Wheelchair movement support tool

Abstract

Provided is a wheelchair movement support tool which is attachable to various wheelchairs with a relatively simple structure. This wheelchair movement support tool is constituted by a pipe frame 2 and an attachment member 5. The pipe frame 2 is composed of a first pipe frame 2a, a second pipe frame 2b, and a clamping member 3. The first pipe frame 2a and the second pipe frame 2b are fixed at one end by the clamping member 3. An attachment member 5a and an attachment member 5b are provided at the other end, respectively, of the first pipe frame 2a and the second pipe frame 2b. The attachment member 5 is clamped to a leg pipe of the wheelchair with a gripping part and the clamping part, and is fixed to the leg pipe by using a position adjustment nut. The angle between the axial directions of the leg pipe and the pipe frame 2 is 75-85°. A joint frame and a handle part frame constituting the first pipe frame 2a or the second pipe frame 2b are integrally molded.

Description

Wheelchair mobility aids

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobility aid that can be attached to a wide range of wheelchairs.

[0002] In the event of a large-scale emergency evacuation, such as the Great East Japan Earthquake, or when moving on uneven terrain such as sand, snow, gravel, or muddy ground, or when moving uphill, it is extremely difficult to push the grip at the rear of a wheelchair. Furthermore, not only during disasters but also in everyday life and travel, many users find it inconvenient to use a wheelchair in places with steps or uphill slopes. Wheelchair mobility aids must be easily and quickly attached to standard wheelchairs in the event of an emergency evacuation. Furthermore, wheelchair mobility aids must be able to be stored without taking up much space during normal use.

[0003] Therefore, the inventor has already proposed a wheelchair mobility aid that consists of a pair of mounting members that are detachably attached by clamping them to either the left and right front pipes or the left and right leg pipes of a wheelchair, and a U-shaped pipe frame with the pair of mounting members attached to both ends (see Patent Document 1). In this wheelchair mobility aid, the pipe frame is attached at approximately right angles to the axial direction of the front pipes or leg pipes of the wheelchair.

[0004] The appropriate height of the handle when a wheelchair mobility aid is attached to a wheelchair varies depending on the user's height, etc., but the wheelchair mobility aid of Patent Document 1 does not have a mechanism for adjusting the attachment angle, so it is affected by the inclination of the front pipes and leg pipes of the wheelchair to which it is attached. However, there are many different types of wheelchairs, including general wheelchairs and those for sports, and even custom-made wheelchairs. Therefore, the shapes and widths of the front pipes and leg pipes vary widely depending on the wheelchair. Therefore, there is a need for a wheelchair mobility aid that can be attached to wheelchairs of various shapes at the appropriate angle desired by the user.

[0005] International Publication Pamphlet WO2013 / 171949

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a wheelchair mobility aid that has a relatively simple structure and can be attached to a variety of wheelchairs.

[0007] To solve the above problems, the wheelchair mobility aid of the present invention comprises an attachment member that is detachably attached by clamping it to either the left or right front pipes or the left or right leg pipes of a wheelchair, and a pipe frame with the attachment member provided at one end, wherein when attached to the front pipes or leg pipes by the attachment member, the angle between the axial direction of the front pipes or leg pipes and the axial direction of the attachment member is 75 to 85 degrees. Conventionally, wheelchairs are configured so that mobility can be assisted by a caregiver pushing them from behind. However, when using a wheelchair for emergency evacuation in the event of a disaster, or when traveling on uneven terrain or uphill, it is often difficult to move the wheelchair simply by pushing it with both hands from behind. The wheelchair mobility aid of the present invention is a pipe frame equipped with attachment members at both ends that can be clamped and detached to either the front pipe or leg pipe of the wheelchair. By lifting and towing the pipe frame, the wheelchair can be towed like a rickshaw, facilitating emergency evacuation in the event of a disaster, or easily supporting wheelchair mobility on uneven terrain or uphill slopes. It can also be easily used on uneven or uphill slopes, not only during disasters but also in everyday life and travel. The pipe frame can be made up of two parallel pipe frames and a pipe frame connecting them perpendicularly, forming a U-shaped pipe frame in plan view. In such cases, a pair of attachment members is provided at both ends of the U-shaped pipe frame.

[0008] The angle between the axial direction of the front pipe or leg pipe and the axial direction of the mounting member is 75 to 85 degrees, and more preferably 80 degrees. Note that the "angle" here refers to the "included angle," and is the angle θ shown in Figure 10 (2). ２This refers to the case where the axial direction of the front pipe or leg pipe and the axial direction of the mounting member are not approximately perpendicular but are tilted at a predetermined angle. Even if the front pipe or leg pipe of the wheelchair to which the mounting member is attached is tilted, the effect of the tilt of the front pipe or leg pipe can be mitigated, allowing the pipe frame to be attached in a nearly horizontal position and the height of the handle to be freely adjusted to suit the user's height, body shape, and preferences. Figure 16 shows an explanatory diagram of a wheelchair. Generally, wheelchairs are provided with leg pipes 12 to support the footplate 14 and leg belt 26. The leg pipes 12 and arm pipes 15 are supported by the front pipe 11. In this specification, leg pipes that tilt downward toward the front of the wheelchair, such as the leg pipe 12 shown in Figure 16, are referred to as "backward-inclined type," and leg pipes that tilt downward toward the rear of the wheelchair are referred to as "forward-inclined type." In the following, the leg pipe on the right side as viewed from the wheelchair seated person will also be referred to as the "right leg pipe" and the leg pipe on the left side will also be referred to as the "left leg pipe."

[0009] The mounting members are arranged so that the angle between the axial direction of the front pipe or leg pipe and the axial direction of the mounting members is 75 to 85 degrees, so when the wheelchair mobility aid of the present invention is turned upside down, the mounting members are arranged so that the angle between the axial direction of the front pipe or leg pipe and the axial direction of the mounting members is 95 to 105 degrees (see Figure 10 (1)). In this way, the reversible configuration of the wheelchair mobility aid of the present invention makes it possible to attach it to a wide variety of wheelchairs according to the needs of the user.

[0010] In the wheelchair mobility aid of the present invention, the mounting member preferably includes a clamping portion formed by bending inward at the end of the pipe frame, and a gripping portion attached to the end of the pipe frame in front of the clamping portion and bent inward, the gripping portion or the clamping portion gripping a portion of the front pipe or leg pipe of the wheelchair and pressing the portion of the front pipe or leg pipe of the wheelchair. That is, when the gripping portion grips a portion of the pipe, the clamping portion presses the portion of the pipe, and when the clamping portion grips a portion of the pipe, the gripping portion presses the portion of the pipe. This allows the wheelchair mobility aid to be attached to and removed from the wheelchair easily and quickly.

[0011] In the wheelchair mobility aid of the present invention, when the gripping portion grips a portion of the front pipe or leg pipe of the wheelchair and the clamping portion presses against the portion of the front pipe or leg pipe of the wheelchair, it is preferable that the clamping portion abuts against a position adjusting nut that threads onto a thread provided around the periphery of the pipe frame, and that the position adjusting nut be rotated around the axis of the pipe frame as the axis of rotation, causing the clamping portion to move along the axis of the pipe frame and press against the portion of the front pipe or leg pipe of the wheelchair. This improves the convenience of installation and removal.

[0012] In the wheelchair mobility aid of the present invention, the gripping portion or clamping portion may be attached to the pipe frame using a toggle clamp. Attachment using a toggle clamp allows anyone to easily clamp or release the clamp with a single touch. When a toggle clamp is used for the gripping portion, for example, a hook-type toggle clamp is connected, and the clamping portion grips a portion of the pipe, and the gripping portion presses against that portion of the pipe. Also, when a toggle clamp is used for the clamping portion, for example, a side-pressing toggle clamp is connected, and the gripping portion grips a portion of the pipe, and the clamping portion presses against that portion of the pipe.

[0013] In the wheelchair mobility aid of the present invention, the pipe frame includes a pair of substantially linear connector frames, a pair of substantially linear grip frames, and a clamping member connecting the pair of grip frames at both ends. The connector frames and the grip frames are integrally formed in a curved configuration, and the grip frames have protrusions on their outer peripheral surfaces near their ends. The clamping member is cylindrical and fits over the grip frames. The clamping member body has a grip portion at the center of its outer peripheral surface, male threads at both ends of the outer peripheral surface, and a plurality of recesses on its inner peripheral surface that engage with the protrusions. It also includes a pair of fasteners with female threads. The cylindrical shape is preferably formed by two semi-cylindrical members that are connected via a hinge so that they can be opened and closed. The engagement of the protrusions and recesses allows for stable fixation of the pair of grip frames. Furthermore, the provision of multiple recesses allows for the width between the connector frames to be freely adjusted by appropriately adjusting the recesses that engage the protrusions. Therefore, it is preferable that the multiple recesses be provided at predetermined intervals. The female screw portion provided on the fastener is configured to be threadedly engaged with the male screw portion provided on the clamping member body. Both ends of the clamping member may be fixed by fasteners or the like.

[0014] The wheelchair mobility aid of the present invention preferably has an elastic member provided between the two semi-cylindrical members, so that the semi-cylindrical members are in an open state when no external force is applied to the clamping member body. The open state of the semi-cylindrical members is the basic state, which prevents the protrusions and the like from being damaged or falling off when the grip frame is inserted and attached while the semi-cylindrical members are in a closed, approximately cylindrical state. The elastic member need only be provided to connect the two semi-cylindrical members, and may be provided in the hinge, for example. The elastic member may be, for example, a spring.

[0015] In the wheelchair mobility aid of the present invention, the connecting frame may have a cross-sectional shape with concave or convex portions and may be composed of multiple pipe frame members of different diameters, with each section of the pipe frame member nested within the other, allowing the multi-section pipe frame members to linearly expand and contract to adjust the length. The cross-sectional shape with concave or convex portions prevents the nested pipe frame members from unexpectedly rotating. The concave or convex portions may be formed, for example, by providing a concave portion on the outer pipe frame and a convex portion on the inner pipe frame of the nested pipe frame members, so that the concave and convex portions fit together, or by providing a concave portion on the inner pipe frame and a convex portion on the outer pipe frame, so that the concave and convex portions fit together. Regarding the length adjustment mechanism, for example, when the connecting frame is composed of two pipe frames with different diameters, the inner diameter of one pipe frame and the outer diameter of the other pipe frame are approximately the same, allowing the other pipe frame to slide within the tube of the first pipe frame. The pipe frames may be made of lightweight resin, metal, or the like. By making it into a pipe shape, it can be made lighter.

[0016] In the wheelchair mobility aid of the present invention, the grip frame may have an oval or elliptical cross-sectional shape. The oval or elliptical cross-sectional shape of the grip frame improves gripping ease and stability when engaging or fastening another member to the grip frame.

[0017] In the wheelchair mobility aid of the present invention, the pipe frame may be bent at at least two points. This allows the user to freely change the gripping position and orientation to suit the user's body shape and purpose. Preferably, all bending angles are approximately 90°. In the wheelchair mobility aid of the present invention, the pipe frame may be installed forward from the mounting member with respect to the wheelchair to which it is attached, then bent upward, and then bent upward and then bent backward. This configuration not only enables both lifting upward and towing forward, but also allows the gripping position when lifting upward to be easily changed, improving convenience. In the wheelchair mobility aid of the present invention, the pipe frame may be installed forward from the mounting member with respect to the wheelchair to which it is attached, then bent upward, and then bent upward and then bent forward, and then bent forward and then bent downward. This configuration not only enables both lifting upward and towing forward, but also allows the gripping position when towing forward to be easily changed, improving convenience.

[0018] The present invention has the advantage that it can be attached to a variety of wheelchairs with a relatively simple structure.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a wheelchair mobility aid according to Example 1; FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the wheelchair mobility aid according to Example 1; FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the clamping member main body; FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the attachment of the clamping member; FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the functions of the clamping member and the grip frame; FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the functions of the pipe frame; FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the attachment of the first support member; FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the attachment of the second support member; FIG. 1 is an image of the attachment of the attachment member according to Example 1; FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the attachment of the attachment member according to Example 1;

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following examples and illustrated examples, and many modifications and variations are possible.

[0021] FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a wheelchair mobility aid of Example 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the wheelchair mobility aid 1 of Example 1 is composed of a pipe frame 2 and an attachment member 5. Specifically, the pipe frame 2 is made up of a first pipe frame 2a, a second pipe frame 2b, and a clamping member 3, and the first pipe frame 2a and the second pipe frame 2b are fixed at one end by the clamping member 3. The attachment member 5 is made up of attachment members (5a, 5b). The other ends of the first pipe frame 2a and the second pipe frame 2b are provided with attachment members (5a, 5b), respectively.

[0022] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the wheelchair mobility aid of Example 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the wheelchair mobility aid 1 can be disassembled into a first support member 1a and a second support member 1b by removing the clamping member 3 shown in FIG. 1. The clamping member 3 is disassembled into a clamping member body 30 and fasteners (31a, 31b). In FIG. 2, fastener 31a is loosely fitted on the outer surface of the grip frame 3a, and fastener 31b is loosely fitted on the outer surface of the grip frame 3b. The first pipe frame 2a is composed of the grip frame 3a and the connector frame 4a. The mounting member 5a includes a gripping portion 6a, a clamping portion 7a, and a position adjustment nut 8a. The connector frame 4a has an inner pipe frame 41a inserted inside an outer pipe frame 42a, and the length can be freely adjusted and fixed using the fastener 32a. The inner pipe frame 41a and one end of the grip frame 3a are integrally molded. A stopper ring 33a is provided near the other end of the grip frame 3a.

[0023] Similarly, the second pipe frame 2b is composed of a grip frame 3b and a connector frame 4b. The mounting member 5b includes a gripping portion 6b, a clamping portion 7b, and a position adjustment nut 8b. The connector frame 4b is formed by inserting an inner pipe frame 41b inside an outer pipe frame 42b, and the length can be freely adjusted and then fixed using a fastener 32b. One end of the inner pipe frame 41b and the grip frame 3b are integrally molded. A stopper ring 33b is provided near the other end of the grip frame 3b. As such, the first support member 1a and the second support member 1b have the same structure except for being vertically symmetrical. Therefore, the following description of the first support member 1a also applies to the second support member 1b unless otherwise specified.

[0024] Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the clamping member body, with (1) showing the closed state and (2) showing the open, internal state. As shown in Fig. 3(1), the clamping member body 30 has a grip 30a in the center and male threads 30b on both ends. As shown in Fig. 3(2), the clamping member body 30 can be opened and closed via a hinge portion 30d, and multiple recesses 30c are formed inside the clamping member body 30 to engage with stopper rings (33a, 33b). Although not shown, a spring is built into the hinge portion 30d as an elastic member, and when no external force is applied, the clamping member body 30 is in the open state as shown in Fig. 3(2). This structure makes it easy for the user to recognize that the clamping member main body 30 is used to clamp the grip frame (3a, 3b) and then secured with the fasteners (31a, 31b), preventing the stopper rings (33a, 33b) from falling off or the components from being damaged if the user accidentally fits the clamping member main body 30 onto the grip frame (3a, 3b) while it is left closed.

[0025] 4 is an explanatory diagram of the attachment of the clamping member, showing (1) the state in which the clamping member body is open, (2) the state in which the clamping member body is closed before the fastener is fixed, and (3) the state in which the clamping member body is closed and the fastener is fixed. As shown in Fig. 4(1), when fixing the grip frame (3a, 3b) using the clamping member 3, first, the stopper rings (33a, 33b) of the grip frame (3a, 3b) are engaged with the recess 30c of the clamping member body 30 in the open state to position them.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the functions of the clamping member and the grip frame, where (1) shows the case where the distance between the left and right pipe frames is narrowed, and (2) shows the case where the distance between the left and right pipe frames is widened. When narrowing the distance between the left and right pipe frames, as shown in FIG. 5(1), the stopper rings 33a and 33b are engaged with the recesses 30c to narrow the distance. On the other hand, when widening the distance between the left and right pipe frames, the stopper rings 33a and 33b are engaged with the recesses 30c to widen the distance, as shown in FIG. 5(2). After positioning, the clamping member body 30 is closed to clamp the grip frames (3a, 3b) as shown in FIG. 4(2). The fasteners (31a, 31b) have female threads (not shown) on their inner surfaces, and the male threads 30b are screwed into the fasteners (31a, 31b), respectively, to secure the fasteners as shown in FIG. 4(3).

[0027] Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining the function of the pipe frame, where (1) shows the case where the distance between the left and right pipe frames is small, and (2) shows the case where the distance between the left and right pipe frames is large. As shown in Fig. 6(1), the width W between the left and right leg pipes 12 of the wheelchair to be attached is １ If it is small, the width W of the left and right pipe frames １ As shown in FIG. 6(2), the width W between the left and right leg pipes 12 can be reduced. ２ If it is large, the width W of the left and right pipe frames ２ In this embodiment, the minimum width of the left and right pipe frames is W １ and 300 mm, the maximum width is W ２The width of the left and right pipe frames is 300 to 480 mm. Therefore, the present invention can be attached to wheelchairs with a width between the left and right leg pipes 12 of 300 to 480 mm, and can be used for a wide range of wheelchairs. Note that the width of the left and right pipe frames in this embodiment is set to 300 to 480 mm in consideration of portability when disassembled. For example, a child's wheelchair may be configured to be adjustable to less than 300 mm, and conversely, a large wheelchair may be configured to be adjustable to a size exceeding 480 mm.

[0028] Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the pipe frame. As shown in Fig. 7, the pipe frame 2 is formed by bending a single pipe at a substantially right angle to form the first pipe frame 2a and the second pipe frame 2b, and the bent portions are curved to a certain degree to ensure strength. Therefore, the configuration of Example 1 can be simplified and lightweight.

[0029] Next, the structure of the wheelchair and the structure and function of the mounting members will be described. Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram of a wheelchair, and is used to confirm the position of the front pipe 11 and leg pipe 12 relative to the entire wheelchair. As shown in Figure 16, wheelchairs are generally provided with leg pipes 12 to support the foot plates 14 and leg belts 26. The leg pipes 12 and arm pipes 15 are also supported by the front pipe 11. The mounting members (5a, 5b) are attached and fixed to the left and right front pipes 11 or leg pipes 12 provided on the wheelchair. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the mounting members are attached and fixed to a backward-leaning leg pipe 12.

[0030] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the attachment member of the first support member, with (1) showing the non-clamped state and (2) showing the clamped state. As shown in FIG. 8(1), an attachment member 5a is provided at the end of the connecting frame 4a of the first support member 1a. As shown in FIG. 8(2), the attachment member 5a is configured to clamp the right leg pipe 12 of the wheelchair using the gripping portion 6a and clamping portion 7a and to be fixed using a position adjustment nut 8a. The leg pipe 12 is tilted backward, but the gripping portion 6a and clamping portion 7a are not arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first support member 1a but are arranged at an angle, so that the front of the first support member 1a can be attached without rising too high even when clamped.

[0031] 9A and 9B are explanatory diagrams of the attachment members of the second support member, where (1) shows the attachment to a backward-inclined leg pipe and (2) shows the attachment to a forward-inclined leg pipe. As shown in Fig. 9A, the second support member 1b has an attachment member 5b attached to the end of the connecting frame 4b. The attachment member 5b clamps the left leg pipe 12 of the wheelchair using the gripping portion 6b and the clamping portion 7b and is fixed using a position adjustment nut 8b. As with the first support member 1a, the gripping portion 6b and the clamping portion 7b are not disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second support member 1b but are disposed at an angle, so that the front of the second support member 1b can be attached without rising too far upward even when clamped.

[0032] Here, we will explain the function of providing an inclination to the mounting member. Depending on the user's height, body shape, and preferences, some users may desire a higher or lower height for the grip frame (3a, 3b) when attached to the wheelchair. Here, we assume that the user desires the grip frame (3a, 3b) to be more horizontal when attached to the wheelchair mobility aid. Figure 10 shows an image of the mounting member of Example 1, with (1) showing an image of mounting to a backward-leaning right leg pipe and (2) showing an image of mounting to a forward-leaning right leg pipe. For ease of explanation, the shapes of the pipe frame and mounting member are exaggerated, and the axial direction of the pipe frame and the axial direction of the mounting member are described as synonymous. In the wheelchair mobility aid of the comparative example, since it is attached at a substantially right angle to the axial direction of the leg pipes (12, 12a), when the aid is attached to the backward-leaning leg pipe 12, the front of the pipe frame rises too high whether the first pipe frame 200a or the second pipe frame 200b is attached, as shown by the dashed line in Fig. 10(1). Also, when the aid is attached to the forward-leaning leg pipe 12a, the front of the pipe frame falls too low whether the first pipe frame 200a or the second pipe frame 200b is attached, as shown by the dashed line in Fig. 10(2).

[0033] In contrast to this, in the wheelchair mobility aid 1 of Example 1, as shown in Figure 10(1), for a backward-leaning leg pipe 12, the first support member 1a is attached to the right leg pipe and the second support member 1b is attached to the left leg pipe (not shown), thereby making it possible to keep the pipe frame 2 approximately horizontal. Also, as shown in Figure 10(2), for a forward-leaning leg pipe 12a, the wheelchair mobility aid 1 is turned upside down and the second support member 1b is attached to the right leg pipe and the first support member 1a is attached to the left leg pipe (not shown), thereby making it possible to keep the pipe frame 2 approximately horizontal.

[0034] Specifically, Figure 9(2) shows the second support member 1b turned upside down and attached to the forward-leaning leg pipe 12a. In this case, the second support member 1b is attached to the right leg pipe 12a of the wheelchair, and the first support member 1a (not shown) is attached to the left leg pipe 12a of the wheelchair.

[0035] As mentioned above, the example described here is one in which the user desires the grip frames (3a, 3b) to be approximately horizontal. However, if the user desires to increase the height of the grip frames (3a, 3b), for example, the height of the grip frames (3a, 3b) can be increased by inverting the wheelchair mobility aid 1 and attaching the second support member 1b to the right leg pipe and the first support member 1a to the left leg pipe, even when the device is attached to the backward-leaning leg pipe 12. Furthermore, if the user desires to decrease the height of the grip frames (3a, 3b), the height of the grip frames (3a, 3b) can be decreased by attaching the first support member 1a to the right leg pipe and the second support member 1b to the left leg pipe, even when the device is attached to the forward-leaning leg pipe 12a.

[0036] The angle θ between the axial direction of the first pipe frame 2a and the axial direction of the leg pipe 12 shown in FIG. 10(1) is １ is 100°, and the angle θ between the axial direction of the second pipe frame 2b and the axial direction of the leg pipe 12a shown in FIG. 10(2) is ２ is 80°. In this way, by using the wheelchair mobility aid 1 of Example 1, it can be attached flexibly in accordance with the shape of the leg pipe of the wheelchair to which it is attached and the needs of the user.

[0037] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the mounting member of Example 1, where (1) shows the unclamped state and (2) shows the clamped state. As shown in FIG. 11(1), in the first support member 1a, the mounting member 5a clamps a leg pipe (not shown) using the gripping portion 6a, clamping portion 7a, and position adjustment nut 8a, enabling clamping of the leg pipe. The position adjustment nut 8a threadably engages with a thread 80 provided around the periphery of the pipe frame of the connecting frame 4a. By rotating the position adjustment nut 8a around the axis of the pipe frame, the position adjustment nut 8a slides along the longitudinal direction of the pipe frame. Because the position adjustment nut 8a abuts the clamping portion 7a, the clamping portion 7a also moves as the position adjustment nut 8a moves. This structure is similar for the second support member 1b.

[0038] Fig. 12 is an image diagram of clamping by the gripping portion and clamping portion of Example 1, where (1) shows the mounting member of Example 1 and (2) shows the mounting member of the comparative example. In the mounting member 50 of the comparative example shown in Fig. 12(2), the gripping portion 60 is curved along a substantially semicircular arc and fits with a part of the leg pipe 12 to grip the leg pipe 12. The clamping portion 70 also presses against a part of the leg pipe 12, and in this way the gripping portion 60 and clamping portion 70 clamp the leg pipe 12. However, since the diameter of the leg pipe 12 varies depending on the specifications of the wheelchair, if it is not the same as the inner diameter of the gripping portion 60, for example, as shown in Fig. 12(2), the two contact points (P ５ , P ６ In contrast, in the mounting member 5a of the first embodiment, the gripping portion 6a and the clamping portion 7a are both bent inward as shown in FIG. 12(2), so that the difference in diameter of the leg pipe 12 can be absorbed to some extent, and the four contact points (P １ ~P ４ In this embodiment, the device can be attached to a pipe with a diameter of 15 mm to 32 mm, but it may be configured to be attachable to a pipe with a diameter of less than 15 mm, or to a pipe with a diameter of more than 32 mm.

[0039] The connecting frame 4a has an inner pipe frame 41a inserted inside an outer pipe frame 42a. The cross-sectional shapes of the outer pipe frame 42a and the inner pipe frame 41a are designed to prevent the inner pipe frame 41a from rotating unexpectedly, as will be described in Example 2 below.

[0040] By making the cross-sectional shape of the grip frame (3a, 3b) oval or elliptical, it is easier to grip, and stability can be improved when engaging or fastening another member to the grip frame (3a, 3b) or the clamping member 3.

[0041] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the use of the wheelchair mobility aid of Example 1, where (1) is a side view of the exterior of a wheelchair to which the wheelchair mobility aid of Example 1 is attached, and (2) is an explanatory diagram of the state of use by a user. As shown in Fig. 13A, when the wheelchair mobility aid 100 of the comparative example is attached to the leg pipe 12, the front of the aid rises too far upward. However, the wheelchair mobility aid 1 has an inclined clamping portion of the mounting members (5a, 5b), so it can be attached to the leg pipe 12 of the wheelchair approximately horizontally. As shown in Fig. 13B, a person 27 pulling the wheelchair can easily lift the front wheel 21 by entering the space surrounded by the pipe frame 2 and lifting the pipe frame or clamping member 3 of the grip frame (3a, 3b), thereby assisting the wheelchair in traveling on uneven ground, such as dirt, snow, gravel, and muddy ground, and uphill. Furthermore, this is not limited to emergency wheelchair evacuation in the event of a disaster, but also allows safe, quick, and comfortable mobility in everyday life, travel, etc. In Figure 13, the gripping portion 6 and the clamping portion 7 are configured to clamp the leg pipe 12, but the wheelchair mobility aid 1 may also be turned upside down and attached to the front pipe 11, for example.

[0042] Figure 14 shows cross-sectional images of the connector frame of Example 2, where (1) shows a case where a convex portion is formed on the inner pipe frame, and (2) shows a case where a concave portion is formed on the inner pipe frame. Both images are similar to the A-A cross-sectional view of Figure 2 for Example 1. As shown in Figure 14(1), the connector frame 400 has an inner pipe frame 41c inserted inside an outer pipe frame 42c. The cross-sectional shapes of the outer pipe frame 42c and the inner pipe frame 41c are both approximately circular, but the outer pipe frame 42c has a concave portion 44a and the inner pipe frame 41c has a convex portion 43a. The concave portion 44a and the convex portion 43a are designed to fit together, preventing the nested pipe frame members from accidentally rotating. Furthermore, the connector frame 401 shown in Figure 14(2) has an inner pipe frame 41d inserted inside an outer pipe frame 42d. The cross-sectional shapes of the outer pipe frame 42d and the inner pipe frame 41d are both approximately circular, but the outer pipe frame 42d is provided with a convex portion 43b, and the inner pipe frame 41d is provided with a concave portion 44b. The concave portion 44b and the convex portion 43b are provided to fit together, preventing the nested pipe frame members from rotating unexpectedly.

[0043] FIG. 15 is a plan view of the attachment member of Example 3, where (1) shows the clamped state and (2) shows the non-clamped state. As shown in FIG. 15(1), the first support member 101 of Example 3 has an attachment member 51 attached to the connector frame 402. Note that the leg pipe or front pipe to which it is attached is not shown in FIG. 15. The second support member also has a similar structure, with the attachment member 51 being vertically symmetrical. The attachment member 51 includes a clamping portion 71 formed by bending inward at the end of the connector frame 402, and a gripping portion 61 attached to the end of the connector frame 402, bending inward, in front of the clamping portion 71. Specifically, an L-shaped bracket 81d is fixed to the side of the connector frame 402 using a fastener (not shown), and a lever 81a is attached to the L-shaped bracket 81d so as to be rotatable about a shaft portion 81c. The grip portion 61 is attached to the lever 81a so as to be rotatable about a shaft portion 81b.

[0044] To release the clamped state shown in Fig. 15(1), the lever 81a is moved in the direction of the arrow to reach the state shown in Fig. 15(2), thereby releasing the clamped state. Furthermore, to clamp a leg pipe or the like, the leg pipe or the like is placed between the clamping portion 71 and the gripping portion 61, and then the lever 81a is moved in the direction of the arrow from the state shown in Fig. 15(2) to the state shown in Fig. 15(1), thereby clamping the leg pipe or the like. As described above, the mounting member 51 has a structure similar to that of a known hook-type toggle clamp, and the lever 81a can be operated by utilizing the principle of leverage, so that anyone can easily operate it with a single touch, whether clamping or releasing.

[0045] Figure 17 shows a front view of a wheelchair mobility aid of Example 4. As shown in Figure 17, wheelchair mobility aid 100a of Example 4 is composed of a pipe frame 201 and an attachment member 5a, with the attachment member 5a provided at one end of the pipe frame 201. Furthermore, unlike the pipe frame 2 of the wheelchair mobility aid 1 of Example 1, the other end of the pipe frame 201 is not fixed by a clamping member 3 or the like. The attachment member 5a has the same configuration as the attachment member 5a of the wheelchair mobility aid 1 of Example 1, and includes a gripping portion 6a, a clamping portion 7a, and a position adjustment nut 8a. In addition, in wheelchair mobility aid 100a, the attachment member 5a may be replaced by a member similar to the attachment member 5b of the wheelchair mobility aid 1. The pipe frame 201 is made up of straight sections (201a-201c) and bent sections (201d, 201e), with the straight section 201a extending horizontally from one end of the mounting member 5a to the wheelchair to which it is to be attached, then bending upward at approximately 90° at bent section 201d to provide another straight section 201a in the upward direction. Next, the bent section 201e is bent backward at approximately 90° to provide another straight section 201c in the rearward direction.

[0046] FIG. 18 shows an image of the wheelchair mobility aid of Example 4 in use. As shown in FIG. 18, wheelchair mobility aid 100a is attached to the left leg pipe 12 of the wheelchair. While an example in which wheelchair mobility aid 100a is attached only to the left leg pipe 12 is shown here, it may be attached only to the right leg pipe 12, or to both the left and right leg pipes 12. As shown in FIG. 17, the pipe frame 201 is bent at two bent portions (201d, 201e). As shown in FIG. 18, a person pulling the wheelchair (not shown) can grasp the straight portion 201c and lift the wheelchair mobility aid 100a and front wheels 21 upward. It is also possible to grasp the straight portion 201b to pull the wheelchair forward. Furthermore, depending on the body shape of the person pulling the wheelchair or the need to lift it higher, it is possible to grasp the straight-moving portion 201a instead of the straight-moving portion 201c and lift the wheelchair mobility aid 100a and the front wheels 21 upward. In this way, by providing the pipe frame 201 with bending at approximately 90° in two places, not only is it possible to both lift the wheelchair upward and pull it forward, but the position to grip when lifting it upward can also be changed, resulting in a highly convenient configuration.

[0047] Figure 19 shows a front view of a wheelchair mobility aid of Example 5. As shown in Figure 19, wheelchair mobility aid 100b of Example 5 is composed of a pipe frame 202 and an attachment member 5a, with the attachment member 5a provided at one end of the pipe frame 202. Unlike the pipe frame 2 of wheelchair mobility aid 1 of Example 1, the other end of the pipe frame 202 is not fixed by a clamping member 3 or the like. The attachment member 5a has the same configuration as the attachment member 5a of wheelchair mobility aid 1 of Example 1, and includes a gripping portion 6a, a clamping portion 7a, and a position adjustment nut 8a. In wheelchair mobility aid 100b, the attachment member 5a may be replaced with a member similar to the attachment member 5b of wheelchair mobility aid 1. The pipe frame 202 is made up of straight sections (202a-202c) and bent sections (202d-202f), with bent section 202d being bent upward at approximately 90° from one end of the mounting member 5a relative to the wheelchair to which it is to be attached, followed by straight section 202a being provided perpendicular to the mounting member 5a, and then bent section 202e being bent forward at approximately 90°. Straight section 202b is then provided forward, bent section 202f being bent downward at approximately 90°, and straight section 202c being provided downward.

[0048] FIG. 20 shows an image of the wheelchair mobility aid of Example 5 in use. As shown in FIG. 20, wheelchair mobility aid 100b is attached to the left leg pipe 12 of the wheelchair. Note that while an example in which wheelchair mobility aid 100b is attached only to the left leg pipe 12 is shown here, it may be attached only to the right leg pipe 12, or to both the left and right leg pipes 12. As shown in FIG. 19, the pipe frame 202 is bent at three bends (202d to 202f), allowing a person pulling the wheelchair (not shown) to grasp the straight-moving portion 202b and lift it upward, as shown in FIG. 20. It is also possible to grasp the straight-moving portion 202c and pull the wheelchair forward. Furthermore, depending on the body shape of the person pulling the wheelchair and the intended use, it is also possible to grasp the straight-moving portion 202a rather than the straight-moving portion 202c and pull the wheelchair forward. In this way, by bending the pipe frame 202 at approximately 90° in three places, not only can it be lifted upward and pulled forward, but the gripping position can also be changed when pulling forward, making it a highly convenient configuration.

[0049] The present invention is useful as a mobility aid that can be attached to a wide variety of wheelchairs.

[0050] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 100a, 100b Wheelchair mobility aid 1a, 101 First support member 1b Second support member 2, 201, 202 Pipe frame 2a, 200a First pipe frame 2b, 200b Second pipe frame 3 Clamping member 3a, 3b Grip frame 4a, 4b, 40, 400-402 Connector frame 5, 5a, 5b, 50, 51 Mounting member 6a, 6b, 60, 61 Grip portion 7a, 7b, 71 Clamping portion 8a, 8b Position adjustment nut 11 Front pipe 12, 12a Leg pipe 13 Seat 14 Foot plate 15 Arm pipe 16 Cross pipe 17 Elbow rest 18 Back band 19 Backrest pipe 20 Rear wheel (tire) 21 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 22 Front wheel (caster) 22 Hand rim 23 Brake lever 24 Brake shoe 25 Shaft plate 26 Leg belt 27 Person pulling wheelchair 30 Clamping member body 30a Grip 30b Male thread portion 30c, 44a, 44b Recessed portion 30d Hinge portion 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b Fastener 33a, 33b Stopper ring 41a to 41d, 410a Inner pipe frame 42a to 42d, 420a Outer pipe frame 43a, 43b Convex portion 80 Thread 81a Lever 81b, 81c Shaft portion 81d L-shaped metal fitting 201a to 201c, 202a to 202c Straight portion 201d, 201e, 202d to 202f Bent portion P １ ~P ６ Contact point W １ , W ２ Width θ １ , θ ２ angle

Claims

1. A wheelchair mobility aid comprising a mounting member that is attached to either the left or right front pipe or the left or right leg pipe of a wheelchair in a detachable manner, and a pipe frame on which the mounting member is provided at one end, The pipe frame comprises a pair of substantially straight connecting frames, a pair of substantially straight gripping frames, and clamping members that connect the pair of gripping frames inside at both ends. The connecting frame and the gripping frame are curved and integrally molded. A protrusion is provided on the outer circumferential surface near the end of the grip frame. The clamping member comprises a clamping member body that is cylindrical in shape and fits onto the gripping frame, with a grip portion in the center of its outer circumference, male screw portions at both ends of its outer circumference, and a plurality of recesses on its inner circumference that engage with the protrusions, and a pair of fasteners provided with female screw portions. The cylindrical shape is formed by two semi-cylindrical members connected via a hinge so as to be able to open and close. A wheelchair mobility aid characterized in that, when attached to the front pipe or leg pipe by the aforementioned mounting member, the angle between the axial direction of the front pipe or leg pipe and the axial direction of the aforementioned mounting member is 75 to 85°.

2. The aforementioned mounting member is It comprises a clamping portion formed inwardly at the end of the pipe frame, and a gripping portion attached inwardly at the front of the clamping portion and at the end of the pipe frame, The gripping portion or clamping portion grips a part of the front pipe or leg pipe of the wheelchair, The wheelchair mobility aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamping portion or the gripping portion presses against a portion of the front pipe or leg pipe of the wheelchair.

3. When the gripping portion grips a portion of the front pipe or leg pipe of the wheelchair, and the clamping portion presses against a portion of the front pipe or leg pipe of the wheelchair, The wheelchair mobility aid according to claim 2, characterized in that the clamping portion contacts a position adjustment nut that is screwed into threads provided around the pipe frame, and by rotating the position adjustment nut with the axis of the pipe frame as the axis of rotation, the clamping portion moves along the axis of the pipe frame and presses against a part of the front pipe or leg pipe of the wheelchair.

4. The wheelchair mobility aid according to claim 2, characterized in that the gripping portion or the clamping portion is attached to the pipe frame using a toggle clamp.

5. The wheelchair mobility aid according to claim 1, characterized in that an elastic member is provided between the two semi-cylindrical members, and the semi-cylindrical members are in an open state when no external force is applied to the clamping member body.

6. The wheelchair mobility aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting frame has a cross-sectional shape with a recess or a protrusion, and is made up of multiple pipe frame members of different diameters, with each stage of pipe frame members being nested together, and the length can be adjusted by linearly extending and retracting the multi-stage pipe frame members.

7. The wheelchair mobility aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the gripping frame has an oval or elliptical cross-sectional shape.

8. The wheelchair mobility aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the pipe frame is bent at least at two locations.

9. The wheelchair mobility aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the pipe frame is provided in front of the mounting member with respect to the wheelchair to be attached, then bends upward, and then bends backward after being provided upward.

10. The wheelchair mobility aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the pipe frame is provided in front of the mounting member with respect to the wheelchair to be attached, then bends upward, then bends forward, then bends downward.