Modular tilting assembly and folding wheelchair with it

Abstract

Modular tilting assembly for attachment to the side frames (10, 10') of a wheelchair (1) in the form of a folding wheelchair, the two side frames (10, 10') of which are connected by a foldable crossbar, comprising two groups of modules (100), one for each side of the wheelchair, each group of modules (100) comprising: • an outer tilting frame (110) designed to be attached to the outer side of a wheelchair side frame (10), • an actuating element for activating a tilting function, which is attached to the outer tilting frame (110) and the at least one inner mounting bracket, and • a guide and stability bracket (150) designed to be attached to the wheelchair side frame (10), the actuating element and the outer tilting frame (110), characterized by • at least one inner mounting joint bracket designed to be attached to the inside of a wheelchair side frame (10) so that a modular system with outer and inner modules for attachment to the side frame of the wheelchair (1) is provided for retrofitting it to a tilting wheelchair (1).

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a modular tilting assembly for attachment to the side frame of a wheelchair according to the preamble of claim 1 and a folding wheelchair with a modular tilting assembly attached thereto.

[0002] Folding wheelchairs are widely used because they are easy to transport. For example, US 6,241,275 B1 describes a connection configuration for a wheelchair with laterally spaced side frames, wherein the connection configuration includes a plurality of connecting links extending between the wheelchair side frames, each connecting link having opposite ends, one end of each connecting link pivotally coupled to one of the side frames and the other end of the connecting link pivotally coupled to the other side frame, each connecting link having a joint, the connecting links being foldable in non-parallel planes relative to each other; and an engagement element that is coupled to one of the joints and can be coupled to the other joint when the connecting links are unfolded to couple the connecting links together.

[0003] There is a need to add additional features to folding wheelchairs without compromising their foldability. For example, folding, reclining, and tilting mechanisms for wheelchairs are known; see, for example, US 11382.810 B2, which teaches of a side frame assembly of a personal mobility vehicle comprising: a base frame assembly; a seat frame with a rail housing supporting a folding actuation rail and a reclining adjustment rail for relative linear motion and simultaneous linear motion, the folding actuation rail being configured to be selectively fixed with respect to the rail housing between a first position of the base frame assembly and a second position of the base frame assembly which is more compact than the first position; a backrest pole pivotably attached to the seat frame; and a backrest link pivotally attached to the backrest pole and pivotally attached to the reclining adjustment rail such that a pivoting motion of the backrest pole moves the folding actuation rail between the first and second positions.

[0004] Wheelchair accessories are becoming increasingly important, which in turn makes connection devices more crucial. A connection device for linking an accessory to a wheelchair is described, for example, in DE 10 2023 107 713. This body-connection device comprises at least one first body designed to be attached to the accessory; at least one second body designed to be attached to the personal mobility vehicle; and at least one locking device designed to lock the connection between the at least one first body and the at least one second body.The at least one locking arrangement comprises at least one locking spring coupled to at least one locking element and pressing the at least one locking element into a locking position, and at least one return spring coupled to at least one unlocking actuator and pressing the at least one unlocking actuator into a locked position, wherein actuation of the at least one unlocking actuator causes the at least one locking arrangement to unlock, and the at least one locking element of the at least one locking arrangement is allowed to be in a locking position when the unlocking actuator is pressed or moved into the locked position.

[0005] A wheelchair of this type is known from GB 2564728 A. This patent describes a seating device comprising a seat and a backrest. The seat consists of a seat unit with two frames on the seat surfaces. The backrest consists of a back unit with laterally arranged adjustment units connected to the frames. Two drive elements on the frames control the movement of the adjustment units. Each adjustment unit includes a bracket pivotally connected to a rocker arm, which in turn can rotate about a lower section of one of the frames. The bracket includes a display section near the rear of the seat, which moves from behind the seat when the backrest is upright to below the seat when the backrest is reclined. Connecting elements connect each bracket to the upper part of a corresponding frame.Drive units for controlling the backrests are provided on the inner frame.

[0006] The object of the present disclosure is to further develop the generic modular tilting assembly for attachment to a folding wheelchair in such a way as to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the object is to combine folding and tilting functions of wheelchairs in order to combine the advantages of a lightweight, easily stored folding wheelchair with an external tilting frame, thus enabling end users to extend the use of their folding wheelchair instead of switching to a non-folding tilting wheelchair, this combination being based on a modular solution.

[0007] This problem is solved by the features of the characterizing element of claim 1.

[0008] A modular tilting assembly is supplied for attachment to the side frames of a wheelchair in the form of a folding wheelchair, comprising two groups of modules, one for each side of the wheelchair, with each group of modules comprising the following: • an external tilting frame designed to be attached to the outer side of a wheelchair side frame, • at least one internal mounting bracket designed to be attached to the inner side of a wheelchair side frame, • an actuating element for activating a tilting function, which is attached to the outer tilting frame and the at least one inner mounting bracket, and • a guide and stability bracket designed to be attached to the wheelchair side frame, the actuating element and the outer tilting frame.

[0009] The outer tilting frame can be a welded frame. The at least one inner mounting bracket can comprise two mounting brackets, which, when mounted on the wheelchair, provide an upper mounting bracket and a lower mounting bracket. The actuating element can comprise spring means, in particular in the form of a gas spring, with a cable, preferably in the form of a Bowden cable.

[0010] It is proposed that the outer tilting frame include the following: • a round opening for swivel mounting on the upper mounting bracket, and / or • an arc-shaped slot for sliding attachment to the actuator and the lower mounting bracket, and / or • an opening for a, preferably fixed, attachment to the actuating element, and / or • at least one further opening for a, preferably fixed, attachment of the guide and stability bracket, and / or • a plurality of openings for attaching a drive wheel mounting bracket in a selectable position, preferably at a selectable height, when mounted on the wheelchair, and / or • a further plurality of openings for attaching a front caster wheel mounting bracket in a selectable position, preferably at a selectable height, when mounted on the wheelchair.

[0011] The at least one inner mounting bracket can be designed to be mounted to the wheelchair side frame in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner, preferably at a selectable height. The upper mounting bracket and / or the lower mounting bracket can be designed to be mounted to the wheelchair side frame in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner, preferably at a selected position, in particular height.

[0012] Furthermore, the at least one inner mounting bracket can be provided with at least one extension through which at least one opening for a fastener extends, and / or the upper mounting bracket can be provided with two extensions through which at least one opening for a fastener extends, and / or the lower mounting bracket can be provided with two extensions through which at least one opening for a fastener extends, and / or the at least one inner mounting bracket, the upper mounting bracket and / or the lower mounting bracket can be provided with a step.

[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be characterized in that each group of modules comprises a drive wheel mounting bracket which is provided with a plurality of first openings for mounting a drive wheel axle in a selectable position, preferably in a selectable horizontal position, when mounted on the wheelchair, and / or at least one second opening for mounting on one of the side frames or the outer tilting frame.

[0014] The present disclosure also provides a folding wheelchair with two side frames connected by a foldable crossbar and on which a modular tilting assembly according to the present disclosure is detachably mounted, wherein each side frame is equipped with a group of modules of the modular tilting assembly without interfering with the foldable crossbar.

[0015] Wheel mounting brackets for the removable attachment of wheels comprising two drive wheels, two front rollers and at least one rear wheel, in particular in the form of an anti-tip wheel, and a removable brake may be provided, wherein the group of modules is designed to accommodate the wheel mounting brackets and the brake.

[0016] It is proposed that each of the two outer tilting frames be attachable to one of the two side frames on an outside of the wheelchair, whereas the at least two inner mounting joint brackets be attachable to the inside of each side frame, and each of the two guide instability brackets be attachable to an outer tilting frame, an actuating element and a side frame.

[0017] Furthermore, it is proposed that the front roller wheel mounting brackets be detachably attached either to the side frames or the outer tilting frames and / or that the drive wheel mounting brackets be detachably attached either to the side frames or the outer tilting frames and / or that each rear wheel mounting bracket be detachably attached either to one of the side frames or the outer tilting frames and / or that the brakes for the drive wheel be detachably attached either to the side frames or the outer tilting frames.

[0018] Fasteners that pass through openings and / or extensions that are to be accommodated within recesses may be designed for removable attachments under force and / or form fit, and / or shoulders may be provided for alignment.

[0019] Thus, the present disclosure allows for the retrofitting and improvement of a folding wheelchair with two side frames connected by a foldable crossbar to also become a tiltable wheelchair by providing a modular system with external and internal modules for attachment to the side frames.

[0020] Various aspects of the present disclosure will be apparent to persons skilled in the art from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings. Fig. 1a is a perspective side view of a part of a folding wheelchair with additional modules of a tilting assembly according to the present disclosure on one side of the wheelchair, from behind and outside the unfolded wheelchair; Fig. 1b is a perspective side view of the in Fig. 1a shown part, but with further details on wheel mounting brackets; Fig. 1c is another perspective side view of the in Fig. 1a of the part shown, from behind and inside the unfolded wheelchair; Fig. 1d is another perspective side view of the in Fig. 1a Part shown from behind and inside the folded wheelchair; Fig. 1e is another perspective side view of the in Fig. 1b of the part shown, from behind and inside the unfolded wheelchair; Fig. 1f is another different perspective view of the in Fig. 1b of the part shown, from the front and outside the unfolded wheelchair; Fig. 2a is a perspective side view of a first module of the one in the Fig. 1a to 1f tilting assembly shown in the form of a welded tilting frame; Fig. 2b is a perspective side view of a second module that is in the Fig. Tilting assembly shown in 1a to 1f in the form of an upper mounting hinge bracket; Fig. 2c is a perspective side view of a third module of the one in the Fig. Tilting assembly shown in 1a to 1f in the form of a lower mounting bracket; Fig. 2D is a perspective side view of a fourth module of the one in the Fig. Tilting assembly shown in 1a to 1f in the form of a front lateral guide and stability bracket; and Fig. 2e is a perspective side view of a fifth module of the in the Fig. Tilting assembly shown in 1a to 1f in the form of a drive wheel mounting bracket.

[0021] The Fig. Figures 1a to 1f show a portion of a folding wheelchair 1 with two side frames 10, 10'. Only one of the side frames 10 is shown with a front caster 12, a drive wheel 14, and a rear anti-tip wheel 16 attached to it, the front caster and drive wheel of the other side frame 10' being omitted for clarity. In the present embodiment, there is only one rear anti-tip wheel 16 on one side of the wheelchair 1. Each of the five wheels 12, 14, and 16 is attached via a specific wheel mounting bracket, the respective brackets 13, 15, and 17 being shown in particular in Fig. Figure 1b shows the wheel mounting brackets 13, 15, 17. These brackets are detachable from the side frames 10, 10' and can be attached at different heights, particularly to adapt their position to the specific needs of the wheelchair user 1. For this purpose, the side frames 10, 10' and / or the wheel mounting brackets 13, 15, 17 are provided with multiple openings for fastening elements. Furthermore, a brake 28 is detachably attached to each side to act on the drive wheel 14.

[0022] Both side frames 10, 10' are connected by a collapsible crossbar 18 and each comprises a lower tube 20 and an upper tube 22 running parallel to the lower tube 20. When viewed in the forward direction of travel of the wheelchair 1, two parallel rods 24, 26 connect the tubes 20, 22 at a rear end of the side frame 10. The crossbar 18 connects the lower tubes 20 of the side frames 10, 10' to each other, while the upper ends of the crossbar 18 are connected to both the upper tubes 22 and a seat or seat frame (not shown). The two rods 24, 26 are provided with a plurality of openings 24a, 26a for attaching fasteners. The openings are arranged in recesses to accommodate rail-like projections.

[0023] If a conventional folding wheelchair is to be used with an attachment according to the present invention to provide a tilting function, the mounting bracket 15 of the drive wheel 14 can be detached by releasing fasteners that pass through respective openings 24a, 26a of the two bars 24, 26 on each side of the wheelchair. Furthermore, the mounting bracket 13 of the front caster 12 can be detached from the lower tube 20 of each side frame 10, 10', whereas the individual anti-tip wheel 16 can only be detached from one of the respective lower tubes 20 via the mounting bracket 17. In addition, the brake 28 must be released.

[0024] The tilting function is achieved via two groups of modules 100, which are attached to the wheelchair side frames 10, 10', thus leaving the foldable crossbar 18 intact and foldable. Each group is attached to a side frame 10, 10' after the wheels 12, 14 and 16 have been removed by releasing the mounting brackets 13, 15 and 17 respectively, and the brake 28 has been disengaged.

[0025] The swiveling motion can be actuated or limited by a gas spring 140 of each group of modules 100. The gas spring 140 can be actuated by means of a Bowden cable 141, which is connected to a handle that is mounted either on a backrest (not shown) or on an armrest 30 of the wheelchair 1.

[0026] The folding wheelchair 1 from the Fig. 1a to 1f is improved by mounting a group of modules 100 on a side frame 10. In addition to the gas spring 140 with Bowden cable 141, the group of modules 100 comprises further modules, namely: • a welded tipping frame 110, see also Fig. 2a, • an upper mounting bracket 120, see also Fig. 2b, • a lower mounting bracket 130, see also Fig. 2c, and • a front lateral guide and stability bracket 150, see also Fig. 2d, which can be attached to each other and to the side frame 10 by a plurality of fasteners. As an additional module of the group of modules 100, the wheel mounting bracket 15 of the drive wheel 14 can be designed for the tilting function to compensate for a change in the center of gravity due to tilting. The second group of modules 100, which are in the Fig. Modules 1a to 1f, which are not shown and are to be attached to the other side frame 10', comprise analogous modules to the first group of modules 100. This arrangement of the two groups of modules 100 makes it possible to add the tilting function to the folding wheelchair 1 even on the aftermarket.

[0027] While the welded tilting frame 110 and the wheel mounting bracket 15 are arranged on the outer side of the wheelchair side frame 10, the other modules of the group of modules 100 are arranged on the inner side of the wheelchair side frame 10, so that the wheelchair side frame 10 of the conventional folding wheelchair 1 is sandwiched between the welded tilting frame 110 and the wheel mounting bracket 15 on one side and the upper mounting joint bracket 120 and lower mounting joint bracket 130 at a rear end on the other side and the front lateral guide and stability bracket 150 at a front end on the other side.The gas spring 140 extends from the lower mounting joint bracket 130 to the upper end of the welded tilting frame 110, with the lower end of the front lateral guide and stability bracket 150 being mounted on the lower tube 20 of the wheelchair side frame 10 and the upper end of it being attached to the welded tilting frame 110.

[0028] The two groups of Module 100 provide a modular tilting assembly, and further details of the modules are described below: The in Fig. The welded tilting frame 110 shown in Figure 2a comprises two rod-shaped mounting means 111, 112, which, when mounted on the wheelchair 1, are substantially parallel to each other, i.e., substantially vertical, and each is provided with a plurality of openings 111a, 112a. The two rod-shaped mounting means 111, 112 are connected to each other via two connecting pieces 111b, 112b, which are substantially perpendicular to the two rod-shaped mounting means 111, 112. An extension 116 is connected to the lower mounting means 112, and a further extension 112c is provided by the upper connecting piece 112b. Two tubes 113, 114 extend from the two connecting pieces 111b, 112b to a U-shaped mounting means 117, which is provided with a further extension 118.Each extension 112c, 116, 118 is provided with a through hole for connecting the upper mounting joint bracket 120, the lower mounting joint bracket 130 and the gas spring 140.For this purpose, the lower rear through-hole is provided in the form of an arc-shaped slot 116 to allow a sliding connection between the welded tilting frame 110 and the rear end of the gas spring 140, which is also attached to the lower mounting bracket 130 via a first fastening element 160; the upper rear through-hole is provided in the form of a round opening 115 in the connecting piece extensions 112c to allow a rotary connection of the welded tilting frame 110 with respect to the upper mounting bracket 120 via a second fastening element 161; and the upper front through-hole is provided in the form of a round opening 118a in the extension 118 to allow a rotary connection of the welded tilting frame 110 with respect to the upper end of the gas spring 140 via a third fastening element 171.Furthermore, the U-shaped mounting means 117 is provided with an upper and a lower opening 119a, 119b for attaching the front lateral guide and stability bracket 150 via extensions 154a, 154b thereof. The U-shaped mounting means 117 is also provided with a plurality of openings 119c which allow the wheel mounting bracket 17 of the front roller 16 to be attached at a different height via further fastening means 169a, 169b.

[0029] The upper mounting joint bracket 120, shown in Fig. 2b comprises two mounting sections 121, 122, with a step 124 formed between them. The front mounting section 121 is provided with an opening 123 for the second fastener 161, which passes through the round opening 115 of the welded tilting frame 110 and an opening in the housing of the gas spring 140. The rear mounting section 122 has openings 125a, 125b, 126a, 126b for fasteners 164a, 164b, 165a, 165b, allowing attachment to the side frame bars 24, 25. First openings 125a, 125b extend through a first rail-like projection 125 and second openings 126a, 126b extend through a second rail-like projection 126, wherein the projections 125, 126 are suitable to be accommodated in complementary recesses of the side frame rods 24, 25 for a positive and force fit.The step 124 of the upper mounting joint bracket 120 allows the side frame rod 24 to be partially enclosed to reinforce the fastening.

[0030] The lower mounting joint bracket 130, shown in Fig. 2c also includes two mounting sections 131, 132, with a step 134 formed between them. The step 134 partially encloses the side frame rod 24 again for further fastening. The front mounting section 131 is provided with an opening 133 for the first fastening element 160, which passes through the arc-shaped slot 116 of the welded tilting frame 110 and an opening at the rear end of the housing of the gas spring 140. The rear mounting section 132 has openings 135a, 136a for further fastening elements 162, 163, allowing attachment to the side frame rods 24, 25. Each opening 135a, 136a extends through a rail-like projection 135, 136 which is suitable for being accommodated in complementary recesses of the side frame rods 24, 25 for a form and force fit.

[0031] The front lateral guide and stability bracket 150, shown in Fig. 2d comprises a split tube 151 for at least partially surrounding the lower tube 20 of the wheelchair side frame 10, wherein the split tube 151 is attached to two support arms 152, 153, which are connected to each other via connecting means 155 and to the welded tilting frame 110 via two extensions 154a, 154b, the extensions 154a, 154b passing through the openings 119a, 119b of the front mounting means 117. Furthermore, an opening 156 is provided through the front lateral guide and stability bracket 150 for further attachment.

[0032] The wheel mounting bracket 15 for the drive wheel 14, shown in Fig.2e comprises three openings 15a, 15b, 15c for mounting the drive wheel axle, which allows the drive wheel position to be adjusted to the center of gravity in three different positions along a substantially horizontal line. Furthermore, there are two openings 15d, 15e for mounting the mounting bracket 15 to the mounting means 111, 112 of the welded tilting frame 110, which are provided for this purpose with the plurality of openings 111a, 112a.

[0033] The number and shape of the openings, as well as the number and type of fasteners, can vary. The exact location of the openings can also vary. What is important is which modules are connected to each other and how the modules are connected to the wheelchair side frames.

[0034] To modify a conventional folding wheelchair 1 to include a tilting function, the wheel mounting brackets 13, 15, and 17, along with the respective wheels 12, 14, and 16, and the brake 28, must first be removed. Next, a group of modules 100 is attached to each side of the wheelchair 1 using fasteners 160 to 171. Finally, the wheels 12, 14, and 16 are attached to the respective wheel mounting brackets 13, 15, and 17. Bracket 28 is then attached. This wheelchair modification is relatively easy to implement. However, it is recommended that a technician carry out these modifications, as the positions of the wheels 12, 14, and 16 must be adjusted to compensate for the change in gravity when tilting.

[0035] Furthermore, the group of modules 100 according to the present disclosure can be used with different folding wheelchairs, since the majority of openings of the different modules allow adaptation to the different wheelchairs, in addition to allowing individual adaptation of each wheelchair to its user.

[0036] The principle and operation of this invention have been explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiment. It is understood, however, that this invention can be implemented differently than specifically explained and illustrated without deviating from its spirit or scope of protection. Reference sign 1 folding wheelchair 10, 10' side frame 12 front roller 13 Wheel mounting bracket 14 drive wheel 15 Wheel mounting bracket 15a-c Wheel mounting opening 15d, e frame mounting opening 16 Anti-tip wheel 17 Wheel mounting bracket 18 foldable crossbars 20 lower pipe 22 upper pipe 24 front bar 24a Opening 26 rear bar 26a Opening 28 brake 30 Armrest 100 group of modules 110 welded tilting frame 111 Attachment devices 111a Opening 111b Connector 112 attachment devices 112a Opening 112b Connector 112c extension 113 pipe 114 pipe 115 round opening 116 arc-shaped slit 117 attachment devices 118 Attachment extension 118a Opening 119a, b Opening 119c opening 120 upper mounting joint bracket 121 Installation section 122 Installation section 123 Opening Level 124 125 rail-like projection 125a, b Opening 126 rail-like projection 126a, b Opening 130 lower mounting bracket 131 Installation section 132 Installation section 133 Opening Level 134 135 rail-like projection 135a Opening 136 rail-like projection 136a Opening 140 gas spring 141 Actuating cable (Bowden cable) 150 front lateral guide and stability bracket 151 split pipe 152 Mounting arm 153 Mounting arm 154a, b Extension 155 Fasteners 156 Opening 160 fasteners 161 Fasteners 162 Fasteners 163 Fasteners 164a, b Fasteners 165a, b Fasteners 166a, b Fasteners 168 Fasteners 169a, b Fasteners 171 Fasteners

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