Knee support assembly for wheelchair

Abstract

A knee support assembly (1) for a wheelchair, the knee support assembly comprising: a knee support (3) comprising: a base bracket assembly (3a) configured to be mounted to a wheelchair (21); a first harness holder (3b) having a lower portion connected to the base bracket assembly (3a) at a first lateral side of the base bracket assembly (3a); a second harness holder (3c) having a lower portion connected to the base bracket assembly (3a) on a second lateral side of the base bracket assembly (3a); a flexible harness (3d) connected to and extending between the first harness holder (3b) and the second harness holder (3c), where the flexible harness (3d) is arranged to provide knee support, where at least one of the first harness holder (3b) and the second harness holder (3c) is releasably connected to the base bracket assembly (3a), where the flexible harness (3d) is arranged to provide knee support. The flexible harness (3d) is movable relative to the base bracket assembly (3a) so that the flexible harness can be moved laterally relative to the base bracket assembly (3a), and thereby a leg can be placed or removed between the base bracket assembly (3a) and the flexible harness (3d).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to wheelchairs. BACKGROUND

[0002] A wheelchair can be equipped with a knee support for supporting the knee and lower leg of a user. This is useful both when the user is sitting in the wheelchair and when the user reaches a standing position in a wheelchair with a vertical standing function. The knee / leg is kept supported and in place, whereby the lower body of the user is kept in place, which has a beneficial effect on the overall posture and health of the user in the sitting, standing and forward leaning positions.

[0003] US 2021 / 0161742 A1 discloses a knee support system to be incorporated within a mobility device. The knee support system comprises at least two oppositely positioned knee supports configured to be connected to a member of the mobility device, wherein the knee supports have a disengaged position in which the knee supports are transversely rotated and an engaged position in which the knee supports restrain the legs of a user.

[0004] The solution disclosed in US 2021 / 0161742 A1 does not seem to be easy to engage and disengage, especially for users with specific physical impairments. Furthermore, when the knee supports are transversely rotated, the seat is substantially widened. In addition, although the knee supports are indeed provided with padding on the rigid cradle, this can lead to poor performance and significant discomfort for the user if the padding eventually wears out or is compressed and thereby hardened. SUMMARY

[0005] It is a general object of the present disclosure to provide a knee support assembly for a wheelchair which can solve or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art.

[0006] Thus, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a knee support assembly for a wheelchair, comprising: a knee support comprising: a base bracket assembly configured to be mounted to a wheelchair; a first harness holder having a lower part connected to the base bracket assembly at a first lateral side of the base bracket assembly; a second harness holder having a lower part connected to the base bracket assembly at a second lateral side of the base bracket assembly; a flexible harness connected to and extending between the first and second harness holders, wherein the flexible harness is arranged to provide knee support, wherein at least one of the first and second harness holders is releasably connected to the base bracket assembly to enable the flexible harness to be moved sideways relative to the base bracket assembly, and thereby enable a leg to be placed in or out between the base bracket assembly and the flexible harness.

[0007] Due to the mechanical flexibility of the flexible harness and the fact that the flexible harness is arranged in a suspended state, the flexible harness provides less load on the user's knee and upper part of the calf. This harness construction also makes the flexible harness easy to fold sideways when the user is being transferred into or out of the wheelchair, or just wants to release the knee support assembly. Furthermore, thanks to the harness type design, the flexible harness can achieve self-alignment to the knee and calf, and is more convenient to operate due to its light weight.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the knee support is a first knee support, and the knee support assembly comprises a second knee support comprising: a base bracket assembly configured to be mounted to a wheelchair; a first harness holder having a lower part connected to the base bracket assembly at a first lateral side of the base bracket assembly; a second harness holder having a lower part connected to the base bracket assembly at a second lateral side of the base bracket assembly; a flexible harness connected to and extending between the first and second harness holders, wherein the flexible harness is arranged to provide knee support, wherein at least one of the first and second harness holders is releasably connected to the base bracket assembly to enable the flexible harness to be moved sideways relative to the base bracket assembly, and thereby enable a leg to be placed in or out between the base bracket assembly and the flexible harness.

[0009] The base tray assemblies of the first and second knee supports can be two different base tray assemblies, or they can be a single common base tray assembly. Additionally, the first and second harness holders can be connected to a single member of the base tray assembly, or to separate members of the base tray assembly.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the first knee support is a right knee support and the second knee support is a left knee support.

[0011] According to one embodiment, for each of the right and left knee supports, the first harness holder is an outer harness holder and the second harness holder is an inner harness holder.

[0012] According to one embodiment, each inner harness holder is releasably connected to the respective base tray assembly.

[0013] According to one embodiment, for each of the first and second knee supports, both the first and second harness holders are releasably connected to the respective base tray assembly.

[0014] According to one embodiment, for each knee support, at least one of the first and second harness holders releasably connected to the base tray assembly includes a locking mechanism configured to releasably lock the harness holder to the base tray assembly.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a spring-loaded element configured to engage with the base tray assembly, and a release member configured to disengage the spring-loaded element from the base tray assembly. Thus, the user is able to secure and release the knee support with less force.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the spring-loaded element is a pivotable element that is urged to pivot into engagement with the base tray assembly by spring tension.

[0017] According to one embodiment, for each knee support, the flexible harness includes a user-adjustable adjustment system configured to adjust the size and / or tightness of the flexible harness.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the adjustment system comprises an external knob and a wire connected to the external knob and arranged inside the flexible harness, wherein the external knob is configured to adjust the length of the wire by rotating, pushing or pulling the external knob, thereby effecting adjustment of the distance between the opposite ends of the flexible harness, the flexible harness being configured to be connected to a respective one of the first harness holder and the second harness holder, thereby adjusting the tightness of the flexible harness.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the adjustment system comprises a connection strap comprising a first strap piece and a second strap piece, each strap piece being configured to be connected to a respective one of the first harness holder and the second harness holder, wherein one of the strap pieces is configured to slide axially relative to the other strap piece, and wherein the adjustment system comprises a main strap connecting and extending between the first strap piece and the second strap piece, the main strap having an excess length relative to the minimum distance between the first strap piece and the second strap piece, wherein the first strap piece is connected to an external knob, and the main strap is connected to the wire, and wherein the length of the wire determines the distance between the two strap pieces, and thereby the distance between the opposite ends of the flexible harness.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the flexible harness comprises a substrate provided with a slot, said strap piece of the connection strap being located in the slot.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the adjustment system comprises a binding system or a tightening strap for adjusting the size or tightness of the flexible harness.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the adjustment system is a fine adjustment system effecting fine adjustment of the distance, and wherein the knee support assembly comprises a coarse adjustment system effecting coarse adjustment of the distance.

[0023] According to an embodiment, each flexible harness is pivotally connected to the first harness holder and the second harness holder. Thus, each flexible harness becomes self-aligning / self-adjusting, and thus provides a relatively equal pressure on the skin surface by a pivoting movement.

[0024] According to an example, each flexible harness is provided with a padding.

[0025] According to an example, each flexible harness has an outer cover and, below the outer cover, a padding. The padding is configured to accommodate the knee and / or calf of the user in a comfortable manner with a desirable softness and elasticity. In another example, the outer cover itself is configured to provide the desired comfort by adjusting its thickness and elasticity.

[0026] According to a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a wheelchair comprising the knee support assembly of the first aspect.

[0027] One embodiment includes a leg rest assembly to which each base cradle assembly is mounted.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the wheelchair includes a seat system with a recline and / or stand function. Alternatively, the wheelchair can have a seat system without a recline or stand function.

[0029] Generally, unless otherwise indicated herein, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field of the technology. All references to a / an / the element, apparatus, component, means, device, etc. are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of whatever is referred to unless indicated otherwise. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] Specific embodiments of the inventive concept will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an example of a knee support assembly for a wheelchair;

[0032] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the knee support assembly in Figure 1 from the rear;

[0033] Figure 3 is a rear view of the knee support assembly in Figure 1

[0034] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view along line A-A in Figure 3

[0035] Figure 5 is a close-up view of a part of the cross-sectional view in Figure 4

[0036] Figure 6 shows a harness retainer when removed from a base cradle assembly;

[0037] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an example of a flexible harness;

[0038] Figure 8A shows a perspective view of the flexible harness in Figure 7 when its outer cover is removed;

[0039] Figure 8B shows a perspective view of the flexible harness in Figure 8A when its further component is removed;

[0040] Figure 8C is a perspective view of the flexible harness in Figure 7 ​​​a front view of the underside of the base material of the flexible harness in

[0041] Figures 9A-9B perspective and top views of the knee support, respectively, when tightened and when not tightened;

[0042] Figure 10 an example of a variation of the knee support assembly is shown;

[0043] Figure 11 another example of a variation of the knee support assembly is shown;

[0044] Figure 12 a perspective view of the knee support and how it can accommodate different leg sizes and postures is shown;

[0045] Figure 13 is an example of a wheelchair comprising a knee support assembly;

[0046] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a knee support assembly attached to a leg rest assembly; and

[0047] Figure 15 a top view of the harness holder and the flexible harness in a rest position is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] The inventive concept will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplifying embodiments are shown. The inventive concept may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be considered limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures.

[0049] Figure 1 A knee support assembly 1 is shown. The knee support assembly 1 is configured to be mounted to a wheelchair, e.g. to a leg rest assembly or to the base structure of the wheelchair.

[0050] The knee support assembly 1 comprises a first knee support 3 and a second knee support 5. Each of the first knee support 3 and the second knee support 5 is arranged to support a respective knee and / or upper part of a lower leg of a user.

[0051] The first knee support 3 comprises a base cradle assembly 3a. The base cradle assembly 3a is configured to be mounted to a wheelchair, e.g. to a leg rest assembly of the wheelchair.

[0052] The first knee support 3 comprises a first harness holder 3b and a second harness holder 3c. Each of the first harness holder 3b and the second harness holder 3c can have an elongated structure, although other shapes are also conceivable.

[0053] The first harness holder 3b and the second harness holder 3c can have respective lower parts that are connected to the base cradle assembly 3a.

[0054] According to one example, at least one of the first harness holder 3b and the second harness holder 3c is releasably connected to the base cradle assembly 3a. According to one example, both the first harness holder 3b and the second harness holder 3c are releasably connected to the base cradle assembly 3a.

[0055] According to this example, the base cradle assembly 3a has two openings 3a-1 and 3a-2. Each opening 3a-1 and 3a-2 is configured to receive a lower part of a respective one of the first harness holder 3b and the second harness holder 3c.

[0056] The openings 3a-1 and 3a-2 are arranged at a respective one of a first lateral side and a second lateral side of the base cradle assembly 3a.

[0057] Each of the first harness holder 3b and the second harness holder 3c comprises a respective harness connector arm 2. When the harness holder 3b, 3c is connected to the base cradle assembly 3a, each harness connector arm 2 extends from the base cradle assembly 3a, 5a.

[0058] The first knee support 3 comprises a flexible harness 3d. The flexible harness 3d is connected to and extends between the first harness holder 3b and the second harness holder 3c. The flexible harness 3d is suspended between the first harness holder 3b and the second harness holder 3c. The flexible harness 3d is connected to and suspended between the two harness connector arms 2.

[0059] The flexible harness 3d is pivotally connected to or configured to be pivotally connected to the first harness holder 3b and the second harness holder 3c. There is a pivot connection 6 between each end of the flexible harness 3d and a respective one of the first harness holder 3b and the second harness holder 3c. Thus, as indicated by arrow C in Figure 2 the flexible harness 3d is pivotable relative to the first harness holder 3b and the second harness holder 3c. The flexible harness 3d is arranged to support the knee and / or the upper part of the lower leg of a user.

[0060] The flexible harness 3d can be provided with padding. For example, the flexible harness 3d can have an outer cover 3e and a foam filling arranged inside the outer cover 3e. In other examples, the flexible harness 3d can have a thicker outer cover providing the desired padding structure, or the flexible harness 3d can be provided without padding.

[0061] The flexible harness 3d can be configured to be adjustable in size or tightness. Such adjustment is typically made after the user has placed the knee between the base cradle assembly 3a and the flexible harness 3d, with the aim of having the flexible harness 3d closely fit the body structure of the user, but can also be made before the user places the knee / leg between the base cradle assembly 3a and the flexible harness 3d, in particular when the flexible harness 3d is arranged to enable a rough adjustment of the size or tightness.

[0062] The second knee support 5 has the same structure as the first knee support 3. However, according to one example, the base cradle assembly can be shared by four harness retainers 3b, 3c, 5b, 5c, i.e. the knee support assembly can comprise a single base cradle assembly shared by all four harness retainers 3b, 3c, 5b, 5c.

[0063] Figure 2 A rear perspective view of the knee support assembly 1 is shown. The first knee support 3 is a right knee support and the second knee support 5 is a left knee support. The two second harness retainers 3c and 5c are inner harness retainers arranged adjacent to each other. The two first harness retainers 3b and 5b are outer harness retainers. To this end, the first harness retainer 3b is arranged laterally outside the second harness retainer 3c and the first harness retainer 5b is arranged laterally outside the second harness retainer 5c.

[0064] Each base cradle assembly 3a and 5a can comprise a cradle structure 3h, 5h which can be connected to e.g. a leg rest assembly and a base 3i, 5i attached to the cradle structure 3h, 5h. The first harness retainer 3b and the second harness retainer 3c are connected to the base 3i.

[0065] According to one example, the lateral positioning of the base 3i, 5i relative to the corresponding cradle structure 3h, 5h can be adjusted. Each cradle structure 3h, 5h can for example comprise a plurality of openings 3j for screws or bolts arranged one after the other in horizontal alignment in a direction from the first harness retainer 3b to the second harness retainer 3c. The base 3i, 5i can comprise openings which can be aligned with selected openings 3j for attaching the base 3i, 5i to the cradle structure 3h, 5h at a desired position in the lateral direction.

[0066] Each base cradle assembly 3a and 5a can be height adjustable. To this end, each base cradle assembly 3a and 5a can have a height adjustment mechanism 3g, 5g. The height adjustment mechanism 3g, 5g can for example comprise a rail structure 3k configured to be fixedly mounted to the leg rest assembly 27 as shown in Figure 13 The rail structure 3k is configured to be fixedly mounted to the leg rest assembly 27 as shown in

[0067] At least one of the first harness holder 3b, 5b and the second harness holder 3c, 5c of each knee support 3, 5 can comprise a release member 3f. This release member will be exemplified in the following by a pull handle 3f which can be grasped by the user and which is configured to be pulled along the longitudinal axis of the harness holder in question. According to the example shown in Figure 2 Both the first harness holder 3b and the second harness holder 3c are provided with a respective pull handle 3f according to the example shown. By pulling the pull handle 3f of the first harness holder 3b, the first harness holder 3b can be released from the base cradle assembly 3a. Similarly, by pulling the pull handle 3f of the second harness holder 3c, the second harness holder 3c can be released from the base cradle assembly 3a. When one of the harness holders 3b, 3c has been released from the base cradle assembly 3a, the flexible harness 3d, 5d can be moved or folded to the side to enable the user to move out of or place his / her knee in the knee support 3, 5.

[0068] Figure 3 A rear view of the knee support assembly 1 is shown. Figure 4 A cross section along the line A-A in Figure 3 is shown. This cross section thus shows the first harness holder 5b arranged in the base cradle assembly 5a of the second knee support 5. According to one example, this configuration can apply to all harness holders 3b, 3c, 5b, 5c.

[0069] Figure 4 An example of a first harness holder 5b releasably connected to a base cradle assembly 5a is shown. The first harness holder 5b comprises a locking mechanism 7 configured to releasably lock the first harness holder 5b to the base cradle assembly 5a. The first harness holder 5b has an inner rod 5b-3 and an outer rod 5b-4 arranged around the inner rod 5b-3. The inner rod 5b-3 is axially movable relative to the outer rod 5b-4. The inner rod 5b-3 and the outer rod 5b-4 are arranged to extend to the Figure 6The opening 5a-1 of the base bracket assembly 5a is shown. As Figure 5 As shown in more detail, the exemplifying locking mechanism 7 comprises a resilient element 7a, such as a spring, arranged around the inner rod 5b-2 and a spring-loaded element 7b. The resilient element 7a biases the spring-loaded element 7b towards a mating face 7c, e.g. a ramp, of the base bracket assembly 5a, such that the spring-loaded element 7b engages with the base bracket assembly 5a and axially locks the first harness holder 5b to the base bracket assembly 5a. A pull handle 5f also forms part of the locking mechanism 7. The pull handle 5f forms an upper or top end of the first harness holder 5b. When pulled upwards along the longitudinal axis C of the first harness holder 5b in the direction of the arrow B, the inner rod 5b-3 is initially moved axially upwards relative to the outer rod 5b-4, thus the resilient member 7a is compressed towards the radial surface of the outer rod 5b-4 and the spring tension provided by the resilient element 7a on the spring-loaded element 7b is reduced and the spring-loaded element 7b disengages from the base bracket assembly 5a. Eventually, during the operation of pulling the first harness holder 5b out of the base bracket assembly 5a, the inner rod 5b-3 will axially engage with the outer rod 5b-4 and they will move together in the direction of the arrow B. The spring-loaded element 7b can be arranged pivotably on the first harness holder 3b, e.g. on the outer rod 5a-4, wherein when the spring tension is reduced, the spring-loaded element 7b pivots away from the mating face 7c, thereby disengaging the first harness holder 3b from the base bracket assembly 3a. When no pulling force is acting on the pull handle 3f, the force provided by the resilient member 7a urges the spring-loaded element 7b to pivot towards the mating face 7c, thereby locking the first harness holder 3b to the base bracket assembly 3a.

[0070] The harness connector arm 2 can comprise an opening 8 configured to receive a respective fastener, such as a shoulder bolt or shoulder screw, to thereby rotationally fix or release the harness connector arm 2 to or from the outer rod 5b-4 to set the rotational position of the harness connector arm 2 relative to the outer rod 5b-4, as will be referred to in more detail below. Figure 12 This is explained in more detail.

[0071] Figure 6 The harness holders 3b, 3c, 5b, 5c are shown fully removed from the base bracket assemblies 3a, 5a.

[0072] Figure 7 A perspective view of the flexible harness 3d is shown. The flexible harness 3d has a knee-facing side arranged to rest against the knee of a user, and an outer side.

[0073] The flexible harness 3d comprises a connecting strap 9. The connecting strap 9 is configured to be connected to the first harness holder 3b and the second harness holder 3c. The connecting strap 9 has a first outer end 9a and a second outer end 9b opposite the first end 9a. The flexible harness 3d can have an elongated shape extending from the first outer end 9a to the second outer end 9b of the connecting strap 9.

[0074] The flexible harness 3d can comprise connecting elements 10a, 10b, such as screws, for releasably connecting the connecting strap 9 and the flexible harness 3d to the first harness holder 3b and the second harness holder 3c, respectively, in a pivotable manner.

[0075] The exemplary flexible harness 3d comprises an external knob 11. The external knob 11 is provided on the outside of the flexible harness 3d. The external knob 11 forms part of a user-adjustable adjustment system configured to adjust the size / tightness of the flexible harness 3d.

[0076] Figure 8A The flexible harness 3d is shown without an outer cover 3e. The flexible harness 3d can comprise a padding 13, for example a foam filling. When the flexible harness 3d is attached to the first harness holder 3b and the second harness holder 3c, the flexible harness 3d obtains a curved state in which the outside of the flexible harness 3d, on which the external knob 11 is provided, bulges outwards. The padding 13 is arranged on the knee-facing side of the flexible harness 3d. Thus, the padding 13 faces the user’s knee when the knee support assembly 1 is in a state of use.

[0077] The flexible harness 3d comprises a substrate 15 on which the connecting strap 9 is mounted. The substrate 15 can be hard or rigid. The substrate can for example be made of a polymer, a metal or a composite material. The padding 13 can be mounted to the substrate 15.

[0078] As seen more clearly in Figure 8B The connecting strap 9 can be made of two separate strap pieces 16a and 16b. The adjustment system can further comprise a main strap 17 extending between the two strap pieces 16a and 16b of the connecting strap 9. The main strap 17 connects the two strap pieces 16a, 16b of the connecting strap 9. Thus, the main strap 17 bridges the two strap pieces 16a and 16b. A first one of the strap pieces 16a can be fixedly arranged relative to the substrate 15. A second one of the strap pieces 16b can be slidably arranged relative to the substrate 15. For example, as Figure 8CAs shown, the second strap 16b can be slidably attached to a slot 16 arranged in the base material 15. Sliding of the second strap 16b relative to the first strap 16a can change the distance between the relative inner ends 9d and 9e of the two straps 16a and 16b, and thus also the distance between the two outer ends 9a and 9b. Thereby, the length of the connecting strap 9, and thus the length of the flexible harness 3d, can be adjusted. This can accommodate different shapes and sizes of user's knees and legs.

[0079] The two straps 6a, 16b can be provided with a plurality of through-going openings 9c for attaching the straps 16a, 16b to the base material 15, e.g. by means of corresponding fasteners such as screws 10a, e.g. barrel screws, and nuts. Thereby, the size of the flexible harness 3d can be adjusted. In particular, the sliding feature of the second strap 16b can enable fine adjustment of the tightness of the flexible harness 3d, and the through-going openings 9c and fasteners can form part of a coarse adjustment system enabling coarse adjustment of the size of the flexible harness 3d.

[0080] The adjustment system can comprise a wire or a lacing 19 connected to the main strap 17 and wound around an outer knob 11. The outer knob 11 can be attached to the first strap 16a. By twisting the outer knob 11, the length of the wire 19 extending from the outer knob 11 can be set. The main strap 17 has an excess length relative to the minimum distance between the two straps 16a and 16b, such that when the outer knob 11 is twisted, pushed or pulled, the length of the main strap 17 can be adjusted based on the unwound length of the wire 19, and the movable second strap 16b can be pulled closer to the first strap 16a to tighten the flexible harness 3d, or the second strap 16b can be moved away from the first strap 16a to loosen the flexible harness 3d. In addition, the excess length of the main strap 17 also has a safety function, ensuring that there is a strap between the two straps 16a and 16b as an additional precaution against the flexible harness 3d coming apart.

[0081] Figure 9A Perspective and top views of the knee supports 3, 5 are shown when the knee supports 3, 5 are tightened by twisting the outer knob 11. Figure 9B Perspective and top views of the knee supports 3, 5 are shown when the knee supports 3, 5 are loosened by pulling the outer knob 11.

[0082] As Figure 10 shown, according to one example, the adjustment system of the flexible harness 3d' can comprise a lacing system 12, e.g. comprising a buckle such as a ratchet buckle and a lacing strap, which can replace the outer knob 11 or be used in combination with the outer knob 11. The lacing system 12 can be provided on the outside of the flexible harness. The adjustment system with the lacing system 12 can enable fine adjustment of the tightness of the flexible harness 3d. As Figure 11As shown, a tightening strap 12' can be provided, e.g. having a hook-and-loop structure, to adjust the tightness of the flexible harness. The tightening strap can be arranged externally of the flexible harness.

[0083] With reference to Figure 12 , according to one example, the rotational position of the harness connector arms 2 of the first harness holders 3b, 5b and / or the second harness holders 3c, 5c relative to the base tray assemblies 3a, 5a connected with the harness holders 3b, 3c, 5b, 5c and relative to the respective outer poles 5b-4 can be adjusted. The harness connector arms 2 can be configured to be rotatable relative to the outer poles 5b-4, i.e. the lower parts of the harness holders 3b, 3c, 5b, 5c are received in the base tray assemblies 3a, 5a. The harness connector arms 2 can be loosened from the fixed connection with the lower parts of the respective harness holders 3b, 3c, 5b, 5c, so that each harness connector arm 2 can be rotated laterally inwards or outwards. Thereby, the pair of harness connector arms 2 of the flexible harness 3d can be rotated towards each other to reduce the distance between the connection points 4 of the respective harness connector arms 2, or away from each other to increase the distance between the connection points 4. Different knee and leg sizes can thus be accommodated. In addition, both harness connector arms 2 can be rotated in the same direction to meet the needs or desires of the user for leg positioning, e.g. for the case of a user having an asymmetric posture. In the disclosed example, a shoulder bolt 18 fixed to one of a plurality of angular set positions on the harness connector arms 2 fixes the harness connector arms 2 to the desired angular position.

[0084] Each flexible harness 3d, 5d is arranged in front of the respective connection point 4 along a forward direction of the flexible harness 3d, 5d from the base tray assembly 3a, 5a. This means that the connection points 4 of the flexible harness 3d, 5d and the pivotal connection of the connection elements 9a, 9b are arranged behind the knee joint when the knee support assembly 1 is in use. The flexible harness 3d, 5d will thus better follow any movement of the knee.

[0085] With reference to Figure 13 , an example of a wheelchair 21 is shown. According to this example, the wheelchair 21 is an electrically powered wheelchair, but can also be a manually powered wheelchair.

[0086] The exemplifying wheelchair 21 comprises a base structure 23 and a seat system 25 comprising a seat 25a attached to the base structure 23. The wheelchair 21 comprises a leg rest assembly 27 attached to the base structure 23 or the seat system 25. The seat system 25 can have a reclining and / or standing function, e.g. achieved by motor control. Thus, according to one example, the seat 25a can be able to recline slightly forwardly so that the user reaches a reclined posture, or according to another example, it can be able to recline significantly forwardly so that the user reaches a substantially upright standing posture.

[0087] The wheelchair 21 comprises the knee support system 1. According to this example, the knee support system 1 is attached to the leg rest assembly 27. For example, each base cradle assembly 3a, 5a can be attached to the leg rest assembly 27 using a rail structure 3k, for example. In another example, the leg rest assembly 27 comprises a leg rest rail structure (not shown) for mounting the knee support system 1, such that the knee support system 1 can be mounted to the leg rest assembly 27 at different vertical positions along the leg rest assembly 27.

[0088] The seat system 25 can comprise two laterally arranged rail structures 25b, one for each side of the seat 25a.

[0089] The seat system 25 can comprise anchoring members 25c, each attached to a respective one of the two lateral rail structures 25a. Each of the first or inner first harness retainers is configured to be releasably attached to a respective one of the anchoring members 25c. In the disclosed example, the anchoring members 25 are devoid of any locking means, and the harness retainers 3b, 5b are simply introduced into the anchoring members from above and held in place by gravity. In other examples, the anchoring members can be provided with locking functionality, for example by means of a locking mechanism such as the locking mechanism 7. Then, the anchoring members 25c can have the same or similar design as the base cradle assemblies 3a, 5a, to axially interlock with the second harness retainers 3c, 5c. Figure 14 The lateral rail structures 25b are shown in somewhat more detail in Fig. 5.

[0090] In another example, the anchoring members can be provided with locking functionality, for example by means of a locking mechanism such as the locking mechanism 7. Then, the anchoring members 25c can have the same or similar design as the base cradle assemblies 3a, 5a, to axially interlock with the second harness retainers 3c, 5c.

[0091] Figure 15 is a top view of an example of the first knee support 3, where the first harness retainer 3c has been disengaged from the base cradle assembly 3a and taken off, and the flexible harness 3d has been moved outwards and attached behind the anchoring member 25c arranged in an adjacent position to the first knee support 3, the first flexible harness 3d and the inner or first harness retainer 3c are arranged in a stopped position.

[0092] Most of the inventive concept has been described above with reference to some examples. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the inventive concept, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A knee support assembly (1) for a wheelchair (21), the knee support assembly comprising: a knee support (3) comprising: a base bracket assembly (3a) configured to be mounted to a wheelchair (21), a first harness holder (3b) having a lower part connected to the base bracket assembly (3a) at a first lateral side of the base bracket assembly (3a), a second harness holder (3c) having a lower part connected to the base bracket assembly (3a) at a second lateral side of the base bracket assembly (3a), a flexible harness (3d) connected to and extending between the first harness holder (3b) and the second harness holder (3c), wherein the flexible harness (3d) is arranged to provide knee support, wherein at least one of the first harness holder (3b) and the second harness holder (3c) is releasably connected to the base bracket assembly (3a) to enable moving the flexible harness relative to the base bracket assembly (3a) to the side, and thereby enabling placing or removing a leg between the base bracket assembly (3a) and the flexible harness (3d).

2. The knee support assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the knee support (3) is a first knee support, and the knee support assembly (1) comprises a second knee support (5), the second knee support comprising: a base bracket assembly (5a) configured to be mounted to a wheelchair (21); a first harness holder (5b) having a lower part connected to the base bracket assembly (5a) at a first lateral side of the base bracket assembly (5a); a second harness holder (5c) having a lower part connected to the base bracket assembly (5a) at a second lateral side of the base bracket assembly (5a); a flexible harness (5d) connected to and extending between the first harness holder (5b) and the second harness holder (5c), wherein the flexible harness (5d) is arranged to provide knee support, wherein at least one of the first harness holder (5b) and the second harness holder (5c) is releasably connected to the base bracket assembly (5a) to enable moving the flexible harness (5d) relative to the base bracket assembly (5a) to the side, and thereby enabling placing or removing a leg between the base bracket assembly (5a) and the flexible harness (5d).

3. The knee support assembly (1) according to claim 2, wherein the first knee support (3) is a right knee support and the second knee support (5) is a left knee support.

4. The knee support assembly (1) according to claim 3, wherein for each of the right knee support (3) and the left knee support (5), the first harness holder (3b, 5b) is an outer harness holder and the second harness holder (3c, 5c) is an inner harness holder.

5. The knee support assembly (1) according to claim 4, wherein each inner harness holder (3c, 5c) is releasably connected to the respective base cradle assembly (3a, 5a).

6. The knee support assembly (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein for each of the first knee support (3) and the second knee support (5), both the first harness holder (3b, 5b) and the second harness holder (3c, 5c) are releasably connected to the respective base cradle (3a, 5a).

7. The knee support assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein for each knee support (3, 5), the at least one of the first harness holder (3b, 5b) and the second harness holder (3c, 5c) that is releasably connected to the base cradle assembly (3a, 5a) comprises a locking mechanism (7) configured to releasably lock the harness holder (3b, 3c, 5b, 5c) to the base cradle assembly (3a, 5a).

8. The knee support assembly (1) according to claim 7, wherein the locking mechanism (7) comprises a spring-loaded element (7b) configured to engage with the base cradle assembly (3a, 5a) and a release member (3f) configured to disengage the spring-loaded element (7b) from the base cradle assembly (3a, 5a).

9. The knee support assembly (1) according to claim 8, wherein the spring-loaded element (7b) is a pivotable element urged by spring tension to pivot into engagement with the base cradle assembly (3a, 5a).

10. The knee support assembly (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the release member (3f) is a pull handle (3f) configured to be pulled along a longitudinal axis (C) of the harness holder (3b, 3c, 5b, 5c) to reduce spring tension on the spring-loaded element (7b) and disengage the spring-loaded element (7b) from the base cradle assembly (3a, 5a).

11. The knee support assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein for each knee support (3, 5), the flexible harness (3d, 5d) comprises a user-adjustable adjustment system configured to adjust a size and / or tightness of the flexible harness (3d, 5d).

12. The knee support assembly (1) according to claim 11, wherein the adjustment system comprises an external knob (11) and a wire (19) connected to the external knob (11) and arranged inside the flexible harness (3d, 5d), wherein the external knob (11) is configured to adjust the length of the wire (19) by rotating, pushing or pulling the external knob (11), thereby enabling adjustment of the distance between the opposite ends of the flexible harness (3d, 5d) configured to be connected to a respective one of the first harness holder (3b, 5b) and the second harness holder (3c, 5c), thereby adjusting the tightness of the flexible harness (3d, 5d).

13. The knee support assembly (1) according to claim 12, wherein the adjustment system comprises a connecting strap (9) comprising a first strap piece (16a) and a second strap piece (16b), each strap piece (16a, 16b) being configured to be connected to a respective one of the first harness holder (3b, 5b) and the second harness holder (3c, 5c), wherein one of the strap pieces (16b) is configured to axially slide relative to the other strap piece (16a), and wherein the adjustment system comprises a main strap (17) connecting and extending between the first strap piece (16a) and the second strap piece (16b), the main strap (17) having an excess length relative to a minimum distance between the first strap piece (16a) and the second strap piece (16b), wherein the first strap piece (16a) is connected to the external knob (11) and the main strap (17) is connected to the wire (19), and wherein the length of the wire (19) determines the distance between the two strap pieces (16a, 16b) and thereby the distance between the opposite ends of the flexible harness (3d, 5d).

14. The knee support assembly (1) according to claim 11, wherein the adjustment system comprises a lacing system (12) or a tightening strap for adjusting the size or tightness of the flexible harness (3d, 5d).

15. The knee support assembly (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the adjustment system is a fine adjustment system enabling fine adjustment of the distance, and wherein the knee support assembly (1) comprises a coarse adjustment system enabling coarse adjustment of the distance.

16. The knee support assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each flexible harness (3d, 5d) is pivotally connected to the first harness holder (3b, 5b) and the second harness holder (3c, 5c).

17. A wheelchair (21) comprising a knee support assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

18. The wheelchair (21) according to claim 17, comprising a leg rest assembly (27), wherein each base cradle assembly (3a, 5a) is mounted to the leg rest assembly (27).

19. The wheelchair (21) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the wheelchair comprises a seat system (25) with a forward tilt and / or standing function.

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