NL1033700C2 - Transport aid for descending or climbing a staircase. - Google Patents

Description

Short description: Transport aid for descending or climbing a staircase.

The invention relates to a transport aid device which is adapted to descend or climb a staircase with a single patient sitting in the transport aid device. When descending the stairs, and also when ascending the stairs, this transport aid device is manageable and / or operable by at least one assistant walking on the stairs at the transport aid device. In the professional world, such transport devices are offered, for example, as a sedan chair or as an "ambulance chair", for example for transporting a patient to an ambulance, for example by ambulance personnel, or "evacuation chair" as a rescue device in buildings.

In the context of the application, a patient is understood to mean any person who is unable / unwilling to descend or climb the stairs on her own and is therefore transported with the transport aid device.

The known transport auxiliary devices are not universally usable and, for example, cause problems when using stairs with one or more bends or spiral staircases.

The first aspect of the invention aims to provide an improved transport assistance device.

A further object of the first aspect of the invention is to provide a transport aid device which is advantageous when used on a staircase with one or more bends.

The first aspect of the invention achieves one or more of the aforementioned objects by providing a transport aid device according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the seat assembly is supported on the frame of the chassis via a pivot bearing, which pivot bearing makes it possible that the seat assembly Λ T 7 7 Λ Λ -2- is turned relative to the frame when descending / climbing the stairs. This makes it possible to give the seat assembly, and thus the patient, a suitable position relative to the undercarriage during descent / ascent and also to change this position during transport.

The pivot bearing is preferably embodied such that when descending a staircase with a bend the seat assembly can already be turned in the direction of the bend relative to the undercarriage when approaching the bend. This makes it possible to pass relatively tight bends, without problems with the transportation aid device getting stuck in the bend and / or colliding the patient with a wall, railing or other obstacle.

In a preferred embodiment of the transport aid device, it is provided that there are two assistants who assist in descending a staircase with a patient. It is herein preferred that the undercarriage is provided with handling and / or operating means which are adapted for handling and / or operation by an assistant walking down a stairway behind the transport assistance device, while the seat assembly is provided with handling - and / or operating means which are adapted for handling and / or operation by an assistant person walking down a staircase for the transport assistance device.

For example, the seat assembly is provided with one or more handles for the front person - when descending - so that the person can turn the seat assembly relative to the base supported on the stairs. One or more of such handles may form part of a footrest structure of the seat assembly.

It is furthermore particularly provided that the system of one or more wheels and / or belts is arranged such that the effective length of the system - seen in the direction of descending / ascending the stairs - is variable.

-3-

The system is preferably arranged in such a way that that effective length is greatest when descending / ascending a straight part of a staircase and smallest when passing a bend in a staircase, whereby the variation of the effective length can then be carried out while the frame - soot the patient while seated in the seat assembly - rests on the stairs.

As a result, for example, when descending a staircase with a substantially straight section followed by a bend, the effective length when descending the straight section can be set to the largest effective length and when approaching the bend in the stair the effective length of the system to the smallest effective length.

15

In a preferred embodiment the system comprises two belt carriers on each side of the undercarriage, each with a belt, the belt carriers being displaceable relative to each other, so that in the extended position the belt carriers are substantially pushed apart and have the largest effective length of the belt. system and in a retracted position a smaller, or even smallest, working length of the system.

A second aspect of the invention also concerns the problems that are experienced when a staircase with a bend is descended with known conveying aids.

The second aspect of the invention has for its object to propose an improved transport assistance device.

30

To that end, the second aspect of the invention provides a transport aid device according to the preamble of claim 21, characterized in that the system is arranged such that - when descending a staircase with a substantially straight section followed by a bend - the effective length at the descent of the straight part is adjustable to the greatest effective length and when approaching the bend in the stairs the effective length of the system is adjustable to a smaller effective length. This solution is preferably combined with the features of the first aspect of the invention. This solution can optionally also be applied in a transport aid device in which the seat rests on the chassis in an unchangeable orientation in the direction of travel.

The second aspect of the invention also provides a transport aid device according to the preamble of claim 24, characterized in that the chassis is arranged such that - when descending or ascending an inclined part of a staircase with a patient sitting on the chair - the The effective length of the system supporting the stairs is adjustable between a larger and smaller effective length while the system continues to lean on the sloping part of the stairs during that adjustment.

15

It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the various aspects of the invention can be used in combination, as will also be apparent from the following explanation of the invention with reference to the drawing. It shows: 20

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an example of a transport aid device according to the invention;

FIG. 1a shows a detail of the bearing arrangement of the seat assembly relative to the frame in the device of FIG. 1, FIG. 2a, 2b show diagrammatically in side view the undercarriage of the transport aid device of figure 1 during the descent of a staircase or with the belt carriers on each side in the extended position and in the retracted position;

FIG. 3a, b show in side view and top view the undercarriage of the transport assistance device of figure 1 in the extended position;

FIG. 4a, b show in side view and top view the undercarriage of the transport aid device of figure 1 in the retracted position.

The aspects of the invention will be explained with reference to the figures.

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Figure 1 shows a transport aid device 1 which is adapted to descend or climb a staircase with a single patient sitting in the transport aid device. The device 1 hereby drives over the stairs when descending or ascending.

5

The device 1 has a chassis 10 with a frame 11 and with a system of one or more wheels and / or belts that can be supported on the stairs. The figures show an example of such a chassis. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that this chassis, in particular in combination with the first aspect of the invention, can also be of a very different design.

A chair assembly 20 is supported on the frame 11 and has a patient chair with a seat 21 and a backrest 22.

15

The chair assembly 20 further comprises, as preferred, armrests 24, and, as a further preferred option, a footrest construction 23, which is adjustable in height here. Furthermore, a headrest 25 is provided here, which may be adjustable in height.

Preferably, the entire seat assembly 20 can be folded together, so that the folded seat assembly takes up little space.

The backrest 22 is provided with a lower portion 22a and an upper portion 22b, which are connected via a hinge 22c. This makes it possible to fold the backrest 22 together. The lower part is connected to the seat via hinge 22d, so that the backrest 22 can be folded on top of the seat 21. Preferably, the headrest is also hinged to the backrest.

In this example it is further provided that the armrests 24 have telescopic supports 24a, which are arranged on the side of the seat 21 and are provided with a hinge 24b.

When collapsing, the supports 24a can be retracted and then pivoted, so that both armrests 24 come to lie on top of the collapsed backrest.

The chair assembly 20 thus forms part of the device 1 and is adapted to transport the patient in the sitting position.

The seat assembly 20 is supported via a pivot bearing 30 on the frame 11 of the chassis 10, here on a frame part 11a which is located under the seat 21.

10

The pivot bearing 30 makes it possible for the chair assembly 20 to be turned to the left or right while the patient is sitting in the chair while descending / ascending the stairs relative to the chassis 10. The pivot bearing 30 transfers the weight of the assembly 20 and the patient to the chassis 10. The pivot bearing 30 forms a pivot axis 31 which is approximately vertical when the device 1 is used, the exact position of said pivot 31 not being critical as long as the "left and right rotation of the seat assembly" but can be realized.

20

For example, the axis of rotation 31 is substantially parallel to the backrest 22. It could also be stated that the axis of rotation 31 is preferably approximately perpendicular to the seat 22. The pivot bearing 30 could also be further down relative to the seat 21 and / or further back.

It will be clear that the pivot bearing 30 can have all kinds of embodiments. A kind of bearing bush is shown in the drawing, but other solutions are of course also conceivable.

30

Figure 1a shows a further pivot bearing 40, in particular between the part 11c extending behind the backrest 22 and any headrest 25 - here as a more or less vertical rod - of the frame 11 of the chassis 10 on the one hand and the seat assembly 20 on the other. That pivot bearing 40, of which several could also be provided, supports the seat assembly 20 at a distance above the pivot bearing 30 below the seat 21, for example near the headrest, and thereby provides additional stability.

With this pivot bearing 40, the higher part of the chair assembly 5 is guided and supported. An arc-shaped rails 41, for example behind the headrest, are attached to the seat assembly 20 here with a curvature geared to the axis of rotation 31. The neighboring part of the chassis, here the rod 11c, is provided with a sliding member 42 cooperating with the rail 41, that in this example can be slid into the rails 41 in a guide slot. The arcuate rails 41 may optionally be foldable for the purpose of collapsing the seat assembly.

The rod 11c is preferably collapsible and / or telescopic. In this example, part 11a is pivotally mounted on the rod 11c, for further reduction of the volume in storage position.

Figure 1 schematically indicates that one or more handles 26 are provided on the chair assembly 20, preferably on the footrest construction 23.

On the frame part 11c are one or more handling and / or operating members, here a handle member with operating buttons not shown (will be further explained), for handling and / or operating by a conveyor following device 1 when descending a staircase assistant person.

The one or more handles 26 are arranged such that they can be grasped by a second assistant person, who person walks down the stairs for the transport aid device or can at least take place there.

As the figures show schematically, the pivot bearing 30, for example, offers the possibility of descending a staircase with a substantially straight section followed by a bend to the right, the second person already pivots the chair assembly 20 to the right, while the chassis 10 is still on the straight part of the stairs.

-8-

This allows tight turns to be taken without getting stuck against the wall or other obstacles and without bumping into the wall or obstacle with (for example, one leg of) the patient.

It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the possibility of turning the chair assembly 20 relative to the chassis 10 can be utilized in all sorts of other situations, for example with spiral staircases (with a continuous bend), with tight bends in a corridor or the like.

In a possible, preferred embodiment, the invention provides that the transport assistance device 1 can be divided into two parts, namely the chassis 10 and the seat assembly 20. This is particularly advantageous for storage (for example in an ambulance) ). To that end, it is provided in that option that an operable clutch is present (not shown) which makes it possible for an assistant to disconnect the seat assembly from the chassis, for example by operating a lever or button connected to the clutch.

For example, it is conceivable that the pivot bearing 30 comprises a first and a second pivot bearing part, integral with the seat assembly 20 and the chassis 10, respectively, which first and second pivot bearing part are releasable from each other by operation of a disengaging mechanism by an assistant person.

25

A preferred embodiment of the chassis 10 will now be explained with reference to the drawing.

The chassis 10 shown has a system of running wheels and belts for driving over the stairs. In motor-driven form, those belts are also referred to as "crawlers" in English, while in the non-driven form, these belts are known as "slide belts". Often they are conventional V-belts that are used in an inwardly turned outward form, but other belts or switching structures are also conceivable.

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It can be seen in the drawing that the system has two belt carriers 50.51 on each side of the chassis 10, i.e. on the left and the right side, each having at least one belt 52.53.

The belt carriers 50 each have a body that carries two spaced apart rollers 50a, b and 51a, b around which the belt 52,53 concerned runs. Preferably, as shown here, a belt carrier has a belt guide structure between the associated rollers, for example a guide strip, along which a part of the belt runs, in particular for the part of the belt facing the stairs. In this example, such a guide strip is provided for both parts of the belt.

In the embodiment shown, the chassis has a central frame part 48, here with motors to be explained in more detail and a battery. The rod 11c is releasably attached to this central frame part 48. Furthermore, the two belt carriers 50 are part of a common subframe 49 and the two belt carriers 51 are each arranged on one side of that subframe, and here on the outside thereof.

20

The belt carriers 51 are guided for sliding back and forth in the longitudinal direction relative to that subframe between an extended position (Fig. 2a, Fig. 3a, b) and a retracted position (Fig. 2b, Fig.

4a, b). For example, a profile rail guide is provided. It is provided that one or more actuators, such as electric motors, are provided for effecting the movement of the belt carriers 51 between the extended and retracted position.

Preferably, as shown here, there is a free space between the belt carriers 51, which point preferably backwards when descending the stairs, so that the assistant person walking behind the device 1 can place his feet there.

Particularly because of the stability, it is preferred that the subframe with the belt carrier 50 just has a cross connection between the belt carriers near the running wheels 60.

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The belt carriers 51 form, as it were, an extension of the belt carriers 50 in the extension of the subframe, and thus the system then has a greatest effective length with which the system can support on a surface, in particular the stairs.

5

In the extended position of this example, the rollers 50b and 51a of adjacent belt carriers lie side by side. In this example it is provided that the belt carriers 51 can only assume their extreme position, and cannot stop at intermediate positions, so that only two discrete positions are provided. In other embodiments, possibly intermediate positions or stepless adjustment are possible.

The motors in the central frame part, preferably suitable electric motors, drive at least the belts of the belt carriers 50, and optionally also of the belt carriers 51 as preferred.

The subframe with the belt carriers 50 is pivotable with respect to the central frame part, as will be further explained.

20

The belt carriers 51 are also pivotable in the extended position relative to the central frame part 48.

In this example this pivotability is provided around a substantially horizontal pivot axis, here a common pivot axis 55 for the subframe with the two belt carriers 50 and each of the belt carriers 51. In this example, this axis 55 is located further back than the seat surface 21 , at a height near the seat 21, in this example slightly below.

30

At the end remote from the pivot axis 55, each belt carrier 50 is provided with a running wheel 60, here two discs next to or integral with the intermediate roller of the belt, with which the device 1 can also drive over a surface. The belt carriers 51 are each provided with a castor 61 at that end.

, I

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One or more actuators, for example suitable electric motors with associated transmission (not shown), are provided for hinging each of the belt carriers 50, 51 around axis 55.

In Figure 1, the belt carriers 50, 51 on each side of the device 1 are angled relative to each other, such that an inverted V-position is obtained so that the wheels 60, 61 can travel over a surface, for example in a corridor or on the street, for example if the patient is being driven to an ambulance.

10

In Figure 2a the belt carriers 50, 51 on each side of the device are arranged such that the belts are, as it were, aligned with each other and thus in fact form one long supporting surface on each side of the device 1.

15

The undercarriage shown also makes it possible to drive the device 1 in an ambulance or the like, in particular starting from the position according to figure 1. Preferably the ambulance is provided for this purpose with a liftable platform.

20

With this system of belts and wheels it is possible that the effective length of the system - seen in the direction of descending / ascending the stairs - is variable. This variation can be realized while the device continues to support on the stairs with the system.

In the position of Figure 2a, this effective length is greatest, while when the belt carriers are brought next to each other (Figure 7b), the effective length is the smallest. It will be clear that the large effective length has the advantage of good stability, while the smaller effective length is advantageous for maneuverability.

This adjustment of the effective length of the system of in particular the belt carriers 50, 51 is initialized by one of the assistants, preferably the person who walks behind the device 1.

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This adaptation can be utilized with particular advantage when descending a staircase with a substantially straight section followed by a bend, the effective length being greatest when descending / ascending a straight section of a staircase and then being reduced at approaching the bend.

In a preferred embodiment, one or more, preferably electric, drive motors are provided for driving one or more wheels 60 and / or, preferably, the belts 51. Furthermore, it is preferable to provide brakes or the motors as brakes to function.

It will be clear that if the device 1 is provided with one or more electric drive motors and / or actuators, the device is preferably provided with a battery.

Optionally, an actuator can be provided for effecting the rotational movement of the seat assembly, for example an electric motor, for example operable by an assistant person.

Optionally, a brake and / or blocking mechanism can be provided for braking and / or blocking the rotation of the seat assembly.

25 0 3 3 7 o n

Claims (24)

1. Transport assistance device adapted to descend or climb a staircase with a single patient sitting in the transport assistance device, which transport assistance device travels over the stairs when descending or ascending and then can be handled by at least one assistant person walking on the stairs during the transport assistance device and / or is operable, which transport aid device comprises: a chassis with a frame and with a system of one or more wheels and / or belts supported on the stairs, a chair assembly supported on the frame comprising a chair with a seat and a backrest for the patient, characterized in that the seat assembly is supported on a frame 20 of the undercarriage via a pivot bearing, which pivot bearing makes it possible for the seat assembly to be pivoted relative to the undercarriage when descending or ascending the stairs. 2. Transport aid device according to claim 1, wherein the pivot bearing is such that when descending or climbing a staircase with a bend the seat assembly can already be turned in the direction of the bend relative to the undercarriage when approaching the bend. Transport aid device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pivot bearing is located in the area below the seat of the seat assembly. 4. Transport aid device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the pivot bearing forms a pivot axis that is directed substantially perpendicular to the seat. n * x 7 η n -14- Transport aid device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein a controllable coupling is provided that makes it possible for an assistant to disconnect the seat assembly from the chassis. 5 6. Transport assistance device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the pivot bearing comprises a first pivot bearing part and a second pivot bearing part, integral with the seat assembly and the chassis, respectively, which first and second pivot bearing parts can be detached from each other by an assistant person. 7. Transport assistance device as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the system of one or more wheels and / or belts is arranged such that the effective length of the system - seen in the direction of descending or ascending the stairs - is variable is. 8. Transport aid device according to claim 7, wherein the effective length is variable such that this effective length is greatest when descending or ascending a straight part of a staircase and smallest when passing a bend in a staircase. 9. Transport assistance device as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the system is arranged such that its effective length is variable during the descent or ascent of a staircase, while the system remains supported on the staircase. 10. Transport assistance device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the system is arranged such that - when descending a staircase with a substantially straight section followed by a bend - the effective length when descending the straight section can be adjusted to a large effective length and when approaching the bend in the stairs, the effective length of the system is adjustable to a small effective length. 35-15 Transport aid device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the underframe comprises two belt carriers on each side with at least one belt each. 12. Transport aid device according to claim 11, wherein the belt carriers on each side of the undercarriage are displaceable relative to each other between an extended position in which the belt carriers define a large effective length of the system and in a retracted position in which the belt carriers have a smaller effective length. define 13. Transport assistance device as claimed in claim 12, wherein one or more actuators are provided for effecting the movement of the belt carriers between the extended and retracted position. 14. Transport assistance device as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the system comprises two belt carriers on each side of the undercarriage, each with a belt, which belt carriers are pivotable about a horizontal axis relative to the frame, preferably a common axis, such that the belt carriers can assume a position substantially in line with each other - and possibly be movable in that position relative to each other between an extended and retracted position -, and can assume a position in which the belt carriers assume an inverted V-position or the like . 15. Transport assistance device as claimed in claim 14, wherein one or more actuators are provided for the pivotal movement of the belt carriers. Transport aid device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein one or more drive motors are provided for driving one or more wheels and / or belts of the system. 35 17. Transport assistance device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the undercarriage is provided with handling and / or operating means which are adapted for handling and / or operation by a conveyor running behind the transport assistance device when descending a staircase. assistant person. Transport aid device as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the seat assembly is provided with handling and / or operating means which are adapted for handling and / or operation by an assistant person walking down a stairway for the transport aid device. 10 Transport aid device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the seat assembly comprises a footrest construction. Transport aid device according to claims 18 and 19, wherein the handling and / or operating means are integrated with the footrest construction. 21. Transport assistance device adapted for descending or climbing a staircase with a single patient sitting in the transport assistance device, which transport assistance device travels over the stairs during descent or ascent and can be handled and / or handled by at least one operator walking on the stairs during the transport assistance device. operable, which transport aid device comprises: a chassis with a frame as well as with a system of one or more wheels and / or belts supported on the stairs, 30. a chair assembly supported on the frame comprising a seat with a seat and a backrest for the patient, characterized in that the undercarriage is arranged such that - when descending or ascending a staircase with a substantially straight section followed by a bend - the effective length of the VL-supporting system on the staircase descending or ascending the straight section to the large effective length is adjustable and when approaching the bend i n the stage the effective length of the system is adjustable to a smaller effective length. 5 22. Transport aid device as claimed in claim 21, wherein the undercarriage comprises two belt carriers on each side, each with a belt, and wherein the belt carriers on a side of the undercarriage are displaceable relative to each other between an extended position in which the belt carriers have a large effective length of define the system and in a retracted position in which the belt carriers define a smaller effective length 23. Transport aid device as claimed in claim 21 or 22, wherein the belt carriers are pivotable at their adjacent ends each about a substantially horizontal pivot axis, preferably a common pivot axis, such that the belt carriers can pivot between an extended extension, which is substantially in line with each other. position and a position pointing downwards with their free ends, so that substantially an inverted V-position of the belt carriers is obtained and with the free ends of the belt carriers or possibly one or more wheels provided at those free ends can be driven over a surface to become. 24. Transport assistance device adapted to descend or climb a staircase with a single patient sitting in the transport assistance device, which transport assistance device travels over the stairs during descent or ascent and can be handled and / or handled by at least one operator walking on the stairs during the transport assistance device. operable, which transport aid device comprises: a frame with a frame as well as with a system of one or more wheels and / or belts that can be supported on the stairs 35, a chair assembly supported on the frame comprising a chair with a seat and a backrest for the patient, Characterized in that the undercarriage is arranged such that - when descending or climbing an inclined part of a staircase with a patient sitting on the chair - the effective length of the system supporting the staircase 5 is adjustable between a larger and smaller effective length while the system remains on the sloping part of the stairs during that adjustment to support. 10 i λ t »" 7 Λ Λ