WO2009094695A1

WO2009094695A1 - A vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2009094695A1
Application number: PCT/AU2009/000070
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anthony Mark Matthews
Original assignee: Ezyrider Recreational Vehicles Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2008-01-29
Filing date: 2009-01-22
Publication date: 2009-08-06

Abstract

A wheelchair having a chassis, the chassis including a front part and a rear part, the rear part of the chassis adapted to allow two or more wheels and a seat to be removably attached thereto, and the front part of the chassis being adapted to allow a user to steer the wheelchair.

Description

A Vehicle

Field of the Invention.

The present invention relates to a vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to a wheelchair, such as a modular wheelchair, that allows a user to remove and replace parts of the wheelchair quickly and easily.

Background Art.

There are currently a number of different styles of wheelchairs and similar mobility aids (hereinafter referred to collectively as "wheelchairs") available to the public, such as manual wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, sports wheelchairs, electric scooters and the like. However, each of these wheelchairs is typically only suitable for a single purpose, meaning that a person may need to purchase several different wheelchairs in order to be able to take part in a range of activities. Not only is this expensive, but it is also impractical, such as when several different wheelchairs need to be carried in the boot of a car.

Furthermore, the fact that conventional wheelchairs cannot be easily and quickly converted from one type to another means that a person using a wheelchair may find themselves in a situation in which their wheelchair is no longer suitable for the conditions. For instance, when a manual wheelchair is driven along an inclined slope or a cambered surface, the wheelchair will tend to drift down the slope. The person in the chair must apply significant extra force to the downhill wheel of the chair in order to maintain the wheelchair in a straight line. In many cases, such as amongst stroke sufferers, the person may not have sufficient strength in their arms to control the wheelchair.

In the past, some attempts have been made to overcome these problems. In international patent application no. WO 02/064074, for instance, a mobility unit was disclosed for attachment to the front of a conventional wheelchair. However, these devices suffer from the drawback that they merely add an extra unit to an existing wheelchair, meaning that a person may still need to own several different wheelchairs to which the mobility unit may be added in order to take part in a range of activities. Furthermore, each wheelchair to which the mobility unit is to be added must be modified in order to provide an attachment point for the mobility unit.

Thus, there would be an advantage if it were possible to provide a vehicle which could be adapted to suit a range of activities.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Throughout this specification, the term "comprising" and its grammatical equivalents shall be taken to have an inclusive meaning unless the context of use indicates otherwise.

Object of the Invention.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle which may overcome at least some of the abovementioned disadvantages, or provide a useful or commercial choice.

In one aspect, the invention resides broadly in a wheelchair having a chassis, the chassis including a front part and a rear part, the rear part of the chassis adapted to allow two or more wheels and a seat to be removably attached thereto, and the front part of the chassis being adapted to allow a user to steer the wheelchair.

A skilled addressee will understand that the term wheelchair may be used to describe a wide variety of devices adapted to improve the mobility of a user, and particularly a user with some form of mobility impairment. These devices may include conventional wheelchairs, sports wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, battery powered scooters or any other similar device.

Preferably, the front part and the rear part of the chassis are adapted for removable attachment to one another. The front and rear parts of chassis may be of any suitable size. However, it is preferred that the rear part of the chassis comprises attachment means to allow the two or more wheels and seat to be removably attached to the rear part of the chassis. The attachment means may be of any suitable form. For instance, the attachment of the two or more wheels and seat to the chassis may be achieved through the use of snap lock fittings, screw threads, screws, bolts or any other suitable means that allows a user to quickly and easily remove the two or more wheels and seat from the rear part of the chassis when required. In some embodiments of the invention, the removal of the two or more wheels and seat from the rear part of the chassis may be achieved manually, without requiring the use of tools. The front and rear parts of the chassis may be constructed from any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, metal (such as stainless steel, steel, aluminium or the like), plastic, fiberglass and so on.

The front and rear parts of the chassis may be removably connected to one another using any suitable technique. For instance, snap lock fittings, screw threads, screws, bolts or any other suitable means that allows a user to quickly and easily connect to the front and rear parts of the chassis to one another may be used. Preferably, the front and rear parts of the chassis may be attached to or detached from one another manually, without requiring the use of tools.

The two or more wheels may be of any suitable type. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the wheels are removably attached to the rear part of the chassis of the wheelchair. Preferably, the two wheels are located substantially parallel to one another on opposing sides of the rear part of the chassis. In a most preferred embodiment of the invention, the seat may be attached to the rear part of the chassis at a point between the two wheels. It is preferred that the rear part of the chassis is adapted to removably attach wheels of any suitable size, shape or configuration. Thus, a user may be able to replace, for instance, conventional wheelchair wheels with sports wheels without needing to change chairs.

The seat is preferably attached to an upper surface of the rear part of the chassis, such that a user will be facing in the direction of travel when seated in the seat. A skilled addressee will understand that any suitable seat may be provided for removable attachment to the chassis. In some embodiments of the invention, the vehicle may be provided with more than one seat.

The seat may be attached to the rear part of the chassis using any suitable technique. Preferably, however, the seat may be removably attached to the chassis so as to facilitate the simple dismantling of the wheelchair when, for instance, maintenance is required, or to allow the user to change seats. In some embodiments of the invention, the rear part of the chassis may be provided with a stand or similar configuration to which the seat may be attached. Alternatively, the seat may be adapted to engage with one or more seat retaining means provided on the rear part of the chassis. For instance, the seat may be adapted to slidably engage with the one or more seat retaining means, although it is envisaged that any suitable mechanism for attaching the seat to the rear part of the chassis could be used. Preferably, however, any mechanism by which the seat is attached to the chassis is adapted to prevent unwanted movement in the seat when the wheelchair is in use. This prevents a user from losing a portion of the manual power put into the rear wheels due to movement of the seat.

The front part of the chassis may be of any suitable configuration. In some embodiments of the invention, the front part of the chassis may extend towards the front of the wheelchair. In its simplest form, the front part of the chassis may simply comprise one or more additional wheels. Preferably, however, the front part of the chassis includes steering means adapted to allow the user to steer the vehicle when in use. The steering means may be of any suitable form, and may allow the user to steer the vehicle using any suitable technique, such as a steering wheel, handlebars, foot pedals, foot rests or the like. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the front part of the chassis may further include or be associated with one or more front wheels. Preferably, the steering means and the one or more front wheels are associated with one another such that actuation of the steering means results in a corresponding actuation of the front wheels, thereby causing the wheelchair to change direction. Preferably, the one or more front wheels are adapted to be puncture-resistant.

The front part of the chassis may further be provided with control means. The control means may be of any suitable form, however it is preferred that the control means comprises one or more of the following: a joystick, hand throttle, pedals, buttons, levers or the like. The control means may be adapted to accelerate the vehicle, stop the vehicle, or both. Preferably the control means are in communication with a drive mechanism. In some embodiments of the invention, the drive mechanism is located on the one or more front wheels. The drive mechanism may be of any suitable form, although it is preferred that actuation of the control means results in the drive mechanism imparting rotational movement to the one or more front wheels. Thus, the drive mechanism may comprise a hub motor or the like. Alternatively, the drive mechanism may be associated with one or more of the wheels adapted for removable attachment to the rear part of the chassis. In another embodiment of the invention, the drive mechanism may be located on both the one or more front wheels and one or more of the wheels adapted for removable attachment to the rear part of the chassis. In some embodiments of the present invention, the wheelchair may be adapted such that different drive mechanisms may be interchanged depending on the user's preference, the use to which the wheelchair is to be put and so on.

In embodiments of the invention in which the drive mechanism comprises a hub motor, the front part of the wheelchair may further be provided with one or more torque bars. Preferably, the one or more torque bars are adapted for mounting adjacent the axle of the front wheel. Preferably, the one or more torque bars are of sufficient size and configuration to allow the installation of motors producing a wide range of power, for instance from relatively low power motors (less than 200W) to relatively high power motors (2kW or greater). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the one or more torque bars may be connected to the front part of the chassis, for instance, by being bolted, welded or otherwise fastened to the frame of the front part of the chassis. Alternatively, the one or more torque bars may be adapted for mounting to one or more brackets by any suitable technique (fasteners, welding, adhesives etc), wherein the one or more brackets may be adapted for connection to the frame of the front part of the chassis.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the torque bars may be formed integrally with the frame of the front part of the chassis. In another embodiment of the invention, the one or more torque bars may be formed separately from the frame of the front part of the chassis, while the one or more brackets to which the torque bars are connected may be formed integrally with the frame of the front part of the chassis.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the wheelchair may further be provided with one or more brakes. Preferably, the one or more brakes are hand-controlled. In this embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that the hand-controlled brakes are adapted to be lockable. It is envisaged that when the hand-controlled brakes are locks, a user may release the pressure on the hand-controlled brakes and no movement of the wheelchair is possible. The hand-controlled brakes may be adapted to brake one or more front wheels, one or more rear wheels or a combination of the two. In some embodiments of the invention, two or more brakes may be fitted to the same wheel to improve the breaking ability of the wheelchair. In addition, when lockable brakes are present, the presence of two or more brakes fitted to the same wheel ensures that a user can leave the wheelchair and it will not roll away while the user's attention is occupied elsewhere. In a further embodiment of the invention, the wheelchair may also be provided with a park brake.

In some embodiments of the invention, the front part of the chassis may include an access portion. The access portion may be of any suitable form, although it is preferred that the access portion is in the form of a step-through portion, preferably including a footplate. In this way, a person may mount or dismount the wheelchair without needing to swing one or more of their legs over a bar (such as on a bicycle frame). A step-through portion may even allow users with restricted mobility in their legs to quickly and easily mount or dismount the wheelchair, potentially without requiring assistance. In some embodiments of the invention, the access portion may be located between the steering means and the seat.

In some embodiments of the invention, the wheelchair may further comprise one or more of the following: user protection means, storage means and power means.

The user protection means may be of any suitable configuration. However, in some embodiments of the invention, the user protection means may comprise a windscreen, roof, canopy, roll bar or any combination thereof. Preferably, the user protection means may be adapted for removable attachment to the wheelchair, and, in particular, to the rear part of the chassis.

Any suitable storage means may be provided. For instance, the storage means may comprise a box, locker, bag holder, bottle holder, basket, carry bag, shelf or any combination thereof. Preferably, the storage means may be adapted for removable attachment to the wheelchair, and, in particular, to the rear part of the chassis. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the storage means is located at the rear of the wheelchair, although the storage means may equally be located, for instance, under the seat, at the front of the wheelchair and so on.

The power means may be of any suitable type. In some embodiments of the invention, the power means is in communication with the drive mechanism, such that the power to drive the drive mechanism is provided by the power means. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the power means comprises one or more batteries. Any suitable battery may be used (for instance, lead acid batteries etc), although in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the battery may be a lithium-ion battery, such as, but not limited to, a lithium iron phosphate battery. Lithium-ion batteries may provide the wheelchair with a longer battery life than other varieties of battery.

The one or more batteries may be located in any suitable position on the wheelchair. For instance, the one or more batteries may be located at the rear of the wheelchair, under the seat, and so on. This will typically provide increased weight adjacent the rear axle which should improve stability and traction. Preferably, however, the batteries are located in such a way that the user does not have to carry the one or more batteries on their lap when the wheelchair is in use.

The one or more batteries may be provided in any suitable configuration. For instance, when a plurality of batteries are present, the batteries may be configured in either series or parallel. It is envisaged that any suitable battery voltage (either individually or in total when multiple batteries are present) could be used.

The one or more batteries may be adapted for connection to the wheelchair using any suitable technique. For instance, the wheelchair may be provided with one or more battery retaining means, such as one or more housings, recesses, slots, channels, or the like, or any combination thereof, in which the one or more batteries may be located. Preferably, however, the wheelchair may be provided with one or more rails on which the batteries may be retained. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a battery may be slidably engaged with a rail attached to the rear part of the chassis (such as on the footplate) in order to allow the batteries to be moved between a storage and an access position.

In some embodiments of the invention, the wheelchair may be provided with connection means adapted for connecting the one or more batteries to the drive mechanism. Any suitable connection means may be used. For instance, the one or more batteries may be connected to the drive mechanism by cables or wires. In this embodiment of the invention, the cables or wires may be loose, or they may be, for instance, attached to the floorplate. Preferably however, the wheelchair may be provided with one or more cable housings through which the cables or wires may pass. In this way, the cables or wires may be safely housed, decreasing the likelihood of damage to an exposed cable or wire, and increasing the aesthetic appeal of the wheelchair.

The one or more batteries may be connected directly to the drive mechanism (e.g. by hard wiring) or the one or more batteries may be adapted to be removably connected to a plug or socket (or similar) in order to create the connection between the one or more batteries and the drive mechanism.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the one or more cable housings may be provided with one or more electrical sockets to which the one or more batteries may be electrically connected.

In some embodiments of the invention, the wheelchair may be provided with one or more further electrical sockets. In this embodiment of the invention, any suitable electrical device may be connected to the one or more further electrical sockets. However, it is envisaged that the one or more further electrical sockets may be adapted for connection to battery charging means, such as mains power, although it is also envisaged that the further electrical sockets may be adapted for connection to a generator, solar panel, or the like. This is particularly the case if the wheelchair is being used in a location where access to mains power is not available (such as when camping, hiking and so on).

In embodiments of the invention in which power means is provided, it is preferred that while the wheelchair may be operated by activation of the power means, the wheelchair may also be operated manually.

The wheelchair may further be provided with towing means. The towing means may be of any suitable form adapted to removably attach, for instance, a trailer or the like to the wheelchair. In some embodiments of the invention, the towing means may comprise a towbar, tow hitch or the like. Preferably, the towing means may be adapted for removable attachment to the rear part of the chassis of the wheelchair.

While it will be understood by a skilled addressee that the wheelchair of the present invention may be of any suitable size, in some embodiments of the invention it is preferred that the maximum width of the wheelchair (typically the distance between the wheels removably attached to the rear part of the chassis) is limited such that the wheelchair may be maneuvered into and out of lifts and cars (such as taxis), through doors and doorways, on and off buses, trains, aeroplanes, and similar forms of transportation, and may be stored in confined spaces, such as the boot of a car.

In another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a chassis for a wheelchair, the chassis comprising a front part and a rear part, wherein the rear part of the chassis comprises one or more attachment means to allow the removable attachment of two or more wheels, a seat and the front part of the chassis.

In some embodiments of the invention, the rear part of the chassis may further be adapted to allow the removable attachment of one or more of the following: user protection means, storage means, power means and towing means. In still another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a modular wheelchair comprising two or more wheels, steering means and a seat, each of said two or more wheels, steering means and seat adapted for removable attachment to the wheelchair.

In some embodiments of the invention, the modular wheelchair may further be adapted to allow the removable attachment of one or more of the following: user protection means, storage means, power means and towing means.

In yet another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a wheelchair for people having a mobility impairment, the wheelchair including a chassis having a front part and a rear part, the rear part adapted to allow the removable attachment of two or more wheels, a seat and one or more of the following: user protection means, storage means, towing means and power means.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rear part of chassis is further adapted to allow the removable attachment of the front part of the chassis.

In some embodiments of the invention, the front part of the chassis may be provided with steering means for steering the wheelchair when in use. In some embodiments of the invention an access portion is located between the steering means and the media part of the chassis. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the access portion may comprise a step-through portion to allow a user to step on and off the vehicle. Preferably, the access portion of the comprises a footplate upon which a user may stand, step or rest their feet when the wheelchair is in use.

In a still further aspect, the invention resides broadly in a wheelchair including:

(a) two or more wheels;

(b) steering means;

(c) a seat; and wherein each of the items listed in (a) to (c) above is adapted for removable attachment to the wheelchair.

The wheelchair of the present invention may further comprise one or more of: user protection means, power means, towing means and storage means. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the one or more of the user protection means, power means, towing means and storage means may be adapted for removable attachment to the wheelchair.

In some embodiments of the invention, the wheelchair may be provided with a chassis. Preferably, the two or more wheels, steering means, seat, user protection means, storage means, towing means and power means may be attached to the chassis. The chassis may be provided with attachment means to allow the removable attachment of each of the two or more wheels, steering means, seat, user protection means, storage means and power means to the chassis.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the chassis may comprise a front part and a rear part. The front and rear parts of the chassis may be adapted for removable connection to one another. In some embodiments of the invention, the steering means is associated with the front part of chassis, while the two or more wheels, user protection means, storage means and power means may be associated with the rear part of the chassis.

In some embodiments of the invention, the front part of the chassis may be provided with an access portion. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the access portion may comprise a step-through portion to allow a user to step on and off the vehicle. Preferably, the access portion for the comprises a footplate upon which a user may stand or step. Alternatively, a user may rest their feet on the footplate while the wheelchair is in use.

Brief Description of the Drawings.

An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates the chassis for a wheelchair according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a wheelchair according to an embodiment of the present invention in a partially assembled state; Figure 3 illustrates a front part of the chassis of a wheelchair according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 illustrates a wheelchair according to an embodiment of the present invention in a partially assembled state; Figure 5 illustrates a wheelchair according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 illustrates a wheelchair according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 illustrates a wheelchair according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 illustrates a wheelchair according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 illustrates a detail of a wheelchair according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 illustrates the rear part of the chassis of a wheelchair according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 illustrates a front wheel of a wheelchair according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 illustrates the hand controls of a wheelchair according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 13 illustrates a torque bar according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Drawings. It will be appreciated that the drawings have been provided for the purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention and that the invention should not be considered to be limited solely to the features as shown in the drawings.

In Figure 1 there is illustrated a rear part of a chassis 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The rear part of the chassis 10 comprises a first member 11 and a second member 12. A pair of wheels 13 are adapted for removable attachment to opposing ends of the first member 11, while the second member 12 comprises an attachment portion 14 to which a front part of the chassis (not shown), power means (not shown), towing means (not shown) and so on may be removably attached, and a seat attachment portion 15 in the form of a plate to which a seat (not shown) may be removably attached.

In Figure 2, the wheelchair 16 of the present invention is shown in a partially assembled state. In this Figure, it may be seen that the wheelchair 16 comprises a pair of wheels 13, a seat 17 and storage means in the form of a bag 18 removably attached to the chassis 10. The seat 17 may be provided with a pivot point 19, to allow the backrest 20 to be folded down for storage, or for transporting the wheelchair 16 in the boot of a car (not shown) or the like.

Turning now to Figure 3, a front part of the chassis 21 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The front part of the chassis 21 comprises a front wheel 22, handlebars 23 and footrests 24. The front part of the chassis 21 is also provided with control means in the form of an adjustable throttle 25 and a brake 26 for controlling the movement of the wheelchair. The throttle 25 and brake 26 are in communication with a drive mechanism 27 located on the front wheel 22, such that activation of either the throttle 25 or the brake 26 actuates the drive mechanism 27, causing the wheelchair to start or stop, depending on which control has been actuated. Alternatively, the brake 26 may operate in the same way as a bicycle brake by forcing brake pads to clamp again the front wheel 22 to slow the movement of the wheelchair.

Power to the drive mechanism may be supplied by the power means in the form of a battery 28 located on the front part of the chassis 21, although a skilled addressee will understand that the battery 28 may equally be located on the rear part of the chassis

(not shown).

The front part of the chassis 21 also comprises an access portion in the form of a step- through portion and footplate 29. The access portion is adapted to allow a user to step on and off (or be lifted on or off) the wheelchair without needing to swing their legs over a bar or frame. This is of particular importance when the wheelchair is being used by a person with limited or no mobility in their legs. In Figure 4, there is shown a wheelchair 16 according to an embodiment of the present invention when in a partially assembled state. The front part of the chassis 21 may be attached to the second member 14 of the rear part of the chassis 10 at the rear of the wheelchair 16 adjacent battery 28. In this Figure, the attachment means 29 to which the pair of wheels (not shown) are removably attached may be more clearly seen.

In Figure 5, the wheelchair 16 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be seen in an assembled condition. The wheelchair comprises a seat 17, a pair of wheels 13 and a front part of the chassis 21 removably attached to a rear part of the chassis (obscured). The front part of the chassis 21 comprises an access portion and footplate 29 in the form of a step-through portion that allows a user to simply step on and off the wheelchair 16 without needing to swing their legs over a bar or frame. The front part of the chassis 21 further comprises a support member 30 interconnecting the underside of the seat 17 (or the chassis) with the footplate 29. The support member 30 may be adapted for removable connection to one or more of the underside of the seat 17, and footplate 29 of the rear part of the chassis. In this way, the wheelchair 16 may be made more rigid, and therefore safer, for a user.

In Figure 6, the wheelchair 16 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be seen when in use. A user 31 is seated in the seat 17 and may rest their feet 32 on the footrests 24. Not only does this provide the user 31 with a comfortable seating position, but it also allows a user 31 to steer the wheelchair 16 using their feet 32 to change the direction of the front wheel 22.

Steering the wheelchair 16 using the user's feet 32 allows the user 31 to operate the wheelchair 16 manually. The user 31 may turn the pair of wheels 13 using their hands 33, in much the same way as in a conventional wheelchair. Alternatively, the user 31 may use the throttle control 25 on the handlebars 23 to drive the wheelchair 16, and may steer the wheelchair 16 by turning the handlebars 23, in much the same manner as controlling the direction of travel of a bicycle or motorbike.

In this Figure, the seat 17 is supported by a stand 34. In Figure 7, a wheelchair 35 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The wheelchair 35 comprises a rear portion 36 including a seat 37, a pair of rear wheels 38 and a storage means in the form of a bag 39 mounted to a chassis 40.

A battery 41 is also mounted to the chassis 40, the chassis 40 adapted to retain the battery 41 in place by slidably engaging the battery 41 with retaining means in the form of a rail 42 mounted to the chassis 40.

The wheelchair 35 further includes a front part 43 comprising a front wheel 44 steering controls in the form of handlebars 45. The front part 43 is further provided with a pair of hand actuated brakes 46 linked to dual brakes 47 associated with the front wheel 44. A park brake 48 is also provided, the park being adapted to engage the rear wheel 38 and prevent any further rotation thereof.

In Figure 8, a detailed view of the chassis 40 is shown. In this Figure, a battery 41 is shown retained, on the chassis 40, while space for a second battery is also provided. Retaining means in the form of a rail 42 is provided in the space for the second battery (not shown).

The battery 41 is provided with an electrical connector in the form of a plug 49 which is adapted to be electrically connected to a first socket 50 provided on the chassis 40. A second socket 51 is also provided in the event that a second battery (not shown) was in use. The first and second dockets 50, 51 are provided on a cable housing 52 in which the cables or wires (obscured) electrically connecting the battery 41 to the motor (not shown) are housed in order to protect the cables and to provide a more pleasing aesthetic finish to the wheelchair.

The chassis 40 is further provided with a step-through portion 53 which allows a user to simply step on and off the wheelchair without needing to swing their leg over a central bar.

Turning now to Figure 9, a detailed view of the electrical sockets 50, 51 is shown with the electrical plug 49 of the first battery (not shown) connected to the first socket 50.

In Figure 10, the rear part 36 of the wheelchair is shown with rear wheels and seat removed for illustration purposes. In this Figure, the seat retaining means 52 may be seen. The seat retaining means 52 comprises a pair of projections to which the seat (not shown) may be slidably engaged.

The front wheel 44 of the wheelchair is illustrated in Figure 11. In this Figure it may also be seen that the wheelchair is provided with footrests 53 to provide the user with a place to rest their feet when the wheelchair is in motion. It is also envisaged that the user will be able to steer the wheelchair by applying pressure on the footrests 53 with their feet.

The dual brakes 47 associated with the front wheel 44 may also be more clearly seen in this Figure.

In addition, Figure 11 illustrates the presence of a torque bar 54 on the front wheel 44.

The torque bar 54 is adapted to be mounted to the axle 55 of the front wheel 44 and is retained in place by bolting the torque bar 54 to the frame 56 of the front part of the wheelchair. The addition of the torque bar 54 ensures that the axle 55 does not rotate as the hub motor 57 rotates about the axle 55.

In Figure 12, a hand brake 46 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The hand brake comprises a brake lever 58 which is actuated by manual pressure applied by the user. Once the brake has been actuated, a locking lever 59 may be actuated by further manual pressure. The locking lever 59 engages a locking surface 60 on the brake lever 58, thereby preventing the release of the brake lever 58. In this manner, the hand brake 46 will be applied until such time as the user disengages the locking lever 59 and allows the brake lever 58 to be released.

In Figure 13, a torque bar 54 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The torque bar comprises a slot 61 into which the axle (not shown) of the front wheel (not shown) is retained. The torque bar comprises a cut-out portion having a first surface 62 and a second surface 63 adapted to be placed adjacent the frame (not shown) of the front part (not shown). In general, the torque bar 54 and the frame (not shown) may be joined together by welding along the first surface 62 and the second surface 63.

The torque bar 54 is further provided with an aperture 64. The aperture allows the torque bar 54 to be bolted to a bracket (not shown) or to the frame (not shown).

A skilled addressee will understand that the present invention provides numerous advantages over the prior art. The present invention provides the user with a wheelchair which may be converted quickly and easily between a conventional wheelchair, a sports wheelchair, a motorized scooter (and so on) depending on what is required from the wheelchair at any time. This means that a user will only require one wheelchair, instead of needing to purchase a variety of wheelchairs to suit the range of activities in which they participate .

The fact that the wheelchair may be easily converted also means that the wheelchair may be disassembled quickly for transportation (such as in a car) or for storage. The modular nature of the wheelchair also means that additional features (such as a storage bag, a canopy, a tow bar etc) may be added when required depending on the use to which the wheelchair is being put, the weather conditions and so on.

The wheelchair of the present invention may be used in a wide variety of terrain, and may be used to climb obstacles such as gutters or even stairs. In addition, the wheelchair of the present invention provides the user with a great deal of flexibility, as the wheelchair may either be operated manually or using a power source, such as a battery. Further, the wheelchair may be used either indoors or outdoors, meaning that a user can move from one environment to another without the need to change wheelchairs.

In addition, it is envisaged that, unlike existing wheelchairs wherein parts are supplied by the manufacturer, replacement parts for the wheelchair of the invention could be readily purchased and installed by the user, reducing the cost of maintaining the wheelchair and also reducing the likelihood that a user will be without the use of their chair if a part is not immediately available.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It will be understood that the present invention encompasses all such variations and modifications that fall within its spirit and scope.

Claims

Claims.

1. A wheelchair having a chassis, the chassis including a front part and a rear part, the rear part of the chassis adapted to allow two or more wheels and a seat to be removably attached thereto, and the front part of the chassis being adapted to allow a user to steer the wheelchair.

2. A wheelchair according to claim 1 wherein the front part and the rear part are adapted for removeable attachment to one another.

3. A wheelchair according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the two or more wheels are located substantially parallel to one another.

4. A wheelchair according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the seat is located at a point between two wheels.

5. A wheelchair according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the seat is adapted to engage with seat retaining means located on the rear part of the chassis.

6. A wheelchair according to claim 5 wherein the seat is adapted to slidably engage with the seat retaining means.

7. A wheelchair according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the ' front part of the chassis comprises steering means.

8. A wheelchair according to claim 7 wherein the steering means are adapted to allow the wheelchair to be steered by hand, by foot, or by a combination of the two.

9. A wheelchair according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the front part of the chassis is provided with control means.

10. A wheelchair according to claim 9 wherein the control means comprise one or more of the following: a joystick, hand throttle, pedals, buttons, levers or hand brakes.

11. A wheelchair according to claim 9 or claim 10 wherein the control means are in communication with a drive mechanism.

12. A wheelchair according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the wheelchair further comprises one or more of the following: user protection means, storage means and power means.

13. A wheelchair according to claim 12 wherein the power means comprises one or more batteries.

14. A wheelchair according to claim 12 or claim 13 wherein the drive mechanism is adapted for connection to the power means.

15. A wheelchair according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the chassis is provided with a step-through portion adapted to allow a user to step on and off the wheelchair.

16. A wheelchair according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the wheelchair further comprises towing means.

17. A chassis for a wheelchair, the chassis comprising a front part and a rear part, wherein the rear part of the chassis comprises one or more attachment means to allow the removable attachment of two or more wheels, a seat and the front part of the chassis.

18. A modular wheelchair comprising two or more wheels, steering means and a seat, each of said two or more wheels, steering means and seat adapted for removable attachment to the wheelchair.

19. A wheelchair for people having a mobility impairment, the wheelchair including a chassis having a front part and a rear part, the rear part adapted to allow the removable attachment of two or more wheels, a seat and one or more of the following: user protection means, storage means, towing means and power means.

20. A wheelchair including:

(a) two or more wheels;

(b) steering means; (c) a seat; and wherein each of the items listed in (a) to (c) above is adapted for removable attachment to the wheelchair.