GB2524253A

GB2524253A - A decorative attachment for a mobility assistance device

Info

Publication number: GB2524253A
Application number: GB1404750.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lesley Carol English
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-03-17
Filing date: 2014-03-17
Publication date: 2015-09-23
Anticipated expiration: 2034-03-17
Also published as: GB2524253B; GB201404750D0

Abstract

A decorative attachment 1 for a wheelchair 4 or other mobility assistance device, comprising a shaped and patterned panel 32 having an outwardly-facing surface and an inwardly-facing part and at least one connection clip 33, 39 attached to and extending from the inwardly-facing part configured to removably attach the panel to the mobility assistance device. The clip may be arranged to secure the panel to a frame member or strut of the mobility device, or in other embodiments may attach to a wheel. In the latter embodiment, the wheel may comprise a bearing wheel mount 36 that is configured to rotate with the hub of the wheel. A connection clip 33 formed on the panel may be removably attachable to the bearing wheel mount such that the clip and mount may rotate relative to each other. This allows the panel to remain stationary with respect to the wheel while the wheel rotates. A stabilising arm (38, figure 4d), connecting the panel to the wheelchair, may be provided to maintain the position of the panel.

Description

A decorative attachment for a mobility assistance device

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a decorative attachment or set of decorative attachments for a mobility assistance device. More particularly but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a decorative attachment or set of decorative attachments for a wheelchair.

Background

Many young people are wheelchair users, or are required to use some other form of personal mobility assistance device. These types of devices have become increasingly sophisticated, but are usually clinical and functional in appearance. This can be off-putting for the user, and can hinder their efforts at socialisation.

Similarly, although prams and buggies are designed to have an overall aesthetically pleasing appearance, these cannot generally be easily customised.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: US20120227776 describes and shows a crutch under arm padding comprising: a padding for insertion on a underarm portion of a crutch; a slit opening in the padding for placement over the underarm portion; and an attachment means to attach the padding to the underarm portion. In one exemplary embodiment, the padding is configured as a toy dog and the attachment means includes a hook and loop fastener.

US20040036254 describes and shows a back panel that attaches to the backrest of the wheelchair. The back panel is ornamented and/or decorated in a selected motif.

A top element and side panel elements are provided that attach to the back panel.

The top element extends above the occupant of the wheelchair and the side elements protrude from the side of the wheelchair. Both the top element and the side elements are ornamented and/or decorated in the same motif, as is the back panel.

Decorative wheel attachments are also provided. The decorative wheel attachments attach to at least two of the wheels of the wheelchair, wherein the decorative wheel attachments share the same ornamentation motif as do the other elements in the assembly.

W0200003776 describes and shows a body shell that is attachable to a wheelchair to simulate the appearance of an automotive vehicle or other type vehicle. The body shell has a pair of side panels. Front sections are hinged adjacent the front ends of side panels. A body shell is mounted to enclose the wheelchair, and the side panels are secured to the frame of the wheelchair.

In contrast the present invention provides a decorative attachment or set of decorative attachments that are easily fittable to and removable from existing wheelchair designs, and which can be provided in a range of shapes and designs that are robust, easy to use and attractive.

Sum mary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided a decorative aftachment for a mobility assistance device comprising: a panel having an outwardly-facing surface and an inwardly-facing part; at least one connection clip attached to and extending from the inwardly-facing part, configured to removably attach the panel to the mobility assistance device; in which the panel is composed of a material having sufficient stiffness such that in use the panel maintains shape.

Ideally the decorative attachment is formed from a strong, durable material that is lightweight and resistant to breakage. For example the panel may be formed from polyethylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or other plastics or metal or alloy.

Preferably, the panel is shaped and patterned.

The clip may be arranged in use so as to allow the panel to be connected to the struts of a buggy or disability aid such as a walker, bath aid, wheelchair, and the stiffness of the panel allows the panel to maintain its shape without collapsing under its own weight, while the shaping and patterning allows the panel to be configured to be aesthetically pleasing and attractive.

Preferably the decorative attachment is arranged on and attached to the mobility assistance device so as not to interfere with any parts of the device, ensuring mobility or function of the device is not affected. Typically the panels may be designed so as to fit around the device to avoid interference with operation of the device.

Advantageously, the connection clip may be a snap-fit clip. This type of clip is easily sourced and allows easy connection and disconnection.

Advantageously, the snap-fit clip may comprise a pair of jaws separated by an opening. This type of clip is easily sourced and allows easy connection and disconnection.

Advantageously, the snap-fit clip may be configured to connect around the frame struts of a wheelchair or buggy. This allows the decorative attachment to be connected to a wheelchair or buggy.

Advantageously, the decorative attachment for a mobility assistance device may further comprise a bearing wheel mount configured to connect to and rotate with the hub of a wheel substantially in alignment with the axis of rotation. The connection clip and bearing wheel mount may be mutually configured to releasably connect such that they can rotate relative to one another substantially about the axis of rotation of the wheelchair wheel. This allows the decorative attachment to be connected to the wheel of a wheelchair, and remain stationary relative to the wheel as the wheel rotates.

Advantageously, the panel may have at least one living hinge formed in the panel so that the panel can be folded when not in use. This allows easy storage of the panel, and allows the panel to remain in position when the wheelchair is folded for transport or storage.

Advantageously, the panel and connection clip may be configured so that the panel substantially covers the outer face of the wheel of a wheelchair when connected.

This provides a large surface for decoration and will be the first part that is observed.

Advantageously, the connection clip may be a circumferential push-on retaining ring.

This allows a simple yet sturdy connection to be made that allows mutual rotation.

Advantageously, the bearing wheel mount may comprise a body configured to rest against the hub of a wheelchair wheel, and at least one strap that passes through the spokes of the wheel to attach the bearing wheel mount to the wheel. This provides a simple yet robust way to connect the mount.

Advantageously, the decorative attachment for a mobility assistance device may further comprise a stabilising arm configured to connect between the rear surface of the panel and the wheelchair and prevent the decorative attachment rotating as the wheel of the wheelchair rotates. This ensures that the decorative attachment will remain in position as the wheels rotates and will not be carried out of position by frictional momentum or it's own weight.

Advantageously, the panel may be shaped to extend beyond part of the rim of the wheel. The panel may further comprise a second clip attached to and extending from the rear surface of the panel beyond the rim of the wheel, the second clip and one end of the arm may be mutually configured to releasably connect. The other end of the arm may be configured to releasably connect to the frame of the wheelchair.

This ensures that the decorative attachment will remain in position as the wheels rotates and will not be carried out of position by frictional momentum or it's own weight.

Advantageously, the arm may be configured to pass behind the wheel when connected between the panel and the wheelchair. This ensures that there is little to no interference between the panel and the wheel when each is in use.

Advantageously, the panel may be shaped, and the outwardly-facing surface decorated, so as to present a flame motif. Advantageously, the panel may be shaped, and the outwardly-facing surface decorated, so as to present a football motif.

Advantageously, the panel may be shaped, and the outwardly-facing surface decorated, so as to present a wildlife motif.

Advantageously, the wildlife motif may be a butterfly motif.

Advantageously, the wildlife motif may be a big cat motif.

In yet further embodiments the decorative attachment may include sport themed designs including but not limited to: Formula 1, Rugby, Football, Swimming, Athletics, Cycling, The Olympics, Sporting Championships.

In other embodiments the decorative attachments may represent or include a famous person, a character, game or programme.

Additionally the decorative attachment may be decorated to include advertising, for example a logo or details of an event.

In another aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in a set of decorative attachments for a mobility assistance device, comprising: more than decorative attachment as outlined above arranged on the device. For example a decorative attachment may be arranged on a wheel of a wheelchair, an arm rest and a handle.

It may be envisaged that decorative attachments are available in a plurality of decorative finishes/motifs so that appearance of the device can be changed to suit user preference. Additionally themes may be combined for example to include different motifs on the same device.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view from above, behind and to the left of a wheelchair decorated with a number of decorative attachments, each attachment an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view from above, behind and to the right of the wheelchair and decorative attachments of figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a side view of the wheelchair and decorative attachments of figures 1 and 2.

Figure 4a shows a side view of the outwards face of a decorative attachment for the wheel of a wheelchair according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4b shows a rear perspective view of the decorative attachment of figure 4a, showing clips for attaching the decorative attachment to a wheelchair.

Figure 4c shows an end view of the decorative attachment of figures 4a and 4b.

Figure 4d shows a perspective view from the rear the decorative attachment of figures 4a to 4c mounted on a wheelchair.

Figure 5a shows a perspective rear view of a decorative attachment according to a second form of the invention.

Figure 5b shows a side view of the outwards face of the decorative attachment of figure 4a.

Figure 6a shows a perspective rear view of a decorative attachment according to a third form of the invention.

Figure 6b shows a side view of the outwards face of the decorative attachment of figure 6a.

Figure 7a shows a perspective rear view of a decorative attachment according to a fourth form of the invention.

Figure 7b shows a side view of the outwards face of the decorative attachment of figure 7a.

Figures 8a to Sd show different embodiments of the decorative attachments of the present invention.

Detailed Description of Figures

An embodiment of the decorative attachment 1 of the present invention is shown in figures 5a and 5b. The decorative attachment of this embodiment is for a mobility assistance device such as the wheelchair 4 shown in the figures.

The decorative attachment 1 has a shaped and patterned panel 2 that has an outwardly-facing surface (facing outwards when attached to the wheelchair 4) and an inwardly-facing opposed surface. The panel is formed to have a stiffness such that in use the panel maintains shape -that is, it will not collapse under its own weight when in use: it will maintain it's form. A pair of connection clips 3 are attached to the inner face so that it extends inwards. The clips 3 are configured to removably attach the panel 2 to the wheelchair 4. The clips 3 allow the panel to be connected to the struts that form the frame of the wheelchair 4. The clips 3 are snap-fit clips of the type that comprise a pair of jaws separated by an opening.

An alternative embodiment of decorative attachment 10 is shown in figures 6a and 6b. The decorative panel 10 of this embodiment has a differently shaped panel 12 and has a single clip 13, and can be used where a smaller attachment is required or preferable.

Another alternative embodiment of decorative attachment 20 is shown in figures 7a and 7b. The decorative panel 20 of this embodiment has a differently shaped panel 22 and has a single clip 13 of a different design, aligned to open parallel to the rear face of the panel, rather than perpendicular as in the other embodiments, and to be substantially flat.

The embodiments of figures 5 to 7 are intended to be mounted on static items of the framework or supporting material that extends between the framework.

The embodiment of decorative attachment 30 as shown in figures 1 to 4 is intended to be mounted on a wheelchair wheel. The decorative attachment 30 has a panel 32, with a connection clip 33 mounted on the rear face. In this embodiment, the connection clip 33 has the forms of a cilcular push-on ring, with a circumferential crown' retaining ring formed by a series of inwardly-angled extensions spaced around the circumference of the clip 33.

A bearing wheel mount 35 is configured to connect to and rotate with the hub of the wheelchair wheel. The bearing wheel mount 35 comprises a body 36 configured to rest against the hub of a wheelchair wheel, a pair of straps 37 that pass through the spokes of the wheel and around to connect to one another to attach the body 36 to the wheel. The body 36 is circular and extends axially outwards from the hub of the wheel.

The connection clip 33 and bearing wheel mount 35 are mutually configured to releasably connect via the crown' retaining ring clipping onto and around the rim of the bearing wheel mount. This allows the connection clip and bearing wheel mount to rotate relative to one another substantially about the axis of rotation of the wheelchair wheel. This allows the panel to be mounted to the wheel so that the panel can remain in position relative to the wheelchair as the wheel rotates.

The panel 32 is sized so that the panel 32 substantially covers the outer face of the wheel when connected. This provides a large surface for decoration.

The panel 32 is held n position by a stabilising arm 38 that connects between the rear surface of the panel via a second clip 39 and the frame of the wheelchair 4. The stabilising arm 38 ensures that the decorative attachment 30 will not be carried out of position by frictional momentum or it's own weight as the wheel of the wheelchair 4 rotates. The second clip 39 and one end of the arm are mutually configured to releasably connect, and also so that the body of the arm can pass behind the wheel when connected between the panel 32 and the wheelchair 4. This ensures that there is little to no interference between the panel and the wheel when each is in use.

As shown in figures 1 to 7, the embodiments can have an overall flame motif or theme, the panels shaped like flames and coloured and decorated on their outer surfaces like flames. This allows a wheelchair to be hot-rodded' or customised', and for a user to have hot wheels'.

In alternatives, as shown in figures Sb -d, the panel could have a football motif or theme, or a wildlife motif or theme such as a butterfly or a big cat.

Separate decorative attachments have been described above, These could also be provided as a themed set. different flame motifs are shown in figures 1 to 7. Two or more of these embodiments could be sold as a set to allow full customisation.

Similar sets could be sold for other motifs.

Allowing a user to decorate their wheelchair in this way helps them to feel good and positive about themselves and helps to attract others to them by assisting in overcoming the reticence of people to the clinical and off-putting nature of wheelchairs. Similar decorations could be used on baby buggies, child's tricycles or similar. It may be envisaged that the addition of the decorative attachments aids in breaking down the barriers between able-bodied individuals and those with disabilities.

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. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, 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, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. 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 decorative attachment for a mobility assistance device, comprising: a panel having an outwardly-facing surface and an inwardly-facing part; and at least one connection clip attached to and extending from the inwardly-facing part, configured to removably attach the panel to the mobility assistance device; and in which the panel is composed of a material having sufficient stiffness such that in use the panel maintains shape.
2. A decorative attachment for a mobility assistance device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the connection clip is a snap-fit clip.
3. A decorative attachment for a mobility assistance device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the snap-fit clip comprises a pair of jaws separated by an opening.
4. A decorative attachment for a mobility assistance device as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the snap-fit clip is configured to connect around the frame struts of a wheelchair or buggy.
5. A decorative attachment for a mobility assistance device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the panel has at least one living hinge formed in the panel so that the panel can be folded when not in use.
6. A decorative attachment for a mobility assistance device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 further comprising a bearing wheel mount configured to connect to and rotate with the hub of a wheel substantially in alignment with the axis of rotation, the connection clip and bearing wheel mount mutually configured to releasably connect such that they can rotate relative to one another substantially about the axis of rotation of the wheelchair wheel.
7. A decorative attachment for a mobility assistance device as claimed in claim 5 wherein the panel and connection clip are configured so that the panel substantially covers the outer face of the wheel of a wheelchair when connected.
8. A decorative attachment for a mobility assistance device as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the connection clip has a circumferential push-on retaining ring.
9. A decorative attachment for a mobility assistance device as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7 wherein the bearing wheel mount comprises a body configured to rest against the hub of a wheelchair wheel, and at least one strap that passes through the spokes of the wheel to attach the bearing wheel mount to the wheel.
10. A decorative attachment for a mobility assistance device as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8 further comprising a stabilising arm configured to connect between the rear surface of the panel and the wheelchair and prevent the decorative attachment rotating as the wheel of the wheelchair rotates.
11. A decorative attachment for a mobility assistance device as claimed in claim 9 wherein the panel is shaped to extend beyond part of the rim of the wheel, the panel further comprising a second clip attached to and extending from the rear surface of the panel beyond the rim of the wheel, the second clip and one end of the arm mutually configured to releasably connect, the other end of the arm configured to releasably connect to the frame of the wheelchair.
12. A decorative attachment according to any preceding claim formed from a durable, lightweight material that is resistant to breakage.13. A decorative attachment for a mobility assistance device as claimed in claim wherein the arm is configured to pass behind the wheel when connected between the panel and the wheelchair.
13. A decorative attachment for a mobility assistance device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the panel is shaped, and the outwardly-facing surface decorated, so as to present one or more motif selected from: a flame motif; a football motif; a wildlife motif; a butterfly motif; and a big cat motif.
14. A set of decorative attachments for a mobility assistance device, comprising: a first decorative attachment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4; a second decorative attachment as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 12.
15. A decorative attachment according to any of the preceding claims configured for a wheelchair.
16. A decorative attachment for a mobility assistance device substantially as herein described with reference to the figures