NL1001164C2 - Multifunctional wheelchair. - Google Patents

Abstract

A wheelchair comprising at least two rear wheels, two front wheels, a support frame, a seat and a backrest, wherein a body supporting means, in particular the seat, comprises a supporting frame and a cushion arranged on a first side thereof, while the supporting frame has a peripheral edge which surrounds at least partly a central opening, a flap being connected through hinge means to a first side of the peripheral edge, which flap has a surface that is less than the surface of the opening, while setting means are arranged for setting the angle which the flap includes with the plane defined by at least a part of the peripheral edge of the supporting frame, the arrangement being such that the flap during use can at least partly extend within the opening and at least partly carries the cushion, with the cushion conforming in shape to the position of the flap. <IMAGE>

Description

Title: Multifunctional wheelchair.

The invention relates to a wheelchair of the type described in the preamble of the main claim. Such a wheelchair is known from practice and is supplied by Revab, Silvolde, the Netherlands.

This known wheelchair has a number of disadvantages for the user of an economic and ergonomic nature. The wheelchair is assembled in a configuration suitable for the intended user from a large number of parts. Where possible, standard parts are used, such as seats and backrests, frames, wheels and the like. Individual adjustments to the wheelchair can generally only be made to a limited extent and at a high additional cost.

The seat of the known wheelchair consists of a foamed cushion mounted on, for instance, a board, which is covered with a cover. As a result, the shape of the seat and the seating position of the user are mainly determined by the composition of the seat cushion and the cover, the shape of the shelf and the position of the seat 20 relative to the rest of the wheelchair. For example, the seating position will be different for a heavier user than for a lighter user. Moreover, only an average suitable sitting support can be obtained. For separate seat supports, specially adapted seats 25 will have to be manufactured in single piece manufacture, which is costly and time consuming, and furthermore prevents the same seat from being suitable for different users.

A first object according to the invention is therefore to provide a wheelchair with a seat which is easily adaptable to the individual user, is economical to manufacture and use and makes possible an ergonomically suitable sitting position. For this purpose, a wheelchair according to the invention is characterized by the measures according to claim 1.

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The shape of the seat cushion can be adapted to the individual user using the hinged flap. As a result, a suitable seat support can be obtained for every user with a standard seat, and 5 adjustments are also easily possible. If the same wheelchair (seat) has to be made suitable for a subsequent user, the shape of the seat can easily be adapted, so that a seat according to the invention has a long service life. Reduction of the resilience of the seat cushion, for example, can also be compensated for at least to some extent by means of changes in the position of the valve.

The backrest of the known wheelchair has a construction which is comparable to the seat and presents comparable disadvantages. Also the backrest is not individually adjustable and the manufacture of an individualized backrest is expensive and time consuming.

A second object of the invention is therefore to provide a wheelchair with a backrest which is easily adaptable to the individual user, is economical to manufacture and use and makes possible an ergonomically suitable sitting position. For this purpose, a wheelchair according to the invention is characterized by the measures according to claim 4.

25 The adjustable back straps allow the shape of the backrest to be individually determined and adjusted, making changes to the shape easy.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a wheelchair according to the invention is characterized by the measures according to claims 5-8.

The longitudinally adjustable carrying straps, which extend in approximately vertical direction, and the length-adjustable lumbar belt, together with the adjustability of their attachment points along the carrying frame, provide optimum control of the shape of the backrest. Therefore, with the aid of such a backrest, an optimal 100 1 164 3 back support can be obtained for each user. Even if the user has, for example, a hump or similar growth, or certain places which should not or hardly be loaded or which just need extra support, the backrest can be optimally adapted thereto. Particularly in combination with a seating support as described in claims 1-3, a wheelchair is obtained in this way which can provide very good seating support, tailored to the individual user, without having to incur large costs.

An important factor in obtaining an optimal sitting and use position with a wheelchair for every user is the position and position of the seat support relative to the ground. Incorrect positioning of the seat 15 and / or backrest with respect to the ground will result in an incorrect sitting posture and will also make operation and use of the wheelchair more difficult. Individual coordination thereof is therefore important, the more so since a wrong attitude can lead to undesired loads on the user, which may cause injuries and discomfort.

A third object of the invention is therefore a wheelchair whose position and position of the seat and backrest relative to the ground are easily adjustable for the individual user, which wheelchair is economical to manufacture and use and an ergonomically suitable sitting and use position is possible. makes. To this end, a wheelchair is characterized according to the invention by the measures according to claim 10.

By adjusting at least the front wheels of the wheelchair, the height and the angle at which the seat and backrest are arranged with respect to the ground can be adjusted.

in an advantageous embodiment, a wheelchair according to the invention is characterized by the measures according to claims 11-14.

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By adjusting both the front and rear wheels relative to the seat and back, both the angle enclosed by the seat and back with the ground and the height thereof above the ground can be adjusted individually, that is to say independently of each other.

Because the wheelbase changes with the adjustment of the height of the wheels, an optimum alignment of the wheelbase with the height of the wheelchair is always obtained, and thus the position of the center of gravity during use.

At a higher center of gravity, the wheelbase in a wheelchair according to this embodiment is larger than at a lower center of gravity, which has a stabilizing effect.

The known wheelchair has swiveling front wheels. A drawback of this known wheelchair is that the position of the wheel axle of each front wheel relative to the pivot axle is fixed. As a result, the wheelchair has the same steering and driving behavior in every use situation. The position of the wheel axles relative to the pivot axes is therefore a compromise between optimum maneuverability, for example for use of the wheelchair at home, and optimum stability and tracking, for example for use of the wheelchair at longer distances.

A fourth object of the invention is to provide a wheelchair in which the position of the wheel axle relative to the pivot axle is adjustable. This object is achieved with a wheelchair according to the invention with the aid of the measures according to claim 15.

Because the fork is pivotally connected via the second pivot means to the first pivot means, the position of the fork can be adjusted for the individual user. This can achieve at least two advantages.

First, the user can influence the driving behavior of the wheelchair if desired. Positioning the wheel axle closer to the extension of the first 35 axis of rotation provides more direct steering, increasing the distance between the wheel axis and the first axis of rotation makes driving the wheelchair straight ahead, 10 0 1 16 4 5, for example, use on longer distances become more pleasant. Secondly, in particular with a wheelchair according to any one of claims 10-14, the advantage is achieved that when the front and / or rear wheels are adjusted, the position of the wheel axles can be corrected, so that exactly the same steering behavior is maintained or can be maintained. adjusted.

The well-known wheelchair has fixed dimensions and a limited number of sizes are available. The same size of wheelchair 10 is therefore used for both large and small users, which means that only very rarely does a user have a wheelchair that is suitable for him or her in terms of dimensions. Changes to a wheelchair to adjust the dimensions are usually not possible and at least expensive in implementation. Moreover, such a wheelchair cannot be easily reused. In addition, such a necessary variety poses logistical and economic problems for at least the supplier.

A fifth object of the invention is therefore to provide a wheelchair in which, using a limited number of standard parts, different wheelchairs can be obtained which differ in one or a number of dimensions and are therefore easily adaptable to the individual user, can be manufactured economically and use and enable an ergonomically suitable sitting and use position. To that end, a wheelchair is characterized by the measures according to claim 17.

The adjustability of the frame of the wheelchair in both width and length offers the possibility for each individual user to obtain optimum dimensions of the frame of the wheelchair, while use can always be made of substantially the same standard parts.

In a first further elaboration, such a wheelchair is characterized by the measures according to claim 18. As a result, any length of the frame is available, wherein only the coupling pieces to be accommodated between the sections differ from each other.

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In a second further elaboration, such a wheelchair is characterized by the measures according to claim 19. Because the connecting frame is adjustable in width, a variety of wheelchair widths can be obtained with the same standard connecting frame.

Moreover, a wheelchair according to the invention is preferably characterized by the measures according to claim 20. As a result, transport and storage of the wheelchair can be carried out in a simple manner, while a stable and form-retaining wheelchair that is easy to operate is nevertheless obtained.

In stepping use of the known wheelchair there is a danger that when a foot is moved under the seat the foot or the back of the leg comes into contact with a frame part, in particular a connecting part thereof.

15 This is uncomfortable, increases the risk of injuries and also reduces ease of use because smaller step steps can be made.

A sixth object of the invention is therefore to provide a wheelchair which can be used in a simple and safe manner, in an ergonomically responsible manner. To that end, a wheelchair according to the invention is characterized by the measures according to claim 21.

Other advantageous embodiments of a wheelchair according to the invention are shown in the other claims and the description.

To illustrate the invention, an exemplary embodiment of a wheelchair will be described with reference to the drawing. In the drawing: Fig. 1 shows a side view of a wheelchair according to the invention, in a first position with the rear wheel removed; fig. 2 shows a side view of the wheelchair according to fig. 1 in a second position; fig. 3 is a rear view of a wheelchair according to fig. 1 and 2; Fig. 4 schematically shows a perspective view of a connecting frame of the wheelchair; 100 1 164 7 fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a seat, with the seat cushion removed; Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a seat and back, with mounted cushions; Fig. 7 is a rear view of a backrest, with a back cushion removed; Fig. 8 shows a top view of a backrest according to Fig. 7, with the back cushion placed; FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional front view 10 of a front wheel suspension; and FIG. 10 is a side view of the suspension of FIG. 9.

A wheelchair as shown in Figures 1 - 3 comprises a support frame 1, 15 built up from a number of tubular profiles, the construction of which will be explained in more detail, two large rear wheels 2, two pivotally arranged small front wheels 3, a seat 4 and a backrest 5, footrests 6 and handles 7.

The supporting frame 1 comprises two approximately identical parts 8, which are arranged approximately parallel to one another. Each frame part 8 comprises two seat tubes 9a, 9b which extend approximately horizontally and approximately parallel to each other in the position shown in Fig. 1. The upper seat tube 9a is continued at the rear via an upwardly directed first bend 10. An armrest connects to this first bend 10, for example (fig. 1-3). A back tube 11 is mounted near the bend 10 via a set of toothed rings 100, which extends behind or next to the backrest 5 and can enclose an angle with the vertical, preferably such that the back tube 11, when viewed in the direction of travel, leans slightly backwards. The angle of the back tubes 11 is adjustable with the aid of the toothed rings 100. At the top, the back tube 11 is connected to a handle 7 which extends backwards. At the front, the upper seat tube 9a is continued via a downwardly directed second bend 13 into a footrest tube 14.

The footrest tube 14 encloses an angle with the vertical, such that the underside of the footrest tube 14 is located before the second bend 13. Near the bottom, the footrest tube 14 is provided with a folding footrest 6 which is suspended freely above the ground.

Near the first bend 10, a wheel frame 16 is attached to the top seat tube. The wheel frame 16 comprises two support beams 17 extending approximately parallel to each other and at right angles to the upper seat tube 9a, which are connected near the bottom by a cross bar 18.

The beams are provided at regular intervals with 10 mounting holes 19 through which a wheel plate 20 can be fixed. The wheel plate 20 is provided with a central opening 12 in which a rear wheel 2 is mounted. The lower seat tube 9b extends backward from the footrest tube 14 to the front support beam 17.

The seat tubes 9, an optional armrest, the footrest tube 14 and the wheel frame 16 of each frame part 8 lie substantially in one plane, which plane extends approximately vertically. The wheel plate 20 is shaped such that the rear wheel 2 encloses an angle with said vertical plane, such that the distance between the two rear wheels 20 is greater near the ground than near the top. This increases the stability of the wheelchair.

The frame parts 8 are mutually connected by a connecting frame 21 (fig. 3 and 4) which is designed such that the wheelchair can be folded up. The connecting frame 21 comprises two upper connecting rods 22, one on the side facing the front of the wheelchair and one near the rear, and one lower connecting rod 23, near the rear approximately directly below the rear upper connecting rod 22. Each connecting rod 22, 23 essentially consists of two approximately identical connecting frame halves 24 hingedly connected in a mirrored position at a center pivot point 25 near the vertical longitudinal center plane of the wheelchair. The end of each connecting frame half 24 remote from the center hinge point 25 is connected in a frame hinge point 26 to a frame half 8. The hinge axes of the center hinge points 25 and frame hinge points 26 are parallel to each other and to located in the longitudinal direction of the wheelchair, such that when the middle pivot points 25 move upwards relative to the frame pivot points 26, the latter are pulled together. In this way the frame halves 8 can be moved towards each other, whereby the width of the wheelchair is considerably reduced.

The upper and lower center hinge points 25 located near the rear of the wheelchair are mutually connected by a guide rod 27 which is provided in a central area with a guide slot 28. At some distance from the lower center hinge point 25, each lower connecting frame half 24 is provided with an auxiliary pivot 29 in which an angled bracket 30 is pivotally mounted. The ends of the brackets 30 remote from the connecting frame halves 24 are pivotally connected to each other through the guide slot 28 by a coupling bolt 31. This arrangement of the guide rod 27 and brackets 30 ensures that the two frame halves 8 are parallel remain together, in any position of the center hinge points 25. Moreover, this limits the freedom of movement of the center hinge points 25 in the vertical direction. If the coupling bolt 31 is located at the top of the guide slot 28, the connection frame 21 has the maximum width, if the coupling bolt 31 is located at the bottom of the guide slot 28, the connection frame 21, and therefore the wheelchair, has the minimum width. The guide rod 27 therefore prevents sagging of the connecting frame 21.

The upper connecting rods 22 are mutually connected by three longitudinal rods 32. The middle longitudinal rod connects the upper central pivot points 25 and extends in line with the pivot axes thereof. The wheelchair can essentially be folded up by pulling this length bar 32 up. The length bars 32 also give the connecting frame sufficient rigidity in the horizontal direction.

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Each connecting frame half 24 is composed of an outer tube 34 connected to a center pivot point 25 and a slidable inner tube 35 fitting within the outer tube 34 connected to a frame pivot point 26.

The inner tube 35 can be secured through holes in the respective parts by means of, for example, an adjusting bolt (not shown) in different longitudinal positions with respect to the outer tube 34. As a result, the maximum width of the connecting frame 21 can easily be adapted to individual wishes and requirements of users.

Each frame half 8 is made up of a front section 36 and a rear section 37. For this purpose, the seat tubes 9a, 9b are divided near the center, in one of the sections 36, 37 a guide stub 38 is provided within each of the seat tube halves, has an outer section substantially corresponding to the inner section of the respective seat tube 9a, 9b. The other section can be slid over these two tube stubs 38 so that the length of the seat tubes 9a, 9b can be changed. With the aid of 20 adjusting screws 39, both sections 36, 37 can then be fixed in the desired position on the tube stubs 38 through holes in the respective parts, so that the desired length of the wheelchair can be adjusted. A filling tube 15 can be fitted around the tube stubs 38 between the facing ends of the sections 36, 37, such that at least visually the seat tubes 9a, 9b run through.

Therefore, with the aid of the connecting frame 21 and the guide stubs 38, both the width and the length of the wheelchair can be adapted to the needs of the user.

Near the front of the wheelchair, the top 9a and bottom seat tube 9b are connected by a front wheel tube 40 enclosing an angle with the vertical which in the embodiment shown is slightly smaller than the angle between the footrest tube 14 and the vertical. Within each front wheel tube 40 a sliding piece 41 is slidably received, which sliding piece 41 can be fixed in different shifted positions, such as

10 0 1 1 6 A

11 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, which show two positions. The slider 41 includes a first part 42 that can extend within the front wheel tube 40, and a second part 43 that includes an angle with the first part, which angle approximately corresponds to the angle that the front wheel tube encloses with the vertical. In the embodiment shown, these angles are approximately 66 °. The second part 43 of the sliding piece 41 in the mounted state thereby extends approximately perpendicularly to the seat tubes 9a, 9b.

Each front wheel 3 is included in a fork 44 which is provided at the top with a pivot 45. The pivot point defines a vertical axis of rotation D during use, the arms 46 of the fork enclosing an angle with the vertical. The axle 47 of the front wheel is therefore, viewed in the horizontal direction, not directly below the pivot point 45 but somewhat adjacent to it. The angle enclosed by the fork 44 with the vertical and the length of the fork 44 determine the horizontal distance between the pivot point and the shaft 47, and thus the steering behavior of the wheelchair, if this distance is small, the wheelchair becomes unstable in its steering behavior, if the distance is great, it becomes difficult to steer through a bend. In addition, it is important that the axis of rotation D is vertical as much as possible, because this makes the control lighter and, moreover, wear is prevented.

If the rear wheels 2 remain in the same position with respect to the wheel frames 16 and the length adjustment of the sliding pieces 41 within the front wheel tubes 40, the position of the wheelchair will change. The wheelchair will tilt backwards when sliding the sliding piece 41 and forward when it is retracted. This makes it possible to adjust the angle of inclination of the seat and the backrest, for example, which can have ergonomic advantages. In such a tilt, the rotation axis D of the front wheels would also tilt, which is disadvantageous as described. Therefore, on the second part 43 of the sliding piece 41, a tilting mechanism 48 is provided with which, after a sliding of the sliding piece 41, the rotation axis D can be brought back into a vertical position.

The tilting mechanism 48 is arranged on the side of the pivot 45 remote from the fork 44. Each tilting mechanism 48 includes a leg 49 which is near a first end with the aid of var. a tilting axis 50 pivotally connected horizontally and perpendicular to the direction of travel of the wheelchair is connected to the second part 43 of the sliding piece 41. The opposite second end of the leg 10 is connected to the pivot 45. By pivoting the leg 49 around the tilt axis 50, therefore, the position of the axis of rotation D can be adjusted. An eccentric 51 is included between the tilting axis 50 and the pivot 45 for pivoting and securing the leg.

The eccentric 51 comprises a pivot pin 53 extending through an opening in the second part 43 of the sliding piece 41 with a relatively large cross-section and with a head 54 with a larger cross-section. The head 54 of the pivot pin 53 abuts a first side 55 of the second part 43 remote from the leg 49. The end of the pivot pin 53 opposite the head 54 lies approximately flush with that of the first side 55 of the second part 43 facing away from the second side 56 of the second part 43 of the sliding piece 41. in the pivot pin 54 a hole is drilled eccentrically, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pivot pin 54, through which a bolt 57 extends. This bolt 57 rests with its head 58 against the outside of the head 54 of the pivot pin 53. The threaded opposite end extends through an appropriate slot 52 in the leg 49. At the end of the slider 41 the leg 49 is screwed a nut 58 onto the bolt 57. When the pivot pin 53 is rotated, the bolt 57 moves along the axis of rotation of the pivot pin 53 and through the slot 52. As a result, the leg 49 is pivoted about the tilt axis 50 located at a distance from the bolt 57 and the axis of rotation of the pivot pin 53, which makes it easy to adjust the angle of the axis of rotation D with the vertical.

After the angle has been adjusted (preferably 0 ° with the 100 1 164 13 vertical), the nut 58 and the bolt 57 can be tightened together in order to fix the position.

With the aid of the wheel plate 20, the height of the axle of each rear wheel 2 can be adjusted relative to the wheel frame 16. For this purpose, the mounting bolts must be removed from the mounting holes 19 and re-fixed in other, desired mounting holes 19. This also influences the inclination of the wheelchair, whereby the inclination and / or the position of the rotary axes D can optionally be adjusted in the manner described above. With the aid of mainly the wheel plates 20, the wheel frames 16, the sliding pieces 41 and the front wheel tubes 40, the angle of inclination as well as the height of the wheelchair can therefore be easily adjusted, whereby the position of the rotation axes D of the front wheel clevises 44 can always be adjusted thereon. are adjusted using the eccentrics, which is important for tracking the front wheels.

Because the front wheel tube 40 is tilted backwards in the direction of travel, the advantage is achieved that with a height adjustment of the wheelchair the length of the wheel base also changes, the front wheel is set "higher", ie the sliding piece 41 is extended further, then the wheelbase longer. A higher-adjusted wheelchair therefore becomes more stable, which benefits the safety of the user.

The preferably detachable seat 4 comprises a seat edge 60 carried by the upper seat tubes 9a, which leaves a central opening 61 free. A hinge 62 is mounted on the front part of the seat edge 60, with which a flap 63 is mounted tiltably within the opening 61 in the seat edge. The flap 63 is supported near the side remote from the hinge 62 by a carrying strap 65 fastened to the longitudinal sides 64 of the seat edge 61. This carrying strap 65 can be made somewhat elastic and is adjustable in length 35, for instance with the aid of a clamping buckle 66 If the carrying strap 65 has a minimum length, which means that it extends over the opening in approximately horizontal direction, then the flap 63 lies approximately horizontally above the opening 61. if the length of the carrying strap 65 is increased then these will sag, causing the valve 64 to tilt within the opening 61. In other words, with the aid of the carrying strap 65, the angle of inclination α of the valve 64 can be adjusted.

A seat cushion 67 is placed on the seat edge 60, the flap 64 and the carrying strap 65, for instance consisting of a first layer of foam 68 with a relatively high density and a second layer of foam 69 with a relatively low density applied thereto. When using the wheelchair, a user will sit on the seat cushion 67. The foam layers thereby spring somewhat. When the carrying strap 65 is fully tightened, the valve 64 is approximately flush with the seat edge 60 and 15, the user does not actually experience a seat angle other than the angle that exists due to the angle of inclination of the wheelchair. If the carrying strap 65 is set less tightly, the seat cushion will sink slightly along with the valve 64. As a result, a relatively greater angle of inclination of the seat is obtained. Moreover, by making the carrying strap somewhat elastic, the resilience and damping capacity of the wheelchair is advantageously influenced for the user. The use of the flap 64 and the carrying strap 65 offers a simple and economical increase in the ergonomic value of the wheelchair 25 and, moreover, in the ease of use and operation. The seat is comfortable and easy to use. Incidentally, the valve 64 can also be designed in other ways, for instance as a number of straps extending between the front of the seat edge 60 and the carrying strap 65.

The backrest 5 is provided with a backrest edge 70 which is fixed against the back tubes 11. Between the top 71 and bottom 72 of the backrest edge 70 a number of straps 73 are tensioned, in the exemplary embodiment shown two. Each strap is adjustable in length by means of a strap tensioner 74, and moreover is preferably built up from a first elastic part 75 and a second, non-elastic portion 76. With the aid of strap tensioners 74, the straps 73 can be 16 4 15 can be adjusted in length in a manner comparable to the support strap 65 of the seat 4, so that the deflection thereof can be adjusted under load. In addition, the elastic first part 75 provides more comfort. A back cushion 77 is provided against the backrest edge 70 and has a construction similar to the seat cushion 67. Since two straps 73 are placed approximately parallel to each other, each of the straps being individually adjustable in length, the compression of the left and right half of the backrest 5 can be controlled separately, so that the shape and deformation of the back cushion 77 can be set individually per user and at any time. For example, for people with irregularly shaped back parts and / or a high risk of sitting or lying (pressure ulcers), this is particularly advantageous because optimal pressure distribution can be provided. Incidentally, the seat 4 can also be provided with two or more straps in a comparable manner, if desired, instead of or next to the valve 64.

In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the or each band 73 is also laterally slidable, such that the intermediate distance between each band and the longitudinal edges or any other bands can be adjusted. This makes the shape of the support surface even more controllable.

In order to offer the user even more comfort and support, the backrest 5 is further provided with an adjustable lumbar support 78. This is formed by a lumbar belt 80, which also extends between the sides 79 of the backrest edge 70, and which is also provided with a belt tensioner 74. The lumbar belt 80 is attached to the sides 79 by means of bolts and two sliding nuts incorporated in slide rails 81. Each of the ends of the lumbar band 80 is adjustable along the respective slide rail 81 and can be locked in any position. As a result, it is possible to shift the lumbar belt both straight along the plane of the backrest 5, up and down, as well as to have it enclose an angle with the horizontal. In other words, for a user, the lumbar support 80, and thus the lumbar support 78, can be adjusted higher and lower, both simultaneously on the 100 1 164 16 left and right sides and separately on one side, so that the lumbar support can be adjusted to the individual user. are being adjusted. In combination with the straps 73 which are adjustable in vertical direction, the shape of the back cushion 77 can therefore be ideally adapted to the individual user with the aid of the lumbar support 78, which is particularly advantageous for users with a different back geometry.

The sides 79 of the backrest edge 70 are bent slightly forwards to increase the lateral support for the user, so that the backrest 5 is somewhat tub-shaped. The seat 4 can be similarly tub-shaped.

A wheelchair according to the invention can be used as follows.

Two frame parts 8 are composed of a front 36 and rear section 37, a filling tube being arranged between the sections 36, 37, over the respective guide stubs 38 for adjusting the length of the frame parts 8 depending on the intended user of the wheelchair. A connecting frame 21 is then assembled, the desired width of which is adjusted with the aid of the outer tubes 34 and inner tubes 35, again depending on the intended user. This connecting frame 21 is assembled with the frame parts 8 to form the supporting frame 1.

On either side of the carrier frame 1, a wheel plate 20 is mounted on the relevant wheel frame 16 at a height dependent on the intended user. Then a standard size rear wheel 2 is mounted in each wheel plate 20. These wheels can be provided with drive hoops.

A sliding piece 41 is mounted in each front wheel tube 40, to which a standard front wheel 3 is always rotatably attached. The eccentric 51 is positioned in the slider 41. The slider 41 is adjusted in height by sliding within the front wheel tube 40, such that a desired angle of the support frame 1 is obtained. This desired angle will depend, for example, on the intended user. Subsequently, with the aid of the eccentric 51 in the manner described above, the position of the fork 44 in which the front wheel 3 is received is adjusted such that the axis of rotation D extends in approximately vertical direction, after which the eccentric 51 is fixed using the adjusting bolt 57 and matching nut. This provides a completely individually adjusted wheelchair chassis.

A seat 4 is mounted on the seat tubes 9, whereby the length of the or each carrying strap 65 is adjusted, such that a comfortable seating area suitable for the intended user is obtained. Similarly, a backrest 5 is fitted against the back tubes n, the straps 73 and the lumbar support 78 of which are suitably adjusted such that the shape of the backrest 5 is optimal for the intended user. Furthermore, the wheelchair can be provided with, for example, arm rests and a headrest and such accessories. In this way a completely individually adjusted wheelchair is obtained, which is built up from standard parts, which is advantageous both economically and ergonomically.

During use of the wheelchair by the user it can be driven by rotation of the rear wheels, for instance with the aid of the hoops. However, it is also possible to scooter with this wheelchair. In addition, this wheelchair has the advantage over known wheelchairs that the support frame does not hinder such a stepping movement. This can be understood as follows.

During stepping, at least one of the feet and a part of the associated leg of the user always comes under the seat. Because the connecting frame 21 of a wheelchair according to the invention only has a rear lower connecting rod, the reach under the seat near the front of the wheelchair is, therefore, in the area where the or each foot and the leg of the user are intermittent during scooters. will be free from obstructions.

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As a result, the user is not hindered by the support frame when stepping. Incidentally, it is of course also possible to drive the wheelchair in other ways, for instance by means of a motor, by pushing or by means of a lever drive.

It can be folded for transporting the wheelchair. For this purpose, the seat and backrest are removed or at least pivoted away, after which the middle longitudinal bar 32 is engaged and pulled up. As a result, the two frame parts 8 are moved towards each other and the wheelchair becomes easily transportable. The reverse order is followed to prepare the wheelchair for use from this position. The wheelchair preferably locks itself in the position of use.

In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the angle of the front wheel clevis can also be adjusted during use, for instance with the aid of a lever, while the axis of rotation D is kept approximately vertical. As a result, during use a switch can be made from an "interior position" 20 in which the wheelchair is maneuverable because the front wheel fork extends approximately vertically and an "outside position" in which the fork encloses an angle with the vertical, so that the wheelchair tracks well. For this purpose use can be made of the described eccentric or an additional second pivot point can be included with a rotation axis approximately parallel to the wheel axis and located between the eccentric and the wheel axis.

The invention is by no means limited to the embodiments shown and described. Many modifications thereof are possible. For example, the frame parts can be constructed differently, for instance wholly or partly from plate parts, the wheel frames can be designed differently and the footrest tube and the front wheel tube can be combined, furthermore, for example, the seat and backrest can be integrated and the wheelchair can be fixed, i.e. say not to be carried out foldable. Other types of tilting mechanisms and height adjustment means can be used for the front wheels, for example screw pieces. These and many other variations are understood to fall within the scope of the invention.

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Claims (21)

Wheelchair provided with at least two rear wheels, two front wheels, a carrying frame, a seat and a backrest, characterized in that a body supporting means, in particular the seat, comprises a supporting frame 5 and one on a first side cushion arranged therefrom, the support frame having a longitudinal edge which at least partly surrounds a central opening, a flap being connected to a first side of the longitudinal edge via srv kidney means, which flap having a surface which is smaller than the surface area of the opening wherein adjusting means are provided for adjusting the angle enclosing the valve with the plane defined by at least a part of the longitudinal edge of the supporting frame, all such that the valve can extend at least partly within the opening during use and at least partially carries the pad, the pad conforming to the position of the valve in shape. 2. Wheelchair as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the adjusting means comprise at least one carrying strap, which carrying strap connects two opposite second sides of the longitudinal edge, extends approximately parallel to the first side of the longitudinal edge, at a distance from the hinge means. at least partly carries the valve and is adjustable in length by means of adjusting means, such that the position of the valve is adjustable by changing the length of the carrying strap. 3. Wheelchair as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the adjusting means comprise at least one carrying strap, which carrying strap connects two opposite second sides of the longitudinal edge, extends approximately parallel to the first side of the longitudinal edge at a distance from the hinge means. , the valve bears at least partly and is at least partly elastic. 100 1 16 4 4. Wheelchair provided with at least two rear wheels, two front wheels, a support frame, a seat and a backrest, optionally according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a body supporting means, in particular the backrest, comprises a support frame and a cushion arranged on a first side thereof, the support frame having a longitudinal edge which at least partly surrounds a central opening, at least one carrying strap being provided between two opposite sides of the longitudinal edge, the length of the or each carrying strap being adjustable, such that during use the cushion is at least partly worn by the or each carrying strap and conforms to it in shape. Wheelchair as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that at least two first carrying straps are provided which extend at a distance from each other and during use between two opposite, approximately horizontally extending first sides of the longitudinal edge, the length of each first strap can be adjusted independently of the length of the 20 or any other strap. 6. Wheelchair as claimed in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that at least one first carrying strap has at least one attachment point near the longitudinal edge which is movable along the plane defined by the longitudinal edge in a direction approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the relevant first carrying strap . Wheelchair as claimed in claims 4-6, characterized in that the or a carrying strap extends between two second sides of the longitudinal edge during use approximately in a horizontal direction as a lumbar strap, which is adjustable in length. Wheelchair as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the or each lumbar belt to be referred to as a carrying strap has an attachment point adjustable in the longitudinal direction of said second side, at least approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the lumbar belt, near each respective second side. Wheelchair as claimed in any of the foregoing claims 2-8, characterized in that at least some of the carrying straps are at least partly made of elastic material. 10 0 1 16 4 n O 10. Wheelchair provided with at least two rear wheels, two front wheels, a support frame, a seat and a backrest, optionally according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support frame, viewed in the direction of travel of the wheelchair, near the front is provided with adjusting means for adjusting the distance between the seat and the axis of rotation of the front wheels, measured in at least vertical direction. 11. Wheelchair as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the adjusting means on either side of the wheelchair comprise a front wheel tube, in which a sliding piece is always slidably fitted inside or around the front wheel tube and can be secured in different length-shifted positions, each sliding piece carries a front wheel, all this in such a way that the height of the supporting frame, seat and backrest and / or the angle of inclination thereof can be adjusted with respect to the ground by means of adjustment of the front wheels. 12. Wheelchair as claimed in claim 10 or li, characterized in that the carrying frame, viewed in the direction of travel of the wheelchair, is provided on both sides with a wheel frame on which a rear wheel can be mounted, wherein the wheel frame is provided with a series of fasteners one above the other. the position in the substantially vertical direction of the relevant wheel relative to the wheel frame being adjustable by a suitable choice of the fastening means to be used, all this such that by means of adjustment of the rear wheels the height of the supporting frame, seat and the backrest and / or the angle of inclination thereof with respect to the ground can be adjusted. Wheelchair according to claim 12, characterized in that the wheel frame comprises two tube, bar or plate parts extending approximately parallel to each other, each comprising a series of holes arranged at preferably regular mutual distances, each rear wheel is mounted on a wheel plate that is attachable through at least one hole in each pipe, rod or plate section using 100 1 164 2 3 fasteners such as bolts. Wheelchair as claimed in any of the claims 10-13, characterized in that the adjusting means for the front and / or rear wheels are arranged such that when the front and / or rear wheels are adjusted in a vertical direction to a greater height. distance between the rotational axes of the front and rear wheels increases and, when adjusted to a smaller height, decreases. Wheelchair provided with at least two rear wheels, two front wheels, a supporting frame, a seat and a backrest, optionally according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each front wheel is accommodated via a wheel axle in a fork which is and second pivot means is connected to the support frame, the first pivot means defining a first axis of rotation which crosses the wheel axis substantially at right angles and the second pivot means a second axis of rotation extending substantially parallel to the wheel axis, the second pivot means being 20 adapted to pivot the fork about the second axis of rotation to adjust the position of the wheel axis relative to the first axis of rotation. 16. Wheelchair as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that the second pivoting means comprise an eccentric at a distance from the second axis of rotation. 17. Wheelchair provided with at least two rear wheels, two front wheels, a carrying frame, a seat and a backrest, optionally according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrying frame is designed such that at least the length and the width are adjustable. Wheelchair as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that the supporting frame comprises two substantially equal frame halves, each frame half consisting of a front and a rear section, which sections can be coupled via 35 coupling pieces, the coupling pieces being the mutual distance between the sections of determine the respective frame halves and thus the length of the frame halves. 100 1 164 Wheelchair as claimed in claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the two frame halves are mutually connected by a connecting frame provided with adjusting means for just adjusting the width thereof. Wheelchair as claimed in claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the connecting frame is collapsible in a substantially vertical direction, such that the two frame halves are movable towards each other in an approximately vertical position. 21. Wheelchair, provided with at least two rear wheels, two front wheels, a carrying frame, a seat and a backrest, optionally according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrying frame comprises two substantially equal frame halves which are a connecting frame, viewed in the direction of travel, are connected near the rear, whereby near the front of the wheelchair the space under the seat is free, at least the space in which a user sitting in the wheelchair moves with his or her leg or legs in order to touch the floor under the seat. 100 1 164