WO1994011235A1

WO1994011235A1 - T-configured wheelchair

Info

Publication number: WO1994011235A1
Application number: PCT/US1993/010812
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael D. Doom
Original assignee: Doom Michael D
Priority date: 1992-11-12
Filing date: 1993-11-08
Publication date: 1994-05-26
Also published as: AU5666994A

Abstract

A wheelchair construction (2) having a unique, singular main strut T-configuration (4) for supporting the main wheels (62) of the wheelchair (2) in a manner that allows easy positioning of the main wheels (62) in one of an infinitely wide range of canted positions.

Description

T-CONFIGU ED WHEELCHAIR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention pertains to a unique wheelchair, which not only differs considerably in the overall support structure for the wheelchair, but also provides a means of infinitely canting the wheels in one of a plurality of positions. The wheelchair, because of its unique configuration, gives the user thereof, a psychological lift and further provides the user with a chair that is readily adaptable for sport or strenuous activities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wheelchairs have been around for a considerable length of time and have been used for decades for rehabilitation and ambulatory purposes for the handicapped. It is only in the more recent years that the handicapped individual has ventured into all walks of life, facilitated to a large degree, by not only the willingness of an open society to readily receive them, but also because of various laws passed by government to facilitate and at least ease, as far as possible, the hardship that the handicapped person faces.

Wheelchairs, for those who are permanently handicapped, have taken the traditional configuration of having a dual support structure, often very cumbersome and overbuilt, making the use thereof not only a psychologically debilitating prospect for the user, but also a use th_^t is difficult because of the normal bulk, weight and size of the wheelchair.

Because of the broadening of the handicapped, paraplegic and the like activities, a need for a wheelchair that is distinctly different, lightweight and easily convertible from what may be considered normal, everyday use to uses involving the rough and tumble of sports, such as wheelchair basketball, has necessitated the need for a wheelchair that would meet these parameters.

The wheelchairs of the prior art are not only psychologically depressing to look at, but also to use because they have been bulky, unwieldy and, where some attention has been given to a conversion of an everyday use to one for sporting activities, the repositioning of the main wheels, for example, has been difficult at best and certainly not accommodating to the individual users¹ needs.

Some paraplegics, or handicapped persons, because of a difference in weight, or perhaps because of a difference in handicap by reason of loss of limb or otherwise, creates a situation where each wheelchair user's needs are unique and distinct from those of another. Existing prior art wheelchairs have failed to take this into account, and while these prior art wheelchairs do permit canting of the main wheelchair wheels for use of the wheelchair in sporting activities, inasmuch as canting of the wheels provides a more secure static and dynamic situation, most have had drawbacks with respect to specific wheel positioning.

As briefly stated hereinbefore, wheelchairs of the dual structure or dual frame support configuration have had a debilitating, depressing effect on the user thereof because of the very staid or conservative and bulky nature of the structure making up the wheelchair.

Current wheelchairs have failed to satisfy the needs of having easily adjustable or canted main wheels, an easily positioned seat relative to the longitudinal or normal axis of the chair, and the ability to generally meet the myriad needs of the handicapped individual, who must rely upon a wheelchair as the main element of locomotion.

As exemplary of some of the prior art, a search of U.S. Patent Office records was conducted in classes 297/digest 4, D-12/131, and 280/250.1, 304.1. The following patents were uncovered by the search.

Patent No. Inventor Issue Date

4,310,167 CA. McLaurin Jan.12, 1982

4,351,540 J.P. Minnebraker Sep.28, 1982

4,360,213 L.A. Rudwick Nov. 23, 1982

4,428,594 J.P. Minnebraker Jan.31, 1984

4,477,098 J.P. Minnebraker Oct.16, 1984

4,489,955 W.D. Hamilton Dec.25, 1984

4,500,102 G.E. Haury et al Feb.19, 1985

4,515,383 J.P. Minnebraker May 07, 1985

4,595,212 G.E. Haury et al Jun.17, 1986

4,721,321 G.E. Haury et al Jan.26, 1988

4,805,925 G.E. Haury et al Feb.21, 1989

5,028,064 J.W. Johnson Jul.02, 1991

5.076.390 J.T. Haskins Dec.03, 1991 5,131,672 A.S. Robertson et al Jul.21, 1992

5.143.391 A.S. Robertson et al Sep.01, 1992

A more in-depth description of each of the more pertinent patents follows.

4.592.570

This patent is directed to an ultralight, everyday sport and wheelchair of great stability and high performance, having a separate seat frame providing for longitudinal tilt and height adjustments, and having an easily adjustable camber angle of each of the main wheels. The seat frame 11 is adjustably attached to the main frame 10 by means of pins 50- 54, engaging slots and plates 54-55, and a plurality of holes

60, 61, 64, 65, 66 and 67. The camber is continuously adjustable by means of journalled support plate 96 that is pivoted on pin 106 and secured at the desired wheel camber angle by means of bolts 111-112 and nuts 113-114 passing through arcuate slots 107-108.

4.768.797

This patent is directed to a lightweight wheelchair provided with a relatively wide range of adjustment capabilities using little or no tools. The wheelchair 10 has a camber plate mans 66 for significant adjustment of the large main wheels. Each plate supports a wheel busing 68 that can be adjusted fore and aft, vertically and laterally. The vertically spaced bores 78 on the camber plate provide the means to adjust the camber angle. Bolts 74 are installed in pairs of holes A, B and C for providing the desired camber angle. Optimal adjustment is provided by moving the bushings between the upper and lower camber plate slots, or moving the camber plate between the plural openings 76 and posts 27, 28.

4.166.631

This patent is directed to a sports wheelchair having an adjustment supporting link member between the support struts to permit selective adjustment of the camber of the wheels and permitting a sway bar action. Other adjustments are also provided. Sports wheelchair 21 has frame members 22-23, with a plurality of holes 36 for wheel mounting. The front caster 46 has multiple wheel position sockets 47. Camber adjustment is provided by strut linking member 48 that is located midway on struts 42 and 43. Linking member 48 has plural holes 51 so that by properly installing pins 49 and 50, the desired camber can be selected.

5.060.962

This patent is directed to a camber sleeve assembly for a wheelchair. The camber sleeve assembly 12 supports the large main wheels 18 of a wheelchair 10. The assembly comprises a plate 32 mounted on the wheelchair supports 28, 30 and a sleeve member assembly 44 for clamping on the mounting plate. The sleeve assembly has an inner sleeve member 46 and an outer sleeve member 48 together defining a cylindrical support with a bore at selected angle for receiving the wheel axle member 70. Other sleeve pairs can be provided for yielding alternate camber angles.

4.405.142

This patent is directed to a knockdown wheelchair connected together with quick release pins that has an adjustable wheel base, height width, camber, and center of gravity for sports use. The wheelchair 10 has a plurality of holes 48 and 50 and lower frame members 12 and 14 providing an adjustable wheel base by allowing the forward frame to telescope in tubes 12 and 14 and be securely pinned by quick release pins 42 and 54. The side frames include wheel brackets 78 and 80, with a plurality of axle mounting bores 86 and 88 permitting the axle to be mounted in any of the selected bores, thereby adjusting the height and center of gravity of the wheelchair. Addition of shims to the lower bolt mounting allows for adjusting the camber of the wheels. The brackets can be reversed thereby increasing the width of the wheel mount. SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENIJ-ON

It is an object of the invention to provide a uniquely configured wheelchair differing from those wheelchairs of the past.

Another object of the invention is to provide a uniquely configured T-bar wheelchair which has a singular main strut support.

It is another object of the invention to provide a low profile sports-like wheelchair that has a single T-configured support frame.

It is another important object of the invention to provide a wheelchair having main wheel supports that allow the main wheels to be selectively positioned in one of a plurality of canted positions in a facile manner.

It is still another important object of the invention to provide a sport-wheelchair that is easily disassembled and which has the ability to have the main wheels positionable, in one of a myriad of canted positions without the need of removing the wheels.

It is another important object of the invention to provide a wheelchair that is rugged in construction, relatively low cost to fabricate, and one that has a unique and sleek appearance.

These and other objects of the invention are accomplished by the T-configured structure or frame for the wheelchair and the specific means for mounting the main wheels of the wheelchair to the frame so that the wheels may be infinitely canted over a wide range of positions.

Generally, with respect to the wheelchair frame, it comprises a singular, longitudinal strut having a first rear end portion terminating in opposed strut portions which are adapted to receive large wheels in operative association therewith. A second front end portion terminates in extending portions adapted to receive small wheels in operative relationship thereto and wherein the singular longitudinal strut is adapted to optimally receive and mount a seat in one of a plurality of positions, whereby the weight of the user of the wheelchair is superposed to and borne by the singular longitudinal strut.

Additionally, there is disclosed a wheelchair construction specifically directed to the mounting of the large or main wheels of said wheelchair, wherein first and second members form a hinge-like connection and wherein said first and second members are pivotally connected. Pivotal movement over an infinite range is accomplished wherein said first member is adapted for securement to the frame of the wheelchair and said second member is adapted to operatively support a wheel in rotative relationship therewith and including stop means associated with one of said first and second members to limit selective pivotal movement therebetween, whereby the wheel is positionable in a selected one of a plurality of canted positions. Opposed structure supports the other main wheel.

These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from the hereinafter following commentary taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the wheelchair frame of the invention and also illustrating the novel wheel support means for cancing the main wheels of the wheelchair with the wheels and seat being shown in phantom;

Fig. 2 is an exploded side view of the main components making up the unique wheelchair frame of the invention and also specifically illustrating the components making up the mechanism for obtaining canting of the main wheels of the chair;

Fig. 3 is a side view of the wheelchair frame of the invention;

Fig. 4 is a top view of the wheelchair frame of the invention; and

Fig. 5 is a front view of the wheelchair frame of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the figures of drawings wherein like numerals of reference designate like elements throughout, it will be seen that the wheelchair 2 comprises a singular longitudinal strut member 4, having an extending portion 6 terminating in end 8 which is notched to receive strut 10 in normal relationship to the longitudinal axis of strut number 6 and having opposed portions 12 and 14.

In this particular instance, strut number 10 is welded or otherwise secured to strut 6 and is fabricated, as is strut 6, of tubular stock of, for example, high strength metal. The wheelchair frame 4 has a front end portion 16 terminating and extending in radially disposed foot portions 18 and 20, terminating in receiving bores^* 22 and 24 for receiving caster members 26 and 28 of the usual type and having a plurality of spaced and aligned apertures 30, for purposes which will become apparent.

Interconnecting extending front end portion 16 and the longitudinal strut number 6 is intermediate connector 32, which is welded or otherwise secured to strut member 6 and extending strut 16, which in this particular instance is provided with a snub-nose or wheel portion 34, where the wheelchair 2 is intended for use in sporting events.

Secured to singular main strut 5 are chair securement supports 34 for receiving a chair or seat 36 shown in phantom line.

Welded or otherwise secured to each of the opposite ends 12 and 14 of strut 8 are first block or connector member 38, each of which is received within the opposed tubular recesses 11 of strut 10 by means of extending portion 40 of the same congruent configuration as strut 10, so as to be received in rigid relationship thereto.

Each of block or connecting member 38 has an intermediate ear or depending portion 42 with through bore 44, adapted to receive through bolt 46, as will be described.

Connecting member or b ock, 38 has two pair of spaced apertures or through holes 48 to receive alien bolts for reasons which will be explained later.

Second connector member 52 has a rectangular plate section 54 and upstanding ears 56, which are spaced from one another, and are provided with through hole 58 of the same diameter as through bore 44 of the first connecting member 38. Second connecting member 52 is secured to wheel axle support block 58, which has a plurality of spaced through bores 60, by means of welding the rectangular base plate 54 to the upper surface 62 of wheel mounting block 58. Second connector member 52 is adapted to be received by first connector member 38 and, more specifically, have the depending portion 42 be received between upstanding clevis portions or ears 56 of wheel support block 52. The positioning of through bolt 46 through the assemblage of first connector 38 and second connector 52 provides a hinge-like connector, which allows the second connector 52, having the secured wheel support block 58, to be moveable through an infinite range of canted positions.

The main wheels 62 of the wheelchair 2 are supported through an axle or spindle not shown, supported within one of the selected apertures 60 of wheelchair wheel support block 58. the usual bushing 64 and washer 66 are utilized in the assemblage for their conventional, prior art intended purposes.

Thus far described is a mechanism for mounting a main wheel to the wheelchair frame 4, it being understood that two main wheels 62 are supported in the fashion just described and, further, depending upon the placement of the second connector 52 with secured axle support 58, the user may cant the wheels for obtaining the known benefits thereof, when using the chair in sport-like activities. Once the main orientation of the wheel 62 is determined, alien bolts 50 are threaded into position to prevent further pivotal movement of second connector 52 relative to first connector 38. This then allows a myriad of settings over which the wheels 62 may be put in canted position or relationship relative to wheelchair support frame 4, after which bolt 46 is tightened.

The axle of the wheels 62 may be disposed in one of the selected apertures 60 of support block 58 depending upon the orientation ox the center of gravity that the user of chair 2 wishes.

That is, the user of chair 2, depending upon the handicap or degree of disability, may wish to have the wheel 62 move forward or rearward along the longitudinal axis of main strut 6 of wheelchair frame 4. Additionally, depending upon desired circumstances, the axle and wheel may be positioned in one of a plurality of apertures 60 in an axis normal to the longitudinal axis of main strut 6 of wheelchair support frame 4.

The radially disposed struts 18 and 20 are disposed for receiving the feet of the wheelchair user and may have added to it a foot receiving pan plate not shown for further stability of the user of wheelchair 2.

The struts 18 and 20 terminate in caster supporting members having a plurality of spaced holes, so that the smaller front wheels 70 may be selectively positioned to take into account the canting of main wheels 62.

Main wheels 62 may also be of the known, quick-release type structures, which are well-known in the art.

The seat 36 is supported by the support brackets 34 in usual manner, in a fashion so that the seat may be moved forward or rearward along the longitudinal axis of strut 6 of wheelchair support frame 4. This also is to accommodate the desires of the user of the chair and to accommodate the user's distributed body weight or absence of a limb or the like.

The strut components of the wheelchair 2 are of high- strength, low-weight aluminum tube, and while the components have been shown as being welded, other means of securing are indeed possible. In addition, where solid, as opposed to tubular material is utilized for the wheelchaxr support frame 4, the structure may have dished or recessed portions or surfaces so as to cut down on the weight thereof. Additionally, the wheelchair of the invention may be provided with shock absorbers, as those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, in order to have a more cushioned effect when using the wheelchair 2 under strenuous conditions.

The main wheels 62, as previously alluded to, may be of the quick disconnect type and are of the type that have the spokes and circumferential rail by which the wheels 62 are hand-manipulated to thereby propel the wheelchair 2.

The wheels 70, comprising the front wheels of wheelchair 2, may be of the conventional type and are conventionally supported in a caster support relationship, as one would normally encounter in the wheelchair art.

Where quick disconnect wheels 62 are utilized, it is at once apparent that the wheelchair 2 of the invention may be easily disassembled for ease of travel, that is, where the wheelchair 2 is to be put in a van or the like.

It will thus be seen that a wheelchair having a unique frame structure of the type not implying wheelchairs of old has been disclosed, wherein as an additional feature, the main wheels of the wheelchair are supported through a novel, unique means so as to make the wheels easily cantable in one of a myriad of positions in a facile manner.

The wheelchair of the disclosed invention may have various modifications and changes made, all of which will not detract from the essence of the invention and all of which are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A wheelchair frame comprising: a singular, longitudinal strut having a first rear end portion terminating in opposed strut portions adapted to receive large wheels in operative association therewith, a second front end portion extending beyond the most forward edge of said large wheels, and rearwardly projecting portions adapted to receive smaller wheels in operative association therewith, said singular, longitudinal strut being adapted to operatively and securely receive and mount a seat, whereby the weight of the user of the wheelchair is super-positioned to and borne by said singular, longitudinal strut.

2. The frame in accordance with Claim 1, wherein said opposed strut portions extend outwardly from the axis of said singular, longitudinal strut.

3. The frame in accordance with Claim 2, wherein said front end portion is angularly disposed with respect to said singular, longitudinal strut and extends downwardly therefrom.

4. The frame in accordance with Claim 3, wherein said opposed strut portions of said rear end portion of said singular, longitudinal strut are positioned normal to the longitudinal axis of said singular, longitudinal strut and form a T-bar configuration therewith.

5. The frame in accordance with Claim 4, wherein said opposed strut portions extend outwardly from the longitudinal axis of said singular, longitudinal strut.

6. The frame in accordance with Claim 5, including a seat secured to said singular, longitudinal strut in releasable fashion therewith, and being positional in one of a plurality of positions relative to said singular, longitudinal strut.

7. The frame in accordance with Claim 6, wherein said extending portions adapted to receive smaller wheels extend rearwardly relative to said second, front end portion.

8. The frame in accordance with Claim 7, wherein said frame is of integral construction of lightweight durable metal.

9. The frame in accordance with Claim 8, wherein said opposed strut portions are adapted to receive mounting blocks therein for mounting of main wheels thereto.

10. In a wheelchair wheel support, the improvement comprising: first and second members forming a pivoted connection, having interfitting, spaced ear portions, wherein said first and second members are pivotally connected through said interfitting, spaced ear portions, to be pivoted in an infinite range, said first member being adapted for securement to the frame of the wheelchair, said second member being adapted to operatively support a wheel in rotative relationship and stop means associated with one of said first and second members to limit selective pivotal movement between said first and second members, whereby the wheel is positionable in a selected one of a plurality of canted positions.

11. A wheelchair main wheel support having infinitely variable positioning comprising the combination of: a wheelchair frame adapted to operatively support a large hand- manipulable wheel, a first connecting member operatively and securely attached to said wheelchair frame and having a plurality of spaced ear portions, each having an aperture therethrough, a second connecting member having congruently spaced ear portions and staggered so as to be received in aligned relationship to said plurality of spaced ear portions, said congruently spaced ear portions having aligned apertures therethrough to coincide with said apertures in said plurality of spaced ear portions; securement means operatively associating and securing said first and second connecting members in selectively moveable relationship relative to each other; and abutment means operatively associated with one of said first and second connecting members to limit and define the extent of moveable relationship of the interconnected said first and second connecting members.

12. The improvement in accordance with Claim 10, wherein said frame of the wheelchair is of tubular construction and is adapted to receive a reduced portion of said first member in recessed relationship therewith.

13. The improvement in accordance with Claim 12, wherein said abutment means is comprised of at least one set screw to limit pivotal movement between said first and second members.

14. The wheelchair main wheel support in accordance with Claim 11, wherein said wheelchair frame is of tubular construction.

15. The wheelchair main wheel support in accordance with Claim 14 wherein said first and second connecting members form a pivotable assemblage, whereby said second member is moveable into one of a plurality of selected canted positions.

16. The wheelchair main wheel support in accordance with Claim 15, wherein said abutment means operatively associated with one of said first and second connecting members are set screws.

17. The wheelchair main wheel support in accordance with Claim 15, wherein said abutment means is associated with said first connecting member.

18. The wheelchair main wheel support in accordance with Claim 17, wherein said second connecting member has a depending main wheel shaft support structure having a plurality of spaced and aligned apertures therethrough.