Wheelchair jig and wheelchair

Abstract

To provide a wheelchair jig capable of improving safety and convenience related to a use of a wheelchair.SOLUTION: A wheelchair jig (10, 20) includes: a side surface abutment part (11, 21) to be arranged on an outer side part of a footrest member (5) of a wheelchair (100); and a fixing part (12, 22) by which the side surface abutment part is attached to the wheelchair. The side surface abutment part is abutted to a side surface of a foot when the foot placed on the footrest member is moved outward and sideward.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fixture for a wheelchair and a wheelchair.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a footrest member (footrest) for placing the feet of a wheelchair occupant has been installed on a wheelchair. The footrest member is typically a flat plate-like member. During the movement of the wheelchair, the occupant can place their feet on the footrest member to reduce the burden on the feet. Here, it is known that such a footrest member has the following problems. That is, when the feet are moved in the left-right direction, the feet may protrude or fall off the footrest member to the outside in the left-right direction and come into contact with the front wheels.

[0003] In Citation Document 1, a footrest member having a heel portion disposed at a certain angle with respect to the footrest is disclosed at the end portion on the heel side of the footrest. In Citation Document 1, such a heel portion prevents the foot from falling off the footrest member due to the backward movement of the foot.

[0004] Also, in Citation Document 2, a configuration in which a foot fixing tool for fixing the foot to the footrest member is provided is disclosed. This prevents the foot from protruding and falling off the footrest member due to the movement of the foot in the left-right direction and backward direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, with the technology disclosed in Citation Document 1, it is impossible to prevent the protrusion and detachment from the footrest member due to the lateral movement of the foot. Further, with the technology disclosed in Citation Document 2, when a passenger moves from the wheelchair, there is a problem that the foot may be caught and the passenger may fall while the foot is fixed.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a wheelchair jig that can improve the safety and convenience in using a wheelchair.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, a wheelchair jig according to Aspect 1 of the present invention is a wheelchair jig attached to a wheelchair, and is disposed on the outer side of a footrest member for placing the feet of a passenger of the wheelchair. A side contact portion and a fixing portion for attaching the side contact portion to a structural member provided in the wheelchair are provided, and the side contact portion has a structure that contacts the side surface of the foot when the foot placed on the footrest member moves outward.

[0009] According to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the possibility of contact with the front wheels of the wheelchair and detachment from the footrest member due to the outward movement of the passenger's foot. Therefore, the safety in using the wheelchair can be improved.

[0010] Further, by disposing the side contact portion on the outer side of the footrest member, it is possible to prevent the side contact portion from inhibiting the outward rotation of the footrest member during folding of the wheelchair. Therefore, the wheelchair can be folded appropriately. Therefore, the convenience in using the wheelchair can be improved.

[0011] Further, the wheelchair jig does not fix the foot placed on the footrest member. Therefore, in a wheelchair equipped with the wheelchair jig, there is no risk that the foot will be caught and the passenger will fall while trying to move from the wheelchair with the foot fixed. Therefore, the safety in using the wheelchair can be improved.

[0012] In the wheelchair jig according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, in the above Embodiment 1, the fixing portion may detachably attach the side contact portion to a structural member provided in the wheelchair.

[0013] According to the above configuration, the wheelchair jig can be detachably attached to the wheelchair.

[0014] In the wheelchair jig according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, in the above Embodiment 1 or 2, the side contact portion is disposed at a position higher than the movable range of the front wheels of the wheelchair or at a position inside the movable range of the front wheels of the wheelchair.

[0015] According to the above configuration, the side contact portion can be provided at a position where it does not contact the front wheels of the wheelchair.

[0016] In the wheelchair jig according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, in the above Embodiment 1, the side contact portion may have at least one of a planar structure, a structure in which a plurality of rod-shaped members are arranged in the front-rear direction, a lattice structure, and a mesh structure.

[0017] According to the above configuration, the side contact portion can contact not only one location on the side of the foot but also a plurality of locations on the side of the foot in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the possibility of protrusion and dropping from the footrest member due to the lateral movement of the passenger's foot outward can be further reduced.

[0018] The wheelchair jig according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention may further include an auxiliary side contact portion that is connected to a lower portion of the side contact portion and is disposed between the movable range of the front wheels and the footrest member in the above Embodiment 3.

[0019] According to the above configuration, the possibility of contact between the passenger's foot and the front wheels can be reduced. Further, since the auxiliary side contact portion is disposed between the movable range of the front wheels and the footrest member, it does not contact the front wheels.

[0020] In the jig for a wheelchair according to Aspect 6 of the present invention, in the above Aspect 5, the auxiliary side contact portion may have a flat surface extending obliquely downward in the inner direction or a curved surface convex upward from the lower portion of the side contact portion.

[0021] According to the above configuration, while avoiding interference between the auxiliary side contact portion and the front wheel, the possibility of the passenger's foot contacting the front wheel can be reduced.

[0022] In the jig for a wheelchair according to Aspect 7 of the present invention, in any one of the above Aspects 1 to 6, the side contact portion may be fixed by the fixing portion to the frame of the wheelchair that supports the footrest member.

[0023] According to the above configuration, the side contact portion will always be located on the outer side of the footrest member during the folding of the wheelchair. That is, the side contact portion will not contact the structural members provided in the wheelchair, and a situation where the side contact portion inhibits the rotation of the footrest member in the outer direction can be more reliably avoided. Therefore, the wheelchair can be folded appropriately.

[0024] In the jig for a wheelchair according to Aspect 8 of the present invention, in any one of the above Aspects 1 to 6, the side contact portion is connected to the footrest member by the fixing portion, and the fixing portion may include an angle variable portion that makes the connection angle between the side contact portion and the footrest member variable.

[0025] According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the side contact portion from inhibiting the rotation of the footrest member in the outer direction. Therefore, the wheelchair can be folded appropriately.

[0026] In the jig for a wheelchair according to Aspect 9 of the present invention, in any one of the above Aspects 1 to 8, the side contact portion includes a front side contact portion and a rear side contact portion disposed behind the front side contact portion, and the surface of the front side contact portion may be disposed in a state of being open more outward than the surface of the rear side contact portion.

[0027] According to the above configuration, without narrowing the movement range of the passenger's feet, the possibility of contact with the front wheels of the wheelchair and dropping off from the footrest member can be further reduced. Further, since the surface of the front side surface contact portion is arranged in a state of being open outward more than the surface of the rear side surface contact portion, when the passenger gets into the wheelchair, the feet can be appropriately guided from the front outer side toward the rear inner side.

[0028] In the wheelchair jig according to Aspect 10 of the present invention, in any of the above Aspects 1 to 9, the height of the highest portion among the side surface contact portions may be 5 cm or more higher than the height of the highest portion among the footrest members.

[0029] According to the above configuration, the possibility that the passenger's foot rides over the side surface contact portion and drops off from the footrest member can be reduced.

[0030] In the wheelchair jig according to Aspect 11 of the present invention, in any of the above Aspects 1 to 10, a cushioning material may be arranged at a portion of the side surface contact portion where the side surface of the foot abuts.

[0031] According to the above configuration, when the passenger's foot abuts on the side surface contact portion, the burden on the foot can be reduced.

[0032] In order to solve the above problems, a footrest jig for a wheelchair according to Aspect 12 of the present invention is a jig for a wheelchair attached to a wheelchair, and includes a side surface contact portion arranged outside and laterally of a footrest member for placing the feet of a passenger of the wheelchair, a fixing portion for attaching the side surface contact portion to a structural member provided in the wheelchair, and a heel contact portion arranged behind the footrest member. The side surface contact portion abuts against the side surface of the foot when the foot placed on the footrest member moves outward and laterally, and the heel contact portion has a structure that abuts against the heel of the foot when the foot placed on the footrest member moves backward.

[0033] According to the above configuration, the possibility of contact with the front wheels of the wheelchair and dropping off from the footrest member due to the backward movement of the passenger's feet can be reduced.

[0034] In the fixture for a wheelchair according to Aspect 13 of the present invention, in the above Aspect 12, the heel contact portion may have at least one of a planar structure, a structure in which a plurality of rod-shaped members are arranged in the left-right direction, a lattice structure, and a mesh structure.

[0035] According to the above configuration, the heel contact portion can contact not only one location of the heel of the foot but also a plurality of locations of the heel of the foot in the left-right direction. Therefore, the possibility of the foot protruding from and falling off the footrest member due to the backward movement of the passenger's foot can be further reduced.

[0036] In order to solve the above problems, a footrest fixture for a wheelchair according to Aspect 14 of the present invention is a footrest fixture for a wheelchair that is attached to a wheelchair, and includes a footrest member for placing the foot of a passenger of the wheelchair, a side contact portion disposed on the outer side of the footrest member, and a fixing portion for attaching the footrest member or the side contact portion to a structural member provided in the wheelchair. The side contact portion has a structure that contacts the side surface of the foot when the foot placed on the footrest member moves outward.

[0037] In order to solve the above problems, a fixture for a wheelchair according to Aspect 15 of the present invention includes a footrest member for placing the foot of a passenger of the wheelchair, and a side contact portion disposed on the outer side of the footrest member. The side contact portion has a structure that contacts the side surface of the foot when the foot placed on the footrest member moves outward.

Advantages of the Invention

[0038] According to one aspect of the present invention, the safety and convenience related to the use of a wheelchair can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0039]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

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Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0040] 〔Embodiment 1〕 Hereinafter, an embodiment according to one aspect of the present invention (hereinafter, also referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present embodiment described below is merely an exemplification of the present invention in every respect. Needless to say, various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. That is, in carrying out the present invention, a specific configuration according to the embodiment may be appropriately adopted.

[0041] §1 Application Example First, with reference to FIG. 1, an example of a scene where the wheelchair jig 10 is applied will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a wheelchair 100 to which the wheelchair jig 10 according to Embodiment 1 is attached. As shown in FIG. 1, the wheelchair jig 10 is attached to the wheelchair 100 such that the side contact portion 11 is disposed on the outer side of the footrest member 5. The side contact portion 11 has a structure that contacts the side surface of the foot of the passenger placed on the footrest member 5 when the foot moves to the outer side. The side contact portion 11 is, for example, a plate-like member having a first surface 11a extending in the front-rear direction.

[0042] By attaching the wheelchair jig 10 having such a side contact portion 11 to the wheelchair 100, it is possible to reduce the possibility of the footrest member 5 protruding and falling off due to the movement of the passenger's foot to the outer side. Therefore, the safety related to the use of the wheelchair can be improved.

[0043] Further, by disposing the side contact portion 11 on the outer side of the footrest member 5, it is possible to prevent the side contact portion 11 from inhibiting the rotation of the footrest member 5 in the outer direction during the folding of the wheelchair 100. Therefore, the wheelchair 100 can be appropriately folded. Therefore, the convenience related to the use of the wheelchair can be improved.

[0044] Further, the wheelchair fixture 10 does not fix the feet placed on the footrest member 5. Therefore, in the wheelchair 100 with the wheelchair fixture 10 attached, there is no risk that the occupant will be caught by the feet and fall while trying to move from the wheelchair 100 with the feet fixed. Thus, the safety related to the use of the wheelchair can be improved.

[0045] §2 Configuration Example (Schematic Configuration of Wheelchair 100) As shown in FIG. 1, the wheelchair 100 includes a frame 1, a pair of drive wheels 2 (rear wheels), a pair of casters 3 (front wheels), a seat 4, and a footrest member 5 (footrest). The frame 1 is, for example, a plurality of metal pipes. As shown in FIG. 1, the drive wheels 2, casters 3, seat 4, and footrest member 5 are provided on the frame 1. The drive wheels 2 movably support the seat portion on which the occupant of the wheelchair 100 sits. The casters 3 assist in changing the direction of the wheelchair 100. The seat 4 includes a backrest 4a and a seat 4b that constitute the seat portion on which the occupant sits. The seat 4 may include a leg support seat 4c that supports the legs of the occupant. The footrest member 5 is a footrest for placing (supporting) the feet of the occupant. Hereinafter, the forward straight-ahead direction of the wheelchair 100 is defined as the front direction, and the rearward straight-ahead direction is defined as the rear direction.

[0046] The wheelchair 100 can be folded in the left-right direction. The frame 1 has a structure that can be expanded and contracted in the left-right direction. By expanding the frame 1 in the left-right direction, the wheelchair 100 is in the unfolded state, and by folding the frame 1 in the left-right direction, the wheelchair 100 is in the folded state.

[0047] The wheelchair fixture 10 is attached to the wheelchair 100. The wheelchair fixture 10 is detachably attached to the wheelchair 100. Note that the wheelchair fixture 10 is not limited to the wheelchair 100 as shown in FIG. 1, and may be detachably attached to various types of wheelchairs.

[0048] (Configuration of Wheelchair Fixture 10) FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the wheelchair jig 10 when the wheelchair 100 is in the deployed state. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the wheelchair jig 10 when the wheelchair 100 is in the folded state.

[0049] First, the detailed configuration of the footrest member 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. The footrest member 5 is supported by the first frame 1a. In the present embodiment, the first frame 1a extends in the front-rear direction so as to support the seat sheet 4b at both left and right ends in the lateral direction of the seat sheet 4b, and is a frame that curves downward from a position corresponding to the front end of the seat sheet 4b and extends downward.

[0050] The footrest member 5 is provided on a connecting member 6 that connects the lower ends of the left and right first frames 1a. When an inward force is applied to the first frame 1a, the connecting member 6 has a structure that is folded in a mountain fold (see FIG. 3).

[0051] Specifically, the connecting member 6 includes a first connecting member 6a, a second connecting member 6b, a third connecting member 6c, and a fourth connecting member 6d. The first connecting member 6a and the second connecting member 6b are members that extend inward from the lower ends of the left and right first frames 1a, respectively. The third connecting member 6c and the fourth connecting member 6d are rotatably connected to the first connecting member 6a and the second connecting member 6b, respectively, in an upward direction. Further, the third connecting member 6c is rotatably connected to the fourth connecting member 6d in a downward direction. Thereby, when an inward force is applied to the first frame 1a, the connecting member 6 is folded in a mountain fold.

[0052] Also, the footrest member 5 is a flat plate member that is separate for the left and right. The left footrest member 5A is provided above the third connecting member 6c, and the right footrest member 5B is provided above the fourth connecting member 6d. Thereby, when the connecting member 6 is folded in a mountain fold, the left and right footrest members 5A and 5B are folded toward the left and right first frame 1a sides, respectively. Note that the footrest member 5 is not limited to a flat plate member, and may be, for example, a (single or multiple) pipe member that extends in the left-right direction.

[0053] In addition, the configurations of the footrest member 5 and the connecting member 6 of the wheelchair 100 to which the wheelchair jig 10 can be attached are not limited to the above-described configurations. For example, the connecting member provided at the lower end of the left first frame 1a and the connecting member provided at the lower end of the right first frame 1a may be separate bodies. And, footrest members 5 that are separate left and right may be provided for the respective connecting members. Further, only one of the left and right separate footrest members 5 may be attached to the connecting member 6, and the other may not be attached to the connecting member 6.

[0054] Next, the configuration of the wheelchair jig 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the wheelchair jig 10 includes a side contact portion 11 disposed on the outer side of the footrest member 5 and a fixing portion 12 that attaches the side contact portion 11 to a structural member included in the wheelchair 100. The side contact portion 11 has a structure that contacts the side surface of the foot when the foot of the passenger placed on the footrest member 5 moves to the outer side. The side contact portion 11 may have a structure that continuously or intermittently contacts the side surface of the foot in the front-rear direction when the foot of the passenger placed on the footrest member 5 moves to the outer side. Specifically, the side contact portion 11 may have at least one of a planar structure, a structure in which a plurality of rod-shaped members are arranged in the front-rear direction, a lattice structure, and a mesh structure.

[0055] Thereby, the side contact portion 11 can reduce at least the possibility of protrusion and dropping from the footrest member 5 due to the movement of the passenger's foot to the outer side. In addition, since the side contact portion 11 can contact not only one location on the side surface of the foot but also a plurality of locations on the side surface of the foot in the front-rear direction, the possibility of protrusion and dropping can be further reduced. Further, by disposing the side contact portion 11 on the outer side of the footrest member 5, it is possible to avoid a situation where the side contact portion 11 inhibits the rotation of the footrest member 5 in the outer direction during the folding of the wheelchair 100. Therefore, the wheelchair 100 can be folded appropriately. In addition, since the side contact portion 11 is outside the outer end of the footrest member 5, a sufficient movement range (degree of freedom) of the passenger's foot in the left-right direction can be ensured.

[0056] The side contact portion 11 needs to have a sufficient height so that the passenger's foot does not climb up. For example, among the side contact portions 11, the height of the portion with the highest height only needs to be 5 cm or more higher than the height of the portion with the highest height among the footrest members 5. Thereby, the possibility that the passenger's foot climbs over the side contact portion 11 and drops off from the footrest member 5 can be reduced.

[0057] Also, the side contact portion 11 is disposed at a position higher than the movable range of the caster 3 or inside the movable range of the front wheel of the wheelchair. Thereby, the side contact portion 11 does not contact the caster 3 during the folding of the wheelchair 100.

[0058] Also, a cushioning material may be disposed at a portion of the side contact portion 11 where the side of the passenger's foot abuts. Thereby, the burden on the foot when the passenger's foot abuts against the side contact portion 11 can be reduced.

[0059] The side contact portion 11 is, for example, a plate-like member having a first surface 11a extending in the front-rear direction. The first surface 11a is substantially orthogonal to the floor surface, for example. The side contact portion 11 is preferably made of a material with high rigidity.

[0060] In the present embodiment, the side contact portion 11 is fixed to the first frame 1a (that is, the frame 1 of the wheelchair 100 that supports the footrest member 5) by a fixing portion 12. That is, the side contact portion 11 does not move relative to the first frame 1a during the folding of the wheelchair 100. Thereby, the side contact portion 11 will always be located outside the side of the footrest member 5 during the folding of the wheelchair 100. That is, (even if the side contact portion 11 has a height such that the passenger's foot does not climb up,) the side contact portion 11 does not contact the structural members provided in the wheelchair, and a situation where the side contact portion 11 inhibits the rotation of the footrest member 5 in the outer direction can be more reliably avoided. Therefore, the wheelchair 100 can be folded appropriately.

[0061] In this embodiment, it is preferable that the side contact portion 11 does not extend forward beyond the first frame 1a. This can prevent the side contact portion 11 from overly restricting the lateral movement of the front part of the passenger's foot.

[0062] However, when the first frame 1a to which the side contact portion 11 is fixed is near the rear end of the footrest member 5 in the front-rear direction, in order to sufficiently prevent the passenger's foot from protruding and falling off, the side contact portion 11 may extend forward beyond the first frame 1a. In this case, the side contact portion 11 includes a front side contact portion and a rear side contact portion disposed behind the front side contact portion, and the surface of the front side contact portion may be disposed in a state of being open outward from the surface of the rear side contact portion. Thereby, without narrowing the movement range of the passenger's foot, the possibility of protruding and falling off from the footrest member 5 can be further reduced. The front side contact portion is connected, for example, via a hinge to the rear side contact portion so that the front side contact portion rotates outward from a state where it is aligned with the rear side contact portion. The hinge is rotatable around an axis extending in the vertical direction. The front side contact portion may be fixed to the rear side contact portion.

[0063] The fixing portion 12 detachably attaches the side contact portion 11 to a structural member provided in the wheelchair 100. In this embodiment, the fixing portion 12 is a member that surrounds a part of the circumferential direction of the pipe-shaped first frame 1a and joins with the front end of the side contact portion 11 (see FIGS. 2 to 5). The fixing portion 12 is integrally formed with the side contact portion 11. Further, a friction member is disposed on the surface of the fixing portion 12 that surrounds the first frame 1a. By the friction member coming into contact with the first frame 1a, the fixing portion 12 can fix the side contact portion 11 to the first frame 1a. According to such a configuration, the wheelchair jig 10 can be detachably attached to the wheelchair 100. Note that the configuration of the fixing portion 12 is not limited to the above-described configuration. For example, the fixing portion 12 may be a screwing member that screws the side contact portion 11 to the first frame 1a.

[0064] Further, the fixing portion 12 may fix the side contact portion 11 to the second frame 1b. In the present embodiment, the second frame 1b extends in the front-rear direction below a portion of the first frame 1a that supports the seat 4b, and is a frame that connects to a portion of the first frame 1a that extends downward at the front end (see FIG. 1).

[0065] Note that the above-described first frame 1a and / or second frame 1b is an example of an object (structural member of the wheelchair 100) to which the fixing portion 12 attaches the side contact portion 11. The object to which the fixing portion 12 attaches the side contact portion 11 can be appropriately changed according to the structure (type) of the wheelchair 100.

[0066] The wheelchair jig 10 may further include a heel contact portion 13 disposed behind the footrest member 5. The heel contact portion 13 is configured to contact the heel of the foot when the foot placed on the footrest member 5 moves backward. The heel contact portion 13 may be configured to contact the heel of the foot continuously or intermittently in the left-right direction when the foot placed on the footrest member 5 moves backward. Specifically, the heel contact portion 13 may have at least one of a planar structure, a structure in which a plurality of rod-shaped members are arranged in the left-right direction, a lattice structure, and a mesh structure. Thereby, the heel contact portion 13 can reduce the possibility of protrusion and detachment from the footrest member 5 caused by at least the backward movement of the passenger's foot. Further, since the heel contact portion 13 can contact not only one location of the heel of the foot but also a plurality of locations of the heel of the foot in the left-right direction, the possibility of protrusion and detachment can be further reduced. The heel contact portion 13 may be a structure or material that does not impede the folding of the wheelchair 100.

[0067] In this embodiment, the heel contact portion 13 is a band member connected to the rear ends of the left and right side contact portions 11. That is, the heel contact portion 13 has a structure in which, when the foot placed on the foot placement member 5 moves rearward, it continuously contacts the heel of the foot in the left - right direction. The band member is, for example, cloth. The band member may also be an elastic member such as rubber. Thereby, the wheelchair 100 can be folded more compactly. Note that the configuration of the heel contact portion 13 is not limited to the above - described configuration. Other configuration examples of the heel contact portion 13 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17.

[0068] The wheelchair jig 10 may further include an auxiliary side contact portion 14 that is connected to the lower part of the side contact portion 11 and is disposed between the movable range of the caster 3 and the foot placement member 5. The auxiliary side contact portion 14 contacts the foot when the foot placed on the foot placement member 5 moves toward the caster 3. Thereby, the possibility of contact between the passenger's foot and the caster 3 can be reduced. Also, since the auxiliary side contact portion 14 is disposed between the movable range of the caster 3 and the foot placement member 5, it does not contact the caster 3.

[0069] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the wheelchair jig 10 having the auxiliary side contact portion 14. FIG. 5 is a view showing the positional relationship between the auxiliary side contact portion 14 and the movable range of the caster 3. For simplicity, FIGS. 4 and 5 show only the wheelchair jig 10, the foot placement member 5, and the connecting member 6 located on the left side. Also, in FIG. 5, reference numerals 5001, 5002, 5003, and 5004 respectively show an upper perspective view, a side view (viewed from the right side), a front view (viewed from the front), and a top view of the wheelchair jig 10.

[0070] First, the movable range of the caster 3 in the present embodiment will be described. The caster 3 is provided at the lower end of the third frame 1c so as to rotate about the axis of the third frame 1c. In the present embodiment, the third frame 1c is located outside the first frame 1a and the second frame 1b and is a frame that extends in the vertical direction on the rear side of the footrest member 5. The caster 3 is movable so as to draw a circle about the axis of the third frame 1c (see the dotted line at reference numeral 5004 in FIG. 5).

[0071] Next, the configuration of the auxiliary side contact portion 14 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The auxiliary side contact portion 14 is connected to a predetermined portion of the side contact portion 11 in accordance with the movable range of the caster 3. In the present embodiment, the movable range of the caster 3 is located behind the footrest member 5 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the auxiliary side contact portion 14 is connected to the lower portion of the rear end of the side contact portion 11. If the movable range of the caster 3 is located at the central portion of the footrest member 5 in the front-rear direction, the auxiliary side contact portion 14 may be connected to the lower portion at the center of the side contact portion 11 in the front-rear direction.

[0072] Further, the auxiliary side contact portion 14 is a member having a second surface 14a. The second surface 14a is a plane or a convex-upward curved surface (see FIGS. 2 to 5) that extends obliquely downward in the inner direction from the lower portion of the side contact portion 11. More specifically, the second surface 14a of the auxiliary side contact portion 14 is a spherical surface formed in accordance with the surface shape of the caster 3 so as not to contact the caster 3 that rotates within the movable range. Therefore, while avoiding interference between the auxiliary side contact portion 14 and the caster 3, the possibility that the rider's foot contacts the caster 3 can be reduced. The second surface 14a of the auxiliary side contact portion 14 may be, for example, a part of the surface of a cylinder (the surface of a cylinder divided into four parts).

[0073] Also, the second surface 14a of the auxiliary side contact portion 14 may be disposed at a position closer to the footrest member 5 than the caster 3 (see reference numeral 5003 in FIG. 5). Thereby, interference between the auxiliary side contact portion 14 and the caster 3 can be more reliably avoided.

[0074] In addition, since the auxiliary side contact portion 14 is provided below the side contact portion 11, like the side contact portion 11, during the folding of the wheelchair 100, it does not come into contact with the structural members provided in the wheelchair. Therefore, the wheelchair 100 can be folded appropriately.

[0075] (Advantages of the wheelchair jig 10) As described above, the wheelchair jig 10 according to the present embodiment has the side contact portion 11 disposed on the outer side of the footrest member 5, thereby reducing the possibility of protrusion and dropping from the footrest member 5 caused by the movement of the passenger's foot to the outer side. In addition, since the side contact portion 11 can contact not only one location on the side of the foot but also a plurality of locations on the side of the foot in the front-rear direction, the possibility of protrusion and dropping can be further reduced. Therefore, the safety related to the use of the wheelchair can be improved.

[0076] In addition, by disposing the side contact portion 11 on the outer side of the footrest member 5, it is possible to prevent the side contact portion 11 from inhibiting the rotation of the footrest member 5 in the outer direction during the folding of the wheelchair 100. Therefore, the wheelchair 100 can be folded appropriately. Thus, the convenience related to the use of the wheelchair can be improved.

[0077] In addition, the wheelchair jig 10 does not fix the foot placed on the footrest member 5. Therefore, in the wheelchair 100 to which the wheelchair jig 10 is attached, there is no risk that the passenger will be caught by the foot and fall while trying to move from the wheelchair 100 with the foot fixed. Therefore, the safety related to the use of the wheelchair can be improved.

[0078] 〔Embodiment 2〕 Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below. For the sake of convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as the members described in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0079] (Configuration of the wheelchair jig 20) FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a wheelchair jig 20 when the wheelchair 100 according to Embodiment 2 is in the deployed state. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the wheelchair jig 20 when the wheelchair 100 according to Embodiment 2 is in the folded state. Instead of the wheelchair jig 10 according to Embodiment 1, the wheelchair jig 20 may be attached to the wheelchair 100.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the wheelchair jig 20 includes a side contact portion 21 disposed on the outer side of the footrest member 5 and a fixing portion 22 that attaches the side contact portion 21 to a structural member provided in the wheelchair 100. Similar to the side contact portion 11 according to Embodiment 1, the side contact portion 21 is configured to contact the side surface of the foot of the passenger placed on the footrest member 5 when the foot moves outwardly.

[0081] In the present embodiment, the side contact portion 21 is connected to the footrest member 5 by the fixing portion 22, and the fixing portion 22 includes an angle variable portion 221 that makes the connection angle between the side contact portion 21 and the footrest member 5 variable. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the side contact portion 21 from hindering the rotation of the footrest member 5 in the outward direction. Therefore, the wheelchair 100 can be folded appropriately.

[0082] The angle variable portion 221 connects the side contact portion 21 and the footrest member 5 such that the footrest member 5 rotates with respect to the side contact portion 21 in a range where the connection angle is smaller than the connection angle in the deployed state. The angle variable portion 221 may connect the side contact portion 21 and the footrest member 5 so that the connection angle does not become larger than the connection angle in the deployed state. Thereby, when the foot of the passenger contacts the angle variable portion 221, it is possible to prevent the angle variable portion 221 from rotating outward. For example, the connection angle in the deployed state is about 90°. Here, the connection angle is the upper angle among the angles formed by the first surface 21a of the side contact portion 21 and the surface of the footrest member 5.

[0083] FIG. 8 is a view showing the side contact portion 21 and the fixing portion 22. FIG. 9 is a view showing a state where the wheelchair jig 20 is fixed to the footrest member 5 of the wheelchair 100. Reference numerals 8001, 8002, 8003, and 8004 in FIG. 8 respectively show a side view, a front view, an upper perspective view, and a top view of the wheelchair jig 10. Reference numerals 9001, 9002, and 9003 in FIG. 9 respectively show a side view, an upper perspective view, and a lower perspective view of the wheelchair jig 10. The configuration of the fixing portion 22 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0084] The fixing portion 22 detachably attaches the side contact portion 21 to a structural member provided in the wheelchair 100. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the fixing portion 22 has a clip portion 222 that sandwiches the footrest member 5. Specifically, the clip portion 222 includes a flat plate portion 223 and a clamping portion 224. The clip portion 222 has a substantially U-shaped configuration, with one side of the clip portion 222 being the flat plate portion 223 and the other side being the clamping portion 224. The clamping portion 224 has a shape that approaches the lower surface of the flat plate portion from the base end to the tip of the flat plate portion, and elastically deforms in a direction away from the lower surface of the flat plate portion. The clip portion 222 is attached to the footrest member 5 such that the flat plate portion 223 is placed on the footrest member 5 and the footrest member 5 is sandwiched between the flat plate portion 223 and the clamping portion 224. At this time, the flat plate portion 223 functions as a footrest on which the occupant places their feet.

[0085] The flat plate portion 223 of the clip portion 222 attached to the footrest member 5 may cover the footrest member 5 in a top view (see reference numeral 9001 in FIG. 9). Thereby, the clip portion 222 can be attached to the footrest member 5 without narrowing the movement range of the occupant's feet on the footrest member 5.

[0086] A part of the clamping portion 224 attached to the footrest member 5 (the tip in an example shown in FIG. 9) may have a contact portion 224a that contacts the lower surface of the footrest member 5 in parallel. Further, a friction member may be provided on the contact portion 224a. Thereby, the clip portion 222 is less likely to shift with respect to the footrest member 5.

[0087] The angle variable part 221 is, for example, a spring hinge that rotatably connects the side contact part 21 to the flat plate part 223 of the clip part 222 that sandwiches the footrest member 5. The spring hinge is rotatable around an axis extending in the front-rear direction. The spring hinge is fixed to the surface of the flat plate part 223 and the first surface 21a of the side contact part 21 by screwing or the like. Thus, when an external force of a predetermined magnitude or more is applied to the footrest member 5 with respect to the side contact part 21, the spring hinge rotates, and the connection angle between the side contact part 21 and the footrest member 5 changes.

[0088] When the angle variable part 221 is a spring hinge, the side contact part 21 and the footrest member 5 are folded as follows. That is, during the folding of the wheelchair 100, the side contact part 21 rotates toward the first frame 1a side together with the footrest member 5 and contacts the first frame 1a. At this time, the rotation of the side contact part 21 is restricted by the first frame 1a. However, since an external force of a predetermined magnitude or more is applied to the footrest member 5 with respect to the side contact part 21 and the spring hinge rotates, the rotation of the footrest member 5 is maintained. That is, the footrest member 5 rotates with respect to the side contact part 21 so that the connection angle between the side contact part 21 and the footrest member 5 becomes smaller. As described above, the side contact part 21 and the footrest member 5 can be folded without the side contact part 21 inhibiting the outward rotation of the footrest member 5.

[0089] The first surface 21a of the side contact part 21 may extend from behind the first frame 1a to in front of the first frame 1a. Thereby, during the folding of the wheelchair 100, the central portion in the front-rear direction of the side contact part 21 contacts the first frame 1a. Therefore, the rotation of the side contact part 21 is appropriately restricted by the first frame 1a. The side contact part 21 may be a single plate-like member or may be composed of a plurality of plate-like members. Further, when the side contact part 21 is composed of a plurality of plate-like members, any one of the plurality of plate-like members may be movable in the front-rear direction with respect to the other plate-like members. Thereby, the length of the side contact part 21 in the front-rear direction can be adjusted.

[0090] Note that the method of connecting the side contact portion 21 and the footrest member 5 is not limited to this. For example, a structure in which one hinge is connected to the side contact portion 21 and the other is fixed to the footrest member 5 by screwing or the like may be used.

[0091] Similar to the wheelchair jig 10 according to the first embodiment, the wheelchair jig 20 may further include a heel contact portion 13 disposed behind the footrest member 5. Further, similar to the wheelchair jig 10 according to the first embodiment, the wheelchair jig 20 may further include an auxiliary side contact portion 14 connected to the lower portion of the side contact portion 11 and disposed between the movable range of the caster 3 and the footrest member 5.

[0092] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the auxiliary side contact portion 14 of the wheelchair jig 20 and the movable range of the caster 3. Reference numerals 10001, 10002, 10003, and 10004 in FIG. 10 respectively show a side view, an upper perspective view, a top view, and a front view of the wheelchair jig 20. As shown in FIG. 10, the auxiliary side contact portion 14 is connected to the lower portion of the rear end of the side contact portion 11 extending rearward of the footrest member 5 in accordance with the movable range of the caster.

[0093] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the side contact portion 21. Reference numerals 11001, 11002, 11003, and 11004 in FIG. 11 respectively show a side view, an upper perspective view, a top view, and a front view of the wheelchair jig 20. As shown in FIG. 11, the side contact portion 21 includes a front side contact portion 211 and a rear side contact portion 212 disposed behind the front side contact portion. The surface of the front side contact portion 211 may be disposed in a state where it is open outward from the surface of the rear side contact portion 212. Thereby, the possibility of protruding and falling off from the footrest member 5 can be further reduced without narrowing the movement range of the passenger's foot. The front side contact portion 211 is connected to the rear side contact portion 212 via a hinge 213 so that the front side contact portion 211 rotates outward from a state where it is aligned with the rear side contact portion 212 in a straight line. The hinge 213 is rotatable around an axis extending in the vertical direction.

[0094] FIG. 12 is a top view showing a state in which the wheelchair 100 with the wheelchair jig 20 shown in FIG. 11 is being folded. FIG. 13 is a front view showing a state in which the wheelchair 100 with the wheelchair jig 20 shown in FIG. 11 is being folded. Reference numerals 12001 to 12003 in FIG. 12 and reference numerals 13001 to 13003 in FIG. 13 sequentially show the transition from the unfolded state to the folded state.

[0095] In the unfolded state, the front side surface contact portion 211 is open outward and is in contact with the first frame 1a. Here, when an external force in the inner direction is applied to the frame 1, the side surface contact portion 21 and the footrest member 5 rotate toward the first frame 1a side. At this time, the front side surface contact portion 211 that was in contact with the first frame 1a in the unfolded state closes inward as the side surface contact portion 21 rotates. Further, when the side surface contact portion 21 and the footrest member 5 rotate toward the first frame 1a side, the front side surface contact portion 211 is fixed at a position where it is aligned with the rear side surface contact portion 212 by closing completely. As a result, the inward force applied from the first frame 1a to the front side surface contact portion 211 is also applied to the rear side surface contact portion 212, and the rotation of the rear side surface contact portion 212 is restricted by the first frame 1a. That is, the rotation of the side surface contact portion 21 is restricted by the first frame 1a. On the other hand, since an external force greater than a predetermined magnitude is applied to the footrest member 5 with respect to the side surface contact portion 21 and the spring hinge rotates, the rotation of the footrest member 5 is maintained. As described above, even when the side surface contact portion 21 includes the front side surface contact portion 211 and the rear side surface contact portion 212 and the front side surface contact portion 211 is open outward in the unfolded state, the front side surface contact portion 211 closes inward as the footrest member 5 rotates outward. Therefore, the side surface contact portion 21 and the footrest member 5 can be folded without the side surface contact portion 21 hindering the outward rotation of the footrest member 5.

[0096] (Advantages of the wheelchair jig 20) As described above, the wheelchair jig 20 according to the present embodiment has a side surface contact portion 21 disposed on the outer side of the footrest member 5, and thus exhibits the same effects as the wheelchair jig 10 according to Embodiment 1.

[0097] (Modification example) The wheelchair fixtures 10 and 20 (footrest fixtures for wheelchairs) may further include a footrest member 5, and the footrest member 5 may be detachable from the wheelchair 100. In this case, the wheelchair 100 has a structure for detachably attaching the footrest member 5. Further, each member of the wheelchair fixtures 10 and 20 may be provided on the wheelchair 100.

[0098] 〔Embodiment 3〕 Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0099] In the present embodiment, another example of the heel contact portion different from the above-described heel contact portion 13 will be described. As the heel contact portion of the wheelchair fixture 10, the following-described heel contact portions 13A and 13B may be employed instead of the heel contact portion 13.

[0100] (Configuration example of the heel contact portion 13A) FIGS. 14 and 15 are views showing another example (i.e., the heel contact portion 13A) of the heel contact portion of the wheelchair fixture 10, which is different from the examples shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Reference numerals 14001, 14002, and 14003 in FIG. 14 respectively show a top view, a front view, and a side view of the heel contact portion 13A in the unfolded state. Reference numerals 15001, 15002, and 15003 in FIG. 15 respectively show a top view, a front view, and a side view of the heel contact portion 13A in the folded state. In FIGS. 14 and 15, for simplicity, only the footrest member 5, the side contact portion 11, and the heel contact portion 13A are illustrated.

[0101] The heel contact portion 13A is a comb-shaped member extending inward from the rear ends of the left and right side contact portions 11. That is, the heel contact portion 13A extends inward from the rear ends of the left and right side contact portions 11 and includes a plurality of (four in the example shown in FIGS. 14 and 15) rod-shaped members 131A arranged alternately along the vertical direction (see reference numeral 14002 in FIG. 14 and reference numeral 15002 in FIG. 15). The rod-shaped members 131A extend to the vicinity of the intermediate portion in the left-right direction of the left and right side contact portions 11.

[0102] The heel contact portion 13A may be fixed to the side contact portion 11, or may be fixed to any part of the wheelchair 100, specifically, any one of the first frame 1a, the second frame 1b, the third frame 1c, and the footrest member 5. The heel contact portion 13A may be integrally formed with the side contact portion 11. The heel contact portion 13A may extend in a direction orthogonal to the side contact portion 11 (see reference numeral 14001 in FIG. 14 and reference numeral 15001 in FIG. 15), or may be curved rearward in accordance with the shape of the heel.

[0103] According to such a configuration, since the heel contact portion 13A has a structure in which a plurality of rod-shaped members 131A are arranged in the left-right direction, it is possible to reduce the possibility of protrusion and detachment from the footrest member 5 due to the rearward movement of the passenger's foot. Further, during the folding of the wheelchair 100, the plurality of rod-shaped members 131A move inward so as not to interfere with each other, so that the heel contact portion 13A has a structure that does not hinder the folding of the wheelchair 100. Further, a heel contact portion can be formed by a simple structure in which rod-shaped members are attached to the rear ends of the left and right side contact portions 11 in a comb-like shape.

[0104] (Configuration example of the heel contact portion 13B) FIGS. 16 and 17 are diagrams showing still another example (that is, the heel contact portion 13B) of the heel contact portion of the wheelchair jig 10. Reference numerals 16001, 16002, and 16003 in FIG. 16 respectively show a top view, a front view, and a side view of the heel contact portion 13B in the unfolded state. Reference numerals 17001, 17002, and 17003 in FIG. 17 respectively show a top view, a front view, and a side view of the heel contact portion 13B in the folded state. In FIGS. 16 and 17, for simplicity, only the footrest member 5, the side contact portion 11, and the heel contact portion 13B are shown.

[0105] The heel contact portion 13B includes left and right flat plate members 131B that extend inward from the rear ends of the left and right side contact portions 11, respectively. The flat plate members 131B are curved forward at their inner ends (see reference numeral 16001 in FIG. 16 and reference numeral 17001 in FIG. 17). The flat plate members 131B extend to near the intermediate portions of the left and right side contact portions 11 in the left-right direction.

[0106] The heel contact portion 13B is connected to the side contact portion 11 via a hinge 132B such that the flat plate member 131B rotates in the front side direction from a state perpendicular to the side contact portion 11. The hinge 132B is rotatable about an axis extending in the vertical direction.

[0107] According to such a configuration, since the heel contact portion 13B has a planar structure extending in the left-right direction, the possibility of protrusion and detachment from the footrest member 5 due to the rearward movement of the passenger's foot can be reduced. Further, during the folding of the wheelchair 100, the curved portions of the left and right flat plate members 131B in the forward direction contact each other, so that the left and right flat plate members 131B rotate forward and are stored below the footrest member 5 (see reference numeral 17001 in FIG. 17). That is, the heel contact portion 13B has a structure that does not hinder the folding of the wheelchair 100. Further, compared with the heel contact portion 13A, when the heel contact portion 13B is adopted, the wheelchair 100 can be folded more compactly.

[0108] (Modification example) Note that, as the heel contact portion of the wheelchair jig 20, the heel contact portions 13A and 13B described later may be employed instead of the heel contact portion 13. When the orientation of the first surface 21a of the side contact portion 21 with respect to the floor surface is maintained (for example, maintained vertically) during folding of the wheelchair 100, the heel contact portions 13A and 13B described above can be employed as the heel contact portion of the wheelchair jig 20. Further, as described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, even when the side contact portion 21 falls onto the first frame 1a during folding of the wheelchair 100, the heel contact portions 13A and 13B having a configuration that can be stored in consideration of the inward inclination caused by the falling of the side contact portion 21 may be employed. For example, with respect to an example of the heel contact portion 13A shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a heel contact portion 13A in which the vertical interval between the rod-shaped members 131A is widened may be employed. Alternatively, a heel contact portion 13B having a structure in which the left and right flat plate members 131B inclined inward rotate forward may be employed.

[0109] (Supplementary Note) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0110] 1 Frame 1a First Frame (frame of the wheelchair that supports the footrest member) 3 Caster (front wheel) 5 Footrest Member 10, 20 Wheelchair Jig 11, 21 Side Contact Portion 12, 22 Fixing Portion 13, 13A, 13B Heel Contact Portion 14 Auxiliary Side Contact Portion 221 Angle Variable Portion 100 Wheelchair 211 Front Side Contact Portion 212 Rear Side Contact Portion

Claims

1. A fixture for a wheelchair that is attached to a wheelchair, a side contact portion disposed on the outer side of a footrest member for placing the feet of the passenger of the wheelchair, and a fixing portion for attaching the side contact portion to a structural member provided in the wheelchair, wherein the side contact portion has a structure that contacts the side surface of the foot when the foot placed on the footrest member moves outwardly. A fixture for a wheelchair.

2. The fixture for a wheelchair according to claim 1, wherein the fixing portion detachably attaches the side contact portion to a structural member provided in the wheelchair.

3. The fixture for a wheelchair according to claim 1, wherein the side contact portion is disposed at a position higher than the movable range of the front wheels of the wheelchair or at a position inside the movable range of the front wheels of the wheelchair.

4. The fixture for a wheelchair according to claim 1, wherein the side contact portion has at least one of a planar structure, a structure in which a plurality of rod-shaped members are arranged in the front-rear direction, a lattice structure, and a mesh structure.

5. The fixture for a wheelchair according to claim 3, further comprising an auxiliary side contact portion connected to the lower portion of the side contact portion and disposed between the movable range of the front wheels and the footrest member.

6. The fixture for a wheelchair according to claim 5, wherein the auxiliary side contact portion has a flat surface or a curved surface convex upward extending obliquely downward in the inner direction from the lower portion of the side contact portion.

7. The fixture for a wheelchair according to claim 1, wherein the side contact portion is fixed by the fixing portion to a frame of the wheelchair that supports the footrest member.

8. The side contact portion is connected by the fixing portion to the footrest member, and the fixing portion includes an angle variable portion that makes the connection angle between the side contact portion and the footrest member variable. The fixture for a wheelchair according to claim 1.

9. The side contact portion includes a front side contact portion and a rear side contact portion disposed behind the front side contact portion, and the surface of the front side contact portion is disposed in an open state outside the surface of the rear side contact portion. The fixture for a wheelchair according to claim 1.

10. The height of the highest portion of the side contact portion is 5 cm or more higher than the height of the highest portion of the footrest member. The fixture for a wheelchair according to claim 1.

11. A buffer material is disposed at a portion of the side contact portion where the side surface of the foot contacts. The fixture for a wheelchair according to claim 1.

12. A fixture for a wheelchair that is attached to a wheelchair, a side contact portion disposed on the outer side of a footrest member for placing the feet of a passenger on the wheelchair, a fixing portion that attaches the side contact portion to a structural member provided in the wheelchair, a heel contact portion disposed behind the footrest member, and the side contact portion contacts the side surface of the foot when the foot placed on the footrest member moves outwardly laterally, the heel contact portion has a structure that contacts the heel of the foot when the foot placed on the footrest member moves rearward, a fixture for a wheelchair.

13. The fixture for a wheelchair according to claim 12, wherein the heel contact portion has at least one of a planar structure, a structure in which a plurality of rod-shaped members are arranged in the left-right direction, a lattice structure, and a mesh structure.

14. A footrest fixture for a wheelchair that is attached to a wheelchair, a footrest member for placing the feet of a passenger on the wheelchair, a side contact portion disposed on the outer side of the footrest member, a fixing portion that attaches the footrest member or the side contact portion to a structural member provided in the wheelchair, and the side contact portion has a structure that contacts the side surface of the foot when the foot placed on the footrest member moves outwardly laterally, a footrest fixture for a wheelchair.

15. a footrest member for placing the feet of a passenger on a wheelchair, a side contact portion disposed on the outer side of the footrest member, and the side contact portion has a structure that contacts the side surface of the foot when the foot placed on the footrest member moves outwardly laterally, a wheelchair.

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