Dynamic back element for a wheelchair, a wheelchair equipped with this back element, an arrangement of a back element in a wheelchair, and the use of a modified damping element to form the dynamic back element.

Abstract

Dynamic back segment (1) for a wheelchair, with a bracket (10) attached to a frame of the wheelchair or forming part of a frame, comprising a first rigid bracket part (11) and a second bracket part (15) pivotable relative to the rigid bracket part, wherein a damping element (40) is arranged on the pivotable bracket part (15) or in its path of movement, which damping element (40) has means for manually adjusting and regulating the extension force, characterized in that the damping element (40) has means for manually adjusting and regulating the extension speed.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a dynamic back element for a wheelchair, a wheelchair equipped with this back element, an arrangement of a back element in a wheelchair and the use of a modified damping element for forming the dynamic back element. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Wheelchairs are used to help people with limited mobility move around. There is a growing need to modify wheelchairs to meet individual needs.

[0003] One such patient group is people who suffer from extensor spasms. These patients experience very frequent and uncontrolled extensor spasms while sitting in a wheelchair, with the entire body trying to extend. If the wheelchair remains rigid, this places strain on the patient through potentially developing pressure points, and the enormous forces that can occur during extensor spasms also place strain on the wheelchair structure itself.

[0004] This can be counteracted using state-of-the-art technology by designing the legrest mount to pivot freely and the backrest to also pivot backward. To ensure that the backrest returns to an upright position when the spasm subsides, it can be equipped with a gas spring. The gas springs commonly used for this application are available in almost any length and extension force. The extension force for this gas spring is then fixed and cannot usually be changed. It often happens that a patient with extension spasms, which can vary in severity from patient to patient, is given a wheelchair with a spring-cushioned back. When "trying it on", it then turns out that the spring damping is too strong or too weak.Then the dampers have to be laboriously removed, new ones with the estimated better extension force ordered and installed, and tested at a new fitting appointment. This is expensive and time-consuming for everyone involved.

[0005] DE 199 30 103 C1 addresses the problem of restricted freedom of movement, which significantly increases the risk of injury in the event of an attack, e.g., a stretch spasm. To overcome this deficiency, a dynamic seat shell is proposed that can tilt forward and features a pivoting, split backrest. The backrest's range of motion is limited. This results in very strong and undamped forces, which can lead not only to damage the wheelchair but also to serious injuries for the patient.

[0006] EP 0911 008 B1 describes a movable seating arrangement for physically disabled persons with a seat shell fastened to a chassis, which comprises a backrest and a seat surface which are articulated to one another, wherein a footrest is pivotally connected to the front end of the seat surface, wherein the seat surface and backrest are freely pivotably connected to one another and a first tensioning device is provided which generates a tensioning force which holds the seat surface and the backrest in the bent sitting position relative to one another, and wherein the footrest is freely pivotably connected to the seat surface and a second tensioning device is provided which generates a tensioning force which holds the footrest in the bent sitting position relative to the seat surface, in which a linear guide is fastened to the chassis below the seat surface, to the displaceable component of which linear guide the seat surface is pivotally connected.With the described seating arrangement, it is possible to pivot the backrest relative to the seat using muscle power. At the same time, the footrest can be pivoted into a straight position relative to the seat. The known seating arrangement can therefore follow the movement initiated by muscle tension, so that the muscle power actually leads to a body extension and is not absorbed by the fastening devices.

[0007] This significantly reduces the mechanical strain on the patient's muscles and ligaments as well as on the seat shell and footrest.

[0008] US 4 004 836 A describes a wheelchair with a pivoting backrest frame, with a bracket forming part of the frame, which comprises a first rigid bracket part and a second bracket part pivotable relative to the rigid bracket part, wherein an element damping the movement of the pivoting bracket part is arranged on the pivoting bracket part or in its path of movement, which element has means for manually adjusting and regulating the extension force.

[0009] With purely mechanical adjustment devices, only the extension force can be influenced. This is not possible with the spring element itself.

[0010] US Patent No. 2,018,825 A describes an office chair with a spring element attached to the backrest. The spring element itself does not allow for adjustment of the adjustment parameters. Likewise, it is not possible to influence the extension speed.

[0011] DE 20 2012 003 883 U1 describes the use of a spring element in conjunction with a wheelchair seat guide. A progressive adjustment of the spring element is intended to limit the wheelchair user's extension movement, e.g., during an extension spasm. Adjusting the extension speed is not possible in this case. DE 10 2007 015 992 A1 describes the use of a gas pressure spring, in which the extension force is continuously adjustable to accommodate the comfort needs of the wheelchair user.

[0012] EP 2 389 914 A1 describes a wheelchair with an adjustable backrest. Here, too, a spring element is used, which does not have any adjustment options itself; instead, the lever ratios are varied by shifting the position accordingly. TASK

[0013] The present invention is based on the object of providing means that enable individual adaptation to the patient without having to carry out complex and time-consuming modifications to the wheelchair.

[0014] This object is achieved by a dynamic back segment for a wheelchair according to the proposed claim 1.

[0015] Furthermore, this object is achieved by a wheelchair according to the proposed claim 13, further by an arrangement according to the proposed claim 14 and by a use of a damping element according to claims 15 and 16.

[0016] Further advantageous details and embodiments of the invention as well as further developments and variants are apparent from the dependent claims and the drawing explained below. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0017] According to the invention, a dynamic back segment for a wheelchair is proposed, comprising a bracket which is fastened to a frame of the wheelchair or forms part of a frame and which comprises a first rigid bracket part and a second bracket part which can be pivoted relative to the rigid bracket part, wherein an element which dampens the movement of the pivotable bracket is arranged on the pivotable bracket part or in its path of movement and which has means for manually adjusting and regulating the extension force.

[0018] The back segment according to the invention and the wheelchair equipped therewith are characterized in that the damping element has means for manually adjusting and regulating the extension speed

[0019] According to the invention, a damping element is arranged in a back segment for a wheelchair, comprising a bar that is attached to a frame of the wheelchair or forms part of a frame, said bar comprising a first rigid bar part and a second bar part that can pivot relative to the rigid bar part, wherein an element that dampens the movement of the pivotable bar is arranged on the pivotable bar part or in its path of movement. The arrangement is characterized in that the damping element is articulated between the two bar parts and the movement parameters of the pivotable bar can be manually changed and adjusted by means on the damping element, wherein means for manually adjusting and regulating the extension force are provided.The invention is further characterized by the use of modified damping elements, which have means for manually adjusting and regulating the extension force and / or means for manually adjusting and regulating the extension speed, with an air pump and an air pressure indicator. Using the air pump and the air pressure indicator, the extension force can be manually increased or decreased as required via the damping element's valve, and the extension speed can be manually decreased via a rotary control. The invention enables individual adjustment of the movement parameters of the articulated back element when exposed to sudden extension spasms in wheelchair-bound patients. Unlike conventional damping elements, which must be replaced if it becomes apparent during handover or subsequent use that the extension behavior is incompatible with the damping element, manual adjustment is now possible in a very simple manner.

[0020] The backrest element according to the invention and the wheelchair equipped with it are therefore ideally suited for such patient groups. In these patients, extension spasms very often occur uncontrollably. The entire body strives to extend. The invention allows the backrest to be pivoted backward. When the spasm subsides, the pivoting bar section returns to its original position thanks to the damping element used according to the invention. Using the selected and specifically modified damping element, the parameters can be individually adjusted without having to replace the damping element. The damping element used allows the settings to be as strong or weak as desired, thus ideally adapting the patient. This is done using a commercially available air pump, with which the damper can be continuously adjusted to as strong or weak as desired.The thrust force is increased via the valve using the air pump, or the thrust force is reduced by opening the valve.

[0021] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the damping element is an air damper. An air damper is the common term for such damping elements, such as those used in bicycle technology, especially for mountain bikes. Unlike conventional gas springs or damping elements with mechanical springs, whose parameters cannot be changed, this allows for quick manual adjustment without having to remove and replace parts.

[0022] This is further supported by the fact that the damping element has means for manually adjusting and regulating the extension speed.

[0023] In particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, the means for manually adjusting and regulating the extension force and the extension speed are, on the one hand, a valve adaptable to an air pump and an air pressure gauge, and, on the other hand, a rotary switch. These are extremely easy-to-use means that allow for optimized adjustment of the wheelchair to a person's individual needs.

[0024] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the rigid bracket part and the pivoting bracket part are connected to each other by joints. The joints are easy to maintain and do not tend to jam, thus ensuring free movement of the dynamic components at all times.

[0025] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides for the damping element to be clamped between the two stirrup sections. For this purpose, the rigid stirrup section consists of a crossbar with angled corner pieces arranged at its free ends, and the pivoting stirrup section consists of a crossbar with back supports arranged at its free ends. The damping element is articulated between the crossbar of the rigid stirrup section and the crossbar of the pivoting stirrup section. This ensures compression of the damping element during a pivoting movement of the upper back segment.

[0026] A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention provides that a locking bracket is attached to the cross member of the rigid bow section, on which bracket are arranged, each housing a locking pin which engages in a releasable manner in grid plates of the back supports. This allows the back to be locked in various positions. For this purpose, a grid plate is arranged at each end of the back supports closest to the rigid bow section. By means of locking pins engaging here, the back can be fixed at various angles, e.g. in the 90° position for transporting the patient in a suitable transport vehicle or, for example, at an angle of approximately 120° for a resting position lying in the wheelchair. Part of the cross member is an articulated fork for the releasable attachment of the damping element. This allows the pivoting part of the wheelchair back to be folded forward by removing a plug pin in order to reduce the storage dimensions. EXAMPLE OF IMPLEMENTATION

[0027] There are various possibilities for advantageously embodying and developing the teachings of the present invention. Reference is made, on the one hand, to the dependent claims and, on the other hand, to the following explanation of an embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawings. In conjunction with the explanation of the preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawings, generally preferred embodiments and developments of the teachings are also explained.

[0028] The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a perspective view of the back segment according to the invention, Fig. 2 a front view of the back segment according to the invention, Fig. 3 a side view of the back segment according to the invention, Fig. 4 a plan view of the back segment according to the invention, Fig. 5 the damping element in an enlarged view, Fig. 6 the back segment in a locked situation, Fig. 7 the back segment in an unlocked and folded position for transport and Fig. 8 the back segment according to the invention in a functional position.

[0029] The back segment 1 according to the invention comprises a bracket 10, which is connected to a wheelchair frame (not shown here) or can also form part of the wheelchair frame. The bracket 10 consists of a rigid bracket part 11 and a pivotable bracket part 15, which are connected to each other in an articulated manner. The upper pivotable bracket part 15 comprises two parallel back supports 16, 17, which are connected to each other via a cross brace 18.

[0030] The lower rigid bracket part 11 comprises two parallel angular corner pieces 12, 13, which are connected to each other via a cross member 14.

[0031] Both bracket parts 11, 15 are connected to each other by joints 20. For this purpose, a joint fork 21 is located at each end of the back supports 16, 17 closest to the rigid bracket part 11, and both ends of the corner pieces 12, 13 closest to the pivoting bracket part 15 each carry a joint bracket 22. Both the joint forks 21 and the joint brackets 22 have a bearing bore and are penetrated by a bearing pin 24. The common pivot axis 25 runs through the two adjacent bearing pins 24.

[0032] A U-shaped boom 27 is arranged on the cross brace 18 connecting the two back supports 16 and 17, on which an articulated suspension 30 for a damping element 40 is located. The damping element 40 itself has a joint head 41 at this end, which is guided between the two joint plates 31, 32 and is penetrated by a bearing pin 33 extending through the joint plates 31 and the joint head 41.

[0033] At the opposite end, the damping element 40 is also received in a joint fork 51, which is part of the cross member 14. At this end, the damping element 40 has a suspension device in the form of a joint bracket 42, which is received in the joint fork 51. A common releasable locking bolt 52 passes through the joint fork 51 and the joint bracket 42.

[0034] On the locking support 50, at their free ends, which are located at the level of the corner pieces 12 and 13 of the bracket 10, each has a pin bearing 55. A locking pin 57 protrudes from each of these, which is movable along its longitudinal axis and projects into one of the holes 61 of a grid plate 60 for locking purposes. Such a grid plate 60 is arranged on both back supports 16, 17.

[0035] On the damping element 40 is a valve 45, onto which an air pump 70 with an air pressure indicator 71 can be attached. Furthermore, a rotary switch 47 is located on the damping element 40. Both of these devices allow the individual values ​​of the damping element to be adjusted. The extension force can be adjusted as desired via the valve 45. With the air pump 70, the extension force can be increased as desired, continuously, and easily controlled via the air pressure indicator 71 on the air pump 70, or the extension force can be reduced by opening the valve 45. The extension speed, the so-called rebound, is continuously adjusted via the rotary switch 47.

[0036] The locking pins 57 engaging the grid plates 60 allow the pivoting bar part 15 to be fixed at several different angles, e.g., at a 90° position for transporting the patient in a wheelchair or, for example, at a 120° angle for a semi-reclining resting position in a wheelchair. By loosening the locking pins 57 and removing the locking pins 52, the pivoting bar part 15 can be folded forward to reduce its storage dimensions.

[0037] The wheelchair according to the invention is ideally suited for a patient group suffering from extension spasms. These patients very often experience uncontrolled extension spasms while sitting in the wheelchair. The entire body tends to stretch. With the invention, the backrest can be pivoted backward. The locking pins 57 must first be disengaged so that the grid plates 60 are not blocked. When the spasm subsides, the pivoting bracket part 15 returns to its original, preferably vertical, position, thanks to the damping element 40. Using the selected and specifically modified damping element 40, the parameters can be individually adjusted without having to replace the damping element. The damping element 40 used allows the settings to be as strong or weak as desired, thus ideally adapting them to the patient. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 dorsal segment 10 brackets 11 rigid bracket part 12 corner part of 11 13 corner part of 11 14 Crossbar between 12 and 13 15 pivoting bracket part 16 back support of 15 17 back support of 15 18 Cross brace between 16 and 17 20 joints between 11 and 15 21 Joint fork 22 Joint plate 24 bearing bolts 25 swivel axis 27 Gallows 30 suspension for 40 31 Joint plate 32 joint plate 33 hinge pins 40 Damping element 41 joint head of 40 42 Joint plate 45 valve on 40 47 rotary switch on 40 50 locking carriers 51 Joint fork 52 socket pins 55 bolt bearings 57 locking bolts 60 grid plate 61 holes in 60 70 air pump 71 Air pressure display

Claims

[1] Dynamic back segment (1) for a wheelchair, with a bracket (10) which is attached to a frame of the wheelchair or forms part of a frame and which comprises a first rigid bracket part (11) and a second bracket part (15) which is pivotable relative to the rigid bracket part, wherein an element (40) which dampens the movement of the pivotable bracket part (15) is arranged on the pivotable bracket part (15) or in its path of movement and which has means for manually adjusting and regulating the extension force characterized by that the damping element (40) has means for manually adjusting and regulating the extension speed. [2] Back segment according to claim 1, characterized by that the damping element (40) is an air damper. [3] Back segment according to claim 1 and 2, characterized bythat the means for manually adjusting and regulating the extension force is a valve (45) adaptable with an air pump (70) and an air pressure indicator (71). [4] Back segment according to claim 1, characterized by that the means for manually setting and regulating the extension speed is a rotary switch (47). [5] Back segment according to claims 1 to 4 characterized by that the rigid bracket part (11) and the pivotable bracket part (15) are connected to each other by joints (20). [6] Back segment according to claim 5, characterized by that the rigid bracket part (11) consists of a cross member (14) with angular corner pieces (12, 13) arranged at its free ends. [7] Back segment according to claim 5, characterized by that the pivotable bracket part (15) consists of a cross strut (18) with back supports (16, 17) arranged at its free ends. [8] Back segment according to claims 5 to 6, characterized by that a grid plate (60) is arranged at each of the ends of the back supports (16, 17) close to the rigid bracket part (11). [9] Back segment according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the damping element (40) is articulated between the cross member (14) of the rigid bracket part (11) and the cross strut (18) of the pivotable bracket part (15). [10] Back segment according to claims 6 and 9, characterized by that a locking support (50) is fastened to the cross member (14) of the rigid bracket part (11), on which bolt bearings (55) associated with the back supports (16, 17) are arranged, each of which accommodates a locking bolt (57) which engages in the grid plates (60) of the back supports (16, 17) in an unlockable manner. [11] Back segment according to claim 10, characterized by that an articulated fork (51) for the unlockable reception of the damping element (40) is arranged on the cross member (14). [12] Wheelchair with a frame on which a seating and / or lying device is arranged and with wheels arranged on the frame for moving the wheelchair, with a bracket (10) which is fastened to the frame of the wheelchair or forms part of a frame and which comprises a first rigid bracket part (11) and a second bracket part (15) which is pivotable relative to the rigid bracket part (11), wherein an element (40) which dampens the movement of the pivotable bracket part (15) is arranged on the pivotable bracket part (15) or in its path of movement and which has means for manually adjusting and regulating the extension force characterized by , a back element (1) equipped with a damping element (40) according to claim 1. [13] Arrangement of a damping element (40) in a back segment (1) for a wheelchair, with a bracket (10) which is attached to a frame of the wheelchair or forms part of a frame and which comprises a first rigid bracket part (11) and a second bracket part (15) which is pivotable relative to the rigid bracket part (11), wherein an element (40) which damps the movement of the pivotable bracket part (15) is arranged on the pivotable bracket part (15) or in its movement path, wherein the damping element (40) is articulated between the two bracket parts (11, 15) and the movement parameters of the pivotable bracket part (15) are manually variable and adjustable by means on the damping element (40), characterized by that the damping element (40) has means for manually adjusting and regulating the extension speed. [14] Use of a damping element (40) with means for manually adjusting and regulating the extension force and the extension speed, in a back segment (1) according to claims 1-11 and a wheelchair according to claim 12, with an air pump (70) with air pressure display (71).

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