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 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 subject 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] Many 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, for example to position themselves around a table. Indeed, to allow a person to be placed on a chair, this chair is typically moved back in relation to a support such as a table. Once seated on their chair, the person must move closer while remaining on their chair in order to position themselves appropriately with their legs under the table and their forearms in line with the table. This maneuver requires significant physical effort, in particular because sliding the chair on the floor is often very difficult. One solution consists of relieving the weight to be slid by raising the legs of the chair upstream relative to the direction of movement.This maneuver is always a little risky, even when a second person comes to the aid of the first, because it is important not to cause the chair-seated person assembly to tip over. Ideally, this maneuver should be carried out by two assistants, positioned on either side of the chair, which implies the presence of two people in addition to the seated person, who must also be in sufficiently good physical condition to carry out the maneuver.

[0003] Many devices exist to solve this problem, some are complex as illustrated in document US5183133. This document discloses a motorized wheel assembly in which there is a seat attached to a vertical shaft with a single central wheel mounted at the bottom of the shaft defining a forward direction of movement. On the chair and on the shaft are a battery and a control unit to power the wheel drive motor mounted on the wheel hub. A stabilizer frame includes a sleeve slidable on the shaft and a plurality of arms extending outwardly from the sleeve, each arm carrying a caster to prevent the device from tipping over. Steering is achieved by the user's feet applied to the stabilization frame to rotate the chair and the drive wheel about 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 carrying the wheel rim which directly surrounds the housing. This relatively complex device is strictly dependent on a power supply. The electrical power supply is not adaptable to a chair belonging to the user. One of the risks is therefore that the user may feel aversion to using this device.

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

[0005] For example, document US5772223 discloses an axle bar with wheels and clamps that can grip a chair. By tilting the chair backward, the chair can be easily moved. A comparable solution is described in FR3018174. The problem with such solutions is the need for a second person behind the chair so that the chair-seated person assembly does not tip backward.

[0006] Document US20020144846 discloses a device to assist 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 for 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 place the weight on all four wheels at the same time. While this device allows the chair-seated person assembly to be safely moved by lifting all four feet, it requires the person to find a motor means to perform the movement (for example by pulling on the table). This device therefore requires a certain amount of "lift-pull" coordination to be effective.

[0007] Similarly, document US4575113 discloses a kit for attaching a set of wheels to a folding chair, to make it a wheelchair. However, the chair, once thus equipped, becomes completely mobile, requiring a brake or wheel locking system.

[0008] The aim of the invention is therefore to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art, in particular by proposing a device which can be fixed to a chair and which makes it possible to make this chair easily movable by the person sitting on it.

[0009] The subject 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 for rotating 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 rotation by 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 the chair is moved via these wheels.

[0011] By "front of the chair" is meant in the context of the present invention the side of the chair opposite that of the backrest (rear of the chair).

[0012] By "chair" is meant in the context of the present invention a device allowing a person to sit on it which, without the device according to the present invention, does not include its own means of mobility, and fulfills its function as a chair (allowing a person to sit on it). A chair thus typically comprises a seat (where 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 rotation means configurable to rotate in one direction, the device according to the present invention allows the user to easily control the direction of movement. Indeed, by "configurable", it is understood here that the user can engage a means 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 rotation means configurable 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" is meant in the context of the present invention a means for lifting at least a portion of the chair, such as one or more legs, of the chair relative to 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 it, 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 device-chair assembly. The coupling also reduces the need for particular coordination skills of the user (the 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 partial rotation of said at least one wheel comprising a polygonal shape.

[0020] Using a wheel with a protruding angle on the wheel tread is indeed a simple way to couple at least a partial lifting of said chair with the rotation of said wheel. Indeed, while the wheel rotates, the passage of the protruding angle in contact with the ground (or any other support) induces a lifting of the device-chair assembly.

[0021] Furthermore, introducing straight sections into the rolling belt is also a simple way of immobilizing the device-chair assembly when the straight section of the rolling belt is in contact with the ground (or any other support).

[0022] By "polygonal" shape, it is understood in the context of the present invention, 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 upon at least 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 a lifting of the device-chair assembly when the projecting part of the rolling strip comes into contact with the ground (or any other support). The advantage of such an ovoid shape is comfort of use.

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

[0026] Advantageously, said at least one rotation means is coupled to a ratchet wheel and pawl, 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 a reversible unidirectional rotation. As an 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 with each other, for example via an axle bar.

[0029] An axle bar is a simple way to transfer 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 morphology of the chair you wish to equip.

[0031] In a particular embodiment, the axle bar is at least partially disengageable. An at least partially disengageable axle bar 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 rotate in one direction.

[0033] This is indeed an alternative to allow better control of the orientation of the 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 with 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 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 frame makes it possible to stiffen the device-chair assembly, while optionally providing support for additional features (for example one or more pockets, electric battery(ies), audible warning device(s), various fixing means(s), etc.).

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

[0038] Advantageously, the parallel bars make it possible to obtain 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 spacing between the two parallel bars is adjustable. This is a means (possibly cumulative with the axle bar adjustable in length) to adapt the device to the morphology of the chair that one wishes to equip.

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

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the spacing and length(s) of the two bars parallels are adjustable. The interest may therefore be to facilitate the fixing of the device to the legs of the chair to be equipped and / or to stiffen the device-chair assembly.

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

[0043] The parallelism of the bars is an advantageous point for having means for receiving wheel(s) and / or wheel support(s) which will then be easily aligned in the front-rear 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 fixing means adapted to 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 fixing means adapted 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 the legs of the chair to be equipped.

[0047] An object of the present invention further relates to a kit for equipping a chair that it is desired to make mobile, said kit comprising a device in accordance with at least one of the different embodiments described herein.

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

[0049] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended 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 attachment system on the rest of the device according to the present invention.

[0053] With reference to [Fig.l], 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 fixing means 4. The first bar 3A comprises a first wheel 5A of octagonal shape, and the second bar 3B comprises a second wheel 5B also octagonal. An axle bar 6 connects the first wheel 5A to the second wheel 5B.

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

[0055] [Fig. 2] is a perspective representation of the 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 fixing means 4. The first bar 3A comprises a first wheel 5A of octagonal shape, and the second bar 3B comprises a second wheel 5B also octagonal. An axle bar 6 connects the first wheel 5A to the second wheel 5B. A first guard 9A makes it possible to limit the movements of the first lever (not shown). A second guard 9B makes it possible to limit the movements of the second lever (not shown).

[0056] [Fig. 3] is a perspective representation 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, comprising a reversible attachment means 10A.

[0057] In [Fig. 3], the device 1 has a first bar 3A comprising fixing means 4, a first octagonal-shaped 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 inserted reversibly 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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