JP2018528799A - Adjustable sport wheelchair - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an adjustable sports wheelchair with a support frame, front wheels, a pair of rear wheels, and a seating cage. The support frame is divided into a front half frame connected to a support portion of the front wheel and a frame structure that supports the rear wheel. The frame structure has a vertical side facing the moving direction of at least two wheelchairs and two lateral sides facing the cage direction, and propels the wheelchair according to the level and type of the competitor's malfunction. In order to accommodate the competitors in the optimum position, the internal structural elements are free from the compartment shape. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to the field of wheelchairs for athletes with disabilities and to a wheelchair according to the preamble of claim 1.

  Wheelchairs for athletes are currently customized for each athlete depending on the athlete's type of disability and body size. This entails high acquisition costs and a high level of manufacturing differentiation.

  For this reason, a prospective participant in a wheelchair competition will find it difficult to find a wheelchair that fits his / her needs unless he demands a customized wheelchair and bears the high costs associated with it.

  This situation is a factor of the fact that fewer and more people are starting to compete and restrict the development and spread of such competitions.

  Currently, the market is customized and expensive solutions (such as Invercare Top End® Eliminator® OSR competition wheelchairs) or inexpensive solutions manufactured in various sizes (such as Motivation Direct ltd (Flying Start wheelchair).

  Even when mass production offers various sizes, wheelchairs do not fully meet the adjustability requirements and the requirements to meet each user's needs.

  This is particularly important when referring to competitive sports wheelchairs. In this case, to avoid stress due to the waste of effort that does not work to rotate the wheelchair, as well as the transmission of the pushing force exerted by the arm, between the competitor's position and his / her wheelchair frame It is necessary to optimize the contacts.

  U.S. Patent Application No. 2009/194974 describes a conventional wheelchair consisting of two side elements, the frame extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and connected by a transverse element of the frame. The transverse element of the frame consists of two parts, each integrated with the side element of the frame, and these two parts fit together to make the two side elements of the frame extend and contract in the axial direction, i.e. the two side elements of the frame It is slidable in the direction of moving away or closer. Furthermore, a locking means is provided for locking the position of the two parts forming the transverse element of the frame. In U.S. Patent Application No. 2009/194974, each transverse element of the frame can only take two positions, a final extended position and a final retracted position, in a folded state for transport or parking, and for use It corresponds to the state of. This document does not provide a gradual adjustment of the length of the transverse element, either continuously or stepwise, neither in the illustrated embodiment nor in the described variant, the two parts of the transverse element being It could not be locked in a relative position different from the maximum extended position or the minimum shortened position.

  U.S. Patent Application 2001/0011805 describes a wheelchair for a disabled person having a predetermined fixed length of transverse elements. The structure of the frame allows some adjustment of the frame position, in particular the seat position relative to the rotating wheels.

  US Patent Application No. 2012/0169026 describes a wheelchair in which the two side elements of the frame are connected to each other by a transverse element of a predetermined invariant length.

  The above description is also applied to German Utility Model Application Publication No. 20122014002843, and the side elements of the frame make it possible to adjust the arrangement of the frame with respect to the seat position, the seat inclination, and the like. However, the transverse element of the frame has a fixed length and cannot be adjusted in the width direction of the wheelchair.

  In WO 2008/044541, the two side elements are foldable in a transverse direction from a non-use position where the two side elements are close to each other to a use position where the two side elements are separated by a fixed non-adjustable distance. A wheelchair is listed. The connection between the side elements of the frame is by two transverse arms that rotate relative to each other in a central position and whose ends rotate relative to the elements that slide on the longitudinal rods of the respective side elements of the frame. The described structure does not allow the wheelchair width to be adjusted continuously or in stages, and no such priority is provided or described.

  US 2006/0244227 describes a wheelchair with an alternative system for supporting the wheels. The frame comprises a transverse element that is fixed and cannot be adjusted. Further, the frame is configured so that it cannot be deformed with respect to its side elements.

  Any prior art document allows the user's support position to be variable and in combination with the frame configuration allows the user to take the best position depending on the type of his / her disability, In particular, but not exclusive, neither describes nor discloses a wheelchair frame for competition.

  The purpose of the present invention is to adapt to the user's body dimensions and obstacles, enable anyone to get close to the athlete without obtaining a customized model, and facilitate social integration of people suffering from obstacles through sports Is to provide an adjustable wheelchair.

  By providing an adjustable sports wheelchair having the features of the preamble of claim 1 and combined with the features of the features of claim 1, the present invention achieves the object.

  By using a structural seating cage that supports the weight, the need for a central rod to support the rear wheel, which was a prior art solution, was further eliminated. This frees the lower part of the cage from any kind of frame element that interferes with the user, maximizes the space available to the competitors and is the most important aspect that is particularly relevant in relation to the type of obstacle Guarantee the degree.

  According to a further advantageous feature of the invention, the wheelchair frame can be adjusted continuously or stepwise in the width direction, i.e. with respect to the axis perpendicular to the direction of travel. By the way, it can be detachably locked.

  Such a feature can be obtained by several structural features.

  One embodiment provides longitudinal elements on both sides of the frame that can be freely moved continuously or stepwise in a direction away from or approaching each other and detachably locked with respect to each other. The longitudinal element is slidable with respect to at least one of the connecting transverse rods (2) and / or at least one of the connecting transverse rods (5, 7), stretchable and retractable, to the size of the competitor Accordingly, the cage width can be gradually changed.

  According to a further feature of the present invention, the front half frame (1) is connected to at least one of these rods.

  This detachable locking means is constituted by a radial peg that engages a corresponding hole in an array of axial holes provided in at least one of the two telescopic segments constituting each transverse element of the frame. can do.

  Alternatively, the two side elements of the frame are provided with bushings, sleeves or transverse cylindrical segments that slide along the connecting transverse rods, each sleeve being provided with a fixing means for fixing against the transverse rods. ing.

  An example of such a fixing means is a radially threaded pin that is rotatably engaged in a radially threaded hole provided in each transverse sleeve, and the screwing operation is a rod fitted with the sleeve. Generates radial force to fix

  Alternatively, the fixing means can consist of fixed clamps or rings of adjustable diameter, which fit into the end of the sleeve, this end being open at one end, an axial notch or axial Grooves are provided, the walls of which are fixed to the shell surface of the rod with which the sleeve is fitted by means of said fixing ring or clamp.

  Thus, by its specific arrangement, the frame structure can be divided into two parts in which the transverse connecting rod can be freely translated, allowing the cage width to be adjusted according to the size of the competitor, so that a single means Can directly reveal the ways in which it can meet the needs of a large number of users, and can be provided by the competition body so that anyone who requests it can easily obtain it.

  The additional arrangement makes it possible to improve the adjustability and setability of the wheelchair of the present invention.

  According to an advantageous embodiment, the side elements of the frame are arranged in at least two directions so that the rear wheels can be removably mounted along both the longitudinal side direction and the height direction. It has a fixed element with holes. This makes it possible to adjust the mounting position of the rear wheel with respect to the cage, improving the degree of freedom of use. Even the position and dimensions of the push rim that the competitor uses to move the wheels can be varied to meet several requirements.

  In order to reduce costs, the wheels are preferably of the spoke type, with push rims attached to the plates that are inserted between the spokes of the wheels and fixed with screw fastening means, and push rims for easier installation / removal There are fewer mounting points.

  The dimensions of the rear wheel push rim and its position relative to the cage are generally adjustable by the athlete at each end of the longitudinal elements on the two opposite sides of the frame against his / her obstacle With a strap fixed in place and selected for optimal positioning on a seat located inside the cage.

  Specifically, the optimal position for a player who is inferior to the lower body is the position where the trunk is tilted forward and the knee is standing inside the cage. In this case, the push rim and rear wheel are dimensioned relative to the cage so that the vertical line passing through the shoulder along with the athlete's torso is parallel to the ground and the arm placed on the push rim is in contact with the corresponding wheel. , Shape and position are selected.

  In the case of a quadriplegic athlete, the optimal position is rather the position seated in the cage with the feet forward. In this case, the push rim and rear wheel are selected in size, shape and position relative to the cage such that the trunk line through the athlete's shoulder always takes a distance greater than the radius from the center of the push rim.

  Advantageously, the cage has a backrest supported by a strap that can be fixed in an adjustable manner on the opposite side of the frame structure so that the athlete's seat can be moved back and forth without affecting the cage structure. Yes.

  The longitudinal elements on both sides of the frame structure extend in a substantially vertical plane.

  According to an advantageous feature, the element comprises a curved rod shaped to be coupled to an extreme position by the rear wheel. Specifically, the curved rod has a profile integral with the wheel house that prevents the competitor from interfering with the wheel tread.

  The longitudinal elements on both sides of the frame structure consist of rods which, for example, support the seat and support the backrest, preferably coplanar and reduce manufacturing complexity and labor. Structural analysis has made it possible to confirm that the presence of out-of-plane nodes produces bad torque that puts great stress on the structure. Specifically, the frame structure is connected to at least a pair of slidable transverse rods, one of which has an elliptical cross section, connected to a half frame that supports the front wheel, and two rod longitudinals that form a triangular structure (truss). It has a side structure.

  The structure is completed by a pair of support members which are attached to the frame by ring-shaped fixing members and can be adjusted in position and inclination in order to accommodate the athlete's knees laterally. The adjustable support member advantageously comprises a rod system arranged to form a connected quadrilateral that allows the inclination of the support member to be changed by changing the mutual positional relationship of the frame fixing rings. Yes.

  According to another aspect of the invention, the invention relates to an inexpensive, lightweight and highly reconfigurable roller device for use by athletes in warm-up before a race.

  High configurability is essentially for each roller support member associated with a foot that can be adjusted by holes that change the tilt of the roller, ensuring that the wheelchair is housed on both sides. This is due to the provision of an independent hinge, which is thanks to the possibility of changing the width of the roller, preventing lateral deviations due to pushing forces.

  Further features and improvements are the subject of the dependent claims.

  The features of the invention and the advantages derived therefrom will become more apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

It is a competition wheelchair according to the prior art. This is the position taken by a limb paralyzed athlete. This is the position taken by a competitor who is inferior to the lower body. It is an axonometric view of the wheelchair frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a top view, a side view, and a rear view of the frame of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a side view of the frame pointing out the extreme position taken by the rear wheel. It is the first form of a wheel house. A spoke wheel having a plate for attaching a push rim. A support member (left) and detail (right) of the athlete's knee attached to the frame. This is a telescopic steering system. FIG. 4 is an axonometric view, a side view, and a top view of a complete wheelchair according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating different uses of a push rim between a lower body athlete and a limb paralyzed athlete. FIG. 11b shows the position on the wheelchair corresponding to FIG. 11a. A reference for optimal positioning in a wheelchair, with the lower body competitor on the upper side and the limb paralyzed player on the lower side. A modification of the rear wheel attachment (left side) and an extreme position taken by the rear wheel (right side) are shown. Shows the position of the lower body athlete who is 120 cm high and in front of a 24-inch wheel. Shows the position of a limb paralyzed athlete at the rear of a 24 inch wheel at 120 cm height. A side support member corresponding to an alternative construction of a wheel house integrated with a cage. It is a modification which shows the case where the component which comprises the side of a frame structure is on a plane (right side), and the case where it is out of a plane (left side). It is an axonometric view of the frame of the wheelchair concerning another example of the present invention. FIG. 19 is an axonometric, side, front, and rear view of the completed wheelchair with the frame of FIG. 1 is a roller device associated with a wheelchair according to the present invention which is particularly useful for pre-race warm-up and athlete training. FIG. 6 is a detail of an adjustable foot for changing the tilt of the roller support member. It is the structure for conveyance of a roller. Fig. 21 is a wheelchair according to the present invention combined with the roller device of Fig. 20;

The wheelchair for the competitor has an established layout with a T-shaped frame and a three wheel configuration. However, the individual elements are substantially variable in terms of placement and dimensions because of the need to tailor the wheelchair effectively for the athlete. For this reason, the market mainly provides customized wheelchairs for customers for competition applications. The main elements of a wheelchair are shown in FIG. They can be divided into four macro groups.
a) a frame;
b) front wheels, brakes and steering system;
c) rear wheel;
d) Cage and seat.
A brief description of each group is given below.

(flame)
The frame 101 of the wheelchair for the athlete is generally configured by vertically arranging a transverse body and a transverse body in a T shape (or Y shape). Aluminum tubes with a circular cross-section or more often an elliptical cross-section are usually used to make the frame. 6061T6 aluminum is certainly one of the most common and is an Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloy that has been solution treated, tempered and artificially aged. Such alloys are versatile and characterized by not too high mechanical strength, good corrosion resistance, high toughness at low temperatures, optimum weldability, good machinability, and poor formability. Yes. As an alternative, 7005 aluminum can be used, which is an Al—Zn—Mg alloy and does not require artificial aging treatment. The latter can combine slightly better machining characteristics and better weldability than 6061T6 aluminum.

(Front wheels, brakes and steering system)
The front wheel 201 and the brake 301 have the same arrangement as that of the bicycle. Rather, the steering system is more characteristic. The top has a hand lever 104 that is similar in concept to a bicycle handlebar but different in appearance from a longer shape, which is necessary for ergonomic reasons. However, control of the steering system requires the use of hands, which forces the competitor to stop the propulsion. Therefore, in the case of a competition on a competition track in which the route is constant and all the turns are in the same direction, a steering control device is widely used and installed at the bottom of the steering system. It is a lever controlled by a handle 204 that is positioned by the competitor prior to the competition (and kept stationary by a pair of screws). Its purpose is to give the steering system an appropriate angle so that the competitor can steer with a quick touch when needed, instead of driving the steering system along the entire trajectory of the turn. This device is called the truck control steering mechanism (TCSM). The TCSM is connected to the steering system by a spring called a compensator 304. The device can be positioned by both triangular and square lever handles on both the top and bottom of the frame.

(Rear wheel)
The rear wheel 501 is connected to the frame 101 at two ends of the cross member. An insert is placed between these two elements and acts to tilt the wheel at the appropriate camber angle. Depending on the player's characteristics, the camber angle can be adjusted within a narrow range. A push rim 601 having a diameter suitable for the player's characteristics is further fixed to the rear wheel. The most common rear wheels are carbon fiber disc wheels or four-spoke wheels, also made of carbon fiber or metal spokes (which are rarely used). With regard to the push rim, attachments in the number of 4 to 28 are attached depending on the type of wheel to be mounted.

(cage)
The cage 107 is welded directly to the frame 101 to accommodate the competitor and allow him / her to take the optimal position appropriate for propulsion of the wheelchair. Large differences in disability levels have led to the development of differently shaped cages that fit not only the dimensions but also the positions taken by the competitors. Some athletes can still use the abdomen to support the torso, so they can partially extend their legs, but others need to keep their knees high to support the torso. is there. The main criteria for the selection of the type of cage depends on the competitor, generally “legs forward” type (FIG. 2a) or “knee stand” type (FIG. 2b), depending on the type of obstacle. Position. A seat 207 for the athlete is installed inside the cage. A strap band is generally used.

  The wheelchair according to the present invention has highly adjustable and reconfigurable features, can accommodate athletes with different sizes and different obstacles in a single device and is very expensive for the athlete's condition The result is similar to a customized version. In order to reach such a high construction level, it was necessary to influence the frame structure. 3 and 4 show the first embodiment.

  Such a version provides a front half frame 1 for connecting a fork to the cage. The cage is divided into two equal parts, a) and b), constituting longitudinal elements on both sides of the frame, and freely moving in the lateral direction by sliding on the three connecting rods 2, 5, and 7. The front rod 2 is integral with the half frame 1 and serves to connect the cage to the back. Such rods have an elliptical cross section to prevent relative rotation between the half frame and the cage. On the rear side, two extendable rods 5 and 7 are provided to connect the bisected cages to each other. Such a rod is located on the rear side and allows movement of the backrest in order to properly position taller athletes.

  With reference to the transverse rods 5, 7 and 2, a transverse element of the frame is provided so that the width of the frame can be adjusted progressively or stepwise.

  Such rods can be implemented in different ways. They are telescopic types that simply slide axially, or two elements that are joined together by a threaded part, one element rotating relative to the other element, or a central element for the two end elements Similarly, two arms that move axially or have longitudinal grooves or rows of holes can be secured to each other through bolts in the grooves or two matched holes of the two arms.

  Among several possible means, the one shown provides a transverse element of the frame made up of cylindrical segments such as bushings or sleeves 115, 117, 112, which are arranged longitudinally on each side of the frame. The two transverse bushings 112 and the two transverse cylindrical segments 115, 117 are integrated with the directional parts a), b) and are oriented symmetrically in mirror image to each other, facing the axis perpendicular to the long axis of the wheelchair. The two transverse bushings 112 and the two transverse cylindrical segments 115, 117 are connected to each other by transverse rods fitted axially in a sliding manner.

  Therefore, the end of the connecting cross rod is fitted to one of the bushings 112 of the corresponding frame part, respectively, and is fitted to one of the cylindrical segments 115, 117 corresponding to the axial direction of the corresponding frame part. It is clear to do.

  Thereby, the cylindrical segment and the bushing are slidable along a part of the rod engaged therebetween.

  Different means can be provided for removably locking each cylindrical segment or each bushing 112 and the corresponding transverse rod end in relative position, for example at least one provided on the wall of the cylindrical segment or bushing. These include a radial peg that simultaneously engages two radial holes, a hole or an axial notch in an axial row of holes or notches provided in connecting rods 2, 5, and 7.

  As an alternative to radial pegs, a threaded pin can be provided and screwed into the hole and / or notch.

  Also, according to one alternative, a threaded hole is provided only in the wall of each cylindrical segment or bushing 112, 115, 117, and a radial locking pin is screwed there and removably locked while The rod is pressed in the axial direction against the outer surface of the rod.

  Another alternative allows the inner diameter of the end of the tubular segment or bushing to be reduced by a circumferential compressive force acting on the outer surface of the end along the end of one free head end. The cylindrical segments 115 and 117 and the bushing 112 having axial notches are provided. Thus, the cylindrical segment and the bushing can be clamped with respect to the rod inside by being locked so as not to move by a cylindrical clamp or a clamp ring fitted to the end portion.

  The above-described embodiments are just different examples possible with different means allowing the frame width to be adjusted and locked in a selected width.

  A curved rod 4 having a shape suitable for coupling to an extreme position taken by a wheel as shown in FIG. 5 is provided on the upper portion of the cage. This reduces the overall size of the frame, allowing the competitor to reach the push rim to the maximum.

  The seat support rod 9 is provided to ensure proper positioning of the competitor, while the back support rod 8 is shaped so as not to interfere with the user's pelvis. In a similar manner, the shape of the front rod of the cage 12 is determined to maximize the space available to the athlete's feet. A wheel fixture 11 is provided between the rods 10, 12, and 13 and has six individual positions where the position of the rear wheel can be changed in the vertical direction.

  Even though it is possible to provide a fixture arranged parallel to the ground with a tilted wheel pin so that the desired chamber angle of the wheel can be selected, in this embodiment the fixture has the required chamber and It is advantageously arranged equally inclined and the wheel pins are straight.

  The frame is completed by diagonal reinforcement rods 14 provided on the halved cage rear fixture, which contributes to reinforcing the structure by the wheel house 15 shown in FIG.

  While this may not seem to be an important detail, the wheelhouse is of considerable importance. They prevent the competitor's arm from contacting the tire and causing friction during the pushing action. Such components need to be lightweight, easy to handle, and able to follow the wheels while moving.

  As a solution, a fitting that is coaxial with the wheel pin 16 and a screw that secures it to the frame is provided to prevent the wheel house from rotating. In order to change the position of the wheel, this latter locking screw is once removed together with the wheel.

  FIG. 16 shows a preferred alternative construction of the wheel house. The version of FIG. 6 requires the wheel house to be removed along with the wheels and pins to change to the new position, and in addition to being uncomfortable at all, it is possible to use both 24 inch and 26 inch wheels in the same wheel house. could not. Such drawbacks are eliminated by introducing a wheel house 15 integrated with the cage, which has a radius of curvature that allows the wheels to move longitudinally and allows the use of wheels of both sizes. In addition, by changing the radius of curvature of the upper rod 4 of the cage and the position of the upper rod connecting the bisected one to connect with the wheel house, the minimum outer diameter dimension of the frame is more harmonized. Assembly can be obtained.

  The wheelhouse is completed by two sideboards that house the athlete's torso, especially for athletes with quadriplegia who cannot control the abdominal muscles and cannot support themselves independently. Such a sideboard is made of a thin metal plate or glass fiber and is bonded to the wheel house described above. FIG. 16 shows both such components.

  With respect to the push rim 601, a system has been developed that allows them to be easily and quickly replaced with the spoke wheel 501. To achieve this, a ring-shaped plate 17 is inserted between the spokes of the wheel before the installation is complete, such a plate being fixed to the wheel spokes by means of eight screws 18, 280, 320, 360. , Or 400 mm push rims, any one being fixed to the plate by three screws 19 (FIG. 7). The choice of using a spoke wheel with a higher number of fittings for the push rim instead of a disc wheel or aero spoke wheel arises from the need for cost reduction.

  In a customized wheelchair, the shape and dimensions of the frame are appropriately selected to support and laterally accommodate the competitor's knee. The frame according to the present invention does not provide the support for the knee that is necessary in the case of a kneeling position in the U-shaped cage, so when a competitor takes such a position, he / she It is necessary to use a strap connected to the cage to properly support the knee. However, since the necessary lateral support cannot be ensured with the strap alone, two support members 20 having an adjustable position and inclination as shown in FIG. 8 are introduced. They use a rod system 21 arranged to form a connected quadrilateral that can be tilted by simply moving the ring connecting frames A and B.

  The wheelchair is completed by a telescopic type steering system 104 suitable for the user's request, which can be easily operated by a child, as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of the above-described wheelchair suitable for accommodating athletes with different types of disabilities and body dimensions.

  As already mentioned, the position of the competitor in the cage and the manner of the push rim used to propel the wheelchair vary greatly depending on the obstacle.

  The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) uses a classification of athletes based on the location of the medullary injury that identifies the closest vertebrae. Thus, the body parts involved in the disorder are all body parts below the damaged part. In addition, the strength of each muscle is measured by a specific test with performance grades 0-5. Wheelchair competitors due to spinal cord injury or amputations are included in the T51-T58 class.

  The T51 to T54 classes are for wheelchair competitors competing in track competitions, while the T55 to T58 classes are for athletes competing in field competitions. T54 class competitors are fully functional from waist to top. T53 class athletes have limited abs. T52 or T51 moves only limitedly in the upper limbs.

  Due to cerebral palsy, wheelchair athletes belong to a different class than athletes with spinal cord injury or limb amputations, and range from T32 to T38. The T32 to T34 classes are for wheelchair athletes and the T35 to T38 classes are for athletes who can compete with their own feet.

  Regarding the wheelchair competition according to the present invention, basically four classes are referenced.

(T51)
These athletes are grade 5 in elbow flexion and wrist dorsiflexion, and the shoulder muscles and pectoral muscles show weakness. The triceps muscle strength is between grades 0-3. The elbow joint flexor and wrist joint dorsiflexor are used for propulsion. He sits with his knees under his chin and his trunk straight. Has a large push rim. The spinal cord injury level is C5-6.

(T52)
These athletes usually have normal shoulder, elbow and wrist joint strength. Finger flexor extensor strength is not normal with internal muscle atrophy. The shoulder, elbow, and wrist joint are used for propulsion. Usually trunk muscle strength does not work. In some cases, glove technique similar to T53 and T54 classes is used. The nerve residual level of spinal cord injury is C7-8.

(T53)
These athletes have normal upper limb function, but the abdominal and lower back muscles do not function. To supplement the function of the abdominal muscles, various techniques are used, such as bringing the trunk closer to the horizontal. During competition, their acceleration is slower than the T54 class. Generally, when a large acceleration occurs, the trunk rises away from the foot because there is no function of the abdominal muscles. In most cases, pushing the cycle to adjust the compensator is interrupted. The nerve residual level of spinal cord injury is T1-7.

(T54)
These athletes have normal upper limb muscle strength, and the ability to control the trunk ranges from partial to normal. Competitors in this group may have effective leg strength. These athletes also have normal trunk control to hold the trunk down during large accelerations. In most cases, the cycle propulsion is not interrupted for adjustment. You can turn the wheelchair by applying muscle strength to get up and rotate on the wheelchair. The nerve residual level of spinal cord injury is T8-S4.

  More generally, the manner in which an athlete uses a push rim and the resulting position in his / her cage will vary depending on the type of injury. Competitors who are inferior to the lower body, that is, those with thoracic spinal injury who have full control of their arms and torso, apply a push action to the handrail using all triceps. Riders with paraplegia, i.e. those with cervical spine injury, rather have limited control of the upper arm muscles, so all biceps are used to exert the action of pushing against the handrail without releasing the handrail (Fig. 10). In addition, in order to use the handrail in a different manner, lower body athletes also use push rims that are larger in diameter than those used by limb paralyzed athletes.

  In general, to properly position the lower body competitor in the wheelchair, when the torso completes the pushing step with his / her body approximately parallel to the ground, it passes through the shoulder, for example as shown on the right side of FIG. 11b. It is necessary that the trunk line is tangent to the wheel.

  Rather, for limb paralyzed athletes, the trunk moves during the pushing phase, so the trunk line through the shoulder needs to be ahead of the tangent of the push rim, as shown on the left side of FIG. 11b.

  This requires a maximum degree of freedom in particular for the use of parts that make up the wheelchair, such as cages, rear wheels and push rims.

  For the lower body athlete, the ability to reach the push rim is improved by moving the wheel position forward, while the limb paralyzed athlete has the advantage of moving the wheel backward, Noticed. Also, by reducing the wheel diameter, the pin can be moved closer to the user's body, so the push rim diameter remains constant and each point of the push rim can be moved closer to him / her.

  However, to use this advantage just disclosed, it is necessary to have a wheel attachment that allows the pin to actually be placed closer to the user's body while also allowing the installation of a 26 inch wheel. For this purpose, the wheel attachment 11 of the first embodiment is replaced with a new version 11 'with two rows of holes of different heights, making both 24 inch and 26 inch wheels available, both of which are longitudinally It was made movable (FIG. 13).

  This provides a clear improvement for shorter athletes to reach the push rim. As the wheel diameter is reduced by about 2 inches, or about 50 mm, it is possible to clearly reach more parts of the handrail, and a clear improvement is obtained with respect to the effectiveness of the pushing action.

  In addition, as already mentioned, there is a fact that it is useful to move the wheel forward in the case of an athlete who is inferior to the lower body, while in the case of a user with quadriplegia, it is better to move the wheel backward. There is a fact that it is useful. By taking the position of tilting the fuselage forward, athletes with lower body benefits from the reachability of moving the wheel forward (Figure 14), while the fuselage is nearly vertical. By maintaining the position, the athlete with limb paralysis benefits from moving the wheel backwards (FIG. 15).

  FIG. 17 shows another arrangement used in the modification example of the frame. An urgent solution to prevent the cage from interfering with the athlete's body to ensure maximum comfort is a quite complex geometry with a large number of rods out of plane. However, the inventor has checked by ergonomic analysis that such a higher complexity realization is actually unnecessary.

  For this reason, a variation of the frame was introduced that basically gathered all the rods that make up the halves of the cage on a single plane to streamline its geometry.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the cage variant (on the right) has rods arranged in one plane, whereas the version of the first embodiment (on the left) is out of plane. Has been deployed. In addition to being easier to implement, these new versions also reduce effort because out-of-plane nodes result in poor torque that puts great stress on the structure.

  FIG. 18 shows a schematic view of a frame having a wheel attachment with side rods and two rows of holes that are not on the same plane according to the above-described modification. Obviously, each variation can exist independently of each other.

  FIG. 19 shows an overview of the wheelchair described above.

  20-23 show a particularly useful roller device when used in combination with the wheelchair of the present invention.

  The roller device is used both for warm-up before the race and for training when the racing track cannot be used. It has a metal structure that supports two or more rollers that support the wheelchair.

  There are a variety of roller types on the market, but none are designed to be easily transported. Therefore, athletes who need to warm up before competition but cannot use the track must use handmade rollers that are easy to handle and transport.

  Such handmade rollers are made appropriately for trainers and athletes on demand, so there are various configurations, shapes and materials.

  Most handmade rollers have two rollers for each rear wheel, a foldable construction made of a lightweight alloy, with a support that supports the front wheel and is not connected to the rest.

This essentially has the following problems:
-Very heavy (about 11 kg) due to the use of a solid section bar and excessive thickness
-Cannot be used for wheelchairs with very large or small contact surfaces-When a competitor uses a push rim with force, the wheelchair cannot be held so as not to leave the roller. Cannot create various operating states.

This led to the idea of redesigning a device with the following features:
-Limited weight and overall dimensions for ease of transport-Roller tilt can be changed depending on wheelchair wheel chamber angle to ensure good wheelchair containment-Pushed stage Holding ability to prevent the wheelchair from leaving the roller-low manufacturing costs.

  The solution shown in FIG. 20 meets such needs. Each pair of support members 31 of the roller 33 is hinged to both ends of a telescopic central rod 34, and the front wheel support member 35 is connected to the central rod 34 via a pair of telescopic rods 32. The inclination of the roller is obtained by a pair of adjustable legs 30.

  The use of a double hinge allows the structure to be disassembled into three parts and reduces the overall dimensions when folded. In addition, since the roller support member 31 does not need to be supported by another frame and is self-bearing, the number of parts is reduced. In this way, two independent subassemblies are obtained that are connected to be held in place by the rod in use.

  By using two hinges instead of just one hinge in the middle of the structure, it is possible to give the roller 33 the same tilt even if very short legs 30 are used. This creates an advantage for stability.

  Many methods have been considered for selecting a system for adjusting the tilt of the roller, some are continuous adjustments (screws, wedges, calipers) and others are discrete adjustments. There was a pin in the hole and a stand.

  Finally, a hole and pin system was selected that allows the roller tilt to be adjusted quickly and easily, limiting the overall dimensions and allowing the system to have good stability. In addition, the practicality of the adjustment is ensured by this discrete system using holes or the like, and has priority over the possibility of continuous adjustment using screws or the like. The required tilt angles were then determined, i.e. 0 °, -5 °, -10 °, -12.5 °, and the position of the hole in the leg was determined based on these.

  Giving the roller a specific tilt helps to ensure that the wheelchair is housed laterally and prevents the athlete's pushing action from deviating laterally.

  Instead of a simple hinge, an elliptical cross-section tube is used welded to the central rod in order to combine the full folding performance of the roller support member on the central rod with the operational stability that is tough even in rough ground A pin connected to the roller support member is provided on the inner side. This ensures that the structure fits the underlying ground. The presence of clearance provided between the pin that is integral to the roller support and the elliptical tube that is integral to the central rod connected to the front wheel holder can stress the connection even on imperfectly flat surfaces such as pastures. Allows placement of the structure without giving.

  FIG. 22 shows the roller ready for transport.

  Reference is now made to the front part of the structure. It is composed of two telescopic rods 32 and a front wheel holder 35. The latter lays the wheelchair flat and lifts the front wheels to the same height as the rear wheels, and also keeps the front wheels stationary and prevents the wheelchair from moving away from the roller by the player's pushing action. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain the front wheel holder in place. For this purpose, by connecting the front support member with the rear part, the rod acts to prevent the front wheel holder from moving during training. The choice of using telescopic rods is due to the need to adapt the rollers to various wheel-based wheelchairs and to limit the overall dimensions during transport. Instead of properly producing rods, the choice was made to use commercially available walking poles as they have the functions described above and can limit costs.

  Such a solution uses the same idea based on bicycle holders existing in the city, i.e. using slot holes to hold the front wheels. In this case, the thin metal plate is used by being bent into a semicircular shape, the central portion is cut, and the flat thin metal plate serving as the base is connected by a screw.

  The curved sheet metal serves both to hold the front wheel and to keep the wheelchair flat by lifting the front wheel to the same height as the rear wheel. Screws were used instead of welding for reasons of cheapness, ease of manufacture, and reliability.

  A rubber band is also used to connect to the stationary wheel base, and it works because the wheel does not move if the competitor pushes the push rim very hard.

  For this purpose, two belts are additionally introduced, connecting the fork of the wheelchair with the attachment of the telescopic rod on the back part of the roller (FIG. 23). Such a belt is necessary only at the most intense stage of warm-up or only when the athlete applies maximum force to the wheel during training. Under such circumstances, they ensure that the wheelchair does not leave the roller. Thus, they are considered additional components that are used under certain operating conditions and are not considered components in normal use.

  The competitor needs the help of another person to tighten the rubber band, to stretch the belt, and to place the wheelchair on the roller and adjust the brakes. However, this point of view is not a problem for athletes because they are helped by trainers in the stadium.

  This device is designed primarily for use with an adjustable wheelchair according to the present invention, for example as shown in FIG. However, it is clear that the same device can be used in various wheelchairs, such as the customized types described above and the types of dimensions available.

Claims (13)

An adjustable sports wheelchair comprising a support frame (101), a front wheel (201), a pair of rear wheels (501), and a seating cage (107),
The support frame is divided into a front half frame (1) connected to the support portion of the front wheel and a frame structure that supports the rear wheel (501).
The frame structure connects two opposing longitudinal elements (3, 4, 10, 12) of the frame facing the moving direction of the wheelchair and two opposing longitudinal elements of the frame. At least two connecting transverse rods (2, 5, 7) for connecting, one or more on each of the front and rear sides,
The transverse element is spaced with respect to the longitudinal direction of the wheelchair and points in a direction transverse to its longitudinal axis,
The frame structure forms the cage (107), the cage takes a free compartment shape from internal structural elements;
At least one support element extending across the longitudinal axis of the wheelchair is provided, two ends of which are each supported by one of the two opposing longitudinal elements of the frame;
A sports wheelchair characterized in that at least one support element is movable in the vertical direction and can support the user in an optimal position in an optimal posture in order to propel the wheelchair according to the level and type of the competitor's malfunction. The longitudinal elements on both sides of the frame can be freely moved continuously or stepwise in a direction away from or approaching each other, and can be detachably locked to each other.
The longitudinal elements on both sides of the frame are slidable, extendable and retractable with respect to at least one of the connecting transverse rods (2) and / or at least one of the connecting transverse rods (5, 7), The width of the cage can be gradually changed according to the size of the competitor,
The sports wheelchair according to claim 1, characterized in that the front half frame (1) is connected to at least one of these rods.   A plurality of longitudinal sides of the frame structure are arranged in at least two directions allowing rear wheels (501) to be detachably mounted along the longitudinal side and along the height direction at variable intervals. A sports wheelchair according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a fixing element (11, 11 ') with a hole.   The wheel (501) is fitted with a push rim (601) for the athlete to move the wheelchair and said push rim is of an interchangeable type so that the wheelchair can be equipped with rims of different dimensions. The sports wheelchair according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sports wheelchair is characterized.   The wheel (501) is of a spoke type, and the push rim (601) is attached to a plate (17) inserted between the spokes of the wheel and is fixed by screw fastening means (18), so that the A sports wheelchair according to claim 4, characterized in that the attachment point (19) of the push rim (601) is reduced so that the push rim (601) can be attached / removed. A cage frame for supporting a player, which is detachably fixed to the frame, in which a longitudinal element, a vertical element, and a transverse element are combined with one or more support portions.
A rider who is inferior to the lower body, with the push rim and rear wheel tilting the torso forward and taking a kneeling position in the cargo, is placed on the push rim while the trunk line passing through the shoulder along with the athlete's torso is parallel to the ground. Have the dimensions, shape and position relative to the cage, so that the arm placed will be the battle of the corresponding wheel,
The push rim and rear wheel are positioned so that the athlete with limb paralysis sits in the cage with their feet forward, and the trunk line through the athlete's shoulder is always greater than the center of the push rim to the radius of the push rim Have dimensions, shape and position relative to the cage, such as taking a distance,
The sports wheelchair according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a relative position of each of the elements that enables the elements simultaneously.   The cage includes a backrest supported by a strap that can be adjustably secured to the opposite side of the frame structure to move the athlete's seat back and forth without acting on the cage structure. The sports wheelchair according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The vertical side of the frame structure includes a curved rod (4) shaped to be coupled to an extreme position by the rear wheel,
The sports wheelchair according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the curved rod has a profile integral with a wheel house (15) that prevents the competitor from interfering with the wheel tread. .   9. The longitudinal element on both sides of the frame structure comprises a support rod (9) for seating and a support rod (8) for a backrest. A sports wheelchair according to item 1.   The sports wheelchair according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a plurality of rods constituting the longitudinal elements on both sides of the frame structure are on the same plane.   In order to accommodate the athlete's knee in the lateral direction, a support member (20) whose position and inclination can be adjusted is provided, and is attached to the frame by a ring-shaped fixing member (A, B). The sports wheelchair according to any one of claims 1 to 10.   The adjustable support member (20) is arranged to form a connected quadrilateral that allows the inclination of the support member to be changed by changing the mutual positional relationship of the frame fixing rings (A, B). Sports wheelchair according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises a rod system (21).   The frame structure is connected to the half frame (1) supporting the front wheel (201), and is connected to at least a pair of slidable transverse rods (2, 5, 7), each having an elliptical cross section, to form a triangular structure. The sports wheelchair according to claim 1, comprising two rod vertical side structures that form