Push arrangement for a wheelchair

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a pushing arrangement for mounting on a manual wheelchair, wherein the pushing arrangement is configured to push the manual wheelchair in a reverse direction in a pushing direction over a ground surface.

[0002] Conventional wheelchairs are designed to push the occupant of the wheelchair from behind. In this orientation, the pusher of the manual wheelchair is located on the backside of the manual wheelchair, meaning on the side of the manual wheelchair wherein the backrest of the manual wheelchair is positioned. On top of the backside of the manual wheelchair, the manual wheelchair is equipped with two handles. In this conventional orientation, the occupant of the manual wheelchair is turned with his or her back to the pusher of the manual wheelchair. The field of view of the person who pushes the manual wheelchair as well as of the occupant of the manual wheelchair is primarily directed in the pushing direction. In the context of the present invention, a manual wheelchair is defined as any wheelchair that can be propelled by manual pushing force. Manual wheelchairs are also referred to as pushchairs or transport wheelchairs and are used to move the occupant over a certain distance, for example during a walk. To this end, the manual wheelchair is propelled by a pusher.

[0003] A disadvantage of the conventional manual wheelchairs is that the occupant and the pusher have no or very limited visual contact with each other. This complicates both verbal and non-verbal communication. US 2015 / 121656 A1 discloses a wheelchair movement assistance device for providing assistance in manoeuvring a wheelchair in an emergency situation.

[0004] DE 31 52 876 A1 discloses a wheelchair having integral push bars for pushing the wheelchair backwards over a toilet.

[0005] A purpose of the present invention is to provide a solution to overcome this disadvantage. This objective is achieved by means of a pushing arrangement, for mounting on a manual wheelchair, wherein the pushing arrangement is configured to push the manual wheelchair in a reverse direction in a pushing direction over a ground surface, comprising: two substantially parallel push rods, each comprising a handle at a first end thereof; two coupling pieces, each comprising: a fixation part, arranged for mounting the coupling piece on a frame tube section of the manual wheelchair; a rotation part, arranged for attaching one of the two push rods to and configured for rotation around a first rotation axis, wherein the first rotation axis is substantially parallel to the ground surface and perpendicular to the pushing direction; a locking mechanism, arranged for locking the rotation of the rotation part around the first rotation axis in an operating condition, wherein the coupling piece is configured for detachable attachment of one of the two push rods at a second end thereof, and wherein, in the operating condition, each of the two push rods is at an angle with respect to the ground surface.

[0006] By equipping a conventional manual wheelchair with the pushing arrangement according to the present invention, the occupant can be pushed in a user-friendly way from the front by the pusher. The front of the manual wheelchair refers to the side of the wheelchair facing away from the rear of the manual wheelchair. The front of the wheelchair is configured to be equipped with footrests for supporting the feet of the occupant. Because the manual wheelchair is pushed from the front, the manual wheelchair is propelled in reverse orientation, where the field of view of the pusher is essentially oriented towards the pushing direction and the field of view of the occupant is essentially oriented in the direction opposite to the pushing direction. Because the field of view of the occupant and of the pusher are essentially directed towards each other, the pushing arrangement according to the present invention enables full-fledged communication between the occupant and the pusher, where the occupant and the pusher can communicate verbally as well as non-verbally in a decent way.

[0007] The present invention is especially beneficial when the occupant suffers from a form of dementia or has an intellectual disability. For this group of people, the verbal communication can be so limited, that pushing the manual wheelchair in the conventional way can almost completely exclude the possibility of communication. In addition, the use of the pushing arrangement also facilitates verbal communication between the occupant and the pusher, since the pusher and the occupant talk towards each other, instead of away from each other, as is the case for the conventional way of pushing the manual wheelchair. Especially when the occupant and / or the pusher is / are hearing impaired and when there is a lot of ambient noise, the pushing arrangement according to the present invention is particularly beneficial.

[0008] The pushing arrangement according to the present invention does not exclude the use of the original handles at the rear of the manual wheelchair. The original handles can be used if desired, for example when manoeuvring the manual wheelchair on a rise of the sidewalk, without having to remove or adjust the pushing arrangement. The pushing arrangement can also be used to pull the manual wheelchair in certain situations. Another advantage of the present invention is that the handles of the pushing arrangement are positioned further away from the centre of the manual wheelchair than the original handles located at the rear of the manual wheelchair. This favours the leverage, making it easier for the pusher to turn the manual wheelchair.

[0009] An additional advantage of the present invention is that in the operating condition of the pushing arrangement, in case the manual wheelchair is equipped with small swivel wheels at the front and large wheels at the rear, it is easier to manoeuvrer the manual wheelchair over rough terrain, such as a ground surface consisting of cobblestones or gravel, since the large wheels are located in front of the small swivel wheels, as seen from the pushing direction.

[0010] Another advantage of the pushing arrangement according to the present invention, is that the pushing arrangement is universal and therefore can easily be retrofitted on the manual wheelchair and is suitable for almost all manual wheelchairs. The fixation parts of the two coupling pieces are mounted on a frame tube section on a left font side and on a right front side of the manual wheelchair.

[0011] The pushing arrangement according to the present invention comprises push rods and coupling pieces. The push rods form an extension of the frame of the manual wheelchair and can therefore be attached as such on one or more parts of the frame of the manual wheelchair by means of the coupling pieces. This attachment method or procedure consists only of one step. When configuring the system for the first use, the coupling pieces are mounted on the frame section of the manual wheelchair, which in a preferred embodiment only consists of a single step. In an alternative embodiment, the installation of the system can consist of two steps. For both embodiments, two parts, preferably being a back plate through which four Allen bolts can be inserted and a second (sub)part consisting of a static part and a rotating part. For the user, this static and this rotating part form a whole. These parts are preferable already attached to each other in advance by means of centre bolt around which the rotation part can rotate. Additionally, the smaller components that are enclosed by these two parts, are already put in place during the production process. After mounting the coupling pieces, the push bars are attached to these coupling pieces. Both embodiments therefore actually consist of two parts, a first part that is mounted on the wheelchair once (the coupling pieces) and that will remain mounted, and a second part that can be attached or detached from the coupling pieces repeatedly. In both embodiments, the fixation part of the coupling pieces consists of two parts that can be clamped around a frame tube section of the manual wheelchair by means of four Allen bolts. In the preferred embodiment, the part of the fixation part that is facing outward is equipped with a rotation part into which the push rods can be inserted. In the alternative embodiment, the fixation part is not equipped with a rotation part. Instead, the push rods are equipped with a coupling piece at their end by which they can be mounted on the static fixation part at different angles.

[0012] According to an alternative design, the fixation parts are mounted first, after which the user can attach the rotation parts, located at the end of each push rod, thereon. Hence, in contradiction to the installation procedure of the preferred embodiment that only consists of a single step, the installation procedure of the alternative embodiment consists of two steps. This second step is not only performed once when configuring the system for the first use, as the rotation parts together with the push rods can be detached or attached repeatedly depending on if the user wants to use the system or not at every future moment in time. Preferably, the first step is performed once when configuring the pushing arrangement for the first time, and the second step can thereafter be performed for every future use of the pushing arrangement.

[0013] In the preferred embodiment, wherein the installation procedure consists of a single step, the fixation part of the coupling piece is mounted on a frame tube section of the manual wheelchair. The manual wheelchair is usually manufactured from frame tube sections that together form the frame of the manual wheelchair. After the coupling pieces have been mounted on the frame of the manual wheelchair, the push bars can be attached to the coupling piece such that they remain easily detachable. In this way, the push bars can be removed from the manual wheelchair when the pushing arrangement is not used, so that they are not in the way of the pusher or the inhabitant of the manual wheelchair. When the users want to use the pushing arrangement again, the push rods can easily be attached again to the coupling pieces that remained mounted.

[0014] The coupling pieces, or at least their fixation parts, can be mounted on frame tube sections on the front side of the manual wheelchair, meaning the side of the wheelchair that the occupant is facing and where usually the footrests are mounted. After the coupling pieces have been mounted, the push rods can be attached to them. In the preferred embodiment, the rotation part is one with the fixation part, so that the push rod can be inserted into a cylindrical hole in the rotation part. In an alternative embodiment, the rotation part is one with the push rod and is connected as such with the fixation part at a certain angle. In accordance with both these embodiments, the push rods can be used to set the rotation angle of the rotation parts. By attaching a push rod to a rotation part, a leverage is formed that makes easy, powerful and above all accurate setting of the rotation angle possible. The rotation angle provides a setting of the push rods, which extend a part of the frame of the manual wheelchair to a position that is in height comparable to the position of the part of the frame of the manual wheelchair where the original handles are located. Additionally, the coupling pieces are configured in such a way that that the push rods on both sides of the manual wheelchair can be set up parallel to each other.

[0015] The rotation part enables the push rod to rotate a certain rotation angle around a first rotation axis. This first rotation axis is in essence parallel to the ground surface and perpendicular to the pushing direction. As such, a rotational axis is provided by which the push bars can be set up in parallel at the most convenient angle, independent of the orientation and the position of the frame tube section of the manual wheelchair on which the fixation parts are mounted. These fixation parts are mounted in the plane parallel to the pushing direction and perpendicular to the ground surface, also being the plane in which the wheels of the manual wheelchair are located. In this plane, the fixation parts can be freely rotated over the full 360 degrees around the first rotation axis. This makes it possible to mount the fixation parts on frame tube sections having any orientation in this plane. As a result, on almost any manual wheelchair a position can be found on its frame tubes where the coupling pieces can be mounted, independent on if the tube section is oriented horizontally, vertically or at another angle. Thereby, providing, in accordance with the object of the present invention, a high degree of compatibility of the pushing arrangement with existing manual wheelchairs.

[0016] After the rotation angles have been set, the locking mechanism can lock the rotation so that further rotation is prevented and the pushing arrangement can be used.

[0017] The locking mechanism is further configured for locking the respective push rod to the coupling piece such that in the locked state of the coupling piece, movement of the push rod in the longitudinal direction of the push rod relative to the coupling piece is locked and / or rotation of the push rod around the axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the push rod is locked. This prevents unwanted detachment of the push rods from the coupling pieces in the operating condition.

[0018] The combination of the fixation part and the rotation part of the coupling pieces allows for universal and retrofit installation of the coupling pieces on the manual wheelchair. The fixation part is configured for mounting on the frame tube section of the manual wheelchair, such that the fixation part is freely rotatable around the axis parallel to the frame tube section before the fixation part is mounted, and as such fixed, on the frame tube section. This makes it possible to orientate the rotation part of the coupling piece, after the rotation part has been mounted to the fixation part in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, such that the first rotation axis is in essence parallel to the ground surface and perpendicular to the pushing direction, independent of the orientation of the respective frame tube section.

[0019] Because the first rotation axis is oriented such that the first rotational axis is in essence parallel to the ground surface and perpendicular to the pushing direction, it is further possible to orientate the push rods such that the longitudinal axis of the push rods is in essence perpendicular to the ground plane. In this situation, the push rods are, as it were, folded up along the manual wheelchair. This is desirable when, for example, the manual wheelchair has to be temporarily pushed in the traditional way to make it easier to maneuver in small spaces.

[0020] The folded up condition is not strictly limited to a vertical position of the push rods, wherein the longitudinal axis of the push rods is perpendicular to the ground surface. Depending on the design of the wheelchair and the wishes of the user, the push rods can also be tilted further towards the backrest. In most cases the push rods will be tilted away past the vertical position along the wheelchair, as this brings them even more out of sight of the occupant.

[0021] Preferably, the frame tube section is substantially straight at the location wherein the fixation part is mounted. Preferably, the frame tube section at the mounting location has a length of at least 7 centimeters. The outside diameter of the frame tube section at the mounting location is preferably between 18.5 and 28.5 millimeters .

[0022] Preferably, the pushing arrangement further comprises: a crossbar, suitable for detachable attachment between the two push rods, wherein the crossbar is preferably suitable for detachable attachment substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the two push rods.

[0023] Preferably, the fixation part comprises two parts that can be interconnected and are configured to clamp the frame tube section in between, wherein the faces of the two parts that are directed towards each other both have a recess, preferably a parabolic recess, such that when the fixation part is mounted on a frame tube section of the manual wheelchair, the recesses at least partially enclose the frame tube section. The advantage of parabolic recesses is that they provide four interfaces between the fixation part and the frame tube section, which results in a rigid connection between the fixation part and the frame tube section.

[0024] Preferably, each of the two push rods is equipped with a protrusion at its second end, wherein the protrusion preferably extends partially over the longitudinal direction of each of the two push rods, and wherein the rotation part is equipped with a recess, which in shape substantially compatible with the protrusion and is configured to receive this protrusion.

[0025] Preferably, the locking mechanism is configured to be activated in the operating condition by rotating the protrusion around a second rotational axis, being the longitudinal axis of the respective push rod, wherein the rotation angle is preferably larger than 45°, and more preferably around 90°.

[0026] Preferably, the rotation part comprises an end stop for presetting the maximum rotation of the rotation part around the first rotation axis.

[0027] Preferably, the rotation part can be rotated around the first rotation axis in discrete steps. Preferably, the rotation of the rotation part around the first rotation axis is adjustable.

[0028] Preferably, each of the two push rods comprises of two tubes, wherein the first tube has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the second tube, such that the first tube can slide into the second tube, which makes the push rods adjustable in length. This makes it possible to set the handles of the pushing arrangement to the preferred height relative to the ground surface. The rotation of the narrower tube in the wider tube is preferably constrained / locked by an elongated notch that is present over the length of the narrower tube, wherein the notch is directed towards the ground surface in the operating condition of the pushing arrangement. The coupling between the wider and the narrower tube preferably comprises a parallel key that protrudes into the notch of the narrower tube, such that it prevents rotation of the narrower tube in the wider tube. The advantage of preventing rotation of the narrower tube relative to the wider tube is that it makes it easier for the user to set the handles at the end of the narrower tube of both push rods at the same angle. In addition, the handles are used to transfer the rotational movement required to activate the locking mechanism via the narrower tube to the wider tube. Due to the presence of the elongated notch along the narrower tube, the parallel key can facilitate the transmission of this rotational force.

[0029] Preferably, the crossbar comprises of two tubes, wherein the first tube has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the second tube, such that the narrower tube can slide into the wider tube, making the crossbar adjustable in length. This makes the pushing arrangement suitable for manual wheelchairs having a different widths or seat widths.

[0030] Preferably, each of the two handles is configured for rotation around the second rotation axis, and / or a third rotation axis, wherein the third rotation axis is perpendicular to the second rotation axis.

[0031] Preferably, each of the two push rods is equipped with a rubber cap and / or non-slip cap at its second end. This makes the push bars suitable for use as walking sticks.

[0032] Preferably, at least one of the two push rods is equipped with a mirror, wherein the mirror is detachably attachable to at least one push rod.

[0033] The present invention will be further elucidated on the basis of the description of a preferred embodiment of a pushing arrangement according to the invention, with reference to the following figures, in which: Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of a pushing arrangement according to the invention installed on a manual wheelchair in the operating condition; Fig. 2 shows an isometric view of a pushing arrangement according to the invention installed on a manual wheelchair in the stored condition; Fig. 3 shows in more detail an isometric view of elements of the pushing arrangement according to Fig. 1; Fig. 4 shows in more detail an isometric view of elements of a push rod and respective coupling piece of the pushing arrangement according to the invention; Fig. 5 shows an exploded view of the locking mechanism for locking the handle of the pushing arrangement according to the invention; Fig. 6 shows an exploded view of the push rod and part of the respective coupling piece of fig. 4; Fig. 7A shows a first exploded view of the coupling piece of fig. 4; Fig. 7B shows a second exploded view of the coupling piece of fig. 4; Fig. 8A - E shows the steps for bringing the pushing arrangement according to the invention into the operating condition. Fig. 9A shows the procedure by which the push rods have to be inserted into the coupling pieces in order to bring the pushing arrangement according to the alternative embodiment of the invention into the operating condition; Fig. 9B shows an isometric view of a pushing arrangement according to the alternative embodiment of the invention installed on a manual wheelchair in stored condition; Fig. 10A shows a first exploded view of the manual wheelchair coupling 42 of fig. 9A; Fig. 10B shows a second exploded view of the manual wheelchair coupling 42 of fig. 9A;

[0034] Figure 1 shows a pushing arrangement 1 in the operating condition that is mounted on the front side of manual wheelchair 2. The pushing arrangement 1 is configured to push the manual wheelchair 2 in a reversed orientation in a pushing direction D over a ground surface. By installing the pushing arrangement 1 on the manual wheelchair 2, the occupant of the manual wheelchair 2 can be pushed from the front by a pusher in a user friendly-friendly manner. In this way, the visual fields of the occupant and the pusher are directed towards each other, which benefits both the verbal as the non-verbal communication.

[0035] The pushing arrangement 1 comprises two push rods 3, a crossbar 5 and two coupling pieces 6. The two coupling pieces 6 are mounted once to frame tube sections 4 on the front side of the manual wheelchair 2 prior to the first use of the pushing arrangement. The coupling pieces 6 are designed such that they can be mounted on different frame tube sections 4, preferably having an outer diameter between 18.5 and 28.5 millimeters, and in any orientation. The coupling pieces 6 can also be mounted at positions other than the position as shown in the embodiment of figure 1, for instance on a free frame tube section 4 near the footrests or on a free frame tube section 4 near the armrests of the manual wheelchair 2.

[0036] The two push rods 3 can be detachably attached to the respective coupling pieces 6 at a second end of the push rods 3. The push rods 3 are each equipped with a handle 12 at a first end thereof and are substantially parallel to each other. Furthermore, the push rods 3 are equipped with detachable wide-angle mirrors 13, so that the occupant of the push wheelchair 2 can look in the pushing direction D via the mirrors 13. The mirrors 13 are preferably attached by means of magnets. The mirrors can protrude slightly beyond the handles / manual wheelchair, so it can happen that they get stuck behind a post or a door frame. In case the mirror gets stuck, it will under certain orientations not be able to turn away around one of its rotational axes, which could, in case of a rigid connection between mirror and push rod, result in the mirror breaking off. The magnetic connection is strong enough to hold the mirror in place under the desired orientation, but will release when too much force is applied, which prevents the mirrors from breaking off. In addition, the magnetic connection enables very fast installation and removal of the mirrors. The mirrors 13 are adjustable around three different axes for adjustment to the occupant's field of vision. The two push rods 3 are provided with a rubber non-slip cap 19 at their second end, so that each push rod 3 can be used as a support, for example as a walking stick or crutch, when the push rod 3 is removed from the respective coupling piece.

[0037] Figure 3 shows in more detail the installation of the crossbar 5 in between the two push rods 3. The push rods 3 as well as the crossbar 5 consist of two parts that can slide into each other, for adjusting the length of the push rods 3 and the crossbar 5 respectively, and are equipped with clamps 14, which are known to those skilled in the art. In the locked condition of the clamps 14, the two parts that can slide into each other are firmly connected to each other. In the non-locking condition of the clamps 14, the user can adjust the respective push rods 3 and crossbar 5 to the desired length. Engraved markings on the push rods and crossbar make length adjustment easy.

[0038] Each of the handles 12 is configured for rotation around a second rotation axis R2, wherein the second rotation axis R2 is equal to the central axis of the push rod 3, and in an alternative embodiment of the present invention also around a third rotation axis R3, wherein the third rotation axis R3 is perpendicular to the second rotation axis R2. As a result, the user can freely rotate the handles 19 around rotation axis R2 and lock them in preferably 8 different positions, which are distributed 45 degrees apart from each. The push rod 3 is equipped with 8 notches 35 at its first end, wherein the notches 35 are evenly distributed over the outer circumference of the push rod 3. The locking mechanism that is preferably used for locking the handles in one of the eight positions consists of a sliding element 33, which is located in the handle coupling piece 15, which the user can pull towards himself / herself with his / her thumb. This sliding element 33 contains two metal pins 34 which, during this movement, are moved out of the notches 35 present in the extendable push rod 3 through openings 36 present in the handle coupling piece 37. As a result, the handle can rotate freely around rotation axis R2. Next, the user can press down the sliding element 33 at 8 different positions (every 45 degrees) to lock the handle in the desired orientation. This locking is achieved by the fact that during this movement the metal pins 34 of the sliding element 33 are pushed back into the notches 35 of the extendable push rod 3. The handle coupling piece 37 is mounted on the the extendable push rod 3 by means of Allen bolt 38 that is firmly secured into coupling element 39. Washer 40 allows the handle coupling piece 37 to rotate smoothly around bolt 38, such that it also rotates around push rod 3.

[0039] In the operating condition of the pushing arrangement 1, as shown in figure 1, the push rods 3 are positioned at the desired angle α with respect to the ground plane. The crossbar 5 is installed in between the two push rods 3 by means of the two crossbar coupling pieces 16. Because the crossbar 5 is adjustable in length, the crossbar 5 can easily be adapted to the width of the manual wheelchair 2. Because the push rods 3 are adjustable in length, the distance between the handles 12 and the ground surface and / or the manual wheelchair 2 can be easily adjusted.

[0040] In the stored condition of the pushing arrangement 1, as shown in figure 2, push rods 3 are tilted backwards by rotating the push rods 3 around the first rotation axis R1 towards the back side of the manual wheelchair 2. The narrower tube is fully inserted into the wider tube of both push rods 3. The crossbar 5 is in its storage position, meaning that its narrower tube is fully inserted into its wider tube and that the crossbar 5 is clicked onto the outer side of one of the push rods. In the stored condition of the pushing arrangement 1, the occupant can easily be moved outside the manual wheelchair 2 and the manual wheelchair can easily be folded up in the known manner.

[0041] The two coupling pieces 6, in more detail shown in figure 4, 6, 7A and 7B, each comprise a fixation part 7 for mounting the coupling piece 6 on a frame tube section 4 of the manual wheelchair 2, and a rotation part 8 for attachment of one of the two push rods 3 and that is configured for rotation around a first rotation axis R1. After coupling piece 6 has been mounted on the manual wheelchair 2, the first rotation axis R1 is substantially parallel to the ground surface and perpendicular to the pushing direction D. The elements of the coupling piece 6 are symmetrically placed around the first rotation axis R1.

[0042] The two coupling pieces 6 further comprise a locking mechanism 9 and a cylindrical hole with a recess 10. The second end of the push rod 3 is equipped with two protrusions 11. The cylindrical hole is complementary with a second end of the respective push rod 3, wherein the recess 10 is in shape the equivalent inverse of the protrusions 11, such that the push rod 3 can only be inserted in a particular orientation in the cylindrical hole of coupling piece 6. The locking mechanism 9 is configured such that in the operating condition, when the push rod 3 is inserted into the cylindrical hole of the coupling piece 6, it can be activated by rotating the push rod 3 with it the protrusions 11, around the longitudinal axis of the push rod 3, being the second rotation axis R2, an angle of 90°. After the locking mechanism 9 has been activated, the push rod 3 is firmly connected with the respective coupling piece 6. By rotating the push rod 3 with its protrusions 11, around the longitudinal axis of the push rod 3, being the second rotation axis R2, an angle of 90° in the reverse direction, the locking mechanism 9 is deactivated, meaning that the push rod 3 can be taken out of the respective coupling piece 6.

[0043] The rotation part 8 is equipped with an end stop, which can be preset to constrain the rotation of rotation part 8 around the first rotation axis R1. Coupling piece 6 is equipped with degree markings around its circumference, wherein each degree marking indicates a further discrete rotation step of 9° around the first rotation axis R1. By using the degree markings, the end stop can easily be set at the most appropriate angle, which is preferably done before the first use of the pushing arrangement right after mounting coupling piece 6 to a frame tube section 4 of the manual wheelchair 2. The end stops of both coupling pieces 6 are set in such a way that in the operating condition both push rods 3 are at the same desired angle α with respect to the ground surface. After the end stops have been set, the rotation of the push rods 3 is automatically stopped at the desired angle α when the push rods 3 are tilted forward. In this way, the user does not have to look at the degree markings on the coupling pieces 6 anymore to set the push bars 3 in the operating condition to the desired angle α. When the locking mechanism 9 is activated as described above, also the rotation of the rotation part 8 around the first rotation axis R1 is locked, such that the respective push rod 3 is not only firmly fixed to coupling piece 6, also its angle respect to ground cannot change anymore. By deactivating the locking mechanism 9, as described above, it becomes again possible to rotate the push rods 3 around the first rotation axis R1 in the direction of the storing position as shown in figure 2.

[0044] The fixation part 7 comprises a first fixation part 7A and a second fixation part 7B, which can be connected to each other by means of four Allen bolts 22 and four threaded metal inserts 23. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, fixation part 7B forms a whole with rotation part 8, and therefore also with the parts 20, 23, 26, 27, 28, 31 and 32. The threaded metal inserts 23 are already inserted in the second fixation part 7B during production. Therefore, the user only has to insert four Allen bolts 22 through the first fixation part 7A into the threaded metal inserts 23 present in the second fixation part 7B. By connecting the two fixation parts 7A and 7B and tightening the Allen bolts 22, fixation part 7 is clamped around frame tube section 4 of manual wheelchair 2. The faces of the fixation parts 7A and 7B that are directed towards each other both have a parabolic recess, such that when the fixation part 7 is mounted on a frame tube section 4 of the manual wheelchair 2, the recesses at least partially enclose the frame tube section 4. At the second end of the push rod 3, the push rod 3 has an elongated notch that spans about 7 centimeters along its longitudinal axis, through which protrusions 11, that are part of tube element 17, protrude after assembly. A tube element 17 is firmly mounted into both push rods 3 by means of Allen bolt 18. After tube element 17 has been mounted into push rod 3, a rubber non-slip cover 19 is glued to the end of tube element 17, which also forms the second end of push rod 3.

[0045] The rotation part 8 can stably rotate around the second fixation part 7B by means of a conical connection. The rotation part 8 and the second fixation part 7B are kept together by means of the Allen bolt 24, which is inserted through the second fixation part 7B and tightened into the rotation part 8. Washer 25 ensures minimal friction between the Allen screw 24 and second fixation part 7B, so that it does not loosen when the rotation part 8 is turning around Allen screw 24.

[0046] The rotation part 8 of the coupling piece 6 comprises a first ring 20 equipped with teeth. The first toothed ring 20 is pushed out a few millimeters by the protrusions 11 at the second end of the push rod 3 by rotating it around the second rotation axis R2 through an angle of 90°. As a result, the teeth of the first toothed ring 20 engage with the complementary teeth 21 that are present in the second fixation part 7B. This ensures that the rotation part 8 can no longer rotate around the second fixation part 7B. The first toothed ring 20 and the teeth 21 present in the second fixation part 7B are part of the locking mechanism 9. The locking mechanism 9 is activated and deactivated by the push rod 3, as described above.

[0047] To deactivate the locking mechanism 9, as described above, the outward acting pressure of the protrusions 11 on the first toothed ring 20 is removed. First spring elements 26 provide an outward acting force on the first toothed ring 20, so that the toothing of the first ring 20 disengages with the toothing 21 of the second fixation part 7B. As a result, rotation part 8 can again rotate freely around the first rotation axis R1. Fixation element 27 ensures that the first spring elements 26 remain fixed in place.

[0048] A second toothed ring 28 and two set screws 29 are part of the end stop. The second toothed ring 28 is on one side equipped with two protrusions, which are located in two recesses 30 present in the second fixation part 7B before the end stop of the coupling piece 6 mounted on frame tube section 4 of the manual wheelchair 2 has been set. The second toothed ring 28 is on the other side equipped with a toothing. The second toothed ring 28 does not engage with the first ring 20, but with a narrow toothed track present in part 8. The two set screws 29 are fitted through threaded holes in the second fixation part 7B, such that the set screws extend into the direction of rotation part 8. The set screws 29 are inserted through the fixation part 7B in such a way that the set screws 29, before the end stop is set, touch the side of the second toothed ring 28 that is facing the second fixation part 7B, but do not push the two protrusions out of the recesses 30.

[0049] By means of two pressure elements 31, two second spring elements 32 push the second toothed ring 28 far enough outwards so that the toothing present in rotation part 8 and the toothing of the second toothed ring 28 do not touch each other, meaning that the rotation part 8 can rotate freely around the first rotation axis R1. The end stop is set to the desired angle by tightening the set screws 29 when the rotation part 8 is at the angle where the user wants the end stop to intervene. By tightening the set screws 29, the second spring elements 32 are pressed via pressure elements 31 and the toothing of the second toothed ring 28 is pressed onto the toothing present in rotation part 8. In this way, further rotation of the rotation part 8 around the first rotational axis R1 is blocked. The maximum angle α of the push rods with respect to the ground surface can always be changed at a later point in time by loosening set screws 29 in the operating condition of the pushing arrangement and tightening them again after changing the angle of the push rods with respect to the ground surface.

[0050] Figures 8A - 8E show the steps for bringing the pushing arrangement 1 into the preset operating condition after the coupling pieces 6 have been mounted on the manual wheelchair 2 in the most suitable position and orientation. In the situation shown in figure 8A the cylindrical hole of the coupling piece 6 is directed upwards, which is always the starting position of rotation part 8 for inserting and removing the push rods. The two push rods 3 are both placed with their second end in the respective cylindrical hole, such that their protrusions 11 can slide into the recesses 10, as shown in figure 8B. Subsequently, the user rotates the two push rods 3 around the first rotation axis R1, by tilting the push rods 3 towards the front of the manual wheelchair 2, until the end stops block further rotation around the first rotation axis R1, meaning that the push rods 3 have arrived at the desired angle α with respect to the ground plane, as shown in figure 8C. Next, the user activates the locking mechanism 9 by rotating the push rods through an angle of 90° around the second rotation axis R2. In the resulting condition shown in Figure 8D, the push rods 3 are firmly attached to the coupling pieces 6 and rotation around the first rotation axis R1 is locked. Finally, the user sets the crossbar 5 at the required length and inserts it in between the two push rods 3. If necessary, the length of the push rods 3 can be adjusted. In the final operating condition as shown in figure 8E, the pushing arrangement 1 is ready to be used to push the manual wheelchair 2 in a reverse orientation in the pushing direction D.

[0051] An alternative embodiment of the present invention differs from the preferred embodiment described above in the way in which the push rods 3 can be stored along the push wheelchair 2, and in the way in which coupling piece 6 is configured.

[0052] Figure 9A shows that the push rods 3 in the alternative embodiment must be inserted into the coupling pieces 42 at the desired operating angle α in order to bring the pushing arrangement 1 into the operating condition. In this respect, the alternative embodiment differs from the preferred embodiment, in which the push rods 3, as illustrated by figures 8A - 8C, must first be inserted vertically into the coupling pieces 6, after which the push rods 3 must be tilted forward till the end stops are hit and the desired operating angle α is reached.

[0053] Coupling pieces 42 in the alternative embodiment fulfill a function comparable to the function of coupling pieces 6 in the preferred embodiment and, as shown in figures 10A and 10B, have a fixation part 43 and a rotation part 44, which is also the case in the preferred embodiment. However, the rotation part 44 in the alternative embodiment can only be set at the desired operating angle before the fixation part 43 is mounted on a frame tube section 4 of the manual wheelchair 2. Therefore, after mounting the coupling pieces 42, it is no longer possible to rotate the rotation parts 44 around the rotation axis R1 and the push rods 3 can only be inserted into the cylindrical holes at the preset rotation angle of the rotation parts 44, which corresponds to the desired operating angle α.

[0054] The fixation part 43 of the coupling pieces 42 in the alternative embodiment consists, similar to the fixation part 7 of the coupling pieces 6 of the preferred embodiment, of two parts and can be mounted on a frame tube section 4 of push wheelchair 2 in every possible orientation in the plane parallel to the pushing direction and perpendicular to the ground surface. Similar to the the fixation part 7 in the preferred embodiment, the first fixation part 43A and the second fixation part 43B have a parabolic recess. As a result, the fixation part 43 can be mounted firmly on a frame tube section 4, which preferably has a diameter between 18.5 and 28.5 millimeters. When mounting the fixation part 43 on the manual wheelchair 2, the frame tube section 4 should be clamped in between the first fixation part 43A and the second fixation part 43B by inserting the Allen bolts 48 through the holes of the second fixation part 43B and tightening them into the threaded receiving holes 53 of the first fixation part 43A.

[0055] Before the fixation part 43 is mounted on the manual wheelchair 2, the rotation part 44 needs to be mounted on the first fixation part 43A. The teeth distribution 51 present on the first fixation part 43A and the teeth distribution 52 present on rotation part 44 are complementary to each other, and can engage every 9° of rotation around rotation axis R1 with respect to each other. Consequently, the desired operating angle α can be set with a resolution of 9°. After the rotation part 44 has been set to the desired operating angle with respect to the second fixation part 43A, the connection has to be locked by inserting an Allen bolt 47 through washer 46 and the second fixation part 43A, and tightening it in nut 45, which is fitted in the hexagonal hole 49 of the rotation part 44. As a result of these actions, the tooth distribution 51 is pressed onto the tooth distribution 52, meaning that rotation part 44 is mounted at the desired angle on the second fixation part 43A.

[0056] After the push rods 3 have been inserted into the coupling pieces 42 at the desired operating angle α, the push rods 3 can be locked to the coupling pieces 42 by turning the handles 12 inwards through 90° around rotation axis R2. As a result, the push rods 3 rotate the same 90° around the rotation axis R2 and the protrusions 11 at the second end of both push rods 3 are rotated into the complementary slots 50 of the respective rotation part 44, so that the push rods 3 can no longer be pulled out of the coupling pieces 42. From this operation onwards, the procedure for bringing the pushing arrangement 1 according to the alternative embodiment into the operating condition is identical to the procedure described earlier for bringing the pushing arrangement 1 according to the preferred embodiment into the operating condition.

[0057] As a result of the fact that in the alternative embodiment it is not possible to rotate the rotation parts 44 around the rotation axis R1 after the coupling pieces 42 have been mounted, the pushing arrangement 1 cannot be folded away and stored along the wheelchair 2, as was possible in the preferred embodiment. Therefore, in the alternative embodiment, the pushing arrangement 1 has two storage holders 41, shown in figure 9B, which need to be mounted on a frame tube section 4 at the rear of the manual wheelchair 2 and into which the push rods 3 can be inserted from above. The storage holders 41 are constructed in exactly the same way as coupling pieces 42, and can be mounted to a frame tube section 4 in any possible orientation. However, unlike the rotation parts 44 of the coupling pieces 42, the rotation parts of the storage holders do not have a receiving slot 50 for the protrusions 11, such that the push rods 3 cannot rotate around their longitudinal axis when they are placed in the storage holders.

[0058] An advantage of the alternative embodiment of the present invention over the preferred embodiment is that the push rods 3 in stored position are less of an obstacle for the occupant and that the coupling pieces 42 are easier to produce than the coupling pieces 6. A disadvantage of the alternative embodiment compared to the preferred embodiment is that a set of storage holders must be mounted at the rear of the manual wheelchair, which is not possible for every manual wheelchair.

Claims

1. A pushing arrangement (1), arranged for mounting on a manual wheelchair, wherein the pushing arrangement is arranged to push the manual wheelchair in a reverse orientation in a pushing direction over a ground surface, comprising: - two substantially parallel push rods (3), each comprising a handle (12) at a first end thereof; - two coupling pieces (6), each comprising: - a fixation part (7), arranged for mounting the coupling piece on a frame tube section (4) of the manual wheelchair; characterized in that the coupling pieces (6) further comprise: - a rotation part (8), arranged for attaching to one of the two push rods and arranged for rotation around a first rotation axis (R1), wherein the first rotation axis is substantially parallel to the ground surface and perpendicular to the pushing direction; - a locking mechanism (9), arranged for locking the rotation of the rotation part around the first rotation axis in an operating condition, wherein the coupling piece (6) is configured for detachable attachment of one of the two push rods (3) at a second end thereof, and wherein, in the operating condition, each of the two push rods (3) is at an angle with respect to the ground surface.

2. The pushing arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising: - a crossbar, suitable for detachable attachment in between the two push bars, wherein the crossbar is preferably suitable for detachable attachment substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the two push rods.

3. The pushing arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixation part comprises two parts that can be connected with each other, configured to clamp the frame tube section in between, wherein the faces of the two parts that are directed towards each other have a recess, preferably a parabolic recess, such that, when mounted on a frame tube section of the manual wheelchair, the recesses at least partially enclose the frame tube section.

4. The pushing arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the two push rods is equipped with a protrusion at the second end thereof, wherein the protrusion preferably partially extends over the longitudinal direction of each of the two push rods, and wherein the rotation part has a recess, which in shape is substantially equivalent to the protrusion and is configured to receive the protrusion.

5. The pushing arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to be activated in the operating condition by rotating the protrusion around a second rotation axis, being the longitudinal axis of the respective push rod, wherein the rotation angle is preferably larger than 45°, and more preferably around 90°.

6. The pushing arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotation part comprises an end stop to preset a maximum rotation angle of the rotation part around the first rotation axis.

7. The pushing arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotation part is rotatable in discrete steps around the first rotation axis.

8. The pushing arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotation of the rotation part around the first rotation axis is adjustable.

9. The pushing arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the two push rods is adjustable in length by comprising two parts that can slide into each other.

10. The pushing arrangement according to one of the claims 2 through 9, wherein the crossbar is adjustable in length by comprising two parts that can slide into each other.

11. The pushing arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the two handles is configured for rotation around a second rotation axis, and / or a third rotation axis, wherein the third rotation axis is perpendicular to the second rotation axis.

12. The pushing arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the two push rods is equipped with a rubber end cap at a second end thereof.

13. The pushing arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the two push rods is equipped with a mirror, wherein the mirror is detachably attached on at least one push rod.