wheelchair

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wheelchair, in particular a shower wheelchair.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a wheelchair, in particular a shower wheelchair.

[0002] People with reduced mobility, especially wheelchair users, experience additional difficulties when traveling, requiring extensive advance planning and often assistance from others. It is particularly important that people with reduced mobility carry all the items necessary to deal with situations that may arise during travel.

[0003] Traditionally, people with reduced mobility not only carry a suitcase, but also a wheelchair to enable them to use bathrooms, especially showers, in hotels and other accommodations. For this purpose, special wheelchairs are available in the state of the art that are lightweight and portable, such as foldable wheelchairs, which are carried in addition to the suitcase. Additional items such as suitcases and the like for personal belongings are also required. This means that many large and heavy items must be carried, making them difficult for a single person to handle. Alternatively, the amount of luggage that can be carried must be limited, which can then lead to situations where useful items are missing during the trip.

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a wheelchair that can fulfill various functions and thus meet the different needs of travelers with limited mobility. Furthermore, the wheelchair according to the invention should be easy to use and, in particular, should be able to be used without additional assistance from other people.

[0005] This object is achieved by the wheelchair according to claim 1 or claim 2. Advantageous developments of the wheelchair according to the invention are given in the dependent claims.

[0006] The wheelchair according to the invention, like any wheelchair from the prior art, has a wheelchair body, in the prior art this corresponds to the wheelchair frame, as well as a seat, a backrest and wheels which are arranged on the wheelchair body.

[0007] According to the invention, according to claim 1, the wheelchair body is designed as a suitcase which is variable in its volume, whereby the height of the seat of the wheelchair can be changed and adjusted by the change in volume.

[0008] According to the invention, such a wheelchair not only serves as a wheelchair for a person with limited mobility, but can also be used as a suitcase. Such a wheelchair can be used, in particular, as a travel wheelchair, such as a shower chair. In this case, it is not necessary for the person with limited mobility to carry both such a travel wheelchair and a suitcase, since the wheelchair according to the invention can also be used as a suitcase.

[0009] By adjusting the volume of the wheelchair body and thus the height of the wheelchair seat, it is possible to equip the suitcase-shaped wheelchair body not only with a variable suitcase volume that can be adjusted to the volume required for each journey, but also to independently adjust the seat height. This makes it possible, for example, to reduce the wheelchair body to the volume required as a suitcase during a journey between two locations and then, upon arrival at the destination, to adjust the seat height by changing the volume of the wheelchair body so that the wheelchair can be comfortably used as a wheelchair.

[0010] According to the invention, according to claim 2, the wheelchair body is designed as a suitcase. The seat and / or the backrest have a variable surface. This makes it possible to easily integrate the seat and / or the backrest into the suitcase or to arrange them on the suitcase without the seat and / or backrest protruding beyond the body of the suitcase in a disruptive manner. Nevertheless, the surface of the seat and / or the backrest can be enlarged to provide a sufficiently large and comfortable seating surface and / or backrest surface during use. This wheelchair according to the invention can further be designed like the wheelchair in claim 1 and have its advantages.

[0011] The further advantageous developments described below are possible with both wheelchairs according to the invention according to claim 1 and claim 2.

[0012] The use of a wheelchair according to the invention as a shower wheelchair is particularly possible if the wheelchair body is designed as a waterproof outer shell. This allows, for example, the items contained in the wheelchair body as a suitcase to remain in this suitcase without getting wet.

[0013] In contrast to a wheelchair used in everyday life, the wheelchair according to the invention, which can also serve as a suitcase, does not need to be suitable for heavy loads or for traveling long distances as a wheelchair. The wheelchair according to the invention only needs to be designed as a suitcase for corresponding luggage weights and for use as a wheelchair for short periods and distances, for example, only on the way to and / or in a bathroom.

[0014] For example, an outer shell of the wheelchair body can be designed as a sufficiently waterproof outer shell if the outer shell consists of at least one lower shell and one upper shell, which are joined together in such a way that the upper shell extends beyond the lower shell. This prevents water running off the outer shell from penetrating the case of the wheelchair body. A particularly good waterproof seal between the upper and lower shells is achieved if the peripheral edge of the upper shell, which runs around the outside of the lower shell, also has a drip edge, so that dripping water drips off outside the lower shell and does not have to continue running down the lower shell.

[0015] Alternatively, the outer shell can also be made of a foldable or stretchable material, for example, a foldable fabric bag. If a splash-proof or waterproof material is used for the outer shell, a wheelchair constructed in this way can also easily be used as a shower wheelchair and the like.

[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment of the wheelchair according to the invention, the seat and / or the backrest are arranged on or on the wheelchair body or integrated into it in such a way that the seat and / or the backrest are removable. This makes it possible to remove the seat and / or the backrest from the wheelchair according to the invention and use it, for example, as a transfer board, so that the person with limited mobility does not have to carry an additional transfer board. Advantageously, the seat and / or the backrest are essentially designed as a flat board so that their ends can be placed on the wheelchair according to the invention and, for example, another chair or sofa or even, for example, the edge of a bathtub and can easily be used as a transfer board. This embodiment therefore adds further functionality to the wheelchair according to the invention.

[0017] The backrest and / or the seat and / or the footrest described later in the text can be designed as a board, in particular as a particularly rigid board, in particular made of or comprising one or more of the following materials: plastics, fiber composites, wood and metal. In addition to a board made entirely of the material, the board can have a framework structure, e.g. a frame or an open structure, i.e. a structure with material perforations and these can be covered or filled with another material, e.g. with a textile. This other material can also be selected so that, in addition to the framework structure itself, it can at least partially absorb forces that arise when a person is transferred over the board or when it is used as a seat and / or backrest and / or footrest.

[0018] The seat and / or the backrest and / or the footrest can have a changeable surface, e.g. the seat and / or the backrest and / or the footrest can be folded, extendable (telescopic) and / or arranged so that they can be moved on or in the case.

[0019] The seat and / or the backrest can also be designed as grab handles. For example, the backrest can have an engagement element, for example an engagement opening, at its upper end or the seat at one of its ends, by means of which the wheelchair according to the invention can be pulled or pushed. The design of the seat and / or the backrest as a fastening element makes it possible to attach the wheelchair according to the invention, for example, to a conventional wheelchair designed according to the prior art, so that the wheelchair according to the invention can be carried like a suitcase as luggage. The design as a grab handle and / or as a fastening element can be carried out in the same way. For example, a through opening at the upper end of the backrest is suitable both for pulling the wheelchair and for hooking the wheelchair into a corresponding fastening hook on another wheelchair.

[0020] It is also advantageous if the backrest can be moved vertically or diagonally relative to the wheelchair body, particularly relative to an upper shell. This allows the backrest to be moved out of the wheelchair body or relative to the wheelchair body, for example, extended, creating a longer handle or a longer connection to a fastening element. The backrest can also be locked in position at different distances extending beyond the upper shell or the wheelchair body, allowing the position of the fastening element, e.g., the handle opening, to be adjusted, thus making operation more comfortable.

[0021] In another variant, the backrest / seat / footrest can be adjusted in position or telescoped using one-handed operation, particularly with a handle or grip. In a special design, the locking mechanism is released by pulling on the handle / grip, and the locking mechanism is activated, locked, or engaged by releasing the handle or pushing it in the opposite direction.

[0022] In another variant, the backrest and seat can be connected or joined together, possibly even constructed as a single piece. For example, the backrest and seat can be connected by a hinge or as a single piece by a fold.

[0023] The wheelchair seat is advantageously located on the upper side of the wheelchair body, for example, the upper shell. The outward-facing surface of the seat serves as the seating surface and is advantageously arranged or configured such that this outer surface merges flush and / or aligned with the areas of the wheelchair body adjacent to the seat. This results in a comfortable seat that is not limited by outer edges. These adjacent areas can also serve to widen the seating surface of the seat if necessary.

[0024] The seat can be manufactured as a separate component, independent of the case, as described, and then mounted on or inside the case. However, the seat can also be manufactured as a single piece with a case element, such as the upper shell, so that the seat and upper shell are designed as a single piece.

[0025] To further increase the seating area or change its position, the surface of the seat that serves as the seating surface can be designed in such a way that its size or position can be changed. For example, the seat can be designed to be extendable or foldable.

[0026] The wheelchair according to the invention can have at least two adjacent wheels on its underside, so that it can be pulled behind a wheelchair in the form of a trolley. It is also possible, as is common with modern suitcases, to arrange four adjacent wheels, some or all of which can be rotatable, on the underside, so that the wheelchair body can stand on these wheels. Otherwise, it would be useful to additionally designate or attach support surfaces ("feet") to the underside of the wheelchair body, which can be fully or partially integrated into the wheelchair body.

[0027] Individual or all wheels can each have a parking brake to secure the wheelchair according to the invention when stationary, e.g. when it is used as a shower wheelchair.

[0028] It is also possible to arrange some or all of the wheels and / or the contact surfaces on the wheelchair body in a movable manner, so that the footprint of the wheelchair body on the floor can be increased by moving the wheels and / or the contact surfaces, thus achieving a more stable position of the wheelchair body.

[0029] Such a movable arrangement can be achieved, for example, if the movable wheels (or corresponding contact surfaces) are fixedly mounted on a movable plate, whereby the plate, in turn, can be arranged on or within the wheelchair body so that it can be extended underneath the wheelchair body. If the plate is extended, thus increasing the standing area of the wheelchair body, it can protrude from the wheelchair body and thus also form a footrest or footrest. For this purpose, this movable plate can be designed to be non-slip on its upper side or on the side facing the wheelchair body when retracted, for example by applying a non-slip coating or a non-slip covering to its upper side. Advantageously, the slip resistance corresponds to at least class R9 according to DIN 51130 or DIN 51097.

[0030] The plate may also have additional devices for supporting and fixing the feet and / or legs.

[0031] As an alternative to the above-mentioned footrest, which also serves as a wheel attachment, it is also possible to provide a footrest of this type independently of the wheel attachment, which can have the properties described above. It can therefore be foldable, extendable (telescopic), and / or mounted on or in the wheelchair body and designed to be extendable.

[0032] Some examples of wheelchairs according to the invention are given below. In these examples, identical and similar reference numerals are used for identical and similar elements, so that their meaning and function may not be explained again if repeated. The following examples describe a variety of features that, individually or in combination with other features from these examples, can serve to further develop the present invention.

[0033] They show: Fig. 1 to Fig. 17 different wheelchairs in different views, sections and / or cross sections.

[0034] Fig. 1 shows, in partial figures A and B, a wheelchair 1 according to the present invention. The wheelchair 1 has a wheelchair body 2, which is designed in the shape of a suitcase as an outer shell 3. This suitcase 2 has a lower shell 4 and an upper shell 5, on which a carrying handle 9 is attached. The two suitcase shells are shown in a state in which the volume of the suitcase 2 is at its smallest, i.e., the upper shell 5 maximally overlaps the lower shell 4. Four wheels 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d are attached to the underside of the suitcase tub 4 as feet, via which the suitcase 2 can also be moved.

[0035] The wheels 30a to 30d are arranged in pairs next to one another, with the pair of wheels 30a and 30d being arranged on the underside 34 of a plate 31 consisting of a movable sub-plate 31a and a sub-plate 31b fixedly arranged on the lower shell 4 by means of wheel mounts 35a and 35d. The two wheels 30b and 30c are firmly connected to the underside of the suitcase tray 4 via wheel mounts 35b and 35c.

[0036] On its upper side, the wheelchair body or case 2 has a wheelchair seat 10, which has an opening for a handle 11. Furthermore, on the rear of the wheelchair body 2, i.e., opposite the carrying handle 9, a plate 20 is attached, which serves as a wheelchair backrest 20. This backrest 20 also has a through-opening 22 for forming a handle 21. Using the handle 21, the backrest can be moved upwards so that it extends beyond the seat 10 and can perform its function as a backrest.

[0037] Because the movable plate 31, consisting of elements 31a and 31b, can be stowed beneath the wheelchair body 2, it is possible, for example, to pull the wheelchair body 2 like a suitcase or, for example, to attach it to another wheelchair. For this purpose, the handle 21 can serve as a fastening element. The movable plate 31, consisting of elements 31a and 31b, can be moved forward out of the wheelchair body for use as a wheelchair 1, so that the plate 31b forms a footrest for the wheelchair user. For this purpose, the footrest 31b can, for example, be provided with an anti-slip or non-slip coating 33 on its upper side 32.

[0038] Fig. 1C shows a similar wheelchair 1 as in Fig. 1, but now in exploded view. The case 2 also has a lower shell 4 and an upper shell 5. In contrast to the wheelchair 1 in Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B, the plate 30 has three elements 31a, 31b, and 31c. Element 31b is telescopic, allowing element 31a to be extended as a footrest and simultaneously enlarge the standing area for the wheelchair 1. Element 31c is attached to the stationary part of plate 31b.

[0039] To clarify the invention, Fig. 2A shows a conventional travel wheelchair not according to the invention. This is similar to the one in Fig. 1A. The wheelchair body 3 is formed from a trunk 4 and a trunk lid 5, which are connected to each other via hinges in a conventional manner. Neither the volume of the wheelchair body 2 is variable, nor does the wheelchair 1 in this example have a seat, a backrest, or a footrest.

[0040] Fig. 2B to D schematically show different uses of the wheelchair 1 according to the invention from Fig. 1 and all other wheelchairs according to the invention shown below, without, however, directly depicting the technical solution according to the invention. Fig. 2B schematically shows the use of the case 2, 3 for storing objects. In Fig. 2C shows how the wheelchair 1 according to the invention is attached to a wheelchair 40 as a piece of luggage by means of the handle 21 as a fastening element and can thus be transported by the user of the wheelchair 40. In Fig. 2D shows how the backrest 20 can be removed from the wheelchair 1 according to the invention and used, for example, as a transfer board or as a bathtub seat. Fig. Figure 2E illustrates how the wheelchair 1 can be used as a shower wheelchair. For this purpose, the wheelchair body 2 is advantageously designed to be splash-proof or waterproof, for example, by having the lower shell 4 project beyond the upper shell 5.

[0041] Fig. 3 shows another wheelchair 1 according to the invention, which is designed similarly to the one in Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B.

[0042] This wheelchair 1 has, in comparison to the wheelchair 1 of the Fig. 1B has a seat 10 which is foldable and can therefore be folded out forwards, see Fig. 3A. This allows the user to enlarge the seat area 10 to use the wheelchair 1 as a wheelchair and thus create a comfortable seat, see Fig. 3B. However, this also results in edges of the seat 10 being flush with the wheelchair body 2. This may be desirable to achieve better grip on the seat 10.

[0043] The wheelchair 1 in Fig. 3 also differs in the design of the extendable footrest 31a. This is Fig. 3 is movably mounted on two telescopic rods 31b and can thus be brought under the wheelchair body 2 or in front of the wheelchair body 2.

[0044] Furthermore, the wheelchair is in Fig. 3 with extended backrest, unfolded seat 10 (in Fig. 3B) and extended footrest 31a. In Fig. 3B is the wheelchair from Fig. 3A shown in use as a wheelchair, for example as a shower wheelchair.

[0045] The upper shell 5 is height-adjustable relative to the lower shell 4, so that the seat height can be adjusted. Furthermore, the volume of the suitcase 2 formed by the upper shell 5 and lower shell 4 can also be changed. In order to lock the upper shell 5 in a specific position relative to the lower shell 4, the wheelchair 1 has an adjustment mechanism 41 on both sides of the upper shell 5 and the lower shell 3, which Fig. 10 ff is further explained.

[0046] In Fig. 4, in the partial figures A to D, another wheelchair 1 according to the invention is shown. This wheelchair has a wheelchair body 2 consisting of a lower shell 4 and an upper shell 5. These two shells 4 and 5 together form part of the outer shell 3 of the wheelchair body 2 with an outer surface 3'. This wheelchair 1 further has a seat 10 and a backrest 20, which can be designed similarly to those in Fig. 3.

[0047] Fig. 4A shows the wheelchair 1 in front view, while Fig. 4B shows a view of a longitudinal side of the wheelchair 1. A device 41 for adjusting the height of the wheelchair 1 and thus the size of the wheelchair body 2 is arranged on this longitudinal side. This will be described in more detail in a later example.

[0048] Fig. 4C and Fig. 4D show schematically in cross-section the lower shell 4 and the upper shell 5 of the wheelchair body 2. The lower shell 4 has a smaller cross-section of the opening formed by the peripheral edge 4' than the opening formed by the peripheral edge 5' of the upper shell 5, so that the upper shell 5 as in Fig. 4D can be slipped over the lower shell 4. Due to this overlap of the upper shell 5 over the lower shell 4 when the wheelchair body 2 is closed, the interior of the wheelchair body 2 is protected against splash water. To improve the seal against water, the upper shell 5 can have a drip edge 6 on its peripheral edge 5' and furthermore the outside of the lower body 4 or the inside of the upper shell 5 in the area starting from the peripheral edge 4' or the peripheral edge 5' can have an additional seal (not shown here) between the lower shell 4 and the upper shell 5.

[0049] To open the wheelchair body 2, the upper shell 5 is opened as shown in Fig. 4C shown from the lower shell 4. The lower shell 4 can then be filled with objects like a suitcase. To close the upper shell 5 is removed as shown in Fig. 4D, is placed over the lower shell 4. Due to the variable overlap between the lower shell 4 and the upper shell 5, it is possible not only to vary the volume of the wheelchair body 2, but also to change the seat height of the seat 10 relative to the wheels 30a to 30d and to adjust it to a user.

[0050] Fig. 5 shows another wheelchair 1 according to the invention, which is designed similarly to the one in Fig. 4.

[0051] Another difference to wheelchair 1 in Fig. 4, the upper shell 4 has an additional carrying handle 9. Furthermore, the seat 10 is designed as a folding seat.

[0052] Fig. Figure 5A shows the wheelchair 1 according to the invention in a state in which the seat 10 is folded and the wheelchair body 2 has a maximum volume. The backrest 20 is extended from the wheelchair body 2 and can serve as a handle for the wheelchair body 2, so that the wheelchair 1 can be transported in its function as a suitcase.

[0053] In Fig. 5B is the same condition as in Fig. 5A, but the volume of the wheelchair body 2 is set to a minimum.

[0054] In Fig. 5C shows the same wheelchair with the seat 10 unfolded. The position of the upper shell 5 and the lower shell 4 relative to each other is adjusted so that when the board 31 is extended and used as a footrest, the appropriate seat height for a user is achieved. Fig. 5C therefore shows the wheelchair 1 according to the invention in its function as a wheelchair.

[0055] Fig. 6 shows the same wheelchair as in Fig. 5 during transport. For this purpose, the wheelchair 1 is attached to a wheelchair 40 used by a user by means of the backrest 20 and can thus be easily transported by the wheelchair.

[0056] Fig. Figure 7 shows a wheelchair 1 corresponding to the one in Fig. 1 with a trunk tray 4 and a trunk lid in three different views A, B and C of the rear of the wheelchair 1 and thus in plan view of the backrest 20. The lower shell 4 is not shown. The upper shell 5, which is movable relative to the lower shell, has a recess 23 for receiving the backrest 20. In Fig. 7A, the backrest 20 is stowed in this recess 23. The recess 23 is open upwards, ie towards the surface of the trunk tray which has the seat 10, so that the backrest 20 can be pulled upwards out of the recess 23, as shown in Fig. 7B. In this state, the backrest 20 continues to be partially supported in the recess 23, so that it serves as a backrest for the function of the body 2 as a wheelchair. In Fig. 7C, the backrest 20 is completely removed from the recess 23. It can now be used as a transfer board or as a bathtub seat.

[0057] In contrast to wheelchair 1 of the Fig. 1 indicates Fig. 7, the backrest 20 has a handle 21a or 21b at each of its ends, which is provided with a through-opening 22a or 22b. The backrest 20 can be held on both sides by this handle or, for example, attached to another wheelchair as in Fig. 6. The handle 21a therefore also serves as a fastening means in this example, as in all other examples.

[0058] Fig. 8 shows in the Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B the use of a backrest 20 similar to that in Fig. 7. In contrast to the backrest 20 in Fig. 7 is the backrest in Fig. 8 is only equipped with a handle 21 and a through opening 22. Fig. 8A shows the use of the backrest 20 as a transfer board and Fig. 8B shows the storage of the backrest 20 on another wheelchair 40 when the backrest 20 is not temporarily returned to the wheelchair 1 according to the invention, but is to be stored on the wheelchair 40.

[0059] Fig. 9 shows in the Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B shows another wheelchair according to the invention similar to that in Fig. 4.

[0060] The wheelchair 1 has a handle 9 in the upper shell 5, by which the wheelchair 1 can be transported in its function as a suitcase. Furthermore, it has a seat 10 integrated into the upper shell as a single piece, for example, by manufacturing the upper shell with the shape of the seat 10 during its production.

[0061] In Fig. 9A, the wheelchair 1 is shown with a large volume of the wheelchair body 2, while in Fig. 9B shows the same wheelchair 1 with a small volume of the wheelchair body 2. The change in volume or the adjustment of the position between the lower shell 4 and the upper shell 5 is carried out by means of the height adjustment 41, which is located on both sides of the lower shell 4 and the upper shell 5.

[0062] This height adjustment 41, which is in the wheelchairs according to the Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 and Fig. 9 is described in detail in Fig. 10 in the Fig. 10A to 10F.

[0063] As in Fig. 10A and Fig. As shown in Figure 10B, the height adjustment 41 has two elements 41a and 41b, with the partial element 41a being part of the lower shell 4 and the partial element 41b being part of the upper shell 5. The partial element 41a is inserted as an insert into the lower shell 4, and the partial element 41b is inserted as an insert into the upper shell 5. Fig. 10A shows the adjustment 41 isolated from the lower shell 4 and the upper shell 5. Fig. 10A shows the two sub-elements 41a and 41b in the locked state, while Fig. 10B shows the two sub-elements 41a and 41b in the open, separated state.

[0064] The sub-element 41b is in Fig. 10C and Fig. 10D shown on the back, where Fig. 10C represents the locked state, ie a state with fixed height adjustment between the lower shell 4 and the upper shell 5, while Fig. 10D shows an open state in which the upper shell 5 and lower shell 4 are movable relative to each other.

[0065] The sub-element 41a has a plurality of grooves 45a, 45b, 45c, 45d, ..., into which a locking element 44b of the sub-element 41b can engage, as described in more detail below. Parallel to the arrangement of the grooves 45a to 45d, etc., this element 41a also has grooves 45a' (not shown), 45b', 45c', 45d', into which a locking element 44a of the sub-element 41b can also engage. The element 41b has a handle 42, which Fig. 10A in closed state corresponding Fig. 10C and in Fig. 10B in the open state according to Fig. 10D. The handle 42 can be used as shown in Fig. 10A and locks by means of a gearwheel 43 locking elements 44a and 44b designed as racks in each of the grooves 45a to 45d, 45a' to 45d' of the element 41a by disengaging the locking elements 44a and 44b outward. The engagement in a specific one of the grooves 45a to 45d, 45a' to 45d' or other grooves without reference symbols occurs according to the adjusted height of the upper shell 5 relative to the lower shell 4.

[0066] If the handle 42 is brought into a vertical position, as in Fig. 10B, the locking elements 44a and 44b are retracted by means of the gear 43, which runs on the rows of teeth of the locking elements 44a and 44b, so that they disengage from the grooves 45a to 45d, 45a' to 45d' or other unnumbered grooves and thus release the displacement of the upper shell 5 relative to the lower shell 4.

[0067] Fig. Figure 10E shows the two partial elements 41a and 41b in the unlocked state in a side view. This illustration shows that the grooves can be covered with another element 46, forming through openings into which the locking elements 44a and 44b can engage.

[0068] Fig. 11 shows a further device 41 for adjusting the height between a lower shell 4 and an upper shell 5, which Fig. 10 can replace the device shown. While the Fig. 11A and Fig. 11B show the device 41 in cross section, Fig. 11C a plan view of a section of the device 41. In Fig. 11A, this device 41 is shown in the closed state, in which the upper shell 5 is locked to the lower shell 4. In Fig. 11B, the device 41 is shown in the open state, in which the upper shell 5 is displaceable relative to the lower shell 4. Fig. 11C shows the device 41 also in the closed state according to Fig. 11A.

[0069] The device 41 has grooves 45a, 45b, and 45c on the side of the lower shell 4, which are formed in the outer side 3 of the lower shell 4. On the side of the upper shell 5, the device 41 has a lever 42 provided with a locking lug 44. The lever 42 is rotatably mounted in a pivot 47, which is fastened to the upper shell 5 and has an axis of rotation parallel to the surface 3 of the lower shell 4 or to the surface 3 of the upper shell 4. The lever 42 and the locking lug 44 are designed such that the locking lug 44, when the lever 42 protrudes perpendicularly from the surface 4, extends in the plane of the upper shell 5 and is not locked to the lower shell 4. This is Fig. 11B.

[0070] If the lever 42 is rotated about the rotation axis 47, the locking lug 44 can engage in one of the grooves 45a, 45b or 45c if the upper shell 5 is in the correct position with respect to the lower shell 4. Fig. 11A shows a locking mechanism in the groove 45a.

[0071] The groove 45a has at its lower end a surface which runs horizontally or perpendicularly to the direction of extension of the lower shell 4, to which a corresponding horizontal surface of the locking lug 44 corresponds. If, for example, the upper shell is loaded by a person sitting on the upper shell 5, movement of the upper shell relative to the lower shell 4 is blocked and thus not possible. On the other hand, the upper edge of the groove 45a is bevelled and the upper side of the locking lug 44 is also bevelled. Therefore, with some effort, it is possible to pull the upper shell 5 upwards relative to the lower shell 4 in the unloaded state, whereby the handle 42 folds out into a state as shown in Fig. 11B. It is therefore possible, with sufficient force, to unlock the upper shell 5 by pulling it upwards and thus change the volume of the case.

[0072] Fig. Figure 12 shows another wheelchair 1 according to the invention similar to the one shown in Fig. 9. Here too, for the sake of clarity, the seat provided in this wheelchair according to the invention, which additionally has a carrying handle, has been omitted.

[0073] This wheelchair 1 has a locking device 41 corresponding to that in Fig. 9 and in Fig. 10 on.

[0074] In contrast to the wheelchair 1 in Fig. 9, the backrest is not formed in one piece, but consists of two partial elements 20a and 20b, both of which are designed as flat boards.

[0075] In this example of a wheelchair 1 according to the invention, the rear side of the upper shell 5 has two wings 24a and 24b, which form a pocket 23 into which the backrest 20 can be inserted. Fig. 12A shows the wheelchair 1 with the backrest 20 completely housed in the bag 23, Fig. 12B shows the wheelchair 1 with the first element 20a of the backrest 20 pulled out of the pocket 23 and Fig. 12C shows the wheelchair 1 with the backrest 20 completely removed from the bag 23 with the elements 20a and 20b extended.

[0076] Both elements 20a and 20b are designed as sitting or leaning boards, with the first element 20a having an opening 22 for forming a handle 21. The Fig. The wheelchair 1 shown in Figure 12 therefore has a backrest which can protrude to different distances above the upper side of the upper shell 5 and can also be used as a transfer board with different widths.

[0077] In Fig. 12A, Fig. 12B, Fig. 12 C and subsequently also in Fig. 13B, a spring-loaded pin 29a is arranged on the upper part of the case 5 as a locking element, which can be displaced laterally by pulling the handle of the pin 29a and thus unlocked from a groove 29a' in the backrest 20. This locking element 29a can engage and lock this recess 29a' in the backrest 20. Only one recess 29a' is shown as an example; however, the backrest 20 can also contain several such recesses, e.g., on both sides of the backrest 20.

[0078] Fig. 13 shows, in Fig. 13A in partial view, a section of the wheelchair 1 from Fig. 12 in a schematic view of the rear of the wheelchair body 2, in which Fig. 13A, Fig. 13B and Fig. 13C the backrest 20 was completely removed from the pocket 23.

[0079] Fig. 13A and Fig. 13B show a state in which the first element 20a is partially extended from the second element 20b, wherein in Fig. 13A shows in a partial view the facial expression underlying the extended state.

[0080] In Fig. 13A shows the telescopic adjustment of the backrest 20 via locking elements, which are shown in detail in Fig. 14 will describe.

[0081] Fig. 13B shows a two-part backrest 20 with two backrest parts 20a and 20b. In Fig. 13B does not show how the element 20a is locked and fixed in the element 20b. In Fig. 13B, the element is partially extended from element 13a. The upper shell here has a spring-loaded pin 29a as a locking element, which can be moved laterally by pulling the handle of the pin 29a. The backrest 20 has a groove 29a' on the side, into which the locking element 29a can engage when the backrest 20 is retracted, thus locking the backrest to the upper part 5 in the retracted position. Only one recess 29a' is shown as an example; however, the backrest 20 can also have several such recesses, e.g., on both sides of the backrest 20.

[0082] In Fig. 13C also shows a two-part backrest 20, but now in a state in which the first element 20a is completely inserted into the second element 20b. In Fig. 13C is like in Fig. 13B does not depict the locking of the second element 20a in the first element 20b of the backrest, but rather the locking and height adjustment of the backrest 20 on the upper case part 5. For this purpose, the upper case part 5 contains locking recesses 29c, 29c', 29c'' etc., into which a pin 26a in the backrest 20 can engage. Furthermore, the upper case part 5 contains locking recesses 29d, 29d', 29d'' etc., opposite the locking recesses 29c, 29c', 29c'' etc., into which a pin 26b of the backrest 20 can engage. The same mechanism for actuating the pins 26a and 26b can be used as in Fig. 13A and Fig. 14 the mechanism described there for actuating the pins 26a and 26b in Fig. 13A and Fig. 14.

[0083] Fig. 14 shows the locking of the first element 20a in the second element 20b as also shown in Fig. 13A. For this purpose, the element 20a has a movable handle 21, which has two movable handle elements 21a and 21b. The handle element 21a, which is arranged on the outside of the first element 20a, can be arranged as in Fig. 14B and moves a locking pin 26a and 26b, which is arranged on the side of the first element 20a, via a pulling device 25a and a pulling device 25b, respectively. When the partial handle 21a is pressed in, the pin 26a and the pin 26b are retracted and do not engage in a corresponding recess, not shown here, of the second element 20b. When the handle 21a is not actuated (and when the handle 21b is not actuated either), the pins 26a and 26b protrude laterally from the plate 20a and engage in the recesses, not shown, of the second plate 20b. Likewise, the second handle part 21b is designed such that, when actuated, it retracts the pin 26a and the pin 26b via a corresponding mimic.

[0084] If neither of the handles 21a or 21b is operated, return springs 27a and 27b as well as return springs 27c and 27d act to extend the pins 26a and 26b from the first part 12a. In this state, they engage in grooves (not shown) in the second backrest part 20b, thus locking the first element 20a to the second element 20b. If a number of grooves are provided along the second part 20b, the first part 20a can be locked in different extended or retracted positions relative to the second part 20b. If one of the handles is operated, the pins 26a and 26b are retracted into the plate 20a, thus releasing the locking between the plates 20a and 20b.

[0085] This in Fig. The mechanism shown in Figure 14 can be used not only for the telescopic adjustment of the backrest 20 but, if necessary in an adapted manner, also for the height adjustment of the case 2, e.g. between the upper shell 5 and the lower shell 4, as well as for the adjustment of the seat / back / footboard relative to the case 2 or also for the telescopic adjustment of the seat / back / footboard, ie within the seat / back / footboard.

[0086] Fig. 15 represents the Fig. 15A to 15C show another wheelchair 1 according to the invention, which is similar to that in Fig. 12. This wheelchair has two carrying handles 9, one of which is part of the seat 10.

[0087] In contrast to the wheelchair 1 in Fig. 12, the pocket 23 is now not formed by wings 24a and 24b, but as an opening 23 in the upper shell 5. Through this opening 23, the backrest 20 can be stowed inside the wheelchair body 2. In order to achieve splash-proof or water-tight protection of the wheelchair body 2, a suitable seal for this opening 23 may be required.

[0088] Wheelchair 1 is otherwise the same as the one in Fig. 12, and has, for example, the adjusting device 41 Fig. 10. The backrest 20 is like the backrest of the wheelchair 1 in the Fig. 12 to 14 trained.

[0089] Fig. Figure 15 now shows the wheelchair 1 with a wheelchair body 2 in which the upper shell 5 is extended as far as possible relative to the upper shell 4, thus providing a maximum internal volume of the wheelchair body 2 or a maximum seating position. Furthermore, in the state of the wheelchair 1 in Fig. 15A the backrest 20 is fully inserted into the wheelchair body 2. In Fig. 15B shows the same wheelchair 1 in a side view and a top view of the wheelchair 1. The backrest 20 is in Fig. 15B with its first partial element 20a is pulled out of the upper shell 5. In Fig. 15C, the backrest 20 is extended even further from the upper shell 5 and slightly inclined so that it can be comfortably used as a backrest for a person sitting on top of the wheelchair 1. The inclination is adjusted by a stop 36 in the upper shell 5, which prevents the backrest 20 from tilting too far.

[0090] Fig. 16 shows in cross-section in the partial figures A to C an adjustment and unlocking mechanism between the lower shell 4 and the upper shell 5 of a wheelchair 1 according to the invention, as it can also be used in all corresponding previous examples of a wheelchair with lower shell 4 and upper shell 5. It is designed in principle similarly to the adjustment mechanism which in Fig. 14 for the telescopic backrest 20.

[0091] The upper shell 5 has a handle 9 that can be moved outward. Pulling the handle 9 releases the rods 25a and 25b located underneath on the inside of the upper shell 5, and retracts the pins 26a and 26b located in the side wall of the upper shell 5. When the handle 9 is released, the pins are released via the rods 25a and 25b and pressed toward the lower shell 4 by springs.

[0092] The lower shell 4 has on one side a plurality of bores 28a-1, 28a'-1, 28a''-1 and 28a'''-1 spaced apart in a vertical direction. On the opposite side of the lower shell 4, a plurality of bores 28a-2, 28a'-2, 28a''-2 and 28a'''-2 are arranged at the same height and are also spaced apart in a vertical direction. Depending on the relative position of the upper shell 5 to the lower shell 4, the pins 26a and 26b can engage in these bores and thus lock the upper shell 5 to the lower shell 4. When the handle 9 is actuated, the pins 26a and 26b are retracted and thus release the vertical relative movement between the upper shell 5 and the lower shell.

[0093] In Fig. 16a, the upper shell 5 has two pins on each side (pins 26a, 26a' are shown on the left side). Fig. 16B and Fig. 16C shows a case 2 with only one pin per case side. Fig. 16B shows a state in which the upper shell 5 and lower shell 4 are locked together in a position in which the case 2 has a maximum volume. Fig. Figure 16B shows the same case with minimal volume. Pins 16a and 26b are retracted relative to the lower shell 4, and the upper shell 5 is not locked to the lower shell 4.

[0094] Fig. 17 shows another wheelchair 1 according to the invention, which is similar to that in Fig. 3. In contrast to the wheelchair 1 in Fig. 3, the wheelchair body 2 is formed from a suitcase tub 4 and a suitcase lid 5, which are connected to one another in a conventional manner via hinges 8. Neither the volume of the wheelchair body 2 nor can the seat height of the seat 10 be changed. However, the seat 10 is designed to be foldable, so that its seating area can be enlarged for use, for example, as a shower wheelchair. The backrest 20 is extendable or insertable, for example, designed into the suitcase 2 or a pocket on the suitcase 2, so that it can be stowed for transporting the wheelchair 1 and its use as a suitcase. The seat 10 can also be designed to be extendable or insertable into the suitcase 2 or a pocket on the suitcase 2. The seat 10 and backrest 20 can also be designed to be telescopic in order to adjust their size, and the backrest 20 can also be designed to be foldable or telescopic.This also applies to a footboard 31, to which one or more wheels can be attached. This allows the standing area to be enlarged for use as a wheelchair, and also provides a footrest. A similar design as for . Fig. 17 represents an independent invention.

Claims

[1] Wheelchair (1) with a wheelchair body (2) and a seat (10), a backrest (20) and wheels (30) arranged on the wheelchair body (2), characterized by that the wheelchair body (2) is designed as a suitcase, the volume of which can be changed and the height of the seat can be adjusted by changing the volume. [2] Wheelchair (1) with a wheelchair body (2) and a seat (10), a backrest (20) and wheels (30) arranged on the wheelchair body (2), characterized by that the wheelchair body (2) is designed as a suitcase and the surface of the seat and / or the backrest is changeable, in particular the seat and / or the backrest are foldable and / or extendable and / or extendable in themselves and / or extendable on the suitcase. [3] Wheelchair (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the wheelchair body (2) is designed as a suitcase, the volume of which can be changed and the height of the seat can be adjusted by changing the volume. [4] Wheelchair (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the wheelchair body (2) has an outer shell (3), in particular a splash-proof or waterproof outer shell (3). [5] Wheelchair (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the outer shell consists of at least a lower shell (4) and an upper shell (5) which are fitted into one another in such a way that the upper shell (5) engages over the peripheral edge (4') of the lower shell (4), advantageously with a drip edge (6) running along the peripheral edge (5') of the opening of the upper shell (5). [6] Wheelchair (1) according to claim 4, characterized by that the outer shell consists at least in regions of a foldable or stretchable material, in particular is designed as a foldable fabric bag (7). [7] Wheelchair (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the seat (10) and / or the backrest (20) are arranged or integrated in, on or onto the wheelchair body (2) in a removable manner. [8] Wheelchair (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the seat (10) and / or the backrest (20) are designed as a substantially flat board, and in a special embodiment the seat (10) and / or the backrest (20) are designed as a transfer board that can be removed from the wheelchair body (2). [9] Wheelchair (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the seat (10) and / or the backrest (20) are designed as a handle and / or fastening element for the wheelchair body (2), in particular have an opening (12, 22), in particular a handle opening, at their upper end. [10] Wheelchair (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the backrest (20) is arranged on the wheelchair body (2), in particular on the upper shell (5), so as to be vertically displaceable relative to the wheelchair body (2), in particular relative to the upper shell (5), wherein the backrest (20) can preferably be locked in one or more states projecting to different extents beyond the wheelchair body (2), in particular beyond the upper shell (5). [11] Wheelchair (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the backrest (20) and the seat (10) are connected or connected to one another, are advantageously designed in one piece, in particular that the backrest (20) and the seat (10) are connected to one another in a foldable manner. [12] Wheelchair (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the seat (10) with its surface facing away from the wheelchair body (2), in particular from the upper shell (5), as a seat surface (13) merges flush and / or aligned into the outer surface of the wheelchair body (2), in particular the upper shell (5), or at least into one of the areas of the wheelchair body (2), in particular the upper shell (5), adjacent to the seat (10). [13] Wheelchair (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the seat (10) is designed in such a way that the surface facing away from the wheelchair body (2), in particular the upper shell (5), as a seat surface (13) can be changed in its size and / or position, in particular the seat can be extended and / or folded out. [14] Wheelchair (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at least two mutually adjacent wheels (30) are arranged on the wheelchair body (2), in particular on the lower shell (4), in particular that at least two of the wheels (30) arranged on the wheelchair body (2), in particular the lower shell (4), are arranged displaceably, advantageously displaceably together, in particular between a position in which they are arranged under the underside of the wheelchair body (2), in particular on the underside of the lower shell (4), and a position in which they are arranged outside the underside of the wheelchair body (2), in particular outside the underside of the lower shell (4). [15] Wheelchair (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized bythat at least two of the displaceably arranged wheels (30) are fixedly arranged on at least one displaceable plate (31), the plate (31) advantageously forming a footrest in a position outside the underside of the wheelchair body (2), in particular outside the underside of the lower shell (4), in particular that the displaceable plate (31) is non-slip at least in some areas on the side facing the upper side of the wheelchair body (2), ie on its upper side, in particular has a non-slip coating or a non-slip covering (33). [16] Wheelchair (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the seat (10) is designed as a shower bench.

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