BACKREST STRUCTURE, KIT AND WHEELCHAIR

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a backrest structure (10) for a wheelchair, comprising a backrest (12) with a mounting panel (13) and a plurality of cushions (20, 30, 40, 50) attached to the mounting panel, wherein at least some of the cushions (20, 30, 40, 50) are filled with a variable amount of flake material, at least some of the cushions (30, 40, 50) are detachably attachable to the mounting panel (13) at different positions and / or in different orientations, and at least some of the detachably attachable cushions (30, 40, 50) have an at least partially cylindrical shape and are suitable for being attached either horizontally or vertically to the mounting panel (13) in an upright position of the backrest (12).It further refers to a kit comprising a back panel with a mounting panel and a variety of detachable cushions for assembling the aforementioned backrest structure. A wheelchair with the aforementioned backrest structure is also provided.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a backrest structure suitable for use with a wheelchair and comprises a backrest with a mounting panel and a plurality of cushions attached to the mounting panel. It also relates to a kit comprising a back panel with a mounting panel and a plurality of cushions for assembling said backrest structure, as well as a wheelchair with said backrest structure.

[0002] Various backrests are available on the wheelchair market, ranging from simple to complex. People with higher postural requirements need more support than a simple backrest can provide, but they also need something comfortable for relaxed sitting at home. As needs change, the backrest must be adjusted accordingly. Currently manufactured backrests are designed for functional, not relaxed, positioning. Postural supports in complex seating systems require professional assistance to adapt them to individual needs.

[0003] EP 3 243 491 B1 describes a back support cushion for use in a wheelchair, comprising two lateral cushion sections and a central cushion section, wherein all cushion sections are independently malleable and each cushion section can be bent about an axis that is approximately horizontal in the intended position of use to achieve a curvature in the vertical direction. Hook-and-loop fasteners are arranged on the back of at least one of the cushion sections and interact with corresponding hook-and-loop fasteners on a back support of the wheelchair.

[0004] WO 96 / 07344 A1 discloses a back support comprising a substantially rigid shell with a front and a back, a back section, and forward-sloping side sections on both sides of the back section; adjustable curved, flexible support plates attached to the front of the rigid shell; and means for adjusting the curvature of the flexible support plates. The flexible support plates can be made more comfortable for the user by lining them with some type of padding, such as sponge, rubber, or synthetic foam. The padding material can be detachably attached to the back support by means of fasteners or hook-and-loop fasteners.

[0005] Modular orthopedic insert for wheelchairs according to US 4,793,652, consisting of a combination of: a backrest; a seat base; joint devices for detachably attaching the backrest to the seat base; an adjustable thoracic support detachably attached to the backrest; fasteners for attaching the thoracic support to the backrest, designed to allow the support to move vertically and horizontally relative to a vertical plane defined by the backrest; a cushion for attachment to the seat base; and an adjustable headrest attached to the backrest, comprising a pair of spaced-apart bars arranged side by side and parallel to each other, each bar having a first and a second projecting straight section connected by a third straight section perpendicular to and extending between the first and second sections;A first connecting device attached to the backrest to slidably receive the first and second projecting straight sections of the pair of spaced-apart bars; a headrest connected to a headrest support bar; and a second connecting device for slidably receiving the headrest support bar, the second connecting device being slidably mounted between the third straight sections of the pair of spaced-apart bars. The fastening device includes a hook-and-loop fastener, which may comprise a series of hook-and-loop strips arranged along the backrest and the chest support device.

[0006] A support system is known from US 8,713,733 B2, comprising a flat base plate and a plurality of modular blocks that vary in shape and size and are suitable for connection with the base plate to form a support structure shaped to conform to the morphological structure of a user of the support system. The base plate is provided with coupling means for a detachable and reversible connection to an external support surface and to the modular blocks, and the modular blocks are provided with means for a detachable and reversible connection to the base plate and to each other. The modular blocks comprise a first plurality of modular blocks configured to form a modular base; a second plurality of modular blocks configured to form a modular system for receiving the user's legs;and a third plurality of modular blocks configured to form a modular system for receiving the user's pelvis, wherein the third plurality of modular blocks comprises a pair of coccyx inserts positioned above the base plate on a rearward side of the base plate, each insert having an inclined shape; wherein the first plurality of modular blocks, the second plurality of modular blocks, and the third plurality of modular blocks are each shaped and arranged relative to each other to achieve enclosure, suspension, and anterior, lateral, and posterior control of the user's pelvis, as well as enclosure, suspension, and control of the user's coccyx, sacral vertebrae, lumbar vertebrae, and thoracic vertebrae.

[0007] The aim of this disclosure is to further develop the known backrest structure in order to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it aims to enable quick and easy adaptation of the backrest structure to different spinal postures and support needs.

[0008] This objective is achieved by filling at least some of the cushions with a variable amount of flake material, by ensuring that at least some of the cushions can be detachably attached to the mounting panel in different positions and / or orientations, and that at least some of the detachably attachable cushions have an at least partially cylindrical shape and are suitable for being attached either horizontally or vertically to the mounting panel in an upright position of the backrest.

[0009] Embodiments can be characterized in that the flake material comprises a memory foam, in particular a viscoelastic memory foam, and / or all pillows are filled with a variable amount of flake material, and / or the pillows, which are filled with flake material in a variable amount, are provided with a closure mechanism, in particular comprising a zipper.

[0010] It is proposed that each cushion has at least one area with a rectangular cross-section whose longitudinal extent is greater than its transverse extent, and / or that the multiple cushions comprise an upper cushion which extends horizontally in an upright position of the backrest, and / or that the multiple cushions comprise two or more cushions which are suitable for horizontal or vertical mounting, preferably below the upper cushion, and / or that the multiple cushions comprise a lower cushion which extends horizontally in an upright position of the backrest.

[0011] Furthermore, embodiments can be characterized in that the upper cushion is permanently attached and / or has a larger cross-section than the other cushions and / or contains a fixed amount of filling material, and / or the lower cushion has a smaller cross-section than the other cushions, and / or at least one detachably attachable cushion is present, wherein preferably two detachably attachable cushions are present in addition to the upper and lower cushions.

[0012] According to the present disclosure, it is also possible that the detachably attachable cushions are interchangeable and / or available in different sizes and / or that the detachably attachable cushions are at least partially provided on one side with hooks and loops, in particular via fastening strips, and / or that the detachably attachable cushions are covered and / or provided with a hook and loop fastener fabric at least in one area.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the backplate is a retrofit unit, and / or the mounting panel is attached to the backrest by means of a variety of fastening and / or fixing means, in particular detachably, and / or the mounting panel is provided with hooks and loops and / or covered with a Velcro fabric, and / or the mounting panel is padded to control the stiffness.

[0014] Furthermore, it is proposed that the backrest structure be used with at least one bracket that is detachably arranged between the mounting panel and at least one of the detachably attachable cushions.

[0015] It may also be that the at least one bracket is made of a rigid material and / or plastic material, and / or the at least one bracket has at least one recess to reduce weight, and / or the at least one bracket has an adjustable length, width and / or curvature, and / or the at least one bracket is provided with at least one fastening device with hook and loop fasteners, and / or the at least one bracket is covered at least in one area with a hook and loop fastener fabric on a first side facing the fastening panel, and / or a second side opposite the first side.

[0016] The present disclosure also includes a kit comprising a backplate with a mounting panel and a plurality of detachably attachable cushions for assembling the backrest structure of the present disclosure.

[0017] Furthermore, a wheelchair with the backrest structure of the present disclosure is provided.

[0018] The wheelchair can be characterized by the fact that the backrest is swivelling.

[0019] One of the insights of this disclosure is to utilize the principles of memory foam cushions with a flake structure and apply them to a backrest construction using hook-and-loop fasteners. This allows the backrest cushions to be easily reconfigured to adapt to the changing needs of the users. If additional lateral support is required, brackets can be attached to the hook-and-loop fastener plate on the backrest below the cushions.

[0020] Users with more complex needs may require additional lateral support. By pulling one or more backrest cushions forward from a mounting panel, which may be in the form of a hook-and-loop fastener, a section of the backrest structure is exposed. A bar or additional cushions can then be attached to the panel using a suitable hook-and-loop fastener.

[0021] Users with a spinal curvature leading to scoliosis are generally unable to use conventional chair backrests. However, according to the present disclosure, a simple reconfiguration to adapt to specific needs is possible. The backrest cushions can be arranged horizontally or vertically. That is, after, for example, horizontally arranged cushions have been removed from the hook-and-loop fastener plate, they can be rearranged vertically. Using two cushions creates space to accommodate a curved spine. Three cushions can be used for alignment while supporting a curved spine. For additional lateral support in this configuration, it is possible to attach additional support brackets using the hook-and-loop fastener system.

[0022] It is understood that each of the described features and / or embodiments of the disclosure can be used separately or in combination with other disclosed features and / or embodiments.

[0023] Further aspects, advantages and outstanding features of the present disclosure will become apparent to the person skilled in the art from the following detailed description, in which one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed only as examples which, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, reveal exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, wherein: Fig. 1 shows a front view of a backrest structure of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 an exploded view of the two main components of the backrest structure made of Fig. 1 is; Figures 3a to 3c show the steps for changing the configuration of the backrest structure. Fig. 1. illustrate; and Figs. 4a-4c show different perspective views of the various configurations of the backrest structure. Fig. Show 1.

[0024] Fig. Figure 1 shows a backrest structure 10 of the present disclosure with a seat assembly 11, a backrest 12 and four cushions 20, 30, 40, 50. The four cushions 20, 30, 40, 50 comprise an upper cushion 20, which is the largest cushion, a lower cushion 50, which is the smallest cushion, and two further cushions 30, 40, all cushions having a partially cylindrical shape with at least one substantially rectangular cross-section.

[0025] In the configuration of the backrest structure 10 from Fig. 1. The backrest 12 is in the upright position and all four cushions 20, 30, 40, 50 are arranged horizontally. That is, the longitudinal axis of each cushion 20, 30, 40, 50, which is greater than its transverse axes, runs horizontally between two armrests 15 and two side panels 14 (see Figure 1). Fig. 2) the backrest structure 10.

[0026] Further details regarding the structure of backrest 10 can be found in the exploded view in Fig. Figure 2 shows the two lateral assemblies 14 attached to the backrest 12. The backrest 12 is further equipped with nuts 100 and fixings 110 for attaching a back panel 13, which is fitted with a mounting panel 13a (best in Fig. 3a can be seen, which is explained further below).

[0027] The backrest 12 can be swivelled so that the user can assume different positions.

[0028] All cushions 20, 30, 40, 50 are filled with flake material. The upper cushion 20 can be permanently or detachably attached to the mounting panel 13a, and all other cushions 30, 40, 50 are detachably attached so that the position of at least cushions 30, 40, 50 can be changed to adapt them to the specific needs of a user. The flake material preferably comprises a memory foam, in particular in the form of a viscoelastic memory foam.

[0029] The size of the upper cushion 20 is deliberately larger than that of the other cushions 30, 40, 50 in order to support the user's neck and head, which are typically located in front of the rearmost part of the user's back.

[0030] The lower cushion 50 is the smallest so that it fits between the armrests 15, but also to create space for the user's pelvis so that the cushions 30, 40 above it can correctly support the shape of the user's lumbar spine.

[0031] The two cushions 30 and 40, positioned between the upper and lower cushions 20 and 50, are identical in size and are specifically designed to be nominally rectangular, allowing them to be positioned either vertically or horizontally as needed. Further details will follow regarding the Fig. 4a to 4c.

[0032] Next, reference is made to Figures 3a to 3d. Fig. Figure 3a shows the fastening panel 13a with its hooks and loops, which make it possible to attach cushions in different positions and / or with different orientations. For this purpose, each detachable cushion is provided, for example, with two strips with hooks and loops, see strips 32, 34 of cushion 30 in Figure 3a. Fig. 3a.

[0033] Thus, the backplate 13 of the backrest structure 10 is at least partially covered on the inside, facing the cushions 20, 30, 40, 50, by the fastening panel 13a, which is provided with hooks and loops, in particular in the form of a hook and loop fastener, at least in the area of ​​the detachably fastened cushions 30, 40, 50. This panel is padded against the structure in such a way that the mounting panel 13a is rigid to ensure a stable and secure attachment for the cushions 30, 40, 50 and any brackets 60, which are described below with reference to Fig. 3b will be explained.

[0034] The pressure exerted on a user's back when sitting in a wheelchair with backrest structure 10 is less than the pressure exerted on the same user when lying on cushions. To support the user correctly and comfortably, the foam density in back cushions 20, 30, 40, and 50 is significantly lower.

[0035] Zippers on each of the 20, 30, 40, and 50 pillows allow the fluffy viscoelastic foam to be repositioned where it is most needed, adjusting the volume to the user. Viscoelastic memory foam can be used as a fluff material because it reacts to heat and molds itself to the user. A zipper on the 30 pillow is located in... Fig. 3a is shown as an example.

[0036] In the Fig. The standard horizontal pillow configuration shown in Figure 1 can accommodate users with mild positioning and support needs. This configuration can be useful for elderly people in general, neurorehabilitation patients, and users with milder forms of cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. If the user's needs worsen, which is often the case with muscular dystrophy or motor neuron disease, additional support can be provided by adding one or more support bars, with one support bar shown in Figure 60 as an example. Fig. As shown in Figure 3b. Should a user's spinal curvature worsen (scoliosis), a vertical alignment of cushions 30 and 40 can support the spinal shape. Further details of such a configuration are provided with reference to the Fig. 4a to 4c explained.

[0037] The bracket 60 can be attached at a variable position within the back area provided by the mounting panel 13a. For this purpose, the bracket 60 can be provided with one or more hook-and-loop fasteners on both sides, i.e., on the side facing the mounting panel 13a and on the opposite side facing a cushion. In the embodiment of Fig. 3b the bracket 60 has a general U-shape with at least one recess 63 for weight reduction and openings 62a, 64a for fastening the fasteners 62, 64.

[0038] To change the support, for example by adding the brackets 60, the cushion 30 must first be detached from the mounting panel 13a by pulling it away from the mounting panel 13a, as shown in Fig. 3a shown. Next, the bracket 60 must be attached to the mounting panel 13a, see Fig. 3b, and finally, the cushion 30 must be attached to the bracket 60 to secure the in Fig. To obtain the configuration shown in 3c. As in Fig. As can be seen in 3D, the pillow 30 is curved due to the integration of the support 60.

[0039] The in relation to the Fig. The configuration change described in 3a to 3d is easy to perform and requires only one hand 70. Thus, the user of the wheelchair with the backrest structure 10 of the present disclosure or a caregiver can perform the steps shown in Figs. 3a to 3d.

[0040] Cushions 30, 40, and 50 can be removed and repositioned. They can also be positioned so that they can be moved. Examples of other configurations are shown in Figures 4a to 4c.

[0041] Based on the configuration in Fig. 1. By removing the cushions 30, 40, 50 from the mounting panel 13a, the two cushions 30, 40 or all three cushions 30, 40, 50 can be attached as shown in Figures 4a and 4b, respectively. Furthermore, the bracket 60 can be arranged between the mounting panel 13a and the three cushions 30, 40, 50 with a horizontal extension, as shown in Fig. 4c shown to improve lateral support.

[0042] As described above, although the embodiments are described by the limited embodiments and the drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes based on the above description. For example, suitable results can also be obtained if the described techniques are carried out in a different order than the described procedure and / or if components of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc., are combined or replaced by other components or equivalents in a different way than the described procedure.

[0043] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments of the present disclosure and those that comply with the claims also fall under the claims to be described below. Reference symbol list 10 Backrest structure 11 Seat assembly 12 Backrest 13 Backplate with mounting panel 13a Mounting panel with hooks and loops 14 Side assembly 20 top pillow 30 pillows 32 fastening strips with hooks and loops 33 zipper 34 fastening strips with hooks and loops 40 pillows 50 lower pillow 60 hangers 62 Fasteners with hooks and loops 63 recess 64 Fasteners with hooks and loops 64a Opening 70 Hand 100 mothers 110 Fixatives QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 243 491 B1

[0003] WO 96 / 07344 A1

[0004] US 4,793,652

[0005] US 8,713,733 B2

[0006]

Claims

[1] A backrest structure (10) for a wheelchair comprising a backrest (12) with a mounting panel (13) and a plurality of cushions (20, 30, 40, 50) attached to the mounting panel, characterized by , that at least some of the pillows (20, 30, 40, 50) are filled with a variable amount of flake material, at least some of the cushions (30, 40, 50) can be detachably attached to the mounting panel (13) in different positions and / or in different orientations, and at least some of the detachably attached cushions (30, 40, 50) have an at least partially cylindrical shape and are suitable for being attached either horizontally or vertically to the mounting panel (13) in an upright position of the backrest (12). [2] The backrest structure according to claim 1, characterized by , that the flake material comprises a memory foam, in particular a viscoelastic memory foam, and / or all cushions (20, 30, 40, 50) are filled with a variable amount of flake material, and / or the cushions (20, 30, 40, 50) which are filled with flake material in a variable amount are provided with a closure mechanism, in particular comprising a zipper (33). [3] The backrest structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that each cushion (20, 30, 40, 50) has at least one area with a rectangular cross-section whose longitudinal extent is greater than its transverse extent, and / or the multiple cushions (20, 30, 40, 50) include an upper cushion (20) that extends horizontally in an upright position of the backrest, and / or the plurality of cushions (20, 30, 40, 50) comprises two or more cushions (30, 40, 50) suitable for horizontal or vertical mounting, preferably below the upper cushion (20), and / or The multitude of cushions (20, 30, 40, 50) includes a lower cushion (50) that extends horizontally in the upright position of the backrest. [4] The backrest structure according to claim 3, characterized by , that the upper cushion (20) is firmly attached and / or has a larger cross-section than the other cushions (30, 40, 50) and / or contains a fixed amount of flake material, and / or the lower cushion (50) has a smaller cross-section than the other cushions (30, 40, 50), and / or there is at least one removable cushion (30, 40), preferably two removable cushions (30, 40) in addition to the upper and lower cushion (20, 50). [5] The backrest structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that The detachable cushions (30, 40, 50) are interchangeable and / or available in different sizes, and / or the detachable cushions (30, 40, 50) are at least partially provided on one side with hooks and loops, in particular via fastening strips (32, 34), and / or the detachable cushions (30, 40, 50) are at least in one area covered and / or provided with a hook and loop fastener fabric. [6] The backrest structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the backplate (13) is a retrofit unit, and / or the fastening panel (13a) is attached to the backrest (12) by means of a variety of fastening and / or fixing means (100, 110), in particular detachably, and / or the fastening panel (13a) is provided with hooks and loops and / or is covered with a hook and loop fastener fabric, and / or The mounting panel (13a) for controlling stiffness is padded. [7] The backrest construction according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one bracket (60) which is detachably arranged between the mounting panel (13a) and at least one of the detachably attachable cushions (30, 40, 50). [8] The backrest construction according to claim 7, characterized by , that which at least one bracket (60) is made of a rigid material and / or plastic material, and / or which has at least one bracket (60) with at least one recess (63) to reduce weight, and / or which has at least one bracket (60) having an adjustable length, width and / or curvature, and / or which is equipped with at least one bracket (60) with at least one fastening device (64) with hooks and loops, and / or the at least one bracket (60) is covered with a hook and loop fastener fabric at least in one area on a first side facing the mounting panel (13a) and / or a second side opposite the first side. [9] A kit comprising a back panel (13) with a mounting panel (13a) and a plurality of detachably attachable cushions (30, 40, 50) for assembling the backrest structure (10) according to one of the preceding claims. [10] Wheelchair with the backrest structure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8. [11] Wheelchair according to claim 10, characterized by , that the backrest (12) is swivelling.