Wheelchair - vehicle mounting apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a wheelchair-vehicle, e.g. scooter, mounting apparatus for barrier-free mobility.

Description

[0001] WHEELCHAIR - VEHICLE MOUNTING APPARATUS

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a wheelchair-vehicle, e.g. scooter, mounting apparatus for barrier-free mobility.

[0004] State of the Art

[0005] Today, people with disabilities face many problems related to transportation in social life. The first of these problems is the problems encountered with the use of wheelchairs during transportation.

[0006] With the new developing technology, individuals without disabilities easily meet their transportation needs by using electric scooter vehicles. However, it is not possible for people with disabilities to use any scooter-like vehicle and to connect their wheelchairs to these vehicles in order to make their transportation more comfortable and faster.

[0007] Although there are battery-powered chairs used today to increase the urban mobility of the physically disabled, the prices of these chairs are very high. Due to the cost, volume and poor maneuverability of battery-powered wheelchairs, people with disabilities experience transportation and mobility problems. Due to such problems, the social lives of people with disabilities are affected and lead to problems such as detachment from social life.

[0008] In order to increase the mobility of people with disabilities and to enable them to use scooters and similar vehicles based on the sharing economy, they need to be connected to the scooter with an additional apparatus.

[0009] In the state of the art, the disabled individual needs someone else's help with the connection elements prepared in advance for their personal mobility or they have to connect a high weight and non-portable motor-front wheel system to the wheelchair. For mounting alone, it is necessary to make an arm-jumping movement over the rear wheel or to ask for help from another person. In another solution, various apparatus are fixed to the wheelchair to provide the connection, but in this case, the folding feature of the chair is lost. As a result, although there are primitive studies today, in these systems, either as much muscle strength as the disabled individual can lift the chair or a second individual is needed to do this process.

[0010] All the problems mentioned above have made it necessary to make an innovation in the relevant field as a result.

[0011] Brief Description and Objects of the Invention

[0012] The main object of the invention is to provide an apparatus structure that allows people with disabilities to connect their wheelchairs, which they use alone, to any scooter without the need for anyone.

[0013] The invention is intended to enable individuals with physical disabilities to connect to electric scooters, which are becoming widespread today, with the help of the apparatus designed, and to break the connection whenever they want, while using their basic wheelchairs that cost less.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to eliminate the problem of loss of maneuverability caused by the contact of wheelchairs with the ground after the scooter-wheelchair connection is provided.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide a connection apparatus that can be adjusted according to the scooters of different sizes and / or features.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to provide a more accessible solution than battery-powered wheelchairs by integrating existing scooters and wheelchairs.

[0017] A connection apparatus is used to realize the above objects. The connection apparatus comprises at least one, preferably two, connection boxes to be fixed to the wheelchair. An intermediate arm is bedded in said connection box in a way that it is parallel to the floor and rotatable. A main arm is preferably connected to said intermediate arm perpendicular to the axis of the intermediate arm. When the main arm is pushed or pulled, the intermediate arm rotates on its axis. When the wheelchair is positioned on the scooter, the lower part of the arm is in contact with the base of the scooter by pushing the main arm, and accordingly, the front wheels of the wheelchair are not in contact with the ground by pushing up the front part of the wheelchair through the contact connection box and the intermediate arm taken by the main arm from the base.

[0018] In an embodiment of the invention, said main arm is arranged as multi-part, preferably telescopic multi-part, and accordingly, the user can adjust the main arm length depending on their position and the type of mobility used.

[0019] In an embodiment of the invention, said intermediate arm is arranged as multi-part, preferably telescopic multi-part, and accordingly, the user can adjust the distance between the connection poles depending on the type of mobility used.

[0020] Definitions of Figures Describing the Invention

[0021] The figures and related descriptions used to better explain the device developed by this invention are as follows.

[0022] Figure 1. An isometric image of the connection apparatus of the invention.

[0023] Figure 2. A schematic image of the wheelchair- attachment apparatus and scooter.

[0024] Figure 2a. An image of Figure 2 with the wheelchair and scooter connecting to each other with the attachment apparatus.

[0025] Figure 3. An isometric image showing the assembly of the attachment apparatus of Figure 1. Figure 3a. An isometric image showing an alternative embodiment of the base connection. Figure 3b. Another image showing an alternative embodiment of the base connection.

[0026] Figure 3c. Another image showing an alternative embodiment of the base connection.

[0027] Figure 4. A side view of the wheelchair on the vehicle.

[0028] Figure 5. A different view of the wheelchair on the vehicle.

[0029] Figure 6. Separate views of the wheelchair and the vehicle.

[0030] Figure 7. Separate views of the wheelchair and the vehicle from a different angle. Definitions of Components / Pieces / Parts of the Invention

[0031] In order to better explain the apparatus developed by this invention, the parts and pieces in the figures are numbered and the corresponding numbers are given below.

[0032] 1. Attachment apparatus

[0033] 10. Chair connection

[0034] 10a. Connection part

[0035] 11. Connection slot

[0036] 12. Intermediate arm slot

[0037] 20. Intermediate arm

[0038] 20a. Intermediate arm part

[0039] 21. Intermediate arm adjustment element

[0040] 30. Main arm

[0041] 30a. Main arm part

[0042] 30b. Adjustment extension

[0043] 31. Adjustment opening

[0044] 32. Main arm adjustment element

[0045] 33. Holding element

[0046] 33a. Primary extension

[0047] 33b. Secondary extension

[0048] 34. Holding adjustment element

[0049] 35. Handle

[0050] 40. Front connection element

[0051] 41. Front plate

[0052] 42. Front connection opening

[0053] 50. Base connection element

[0054] 51. Body

[0055] 52. Side wall

[0056] 53. Base connection opening

[0057] 100. Vehicle

[0058] 101. Base 102. Steering column

[0059] 103. Vehicle wheel

[0060] 104. Groove

[0061] S. Wheelchair

[0062] T. Wheel

[0063] R. Axis of rotation

[0064] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0065] The subject matter of the invention relates to a wheelchair (S) - vehicle (100) mounting apparatus (1) for barrier-free mobility.

[0066] Here, the vehicle (100) is preferably a structure comprising a base (101) with vehicle wheels (103), a base (101) having vehicle wheels (103), a steering column (102) arranged vertically on the base (101) or at least close to the vertical on the base (101) and in which the handlebar is connected or provided as a monolith, and at least one motor (not shown in the figures) to provide movement. The vehicle is preferably a scooter, especially an electric scooter.

[0067] Referring to Figure 1, said mounting apparatus (1) comprises at least one preferably two chair connections (10). The chair connection (10) allows the mounting apparatus (1) to be fixed to the wheelchair (S). It comprises at least one connection slot (11) to provide said connection. Preferably, the connection slot (11) is provided in the form of a channel extending through the chair connection (10), and the shafts provided on said wheelchair (S) pass through these channels.

[0068] There is an intermediate arm slot (12) on the chair connection (10). The intermediate arm slot (12) enables an intermediate arm (20) to be connected to the chair connection (10) in a rotational way on an axis of rotation (R). Preferably, it may comprise a bearing. Preferably, the intermediate arm slot (12) is provided in the form of a channel extending through the chair connection (10) and said intermediate arm (20) passes through these channels. If two chair connections (10) are used, said intermediate arm (20) is rotationally connected to both chair connections (10). Here, the use of two chair connections is advantageous in terms of wheelchair (S) and intermediate arm (20) balance.

[0069] A main arm (30) is fixedly connected to said intermediate arm (20). One end of the main arm (30) is positioned and sized so that the user can push and pull, and the other end is in contact with the base (101) of the vehicle (100) in its vertical position. The intermediate arm (20) rotates in two directions depending on whether the user pushes or pulls the main arm (30).

[0070] Referring to Figures 2 and 2a, when the wheelchair (S) is positioned behind the vehicle (100), the user pulls the main arm (30) according to them and accordingly, the intermediate arm (20) rotates on the axis of rotation (R) and the distance between the far end of the main arm (30) and the ground is increased. Thus, the distal end of the main arm (30) is prevented from contacting the base (101) while the wheelchair (S) moves on the vehicle (100).

[0071] When the wheel and chair (S) are on the vehicle (100), the user pushes the main arm (30) in the direction of the arrow seen in Figure 2, allowing the far end of the arm (30) to contact the base (101) of the vehicle (100). Here, during the process of the user's pushing movement, the position of the main arm (30) changes from its position in Figure 2 to its position in Figure 2a, and during this change period, the wheelchair (S) moves in the direction of the rotating arrow in Figure 2a, while the front wheels (T) of the wheelchair (S) move away from the ground by moving in the direction of the linear arrow in Figure 2a.

[0072] After the front wheel (T) is separated from the floor, the user fixes the position of the wheelchair (S) and the vehicle (100) relative to each other by means of at least one connection element.

[0073] Thus, the user connects the vehicle (100) and the wheelchair (S) without any third-party support.

[0074] Accordingly, a mounting apparatus (1) comprises a chair connection (10) comprising at least one connection slot (11) to be fixedly connected to the wheelchair (s) and an intermediate arm slot (12) that enables an intermediate arm (20) to be rotationally connected on its axis, an intermediate arm (20) connected to a said intermediate arm slot (12) on its axis of the intermediate arm (20), a main arm (30) connected to said intermediate arm (30) to disconnect the ground contact of the front wheels (t) by pushing the wheelchair (s) by contacting the base (101) of the vehicle (100) when the other end) is pushed by the user, and at least one connection element for connecting said main arm (30) to the vehicle (100).

[0075] It has been previously stated that the mounting apparatus (1) is fixed with the vehicle (100) by means of a connection element. The connection element is configured to connect the vehicle (100) to the wheelchair (S) to the base (101) of the vehicle (100) or the steering column (102) of the vehicle (100).

[0076] Preferably, the mounting apparatus (1) comprises two connection elements to provide fixation on both the base (101) of the vehicle (100) and the steering column (102) of the vehicle (100).

[0077] Referring to Figure 1, a base connection element (50) is used as the connection element that connects through the base (101). The base connection element (50) preferably comprises a plate body (51) to be placed on the surface of the base (101) when said main arm (30) is in the position in Figure 2a. Preferably, there are base connection openings (53) on the plate body (51) that allow the body (51) to be screwed to the base (101).

[0078] In an embodiment, the body (51) also comprises side walls (52) surrounding the side surfaces of the base (101). If the base (101) is suitable, the base connection openings (53) are arranged on the surface or at least on one of the side walls (52).

[0079] Alternatively, the connection element is selected as a base connection element (50) provided at the end or end of the main arm (30) and arranged to be placed in a groove (O) on the base, as can be seen in Figure 3a. For this embodiment, a groove (O) on the base (101) is essential. If the base (101) does not contain a groove (O), a structure that will provide said groove (O) is connected on the base (101). Here, the slot with the groove (O) is fixed on the base (101) by means of a velcro tape or fixing belt or by welding.

[0080] A front connection element (40) is used as the connection element that connects the vehicle (100) through the steering column (102). The front connection element (40) can be the main arm (30) and any connection element that connects said vehicle (100) to the steering column (102) when the wheelchair (S) is in the position in Figure 2a. Preferably, the connection between the front connection element (40) and the steering column (102) is carried out by using screws or belts.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the front connection element (40) comprises at least one preferably two front plates (41). There is a connection opening (42) on these plates, preferably in the form of a slit. A belt vehicle (100) passed through the connection openings provides the connection of the steering column (102) to the main arm (30) by passing around the steering column (102).

[0082] Said main arm (30) is arranged in an adjustable way so that it can be adjusted according to the comfort of the user or the length of the base (101) of the vehicle (100) to be connected. Here, the main arm (30) preferably comprises at least two main arm parts (30a), one of which is relatively and telescopically movable within the other.

[0083] When said arm parts (30a) are placed in the appropriate position for the desired length of the main arm (30), the length of the main arm adjustment element (32), which is passed through an adjustment opening (31) on the arm parts (30a), is fixed. Here, the single adjustment opening (31) in the form of multiple adjustment openings (31), or a longitudinal slit is used to adjust the length of the main arm (30).

[0084] In addition, a holding element (33) can be provided on the main arm (30) for the user to easily grasp the main arm (30). The element (33) also comprises a handle (35). Preferably, the handle (35) is made of plastic and the rest of the holding element (33) is made of metal, especially steel.

[0085] Said holding element (33) comprises the primary extension (33a) and the secondary extension (33b) perpendicular to each other. In addition, the main arm (30) also comprises an adjustment extension (30b) provided perpendicular to the rest of the main arm (30a). Said primary extension (33a) is connected to the handle (35), while the secondary extension (33b) is positioned on the adjustment extension (30b). There are multiple openings on said secondary extension (33b) and the adjustment extension (30b). When the secondary extension (33b) and the adjustment extension (30b) are brought to the desired position with respect to each other, they are fixed to each other by means of the holding adjustment element (34) passed through the openings. The openings mentioned herein are alternatively provided in the form of a longitudinal slit.

[0086] Referring to Figure 1, if two chair connections (10) are used, the length of said intermediate arm (20) should be provided in accordance with the width of the mounting apparatus (1). For this reason, an adjustable intermediate arm (20) is arranged with the invention. Here, the intermediate arm (20) preferably comprises at least two intermediate arm parts (20), one of which is relatively and telescopically movable within the other.

[0087] When said intermediate arm parts (20a) are placed in the appropriate position for the desired length of the intermediate arm (20), the length of the intermediate arm adjustment element (21), which is passed through the openings on the intermediate arm parts (20a), is fixed. Here, the single opening in the form of multiple openings or a longitudinal slit is used to adjust the length of the intermediate arm (20).

[0088] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said chair connection (10) comprises at least two connection parts (10a) that can be attached and detached from each other. Each of said connection parts (10a) comprises at least part of the connection slots (11), that is, when said connection parts (10a) are connected to each other, the connection slot (11) is formed. Thus, the chair connection (10) can be established by combining the connection parts (10a) on the appropriate part of said wheelchair (S).

[0089] Preferably, said intermediate arm slot (12) is provided on only one of the connection parts (10a), unlike the connection slot (11).

[0090] In a preferred embodiment, said chair part (10) is made of metal and / or plastic, especially polylactic acid (PLA). Choosing metal provides a stronger structure, while choosing plastic provides a lighter structure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A mounting apparatus (1) for connection of the wheelchair (S) - vehicle (100), characterized in that it comprises the following:A chair connection (10) comprising at least one connection slot (11) to be fixedly connected to the wheelchair (S) and an intermediate arm slot (12) that enables an intermediate arm (20) to be rotationally connected on its axis,An intermediate arm (20) connected to said intermediate arm slot (12) on the axis of the intermediate arm (20),A main arm (30) connected to said intermediate arm (20) to interrupt the ground contact of the front wheels (T) by pushing the wheelchair (S) so that, when pushed by the user at one end, the other end contacts the base (101) of the vehicle (100); and at least connection element for connecting said main arm (30) to the vehicle (100).

2. A mounting apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said connection element (1) is a base connection element (50) configured to connect the main arm (30) to the base (101) of the vehicle (100).

3. A mounting apparatus (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said base connection element (50) is a plate body (51) to fit on the base (101).

4. A mounting apparatus (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said base connection element (50) comprises base connection openings (53) for getting fixed to the base (101).

5. A mounting apparatus (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said base connection element (50) is shaped and dimensioned to fit in a groove (O) provided on the base (101).

6. A mounting apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a slot for being fixed to said base (101).

7. A mounting apparatus (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that said slot comprises a velcro tape or fixing belt for fixing to the base (101).

8. A mounting apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said connection element (1) is a front connection element (40) configured to connect the main arm (30) to the vehicle (100) steering column (102).

9. A mounting apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the front connection element (40) comprises at least one front plate (41) and a connection opening (42) provided on said front plate (41).

10. A mounting apparatus (1) according to any one of preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least two connection elements.

11. A mounting apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said main arm (30) comprises at least two main arm parts (30a) that can move relatively to each other.

12. A mounting apparatus (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that said main arm parts (30a) are telescopically associated with each other.

13. A mounting apparatus (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that it comprises at least one adjustment opening (31) on the surfaces of said main arm parts (30a) and at least one main arm adjustment element (32) to pass through the adjustment opening (31) to fix the positions of the main arm parts (30a) relative to each other.

14. A mounting apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a holding element (33) with at least one handle (35).

15. A mounting apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the position of said holding element (33) on the main arm (30) is configured to be adjustable.

16. A mounting apparatus (1) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that it comprises an adjustment extension (30b) connected to said main arm (30) and arranged at an angle with respect to said main arm (30), and multiple openings for positioning said holding element (33) on said adjustment extension (30b) and for fixing said adjustment extension(30b), and at least one holding adjustment member (34) to be positioned in any of said openings.

17. A mounting apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises two chair connections (10) and said intermediate arm (20) being rotatably connected to both said chair connections (10).

18. A mounting apparatus (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that said intermediate arm (20) comprises at least two intermediate arm parts (20a) that can move relatively to each other.

19. A mounting apparatus (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that said intermediate arm parts (20a) are telescopically associated with each other.

20. A mounting apparatus (1) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that it comprises at least one intermediate adjustment opening on the surfaces of the intermediate arm parts (20a) and at least one intermediate adjustment element (21) to pass through the intermediate adjustment opening to fix the positions of the intermediate arm parts (30a) relative to each other.

21. A mounting apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 17, characterized in that said chair connection (10) comprises at least two connection parts (10a) that form the connection slot when combined.

22. A mounting apparatus (1) according to claim 21, characterized in that said connection parts (10a) are attachable and detachable from each other.

23. A mounting apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1, 17, 21 or 22, characterized in that said chair part (10a) is made of metal and / or plastic.

24. A mounting apparatus (1) according to claim 23, characterized in that said chair part (10a) is made of polylactic acid.

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