Wheelchair knee support assembly

Abstract

The wheelchair knee support assembly 1 comprises a knee support 3. The knee support 3 includes a base bracket assembly 3a attached to a wheelchair 21, a first harness holder 3b having a lower part connected to the base bracket assembly 3a at a first side of the base bracket assembly 3a, a second harness holder 3c having a lower part connected to the base bracket assembly 3a at a second side of the base bracket assembly 3a, and a flexible harness 3d connected to and extending between the first harness holder 3b and the second harness holder 3c. The flexible harness 3d supports the knee. The first harness holder 3b / second harness holder 3c are releasably connected to the base bracket assembly 3a, and the flexible harness is movable laterally relative to the base bracket assembly 3a. The leg can be positioned between the base bracket assembly 3a and the flexible harness 3d.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to wheelchairs.

Background Art

[0002] A wheelchair may include a knee support for supporting a user's knees and lower legs. This is useful both when the user is sitting in the wheelchair and when the user takes a standing position in a wheelchair having vertical standing ability. By supporting and maintaining the knees / legs in place, thereby maintaining the user's lower body in place, it has a beneficial effect on the user's general posture and health in both sitting and standing positions, as well as in the forward tilt position.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a knee support system incorporated in a mobile device. The knee support system includes at least two oppositely positioned knee supports configured to be connected to a member of the mobile device. The knee supports have a disengaged position where the knee supports rotate laterally and an engaged position where the knee supports harness the user's legs.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The solution disclosed in Patent Document 1 appears to be difficult to engage and unlock, especially for users with certain physical disabilities. Furthermore, the seat widens considerably when the knee support rotates laterally. In addition, although the knee support has a pad on top of a rigid bracket, if the pad eventually wears out or becomes hardened due to compression, it can cause significant discomfort to the user due to insufficient performance.

[0006] The general objective of this disclosure is to provide a wheelchair knee support assembly that solves or at least mitigates the problems of the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Accordingly, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a knee support assembly for a wheelchair is provided. The knee support assembly comprises a knee support, the knee support comprising a base bracket assembly configured to be mounted on a wheelchair, a first harness holder having a lower portion connected to the base bracket assembly at a first lateral side of the base bracket assembly, a second harness holder having a lower portion connected to the base bracket assembly at a second lateral side of the base bracket assembly, and a flexible harness connected to and extending between the first and second harness holders. The flexible harness is arranged to provide knee support. At least one of the first and second harness holders is releasably connected to the base bracket assembly, thereby allowing the flexible harness to be moved laterally relative to the base bracket assembly, thereby enabling placement or removal of a leg between the base bracket assembly and the flexible harness.

[0008] Flexible harnesses reduce the load on the user's knees and upper lower legs due to their mechanical flexibility and their suspended position. The harness structure also allows the flexible harness to be easily folded to the side when the user gets in and out of a wheelchair or simply wants to release the knee support assembly. Furthermore, flexible harnesses are even easier to handle due to their lower weight, as they offer self-alignment towards the knees and lower legs for the harness-type design.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the knee support is a first knee support. The knee support assembly comprises a second knee support. The second knee support comprises a base bracket assembly configured to be attached to a wheelchair, a first harness holder having a lower part connected to the base bracket assembly at a first side of the base bracket assembly, a second harness holder having a lower part connected to the base bracket assembly at a second side of the base bracket assembly, and a flexible harness connected to and extending between the first and second harness holders. The flexible harness is arranged to provide knee support. At least one of the first and second harness holders is releasably connected to the base bracket assembly, thereby allowing the flexible harness to be moved laterally relative to the base bracket assembly, thereby enabling the positioning or removal of the leg between the base bracket assembly and the flexible harness.

[0010] The base bracket assemblies of the first and second knee supports may be two different base bracket assemblies, or they may be a single common base bracket assembly. Furthermore, the first and second harness holders may be connected to a single member (single part) of the base bracket assembly, or they may be connected to separate members of the base bracket assembly.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the first knee support is the right knee support, and the second knee support is the left knee support. According to one embodiment, for each of the right and left knee supports, the first harness holder is an outer harness holder, and the second harness holder is an inner harness holder.

[0012] According to one embodiment, each internal harness holder is releasably connected to its respective base bracket assembly. According to one embodiment, for each of the first and second knee supports, both the first harness holder and the second harness holder are releasably connected to their respective base bracket assemblies.

[0013] According to one embodiment, for each knee support, at least one of a first harness holder and a second harness holder, which are releasably connected to a base bracket assembly, is provided with a locking mechanism configured to releasably lock the harness holder to the base bracket assembly.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a spring-loaded element configured to engage with a base bracket assembly, and a release member configured to disengage the spring-loaded element from the base bracket assembly. Thus, the knee support can be secured and unsecured with reduced effort on the user's part.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the spring load element is a pivotable element that engages with the base bracket assembly by pivoting due to being biased by spring tension.

[0016] According to one embodiment, for each knee support, the flexible harness is provided with a user-adjustable adjustment system configured to adjust the size and / or tightness of the flexible harness.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the adjustment system comprises an external knob and a wire connected to the external knob and already positioned inside the flexible harness. The external knob is configured to adjust the tightness of the flexible harness by adjusting the length of the wire by rotating, pushing, or pulling the external knob, thereby causing an adjustment in the distance between opposing ends of the flexible harness configured to be connected to a first harness holder and a second harness holder, respectively.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the adjustment system includes a connecting strap comprising a first strap piece and a second strap piece. Each strap piece is configured to connect to a first harness holder and a second harness holder, respectively. One of the strap pieces is configured to slide axially relative to the other strap piece. The adjustment system includes a main strap connected to and extending between the first and second strap pieces. The main strap has an excess length relative to the minimum distance between the first and second strap pieces. The first strap piece is connected to an external knob. The main strap is connected to a wire. The length of the wire determines the distance between the two strap pieces, and therefore the distance between the opposing ends of the flexible harness.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the flexible harness includes a substrate in which a slot is provided for the strap piece of the connecting strap. According to one embodiment, the adjustment system includes a binding system or tightening straps for adjusting the size or tightness of a flexible harness.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the adjustment system is a fine adjustment system that provides fine adjustments to the distance. The knee support assembly includes a coarse adjustment system that provides coarse adjustments to the distance.

[0021] Each flexible harness is pivotally connected to a first harness holder and a second harness holder. Thus, each flexible harness is adapted to self-align / self-adjust and provides a relatively equal pressure across the skin surface through a pivoting motion.

[0022] According to one example, each flexible harness includes a pad. According to one example, each flexible harness has an outer cover and a pad under the outer cover. The pad is configured to adapt to the user's knees and / or lower limbs with a desired softness and elasticity and thus in a comfortable manner. In another example, the outer cover itself is configured to provide a desired comfort by adapting the thickness and elasticity of the outer cover.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a wheelchair is provided that includes the knee support assembly of the first aspect. One embodiment includes a legrest assembly, and each base bracket assembly is attached to the legrest assembly.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the wheelchair includes a seat system having a forward tilt and / or a standing ability. Alternatively, the wheelchair may have a seat system without a tilting or standing ability.

[0025] In general, all terms used in the claims should be construed according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "an / a / the element, apparatus, component, means", etc. should be construed openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0026] Herein, specific embodiments of the concept of the present invention are described by reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0027] [Figure 1] Perspective view of an example of a knee support assembly for a wheelchair. [Figure 2] A posterior perspective view of the knee support assembly shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Rectal view of the knee support assembly in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 3. [Figure 5] An enlarged view of a portion of the cross-sectional view in Figure 4. [Figure 6] This shows the harness holder after it has been removed from the base bracket assembly. [Figure 7] Perspective view of an example of a flexible harness. [Figure 8A] A perspective view of the flexible harness shown in Figure 7 with the outer cover removed. [Figure 8B] A perspective view of the flexible harness in Figure 8A with further components removed. [Figure 8C] Front view of the lower side of the circuit board of the flexible harness shown in Figure 7, with the pads removed. [Figure 9A] Perspective and top views of the knee support when compressed. [Figure 9B] Perspective and top views of the knee support when relaxed. [Figure 10] A modified version of the knee support assembly is shown. [Figure 11] Another variation of the knee support assembly is shown. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of the knee support, showing how it can adapt to different leg sizes and positions. [Figure 13] This is an example of a wheelchair equipped with a knee support assembly. [Figure 14] Perspective view of a knee support assembly attached to a leg rest assembly. [Figure 15]A top view of the harness holder and flexible harness located at the parking position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] The concept of the present invention is described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating exemplary embodiments. However, the concept of the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein, but rather these embodiments are provided as examples so that this disclosure is thorough and complete and fully conveys the scope of the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art. Throughout the description, similar numbers refer to similar elements.

[0029] Figure 1 shows the knee support assembly 1. The knee support assembly 1 is configured to be attached to a wheelchair, for example, to a leg rest assembly or the wheelchair chassis.

[0030] The knee support assembly 1 comprises a first knee support 3 and a second knee support 5. Each of the first knee support 3 and the second knee support 5 is positioned to support the upper part of each of the user's knees and / or lower limbs.

[0031] The first knee support 3 includes a base bracket assembly 3a. The base bracket assembly 3a is configured to be attached to a wheelchair, such as a wheelchair leg rest assembly.

[0032] The first knee support 3 comprises a first harness holder 3b and a second harness holder 3c. Each of the first harness holder 3b and the second harness holder 3c may have an elongated structure, but other shapes are also conceivable.

[0033] The first harness holder 3b and the second harness holder 3c may each have a lower portion that connects to the base bracket assembly 3a. In one example, at least one of the first harness holder 3b and the second harness holder 3c is releasably connected to the base bracket assembly 3a. In another example, both the first harness holder 3b and the second harness holder 3c are releasably connected to the base bracket assembly 3a.

[0034] For example, the base bracket assembly 3a has two openings 3a-1 and 3a-2. Each opening 3a-1 and 3a-2 is configured to receive the lower part of the first harness holder 3b and the second harness holder 3c, respectively.

[0035] The openings 3a-1 and 3a-2 are located on the first side (lateral side) and the second side, respectively, of the base bracket assembly 3a. Each of the first harness holder 3b and the second harness holder 3c is equipped with its own harness connector arm 2. Each harness connector arm 2 extends from the base bracket assemblies 3a, 5a when the harness holders (3b, 3c) are connected to the base bracket assemblies 3a, 5a.

[0036] The first knee support 3 is equipped with a flexible harness 3d. The flexible harness 3d is connected to and extends between the first harness holder 3b and the second harness holder 3c. The flexible harness 3d is suspended between the first harness holder 3b and the second harness holder 3c. The flexible harness 3d is connected to and suspended between the two harness connector arms 2.

[0037] The flexible harness 3d is pivotally connected to, or configured to be pivotally connected to, the first harness holder 3b and the second harness holder 3c. A pivot connection 6 exists between each end of the flexible harness 3d and each of the first harness holder 3b and the second harness holder 3c. This makes the flexible harness 3d pivotally connected to the first harness holder 3b and the second harness holder 3c, as shown by arrow (C) in Figure 2. The flexible harness 3d is positioned to support at least one of the user's knee and the upper part of the lower leg.

[0038] The flexible harness 3d can be padded. For example, the flexible harness 3d may have an outer cover 3e and a foam filler already placed inside the outer cover 3e. In other examples, the flexible harness 3d may have a thicker outer cover that provides the desired padding structure, or the flexible harness 3d may be provided without padding.

[0039] The flexible harness 3d may be configured to allow for size and tightness adjustment. This is typically done after the user has positioned their knee between the base bracket assembly 3a and the flexible harness 3d to ensure a snug fit to the user's anatomical structure. Alternatively, however, this can also be done before the user positions their knee / leg between the base bracket assembly 3a and the flexible harness 3d, especially if the flexible harness 3d is configured to provide coarse adjustments to size or tightness.

[0040] The second knee support 5 has a similar structure to the first knee support 3. However, in one example, the base bracket assembly may be shared by the four harness holders (3b, 3c, 5b, 5c). That is, the knee support assembly 1 may have a single base bracket assembly common to all four harness holders (3b, 3c, 5b, 5c).

[0041] Figure 2 shows a rear perspective view of the knee support assembly 1. The first knee support 3 is the right knee support, and the second knee support 5 is the left knee support. The two second harness holders 3c and 5c are internal harness holders positioned adjacent to each other. The two first harness holders 3b and 5b are external harness holders. Here, the first harness holder 3b is positioned laterally outward of the second harness holder 3c, and the first harness holder 5b is positioned laterally outward of the second harness holder 5c.

[0042] Each base bracket assembly 3a and 5a may comprise, for example, bracket structures 3h and 5h that can be connected to a leg rest assembly, and bases 3i and 5i attached to the bracket structures 3h and 5h. A first harness holder 3b and a second harness holder 3c are connected to the base 3i.

[0043] The lateral positioning of the bases 3i and 5i relative to the corresponding bracket structures 3h and 5h can be adjusted, for example. Each bracket structure 3h and 5h may have a number of openings 3j for screws or bolts, which are arranged sequentially in a horizontal alignment, for example, from the first harness holder 3b to the second harness holder 3c. The bases 3i and 5i may have openings that can be aligned with selected openings 3j in order to mount the bases 3i and 5i to the bracket structures 3h and 5h at a desired lateral position.

[0044] Each base bracket assembly 3a and 5a may be height adjustable. Here, each base bracket assembly 3a and 5a may have height adjustment mechanisms 3g and 5g. The height adjustment mechanisms 3g and 5g may include a rail structure 3k configured to be fixedly attached, for example, to a wheelchair, for example, to a leg rest assembly 27 and bracket structures 3h and 5h shown in Figure 13. The bracket structures 3h and 5h may be configured to move vertically along the rail structure 3k. The bracket structure 5h may be fixed to the rail structure 3k at a desired height, for example, by screws or bolts. Alternatively, the rail structure may be provided on the leg rest assembly 27, or the bracket structures 3h and 5h may be attached directly to the leg rest assembly 27.

[0045] At least one of the first harness holders 3b, 5b and the second harness holders 3c, 5c of each knee support (3, 5) may be equipped with a release member (3f). The release member is exemplified below by a pull handle 3f that can be grasped by the user. The pull handle 3f is configured to be pulled along the longitudinal axis of the harness holder. In the example shown in Figure 2, both the first harness holder 3b and the second harness holder 3c are provided with their respective pull handles 3f. By pulling the pull handle 3f of the first harness holder 3b, the first harness holder 3b can be released from the base bracket assembly 3a. Similarly, by pulling the pull handle 3f of the second harness holder 3c, the second harness holder 3c can be released from the base bracket assembly 3a. When one of the harness holders (3b, 3c) is released from the base bracket assembly 3a, the flexible harnesses 3d, 5d can be moved laterally or folded to allow the user to remove their knee or place their knee on the knee support (3, 5).

[0046] Figure 3 shows a rear view of the knee support assembly 1. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 3. Thus, this cross-sectional view shows the first harness holder 5b positioned within the base bracket assembly 5a of the second knee support 5. This configuration can be applied to all harness holders (3b, 3c, 5b, 5c) according to one example.

[0047] Figure 4 shows an example of a first harness holder 5b releasably connected to a base bracket assembly 5a. The first harness holder 5b includes a locking mechanism 7 configured to releasably lock the first harness holder 5b to the base bracket assembly 5a. The first harness holder 5b includes an inner rod 5b-3 and an outer stem 5b-4 positioned around the inner rod 5b-3. The inner rod 5b-3 is axially movable relative to the outer stem 5b-4. The inner rod 5b-3 and the outer stem 5b-4 are positioned to extend into an opening 5a-1 of the base bracket assembly 5a shown in Figure 6. As shown in more detail in Figure 5, the exemplary locking mechanism 7 includes a spring-like elastic element 7a positioned around the inner rod 5b-3 and a spring-loaded element 7b. The elastic element 7a biases the spring-loaded element 7b toward an opposing surface 7c of the base bracket assembly 5a, for example, an inclined surface. Therefore, the spring load element 7b engages with the base bracket assembly 5a, locking the first harness holder 5b axially to the base bracket assembly 5a. The pull handle 5f also forms part of the locking mechanism 7. The pull handle 5f forms the upper or top end of the first harness holder 5b. When the first harness holder 5b is pulled upward in the direction of arrow B along its longitudinal axis C, the inner rod 5b-3 first moves axially upward relative to the outer stem 5b-4. Thus, the elastic element (elastic member) 7a is compressed toward the radial surface of the outer stem 5b-4, and the spring tension supplied to the spring load element 7b by the elastic element 7a is reduced, causing the spring load element 7b to disengage from the base bracket assembly 5a. Finally, during the operation of pulling the first harness holder 5b out of the base bracket assembly 5a, the inner rod 5b-3 is axially engaged with the outer stem 5b-4, and they move together in the direction of arrow B. The spring load element 7b may be pivotably positioned on the first harness holder 3b, for example, on the outer stem 5b-4. When the spring tension decreases, the spring load element 7b pivots away from the opposing surface 7c, thereby disengaging the first harness holder 3b from the base bracket assembly 3a.When no pulling force is acting on the pull handle 3f, the spring load element 7b is pivoted toward the opposing surface 7c by the force provided by the elastic element 7a that locks the first harness holder 3b to the base bracket assembly 3a.

[0048] The harness connector arm 2 may have an opening 8 configured to fix or release the harness connector arm 2 in a rotational direction relative to the outer stem 5b-4 by receiving fasteners such as stepped bolts or screws, in order to set the rotational position of the harness connector arm 2 relative to the outer stem 5b-4.

[0049] Figure 6 shows the harness holders (3b, 3c, 5b, 5c) when completely removed from the base bracket assemblies 3a, 5a. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the flexible harness 3d. The flexible harness 3d has a side (side, surface) that faces the knee and is configured to come into contact with the user's knee, and an outer side (outer side, outer surface).

[0050] The flexible harness 3d includes a connecting strap 9. The connecting strap 9 is configured to connect to a first harness holder 3b and a second harness holder 3c. The connecting strap 9 has a first outer end 9a and a second outer end 9b opposite to the first outer end 9a. The flexible harness 3d may have an elongated shape that extends from the first outer end 9a to the second outer end 9b of the connecting strap 9.

[0051] The flexible harness 3d may include connecting elements 10a, 10b, such as screws, for pivotably and detachably connecting the connecting strap 9 and thus the flexible harness 3d to the first harness holder 3b and the second harness holder 3c, respectively.

[0052] An exemplary flexible harness 3d includes an external knob 11. The external knob 11 is located on the outside of the flexible harness 3d. The external knob 11 forms part of a user-adjustable adjustment system configured to adjust the size / tightness of the flexible harness 3d.

[0053] Figure 8A shows the flexible harness 3d with the outer cover 3e removed. The flexible harness 3d may include a pad 13, for example, made of foam filler. When the flexible harness 3d is attached to the first harness holder 3b and the second harness holder 3c, the flexible harness 3d is curved so that the outer side (outer surface) of the flexible harness 3d, where the external knob 11 is provided, bulges outward. The pad 13 is located on the side of the flexible harness 3d that faces the knee. Therefore, the pad 13 faces the user's knee when the knee support assembly 1 is in use.

[0054] The flexible harness 3d includes a substrate 15 to which connecting straps 9 are attached. The substrate 15 may be rigid or rigid. The substrate 15 may be made from, for example, a polymer, a metal, or a composite material. Pads 13 may be attached to the substrate 15.

[0055] As can be seen more clearly in Figure 8B, the connecting strap 9 may be made from two separate strap pieces (16a, 16b). The adjustment system may also include a main strap 17 extending between the two strap pieces (16a, 16b) of the connecting strap 9. The main strap 17 connects the two strap pieces (16a, 16b) of the connecting strap 9. In this way, the main strap 17 bridges the two strap pieces (16a, 16b). The first strap piece 16a may be fixedly positioned relative to the substrate 15. The second strap piece 16b may be slidably positioned relative to the substrate 15. For example, the second strap piece 16b may be slidably mounted in a pre-positioned slot 16 in the substrate 15, as shown in Figure 8C. The sliding motion of the second strap piece 16b relative to the first strap piece 16a changes the distance between the opposing inner ends (9d, 9e) of the two strap pieces (16a, 16b), and therefore also changes the distance between the two outer ends (9a, 9b). This makes it possible to adjust the length of the connecting strap 9, and therefore the length of the flexible harness 3d, to accommodate the knees and legs of users of different shapes and sizes.

[0056] The two strap pieces (16a, 16b) may have multiple through-holes 9c for attaching the strap pieces (16a, 16b) to the substrate 15 by fasteners such as screws (10a), such as barrel screws, and nuts. This makes it possible to adjust the size of the flexible harness 3d. In particular, the sliding function of the second strap piece 16b can provide fine adjustment of the tightening of the flexible harness 3d. Thus, the through-holes 9c and fasteners can form part of a coarse adjustment system that provides coarse adjustment of the size of the flexible harness 3d.

[0057] The adjustment system is connected to the main strap 17 and may include a wire (or cord) 19 wound around an external knob 11. The external knob 11 may be attached to the first strap piece 16a. By twisting the external knob 11, it is possible to set the length of the wire 19 extending from the external knob 11. The main strap 17 has excess length relative to the minimum distance between the two strap pieces (16a, 16b), and by twisting, pushing, or pulling the external knob 11, the length of the main strap 17 can be adjusted based on the unwound length of the wire 19. In other words, the flexible harness 3d can be tightened by moving the movable second strap piece 16b closer to the first strap piece 16a, or the flexible harness 3d can be loosened by moving the second strap piece 16b away from the first strap piece 16a. Furthermore, the excess length of the main strap 17 also serves a safety function, ensuring that the strap is present between the two strap pieces (16a, 16b) as a special precaution to prevent the flexible harness 3d from falling apart.

[0058] Figure 9A shows a perspective view and a top view of the knee support (3, 5) when the knee support (3, 5) is tightened by twisting the external knob 11. Figure 9B shows a perspective view and a top view of the knee support (3, 5) when the knee support (3, 5) is loosened by pulling the external knob 11.

[0059] As shown in Figure 10, the adjustment system for the flexible harness 3d' may, in one example, include a fastening system 12 comprising a buckle, such as a ratchet buckle, and a fastening strap, in place of or in addition to the external knob 11. The fastening system 12 may be located on the outside of the flexible harness 3d'. The adjustment system having the fastening system 12 can provide fine adjustment of the tightening of the flexible harness 3d'. By providing a fastening strap 12' having, for example, a hook-and-loop structure instead of a buckle, it is possible to adjust the tightening of the flexible harness as shown in Figure 11. The fastening strap 12' may be located on the outside of the flexible harness.

[0060] Referring to Figure 12, the rotational position of the harness connector arms 2 of the first harness holders 3b, 5b and / or the second harness holders 3c, 5c relative to the base bracket assemblies 3a, 5a to which the harness holders (3b, 3c, 5b, 5c) are connected, and relative to their respective outer stems 5b-4, can be adjusted according to one example. The harness connector arms 2 may be configured to be rotatable relative to the outer stems 5b-4, i.e., relative to the lower part of the harness holders (3b, 3c, 5b, 5c) received in the base bracket assemblies 3a, 5a. The harness connector arms 2 may be released from their fixed connection to the lower part of each harness holder (3b, 3c, 5b, 5c) so that each harness connector arm 2 can rotate laterally inward or outward. This allows the pair of harness connector arms 2 of the flexible harness 3d to rotate toward each other, thereby decreasing the distance between the connection points 4 of each harness connector arm 2, or to rotate toward each other, thereby increasing the distance between the connection points 4. Thus, it is possible to adapt to different knee and leg sizes. Furthermore, both harness connector arms 2 may rotate in the same direction to address the user's needs or desires regarding leg positioning, for example, for users with asymmetrical postures. In the disclosed example, the harness connector arms 2 are fixed to a desired angular position using stepped bolts 18 fixed to one of a plurality of angular setting positions on the harness connector arms 2.

[0061] Each flexible harness 3d, 5d is positioned in front of its respective connection point 4, in a forward direction from the base bracket assembly 3a, 5a toward the flexible harness 3d, 5d. This means that when the knee support assembly 1 is in use, the pivotal connection between connection point 4 and the connection elements 10a, 10b of the flexible harnesses 3d, 5d is positioned posterior to the knee joint. Therefore, the flexible harnesses 3d, 5d follow any movement of the knee more effectively.

[0062] Referring to Figure 13, an example of wheelchair 21 is shown. In this example, wheelchair 21 is an electric wheelchair, but a manual wheelchair may be used as an alternative. An exemplary wheelchair 21 comprises a chassis 23 and a seat system 25 having a seat 25a mounted on the chassis 23. The wheelchair 21 also includes a leg rest assembly 27 mounted on the chassis 23 or the seat system 25. The seat system 25 may have forward tilting and / or uprighting capabilities, for example, by motor control. Thus, the seat 25a may be made capable of tilting slightly forward to allow the user to assume a forward-leaning posture, in one example, or significantly forward to allow the user to assume a substantially vertical upright posture, in another example.

[0063] The wheelchair 21 is equipped with a knee support system (1). The knee support system (1) is attached to a leg rest assembly 27, for example. Each base bracket assembly 3a, 5a can be attached to the leg rest assembly 27 by, for example, a rail structure 3k. In another example, the leg rest assembly 27 is equipped with a leg rest rail structure (not shown) for attaching the knee support system (1). The knee support system (1) can be attached to the leg rest assembly 27 at different vertical positions along the leg rest assembly 27.

[0064] The seat system 25 may include two lateral rail structures 25b, which are positioned laterally on each side of the seat 25a. The seat system 25 may include fixing members 25c, each fixing member 25c being attached to each of two lateral rail structures 25b. Each first, i.e., internal, first harness holder 3b, 5b is configured to be releasably attached to each of the fixing members 25c. In the disclosed example, the fixing members 25c have no locking device, and the first harness holders 3b, 5b are held in place by gravity by being easily introduced onto the fixing members 25c from above. The lateral rail structures 25b are shown in some further detail in Figure 14.

[0065] In another example, the fixing member 25c may be equipped with a locking function by a locking mechanism, such as a locking mechanism 7. The fixing member 25c may then have the same or similar design as the base bracket assemblies 3a, 5a in order to be connected axially to the second harness holders 3c, 5c.

[0066] Figure 15 is a top view of an example of the first knee support 3 after the second harness holder 3c is disengaged from the base bracket assembly 3a, thereby removing the second harness holder 3c from the base bracket assembly 3a, and the flexible harness 3d is moved outward, so that the flexible harness 3d is attached to the fixing member 25c already positioned adjacent to the first knee support 3, and the first flexible harness (3d) and the inward or second harness holder 3c are positioned in the park position.

[0067] The concept of the present invention has been described above primarily with reference to several examples. However, other embodiments not disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the concept of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims, so that they may be readily understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A knee support assembly (1) for a wheelchair (21), wherein the knee support assembly comprises a knee support (3), and the knee support (3) is A base bracket assembly (3a) configured to be attached to the wheelchair (21), A first harness holder (3b) having a lower part connected to the base bracket assembly (3a) at the first side of the base bracket assembly (3a), A second harness holder (3c) having a lower part connected to the base bracket assembly (3a) at the second side of the base bracket assembly (3a), A flexible harness (3d) connected to and extending between the first harness holder (3b) and the second harness holder (3c), the flexible harness (3d) being arranged to provide knee support, It is equipped with, At least one of the first harness holder (3b) and the second harness holder (3c) is releasably connected to the base bracket assembly (3a), thereby allowing the flexible harness to be moved laterally relative to the base bracket assembly (3a), and enabling the positioning or removal of the legs between the base bracket assembly (3a) and the flexible harness (3d). Knee support assembly (1).

2. The knee support (3) is the first knee support, The knee support assembly (1) comprises a second knee support (5), The second knee support (5) is A base bracket assembly (5a) configured to be attached to the wheelchair (21), A first harness holder (5b) having a lower part connected to the base bracket assembly (5a) at the first side of the base bracket assembly (5a), A second harness holder (5c) having a lower part connected to the base bracket assembly (5a) at the second side of the base bracket assembly (5a), A flexible harness (5d) is connected to the first harness holder (5b) and the second harness holder (5c) and extends between them, It is equipped with, The aforementioned flexible harness (5d) is positioned to provide knee support, At least one of the first harness holder (5b) and the second harness holder (5c) is releasably connected to the base bracket assembly (5a), thereby allowing the flexible harness (5d) to be moved laterally relative to the base bracket assembly (5a), and enabling the positioning or removal of the legs between the base bracket assembly (5a) and the flexible harness (5d). The knee support assembly (1) according to claim 1.

3. The first knee support (3) is the right knee support, The second knee support (5) is the left knee support. The knee support assembly (1) according to claim 2.

4. With respect to each of the right knee support (3) and the left knee support (5), The first harness holder (3b, 5b) is an external harness holder, The second harness holders (3c, 5c) are internal harness holders. The knee support assembly (1) according to claim 3.

5. Each of the aforementioned internal harness holders (3c, 5c) is releasably connected to each of the aforementioned base bracket assemblies (3a, 5a). The knee support assembly (1) according to claim 4.

6. With respect to each of the first knee support (3) and the second knee support (5), Both the first harness holder (3b, 5b) and the second harness holder (3c, 5c) are releasably connected to the respective base bracket assemblies (3a, 5a). A knee support assembly (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

7. For each of the first knee support (3) and the second knee support (5), At least one of the first harness holders (3b, 5b) and the second harness holders (3c, 5c), which are releasably connected to the base bracket assemblies (3a, 5a), is provided with a locking mechanism (7) configured to releasably lock the harness holder (3b, 3c, 5b, 5c) to the base bracket assemblies (3a, 5a). A knee support assembly (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

8. The locking mechanism (7) is A spring load element (7b) configured to engage with the base bracket assembly (3a, 5a), A release member (3f) configured to disengage the spring load element (7b) from the base bracket assembly (3a, 5a), It is equipped with The knee support assembly (1) according to claim 7.

9. The spring load element (7b) is a pivotable element that engages with the base bracket assembly (3a, 5a) by pivoting when biased by spring tension. The knee support assembly (1) according to claim 8.

10. The release member (3f) is a pull handle (3f), The pull handle (3f) is configured to disengage the spring load element (7b) from the base bracket assembly (3a, 5a) by reducing the spring tension on the spring load element (7b) when pulled along the longitudinal axis (C) of the harness holder (3b, 3c, 5b, 5c). The knee support assembly (1) according to claim 8 or 9.

11. For each of the first knee support (3) and the second knee support (5), The flexible harness (3d, 5d) is equipped with a user-adjustable adjustment system configured to adjust the size and / or tightness of the flexible harness (3d, 5d). A knee support assembly (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 10.

12. The adjustment system is, External knob (11), A wire (19) connected to the external knob (11) and already positioned inside the flexible harness (3d, 5d), It is equipped with, The external knob (11) is configured to adjust the tightness of the flexible harness (3d, 5d) by adjusting the length of the wire (19) by rotating, pushing, or pulling the external knob (11), thereby adjusting the distance between the opposing ends of the flexible harness (3d, 5d) which are connected to the first harness holder (3b, 5b) and the second harness holder (3c, 5c), respectively. The knee support assembly (1) according to claim 11.

13. The adjustment system includes a connecting strap (9) having a first strap piece (16a) and a second strap piece (16b), Each of the first strap piece (16a) and the second strap piece (16b) is configured to be connected to each of the first harness holders (3b, 5b) and the second harness holders (3c, 5c), One of the first strap piece (16a) and the second strap piece (16b) (16b) is configured to slide axially relative to the other strap piece (16a), The adjustment system includes a main strap (17) connected to the first strap piece (16a) and the second strap piece (16b) and extending between them, wherein the main strap (17) has an excess length relative to the minimum distance between the first strap piece (16a) and the second strap piece (16b). The first strap piece (16a) is connected to the external knob (11), The main strap (17) is connected to the wire (19), The length of the wire (19) is determined by determining the distance between the first strap piece (16a) and the second strap piece (16b), thereby determining the distance between the opposing ends of the flexible harness (3d, 5d). The knee support assembly (1) according to claim 12.

14. The adjustment system includes a fastening system (12) or fastening straps for adjusting the size or tightness of the flexible harness (3d, 5d). The knee support assembly (1) according to claim 11.

15. The adjustment system is a fine-tuning system that provides fine adjustment of the distance, The knee support assembly (1) includes a coarse adjustment system that provides coarse adjustment of the distance. The knee support assembly (1) according to claim 12 or 13.

16. Each of the aforementioned flexible harnesses (3d, 5d) is pivotably connected to the first harness holder (3b, 5b) and the second harness holder (3c, 5c). A knee support assembly (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 15.

17. The knee support assembly (1) comprises the knee support assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16. Wheelchair user (21).

18. The wheelchair (21) is further equipped with a leg rest assembly (27), Each of the base bracket assemblies (3a, 5a) is attached to the leg rest assembly (27). The wheelchair (21) according to claim 17.

19. The wheelchair (21) is equipped with a seat system (25) that has the ability to tilt forward and / or stand upright. The wheelchair (21) according to claim 17 or 18.

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