Step-Climbing Attachment for a Wheeled Chair

Abstract

A step climbing attachment suitable for attachment to a wheeled chair is described. The step climbing attachment includes a chassis for mounting one or more ground engaging units, a first and a second ground engaging unit mounted to the chassis, at least one of the first and second ground engaging units adapted to move relative to the other of the first or second ground engaging units and the chassis, the relative movement being between a ground engaging position and a step-engaging support position so that in use at least one of the first and / or second ground engaging units engages a step.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001]The present invention relates generally to step climbing attachments suitable for use in a range of movable items such as for example trolleys, walkers, wheelbarrows, chairs, scooters and the like. In selected embodiments, the invention relates to wheeled chairs including wheelchairs to afford increased accessibility for infirm people and less able people.BACKGROUND [0002]Chairs, movable baskets and trolleys, walkers, scooters and the like are useful for carrying and moving items such as luggage, groceries, heavy items, as well as people. Some of these items may be motorised, but many versions of these devices have limitations when negotiating stairs. Some wheeled attachments are also known but involve cumbersome, large and inflexible apparatus.[0003]Wheelchairs in particular can be very difficult to operate over uneven ground, kerbs, gutters, and, most difficult of all: staircases. This is so if the wheelchair is a manually-pushed chair but particularly...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a chair that can be easily positioned and used on different terrains. It has a motor that can rotate the links or linkages to quickly and accurately position the ground engaging units. The chair can also swivel about a yaw axis to provide more stability while moving forward. The technical effects of this invention include quick and accurate positioning of the chair on different terrains and improved stability while moving forward.

Problems solved by technology

Some of these items may be motorised, but many versions of these devices have limitations when negotiating stairs.

Some wheeled attachments are also known but involve cumbersome, large and inflexible apparatus.

Wheelchairs in particular can be very difficult to operate over uneven ground, kerbs, gutters, and, most difficult of all: staircases.

These latter types of chair, due to the propulsion and onboard energy storage systems are heavy and large, and known models are not easy to drive over uneven ground, and particularly, as mentioned, staircases.

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