U.S. patent number [Application Number ] was granted by the patent office on 1986-09-09 for united states patent: re32242 ( 1.
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United States Patent |
RE32,242 |
|
Issue Date: |
September 9,
1986 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/250.1;
297/338; 297/DIG.4; 403/DIG.8; 411/21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G
5/00 (20130101); A61G 5/1043 (20130101); A61G
5/1054 (20161101); A61G 5/128 (20161101); A61G
5/1091 (20161101); A61G 5/1097 (20161101); A61G
5/125 (20161101); A61G 5/1083 (20161101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61G
5/00 (20060101); A61G 5/10 (20060101); A61G
5/12 (20060101); A61G 005/02 () |
Field of
Search: |
;280/242WC ;180/907
;297/DIG.4,338 ;16/31R,31A ;403/DIG.8 ;411/21,24,25,80 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Assistant Examiner: 48
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Schaap; Robert J.
Claims
Having thus described my invention, what I desire to claim and
secure by Letters Patent is:
1. An apparatus for selectively positioning the rear wheels of a
wheelchair having a frame means to selectively alter the center of
gravity thereof, said apparatus comprising:
(a) a first pair of connected and spaced apart plates provided for
attachment to one side of said frame means and a second pair of
connected and spaced apart plates provided for attachment to an
opposite side of said frame means,
(b) a plurality of axle receiving openings on each of said pairs of
spaced apart plates and the openings in the plates of each pair
being aligned so as to be capable of receiving a rear wheel axle in
each of said axle receiving, openings,
(c) a separate rear wheel axle capable of extending outwardly from
the rear wheel axle openings on each of said pairs of plates,
(d) flange means on at least one of the plates of each of said
pairs for fastener attachment to a frame means of said wheelchair
such that the pairs of plates can be attached to the frame means in
any of a plurality of selected locations to accommodate the size
and intended use of a user,
(e) quick release means associated with said rear wheel axle to
enable quick release and replacement of rear wheels on said rear
wheel axle, such that said axle can be easily removed from one
location and replaced in another axle receiving location on said
plates so that the response and center of gravity and wheel base on
said frame can be easily and quickly altered.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 further characterized in that a matrix
of at least four by four of said aligned spaced apart openings are
on each of said spaced apart plates of each pair to receive said
rear wheel axles.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 further characterized in that said
flange means is provided with bolt holes and said pair of plates
are attached to opposite sides of said frame means by bolts.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 further characterized in that said
flange means includes a pair of flanges provided on each of said
pairs and each of said flanges are provided with bolt holes for
attachment to each of the opposite sides of said wheelchair by
means of bolts.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 further characterized in that said
quick release means is located on said rear wheel axle.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 further characterized in that said
quick release means comprises at least one retaining pin extending
outwardly from said axle and capable of being retracted therein to
permit removal of a wheel on said axle, and manually actuable means
on said axle for causing said retaining pin to be retracted upon
actuation of said manually actuable means.
7. An apparatus for selectively positioning the front wheels of a
wheelchair having a frame means to selectively alter the angle of
attack of the wheelchair relative to a ground plane, said apparatus
comprising:
(a) a pair of wheel post housings on said frame means,
(b) a post extending outwardly from each of said wheel post housing
and being rotatable relative to said wheel post housings,
(c) a separate bracket carried by each of said posts and being
rotatable about a generally vertical axis relative to the
associated wheel post housing, and each of said brackets having a
pair of spaced apart plates with a plurality of pairs of aligned
apertures in said spaced apart plates,
(d) a separate wheel assembly for each said bracket and each wheel
assembly being comprised of a wheel and an axle capable of being
disposed in any of the plurality of pairs of aligned apertures to
thereby adjust the plane of the frame and hence the angle of attack
of the wheelchair relative to a ground plane, and
(e) a mounting member extending from each of the wheel posts
housings and being adapted for attachment to said frame means in a
first position and a second position, the wheel post housings being
located outwardly of the sides of the frame means when the
associated mounting members are in the first position and being
located inwardly of the sides of the frame means when the
associated mounting members are in the second position, the
positions of said front wheels in either the first or second
position being a function of steering radius and steering
stability.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 further characterized in that said
brackets are sized so that different sized wheels can be removably
mounted with respect to each of said brackets.
9. The apparatus of claim 7 further characterized in that said
wheel post housings are generally vertically located, and said
posts extend downwardly and outwardly from the associated wheel
post housing.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 further characterized in that said
pair of aligned apertures are vertically located in said spaced
apart plates.
11. The apparatus of claim 8 further characterized in that said
apparatus is adapted to selectively position rear wheels on the
frame means of a wheelchair, said apparatus further comprising:
(1) a pair of spaced apart plates on said frame means,
(2) a plurality of axle receiving locations on each of said spaced
apart plates and which are capable of receiving a rear wheel axle
in each of said axle receiving locations,
(3) a rear wheel axle capable of extending between the rear wheel
axle location on each of said plates for carrying a rear wheel,
and
(4) quick release means on said rear wheel axle to enable quick
release and replacement of rear wheels on said rear wheel axle.
12. The apparatus of claim 7 further characterized in that said
mounting means comprises a somewhat inverted U-shaped member
capable of fitting over a bar of the frame means and being attached
thereto by means of a fastner.
13. A wheelchair capable of being used for sports activities and
also for normal transport, said wheelchair comprising:
(a) a frame means,
(b) a seat mounted on said frame means for supporting an individual
using such wheelchair,
(c) a foot rest member of said frame means and extending forwardly
therefrom,
(d) a pair of rear wheels mounted on said frame means capable of
being engaged by a user for propelling said wheelchair,
(e) a pair of front wheels mounted on said frame means for normally
being in engagement with the ground or other supporting surface and
having a diametral size substantially less than said rear wheels,
said rear wheels and front wheels normally being in engagement with
the ground or other supporting surface when said wheelchair is
propelled forwardly or in turns in normal transport, and
(f) a pair of rollers on said foot rest member and normally being
spaced above the ground or other supporting surface a relatively
slight distance above the lower ends of said front wheels when said
wheelchair is used for normal transport, said wheelchair capable of
being tipped by the user thereof so that said rear wheels are
temporarily raised a relatively slight distance from the ground or
other supporting surface and said rollers are lowered into
temporary engagement with the ground or other supporting
surface.
14. The wheelchair of claim 13 further characterized in that said
seat is located in a normal sitting location for supporting the
user when said rear wheels and front wheels are in contact with the
ground or other supporting surface.
15. The wheelchair of claim 13 further characterized in that said
rollers have a diametral size substantially less than said front
wheels.
16. The wheelchair of claim 15 further characterized in that said
rear wheels are mounted so that they are adapted for rotation in
the same direction such that they are not capable of rotation about
a vertical axis, but that such rollers and front wheels are capable
of being rotated about a vertical axis.
17. The wheelchair of claim 15 further characterized in that hand
rims are mounted on said rear wheels for engagement by a user to
propel the wheelchair.
18. A wheelchair capable of being used for sport activities and,
also for normal transport, said wheelchair comprising:
(a) a frame means,
(b) a seat mounted on said frame means for supporting an individual
using such wheelchair,
(c) a foot rest member on said frame means and extending forwardly
therefrom,
(d) a first pair of spaced apart and connected plates on one side
of said frame means and a second pair of spaced apart and connected
plates on the opposite side of said frame means,
(e) a plurality of axle receiving openings on each of said spaced
apart plates and the openings in the plates of each pair being
aligned so as to be capable of receiving a rear wheel axle in each
of said axle receiving openings,
(f) a rear wheel axle capable of extending between the rear wheel
axle openings on each of said pairs of plates,
(g) flange means on at least one of the plates of each of said
pairs and being attached by fasteners to said frame means,
(h) quick release means associated with said rear wheel axles to
enable quick release and replacement of rear wheels on said rear
wheel axles, such that the axles can be easily removed from one
pair of openings and replaced in another axle receiving pair of
openings on said plates so that the response and center of gravity
and wheel base of said frame can be easily and quickly altered,
(i) a rear wheel provided for disposition on each of said rear
axles for normally being in engagement with the ground or other
supporting surface and capable of being operatively engaged by a
user for propelling said wheelchair,
(j) a pair of wheel post housings on said frame means,
(k) a post extending outwardly from each of said wheel post
housings,
(l) a separate bracket carried by each of said posts and being
rotatable about a generally vertical axis relative to the
associated wheel post housings, each of said brackets having a pair
of spaced apart plates with a plurality of pairs of aligned
apertures in said spaced apart plates,
(m) a separate front wheel assembly for each said bracket and each
wheel assembly being comprised of a front wheel and front wheel
axle capable of being disposed in any of the plurality of pairs of
aligned apertures to thereby adjust the plane of the frame, and
hence, the angel of attack of the wheelchair relative to a ground
plane, said front wheels being normally in engagement with the
ground or other supporting surface and having a diametral size
substantially less than said rear wheels, said rear wheels and
front wheels normally being in engagement with the ground or other
supporting surface when said wheelchair is propelled forwardly or
turns in normal transport, and
(n) a pair of rollers on said foot rest member and normally being
spaced above the ground or other supporting surface a relatively
slight distance above the lower ends of said front wheels when said
wheelchair is used for normal transport, said wheelchair capable of
being tipped by the user thereof so that said rear wheels are
temporatily raised a relatively slight distance from the ground or
other supporting surface and said rollers are lowered into
engagement with the ground or other supporting surface.
19. The wheelchair of claim 18 further characterized in that said
seat is located in a normal sitting location for supporting the
user when said rear wheels and front wheels are in contact with the
ground or other supporting surface.
20. The wheelchair of claim 18 further characterized in that said
rollers have a diametral size substantially less than said front
wheels.
21. The wheelchair of claim 18 further characterized in that said
rear wheels are mounted so that they are adapted for rotation in
the same direction such that they are not capable of rotation about
a vertical axis, but that such rollers and front wheels are capable
of being rotated about a vertical axis.
22. The wheelchair of claim 18 further characterized in that a
matrix of at least four by four of said aligned spaced apart
openings are on each of said spaced apart plates of each pair to
receive said rear wheel axles.
23. The wheelchair of claim 18 further characterized in that said
quick release means is located on said rear wheel axles and each
comprising at least one retaining pin extending outwardly from said
axle and capable of being retracted therein to permit removal of a
wheel on said axle, and manually actuable means on each said shaft
for causing said retaining pin to be retracted upon actuation of
said manually actuable means.
24. The wheelchair of claim 18 further characterized in that said
brackets are sized so that different sized front wheels can be
removably mounted with respect to each of said brackets.
25. A wheelchair comprising:
(a) a main frame being comprised of:
(1) a plurality of longitudinally extending rigid members,
(2) a plurality of transversely extending rigid members rigidly
secured to said longitudinally extending members,
(3) a plurality of first generally upright members on a rear
portion of said frame,
(4) a plurality of second generally upright members on a front
portion of said frame,
(b) a seat structure capable of being attached to and adjustably
positioned on said frame, said seat structure being comprised
of:
(1) a seat frame having a plurality of first posts, each capable of
being telescopically fitted with respect to a separate one of said
first generally upright members and adjustably located with respect
thereto, a plurality of second posts with each being telescopically
fitted with respect to a second one of said second generally
upright members and adjustably located with respect thereto,
(2) a seat pad carried by said seat frame,
(3) arm support means on each of the opposite sides of the
wheelchair for attachment to said first and second generally
upright members, and
(c) a foot support structure capable of being attached to and
adjustably positioned at the front portion of said frame, said foot
support structure comprised of:
(1) a plurality of second posts, each capable of being fitted with
respect to a separate one of said second generally upright members
and adjustably located thereon,
(2) a foot receiving member connected to said second posts whereby
several different sized wheelchairs can be constructed with
commonly sized main frames and commonly sized foot support
structures and commonly sized seat structures.
26. The wheelchair of claim 25 further characterized in that said
seat frame has additional parts capable of being fitted with
respect to upper ends of said first upright tubular members.
27. The wheelchair of claim 26 further charcterized in that said
upright members are tubular and said posts are capable of being
fitted into said upright members.
28. The wheelchair of claim 25 further characterized in that arm
rests are capable of being adjustably attached to said main
frame.
29. The wheelchair of claim 25 further characterized in that rear
wheels are capable of being mounted with respect to said main frame
in a plurality of positions.
30. The wheelchair of claim 29 further characterized in that front
wheels are capable of being mounted with respect to said main frame
in a plurality of positions.
31. A wheelchair capable of being used for athletic activities and
also for normal transport, said wheelchair comprising:
(a) a frame means,
(b) a seat mounted on said frame means for supporting an individual
using such wheelchair,
(c) a first pair of connected and spaced apart rear axle mounting
plates on one side of said frame means and a second pair of
connected and spaced apart rear axle mounting plates on an opposite
side of said frame means,
(d) flange means on at least one of the plates of each pair for
securement to said frame means,
(e) a plurality of axle receiving openings on each of said spaced
apart rear axle mounting plates, the openings in the plates of each
pair being aligned so as to be capable of receiving a rear wheel
axle in said axle receiving openings on opposite sides of said
wheelchair, at least certain of said rear axle openings being
located in a generally horizontal plane so as to primarily alter
the wheel base of the wheelchair when a rear wheel axes is shifted
between the rear axle receiving openings,
(f) a pair of rear wheel axles capable of being located in said
rear wheel axle openings,
(g) a rear wheel provided for disposition on each said rear wheel
axles for normally being in engagement with the ground or other
supporting surface,
(h) a pair of front wheel mounting means,
(i) a plurality of front wheel axle receiving positions with
respect to each said front wheel mounting means to enable front
wheel axles to be mounted at any of said front wheel axle receiving
positions,
(j) front wheel axles capable of being located in said front wheel
axle receiving a position,
(k) a front wheel capable of being located with respect to each
said front wheel axle,
(l) a separate front wheel post housing on each of the opposite
sides of the wheelchair frame means,
(m) a front wheel post extending outwardly of each of said post
housings and being rotatable relative to said housings, said posts
being secured to said front wheel post housings at the respective
sides of the wheelchair, and
(n) a pair of mounting members forming part of said front wheel
mounting means and each extending from one of the wheel post
housings and being adapted for attachment to said frame means in a
first position and a second position, the wheel post housings being
located outwardly of the sides of the frame means when the
associated mounting members are in the first position and being
located inwardly of the sides of the frame means when the
associated mounting members are in the second position, the
positions of said front wheels in either the first or second
position being a function of steering radius and steering
stability.
32. The wheelchair of claim 31 further characterized in that quick
release means is associated with said rear wheel axles to enable
quick release and replacement of rear wheels on said rear wheel
axles, such that the rear wheel axles can be easily removed from
one set of openings and replaced in another set of axle receiving
openings so that the response and center of gravity and wheel base
on said frame can be easily and quickly altered.
33. The wheelchair of claim 32 further characterized in that said
rear wheels and front wheels are normally in engagement with the
ground or other supporting surface when said wheelchair is
propelled forwardly or in turns in normal transport, and a foot
rest member is on said frame means and extends forwardly therefrom,
a pair of rollers are provided on said foot rest member and are
normally spaced above the ground or other support surface a
relatively slight distance above the lower ends of said front
wheels when said wheelchair is used for normal transport, said
wheelchair capable of being tipped by the user thereof so that said
rear wheels are temporarily raised a relatively slight distance
from the ground or other supporting surface and said rollers are
temporarily lowered into engagement with the ground or other
supporting surface.
34. A wheelchair capable of being used for sports activities and
also for normal transport, said wheelchair comprising:
(a) a frame means,
(b) a seat mounted on said frame means for supporting an individual
using such wheelchair,
(c) a first pair of connected and spaced apart plates attached to
said frame means in a canted position so that wheels operatively
mounted thereon would be canted,
(d) a second pair of connected and spaced apart plates attached to
said frame means in a canted position so that wheels operatively
carried thereby would be canted,
(e) a plurality of axle receiving openings on each of said pairs of
spaced apart plates and capable of receiving a rear wheel axle in
each of said axle receiving openings,
(f) a rear wheel axle capable of extending outwardly from the rear
wheel axle openings on each of said pairs of plates,
(g) quick release means associated with said rear wheel axles to
enable quick release and replacement of rear wheels on said rear
wheel axle, such that said axles can be easily removed from one
pair of openings and replaced in another axle receiving pair of
openings on said plates so that the response and center of gravity
and wheel base on said frame can be easily and quickly altered,
(h) flange means on at least one of the plates of each of said
pairs for attachment to said frame means of said wheelchair,
(i) a rear wheels mounted on each said rear wheel axles and capable
of being operatively engaged by a user for propelling said
wheelchair, said rear wheel axles and the wheels mounted thereon
being canted so that the lower portions of the wheels re disposed
outwardly with respect to the frame means and the upper portions
are disposed near said frame, and
(j) a pair of front wheels mounted on said frame means for normally
being in engagement with the ground or other supporting surface and
having a diametral size substantially less than said rear wheels,
said front wheels capable of being mounted in a first position
outwardly of said frame means and a second position inwardly of
said frame means, the positions of said front wheels in either the
first or second position being a function of steering radius and
steering stability.
35. The wheelchair of claim 35 further characterized in that said
rear wheel axles are mounted on said plates such that they are
inclined downwardly and inwardly toward said frame means.
36. The wheelchair of claim 35 further characterized in that
(a) a foot rest member is on said frame means and extends forwardly
therefrom, and
(b) a pair of rollers are on said foot rest member and normally are
relatively slightly spaced above the ground or other supporting
surface when said wheelchair is used for normal transport and
capable of engaging the ground or other supporting surface when
said wheelchair is tipped forwardly and where the rear wheels are
then relatively slightly raised above the ground or other
supporting surface.
37. A method of constructing a wheelchair having a main frame and a
seat structure and a foot support structure, said method
comprising:
(a) inserting rear posts of a seat structure into the upper ends of
a plurality of first generally upright members on a rear portion of
said frame,
(b) inserting front posts of said seat structure into upper ends of
second generally upright members on a front portion of said frame
and where said front posts are operatively connected to said rear
posts,
(c) positioning said rear and front posts so that a seat on said
seat structure is at a desired location and securing said rear
posts,
(d) inserting posts of a foot support structure into the lower ends
of said second generally upright members on a front portion of said
frame,
(e) positioning said posts of said foot support structure so that a
foot support member thereof is at a desired location and securing
said last named posts whereby several different sized wheelchairs
can be constructed with commonly sized main frames and foot support
structures and seat structures,
(f) inserting rear wheel axles in a desired one of a plurality of
rear axle receiving locations on each of the opposite sides of the
frame,
(g) mounting a rear wheel on each of the rear wheel axles, and
(h) mounting front wheels on each of the opposite sides of the
frame at a desired one of a plurality of positions on the frame
between the front and rear portions thereof.
38. The method of claim 37 further characterized in that said
method comprises insertion of a seat pad forming part of said seat
structure into a seat cover therefor and releasably sealing an
opening on said seat cover.
39. The method of claim 38 further characterized in that said
generally upright members and the posts capable of being fitted
therein are adjustably telescopically arranged.
40. The method of claim 38 further characterized in that said
method comprises adjustably attaching arm rests to main frame.
41. The method of claim 38 further characterized in that said
method comprises mounting rear wheels with respect to said main
frame in one of a plurality of vertically spaced apart positions
and one of a plurality of horizontally spaced apart positions.
42. The method of claim 41 further characterized in that said
method comprises mounting front wheels with respect to said main
frame in one of a plurality of positions between front and rear
portions of the frame and either inwardly or outwardly of said
frame.
43. A mechanism for removably mounting the rear wheels of a
wheelchair to a frame means of the wheelchair, said mechanism
comprising:
(a) a pair of spaced apart and connected plates provided for
securement to said frame means, each of said plates being provided
with a plurality of spaced apart axle receiving openings in said
plate and which are capable of receiving a rear wheel axle in each
of said axle receiving openings,
(b) a rear wheel axle capable of being inserted into and through
any of said openings and extending outwardly from said plates,
(c) a pin extending outwardly from said axle retentively holding
said rear wheel axle in a selected opening and thereby holding a
wheel on said axle,
(d) manually actuable quick release means associated with said rear
wheel axle to enable shiftable movement of said pin and thereby
enable quick removal and replacement of a rear wheel on said rear
wheel axle, and to also permit said axle to be easily removed from
an opening and replaced in the same or another opening on said
plate, and
(e) a pair of flanges with each on an opposite side of one of the
plates and having means to enable attachment to a frame means of
the wheelchair.
44. The apparatus of claim 43 further characterized in that two
pairs of said plates are provided with each having axle receiving
openings to receive said rear wheel axles such that each one of the
pairs is to be located on opposite sides of the frame means.
45. The apparatus of claim 44 further characterized in that a pair
of rear wheel axles are provided so that an individual axle extends
between the rear wheel openings on each of the opposite sides of
said wheelchair.
46. The apparatus of claim 43 further characterized in that said
quick release means is connected to said pin to cause retraction of
said pin when actuated.
47. A wheelchair comprising:
(a) a main frame,
(b) a first pair of connected and spaced apart plates attached to
one side of said frame and a second pair of connected and spaced
apart plates attached to an opposite side of said frame,
(c) a plurality of axle receiving openings on each of said spaced
apart plates and openings in each of the plates of a pair being
aligned to be capable of receiving a rear wheel axle in each of
said axle receiving openings,
(d) a rear wheel axle extending outwardly from the rear wheel axle
openings on each of said pairs of plates,
(e) flange means on at least one of the plates of each of said
pairs for fastner attachment to a frame means of said
wheelchair,
(f) quick release means on said rear wheel axle to enable quick
release and replacement of rear wheels on said rear wheel axle,
such that said axles can be easily removed from one location and
replaced in another axle receiving location on said plates so that
the response and center of gravity and wheel base on said frame can
be easily and quickly altered, said quick release means
comprising:
(1) at least one retaining pin extending outwardly from said axle
and capable of being retracted therein to permit removal of a wheel
on said axle,
(2) manually actuable means on said axle for causing said retaining
pin to be retracted upon actuation of said manually actuable
means,
(g) a pair of wheel post housings on said frame means,
(h) a post extending vertically downwardly from each of said wheel
post housings and being rotatable with respect to the associated
post housing,
(i) a separate bracket carried by each of said posts and being
rotatable about a generally vertical axis relative to the
associated wheel post housing, and each of said brackets having a
pair of spaced apart plates with a plurality of pairs of vertically
spaced apart aligned apertures in said spaced apart plates,
(j) a separate wheel assembly for each said bracket and each wheel
assembly being comprised of a wheel and an axle capable of being
disposed in any of the plurality of pairs of aligned apertures to
thereby adjust the plane of the frame and hence the angle of attack
of the wheelchair relative to a ground plane,
(k) a mounting member extending from each of the wheel post
housings and being adapted for attachment to said frame means in a
first position and a second position, the wheel post housings being
located outwardly of the sides of the frame means when the
associated mounting members are in the first position and being
located inwardly of the sides of the frame means when the
associated mounting members are in the second position, the first
or second positions being a function of steering radius and
steering stability, said rear wheels and front wheels normally
being in engagement with the ground or other supporting surface
when said wheelchair is propelled forwardly or in turns in normal
transport,
(l) a seat mounted on said frame for supporting an individual using
such wheelchair,
(m) a foot rest member of said frame and extending forwardly
therefrom, and
(n) a pair of rollers on said foot rest member and normally being
spaced above the ground or other supporting surface a relatively
sight distance above the lower ends of said front wheels when said
wheelchair is used for normal transport, said wheelchair capable of
being tipped by the user thereof so that said rear wheels are
temporarily raised a relatively slight distance from the ground or
other supporting surface and said rollers are lowered into
engagement with the ground or other supporting surface. .Iadd.
48. An apparatus for selectively positioning the main driving
wheels of a wheelchair having a frame to selectively alter the
center of gravity thereof, said apparatus comprising:
(a) a bracket having means having a plurality of spaced apart axle
holes extending therethrough and provided for attachment to one
side of said frame and which holes are sized so as to be capable of
receiving a rear wheel axle,
(b) a second bracket having means having a plurality of axle
receiving holes extending therethrough and provided for attachment
to an opposite side of said frame and which holes are sized so as
to be capable of receiving a wheel axle,
(c) a separate wheel axle capable of extending outwardly from any
one of the wheel axle holes in each of said brackets,
(d) means for attachment of said brackets to a frame means of said
wheelchair, and
(e) a separate quick release means associated with each of said
wheel axles to enable quick release and replacement of the driving
wheels on said wheel axles, each of said quick release means
comprising a manually actuatable element which operates to permit
release of the axle from the hole when actuated and which permits
re-insertion into the same or another hole by pushing the axle into
said same or another hole where it becomes locked therein, such
that each of said axles can be easily removed from a hole in a
bracket and replaced in another axle receiving hole in said bracket
so that the response and center of gravity and wheel base on said
frame can be easily and quickly altered. .Iaddend. .Iadd.
49. The apparatus of claim 48 further characterized in that one of
said holes is horizontally spaced from another of said holes with
each sized to receive said wheel axles. .Iaddend. .Iadd.50. The
apparatus of claim 48 further characterized in that another one of
said holes is vertically spaced from said first named hole and
sized to receive a wheel axle. .Iaddend. .Iadd.51. The apparatus of
claim 48 further characterized in that said manually actuatable
elements are pushable pins which operates to permit release and
permit removal of said axles when pushed. .Iaddend. .Iadd.52. The
apparatus of claim 51 further characterized in that each of said
quick release means comprises at least one retaining element
extending outwardly from said axle and capable of being retracted
therein to permit removal of a wheel on said axle, and said
manually actuatable element of each said quick release means causes
said retaining element to be retracted upon actuation of said
manually actuatable element. .Iaddend. .Iadd.53. The apparatus of
claim 48 further characterized in that said releasable axles are
rear wheel axles and said quick release means are
located on said rear wheel axles. .Iaddend. .Iadd.54. A wheelchair
in which the center of gravity thereof, can be selectively altered,
said wheelchair comprising:
(a) a main frame,
(b) a separate bracket attached to each of the opposite sides of
said frame, each of said brackets having a plurality of axle
receiving openings which are sized to receive a driving wheel
axle,
(c) a driving axle capable of extending outwardly from any one of
the axle receiving openings in each of said brackets,
(d) a separate driving wheel carried by each said driving wheel
axle, and
(e) a quick release means associated with said driving wheel axles
to enable quick release and replacement of said driving wheels on
said driving wheel axles, such that each of said axles can be
easily removed from one opening and replaced in another axle
receiving opening in a bracket so that the response and center of
gravity and wheel base on said frame can be easily and quickly
altered, said quick release means comprising a manually actuatable
element which operates to permit release of the axle from the
opening when actuated and which permits re-insertion into the same
or another opening by pushing the axle into said same or another
opening where it becomes locked therein, whereby manual pushing of
said manually actuatable element and pulling on the driving wheel
axle is sufficient to cause release and ultimate removal of an axle
and pushing of the axle into another opening enables re-insertion
and locking of the axle
in that opening. .Iaddend. .Iadd.55. The wheelchair of claim 54
further characterized in that means is provided on each of the
brackets for attachment to a frame of said wheelchair such that the
brackets can be attached to the frame in a desired location.
.Iaddend. .Iadd.56. The wheelchair of claim 55 further
characterized in that each of said brackets can be attached to the
frame of the wheelchair so as to achieve a desired camber of the
driving wheels. .Iaddend. .Iadd.57. The wheelchair of claim 55
further characterized in that said means for attachment is a flange
means which is provided with bolt holes and said brackets are
attached to said frame by bolts. .Iaddend. .Iadd.58. The wheelchair
of claim 54 further characterized in that a matrix of at least four
by four of said aligned spaced apart openings are on each of said
brackets to receive said axles. .Iaddend. .Iadd.59. The wheelchair
of claim 54 further characterized in that said manually actuatable
element comprises a pushable pin extending axially through each of
said axles, and locking means extending outwardly of said axle to
hold same at an opening in a bracket and actuatable by said pin
when pushed to cause said locking means to be retracted, such that
only manual pushing of said pin and pulling on said axle is
sufficient to enable release and ultimate removal or re-insertion
of an axle. .Iaddend. .Iadd.60. The wheelchair of claim 59 further
characterized in that said locking means comprises at least one
retaining sphere extending outwardly from an aperture in said axle
and capable of being retracted therein to permit removal of the
axle from an opening and removal of a wheel on said axle when said
manually actuatable pin is pushed inwardly. .Iaddend. .Iadd.61. The
wheelchair of claim 54 further characterized in that means is
provided to adjust the position of the axle and the amount of
extension of the axle through the bracket. .Iaddend. .Iadd.62. The
wheelchair of claim 61 further characterized in that the means to
adjust comprises a threaded sleeve for threaded adjustment.
.Iaddend. .Iadd.63. The wheelchair of claim 54 further
characterized in that said releasable axles are rear wheel axles
and said quick release means are located on said rear wheel axles.
.Iaddend.
.Iadd. 4. An apparatus for selectively positioning the main driving
wheels of a wheelchair having a frame to selectively alter the
center of gravity thereof, said apparatus comprising:
(a) a bracket having opening means thereon and extending
therethrough and provided for attachment to one side of said frame
and which opening means is sized to be capable of receiving a rear
wheel axle in any of a plurality of selected locations,
(b) a second bracket having opening means therein and extending
therethrough and provided for attachment to an opposite side of
said frame and which opening means is also sized so as to be
capable of receiving a wheel axle in any of a plurality of selected
locations,
(c) a separate wheel axle capable of extending outwardly from each
one of said opening means in each of said brackets,
(d) means for attachment of said brackets to a frame of said
wheelchair, and
(e) a separate quick release means associated with each of said
wheel axles to enable quick release and replacement of the driving
wheels on said wheel axles, each of said quick release means
comprising a manually actuatable element which operates to permit
release of the axle from the opening means when actuated and which
permits re-insertion into the opening means in the same location or
another location by pushing the axle into said opening means where
it becomes locked therein, such that each of said axles can be
easily removed from the opening means in a bracket and replaced in
the opening means in the same or another location in said bracket
so that the response and center of gravity and wheel base on said
frame can be easily and quickly altered. .Iaddend. .Iadd.65. The
apparatus of claim 64 further characterized in that the opening
means permits movement of an axle longitudinally with respect to
the frame of a wheelchair. .Iaddend. .Iadd.66. The apparatus of
claim 64 further characterized in that the opening means permits
movement of an axle both vertically and longitudinally with respect
to the frame of a wheelchair.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates in general to certain new and useful
improvements in wheelchairs, and more particularly, to improved
wheelchairs which can be constructed in a variety of sizes from
standard size components and which also have front and back wheels
adjustably mounted thereof.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
Wheelchair constructions have remained unchanged, except for
relatively minor features, for a substantial period of time. While
wheelchairs have existed for many years, they generally were
constructed of a main frame, front and rear wheels, side rails or
so-called "arm rests" and foot support members. However, there was
no means for creating or manufacturing a wheelchair of different
sizes, at a relatively low cost, from standard sized components, in
order to accommodate different size users.
Prior art wheelchair manufacturers constructed several different
sized wheelchairs and used different sized components for each of
the differently sized wheelchairs. In the case of a tall
individual, the main frame had to be larger, the seat located in a
different position, and a foot support member extended further from
the seat, than in the case of a wheelchair for a smaller
individual. In addition, for the larger sized wheelchair, the seat
may have to have been located at a higher elevation in order to
permit the user to engage rims on the wheels for propelling the
wheelchair in an easy and convenient manner.
Notwithstanding, heretofore there has not been any wheelchair which
is designed for anything except normal transport. In other words,
wheelchairs heretofore constructed were not designed to permit any
form of athletic activity, and particularly, for fast-moving sports
activities. This was primarily due to the fact that the prior art
wheelchairs were all of a box-like construction with the seat, and
hence, the center of gravity, located at a fixed and at a
substantial distance above the ground. Consequently, the prior art
wheelchairs were not designed for any fast movement, and if one
attempted to propel any of the prior art wheelchairs at any
significant speed, or attempted to turn a corner quickly, the
wheelchair might well tip over creating injury to the user.
In recent years, it has been found to be highly beneficial for
paraplegics and others required to use wheelchairs on a relatively
permanent basis to engage in various forms of athletic activities,
including wheelchair racing, tennis, and the like. However, the
wheelchair constructions heretofore did not lend themselves to such
form of activities.
For the more seriously handicapped people, particularly with high
level back injuries which limited the mobility of these handicapped
persons' arms, the conventional wheelchairs are difficult to use.
This is due to the heavy construction and weight of the
conventional wheelchairs which make it more difficult for the
injured party to push and to manuever. As a result, people with
such injuries had to resort to the use of motor powered
wheelchairs, as for example, electric motor powered wheelchairs
which use a battery source of power. These motor powered
wheelchairs are quite expensive and require periodic maintenance
which thereby militates against widespread use. Further, these
wheelchairs require frequent recharging when battery powered.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,937,490 to Nasr discloses a wheelchair having some
degree of adjustability to suit several body sizes and deformities.
Particularly, the width of the seat and back rest panels may be
adjusted, and the length of the seat may be adjusted. However, this
patent does not disclose a wheelchair which can be made from a
common main frame and in a variety of commonly sized components
which are capable of being mounted in a desired location in the
same manner as taught and claimed in the instant application. U.S.
Pat. No. 4,046,374 to Breyley discloses a walking aid which
includes caster wheels. In addition, the walking aid is provided
with telescopically located adjustable members.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is, therefore, a primary object of the present invention to
provide a wheelchair which may be constructed of a main frame and a
plurality of commonly sized auxiliary components adjustably
attached to the main frame in order to suit different sized
users.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a
wheelchair of the type stated in which a seat section can be
adjustably attached to the main frame in a variety of positions and
a foot support member can be adjustably attached to the main frame
in a number of positions, and with at least front or rear wheels
capable of being adjustably attached to the main frame in a variety
of positions.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
wheelchair of the type stated having rear wheels which are capable
of being shifted longitudinally and vertically in order to change
the wheel base of the wheelchair and vertically in order to change
the angle of attack of the wheelchair.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a
wheelchair of the type stated in which the front wheels can be
adjustably positioned, and in which a front wheel mounting means is
capable of receiving different sized front wheels.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a
wheelchair construction of the type stated which is uniquely
adapted for normal use and also for athletic activities, by mere
adjustment of the positions of the wheels.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a
method of manufacturing a wheelchair from a limited number of
common components such that the wheelchairs can be of differing
sizes in order to suit different sized users.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a
method of changing the wheel base and also changing the center of
gravity of a wheelchair in order to permit the same to be used in
normal transport activities and also for athletic activities.
With the above and other objects in view, my invention resides in
the novel features of form, construction, arrangement and
combination of parts presently described and pointed out in the
claims.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
A wheelchair comprising a main frame, a seat structure, and a foot
support structure with the latter two components capable of being
adjustably positioned on the main frame. In this way, a wheelchair
constructed from commonly sized components can be made in a number
of different sizes in order to suit differing sized users and users
with different forms of disabilities or deformities.
The main frame generally comprises a plurality of longitudinally
extending rigid members which are connected by a plurality of
transversely extending rigid members. A plurality of first upright
members are located on a rear portion of said frame, and a
plurality of second upright members are located on the front
portion of said main frame. The seat structure is capable of being
attached to and adjustably positioned on the main frame, as
aforesaid. The seat structure is comprised of a seat frame having a
plurality of first posts capable of being fitted with respect to a
separate one of the first upright members and adjustably located
thereon. A seat pad is also carried by this frame.
One of the other main components forming part of the wheelchair is
the foot support structure which is also capable of being attached
to and adjustably positioned at a front portion of the main frame.
The foot support structure is comprised of a plurality of second
posts with each capable of being fitted with respect to a separate
one of the second upright members. A foot receiving member is also
carried by these second posts. In this way, several different sized
wheelchairs can be constructed with commonly sized main frames and
foot support structures and seat structures.
The seat frame preferably has additional posts capable of being
fitted with respect to upper ends of the first upright tubular
members as well. In another embodiment of the invention, the
upright members and the posts are capable of being fitted with
respect to one another and adjustably telescopically arranged. More
specifically, the upright members are tubular, and the posts are
capable of being fitted within the open ends of the upright
members.
In another embodiment of the invention, arm rests or side frames
are capable of being adjustably attached to the main frame. In like
manner, rear wheels are capable of being mounted with respect to
the main frame in a plurality of positions, and front wheels are
also capable of being mounted with respect to the main frame in a
plurality of positions.
The present invention also provides an apparatus for selectively
positioning the rear wheels of a wheelchair to selectively alter
the center of gravity thereof. This apparatus comprises a pair of
spaced apart plates which are mounted on the main frame. A
plurality of axle receiving locations are provided on each of the
spaced apart plates and are capable of receiving a rear wheel axle
in each of such locations. A rear wheel axle is provided and is
capable of extending in the rear wheel axle locations on each of
said plates. Further, a quick release means is associated with the
rear wheel axles to enable quick release and replacement of rear
wheels on these rear wheel axles. Thus, the rear wheel axles can be
easily removed from one location and replaced in another axle
receiving location so that the response and center of gravity and
the wheel base on said frame can be easily and quickly altered. In
more detail, the axle receiving locations comprises a plurality of
pairs of spaced apart openings in each of the spaced plates to
receive the rear wheel axles. These plates are located on opposite
sides of the main frame. Further, a retaining member may be
associated with each of the plates. Each retaining member is also
provided with a plurality of openings which are aligned with the
openings on the plates with which the retaining members are
associated.
In another embodiment of the invention, the quick release means are
preferably located on each rear wheel axle. The quick release means
may comprise at least one retaining pin extending outwardly from
the axle and capable of being retracted therein to permit removal
of the wheel on the axle. A manually actuable means, such as a
shiftable rod on each shaft, causes said retaining pin to be
retracted upon actuation thereof.
As indicated previously, the front wheels on each of the
wheelchairs can also be adjustably positioned. Particularly, the
front wheels can be selectively positioned to alter the angle of
attack of the wheelchair relative to a ground plane. As used
herein, the term "ground plane" refers to a ground surface of other
supporting surface upon which the wheelchair could be used and is
generally a horizontal plane. Further, the position of the front
wheels can be altered relative to the rear wheels in order to
change the wheel base. Thus, for example, the rear wheels can be
shifted closer to or further from the front wheels and/or the front
wheels can be shifted closer to or further from the rear wheels. In
addition to the above, the front wheels and the rear wheels can be
shifted simultaneously in the same direction to affect the
positions of the front and rear wheels relative to the main frame
in order to vary the riding characteristics of the wheelchair.
The apparatus for selectively positioning the front wheels
comprises a pair of wheel post housings on the main frame means. A
post extends outwardly from each of these wheel post housings. A
separate bracket is carried by each of the posts and is rotatable
about a generally verticle axis relative to the associated wheel
post housing. Each of the brackets has a pair of spaced apart
plates with a plurality of aligned apertures in said spaced apart
plates. A separate wheel assembly is also provided for each
bracket, and each wheel assembly is comprised of a wheel and a
front wheel axle capable of being disposed in any of the plurality
of aligned apertures. In this way, it is possible to adjust the
plane of the frame, and hence, the angle of attack of the
wheelchair relative to the ground plane.
In another embodiment of the invention, these front wheel brackets
are sized so that different sized wheels can be removably mounted
with respect to the brackets. Further, the wheel posts are
generally vertically located, and said posts extend downwardly and
outwardly from the associated wheel post housing.
The rear wheels are normally adapted for engagement with the ground
or other supporting surface and are capable of being operatively
engaged by a user for propelling the wheelchair. In like manner,
the front wheels are normally adapted for engagement with the
ground or other supporting surface. The front wheels typically have
a diametral size which is substantially less than the rear wheels.
In one embodiment of the invention, a foot rest member of foot
support member may be provided on the frame means and extend
forwardly therefrom as aforesaid. A pair of rollers may be provided
on the foot rest member and are normally spaced above the ground or
other supporting surface when the wheelchair is used for normal
transport. However, these rollers enable the wheelchair to be
tipped forwardly by the user thereof so that the rear wheels are
temporarily raised from the ground or other supporting surface, and
the rollers are thereupon lowered into engagement with the ground
or other supporting surface. This may be a temporary condition
which may exist in athletic activities or the like. Moreover, in
the event that the user of the wheelchair becomes overzealous and
attempts to tip the wheelchair, as for example, in an athletic
activity, the rollers will prevent the entire wheelchair from
tipping over.
In still a further embodiment of the invention, it is also possible
to provide an outwardly extending frame on the rear portion of the
wheelchair, if desired. This latter frame may also be provided with
rollers on the lower portion thereof. Thus, these rollers on the
rearwardly extending frame would also engage the ground or other
supporting surface when the front wheels were temporarily tipped
above the ground or other supporting surface.
The rollers which are typically used on a wheelchair, as aforesaid,
have a diametral size which is substantially less than the front
wheels. Further, the front wheels and rollers are mounted so that
they are capable of rotation in the same direction as the rear
wheels and are also capable of rotation about a vertical axis. The
rollers in this case may adopt the form of casters.
It is also possible to cant (often referred to as "camber") the
rear wheels so that the lower portions are disposed outwardly with
respect to the main frame, and the upper portions are disposed
inwardly toward the frame. This type of canting or cambering of the
rear wheels also provides increased stability, particularly when
the wheelchair is used in athletic activities. In addition to the
canbering, the wheels can be toed in or out, as may be decreed.
This invention possesses many other advantages and has other
purposes which may be made more clearly apparent from consideration
of the forms in which it may be embodied. These forms are shown in
the drawings forming and accompanying part of the present
specification. They will now be described in detail for the
purposes of illustrating the general principles of the invention,
but it is to be understood that such detailed descriptions are not
to be taken in a limiting sense.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Having this described the invention in general terms, reference
will now be made to the accompanying drawings (four sheets) in
which:
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a wheelchair constructed in
accordance with and embodying the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the wheelchair of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary front elevational view showing the front
wheels of the wheelchair in an alternate position;
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken along line
4--4 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a rear wheel mounting bracket
forming part of the wheelchair of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a top plan view, partially broken away and in section,
and showing the means for attaching the mounting bracket of FIG. 5
to the main frame of the wheelchair;
FIG. 7 is a side elevational view, partially broken away and in
section, and showing a quick release means for removably locking a
rear wheel to the wheelchair and taken along line 7--7 of FIG.
1;
FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view of one form of quick release
means;
FIG. 9 is a side elevational view, partially broken away, and
showing the shifting of an arm assembly forming part of the
wheelchair of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of a seat structure
forming part of the wheelchair of the present invention; and
FIG. 11 is a side elevational view, partially broken away and in
section, and showing a portion of the seat pad forming part of the
seat structure of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now in more detail and by reference characters to the
drawings which illustrate practical embodiments of the present
invention, A designates a wheelchair having a main frame 10. The
main frame 10 is more fully illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 and
comprises a pair of longitudinally extending lower bars 12 and a
pair of upwardly spaced longitudinally extending upper bars 14. At
the rearward end, the upper and lower bars 14 and 12 are connected
by a pair of transversely spaced apart vertically extending bars or
rigid members 16. At their forward ends, the upper and lower sets
of bars 12 and 14 are connected by somewhat upright rigid members
or bars 18, in the manner as more fully illustrated in FIGS. 1 and
2. In like manner, intermediate the rear upright rigid members or
bars 16 and the front bars 18 are a pair of intermediate upright
bars 20 which connect each of the opposite sides of the upper and
lower bars 12 and 14.
The intermediate bars 20 are spaced somewhat closer to the rear
upright bars 16. In this respect, the front bars 18 are referred to
as being upright, even though they are not truly vertically
disposed, inasmuch as they do have a vertical component and do
extend between the lower and upper bars 12 and 14.
Extending between the lower bars 12 is a transversely extending
connecting bar 22. In like manner, extending between the rear
upright bars 16 is a transversely connecting bar 24.
Each of the aforesaid bars are essentially welded with respect to
one another in order to form the overall main frame 10, in the
manner as illustrated. Thus, these main bars may be formed of
various metals, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or the
like. In one of the more preferred embodiments of the invention,
each of the components of the main frame is preferably formed for
aluminum or titanium in order to provide the light weight to the
wheelchair, and also to provide the necessary rigidity. In
addition, the use of these metals also permits the wheelchairs to
withstand a substantial amount of physical abuse, as for example,
the kind encountered in sports activities.
Each of the aforesaid bars is also rectangular in construction and
tubular. However, if desired, the bars could be formed of a solid
metal. Moreover, the rectangular shape has been found to be not
only aesthetically desirable, but highly effective to provide the
necessary degree of ridigity.
This main frame 10 can be used in order to construct a variety of
different sized wheelchairs by merely adjustably positioning the
seat structure and the foot support structure as hereinafter
described in more detail. Moreover, this same main frame may be
used in the construction of wheelchairs which function for normal
transport and which can also be used in athletic activities.
Otherwise, the same main frame can be used in the manufacture of a
wheelchair primarily designed for athletic activities or otherwise,
a wheelchair normally and primarily designed for normal
transport.
Provided for attachment to the lower ends of the front uprights 18
is a foot support structure 26, and which foot support structure is
more fully illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings. The foot
support structure 26 is comprised of a generally horizontally
disposed foot support member 28 which integrally merges through
arcuately shaped bends 29 into a pair of upright posts 30. By
further reference to FIG. 2, it can be observed that the posts 30
are aligned with the open lower ends of the uprights 18. Moreover,
the posts 30 are capable of extending into the tubular uprights 18
so as to adjust the overall distance between the main frame 10 and
the horizontal foot support member 28. In addition, the posts are
secured within the tubular uprights 18 in the desired positions by
means of set screws or similar forms of fasteners 31. It can be
observed, that by adjusting the position of the posts 30 within the
lower ends of the uprights 18, that it is possible to adjust the
overall distance of the foot support member 28 to a seat
(hereinafter described) and also to adjust the overall effective
horizontal distance of the foot support member from the main
frame.
The foot support member is also preferably formed of light weight
metals, such as aluminum, or the like. Moreover, for ease of
construction, simplicity, and low cost, the foot support member 26
can be formed almost as an integral structure with the tubular
member being bent for insertion into the posts.
Mounted on foot support member 28 is a front roller assembly 32,
and which is comprised of a bracket 33 rigidly mounted on the
horizontal rod 28. Carried by the bracket is a pin 34 which, turn,
carries a pair of rollers 36. By reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, it can
be observed that the rollers 36 are raised above the ground or
other supporting surface when the rear wheels and the front wheels
are located in contact with the ground or other supporting surface.
However, it can be observed that during any activity if the rear
wheels should be temporarily elevated from the ground in an attempt
to tip the chair by the user, the front rollers 36 will contact the
ground to prevent the chair from tipping over. Again, means could
be provided for adjusting the relative height of the rollers 36
such that they could provide the desired amount of clearance, and
yet also prevent an inadvertent complete tipping over the
wheelchair, which could result in injury to the user.
It should be understood that a similar frame could be mounted on a
rear portion of the main frame 10 so as to mount rear rollers
similar to the front roller assembly 32. In this way, if the
wheelchair were tipped rearwardly, such rear rollers would also
prevent the wheelchair from tipping over in the rearward
direction.
The illustrated and described wheelchair A also comprises a seat
structure 38 which is more fully illustrated in FIGS. 1 2, 10 and
11. The seat structure 38 generally comprises a buttocks and leg
supporting seat section 40 and a back supporting section 42. The
back supporting section 42 generally comprises a pair of tubular
posts 44 which are generally circular in shape and are adapted to
extend into the opened upper ends of the rear uprights 16. Tubular
posts 44 also extend into pockets 46 formed along the opposite
transverse ends of a backrest pad 48. Moreover, the pockets 46
merge into shoulders 50 at their lower ends. Mounted on the posts
44 are collars 52 which are adjustably positioned thereon by means
of set screws 54. In this way, the collars 52 will control the
distance that the posts 44 extend into the pockets 46. Moreover,
the collars 42 can abut the upper ends of the uprights 16 when the
back support 42 shifted to its lowermost position. Thus, the
collars 52 also provide a means to adjust the overall height of the
back support pad 48.
The back support pad 48 may also be provided with a securement
strap 56 which is adapted to extend around crossbar 24. Further,
the securement strap 56 would be provided with an attachment means
60 which, in this case, adopts the form of a Velcro releasably
attachable strip.
The back support pad 48 is preferably comprised of an outer cover,
such as a cloth material, and an inner pad (not shown), and which
is formed of a resilient material such as styrofoam or polyurethane
foam. In this way, the outer cover of the back seat support 48
could be changed if desired.
The frame also includes a horizontal frame section 62 or so-called
seat support section comprised of a pair of horizontally disposed
longitudinally extending and transversely spaced apart rods 64
which are secured at their rearward ends to the uprights 16 thereby
forming a single seat frame. At their forward ends, the rods 64
integrally merge into generally downwardly struck posts 66 which
are adapted to extend into the opened upper ends of each of the
front forward uprights 18, in the manner as best seen in FIGS. 1
and 2 of the drawings. Moreover, while not absolutely necessary, in
some cases, it may be desirable to secure the posts 66 in their
telescoped position within the uprights 18 by means of suitable
fasteners, such as set screws, or the like.
The longitudinally extending rods 64 also telescopically merge into
forward extending frame members 68 located parallel to the above
mentioned frame members 14, as more fully illustrated in FIGS. 1,
2, 10 and 11. The supporting seat section 40 is provided with an
outer cover 70 which is provided with sewn pockets 72 in order to
receive the rods 68 along with the longitudinally extending rods
64. The pockets 72 are designed so that the rods can be removed
therefrom in order to permit the mounting of a new outer cover 70.
Suitably enclosed within the cover 70 is a pad 74 similar to the
pad used in the back section 48. Thus, this pad can be formed of a
foam type material, such as a urethane foam, or the like. The cover
70 is provided with a front opening and a releasable flap 76 in
order to permit access to the pad 74. Moreover, the flap 76 is
securable to the underside of the cover 70 by means of a suitable
securement means, such as a Velcro attachment, or the like.
This construction is highly effective in that it enables the pad 74
to be easily interchangeable. In many cases, the users of
wheelchairs are incontinent or otherwise have difficulty
controlling body discharge, such as urine. As a result, the pad 74,
and for that matter, the seat cover 70 may become soiled and
require replacement. This construction enables very easy removal of
one soiled pad and insertion of a new seat pad 74. In like manner,
this construction also enables easy and convenient exchange of one
supporting seat structure for another.
The wheelchair can be provided with an arm rest structure 80 or
so-called side rail structure or arm support structure. One
embodiment of the arm rest structure which may be used in the
illustrated and described wheelchair is more fully illustrated in
FIG. 1 of the drawings. The arm rest or side rail structure 80 is
generally comprised of a pair of vertically disposed tubular
retainer sleeves 82 which are mounted on the rear portion of the
wheelchair as more fully illustrated in FIG. 1.
The supporting sleeves 82 are provided at their lower ends with
forwardly struck brackets 84 for securement to the frame of the
wheelchair by means of conventional fasteners, as for example, by
screws 86. In this way, the tubular supporting sleeves 82 may be
removably mounted on the wheelchair when it is desired to use an
arm supporting structure 80.
Secured to the forward ends of each of the opposite horizontally
disposed rods 14 are plates 88 which carry at their forward ends,
upwardly disposed tubular sleeves 90. In like manner, the tubular
sleeves 92 also cooperate with the sleeves 90 and are located to
receive rods 44, which are, in turn, removably disposed within the
sleeves 82. The sleeves 92 are horizontally disposed, and the
sleeves 90 and 92 in the respective pairs, removably attach rods 94
by means of set screws 96 and rivets 98, respectively. In this way,
the rod 94 along with cooperating sleeves 90 and 92 and the sleeve
82 each form a side rail on opposite sides of the wheelchair A.
The arm supporting structures 80 are also shiftable out of the way
in order to permit entry into and removal of a person from a
wheelchair. For this purpose, the plate 88 may be removably secured
to longitudinally extending bars 14 by removable locking pins 100.
These locking pins 100 are conventional in their construction.
Typically, they are provided with a manually actuable member, such
as a push-button, in order to permit release of the locking pin.
Thus, when the locking pin 100 has been removed, the plate 88 is
disengaged from the rod 14 thereby permitting the entire arm
portion, including the sleeves 90 and 92 and the rod 94, to be
shifted in a lateral direction about a vertical axis extending
through the sleeve 82. In like manner, the arm supporting
structures can be returned to their position on the sides of the
wheelchair by merely locking the plates 88 into the bars 14 with
the locking pins 100.
On the forward ends of the wheelchair A, on each of the opposite
sides thereof, are front wheel assemblies 102 and which are more
fully illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 of the drawings. Each front wheel
assembly 102 generally comprises a mounting hub 104 which is
rigidly secured to an inverted U-shaped bracket 106 as best seen in
FIG. 4. In this case, the bracket 106 is adapted to be disposed
over either of the longitudinally extending bars 12. Moreover, the
mounting hub 104 may be secured in a selected position along the
longitudinal bar 12 by means of a bolt 108 which extends through
the bracket 106 and into the mounting hub 104. Disposed within and
extending downwardly from the mounting hub 104 is a rod 110 which
is secured within the hub 104 by means of a nut 112 at a threaded
upper end of the rod 110. The rod 110 is, in turn, secured at its
lower end to a wheel supporting bracket 114 which is generally of
an inverted U-shape, as also best seen in FIGS. 2-4 of the
drawings. The wheel mounting bracket 114 is provided with a first
pair of lower axle receiving apertures and an upwardly located
second pair of axle receiving apertures 116. In this case, each of
the apertures in the respective pairs are located on opposite sides
of the wheel mounting bracket 114. A wheel assembly 118 is
comprised of a wheel axle 120 and a front wheel 122 is mounted in
one of the pairs of apertures in the lower pairs of apertures 116,
as shown on each of the brackets.
The second pair of apertures 116 which are located upwardly from
the lower pair are adapted to receive axles and wheels of larger
diameter. In this way, the front wheels can either be mounted in
the upper apertures such that a forward tilt is provided to the
wheelchair, otherwise, larger wheels could be so mounted. It should
be understood that additional pairs of apertures could be provided
in each of the wheel mounting brackets 114 as may be desired in
order to further adjustably position the wheels, or to otherwise,
provide for different diameter wheels.
By means of the above construction, it can be observed that the
front wheels can be shifted closer to or further from the rear
wheels in order to change the overall wheel base of the wheelchair.
Further, the shifting of the front wheels relative to the rear
wheels may also affect the angle of attack of the wheelchair as
hereinafter described in more detail. Thus, for example, if the
rear wheels are changed in vertical position, the position of the
front wheels relative to the rear wheels will affect the angle of
attack.
By further reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawings, it can be
observed that the front wheels can be reversed so as to be located
either inwardly or outwardly of the main frame 10. FIG. 2
illustrates the front wheels or so-called "casters" mounted
exteriorly on the opposite longitudinal sides of the frame 10. By
merely loosening the bolt 108 and removing the bracket 106, it is
possible to rotate each of the front wheel assemblies and mount
them on the interior of the lower rails 12 as illustrated in FIG. 3
of the drawings. This latter arrangement is preferred when the
wheelchair is to be used in athletic activities in order to provide
greater clearance, as for example, in bouncing a basketball moving
a tennis racket, or the like. In this way, the front wheels will
not interfere with any moving object or a moving arm of the user of
the wheelchair.
The wheelchair A of the present invention is also provided with a
pair of rear wheels 130 and which are retained on the wheelchair on
the main frame 10 by means of rear wheel mounting assemblies 132
which are more fully illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5-7 of the
drawings. In this case, the rear wheels each comprise a center hub
134 which is capable of receiving a rear wheel axle 136 as
hereinafter described in more detail. The center hub is connected
to a relatively rigid rim 138 by means of a plurality of spokes
140. Suitably mounted on the rim 138 is a tire, which is preferably
a rubber tire 142. In a conventional manner, it is preferable to
have the tire 142 removably mounted for purposes of replacement.
Also suitably mounted on each of the wheels 130 is a hand engagable
circumferentially extending rim 144 which is adapted to be engaged
by the hands of the user for causing roation of the wheels about
their central axis and thereby causing propelling movement of the
wheelchair.
The rear wheel mounting means 132 preferably comprises a mounting
bracket 146 which is, in turn, mounted to the main frame 10 of the
wheelchair. Each of the brackets 146 are mounted to the upstanding
bar 16 and the intermediate upstanding bar 20 in the manner as
illustrated in FIG. 1 of the drawings. Each of the brackets 146 are
provided with a face plate 148 and a spaced-apart mating plate 150
connected to the plate 148 by means of a pair of rearwardly
extending arms 152. Moreover, the plate 148 is secured to the
upstanding bars 16 and 20 by means of sheet metal screws, bolts or
similar fasteners 154. For this purpose, the plate 148 is provided
with a plurality of bolt receiving apertures 156 in the manner as
illustrated in FIG. 5 of the drawings. Further, it can be observed
that the inwardly located mating plate 150 has a smaller size than
the plate 148 so as to be snugly disposed between the two
upstanding bars 16 and 20.
Each of the plates 148 and 150 are provided with a plurality of
aligned apertures 158 for receiving a rear wheel axle 136. These
apertures 158 and 160 define rear wheel axle receiving locations
such that the rear wheel axles 136 can be located in any of the
sets of apertures 158 and 160.
By reference to FIG. 7 of the drawings, it can be observed that the
mounting bracket 146 is not mounted in a truly vertical position.
Rather, the bracket 146 is canted somewhat such that the rear wheel
axle 136 is also located at an angular relationship with respect to
a true horizontal. In this way, the rear wheels 130 are canted
somewhat in the manner as illustrated in FIG. 2 of the drawings and
as hereinafter described in more detail. The mounting brackets 146
may be mounted to the main frame by using one or more shims 162 in
the manner as illustrated in FIG. 7. In this way, the mounting
bracket 146 is angulated away from the true vertical position, and
hence, the axle 136 is located so that the rear wheels are canted
with the upper ends of the wheels being located inwardly and the
lower ends of the wheels being struck outwardly. It has been found
in connection with the present invention that it is desirable to
actually cant the wheels in this fashion in order to provide
greater stability to the wheelchair, particularly when the latter
is used in sports activities such as racing events, and the like.
The rear wheels may be cambered at an angle of about 0.degree. to
about 10.degree. per wheel from a truly vertical position, and
preferably, from an angle of 3.degree. to about 5.degree. per wheel
in order to achieve the most desirable results.
Along with the cambering of the rear wheels, these wheels can also
be toed inwardly or outwardly by using shims (not shown) on the
mounting brackets 146. Typically, it is desirable to toe the rear
wheels outwardly when the rear wheels are cambered. Preferably, the
rear wheels should be towed out at a ratio of one-third of the
camber. Thus, for example, for every degree of camber, there should
be a toe-out of about one-third degree.
The rear wheel axles 136 actually form part of a quick release lock
mechanism 164 which is more fully illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 of
the drawings. In this case, the quick release lock mechanism
includes a pin 166 which is concentrically located within a bore in
the axle 136 such that the axle 136 is effectively an outer sleeve
for the release pin 166. In addition, a washer or outer sleeve 168
is disposed upon the axle 136 for limiting the axial movement
thereof when in position to hold a rear wheel thereon. Further, a
locking sleeve 170 having a knurled outer surface is also
threadedly disposed on the threaded left hand end 172 of the axle
136. Thus, by positioning the locking sleeve 170, it is possible to
provide for the proper location of the abuttment sleeve 168. At its
left hand end, the axle 136 is provided with a handle 174, and
which receives an outwardly extending end 176 of the release pin
166. This outwardly extending end 176 functions as a release button
which is manually actuable to axially displace the pin 166 to
thereby release a pair of detent balls 178 at the right-hand end of
the axle 136. Further, the release pin 166 is provided with a
plurality of grooves 182 such that when pushed inwardly, the
grooves 182 become aligned with the balls 178 permitting them to
fall inwardly. However, when the release pin 166 is biased to the
left by means of a compression spring 184, the balls are displaced
by a shoulder 186 thereby biasing the balls 178 outwardly. In this
way, the balls function as locking elements.
Thus, when it is desired to mount a rear wheel in any of the rear
wheel locations, the pin 166 can be pushed inwardly in through the
axle 136 thereby permitting the locking elements 178 to fall
radially inwardly toward the center of the axle. This will permit
the axle to be removed from any of the aligned apertures 158 and
160. Moreover, the axle can then be removed from the hub 134 of the
rear wheels. In like manner, when it is desired to mount the rear
wheel on the wheelchair, the release pin 166 is pushed inwardly by
manually engaging the outer end 176. Again, the locking elements
178 will be permitted to fall radially inwardly permitting the hub
134 to be mounted on the axle 136 and also permitting the axle to
be inserted through the aligned apertures 158 and 160. Thus, when
the outer end 176 is released and the release pin 166 is biased to
the right, by means of the compression spring 184, the locking
elements 178 will be biased outwardly thereby retentively locking
the rear wheel on to the wheelchair.
It can be observed by means of the above construction, that it is
possible to selectively position the rear wheels on the wheelchair
frame. By positioning the rear wheels so that they are located in
the lower and rearwardmost corner of the brckets 146, the
wheelchair will assume a more standard riding position in the same
manner as conventional wheelchairs. Thus, the wheelchair will
function for normal day to day activity. By positioning the axle in
the upper and forwardmost apertures 158 and 160 of the bracket 146,
the rear portion of the wheelchair will be effectively shifted
upwardly thereby raising the center of gravity. However, this is
desirable in some situations. Thus, the center of gravity of the
wheelchair can be easily altered. In addition, by shifting the rear
wheel axles either rearwardly or forwardly in any of the selected
axle receiving locations, it is also possible to effectively change
the overall wheelbase of the wheelchair in order to obtain the
desired riding characteristics.
Thus, there has been illustrated and described a unique and novel
wheelchair which can be constructed in several different sizes from
standard sized component sets and on which is capable of
functioning for conventional movement as well as for athletic
activities, and which therefore fulfills all of the objects and
advantages sought therefor. It should be understood that many
changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications
will become apparent to those skilled in the after after
considering this specification and the accompanying drawings.
Therefore, any and all such changes, modifications, variations, and
other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and
scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention
which is limited only by the following claims.
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