.
7. An apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the clamping members may be separable from the topmost end.
6. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein the cover includes two axes of curvature in relation to a top axis defined by the topmost end, with one of the axes orthogonal to the top axis, and one substantially parallel to the top axis, so as to wrap about the users legs in use.
9. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the topmost end comprises a tray.
10. An apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the topmost end comprises a tray with displaceable portions
11. An apparatus according to claim 9 or 10 wherein the tray includes a steering wheel.
12. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the cover is formed from a lightweight, durable material such as a synthetic plastic.
13. A topmost end with reference to any of the preceding claims.
14. A cover with reference to any of the preceding claims.
15. An apparatus substantially as described herein as illustrated by the figures.