mobility device for a chair

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mobility device for a chair (2) occupied by a person, in which the mobility is controlled by said person, as well as to the chair (2) equipped with such a device (1). Abstract figure: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Mobility device for a chair

[0001] The object of the present invention relates to a mobility device for a chair occupied by a person, in which the mobility is controlled by said person, as well as the chair equipped with such a device.

[0002] Numerous devices exist to assist and help people with reduced mobility in their movements. In particular, once seated, people with reduced mobility have great difficulty moving around, for example, to position themselves around a table. Indeed, to allow a person to be placed on a chair, the chair is typically set back from a support such as a table. Once seated, the person must move closer while remaining seated in order to position themselves appropriately with their legs under the table and their forearms directly above it. This maneuver requires significant physical effort, especially since sliding the chair across the floor is often very difficult. One solution is to reduce the weight to be slid by raising the legs of the chair further up the slope relative to the direction of movement.This maneuver is always somewhat risky, even when a second person assists the first, because it is crucial to avoid causing the chair and the person seated to tip over. Ideally, this maneuver should be performed with two assistants, positioned on either side of the chair, which implies the presence of two additional people besides the seated person, who must also be in sufficiently good physical condition to carry out the maneuver.

[0003] Numerous devices exist to solve this problem, some of which are complex, as illustrated in US patent 5183133. This patent discloses a set of motorized wheels in which a seat is fixed to a vertical shaft with a single central wheel mounted at the bottom of the shaft, defining a forward direction of movement. A battery and a control unit for powering the wheel's drive motor, which is mounted on the wheel hub, are located on the seat and the shaft. A stabilizer frame includes a sleeve that can slide on the shaft and a plurality of arms extending outward from the sleeve, each arm carrying a caster to prevent the device from tipping. Steering is achieved by the user's feet placed on the stabilizer frame to rotate the seat and the drive wheel around a vertical axis.The motor in a wheel hub design is achieved by providing a cylindrical housing surrounding the motor with annular bearings on the outer peripheral surface of the housing, which carries the wheel rim that directly surrounds the housing. This relatively complex device is strictly dependent on an ali. The electric lift is not adaptable to a chair belonging to the user. One of the risks is therefore that the user may feel aversion towards using this device.

[0004] Thus, kits exist to be adapted to an already existing chair, which helps user compliance for such a device.

[0005] For example, US patent 5772223 discloses an axle bar with wheels and clamps capable of gripping a chair. By tilting the chair backward, it can be easily moved. A comparable solution is described in FR3018174. The problem with such solutions is the need for a second person to be behind the chair to prevent the entire chair-seated assembly from tipping backward.

[0006] US patent 20020144846 discloses a device for assisting in moving an occupied chair to or from a table. The device allows an elderly or disabled person to easily lift the chair on casters and roll it to or from the table by operating a lever with one foot, or a caregiver to push the rear lever to lift and roll the chair. These levers are connected to the axles of the four wheels, the frame of the device, and a connecting rod to form a parallelogram and distribute the weight evenly across all four wheels. While this device allows the chair and seated person to be moved safely by lifting the four legs, it requires the person to find a means of propulsion to perform the movement (for example, by pulling on the table). Therefore, this device requires a certain degree of "lift-pull" coordination to be effective.

[0007] Similarly, US4575113 discloses a kit for attaching a set of wheels to a folding chair, transforming it into a wheelchair. However, once equipped in this way, the chair becomes fully mobile, requiring a braking or wheel-locking system.

[0008] The aim of the invention is therefore to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art in particular by proposing a device that can be fixed to a chair and that allows the chair to be easily moved by the person sitting on it.

[0009] The object of the present invention therefore relates to a mobility device for a chair occupied by a person, said device comprising: - at least one means of attachment suitable for said chair, - at least two wheels, - at least one means for rotating at least one of the wheels, said at least one means of rotation being configurable to rotate in one direction, - a means of at least partially lifting said chair, and - at least one means of actuating said at least one means of rotating said person, such as a lever or an electrical control.

[0010] The advantage of having at least two wheels is to ensure the stability of the chair (in particular the lateral stability of the chair when the wheels are placed parallel to each other on an axle bar whose axis of rotation is perpendicular to the front of the chair) when moving the chair via these wheels.

[0011] By "front of the chair", it is understood in the context of the present invention to mean the side of the chair opposite that of the backrest (back of the chair).

[0012] In the context of the present invention, the term "chair" means a device that allows a person to sit on it, which, lacking the device according to the present invention, does not have its own means of mobility, and fulfills its function as a chair (allowing a person to sit on it). A chair typically comprises a seat (on which the user sits), at least one leg configured to be in contact with the ground and attached to the seat (typically the chair comprises four legs), and optionally a backrest and / or one or two armrests.

[0013] By providing at least one configurable rotation mechanism for unidirectional rotation, the device according to the present invention allows the user to easily control the direction of movement. Indeed, "configurable" here means that the user can engage a mechanism allowing the wheel to rotate only in one direction, which direction of rotation can be chosen by the user.

[0014] In one embodiment, each wheel is linked to such a configurable rotation means to be in unidirectional rotation, making it very easy for the user to control the movements of his chair while limiting the coordination problems caused by other existing devices.

[0015] By "lifting means", in the context of the present invention, means is understood to mean a means for lifting at least a part of the chair, such as one or more feet, from the support on which said chair rests (such as the floor).

[0016] The means for at least partially lifting the chair makes it easier to move the chair, in particular when the means for rotating at least one of the wheels is put into operation.

[0017] Thus, advantageously, the means for at least partially lifting said chair is coupled with the rotation of at least one of the wheels.

[0018] Thus, by coupling the at least partial lifting of said chair with the rotation of at least one of the wheels, the friction induced by the fixed part(s) of the chair with the ground is limited, or even eliminated, which facilitates the movement of the entire device-chair assembly. The coupling also reduces the need for any particular coordination skills on the part of the user (coordination being ensured by the device).

[0019] Advantageously, at least one of the wheels comprises a polygonal shape, configured to at least partially lift said chair from a support when of at least a partial rotation of said at least one wheel comprising a polygonal shape.

[0020] Using a wheel with a salient angle on its tread is indeed a simple way to couple at least a partial lifting of the chair with the rotation of the wheel. In fact, as the wheel rotates, the passage of the salient angle into contact with the ground (or any other support) induces a lifting of the entire chair-device assembly.

[0021] In addition, introducing straight sections into the tread is also a simple way to immobilize the entire device-chair assembly when the straight section of the tread is in contact with the ground (or any other support).

[0022] By "polygonal" shape, it is understood in the context of the present invention to mean a shape having a salient angle, such as a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a rhombus, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, a nonagon, or even a decagon.

[0023] Advantageously, at least one of the wheels comprises a polygonal shape with rounded corners, the wheel(s) being configured to at least partially lift said chair from a support during at least a partial rotation of said at least one wheel comprising a polygonal shape with rounded corners. Indeed, the corners of the polygonal shape are rounded to improve user comfort.

[0024] In a particular embodiment, at least one of the wheels comprises an ovoid shape to induce the entire device-chair assembly to lift when the protruding part of the tread comes into contact with the ground (or any other surface). The advantage of such an ovoid shape is user comfort.

[0025] In a particular embodiment, the wheel has several ovoid sections of the tread allowing a smooth and inherent lifting of the entire device-chair assembly.

[0026] Advantageously, said at least one means of rotation is coupled to a ratchet wheel, the direction of rotation of the acting torque of which is reversible for example by means of a reversing lever.

[0027] The ratchet wheel is indeed a simple means of inducing reversible unidirectional rotation. By way of illustration, this type of device is found, for example, on ratchet wrenches, ratchet screwdrivers, or other tools.

[0028] Advantageously, the device according to the present invention comprises two wheels configurable to be coupled to each other, for example via an axle bar.

[0029] An axle bar is a simple means of transferring the applied torque from one wheel to the other.

[0030] In a particular embodiment, the axle bar is adjustable in length. This is a way to adapt the device to the shape of the chair you wish to equip.

[0031] In a particular embodiment, the axle bar is at least partially disengageable. An axle bar that is at least partially disengageable allows directional control (by locking one wheel and actuating the other in one direction or the other).

[0032] Advantageously, the device according to the present invention comprises two wheels and two independent rotation means, each wheel being independently coupled to one of the two independent rotation means and each independent rotation means being independently configurable to be in unidirectional rotation.

[0033] This is indeed an alternative to allow better control of the orientation of the entire device-chair assembly.

[0034] In a particular embodiment, the device according to the present invention comprises two wheels and two independent rotation means, each wheel being independently coupled to one of the two independent rotation means, each independent rotation means being independently configurable to rotate in one direction, the wheels being further configurable to be coupled to each other, for example via an axle bar, in particular an axle bar that is at least partially disengageable. The user can then actuate one or both of the independent rotation means to move forward or backward in a straight line.

[0035] Advantageously, the device according to the present invention comprises a chassis.

[0036] The chassis makes it possible to stiffen the entire device-chair assembly, while optionally providing support for additional features (for example one or more pocket(s), electric battery(ies), audible alarm(s), various means of attachment, etc.).

[0037] Advantageously, the chassis comprises two bars parallel to each other.

[0038] Advantageously, parallel bars allow, in particular, a frame between the legs of the chair equipped with said device according to the present invention.

[0039] In a particular embodiment, the distance between the two parallel bars is adjustable. This is a means (possibly combined with the length-adjustable axle bar) of adapting the device to the shape of the chair to be fitted.

[0040] In a particular embodiment, the length of at least one of the two parallel bars is adjustable. This is advantageous for adapting the frame to the distance between the legs of the chair to be fitted.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the spacing and the length(s) of the two bars The parallel brackets are adjustable. The advantage may therefore be to facilitate the attachment of the device to chair legs and / or to stiffen the entire device-chair assembly.

[0042] Advantageously, the two parallel bars have means for receiving wheel(s) and / or supporting wheel(s).

[0043] The parallelism of the bars is an advantageous point for having means for receiving wheel(s) and / or support(s) for wheel(s) which will then be easily aligned in the front-back axis of the chair equipped with said device according to the present invention.

[0044] Advantageously, the two parallel bars each have at their ends the means of fixing suitable for a chair, such as clamps, hooks, screws, straps, magnets, and / or suction cups.

[0045] As mentioned above, the parallelism of the bars is advantageous for suitable fixing means opposite the legs of a chair to be equipped.

[0046] Here too, the adjustable spacing and / or length(s) of the two parallel bars are particularly advantageous for facilitating the attachment of the device to chair legs to be equipped.

[0047] An object of the present invention further relates to a kit for equipping a chair which one wishes to make mobile, said kit comprising a device conforming to at least one of the different embodiments described herein.

[0048] An object of the present invention further relates to a chair comprising a device conforming to the above description of the device.

[0049] The following are non-limiting examples of embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0050] [Fig-1] is a perspective representation of the device according to the present invention, attached to a chair.

[0051] [Fig.2] is a perspective representation of the device according to the present invention.

[0052] [Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a perspective representation of a lever as a means of rotation and its reversible fixing system on the rest of the device according to the present invention.

[0053] With reference to [Fig. 1], the device 1 according to the present invention is attached to a chair 2. This device 1 has a first bar 3A parallel to a second bar 3B, each bar 3A, 3B being fixed to said chair 2 by fastening means 4. The first bar 3A includes a first octagonal wheel 5A, and the second bar 3B includes a second octagonal wheel 5B. An axle bar 6 connects the first wheel 5A to the second wheel 5B.

[0054] In [Fig. 1], a first lever 7A comprising a ratchet 8A allows the first wheel 5A to be rotated in one direction only, according to the desired direction. A first guard 9A limits the movements of the first lever 7A. The same mechanism applies to a second lever 7B by allowing the rotation of the second wheel 5B.

[0055] Figure 2 is a perspective view of device 1 according to the present invention. This device 1 has a first bar 3A parallel to a second bar 3B, each bar 3A, 3B having fastening means 4. The first bar 3A includes a first octagonal wheel 5A, and the second bar 3B includes a second octagonal wheel 5B. An axle bar 6 connects the first wheel 5A to the second wheel 5B. A first guard 9A limits the movement of the first lever (not shown). A second guard 9B limits the movement of the second lever (not shown).

[0056] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a first lever 7A adapted to be reversibly attached to a device 1 according to the present invention. The first lever 7A comprises a ratchet system 8A, including a reversible attachment means 10A.

[0057] In [Fig. 3], the device 1 has a first bar 3A comprising fastening means 4, a first octagonal wheel 5A, and a first receiving means 1 IA for reversibly attaching the lever 7A via a reversible attachment means 10 A. The reversible attachment means 10 A is reversibly inserted into the first receiving means 1 IA.

Claims

Claims

1. Device (1) for providing mobility for a chair (2) occupied by a person, said device (1) comprising: - at least one fixing means (4) adapted to said chair (2), - at least two wheels (5A, 5B), - at least one means for rotating at least one of the wheels (5A, 5B), said at least one rotation means being configurable to rotate in one direction, - a means for at least partially lifting said chair (2), and - at least one means for actuating said at least one rotation means by said person, such as a lever (7A, 7B) or an electric control.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for at least partially lifting said chair (2) is coupled with the rotation of at least one of the wheels (5A, 5B).

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one of the wheels (5A, 5B) comprises a polygonal shape, configured to at least partially lift said chair (2) from a support upon at least partial rotation of said at least one wheel (5A, 5B) comprising a polygonal shape.

4. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one rotation means is coupled to a ratchet wheel (8A), the direction of rotation of the acting torque of which is reversible for example by means of a reversing lever.

5. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises two wheels (5A, 5B) configurable to be coupled with each other, for example via an axle bar (6).

6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises two wheels (5A, 5B) and two independent rotation means, each wheel (5A, 5B) being independently coupled to one of the two independent rotation means and each independent rotation means being independently configurable to rotate in one direction.

7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a chassis.

8. Device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the frame comprises two bars parallel to each other.

9. Device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the two parallel bars have means for receiving wheel(s) (5A, 5B) and / or wheel support(s) (5A, 5B).

10. Device (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the two parallel bars each have at their ends the fixing means (4) adapted to a chair (2), such as clamps, hooks, screws, straps, magnets, and / or suction cups.

11. Chair (2) comprising a device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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