Rolling chassis including a retractable swivel system, mobile seat including such a rolling chassis

Abstract

Rolling chassis comprising a retractable swivel system, mobile seat comprising such a rolling chassis. The invention relates to a rolling chassis comprising a rigid structure (12), two unidirectional rear wheels (14), two omnidirectional front wheels, and a retractable swivel system (20) connected to the rigid structure (12) and configured to occupy a retracted state in which the retractable swivel system (20) is away from the ground and the rear wheels (14) are in contact with the ground, and an extended state in which the retractable swivel system (20) is in contact with the ground and the rear wheels (14) are no longer in contact with the ground. This configuration provides the rolling chassis with improved maneuverability. Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Rolling chassis comprising a retractable pivoting system, mobile seat comprising such a rolling chassis

[0001] The present application relates to a rolling support comprising a retractable pivoting system and to a mobile seat comprising such a rolling chassis.

[0002] According to one embodiment, a mobile seat adapted for a person with a disability comprises a molded shell providing optimal support for the person's pelvis and spine, as well as a rolling chassis. The latter comprises a rigid structure, two unidirectional rear wheels, and two omnidirectional front wheels. This type of rolling chassis is not entirely satisfactory because its maneuverability is not optimal, particularly when passing through a doorway.

[0003] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0004] For this purpose, the invention relates to a rolling chassis comprising a rigid structure, two unidirectional rear wheels and two omnidirectional front wheels.

[0005] According to the invention, the rolling chassis includes a retractable pivoting system connected to the rigid structure and configured to occupy a retracted state in which the retractable pivoting system is away from the ground and the rear wheels are in contact with the ground, and a deployed state in which the retractable pivoting system is in contact with the ground and the rear wheels are no longer in contact with the ground.

[0006] This retractable pivoting system makes it possible to reduce the turning radius of the rolling chassis, which provides it with better maneuverability.

[0007] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of the invention, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0008] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a rolling chassis illustrating one embodiment of the invention,

[0009] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of part of a rolling chassis and a retractable pivoting system illustrating an embodiment of the invention, the retractable pivoting system being in the retracted state,

[0010] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of the rolling chassis part and the retractable pivoting system visible in [Fig.2], the retractable pivoting system being in the deployed state,

[0011] [Fig.4] is a side view of a retractable pivoting system illustrating a mode of realization, in its retracted state,

[0012] [Fig.5] is a side view of the retractable pivoting system visible in [Fig.4] in its deployed state,

[0013] [Fig.6] is a side view of an upper part of a telescopic leg of the system of retractable pivot visible on [Fig.4],

[0014] [Fig.7] is a side view of a first connecting rod of the pivoting system retractable, visible on [Fig.4],

[0015] [Fig.8] is a side view of a second connecting rod of the retractable pivoting system visible in [Fig.4],

[0016] [Fig.9] is a front view of a lower part of a telescopic leg of the system of retractable pivot visible on [Fig.4],

[0017] [Fig. 10] is a side view of the lower part of the telescopic foot visible in [Fig.9].

[0018] According to an embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, a rolling chassis 10 comprises a rigid structure 12, two unidirectional rear wheels 14, and two omnidirectional front wheels 16. The rear wheels 14 are configured to roll in one direction of travel and have aligned axes of rotation positioned in a rear transverse plane perpendicular to the direction of travel. The front wheels 16 are connected to the rigid structure 12 by links having pivot axes A16 positioned in a front transverse plane perpendicular to the direction of travel.

[0019] The rigid structure 12 comprises at least one substantially horizontal cross member 18, offset upwards from the ground and positioned in a pivoting transverse plane located between the front and rear transverse planes. In one configuration, the pivoting transverse plane is spaced from the rear transverse plane by a first distance and from the front transverse plane by a second distance at least twice the first distance.

[0020] The rolling chassis 10 is not further described as it may be identical to those of the prior art. According to one application, a mobile seat adapted for a person with a disability comprises a molded shell and a rolling chassis 10.

[0021] The rolling chassis 10 includes a retractable pivoting system 20 connected to the rigid structure 12, more particularly to the cross member 18. According to one arrangement, the retractable pivoting system 20 is located equidistant from the rear wheels 14. This retractable pivoting system 20 is configured to occupy a retracted state, visible in Figures 2 and 4, in which the retractable pivoting system 20 is away from the ground and the rear wheels 14 are in contact with the ground, as well as a deployed state, visible in figures 3 and 5, in which the retractable pivoting system 20 is in contact with the ground and the rear wheels 14 are no longer in contact with the ground.

[0022] According to an embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, the retractable pivoting system 20 comprises: a. A telescopic foot 22, comprising upper and lower parts 24, 26 sliding relative to each other, movable between a first position, visible in [Fig.4], corresponding to the retracted state and a second position, visible in [Fig.5], corresponding to the deployed state, b. a fastening system 28 configured to connect the upper part 24 to the rigid structure 12 (more particularly to the cross member 18), c. a skate 30 connected to the lower part 26 and configured to bear against the ground in the deployed state, d. a control 32 allowing control of the position of the upper and lower parts 24, 26 of the telescopic foot 22.

[0023] According to a non-limiting embodiment given by way of example, visible in [Fig. 6], the upper part 24 of the telescopic leg 22 extends between first and second ends 24.1, 24.2 and comprises a first section 24T1 extending from the first end 24.1 and a second section 24T2 cooperating with the lower part 26 of the telescopic leg 22 and extending from the first section 24T1 to the second end 24.2. In one configuration, the first section 24T1 has a prismatic cross-section (in particular, square or rectangular). The second section 24T2 has a circular cross-section.

[0024] According to a non-limiting embodiment given by way of example, visible in [Fig.3], the fastening system 28 comprises a sleeve 28.1 integral with the cross member 18 and in which the first section 24T1 of the upper part 24 of the telescopic foot 22 can slide, as well as a fastening 28.2, such as a pressure screw, configured to immobilize the first section 24T1 relative to the sleeve 28.1.

[0025] According to a non-limiting embodiment given by way of example, visible in Figures 9 and 10, the lower part 26 of the telescopic foot 22 extends between first and second ends 26.1, 26.2 and comprises a tubular section 34 which opens at the first end 26.1 and in which slides the second section 24T2 of the upper part 24 of the telescopic foot 22 as well as a plate 36 integral with the tubular section 34 and located at the second end 26.2. According to one arrangement, the lower part 26 comprises at least one reinforcement 38 connecting the tubular section 34 and the plate 36.

[0026] Of course, the invention is not limited to these embodiments for the upper and lower parts 24, 26 and the fastening system 28. Alternatively, the lower part 26 could slide within a tube of the upper part 24. Whatever the In this embodiment, the upper and lower parts 24, 26 cooperate with each other so as to slide relative to each other in a sliding direction.

[0027] According to a simplified embodiment, the skate 30 is rigidly connected to the plate 36. In this case, when the retractable pivoting system 20 is in the deployed state, the skate 30 pivots relative to the ground.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the retractable pivoting system 20 comprises a pivoting joint 40 connecting the skate 30 and the plate 36 of the lower part 26 of the telescopic leg 22, allowing the skate 30 to pivot relative to the lower part 26 of the telescopic leg 22 along a pivot axis A40 substantially parallel to the sliding direction. By way of example, the pivoting joint 40 comprises at least one ball bearing interposed between the skate 30 and the plate 36. According to this preferred embodiment, when the retractable pivoting system 20 is in the deployed state, the skate 30 in contact with the ground is stationary. Only the rest of the retractable pivoting system 20 pivots relative to the skate 30 and the ground. In this case, the skate 30 may be made of a material offering strong adhesion to the ground, limiting the risk of slippage.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the retractable pivoting system 20 comprises at least one elastic element 42 configured to maintain the upper and lower parts 24, 26 in the first position corresponding to the retracted state. In one configuration, the elastic element 42 is a band of elastic material stretched between first and second anchor points 42.1, 42.2 attached respectively to the upper and lower parts 24, 26.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the control 32 is a foot control configured to move the upper and lower parts 24, 26 from the first position to the second position and to hold them in the second position corresponding to the deployed state against the elastic element 42.

[0031] According to one configuration, the control 32 comprises a first connecting rod 44 which extends between first and second ends 44.1, 44.2, a second connecting rod 46 which extends between first and second ends 46.1, 46.2, a first pivoting link 48.1 connecting the first end 44.1 of the first connecting rod 44 and the upper part 24 of the telescopic foot 22, a second pivoting link 48.2 connecting the first end 46.1 of the second connecting rod 46 and the lower part 26 of the telescopic foot 22 as well as a third pivoting link 48.3 connecting the second ends 44.2, 46.2 of the first and second connecting rods 44, 46; the first, second and third pivoting links 48.1, 48.2, 48.3 having pivot axes parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the sliding direction.

[0032] The control 32 includes a toggle locking system configured to occupy a locked state in which the upper and lower parts 24, 26 are locked in the second position corresponding to the deployed state, and an unlocked state in which the upper and lower parts 24, 26 can move from the first position to the second position and vice versa. The first and second connecting rods 44, 46, as well as the first, second, and third pivot joints 48.1, 48.2, are arranged and dimensioned to obtain the toggle locking system.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the upper part 24 comprises a clevis 50, integral with the first section 24T1, which supports the first pivoting joint 48.1. The lower part 26 comprises a clevis 52, integral with the tubular section 34 and close to its second end 26.2, which supports the second pivoting joint 48.2.

[0034] To obtain a toggle locking system, the first and second pivot links 48.1, 48.2 are sufficiently spaced from the upper and lower parts 24, 26 so that in the locked state, visible in [Fig.5], the third pivot link 48.3 is positioned between the upper and lower parts 24, 26 and a straight line DD passing through the pivot axes of the first and second pivot links 48.1, 48.2, while in the unlocked state, the third pivot link 48.3 is further spaced from the upper and lower parts 24, 26 than the straight line DD.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the control 32 includes a pedal 54 attached to the first connecting rod 44. This pedal 54 is configured to allow a foot to push it towards the upper and lower parts 24, 26 until the third pivot joint 48.3 is positioned between the upper and lower parts 24, 26 and the straight line DD. This pedal 54 is also configured to allow a foot to pull it away from the upper and lower parts 24, 26.

[0036] According to one configuration, the retractable pivoting system 20 comprises two parallel elastic material bands positioned on either side of the first and second connecting rods 44, 46, the first and second anchor points 42.1, 42.2 being coincident with the first and second pivoting links 48.1, 48.2.

Claims

Demands

1. Rolling chassis (10) comprising a rigid structure (12), two unidirectional rear wheels (14) and two omnidirectional front wheels (16), characterized in that the rolling chassis (10) comprises a retractable pivoting system (20) connected to the rigid structure (12) and configured to occupy a retracted state in which the retractable pivoting system (20) is away from the ground and the rear wheels (14) are in contact with the ground and a deployed state in which the retractable pivoting system (20) is in contact with the ground and the rear wheels (14) are no longer in contact with the ground.

2. Rolling chassis (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the retractable pivoting system (20) comprises: a. a telescopic foot (22) having upper and lower parts (24, 26) sliding in a sliding direction relative to each other between first and second positions corresponding respectively to the retracted and deployed states, b. a fastening system (28) configured to connect the upper part (24) to the rigid structure (12), c. a skid (30) connected to the lower part (26) and configured to bear against the ground in the deployed state, d. a control (32) enabling control of the position of the upper and lower parts (24, 26) of the telescopic foot (22).

3. Rolling chassis (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the control (32) comprises a toggle locking system configured to occupy a locked state in which the upper and lower parts (24, 26) are locked in the second position corresponding to the deployed state and an unlocked state in which the upper and lower parts (24, 26) can move from the first position to the second position and vice versa.

4. Rolling chassis (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the control (32) comprises first and second connecting rods (44, 46), a first pivoting linkage (48.1) connecting the first connecting rod (44) and the upper part (24) of the foot telescopic (22), a second pivoting link (48.2) connecting the second connecting rod (46) and the lower part (26) of the telescopic foot (22), and a third pivoting link (48.3) connecting the first and second connecting rods (44, 46); the first, second and third pivot joints (48.1, 48.2, 48.3) having pivot axes parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the sliding direction, the first and second pivot joints (48.1, 48.2) being sufficiently spaced from the upper and lower parts (24, 26) so that in the locked state the third pivot joint (48.3) is positioned between the upper and lower parts (24, 26) and a straight line (DD) passing through the pivot axes of the first and second pivot joints (48.1, 48.2) while in the unlocked state, the third pivot joint (48.3) is more spaced from the upper and lower parts (24, 26) than the line (DD) passing through the pivot axes of the first and second pivot links (48.1, 48.2).

5. Rolling chassis (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the retractable pivoting system (20) includes at least one elastic element (42) configured to maintain the upper and lower parts (24, 26) in the first position corresponding to the retracted state.

6. Rolling chassis (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the elastic element (42) is a strip of elastic material stretched between first and second anchor points (42.1, 42.2) attached respectively to the upper and lower parts (24, 26).

7. Rolling chassis (10) according to claims 4 and 6, characterized in that the retractable pivoting system (20) comprises two parallel elastic material bands positioned on either side of the first and second connecting rods (44, 46), the first and second anchoring points (42.1, 42.2) being coincident with the first and second pivoting links (48.1, 48.2).

8. Rolling chassis (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the retractable pivoting system (20) comprises a pivoting linkage (40) connecting the skate (30) and the lower part (26) of the telescopic foot (22) and allowing the skate (30) to pivot relative to the lower part (26) of the telescopic foot (22) according to 8 a pivot axis (A40) substantially parallel to the sliding direction.

9. Rolling chassis (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retractable pivoting system (20) is located equidistant from the rear wheels (14).

10. Mobile seat comprising a rolling chassis (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images