Patent Application
20240238137
The present invention relates generally to the field of person mobility devices such as wheelchairs. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a system allowing for a user to customize their wheelchair with regard to wheel axle position and geometry.
Wheelchair design and technology is advancing at a greater rate than ever before, with new lightweight materials and improved designs providing greater choice for users. Long gone are the days when a wheelchair user was provided with a “standard” wheelchair, and was forced to essentially make the best of it.
With the greater amount of choice comes a higher degree of specialisation in wheelchair design. In that regard, it has become clear that a single wheelchair design is not necessarily optimal for all intended uses. Indeed, some designs may only be useful for a narrow set of applications. For example, a wheelchair having broader tyres for traversing over soft terrain is not ideal for everyday use on pavements given the limited maneuverability and increased drag caused by broad tyres. The prior art provides a solution in the form of replaceable wheels, and also broadening devices which attach to the tyres. However, that solution raises a new problem in that many wheelchairs cannot accommodate alternative wheels or tyre attachment devices.
In some circumstances, a wheelchair which is suitable for a user at one point in time may become less suitable at a later time. A user's physical condition may deteriorate or improve over time such that adjustments to a wheelchair need be made, or the wheelchair replaced. Alternatively, a user's body may change physically such as when a child grows into an adolescent, weight is gained or lost, or a limb is amputated. In such circumstances, it may be necessary to modify or replace the wheelchair, both of which can be expensive.
It is an aspect of the present invention to provide an improvement to prior art wheelchairs and wheelchair components so as to facilitate customization required to suit a user, or for a particular application. It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a useful alternative to prior art wheelchairs and wheelchair components.
The discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in this specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters formed part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.
In a first aspect, but not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention provides a system comprising: a personal mobility apparatus comprising a wheel support portion, and an axle engaging portion that is attachable to the wheel support portion.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the axle engaging portion is detachable from the wheel support portion
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the wheel support portion is a body portion or a frame portion of the personal mobility apparatus.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the axle engaging portion is formed separately to the wheel support portion.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the wheel support portion is shaped so as to fit a complementary shape of the axle engaging portion.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the complementary shape of the wheel support portion is (i) a cavity formed in the wheel support portion or (ii) a protuberance extending from the wheel support portion.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the cavity or the protuberance is generally wedge-shaped in cross-section.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the system comprises reversible fixing means or a reversible fixing sub-system configured to reversibly fix the axle engaging portion to the wheel support portion.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the reversible fixing means or the reversible fixing sub-system comprises any one or more of a fastener, a fastener hole formed in the wheel support portion and/or the axle engaging portion, a fastener receiving portion formed in the wheel support portion and/or the axle engaging portion, a clip, a band, or a clamp.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the wheel support portion and/or the axle engaging portion is/are configured such that the axle engaging portion is attachable in a single orientation to the wheel support portion.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the axle engaging portion is formed as a solid body.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the axle engaging portion is formed from a metal.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the metal is a lightweight metal, including aluminium, an aluminium alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy, a magnesium, a magnesium alloy, beryllium, or a beryllium alloy.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the axle engaging portion is configured to reversibly engage a wheel axle intended for engagement.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the reversible engagement is reliant on a structure of a wheel axle intended for engagement.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the axle engaging portion comprises a passage configured to receive a wheel axle intended for engagement.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the axle engaging portion comprises an extension portion configured to extend generally laterally outwardly from the personal mobility apparatus.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the passage is formed at least in part in the extension portion.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the axle engaging portion is configured to engage a wheel axle at (i) a predetermined position relative to a point of the personal mobility apparatus, or relative to the ground and/or (ii) at an angle relative to the ground.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the axle engaging portion is configured to engage a wheel axle such that a wheel rotating on the wheel axle is disposed laterally outwardly so as to accommodate a wheel having a tyre width greater than about 35 mm. 40 mm. 45 mm. 50 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 65 mm, 70 mm, 75 mm, 80 mm, 85 mm, 90 mm, 95 mm, or 100 mm.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the axle engaging portion is configured to engage a wheel axle in a more forward position or a more rearward position or a more upward position or a more downward position compared to a previous position or a standard position.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the axle engaging portion is configured to engage a wheel axle to provide a camber angle of about 0 degrees, or greater than about 1 degrees, 2 degrees, 3 degrees, 4 degrees or 5 degrees.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the system comprises a wheel axle configured to be engageable by the axle engaging portion.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the system comprises a plurality of axle engaging portions, each member of the plurality being differentially configured such that when attached to a frame member of a personal mobility apparatus, each member of the plurality positions and/or angles the axle differently.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the system comprises instructions in the form of a computer readable electronic file, printed material, an audio recording, or a video recording containing text or images or sound instructing the attachment of an axle engaging portion of the system with a wheel support portion of the system.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the personal mobility apparatus is a wheelchair.
In a second aspect, the present invention provides a personal mobility apparatus comprising a wheel support portion configured to attach to an axle engaging portion that is attachable to the wheel support portion.
In one embodiment of the second aspect, the axle engaging portion is detachable form the wheel support portion.
In one embodiment of the second aspect, the wheel support portion is a body portion or a frame portion of the personal mobility apparatus.
In one embodiment of the second aspect, the axle engaging portion is formed separately to the wheel support portion.
In one embodiment of the second aspect, the wheel support portion is shaped so as to fit a complementary shape of the axle engaging portion.
In one embodiment of the second aspect, wherein the complementary shape of the wheel support portion is (i) a cavity formed in the wheel support portion or (ii) a protuberance extending from the wheel support portion.
In one embodiment of the second aspect, the cavity or the protuberance is generally wedge-shaped in cross-section.
In one embodiment of the second aspect, the personal mobility apparatus comprises reversible fixing means or a reversible fixing system configured to reversibly fix the axle engaging portion to the wheel support portion.
In one embodiment of the second aspect, the reversible fixing means or the reversible fixing system comprises any one or more of a fastener, a fastener hole formed in the wheel support portion, a fastener receiving portion formed in the wheel support portion, a clip, a band, or a clamp.
In one embodiment of the second aspect, the wheel support portion is configured such that the axle engaging portion is attachable in a single orientation to the wheel support portion.
In one embodiment of the second aspect, the personal mobility apparatus is a wheelchair.
In a third aspect, the present invention provides an axle engaging portion that is attachable to the wheel support portion of a personal mobility apparatus comprising a wheel support portion.
In one embodiment of the third aspect, the axle engaging portion is detachable from the wheel support portion.
In one embodiment of the third aspect, the axle engaging portion is formed separately to the wheel support portion.
In one embodiment of the third aspect, the wheel support portion is shaped so as to fit a complementary shape of the axle engaging portion.
In one embodiment of the third aspect, the axle engaging portion comprises reversible fixing means or a reversible fixing system configured to reversibly fix the axle engaging portion to the wheel support portion.
In one embodiment of the third aspect, the reversible fixing means or the reversible fixing system comprises any one or more of a fastener, a fastener hole formed in the wheel support portion and/or the axle engaging portion, a fastener receiving portion formed in the wheel support portion and/or the axle engaging portion, a clip, a band, or a clamp.
In one embodiment of the third aspect, the axle engaging portion is configured so as to be attachable in a single orientation to the wheel support portion.
In one embodiment of the third aspect, the axle engaging portion is formed as a solid body.
In one embodiment of the third aspect, the axle engaging portion is formed from a metal.
In one embodiment of the third aspect, the metal is a lightweight metal, including aluminium, an aluminium alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy, a magnesium, a magnesium alloy, beryllium, or a beryllium alloy.
In one embodiment of the third aspect, the axle engaging portion is configured to reversibly engage a wheel axle intended for engagement.
In one embodiment of the third aspect, the reversible engagement is reliant on a structure of a wheel axle intended for engagement.
In one embodiment of the third aspect, the axle engaging portion comprises a passage configured to receive a wheel axle intended for engagement.
In one embodiment of the third aspect, the axle engaging portion comprises an extension portion configured to extend generally laterally outwardly from the personal mobility apparatus.
In one embodiment of the third aspect, the passage is formed at least in part in the extension portion.
In one embodiment of the third aspect, the axle engaging portion is configured to engage a wheel axle at (i) a predetermined position relative to a point of the personal mobility apparatus, or relative to the ground and/or (ii) at an angle relative to the ground.
In one embodiment of the third aspect, the axle engaging portion is configured to engage a wheel axle such that a wheel rotating on the wheel axle is disposed laterally outwardly so as to accommodate a wheel having a tyre width greater than about 35 mm. 40 mm. 45 mm. 50 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 65 mm, 70 mm, 75 mm, 80 mm, 85 mm, 90 mm, 95 mm, or 100 mm.
In one embodiment of the third aspect, the axle engaging portion is configured to engage a wheel axle in a more forward position or a more rearward position or a more upward position or a more downward position compared to a previous position or a standard position.
In one embodiment of the third aspect, the axle engaging portion is configured to engage a wheel axle to provide a camber angle of about 0 degrees, or greater than about 1 degrees, 2 degrees, 3 degrees, 4 degrees or 5 degrees.
In one embodiment of the third aspect, the axle engaging portion comprises a wheel axle configured to be engageable by the axle engaging portion.
In one embodiment of the third aspect, the personal mobility apparatus is a wheelchair.
In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a plurality of axle engaging portions, each member of the plurality being any embodiment of the third aspect, each member of the plurality being differentially configured such that when attached to a frame member of a personal mobility apparatus, each member positions and/or angles the axle differently.
In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a method of customizing a personal mobility device comprising the step of attaching an axle engaging portion of any embodiment of the third aspect to the wheel support portion of a personal mobility apparatus of any embodiment of the second aspect.
In one embodiment of the fifth aspect, the method comprises the step of detaching the axle engaging portion from the wheel support portion.
In one embodiment of the fifth aspect, the method comprises the step of selecting an axle engaging portion according to a need or preference of an intended user of the personal mobility device, or an intended application of the personal mobility device.
In one embodiment of the fifth aspect, the axle engaging portion is selected from the plurality of axle engaging portions of any embodiment of the fourth aspect.
In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a personal mobility apparatus produced the method of any embodiment of the fifth aspect.
In a seventh aspect, the present invention provides a personal mobility apparatus of any embodiment of the second aspect having attached thereto an axle engaging portion of any embodiment of the third aspect.
Unless otherwise indicated herein, features of the drawings labelled with the same numeral are taken to be the same features, or at least functionally similar features, when used across different drawings.
The drawings are not prepared to any particular scale or dimension and are not presented as being a completely accurate presentation of the various embodiments.
After considering this description it will be apparent to one skilled in the art how the invention is implemented in various alternative embodiments and alternative applications. However, although various embodiments of the present invention will be described herein, it is understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not limitation. As such, this description of various alternative embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present invention. Furthermore, statements of advantages or other aspects apply to specific exemplary embodiments, and not necessarily to all embodiments, or indeed any embodiment covered by the claims.
Throughout the description and the claims of this specification the word “comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and “comprises” is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may.
As used herein, positional terms such as “lateral”, “across”, “above”, “below”, “higher”, “lower”, “upward”, “downward”, “plan view” and the like are to be considered with reference to a wheelchair as used in a normal upright position so as to allow a seated user to roll across a generally horizontal surface.
When an item is referred to as “configured” in a certain manner, the configuration may be by way of any one or more of: shape, dimension, orientation, material(s) of fabrication, flexibility, elasticity, deformability, resilience, durability, inflexibility, movability, lack of movability, and control of movability.
The present invention is predicated at least in part on the inventor's discovery that in many instances a wheelchair can be customized for a particular application or user by adjusting the position or orientation of the wheel axles. Moreover, a wheelchair may be easily customized in many regards by the use of an axle engaging portion that can be attached, to and detached from, the wheelchair frame. An axle engaging portion may be selected according to a particular application or user so as to optimise the axle position and/or axle geometry for that application or user.
Turning firstly to
Socket (15) is generally thin-walled and may be fabricated from a strong but lightweight metal such as aluminium, although the wall thickens somewhat toward the attachment points for frame members (10A, 10B, 10C) to provide for greater structural integrity. Socket (15) provides a cavity (20) which, as will be explained more fully infra, is adapted to receive an axle support portion.
The socket (15), is in a suitable position so as to receive a wheelchair rear wheel axle. The view of
Typically the wheel axles are disposed inferior to the seat and toward the seat backrest. However wheelchairs that are highly customised for sports and other activities may require the axles to be differently located.
As shown in
It is not intended that the axle engaging portion (25) frictionally engages with the cavity (15) to any material extent in this embodiment. At some point in time, it may be necessary to replace the axle engaging portion (25) with an alternative version so as to better suit the user or a particular application or circumstance. Any material frictional engagement may inhibit or prevent the easy removal of the installed axle engaging portion (25).
As will be appreciated, it is desirable that the axle engaging portion (20) is easily attachable and detachable, yet remain firmly in place when attached. In that regard, after installation the axle engaging portion (25) an impermanent fixing means may be used. In the preferred embodiment of the drawings, the fixing means comprises two threaded fasteners (30A, 30B) each of which winds into and engages with a complimentary thread formed in the axle engaging portion (25), as shown more clearly in
In
The rear of the axle engaging portion (20) has threaded boreholes (40A, 40B) in register with apertures (35A, 35B) respectively.
To attach the axle engaging portion (25), it is inserted into the cavity (20) so as to be fully seated therein. Fasteners (30A, 30B) are then inserted into apertures (35A, 35B) and advanced to the point whereby the ends of the threaded fasteners (30A, 30B) contact the thread of each threaded bore hole (40A, 40B) respectively. Threaded fasteners (30A, 30B) are then wound until the axle engaging portion (25) is firmly secured to the socket (15). Reference is made to
The axle (not drawn) is advanced toward the axle engaging portion (25) along the dashed line, and inserted into a passage (45) formed in the axle engaging portion (25) so as to be retained therein.
In this embodiment the axle engaging portion (25) comprises an extension portion (50) extending laterally outwardly from the wheel chair, and functioning to elongate the passage (45). An elongated passage (45) is preferred to better engage and support a useful length of the axle. As will be discussed further infra, an additional or alternative function for the extension portion (25) is to laterally offset the wheel axle (and therefore the wheel) away from the wheelchair so as to allow for fitting of broader tyres.
Turning now to
The wheel axle may be of the quick fit/quick release type having a retaining means which is engageable and disengageable by simply axially pushing and pulling the axle by hand. In some instances, the engagement and/or disengagement requires the user to actuate a locking and/or unlocking function. As one example, the retaining means of the axle may comprise a locking bearing in a terminal region of the axle, the bearing being movable radially so as to alternately extend beyond the cylindrical surface of the axle and sit within the axle. The bearing is biased toward the extended position.
In the context of the embodiment of
Turning now to
By the present invention, wheel offset can be increased when a user wishes to change general purpose wheels and tyres, to a set having a broader profile, so as to be more useful for traversing over soft materials such as sand or soil.
As will be appreciated by comparing the left-hand and right-hand drawings, the high camber angle embodiment has a more highly angle extended portion (50) and passage (40). The passage (40) opens lower on the rear face of the socket (15) for the high camber angle embodiments, compared with the low camber angle embodiment.
An axle engaging portion may be configured so as to provide a desired setting for any two of: forward/rearward position, lateral offset and camber angle. An axle engaging portion may be configured so as to accomplish a desired forward/rearward position setting, lateral offset setting and camber angle setting.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to further variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention comprises all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
For example, some embodiments of the invention do not rely on any cavity formed in the frame member to hold the axle engaging portion. For example, the axle engaging portion may comprise a cavity that is complimentary to a protuberance extending from the frame member.
Given the benefit of the present invention, the skilled person is enabled to design alternative means for attaching the axle engaging portion to the frame member. For example, the axle engaging portion may have a bolt hole extending all the way though, with a nut (preferably recessed) use to secure. As another example, a retaining plate extending across one or both faces of the cavity may be used to capture the axle engaging portion.
In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the cavity is itself threaded and the axle engaging portion has a complimentary thread and is wound into the cavity until secured.
Some embodiments do not rely on any cavity or protuberance. In one such embodiment, the axle engaging portion may be configured to fit onto a frame member. For example, the frame member may have a rear face shaped to fit onto a frame member. The frame member may have a circular cross-section and the axle engaging portion rear face may be curved to the same radius and closely fit thereon.
In some circumstances, the intention is for the axle engaging portion (20) to remain in situ for the operational life of the wheelchair. For example, a wheelchair retailer may permanently fit an axle engaging portion that suits a particular user and will be effective for all use scenarios foreseen by the user. The retailer may keep in stock wheelchairs having a cavity, and also a range of axle engaging portions from which the user may select. In this way, the retailer is not required to hold a range of wheelchairs in inventory having variable axle positions and geometries. Instead, a single wheelchair type may be stocked with customization achieved by the use of a selected axle engaging portion.
Where the axle engaging portion remains in situ for the operational life of the wheelchair, material frictional engagement with the cavity may be desirable and in which case smooth surfaces may not be required. A tool (such as a mallet) may be used to overcome the frictional forces between the parts and urge the axle engaging portion firmly into the cavity. In such cases, a permanent fixing means (such as a weld or an epoxy resin) or an impermanent fixing means (such as a threaded fastener) may be used as a further measure to prevent detachment of the axle engaging portion.
As will be clear from the above, the axle engaging portion (20) make take one of many forms, dependent in some embodiments on the configuration of the frame member to which it is to be attached. Regardless of the form, the function is to engage with an axle of one of the rear (main, larger) wheels of the wheelchair.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021901478 | May 2021 | AU | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/AU2022/050460 | 5/13/2022 | WO |
