SE544003C2

SE544003C2 - A pushbar for a wheelchair

Info

Publication number: SE544003C2
Application number: SE1950796A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Jalle Jungnell
Original assignee: Panthera Ab
Priority date: 2019-06-27
Filing date: 2019-06-27
Publication date: 2021-10-26
Also published as: EP3989900A1; WO2020263159A1; SE1950796A1; EP3989900A4

Abstract

The invention relates to a pushbar (1) for a wheelchair (32), said pushbar (1) comprising: an elongated bar (2) provided with a first end portion (4) and a second end portion (6); a handlebar (16) attached to the elongated bar (2) at the first end portion (4) of the elongated bar (2), which handlebar (16) is configured to be graspable by a person; a first clamp (20) arranged on the elongated bar (2) at a position between the first and second end portions (4, 6); a second clamp (22) attached to the elongated bar (2) at the second end portion (6) of the elongated bar (2), wherein the first clamp (20) is configured to be releasably connected to a first attachment member (24) of the wheelchair (32), and the second clamp (22) is configured to be releasably connected to a second attachment member (26) of the wheelchair (32). The invention also relates to a wheelchair (32). The invention also relates to a method for connecting a pushbar (1) to a wheelchair (32).

Description

A pushbar for a wheelchair TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to a pushbar for a wheelchair according to the appended claims.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART A wheelchair user often makes use of hand rims on the wheels of the wheelchair,which the user can grasp to force the wheels to turn and thus propel the wheelchair.ln special cases, an accompanying person may push the wheelchair by graspinghandles, which are connected to the wheelchair frame. The wheelchair handles maybe designed in different ways depending on the type of wheelchair. Wheelchairs mayalso be foldable and demountable arranged, which make them suitable for transpor- tation in for example a vehicle.

One type of know handles for Wheelchairs are fixed to the wheelchair frame and ex-tend rearward from the wheelchair frame. When folding and demounting the wheel-chair, the handles are disconnected and removed from the wheelchair frame bymeans of threaded fasteners.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Despite known prior art, there is a need to develop a pushbar for a wheelchair, whichovercome or at least alleviates problems of prior art. A further need is to develop apushbar for a wheelchair, which is easy to connect to and disconnect from a wheel-chair in a short period of time. A further need is to develop a pushbar for a wheel-chair, which is ergonomic to use for a person who accompanies a user of the wheel-chair. A further need is to develop a pushbar for a wheelchair, which is reliably at-tached to the wheelchair, when connected to the wheelchair.

Hence, an object of the invention is to develop a pushbar for a wheelchair, whichovercome or at least alleviates problems of prior art.

A further object of the invention is to develop a pushbar for a wheelchair, which iseasy to connect to and disconnect from a wheelchair in a short period oftime.

A further object of the invention is to develop a pushbar for a wheelchair, which is er- gonomic to use for a person who accompanies a user of the wheelchair.

A further object of the invention is to develop a pushbar for a wheelchair, which is re-liably attached to the wheelchair, when connected to the wheelchair.

The herein mentioned objects may be achieved by the above-mentioned pushbar fora wheelchair and the method according to the appending claims.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a ttfheetehair pushbar ehešif--is provided. The pushbar fer--a--tvtteeieh-ašr-comprising an elongated bar pro-vided with a first end portion and a second end portion; a handlebar attached to theelongated bar at the first end portion of the elongated bar, which handlebar is config-ured to be graspable by a person; a first clamp arranged on the elongated bar at aposition between the first and second end portions; a second clamp attached to theelongated bar at the second end portion of the elongated bar, wherein the first clampis configured to be releasably connected to a first attachment member of the wheel-chair, and the second clamp is configured to be releasably connected to a second at-tachment member of the wheelchair- »wherein the first and second elarntts are confid-ured as Quick coupiinds and wrsereirt the first ciamn comerises an adiustmettt ele-rnent. tfvhich is configured for adiusfind the position of the first elamp betmfeen the firstand second end bortions.

The wheelchair may have a configuration, which is adapted for any size of a user ofthe wheelchair. Thus, the wheelchair may have a size, which is adapted for an adult.Alternatively, the wheelchair may have a size, which is adapted for a child. Thewheelchair has a number of wheels. The wheelchair has a seat for the user of thewheelchair. The wheels and the seat are connected to a frame of the wheelchair. The frame may be made of tubular elements in order to save weight of the wheelchair.

The tubular elements for the frame may be made of steel, aluminum, titanium, carbon fiber, fiberglass, plastics or any other suitable material.

The elongated bar of the pushbar may be straight or curved. The handle bar is con-figured to be graspable by a person. The person may be an attendant for the user ofthe wheelchair. The handle bar has an ergonomic configuration, so that the persongrabbing the handle bar gets a firm grip of the handle bar. The handle bar may bemade of a tubular element covered by a grip-friendly material.

The elongated bar may be made of a tubular profile having any cross sectionalshape. The handlebar may be attached to the elongated bar at the first end portion ofthe elongated bar by means of a coupling element. Alternatively, the handlebar maybe an integrated portion of the elongated bar.

The wheelchair has at least two attachment members to which the pushbar may becoupled. The attachment members may be arranged at a distance from each other,which increases the stabilization and firm connection of the pushbar, when thepushbar is connected to the wheelchair. The attachment members may be arrangedon a rear portion of the wheelchair, so that the pushbar can be connected to a rearportion of the wheelchair. As a result, the accompanying person may grab the handlebar behind the wheelchair and pushing the wheelchair in its forward direction. Bygrasping the handle bar, the accompanying person may take control of the wheel-chair for propelling and steering the wheelchair in any direction.

The first clamp is arranged on the elongated bar at a position between the first andsecond end portions of the pushbar. The second clamp is attached to the elongatedbar at the second end portion of the elongated bar. Thus, the first and second clampsare arranged at distance from each other along the elongated bar, which increasesthe stabilization and firm connection of the pushbar, when the pushbar is connectedto the wheelchair. The distance between the first and second clamps may corre-spond to the distance between the attachment members on the wheelchair, so thatthe first clamp may be connected to the first attachment member of the wheelchair,and the second clamp may be connected to the second attachment member of the wheelchair. Both the first and the second clamp are configured to be releasably con- nected to attachment members of the wheelchair.

When the pushbar is connected to the backside of the wheelchair, it may be difficultfor the user of the wheelchair to maneuver the wheelchair in small spaces, such assmall rooms indoors, since it is difficult to the user recognize how far the pushbar ex-tends backwards of the wheelchair. Detaching the pushbar from the wheelchair willreduce the extension of the wheelchair and increase the maneuverability of the wheelchair in small spaces.

Such pushbar for a wheelchair will overcome or at least alleviates problems of priorart. The pushbar is easy to connect to and disconnect from a wheelchair in a shortperiod of time. Such pushbar is ergonomic to use for a person who accompanies auser of the wheelchair. Such pushbar is also reliably attached to the wheelchair,when connected to the wheelchair. When there is no need of the pushbar, it shouldbe disconnected from the wheelchair. However, when there is a need of the pushbarit should be connected to the wheelchair. A wheelchair of low weight, such as a smallwheelchair for children or a large wheelchair made of materials, such as highstrength steel, aluminum, titan and/or carbon fiber, will increase its weight when thepushbar is mounted on the wheelchair. ln order to reduce the weight of the wheel-chair, the pushbar should be removed from the wheelchair when there is no need ofthe pushbar.

According to an aspect, the first clamp comprises an adjustment element, which isconfigured for adjusting the position of the first clamp between the first and secondend portions.

Adjustment of the position of the first clamp between the first and second end por-tions makes it possible to adjust the position of the first clamp along the elongatedbar. Thus, the distance between the first and second clamps are adjustable. The dis-tance between the first and the second attachment members of the wheelchair maydifferent between different wheelchairs. ln order to enable the connection of thepushbar to a plurality of wheelchairs, the position of the first clamp between the firstand second end portions is adjustable. Once the position of the first clamp has been adjusted, the pushbar is easy to connect to and disconnect from the wheelchair in a short period of time.

According to an aspect, the second clamp is controllable by a control member ar-ranged at the elongated bar.

The control member may be arranged at any position along the elongated bar. By ac-tivating the control member, the second clamp is controllable to an opened position.ln the opened position of the second clamp, the second clamp may be connected toand disconnected from the second attachment member of the wheelchair. Since thesecond clamp is arranged at the second end of the elongated bar, the second clampmay be difficult to reach when connecting and disconnecting the second clamp toand from the second attachment member. The control member may be arranged ona position along the elongated bar, which position is easy to reach when the secondclamp should be controlled. When activating the control member, a transmission ele-ment, such as a wire, transmits a movement from the control member to the secondclamp. Thus, the second clamp is controllable by a control member arranged at theelongated bar or by controlling a locking element directly on the second clamp.According to an aspect, the first and second clamps are configured as quick cou- plings.

By configuring the first and second clamps as quick couplings, the pushbar will beeasy to connect to and disconnect from a wheelchair in a short period of time. Thefirst and second clamps may be provided with clamp and locking elements which areeasy and understandable to maneuver. The clamp and locking elements may bespring biased. When connecting the pushbar to the wheelchair the spring force isovercome by pushing the first and second clamps against the attachment member.When the first and second clamps have taken the correct position at the attachmentmembers, the spring biased clamp and locking elements will return to its original po-sition and clamp about the attachment members of the wheelchair. Alternatively or incombination with the spring biased configuration of the clamp and locking elements,the clamp and locking elements may be shaped such that the clamp and locking ele-ments take a clamping action through interaction with other clamp and locking ele-ments. The first and second clamps may have different configurations and shapes.

According to an aspect, the first clamp comprises a safety lock for preventing thepushbar from unintentionally being disconnected from the wheelchair.

The safety lock prevents the first clamp to unintentionally move to an open positionand thus loose the gripping or clamping of the first attachment member of the wheel-chair. The safety lock will ensure that the pushbar is reliably attached to the wheel-chair, when connected to the wheelchair. The safety lock may be released by onehand, and thus allow the first clamp to be disconnected from the first attachment member of the wheelchair.

According to an aspect, the first and second clamps comprise clamping surfacesconfigured to clamp around parallel tubular elements of the first and second attach- ment members of the wheelchair.

The first and second attachment members of the wheelchair may be configured astubular elements. The tubular elements may be a part of the structure frame of thewheelchair. The tubular elements may have a circular cross section. The clampingsurfaces of the first and second clamps may have a configuration that correspond toand is adapted to the shape of the tubular elements.

According to an aspect, the handlebar has an annular shape.

The handle bar is configured to be graspable by a person. The annular shape of thehandle bar results in an ergonomic configuration, since the person grabbing the han-dle bar may grab the handle bar in a number of different positions. The annularshape of the handle bar also results in that the person grabbing the handle bar gets afirm grip of the handle bar. The handle bar may be made of a tubular element cov- ered by a grip-friendly material.

According to an aspect, the handlebar is adjustable in relation to the elongated bar.

The handlebar may be adjustable to a position which is ergonomic for the person grabbing the handle bar. A long person may adjust the handle bar to a position, which is different to a position, which is suitable for a short person. The handlebarmay be attached to the elongated bar at the first end portion of the elongated bar bymeans of an adjustable coupling element. The handle bar may be fo|ded in relation tothe elongated bar. ln addition to increased ergonomics, the handle bar may be fo|dedto a position in relation to the elongated bar, which enables the pushbar to be easy to handle when disconnected from the wheelchair.

According to an aspect, the elongated bar is configured as a telescopic bar compris-ing a first bar portion and a second bar portion, which first bar portion is axially dis- placeable within the second bar portion.

Configuring the elongated bar as a telescopic bar may increase the adjustment abili-ties of the pushbar. Thus, the length of the pushbar may be adapted to persons ofdifferent length. The length of the pushbar may be adjusted by positioning the firstbar portion and a second bar portion in different positions in relation to each other.

According to an aspect, a telescopic clamp is arranged on the telescopic bar, whichtelescopic clamp is configured to lock the first and second bar portions in relation toeach other.

The telescopic clamp may lock the first and second bar portions in relation to eachother. ln the locked position the first and second bar portions may not move in rela-tion to each other. Thus, the elongated bar has a certain length when the telescopicclamp locks the first and second bar portions in relation to each other. Adjusting thelength of the elongated bar is possible when unlocking the telescopic clamp andthereafter displacing the first and second bar portions in relation to each other. Whenthe first and second bar portions has been displaced in relation to each other, so theelongated bar has a suitable length, the telescopic clamp is locked.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a wheelchair is provided. Thewheelchair comprises a first and a second attachment member, which are configuredto receive a pushbar as disclosed herein.

Such wheelchair will receive a pushbar, which is connectable to and disconnectablefrom the wheelchair by means of one hand. Further, the pushbar will be easy to con-nect to and disconnect from a wheelchair in a short period of time. The pushbar willbe ergonomic to use for a person who accompanies a user of the wheelchair. Suchpushbar will also be reliably attached to the first and the second attachment member of the wheelchair, when connected to the wheelchair.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a method for connecting a pushbarto a wheelchair is provided. The pushbar comprises: an elongated bar provided witha first end portion and a second end portion; a handlebar attached to the elongatedbar at the first end portion of the elongated bar, which handlebar is configured to begraspable by a person; a first c|amp arranged on the elongated bar at a position be-tween the first and second end portions; a second c|amp attached to the elongatedbar at the second end portion of the elongated bar, wherein the first c|amp is config-ured to be releasably connected to a first attachment member of the wheelchair, andthe second c|amp is configured to be releasably connected to a second attachmentmember of the wheelchair. The method comprises connecting the second c|amp tothe second attachment member of the wheelchair; and connecting the first c|amp tothe first attachment member of the wheelchair.

The method for connecting the pushbar to a wheelchair starts with the connection ofthe second c|amp to the second attachment member of the wheelchair. The secondc|amp may be controlled to an opened position by activating a control member, whichis arranged at the elongated bar. ln the opened position of the second c|amp, thesecond c|amp may be connected to the second attachment member of the wheel-chair. However, the second c|amp may be pushed against the second attachmentmember, so that spring biased c|amp elements or interacting c|amp elements willc|amp about the second attachment member of the wheelchair.

After the second c|amp has been connected to the second attachment member, thefirst c|amp is connected to the first attachment member of the wheelchair. The firstc|amp is connected to the first attachment member by pushing the first c|amp againstthe first attachment member, so that interacting c|amp elements will c|amp about thefirst attachment member of the wheelchair. When the interacting c|amp elements of the first clamp about the first attachment member, a safety lock of the first clamp isactivated for preventing the pushbar from unintentionally being disconnected from thewheelchair.

According to an aspect, the method comprises the further step of, before connectingthe first clamp to the first attachment member of the wheelchair: adjusting the posi-tion of the first clamp by means of an adjustment element.

The first clamp may be connected to the elongated bar bay means of an adjustmentconnection. By releasing the adjustment connection, the first clamp may be movablealong the elongated bar. This results in that the distance between the first and sec-ond clamps are adjustable. The distance between the first and the second attach-ment members of the wheelchair may different between different wheelchairs. ln or-der to enable the connection of the pushbar to a plurality of wheelchairs, the positionof the first clamp between the first and second end portions is adjustable. Once theposition of the first clamp has been adjusted, the pushbar is easy to connect to anddisconnect from the wheelchair in a short period of time.

According to a further aspect, the method comprises the further step of: adjusting thelength of the elongated bar by axially displacing a first bar portion within a second barportion of the elongated bar.

The elongated bar may be configured as a telescopic bar comprising a first bar por-tion and a second bar portion, which first bar portion is axially displaceable within thesecond bar portion. Configuring the elongated bar as a telescopic bar may increasethe adjustment abilities of the pushbar. Thus, the length of the pushbar may beadapted to persons of different length. The length of the pushbar may be adjusted bypositioning the first bar portion and a second bar portion in different positions in rela-tion to each other. Alternatively, the length of the pushbar is fixed, without the possi-bility to adjust the length of the pushbar.

Configuring the elongated bar as a telescopic bar may increase the adjustment abili-ties of the pushbar. Thus, the length of the pushbar may be adapted to persons of different length. The length of the pushbar may be adjusted by positioning the first bar portion and a second bar portion in different positions in relation to each other.

Additional objectives, advantages and novel features of the invention will be apparentto one skilled in the art from the following details, and through exercising the inven-tion. While the invention is described below, it should be apparent that the inventionmay be not limited to the specifically described details. One skilled in the art, havingaccess to the teachings herein, will recognize additional applications, modificationsand incorporations in other areas, which are within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For fuller understanding of the present disclosure and further objects and advantagesof it, the detailed description set out below should be read together with the accompa-nying drawings, in which the same reference notations denote similar items in the var- ious drawings, and in which: Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a pushbar in a view of perspective according to an ex-ample; Fig. 2 schematically illustrate a side view of a pushbar connected to a wheelchair ac- cording to an example; Fig. 3a schematically illustrates a first clamp in a view of perspective according to an example; Fig. 3b schematically illustrates the first clamp in fig. 3a in an exploded view; Fig. 4a schematically illustrates a side view of a second clamp according to an exam-Die; Fig. 4b schematically illustrates the second clamp in fig. 4a in an exploded view; and Fig. 5 illustrates a block diagram of a method according to an example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Hereinafter, examples will be described with reference to the accompanying draw-ings, wherein for the sake of clarity and understanding of the embodiments some de-tails of no importance may be deleted from the drawings. The disclosure is not in- tended to limit the scope of the enclosed claims in any way.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a pushbar 1 in a view of perspective according to anexample. The pushbar 1 comprises an elongated bar 2 provided with a first end por-tion 4 and a second end portion 6. The elongated bar 2 is configured as a telescopicbar 8 comprising a first bar portion 10 and a second bar portion 12, which first barportion 10 is axially displaceable within the second bar portion 12. A telescopic clamp14 is arranged on the telescopic bar 8, which telescopic clamp 14 is configured tolock the first and second bar portions 10, 12 in relation to each other. A handlebar 16is attached to the elongated bar 2 at the first end portion 10. The handlebar 16 hasan annular shape, which results in an ergonomic configuration for the person grab-bing the handlebar 16. The handlebar 16 is adjustable in relation to the elongated bar2. The handlebar 16 is adjustable by means of an adjustable coupling element 18. Afirst clamp 20 is arranged on the elongated bar 2 at a position between the first andsecond end portions 4, 6. A second clamp 22 is attached to the elongated bar 2 atthe second end portion 6 of the elongated bar 2. The first clamp 20 is configured tobe releasably connected to a first attachment member 24. The second clamp 22 isconfigured to be releasably connected to a second attachment member 26. The firstclamp 20 comprises an adjustment element 28, which is configured for adjusting theposition of the first clamp 20 between the first and second end portions 4, 6. The sec-ond clamp 22 is controllable by a control member 30 arranged at the elongated bar 2.By activating the control member 30, the second clamp 22 is controllable to an opened position.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrate a side view of a pushbar 1 connected to a wheelchair32 according to an example. The wheelchair 32 may have a number of wheels 34, wherein only one wheel 34 is shown in fig. 2. The wheelchair 32 is provided with aseat 36. The wheels 34 and the seat 36 are connected to a frame 38 of the wheel-chair 32. The frame 38 may be made of tubular elements 40. The frame 38 may com-prise the first and second attachment members 24, 26. The first clamp 20 is releasa-bly connected to the first attachment member 24 of the wheelchair 32, and the sec-ond clamp 22 is releasably connected to the second attachment member 26 of the wheelchair 32.

Fig. 3a schematically i||ustrates the first clamp 20 in a view of perspective accordingto an example. The first clamp 20 may be configured as a quick coupling, so that thepushbar1 (fig. 1) will be easy to connect to and disconnect from the wheelchair 32(fig. 2) in a short period of time. ln fig. 3a, the first clamp 20 is shown in a locked orclosed position about the first attachment member 24. The first clamp 20 comprisesthree clamp elements 42, 44, 46, which are configured to interact with each other. lnthe locked position, the three clamp elements 42, 44, 46 grip the first attachmentmember 24. The three clamp elements 42, 44, 46 are configured to form a first open-ing 48, which accommodate and grip the first attachment member 24. A first clampelement 42 of the three clamp elements, are pivotable about a first pivot shaft 50,which extends in parallel with the first opening 48. A second clamp element 44 isconfigured to be connected to and to grab the first clamp element 42 in order to lockthe first clamp element 42 in the locked position of the first clamp 20. A third clampelement 46 is a safety lock 52 for preventing the first clamp element 42 and thus thepushbar 1 from unintentionally being disconnected from the first attachment member24. The three clamp elements 42, 44, 46 are pivotally arranged in a first clamp hous-ing 54. The first clamp 20 comprises clamping surfaces 55, which are configured toclamp around at least a part of the first attachment member 24, which may have the shape of a tubular element 40.

Fig. 3b schematically i||ustrates the first clamp 20 in fig. 3a in an exploded view. Thefirst clamp element 42 is connected to the first clamp housing 54 by means of the firstpivot shaft 50. The first clamp element 42 is provided with protrusions 57. A bore 59for the first pivot shaft 50 is arranged in the first clamp element 42. The protrusions57 of the first clamp element 42, are arranged on the opposite side of the bore 59than that part of the first clamp element 42, which is provided with the clamp surface 55. The protrusions 57 will interact with the first attachment member 24 when con-necting the first clamp 20 to the wheelchair 32. The second clamp element 44 is con-nected to the first clamp housing 54 by means of a second pivot shaft 56. The thirdclamp element 46 is connected to the first clamp housing 54 by means of the secondpivot shaft 56. The second pivot shaft 56 is configured as a crankshaft, which resultsin a pivotal movement of the second clamp element 44 about two shafts. This move-ment of the second clamp element 44 results in that the second clamp element 44 isable to grip a hook shaped portion 60 of the first clamp element 42. ln order to re-lease or disconnect the first clamp element 42 from the first attachment member 24(fig. 3a), the third clamp element 46 is brought in a direction away from the secondclamp element 44. Thereafter, the second clamp element 44 is raised upwards and isbrought forward in order to disconnect the second clamp element 44 from the hookshaped portion 60 of the first clamp element 42. Finally the first clamp element 42may be pivoted forward in order to release the first attachment member 24. The ad-justment element 28 is arranged on the first clamp housing 54. The adjusting elementcomprises 28 a screw 62 and a nut 64. By loosening the screw 62 and the nut 64, theposition of the first clamp 20 may be adjusted along the elongated bar 2 (fig. 1).

Fig. 4a schematically illustrates a side view of the second clamp 22 according to anexample. The second clamp 22 may be configured as a quick coupling, so that thepushbar1 (fig. 1) will be easy to connect to and disconnect from the wheelchair 32(fig. 2) in a short period of time. ln fig. 4a, the second clamp 22 is shown in a lockedor closed position about the second attachment member 26. The second clamp 22comprises a first locking element 66, which is pivotally arranged about a first pivot pin68. The second clamp 22 also comprises a second locking element 70, which is piv-otally arranged about a second pivot pin 72. The first and second locking elements66, 70 may be spring biased. When connecting the second clamp 22 to the secondattachment member 26, the spring force acting on the first and second locking ele-ments 66, 70 is overcome by pushing the second clamp 22 against the second at-tachment member 26. When the second clamp 22 has taken the correct position atthe second attachment member 26, the spring biased locking elements 66, 70 will re-turn to their original position and clamp about the second attachment member 66. Al-ternatively or in combination with the spring biased configuration of the first and sec- ond Iocking elements 66, 70 may be shaped such that the first and second locking el-ements 66, 70 take a clamping action through interaction between the first and sec-ond Iocking elements 66, 70. The second clamp 22 comprises clamping surfaces 55,which are configured to clamp around at least a part of the second attachment mem-ber 26, which may have the shape of a tubular element 40.

Fig. 4b schematically illustrates the second clamp 22 in fig. 4a in an exploded view.The first Iocking element 66 is connected to a second clamp housing 74 by means ofthe first pivot pin 68. The first Iocking element 66 is spring biased by means of a firstspring 76. The second Iocking element 70 is connected to the second clamp housing74 by means of the second pivot pin 72. The second clamp 22 is controllable by thecontrol member 30 (fig. 1) arranged at the elongated bar 2 (fig. 1). By activating thecontrol member 30 (fig. 1), the first Iocking element 66 of the second clamp 22 is con-trollable to an opened position. ln the opened position of the second clamp 22, thesecond clamp 22 may be connected to and disconnected from the second attach-ment member 26. A transmission element 78, such as a wire connects the controlmember 30 and the first Iocking element 66. When activating the control member 30,the transmission element 78 transmits movement from the control member 30 to thefirst Iocking element 66 of the second clamp 22, which movement of the transmissionelement 78 pivots the first Iocking element 66 about the first pivot pin 68.

Fig. 5 illustrates a method for connecting a pushbar 1 to a wheelchair 32 as disclosedherein. The pushbar 1 comprises: an elongated bar 2 provided with a first end portion4 and a second end portion 6; a handlebar 16 attached to the elongated bar 2 at thefirst end portion 4 of the elongated bar 2, which handlebar 16 is configured to begraspable by a person; a first clamp 20 arranged on the elongated bar 2 at a positionbetween the first and second end portions 4, 6; a second clamp 22 attached to theelongated bar 2 at the second end portion 6 of the elongated bar 2, wherein the firstclamp 20 is configured to be releasably connected to a first attachment member 24 ofthe wheelchair 32, and the second clamp 22 is configured to be releasably connectedto a second attachment member 26 of the wheelchair 32. The method comprisesconnecting s101 the second clamp 22 to the second attachment member 26 of thewheelchair 32; and connecting s102 the first clamp 20 to the first attachment member24 of the wheelchair 32.

When connecting s102 the first clamp 20 to the first attachment member 24 of thewheelchair 32, the first attachment member 24 will push against the protrusions 57 ofthe first clamp element 42. Since the protrusions 57 of the first clamp element 42, arearranged on the opposite side of the bore 59 than that part of the first clamp element42, which is provided with the clamp surface 55, the first clamp element 42 strives topivot about the first pivot shaft 50. The pivotal movement of the first clamp element42 will result in that the clamp surface 55 of the first clamp element 42 pushes thefirst attachment member 24 into the first opening 48, which will accommodate and grip the first attachment member 24.

The method comprises the further step of, before connecting s102 the first clamp 20to the first attachment member 24 of the wheelchair 32: adjusting s103 the position of the first clamp 20 by means of an adjustment element 28.

The method comprises the further step of: adjusting s104 the length of the elongatedbar 2 by axially displacing a first bar portion 10 within a second bar portion 12 of the elongated bar 2.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments has been furnished for illus-trative and descriptive purposes. lt is not intended to be exhaustive, or to limit theembodiments to the variants described. Many modifications and variations will obvi-ously be apparent to one skilled in the art. The embodiments have been chosen anddescribed in order to best explicate principles and practical applications, and tothereby enable one skilled in the art to understand the embodiments in terms of itsvarious embodiments and with the various modifications that are applicable to its in-tended use. The components and features specified above may, within the frame-work of the embodiments, be combined between different embodiments specified.

Claims

1. 1. A wheelchair pushbar (1 ), said pushbar (1) comprising: an elongated bar (2) provided with a first end portion (4) and a second endportion (6); a handlebar (16) attached to the elongated bar (2) at the first end portion (4) ofthe elongated bar (2), which handlebar (16) is configured to be graspabie by a per-son; a first clamp (20) arranged on the elongated bar (2) at a position between thefirst and second end portions (4, 6); a second clamp (22) attached to the elongated bar (2) at the second end por-tion (6) of the elongated bar (2), wherein the first clamp (20) is configured to be re|easab|y connected to a first attach-ment member (24) of the wheelchair (32), and the second clamp (22) is configured tobe re|easab|y connected to a second attachment member (26) of the wheelchair (32),säi-s-wà--wherein the first and second clamps (20, 22) are configured as quick coup|ings.

2.The pushbar (1) according to c|aim wherein the adjustment element (28) is ascrew (62) and a nut (64).

3. The pushbar (1) according to any one of the preceding cIaims, wherein the sec-ond clamp (22) is contro||ab|e to an opened position by a control member (30) ar-ranged at the elongated bar (2).

4. The pushbar (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the firstclamp (20) comprises a safety lock (52) for preventing the first clamp (20) to uninten-tionally move to an open position and thereby loose the clamping of the first attach-ment member (24), and thereby preventing the pushbar (1) from unintentionally beingdisconnected from the wheelchair (32).

5. The pushbar (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the firstand second clamps (20, 22) comprise clamping surfaces (55) configured to clamparound parallel tubular elements (40) of the first and second attachment members(24, 26) of the wheelchair (32).

6. The pushbar (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the han-dlebar (16) has an annular shape.

7. The pushbar (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the han-dlebar (16) is adjustable in relation to the elongated bar (2).

8. The pushbar (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elon-gated bar (2) is configured as a telescopic bar (8) comprising a first bar portion (10)and a second bar portion (12), which first bar portion (10) is axially displaceablewithin the second bar portion (12).

9. The pushbar (1) according to claim wherein a telescopic clamp (14) is ar- ranged on the telescopic bar (8), which telescopic clamp (14) is configured to lock thefirst and second bar portions (10, 12) in relation to each other.

10. A method, for connecting a wheelchair pushbar (1 ),the pushbar (1) comprising: an elongated bar (2) provided with a first end portion (4) and a second endportion (6); a handlebar (16) attached to the elongated bar (2) at the first end portion (4) ofthe elongated bar (2), which handlebar (16) is configured to be graspabie by a per-son; a first clamp (20) arranged on the elongated bar (2) at a position between thefirst and second end portions (4, 6); a second clamp (22) attached to the elongated bar (2) at the second end por-tion (6) of the elongated bar (2), wherein the first clamp (20) is configured to be re|easab|y connected to a first attach-ment member (24) of the wheelchair (32), and the second clamp (22) is configured tobe re|easab|y connected to a second attachment member (26) of the wheelchair (32),and wherein the first and second clamps (20, 22) are configured as quick couplings,the method comprising: connecting (s101) the second clamp (22) to the second attachment member(26) of the wheelchair (32); connecting (s102) the first clamp (20) to the first attachment member (24) ofthe wheelchair (32).

11.The method according to c|aim j; wherein the adjustment element (28) is a screw (62) and a nut (64), and wherein the step of adjusting (s103) the position of thefirst clamp (20) by means of an adjustment element (28), comprises adjusting (s103)the position of the first clamp (20) by the screw (62) and a nut (64).

12. The method according to any one of the claims ----- wherein themethod comprises the further step of:adjusting (S104) the length of the elongated bar (2) by axially displacing a first bar portion (10) within a second bar portion (12) of the elongated bar (2).