GB2588887A

GB2588887A - A collapsable wheelchair

Info

Publication number: GB2588887A
Application number: GB1915037.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Timothy Card Adrian
Original assignee: Ingenuity Aiding Mobility Ltd
Current assignee: Ingenuity Aiding Mobility Ltd
Priority date: 2019-10-17
Filing date: 2019-10-17
Publication date: 2021-05-19
Anticipated expiration: 2039-10-17
Also published as: GB2588887B; WO2021074900A2; WO2021074900A3; GB201915037D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a collapsible wheelchair, which can be folded for stowage and transport. A collapsible wheelchair 100 comprising two main wheels 120, 140 connected to T-piece frame members 160a, 160b. The T-piece frame members define lateral sides of the wheelchair, an adjustable seat 220 is slung between them and a foot well is defined between distal ends of the T-piece members. An array of apertures is provided for receiving the main wheels so that each main wheel is capable of being connected to the T-piece member at one of a plurality of user selectable locations. The wheelchair is optionally formed from a composite material and may be motorised. The invention enables the wheelchair to be dismantled and readily reassembled or readjusted to suit the size of a user.

Description

A Collapsible Wheelchair The present invention relates to wheelchairs, more particularly but not exclusively, the invention relates to collapsible wheelchairs of the type which can be folded or collapsed for stowage and transport.

Many existing wheelchairs are cumbersome and can be difficult to stow for storage or transport. However, some types of foldable wheelchairs are designed to be collapsible so as to enable them to be packed away for storage and transportation. This feature is a great benefit when travelling long distances, for example in an automobile, and enables a user arriving at a destination to remove a collapsed wheelchair, which typically has been folded and stowed in the boot or trunk of an automobile, so that it can be assembled quickly and easily for use by a parent or helper.

An example of a collapsible wheelchair is described in US patent application US 2019/133854 (US Government) wherein a manual wheelchair includes a collapsible frame. At least one brace is connected to at least one of the frame members. A drive wheel axel extends along a first axis of rotation and engages a drive wheel, the first brace and a portion of a transmission means.

A push rim axel extends along a second axis of rotation and engages a push rim wheel and a second brace and a portion of the transmission, which transmits rotation of the push rim to rotation of the drive wieel. At least one of the braces is configured to release one or both of the frame members so as to enable a user to collapse the wheelchair for stowage.

Although successful these types of foldable wheelchairs have tended to be of a nature where they are quite limited in that a user cannot easily vary the size of the wheelchair.

Therefore these 'one size fits all' type of wheelchairs, although popular, have tended to offer limited comfort as they are only suited for a certain sized occupant and can become relatively uncomfortable for a smaller or larger occupants when used for extended periods. Another problem was several different size wheelchairs had to be built which has tended to make the aforementioned collapsible wheelchairs expensive to fabricate.

In an attempt to overcome the problem of comfort, smaller occupants have often bulked or padded out the seat back and side spaces with cushioning and other padding, but this often resulted in the occupant sliding out of the seat as they sat too high in the wheelchair. This had to be overcome by using a seatbelt. Larger occupants on the other hand sometimes became cramped due to lack of legroom, because they sat too low in the wheelchair.

An aim of the present invention is to provide a wheelchair which is able to be dismantled and readily reassembled or readjusted.

Another aim of the present invention is to provide a wheelchair which is adjustable to suit the size of a user.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a collapsible wheelchair comprising collapsible wheelchair comprises: two main wheels each of which is connectable to a T-piece frame member, the T-piece frame members define lateral sides of the wheelchair; a seat is slung between the two T-piece members and a foot well is defined between distal ends of the T-piece members, characterised in that at a junction of the T-piece members, where a shorter side limb connects to a longer member of the T-piece members, an array of apertures is provided for receiving the main wheels so that each main wheel is capable of being connected to the T-piece member at one of a plurality of user selectable locations.

Ideally a frame is provided between the two T-piece frame members that define lateral sides of the wheelchair.

In some embodiments the chair is connected to or formed integrally with a back rest against which an occupant rests either directly or on a cushion, mattress or soft support.

In some embodiments each wheel includes a push rim, which is used by an occupant to propel the wheelchair.

Ideally each rim extends around each wheel. Ideally wheels are fitted with quick release connectors.

In some embodiments an array of apertures is formed by drilling or punching holes of a size and dimension suitable for receiving a connector or an axel of a main wheel so that the point at which a wheel connects to the frame can be varied.

Optionally the seat is slung from different apertures in the array to those from which the main wheels are connected. A harness or seat support may also be used to support and surround the seat.

Optionally a safety harness or seat belt is fitted to the wheelchair in order to prevent an occupant from falling.

The array of apertures is preferably labelled so that each aperture has a unique address. In some embodiments the array of apertures is labelled with letters for columns and labelled with numerals for rows. Alternatively colours or textured features may be used.

Advantages of the collapsible wheelchair are that: not only can it be disassembled in order to be stowed for transportation for example, but also it is adapted to be reconfigured to suit different sized occupants.

These advantages are achieved by repositioning the main wheels at different location in an array of connection points defined around the junction of the T-piece so as to suit the height of an occupant and/or the length of their torso and legs.

Optionally connection means for attaching wheels to the frame are of lockable and ideally they are also quick release which enables wheels to be fitted to a frame without any tools by hand.

Optionally the seat is also collapsible and is connected to the two side pieces that make up the frame. The collapsible seat may include a series of concertina side portions and/or sprung side portions which connect to the two side frame pieces so that the seat can expand to fit the space between the lateral sides and optionally a seat rear portion, or back rest, can also extend upwards to accommodate variations in torso length and girth.

Handles are provided to enable a helper, parent or carer to push the wheelchair or manoeuvre the wheelchair. Ideally these handles are adjustable and also removable. The handles, also referrec to as push handles, are ideally multi-positional using a ratchet system similar tc those used on pushchairs.

Preferably the handles range from a helot of around 900 mm for taller carers to a height of around 750 mm, for use by a standard height person.

Handles can be folded down or swivelled to be tucked away parallel with the frame of the wheelchair when not irt use. This assists in stowage as well as enables the wheelchair to be customised for occupants as well as for users of different heights and sizes.

Optionally handles may be formed integrally with the T-piece frame members or the handles may be adapted to connect to the lateral sides of the wheelchair so as to be removably attached thereto, for example by way of a clip or push-fit connection.

Figure 1 shows a diagrammatical plan view of an embodiment of a collapsible wheelchair; Figure 2 shows a diagrammatical front elavational view of the embodiment of the collapsible wheelchair shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a diagrammatical side elevational view of the embodiment of the collapsible wheelchair shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows an overall diagrammatical view of the collapsible wheelchair shown in Figure 1; Figures 5a, 5b and 5c show plan views of a T-piece frame member in which an array of apertures is formed at the junction where a shorter side limb connects to a longer member of the T-piece member; Figure 6 is a plan view of one example of a wheel which may be used with the wheelchair shown in Figure 1; Figure 7 is an overall view of a second embodiment of the wheelchair; Figure 8 is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of the wheelchair, shown in Figure 7, and depicts varying tipped positions of the seat, tipped forwards and backwards; Figure 9 shows a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the wheelchair, shown in Figure 7, and depicts varying positions of the seat raised and lowered with respect to the main frame; and Figure 10 shows detailed views of alternative positions of the front wheel and the foot rest, of the alternative embodiment of the wheelchair, shown in Figure 7, the front wheel is connected by way of a quad link suspension assembly.

Referring to the Figures generally and in particular Figures 1 to 6, there is shown a collapsible wheelchair 10 in an assembled or deployed condition. The wheelchair 10 has a left wheel 12 and a right wheel 14 each respectively connected by quick release connectors 19. The left wheel 12 and right wheel 14 are connected to, and supported by, a T-piece frame member 16a and 16b. The longer limb of each T-piece frame member 16a and 16b is of a generally serpentine form.

The T-piece frame members 16a and 16b are typically formed from steel or a strong composite material which has a high tensile and compressive strength and is lightweight as well as providing strength and rigidity to the wheelchair 10 so as to support other features of the wheelchair 10, such as the seat, back rest and foot well.

The seat 22 has a multi-positional ergonomic cushion and squab (seat) with pelvic support utilising a reclining and height adjustable hydraulic mechanism to provide lockable or suspension support along with independently positional arm rests 24. This provides a bespoke wheelchair for users of different sizes, differing masses and heights.

Referring to Figure 5a, 5b and 5c, it is apparent that the shorter side limb 17 connects to the longer serpentine frame member, at a junction where an array of apertures 20 is formed. This feature ensures easy adjustment of the size of the wheelchair. The wheels 12 and 14 connect to the T-piece by way of connection devices, such as bolt (not shown).

In a preferred arrangement the apertures 20, formed on each T-piece frame member are provided in an array which may be labelled Each aperture is typically labelled with an address, for example each row may be labelled with letters, such as 'A', 'B' and 'C' etc, and each column may be labelled with numerals, such as '1', '2' and '3' etc. The frame members are ideally curved in appearance and extend from a handle to a foot rest. A track and clamp system is received within the overall space defined by the wheelchair frame with universal fittings which permit items and components to be attached to the frame.

The position and orientation of the front wheel, foot rests, seat and hydraulic shock absorber may be configured to be dismantled for stowage either for transport or long term storage. The flexible arrangement that enables wheelchair components to be fitted to various positions on the frame enables them to be slid up or down the frame thereby enabling a user to customise a bespoke wheelchair for each occupant.

As a child grows they become taller and heavier. As this happens a wheelchair occupant's centre of gravity alters as they grow taller and their legs longer. As a consequence of these changes in physique of an occupant the centre of gravity of the wheelchair varies. By enabling the user to vary the location of where wheels connect to the frame, the tipping point of for a wheelchair can be altered in order to compensate this.

These features enable variation of the points at which wheels connect to and are positioned on the wheelchair 110, enables connection of the components of the wheelchair to be changed according to the shape and size of an occupant. These features are deemed to be important because they enable different sized users to use the wheelchair or the same user to use the wheelchair throughout the period of growth, for example during puberty and their early teens when there are often relatively rapid changes in size and weight of an occupant.

This labelling ensures that locations at which the wheels are connected to one side of the wheelchair are the same on the other side so that they match the same orientation and position; otherwise the wheelchair would be lop-sided.

A purpose of the apertures therefore enables a user to vary the configuration of their wheelchair in order to accommodate physiological changes in their torso and legs as they grow.

Ideally the seat 22 and/or back rest 18 are both connected to the T-piece frame members 16a and 16b by way of click fit, push-fit or similar type quick release connectors.

In order to retain a degree of stability it is necessary for a notional plumb line the centre of gravity of the wheelchair, when in use, to remain within the wheel base as defined by the points where the two larger wheels and the smaller front wheel are in contact with a surface over which the wheelchair travels.

Figures 7 to 10 show an alternative embodiment of a wheelchair in which like parts have been indicated using the same reference numerals as in Figures 1 to 6.

Figure 7 shows an overall view of a second embodiment of the wheelchair 100 and depicts left wheel 120 and right wheel 140. The T-piece frame members 160a and 160b show how they support seat 220, back rest 180 and arms rests 240. Front wheel 260 is supported on a quad link suspension 255. A foot rest 270 is located above the front wheel 260.

Figure 8 shows is a side elevational view of an altemabve embodiment of the wheelchair 100 and illustrates varying positions of the seat 220 with respect to the main T-piece frame members 160a and 160b. One or more hydraulic dampers 275 is/are used to cushion the wheelchair 100 and absorb shocks.

A right hand hydraulic disc brake 280 is shown supported on the shorter side limb member 170 from a main T-piece frame member 160a. Variation of the location of connection of the wheels and seat 220 to the T-piece frame members 160a and 160b the seat 220 and back rest 180 are depicted in different positions which are shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10 and the wheelchair 100 is seen in different configurations.

Figure 7 shows how adjustable wheels 120 and 140 splay and widen in order to increase the size of the wheel base which improves stability and aids manoeuvrability.

Figure 8 shows how the arm rests 240 are independent and adjustable and can be reclined in order to accommodate multi point brake levers (not shown) or actuators (not shown) for driving and/or steering a powered version of the wheelchair in order to adapt to limitations in arm or hand use.

Figures 8 and 9 together illustrate, in ghost lines, how the wheelchair 100 is adjusted in order to vary the reclining position of the seat 220 and raise or lower or tip the arm rests 240 (Figure 8) in order to adopt different positions according to the size of the occupant and to improve their comfort.

Figure 9 shows a side elevation of the alternative embodiment of the wheelchair 100 and how by varying the location of attachment of the seat 220 to the T-piece frame members 160a and 160b, different configurations enable the height of the back rest 180 to be varied (di). Arm rests 240 are slown in a plurality of different positions. By varying the location of attachment of the seat 220 to the T-piece frame members 160a and 160b the seat 220 and the arm rests 240 can be raised and lowered (d2).

Connection of the wheels 120 and 140 and the seat 220, tack rest 180 and arm rests 240 with the T-piece frame members 150a and 160b, shown in Figures 5a, 5b and 5c enable repositioning of the seat 220 and the back rest 180 in a range of different positions to suit occupant and carer.

Figure 10 shows a detailed view of alternative positions of the front wheel 260 and foot rest 270 which are achieved by way of the quad link suspension 255 is designed to aid comfort and performance on uneven terrain.

Referring to Figures 9 and 10, a multi-positional front wheel 260 is varied in order to shorten lengthen the wheelbase. A quad link suspension 255 is designed to aid comfort and performance on uneven terrain.

Optionally hydraulic disc brakes may be provided, and these are controlled by multi point brake levers.

Multi-positional and one or more extendable foot rests 270 aid comfort by providing a wider range of adjustable leg lengths to the user. Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the foot rests 270 are optionally designed to be interchangeable cr a foot rest may be customised to be bespoke to the left and right side.

Ideally the foot rests 270 are removable for repair, replacement and stowage.

Optionally lights -such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) -may be positioned on the wheelchair. Lights may be placed to the front and rear of the wheelchair so as to see and be seen.

Optionally the seat 22 and/or back rest 18 are formed from a polycarbonate plastics material which is a thermoplastics polymer that can be made to be completely translucent or coloured with a suitable dyestuff. This synthetic plastics material is commonly used in a 'see through' or transparent form.

Another synthetic plastics material, from which many of the components may be made, is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) which is a widely used thermoplastic.

Another synthetic plastics material, from which many of the components may be made; polymer polydicyclopentadiene (pDCPD) is a thermoset plastics which is structurally resistant to extreme temperatures.

Components of the wheelchair may also be formed from steel or an alloy or a composite materials such as a carbon fibre or high density polymer.

Variation to the invention may be made without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims. Optionally a bell or horn may be provided in order to attract attention.

Optionally a drinks holder may also be provided so as to help an occupant to remain hydrated.

The invention has been described by way of example only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims.

Parts List wheelchair 12 left wheel 12 14 right wheel 14 16a and 16b T-piece frame members 17 shorter side limb member 18 back rest 19 connectors apertures 22 seat 24 arm rests 26 front wheel 27 foot well 28 handles 29 push rim wheelchair left wheel 12 128 handles right wheel 14 160a and 160b T-piece frame members shorter side limb member back rest connectors apertures 220 seat 240 arm rests 255 quad link suspension 260 multi-positional front wheel 270 foot rest 275 hydraulic damper 280 hydraulic disc brakes

Claims

Claims 1. A collapsible wheelchair comprises: two main wheels each of which is connectable to a T-piece frame member, the T-piece frame members define lateral sides of the wheelchair; a seat is slung between the two T-piece members and a foot well is defined between distal ends of the T-piece members, characterised in that at a junction of the T-piece members, where a shorter side limb connects to a longer member of the T-piece members, an array of apertures is provided for receiving the main wheels so that each main wheel is capable of being connected to the T-piece member at one of a plurality of user selectable locations.
2. A wheelchair according to claim 1 wherein each wheel includes a push rim extending around the wheel.
3. A wheelchair according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the array of apertures is formed by drilling or punching holes of a size and dimension suitable for receiving a connector or an axel of a main wheel.
4. A wheelchair according to any preceding claim wherein the seat is slung from different apertures in the array to those from which the main wheels are connected.
5. A wheelchair according to any preceding claim wherein the back rest is slung from different apertures in the array to those from which the main wheels are connected.
6. A wheelchair according to any preceding claim wherein the array of apertures is labelled with a unique address.
7. A wheelchair according to claim 6 wherein the array of apertures is labelled with letters or with textured features to indicate columns and with numerals or with textured features to indicate rows.
8. A wheelchair according to any preceding claim wherein the two main wheels are formed from a composite material.
9. A wheelchair according to any preceding claim wherein each T-piece frame member is formed from a composite material.
10.A wheelchair according to any preceding claim wherein the seat is formed from a composite material.
11.A wheelchair according to any preceding claim wherein the back rest is formed from a composite material.
12.A wheelchair according to any preceding claim wherein the foot well, defined between distal ends of the T-piece members is formed from a composite material.
13.A wheelchair according to any of claims 8 to 12 wherein the composite material includes a synthetic plastics material which is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).
14.A wheelchair according to any of claims 8 to 12 wherein the composite material includes a synthetic plastics material which is a thermoplastic polymer, such as polydicyclopentadiene (pDCPD).
15.A wheelchair according to any of claims 8 to 12 wherein the composite material includes a carbon fibre or high density polymer.
16.A wheelchair according to any preceding claim which is motorised.
17.A wheelchair according to claim 16 which includes a rechargeable battery.
18.A wheelchair according to any preceding claim includes at least one hydraulic damper which absorbs forces on the seat and/or back rest.
19.A wheelchair according to any preceding claim includes at least one hydraulic disc brake.
20.A wheelchair according to any preceding claim wherein the wheels have pneumatic tyres, preferably tubeless pneumatic tyres.
21.A wheelchair according to any preceding claim includes at least one quad link that supports the front wheel.