WO2019086980A1

WO2019086980A1 - Wheelchair apparatus transformable into a stretcher

Info

Publication number: WO2019086980A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/057776
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shefali Sudhir GOKARN; Pratik N. PATEL; Vishal Arjun YEWALE; Krushal Deepak DEDHIA
Original assignee: Gokarn Shefali Sudhir; Patel Pratik N
Priority date: 2017-11-03
Filing date: 2018-10-08
Publication date: 2019-05-09

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a wheelchair apparatus transformable into a stretcher, the apparatus including a seat comprising a first end and a second end, a backrest comprising a top end and a bottom end configured to rotate about its bottom end, a footrest comprising a top end and a bottom end configured to rotate about its top end, and at least three sheets configured with the seat, the backrest and the footrest respectively, and configured to move in a traverse direction, wherein rotation of the backrest about its bottom end and rotation of the footrest about its top end allows reclining of the backrest and the footrest and allows transformation of the apparatus into a stretcher, and wherein movement of the sheet in the traverse direction enables automatic transfer of a user from the apparatus to any required position of a seating device such as a bed, a stretcher, a sofa, a car seat and the like.

Description

WHEELCHAIR APPARATUS TRANSFORMABLE INTO A STRETCHER

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to wheelchairs, and more specifically, pertains to a wheelchair apparatus transformable into a stretcher to provide a comfortable sitting as well as leaning position to a user, and to allow easy and hassle-free transfer of the user to any required position such as bed, stretcher, sofa, car seat, etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] A wheelchair, also abbreviated as chair with wheels, is used when walking is difficult or impossible due to illness, injury, or disability. It provides a sitting position to a user in need of nursing case or a patient who finds it difficult to sit up or move by him/herself (generally referred to as "patient" hereinafter) and enables transportation of the patient from one place to another. Wheelchairs can be remotely operated or can be manually operated based on the requirement. Remote controlled wheelchairs provide a convenience to the patient to control movement of the wheelchair in various directions and control speed of the wheels of the wheelchair, and reduce manual intervention. On the other hand, manually controlled wheelchairs require assistance to move the wheelchairs form one location to another.

[0004] As can be observed, a typical wheelchair merely provides a sitting position to a patient, where transfer of the patient from the wheelchair to a stretcher or a bed and vice versa is an intricate process that engenders stress and/or strain at various tissues and body parts of the patient and requires assistance of a plurality of attendants. Also, direct transfer of the patient between a sitting position at the wheelchair to a leaning position at the stretcher or the bed is labor intensive, and provides discomfort to the patient.

[0005] During transfer of the patient from a typical wheelchair to a bed, since the patient may not be able to maintain his/her posture by him/herself, it is necessary to secure stability by firmly supporting the patient's body or head in order to prevent off balance or tumble of the patient. However, in a conventional wheelchair, since inclination of a seat or a backrest is either fixed or no mechanism for supporting the body is provided, the patient may tumble down when he/she bends forward.

[0006] Efforts have been made in the past to overcome above problems by providing a wheelchair that can be transformed into a stretcher. However, such efforts are accompanied with certain deficiencies such as any or a combination of lack of automation, requirement of large floor space, increased manual intervention, and injury to the patient and/or the attendants.

[0007] There is therefore a need in the art to provide for a wheelchair apparatus transformable into a stretcher to enable quick and easy transfer of the patient from the wheelchair to a bed and vice versa. In addition, there exists a need to provide for a stretcher cum wheelchair apparatus that can be remotely operated and involves reduced manual intervention to enable transformation between the wheelchair and the stretcher and automatically transfer the patient from the apparatus to the bed.

[0008] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0009] In some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0010] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. "such as") provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0011] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide wheelchair apparatus transformable into a stretcher.

[0013] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a wheelchair cum stretcher apparatus to enable safe and easy transfer of a patient from the apparatus to any required position such as bed, stretcher, sofa, car seat, etc.

[0014] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a wheelchair cum stretcher apparatus that can be controlled by any favourable means such as remote, joystick, touchpad, voice control, gesture control, etc.

[0015] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a wheelchair cum stretcher apparatus that incorporates minimal manual intervention.

[0016] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a wheelchair cum stretcher apparatus that can provide one single solution to many problems faced by the disabled.

[0017] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a wheelchair cum stretcher apparatus that can be used in hospitals and for personal use such as at home or for transferring patient to or from car seat.

[0018] It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide a wheelchair cum stretcher apparatus that prevents injury to the patient.

SUMMARY

[0019] The present invention relates generally to wheelchairs, and more specifically, pertains to a wheelchair apparatus transformable into a stretcher to provide a comfortable sitting as well as leaning position to a user, and to allow easy transfer of the user to any required position such as bed, stretcher, sofa, car seat, etc.

[0020] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a wheelchair apparatus transformable into a stretcher, the apparatus including a seat having a first end and a second end, a backrest including a top end and a bottom end, wherein said bottom end of the backrest is operatively coupled to said first end of the seat and said backrest is configured to, by a first actuation means, rotate about its bottom end, a footrest including a top end and a bottom end, wherein said top end of the footrest is operatively coupled to said second end of the seat and said footrest is configured to, by a second actuation means, rotate about its top end, at least three sheets configured with the seat, the backrest and the footrest respectively, the sheets configured to, by a third actuation means, move in a traverse direction, and a controller to control operation of the first actuation means, the second actuation means and the third actuation means, wherein rotation of the backrest about its bottom end and rotation of the footrest about its top end allows reclining of the backrest and the footrest and allows transformation of the apparatus into a stretcher, and wherein movement of the sheets in the traverse direction enables automatic transfer of a user from the apparatus to a seating device such as a bed, a stretcher, a sofa, a car seat and the like.

[0021] In an aspect, each of the first actuation means and the second actuation means comprises at least one electrical linear actuator to enable reclining of the backrest and the footrest, and wherein said reclining of the backrest and the footrest transforms the apparatus into a stretcher.

[0022] In an aspect, the third actuation means includes any or a combination of at least one electrical linear actuator, a lead screw mechanism, a stepper motor mechanism and a conveying mechanism to enable automatic transfer of the user from the apparatus to any required position of the seating device. In an aspect, the at least one sheet out of the at least three sheets is operatively coupled to a sliding nut of the third actuation means to enable automatic transfer of the user to the seating device such as a bed, a stretcher, a sofa, a car seat and the like.

[0023] In an aspect, the third actuation means comprises one or more stepper motors, each stepper motor operatively connected with a leadscrew, a drive nut mounted on the leadscrew configured to move along at least two linear guide ways with rotation of the leadscrew by the stepper motor. In an aspect, the at least one sheet out of the at least three sheets is operatively coupled with the drive nut by a suitable clamping mechanism, and movement of the drive nut enables movement of the sheets in the traverse direction thereby allowing transfer of the user from the apparatus to any required position such as bed, stretcher, sofa, car seat, etc.

[0024] In an aspect, the at least three sheets are made of materials selected from the group of wood, a metal, a ceramic material and a composite material having a cushioning on top as per the comfortability of patient.

[0025] In an aspect, the controller synchronizes rotational speed and direction of the one or more stepper motors of the third actuation means.

[0026] In an embodiment, the controller is configured to provide any or a combination of gesture control, joystick control and remote control of the first actuation means, the second actuation means and the third actuation means, to enable reclining of the backrest and the footrest, and automatic transfer of the user from the apparatus to any required position such as bed, stretcher, sofa, car seat, etc. at a plurality of reclining angles of the backrest and the footrest.

[0027] In an aspect, the apparatus further includes two rotatable armrests configured at each side of the seat, and a plurality of any or a combination of caster and wheels configured to allow movement of the apparatus from one location to another.

[0028] Those skilled in the art will further appreciate the advantages and superior features of the disclosure together with other important aspects thereof on reading the detailed description that follows in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0030] In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0031] FIGs. 1A and IB illustrate exemplary side view representations of proposed wheelchair apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0032] FIGs. 1C and ID illustrate exemplary top view and perspective view representations of the proposed wheelchair apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIGs. 2A and 2B illustrates exemplary side view representations of proposed wheelchair apparatus converted into a stretcher in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIGs. 2C and 2D illustrates exemplary top view and perspective view representations of proposed wheelchair apparatus converted into a stretcher in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary representation of an electrical linear actuator in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIGs. 4A through 4C illustrate exemplary front view, top view and perspective view representations of third actuation mechanism respectively used to automatically transfer a user from the apparatus to a bed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] If the specification states a component or feature "may", "can", "could", or

"might" be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.

[0038] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This disclosure may however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).

[0039] Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methods embodying this disclosure. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly, any electronic code generator shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the entity implementing this disclosure. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named.

[0040] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[0041] The present invention relates generally to wheelchairs, and more specifically, pertains to a wheelchair apparatus transformable into a stretcher to provide a comfortable sitting as well as leaning position to a user, and to allow easy transfer of the user to a seating device including, but not limited to, a bed, a stretcher, a sofa and a car seat.

[0041] Embodiments of the present disclosure explained herein provide a wheelchair apparatus transformable into a stretcher, the apparatus including a seat having a first end and a second end, a backrest including a top end and a bottom end, wherein said bottom end of the backrest is operatively coupled to said first end of the seat and said backrest is configured to, by a first actuation means, rotate about its bottom end, a footrest including a top end and a bottom end, wherein said top end of the footrest is operatively coupled to said second end of the seat and said footrest is configured to, by a second actuation means, rotate about its top end, at least three sheets configured with the seat, the backrest and the footrest respectively, the at least three sheets configured to, by a third actuation means, move in a traverse direction, and a controller to control operation of the first actuation means, the second actuation means and the third actuation means, wherein rotation of the backrest about its bottom end and rotation of the footrest about its top end allows reclining of the backrest and the footrest and allows transformation of the apparatus into a stretcher or any required position, and wherein movement of at least one sheet out of the at least three sheets in the traverse direction enables automatic transfer of a user from the apparatus to any required position such as bed, stretcher, sofa, car seat, etc.

[0042] Embodiments of the present disclosure further disclose an exemplary apparatus to enable transferring a patient to/from a wheelchair apparatus which has been converted (e.g., repositioned, folded down, rotated, etc.) to a stretcher. An exemplary method for transferring a patient to/from the apparatus to any required position such as bed, stretcher, sofa, car seat, etc. may include transferring all sheets of the apparatus carrying a patient laterally or in a traverse direction over or along tracks created by pivoting, repositioning or otherwise converting the apparatus from the wheelchair to the stretcher. In this example, the sheet may traverse sideways with the help of suitable actuating means. During such method, the patient may be laterally transferred by the sheet in a sitting or seated upright position, in a semi-sitting position, or in a supine or laying down position.

[0043] It would be appreciated that although aspects of the present disclosure have been explained with respect to a wheelchair apparatus transformable into a stretcher, the present disclosure is not limited to the same in any manner whatsoever and any other form of wheelchair apparatus capable of transferring a user from the apparatus to a bed is completely covered within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIGs. 1A and IB illustrate exemplary side view representations of proposed wheelchair apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGs. 1C and ID illustrate exemplary top view and perspective view representations of the proposed wheelchair apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an aspect, the wheelchair apparatus 100 can include a seat 102 positioned to allow a user (generally referred to as a "patient" hereinafter) in a sitting position, a backrest 104 to support back of the user and a footrest 106 to support and provide a resting position to at least one foot of the user. In an aspect, the apparatus 100 is axiomatically designed to satisfy functional requirements of the apparatus 100.

[0044] In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 can further include at least three sheets

406, 408 and 410 (as illustrated in FIG. 4 clearly) configured with top surface of the seat 102, the backrest 104 and the footrest 106 respectively. In an aspect, the sheets 406, 408 and 410 can be made of materials selected from the group of wood, a metal, a ceramic material and a composite material having a cushioning on top as per the comfortability of the patient.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the backrest 104 can include a top end and a bottom end, the bottom end of the backrest 104 coupled by means of a hinge to a first end of the seat 102 such that the backrest 104 can rotate about its bottom end. Rotation of the backrest 104 about its bottom end allows reclining of the backrest 104 to various reclining angles with respect to the seat 102. In an exemplary aspect, rotation of the backrest 104 can be actuated by a first actuation means including an electrical linear actuator 300 (as clearly shown in FIG. 3). In an exemplary aspect, an output shaft/rod 310 of the electrical linear actuator 300 can be operatively coupled with the backrest 104, wherein coupling of output shaft/rod 310 of the electrical linear actuator 300 and the backrest 104 allows reclining of the backrest 104 at various reclining angles.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the footrest 106 can include a top end and a bottom end, the top end of the footrest 106 hingedly coupled to a second end of the seat 102 such that the footrest 104 can rotate about its top end. Rotation of the footrest 104 about its top end allows reclining of the footrest 104 to various reclining angles with respect to the seat 102. In an exemplary aspect, rotation of the footrest 106 can be actuated by a second actuation means including an electrical linear actuator 300. In an exemplary aspect, an output shaft/rod 310 of the electrical linear actuator 300 can be operatively coupled with the footrest 106, wherein coupling of output shaft/rod 310 of the electrical linear actuator 300 and the footrest 106 allows reclining of the footrest 106 at various reclining angles.

[0047] In an exemplary aspect, sheets 406, 408 and 410 can move in a traverse/sideways direction by a third actuation means (as clearly shown in FIG. 4) that includes at least one stepper motor, output shaft of which can be operatively connected to a leadscrew. A drive nut mounted on the leadscrew can be configured to move along a linear path defined by at least two linear guide ways with rotation of the leadscrew by the stepper motor, wherein at least one sheet out of the of the sheets 406, 408 and 410 can be operatively coupled with the drive nut by a suitable clamping mechanism including, but not limited to, clamps and hooks, and linear movement of the drive nut enables movement of the at least one sheet in the traverse direction thereby allowing transfer of the patient form the apparatus 100 to any required position of a seating device such as a bed, a stretcher, a sofa, a car seat and the like. It would be appreciated that the number of stepper motors as disclosed herein is only exemplary and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way whatsoever, and any number of stepper motors can be used to effect movement of the base.

[0048] In an exemplary aspect, the clamping mechanism can include a block configured between a sheet and the drive nut enabling fastening of the sheet with the drive nut.

[0049] In an aspect, the apparatus 100 can further include a controller (not shown) to regulate rotational direction and speed of the stepper motors and to control operation of the electrical linear actuators 300. In addition, the controller can synchronize rotational direction and speed of all the stepper motors such that all the stepper motors rotate in a same direction at a specific rotational speed. In an embodiment, the controller can be configured to provide any or a combination of gesture control, joystick control and remote control of the first actuation means, the second actuation means and the third actuation means, to enable reclining of the backrest 104 and the footrest 106, and automatic transfer of the user from the apparatus 100 to any required position of a seating device such as a bed, a stretcher, a sofa, a car seat and the like.

[0050] In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 can further include two rotatable armrests (not shown) configured at each side of the backrest 104, and a plurality of any or a combination of caster and wheels 108 configured to allow movement of the apparatus from one location to another.

[0051] It would be appreciated that reclining of the backrest 104 and the footrest 106 and automatic traverse movement of sheets can be actuated by any of the first actuation means, the second actuation means and the third actuation means, and the present disclosure is not limited to the same in any manner whatsoever and any other form of actuation mechanism used to recline the backrest and the footrest and enable traverse movement of the sheet is completely covered within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIGs. 2A and 2B illustrates exemplary side view representations of proposed wheelchair apparatus converted into a stretcher in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGs. 2C and 2D illustrates exemplary top view and perspective view representations of proposed wheelchair apparatus converted into a stretcher in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an aspect, the wheelchair apparatus 100 can be transformed into a stretcher 200 by allowing reclining movement of backrest 104 and footrest 106 of the apparatus 100. The reclining movement of the backrest 104 and the footrest 106 can be actuated by a suitable actuation means, more particularly, first actuation means and second actuation means. In an aspect, the apparatus 100 is axiomatically designed to satisfy functional requirements of the apparatus 100.

[0053] In an aspect, bottom end of the backrest 104 can be hingedly coupled to first end of the seat 102 such that the backrest 104 can rotate about its bottom end. Rotation of the backrest 104 about its bottom end allows reclining of the backrest 104 to various reclining angles with respect to the seat 102. In an aspect, top end of the footrest 106 can be hingedly coupled to second end of the seat 102 such that the footrest 106 can rotate about its top end. Rotation of the footrest 106 about its top end allows reclining of the footrest 106 to various reclining angles with respect to the seat 102.

[0054] In an aspect, an output shaft/rod 310 of the first actuation means can include an electrical linear actuator 300, an output shaft of which can be operatively coupled with backrest 104 with the help of a set of linkages. Linear movement of the output shaft enables reclining of the backrest 104 at various reclining angles. In a same way, the second actuation means can include an electrical linear actuator 300, an output shaft of which can be operatively coupled with footrest 106 with the help of a set of linkages. In an exemplary aspect, the output shaft of the electrical linear actuator 300 can be operatively coupled directly to the footrest 106. Linear movement of the output shaft enables reclining of the footrest 106 at various reclining angles.

[0055] In an aspect, the wheelchair apparatus 100 when converted into the stretcher

200 can allow automatic transfer of a patient from the apparatus 100 to any required position of a seating device such as a bed, a stretcher, a sofa, a car seat and the like (not shown) by enabling movement of the stretcher 200 in a traverse/sideways direction. In an exemplary aspect, traverse movement of the stretcher 200 can be enabled by a third actuation means that can include three stepper motor 402 (as clearly shown in FIG. 4B), output shaft of each motor 402 operatively connected to a leadscrew 404 (as clearly shown in FIG. 4B). A drive nut mounted on the leadscrew can be configured to move along a linear path defined by at least two linear guide ways with rotation of the leadscrew 404 by the stepper motors 402, wherein each sheet out of the sheets 406, 408 and 410 can be operatively coupled with respective drive nuts by a suitable clamping mechanism including, but not limited to, clamps and hooks, and linear movement of the drive nut enables movement of each sheets in the traverse direction thereby allowing transfer of the patient form the apparatus 100 to any required position of a seating device such as a bed, a stretcher, a sofa, a car seat and the like. It would be appreciated that the number of stepper motors 402 as disclosed herein is only exemplary and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way whatsoever, and any number of stepper motors can be used to effect movement of the base.

[0056] In another exemplary aspect, the third actuation means can include three electrical linear actuators 300, output shaft of each electrical linear actuator 300 coupled to each sheet. Linear movement of the output shaft can allow movement of the sheets in traverse direction. It would be appreciated that the number of electrical linear actuators as disclosed herein is only exemplary and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way whatsoever, and any number of electrical linear actuators can be used to effect movement of the base.

[0057] In an exemplary aspect, the electrical linear actuators 300 and the stepper motors 402 can be powered by suitable power generation means such as batteries and portable generators. Moreover, any or a combination of solar panels and solar energy rechargeable batteries can also be used to power the electrical linear actuators and the stepper motors.

[0058] In an aspect, the controller can regulate rotational direction and speed of the stepper motors 402 and can control operation of the electrical linear actuators 300. In addition, the controller can synchronize the rotational direction and speed of all the stepper motors 402 such that all the stepper motors 402 rotate in a same direction at a specific rotational speed.

[0059] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary representation of an electrical linear actuator

300 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The electrical linear actuator 300 converts electrical energy into torque that gets further converted into linear motion of a drive nut. In an aspect, the electrical linear actuator 300 can include a motor 302 that drives a series of gears. At least one output gear 304 of the series of gears is mounted on a leadscrew 306 such that rotation of the output gear 304 can allow rotation of the leadscrew 306.

[0060] In an aspect, the electrical linear actuator 300 can further include a drive nut

308 mounted on the leadscrew 306, wherein a restraint is provided to the drive nut 308 so as to restrict its rotation. Rotation of the drive nut 308 is restricted such that it can reciprocate linearly along central axis of the leadscrew 306. The drive nut 308 can be coupled with inner surface of a hollow rod/plunger 310 so as to enable linear movement of the rod 310.

[0061] In an exemplary aspect, the series of gears are used to allow a smaller and weaker motor 302, rotating at a higher revolutions per minute (RPM) to be geared down to provide adequate torque required to rotate the leadscrew 306 under a heavier load than the motor 302 would otherwise be capable of driving directly. In another exemplary aspect, the motor 302 can be arranged either in parallel to the leadscrew 306 or in a perpendicular direction to the leadscrew 306. However, angular positions of the motor 302 with respect to the leadscrew 306 can also be implemented by using a gearbox to transfer power to the leadscrew. In an aspect, operations of the electrical linear actuators 300 can be controlled by a controller to ensure proper alignment of the backrest 104 and the footrest 106 of the stretcher 200 with the seating device.

[0062] FIGs. 4A through 4C illustrate exemplary front view, top view and perspective view representations of third actuation mechanism respectively used to automatically transfer a user from the apparatus to any required position of a seating device such as a bed, a stretcher, a sofa, a car seat and the like, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an aspect, the third actuation means can include at least one stepper motor 402, output shaft of which is operatively coupled at one end of a leadscrew 404. A drive nut mounted on the leadscrew 404 can be configured to move along a linear path defined by at least two linear guide ways (not shown) with rotation of the leadscrew 404 by the stepper motor 402.

[0063] In an exemplary implementation, the third actuation mechanism can include three stepper motors 402 arranged in parallel with each other. Each sheet out of sheets 406, 408 and 410 can be operatively coupled with respective drive nuts mounted on respective leadscrews 404-1, 404-2 and 404-3 operatively connected to respective motors 402-1, 402-2 and 402-3, by suitable clamping mechanism including, but not limited to clamps and hooks. Further, linear movement of the drive nuts enables movement of each sheet in the traverse direction thereby allowing transfer of the patient from the apparatus 100 to any required position of the seating device such as a bed, a stretcher, a sofa, a car seat and the like, in the traverse direction. In an exemplary aspect, the clamping mechanism can include a block configured between a sheet and respective drive nut enabling fastening of the sheet with the drive nut.

[0064] It would be appreciated that movement of sheets 406, 408 and 410 in the traverse direction enables automatic transfer of a patient from the apparatus 100 to any required position of the seating device such as a bed, a stretcher, a sofa, a car seat and the like, at various reclining angles, and any such arrangements that involve transfer of a user from a wheel chair/stretcher to any required position of the seating device . is well within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0065] In an exemplary aspect, the third actuation mechanism can additionally or alternatively include at least one electrical linear actuator (not shown) to provide linear movement of the sheets 406, 408 and 410 in the traverse direction.

[0066] In an aspect, operations of the motors 402 and the electrical linear actuator can be controlled by a controller that can synchronize rotational direction and speed of all the motors 402 to ensure proper alignment of the stretcher 200 with any required position of the seating device.

[0067] It would be appreciated that reclining of backrest and footrest and automatic traverse movement of apparatus can be actuated by any of the first actuation means, the second actuation means and the third actuation means, and the present disclosure is not limited to the same in any manner whatsoever and any other form of actuation mechanism used to recline the backrest and the footrest and enable traverse movement of the apparatus is completely covered within the scope of the present disclosure. [0068] Thus, the present disclosure provides a wheelchair apparatus that can be converted/transformed into any required position of a seating device such as a bed, a stretcher, a sofa, a car seat and the like, to allow alignment of backrest and footrest of the apparatus with any required position of the seating device . and to enable automatic transfer of a user from the stretcher to any required position of the seating device . The proposed apparatus can allow automatic transfer of a user from the stretcher to the bed at various reclining angles of the backrest and the footrest.

[0069] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ....and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0070] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0071] The present disclosure provides a wheelchair apparatus transformable into a stretcher.

[0072] The present disclosure provides a wheelchair cum stretcher apparatus to enable safe and easy transfer of a patient from the apparatus to any required position such as bed, stretcher, sofa, car seat, etc.

[0073] The present disclosure provides a wheelchair cum stretcher apparatus that can be controlled by any favourable means such as remote, joystick, touchpad, voice control, gesture control, etc.

[0074] The present disclosure provides a wheelchair cum stretcher apparatus that incorporates minimal manual intervention.

[0075] The present disclosure provides a wheelchair cum stretcher apparatus that can provide one single solution to many problems faced by the disabled.

[0076] The present disclosure provides a wheelchair cum stretcher apparatus that can be used in hospitals and for personal use such as at home or for transferring patient to or from car seat.

[0077] The present disclosure provides a wheelchair cum stretcher apparatus that prevents injury to the patient.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A wheelchair apparatus transformable into a stretcher, the apparatus comprising: a seat comprising a first end and a second end; a backrest comprising a top end and a bottom end, wherein said bottom end of the backrest is operatively coupled to said first end of the seat and said backrest is configured to, by a first actuation means, rotate about its bottom end; a footrest comprising a top end and a bottom end, wherein said top end of the footrest is operatively coupled to said second end of the seat and said footrest is configured to, by a second actuation means, rotate about its top end; at least three sheets configured with the seat, the backrest and the footrest respectively, the at least three sheets configured to, by a third actuation means, move in a traverse direction; and a controller to control operation of the first actuation means, the second actuation means and the third actuation means; wherein rotation of the backrest about its bottom end and rotation of the footrest about its top end allows reclining of the backrest and the footrest and allows transformation of the apparatus into a stretcher; and wherein movement of at least one sheet out of the at least three sheets in the traverse direction enables automatic transfer of a user from the apparatus to any required position of a seating device.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the first actuation means and the second actuation means comprises at least one electrical linear actuator to enable reclining of the backrest and the footrest, and wherein said reclining of the backrest and the footrest transforms the apparatus into a stretcher.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the third actuation means comprises any or a combination of at least one electrical linear actuator, a lead screw mechanism, a stepper motor mechanism and a conveying mechanism to enable automatic transfer of the user from the apparatus to any required position of the seating device.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least one sheet out of the at least three sheets is operatively coupled to a sliding nut of the third actuation means to enable automatic transfer of the user to the seating device.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the third actuation means comprises one or more stepper motors, each stepper motor operatively connected with a leadscrew, a drive nut mounted on the leadscrew configured to move along at least two linear guide ways with rotation of the leadscrew by the stepper motor.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least one sheet out of the at least three sheets is operatively coupled with the drive nut by a suitable clamping mechanism, and movement of the drive nut enables movement of the at least one sheet out of the at least three sheets in the traverse direction thereby allowing transfer of the user from the apparatus to any required position of the seating device.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least three sheets are made of materials selected from the group of wood, a metal, a ceramic material and a composite material having a cushioning on top.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller synchronizes rotational speed and direction of the one or more stepper motors of the third actuation means.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to provide any or a combination of gesture control, joystick control and remote control of the first actuation means, the second actuation means and the third actuation means, to enable reclining of the backrest and the footrest, and automatic transfer of the user from the apparatus to any required position of the seating device at a plurality of reclining angles of the backrest and the footrest.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least two rotatable armrests configured at each side of the backrest, and a plurality of any or a combination of caster and wheels configured to allow movement of the apparatus from one location to another.