Adjustable wheelchair frame

Details Adjustable wheelchair frame Adjustable wheelchair frame

1999-06-14

2001-07-24

Johnson, Brian L. (Department: 3618)

Land vehicles

Wheeled

Extensible

C280S647000, C280S250100

Reexamination Certificate

active

06264218

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates in general to wheelchairs. More particularly, this invention relates to wheelchair frames. Most particularly, the invention relates to adjustable wheelchair frames.
Wheelchairs are well known forms of transportation that increase the mobility of the physically impaired. Wheelchairs are typically relatively small, single-person conveyances that generally comprise a seat supported by a frame which, in turn, is supported by two oppositely disposed drive wheels and two front casters.
The wheelchair occupant's center of gravity is generally positioned near the axle position of the drive wheels to permit the wheelchair occupant to maneuver the wheelchair with greater ease. The wheelchair occupant's center of gravity may be shifted in a number of ways. The drive wheels may be cambered so that the distance between the drive wheels at ground level is greater than the distance between the drive wheels at the seat. In addition to cambering the drive wheels, adjusting the position of the drive wheels relative to the wheelchair frame may also shift the wheelchair occupant's center of gravity. For example, the drive wheels may be moved forward or backward, or may be raised or lowered, relative to the wheelchair frame to shift the wheelchair occupant's center of gravity.
Adjusting the wheelchair seat relative to the wheelchair frame may also shift the center of gravity of the wheelchair occupant. In addition to shifting the center of gravity of the wheelchair occupant, adjusting the wheelchair seat may improve the orientation of the arms and hands of the wheelchair occupant relative to the drive wheels. Improving the orientation of the arms and hands of the wheelchair occupant relative to the drive wheels enables the occupant of the wheelchair to propel the wheelchair with greater comfort and increased efficiency. Optimal positioning of the wheelchair seat also reduces the risk of tissue trauma suffered by the wheelchair occupant by reducing the constant pressure between the wheelchair occupant's skin and the wheelchair, and particularly, the wheelchair seat.
A need exists for a simplified assembly for adjusting the angle of inclination of wheelchair seat in accordance with the physical characteristics of the wheelchair occupant and further in accordance with various purposes for which the wheelchair is used.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a wheelchair side frame comprising a front side frame and a rear side frame coupled to the front side frame. The front side frame is adjustable relative to the rear side frame to vary the elevation of the rear side frame relative to the front side frame. The invention also relates to a wheelchair side frame comprising front and rear side frames each having upper and lower portions. A first coupling couples the upper portion of the rear side frames to the upper portion of the front side frames. A second coupling couples the lower portion of the rear side frames to the lower portion of the front side frames. The first and second couplings are adjustable in elevation. The invention further relates to a wheelchair that comprises a pair of side frames each including a front side frame and a rear side frame coupled to the front side frame. The rear side frames are adjustable in elevation relative to the front side frames. A pair of rear wheels supports the rear side frames and a pair of front casters supports the front side frames.
Various objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4360213 (1982-11-01), Rudwick et al.
patent: 4730842 (1988-03-01), Summers et al.
patent: 4852899 (1989-08-01), Kueschall
patent: 4989890 (1991-02-01), Lockard et al.
patent: 5020816 (1991-06-01), Mulholland
patent: 5409247 (1995-04-01), Robertson et al.
patent: 5590893 (1997-01-01), Robinson et al.
patent: 5997021 (1999-12-01), Robinson et al.
patent: 2 347 655 (2000-09-01), None

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