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Title:
AN IMPROVED WHEELCHAIR RACK
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2019/043463
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A wheelchair rack configured to fold and store a manual wheelchair comprising, a horizontal support adapted to support the wheelchair comprising a first wheel support adapted to support a first wheel of the wheelchair and a second wheel support adapted to support a second wheel of the wheelchair, an attachment piece adapted to attach the wheelchair rack to a vehicle, and wherein the second wheel support is movable relative to the first wheel support.

Inventors:
CROWTHER JAMES (NZ)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2018/052160
Publication Date:
March 07, 2019
Filing Date:
March 29, 2018
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
CROWTHER JAMES (NE)
International Classes:
B60R9/06; A61G3/08
Foreign References:
US6386817B12002-05-14
US4573854A1986-03-04
US5011361A1991-04-30
US5308214A1994-05-03
US4565482A1986-01-21
US4236860A1980-12-02
FR2829082A12003-03-07
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
AJ PARK (NZ)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. A wheelchair rack configured to fold and store a manual wheelchair comprising : a horizontal support adapted to support the wheelchair comprising a first wheel support adapted to support a first wheel of the wheelchair and a second wheel support adapted to support a second wheel of the wheelchair,

an attachment piece adapted to attach the wheelchair rack to a vehicle, and wherein the second wheel support is movable relative to the first wheel support.

2. A wheelchair rack as claimed in the previous claims, wherein said second wheel support is movable between a first and second position on a horizontal plane relative to the first wheel support.

3. A wheelchair rack as claimed in the previous claim, wherein said first position is a closed position and the second position is an extended position.

4. A wheelchair rack as claimed in the previous claim, wherein the horizontal distance between the first wheel support and the second wheel support is shorter in said closed position than in said extended position.

5. A wheelchair rack as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein said first and second wheel supports comprise a retaining member to move the wheelchair between a first position and a second position as the second wheel support is adjusted relative to the first wheel support.

6. A wheelchair rack as claimed in the previous claim, wherein said retaining members are side walls on said wheel supports con figured to engage with the wheels of the wheelchair.

7. A wheelchair rack as claimed in the previous claim, wherein said wheel supports comprise inner walls and outer walls configured to engage with the wheels of the wheelchair.

8. A wheelchair rack as claimed in the previous claim, wherein said inner walls engage with the wheels of the wheelchair as the second wheel support is moved to a second position to unfold the wheelchair.

9. A wheelchair rack as claimed in claim 7, wherein said outer walls engage with the wheels of the wheelchair as the second wheel support is adjusted to a first position to fold the wheelchair up.

10. A wheelchair rack as claimed in claim 5, wherein said retaining means is friction between the wheels of the wheelchair and a horizontal surface of the wheel support.

11. A wheelchair rack as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein said horizontal support is adjustable between a raised position and a lowered position .

12. A wheelchair rack as claimed in the previous claim, wherein said wheelchair rack can maintain one or more intermediate vertical positions.

13. A wheelchair rack as claimed in the previous claim, wherein said wheelchair rack can adopt a continuous range of intermediate vertical positions.

14. A wheelchair rack as claimed claim 12, wherein said wheelchair rack comprises one or more discrete intermediate vertical positions.

15. A wheelchair rack as claimed in claims 2-14, wherein said wheelchair rack actuates the wheelchair rack between a first position and a second position, and concurrently between a raised position and a lowered position.

16. A wheelchair rack as claimed in claims 2-14, wherein a first mechanism actuates the wheelchair rack between a first position and a second position, and a second lifting mechanism independently actuates the wheelchair rack between a raised position and a lowered position.

17. A wheelchair rack as claimed claims 11-16, wherein said wheelchair rack comprises a hand winch to adjust the wheelchair rack between the raised position and the lowered position.

18. A wheelchair rack as claimed in claims 11-16, wherein said wheelchair rack comprises an actuator to adjust the wheelchair rack between the raised position and the lowered position.

19. A wheelchair rack as claimed in the previous claim, wherein said actuator is controlled by user controlled buttons to move the wheelchair rack between the raised position and the lowered position.

20. A wheelchair rack as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein said wheelchair rack comprises a manual actuator to move the second wheel support relative to the first wheel support.

21. A wheelchair rack as claimed in the previous claim, wherein said manual actuator comprises a lever to move the second wheel support relative to the first wheel support.

22. A wheelchair rack as claimed in claims 1-19, wherein said wheelchair rack comprises an actuator to move the second wheel support relative to the first wheel support.

23. A wheelchair rack as claimed in the previous claim, wherein said actuator is controlled by user buttons to move the second wheel support relative to the first wheel support.

24. A wheelchair rack as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein said wheelchair rack comprises a vertical support.

25. A wheelchair rack as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein said horizontal support comprises a horizontal fixed frame and a horizontal movable frame complimentarily connected to said fixed frame.

26. A wheelchair rack as claimed in the previous claim, wherein said first wheel support is attached to the fixed frame and a second wheel support is attached to the movable frame.

27. A wheelchair rack as claimed in claims 25 and 26, wherein said wheelchair rack further comprises a stopper adapted to limit movement of the movable frame relative to the fixed frame.

28. A wheelchair rack as claimed in claims 25-27, wherein said first wheel support is perpendicularly attached to two fixed arms of said fixed frame and the second wheel support is perpendicularly attached to the two movable arms of said movable frame.

29. A wheelchair rack as claimed in the previous claim, wherein said movable arms telescope towards and away from the fixed arms to adjust the movable frame between a first closed position and second extended position.

30. A wheelchair rack as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein said frame comprises a handle configured to assist in moving the second wheel support relative to the first wheel support.

31. A wheelchair rack as claimed in claims 25-30, wherein said fixed frame is connected towards a lower end of said vertical support.

32. A wheelchair rack as claimed in any one the previous claims, wherein said wheelchair rack comprises anchor points configured to receive straps to secure a wheelchair to the wheelchair ramp.

33. A wheelchair rack as claimed in any one the previous claims, wherein said attachment piece attaches the wheelchair rack to a towbar or tow hitch of the vehicle.

34. A wheelchair rack as claimed in the previous claim, wherein said wheelchair rack attached to a vehicle extends the length of the vehicle less than 800mm from the rear of the vehicle.

Description:
AN IMPROVED WHEELCHAIR RACK

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved wheelchair rack. More particularly, but not exclusively, it relates to a wheelchair rack for carrying, storing and unfolding a foldable wheelchair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Muscular dystrophy is a condition characterised by progressive muscle wasting.

Wheelchairs are often used by people with this condition, and other medical conditions or injury which reduces the mobility of their lower limbs.

When travelling in a vehicle, it may be desirable to store and transport a wheelchair. Making wheelchairs easily transferable onto and off vehicles may help people requiring a wheelchair maintain their independence as little or no assistance may be required.

Some vehicles are modified to include equipment such as powered wheelchair lifts, or wheelchair ramps to provide wheelchair access. However, these modifications are generally complex and expensive.

In many cases, the wheelchair user still requires assistance to get in and out of the vehicle, which presents risk of back injury and other injuries to the caregiver and the user. Additionally, wheelchair users may require assistance to lift and store their wheelchair in a traditional vehicle.

Unfortunately, traditional vehicles are not designed to carry wheelchairs. In traditional vehicles, wheelchairs are generally stored in the trunk of the vehicle if enough space is provided. Otherwise, a wheelchair may need to be stored between the front and back seats of the vehicle. Storing a wheelchair in these areas may be difficult, and may make for an uncomfortable car ride for passengers.

It may be desirable for wheelchair storage and transport equipment to be simpler than traditional equipment presently available, and/or to assist a user getting into and/or out of the chair.

In this specification, where reference has been made to external sources of information, including patent specifications and other documents, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the present invention. Unless stated otherwise, reference to such sources of information is not to be construed, in any jurisdiction, as an admission that such sources of information are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

For the purpose of this specification, where method steps are described in sequence, the sequence does not necessarily mean that the steps are to be chronologically ordered in that sequence, unless there is no other logical manner of interpreting the sequence.

It is an object of the present invention to provide improved wheelchair rack which overcomes or at least partially ameliorates some of the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect the invention broadly comprises a wheelchair rack configured to fold and store a manual wheelchair comprising :

a horizontal support adapted to support the wheelchair comprising a first wheel support adapted to support a first wheel of the wheelchair and a second wheel support adapted to support a second wheel of the wheelchair,

an attachment piece adapted to attach the wheelchair rack to a vehicle, and wherein the second wheel support is movable relative to the first wheel support.

According to another aspect said second wheel support is movable between a first and second position on a horizontal plane relative to the first wheel support.

According to another aspect said first position is a closed position and the second position is an extended position.

According to another aspect the horizontal distance between the first wheel support and the second wheel support is shorter in said closed position than in said extended position.

According to another aspect said first and second wheel supports comprise a retaining member to move the wheelchair between a first position and a second position as the second wheel support is adjusted relative to the first wheel support.

According to another aspect said retainer member are side walls on said wheel supports configured to engage with the wheels of the wheelchair.

According to another aspect said wheel supports comprise inner walls and outer walls configured to engage with the wheels of the wheelchair.

According to another aspect said inner walls engage with the wheels of the wheelchair as the second wheel support is moved to a second position to unfold the wheelchair.

According to another aspect said outer walls engage with the wheels of the wheelchair as the second wheel support is adjusted to a first position to fold the wheelchair up. According to another aspect said retaining means is friction between the wheels of the wheelchair and a horizontal surface of the wheel support.

According to another aspect said horizontal support is adjustable between a raised position and a lowered position.

According to another aspect said wheelchair rack can maintain one or more intermediate vertical positions.

According to another aspect said wheelchair rack can adopt a continuous range of intermediate vertical positions.

According to another aspect said wheelchair rack comprises one or more discrete intermediate vertical positions.

According to another aspect said wheelchair rack actuates the wheelchair rack between a first position and a second position, and concurrently between a raised position and a lowered position.

According to another aspect a first mechanism actuates the wheelchair rack between a first position and a second position, and a second lifting mechanism independently actuates the wheelchair rack between a raised position and a lowered position.

According to another aspect said wheelchair rack comprises a hand winch to adjust the wheelchair rack between the raised position and the lowered position.

According to another aspect said wheelchair rack comprises an actuator to adjust the wheelchair rack between the raised position and the lowered position.

According to another aspect said actuator is controlled by user controlled buttons to move the wheelchair rack between the raised position and the lowered position.

According to another aspect said wheelchair rack comprises a manual actuator to move the second wheel support relative to the first wheel support.

According to another aspect said manual actuator comprises a lever to move the second wheel support relative to the first wheel support.

According to another aspect said wheelchair rack comprises an actuator to move the second wheel support relative to the first wheel support. According to another aspect said actuator is controlled by user buttons to move the second wheel support relative to the first wheel support.

According to another aspect said wheelchair rack comprises a vertical support.

According to another aspect said horizontal support comprises a horizontal fixed frame and a horizontal movable frame complimentarily connected to said fixed frame.

According to another aspect said first wheel support is attached to the fixed frame and a second wheel support is attached to the movable frame.

According to another aspect said wheelchair rack further comprises a stopper adapted to limit movement of the movable frame relative to the fixed frame.

According to another aspect said first wheel support is perpendicularly attached to two fixed arms of said fixed frame and the second wheel support is perpendicularly attached to the two movable arms of said movable frame.

According to another aspect said movable arms telescope towards and away from the fixed arms to adjust the movable frame between a first closed position and second extended position.

According to another aspect said frame comprises a handle configured to assist in moving the second wheel support relative to the first wheel support.

According to another aspect said fixed frame is connected towards a lower end of said vertical support.

According to another aspect said wheelchair rack comprises anchor points configured to receive straps to secure a wheelchair to the wheelchair ramp.

According to another aspect said attachment piece attaches the wheelchair rack to a towbar or tow hitch of the vehicle.

According to another aspect said wheelchair rack attached to a vehicle extends the length of the vehicle less than 800mm from the rear of the vehicle.

Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both. As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

The term "comprising" as used in this specification and claims means "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present but other features can also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprised" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings in which :

Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the wheelchair rack.

Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of the wheelchair rack attached to the rear of a vehicle.

Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of the wheelchair rack in a closed configuration.

Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the wheelchair rack storing a wheelchair in a closed configuration.

Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of the wheelchair rack attached to the towbar of a vehicle in a raised configuration.

Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of the wheelchair rack attached to the towbar of a vehicle in a lowered configuration.

Figure 7 shows a schematic side view of the wheelchair rack in an intermediate configuration.

Figure 8 shows a schematic side view of the wheelchair rack in a lowered

configuration.

Figure 9 shows a schematic perspective view of the wheelchair rack with an electric actuator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to figures 1 - 9 there is shown a wheelchair rack 100 configured to fold and store a wheelchair 200 on a vehicle. It will be appreciated that these figures are schematic views that illustrate the general principles of construction, and that the invention is not limited to the precise mechanical configuration illustrated.

In the most preferred configurations, the wheelchair rack 100 is adapted to be mounted on the back of a vehicle 300 for transporting a wheelchair 200 as best shown in figure 2. An advantage of the wheelchair rack 100, is that a person with limited mobility, or their caregiver may be able to load and unload a wheelchair 200 into the wheelchair rack 100 with ease. The wheelchair rack 100 may also help a person with limited mobility get into a wheelchair from a standing or semi-standing position with limited or no further assistance.

The wheelchair rack 100 operates between a first position (figure 1) and a second position (figure 3) . Preferably, the first position is in an opened position, and the second position is a closed position, to be discussed in more detail below.

In the preferred configuration, the wheelchair rack 100 also operates between at least three height modes. The wheelchair rack 100 operates between a raised position (figure 5), and one or more intermediate positions (figure 7), and a lowered position (figure 6 and 8) to be discussed in more detail below.

With reference to figure 1, the wheelchair rack 100 preferably comprises a vertical support 125, and substantially horizontal fixed frame 120. Preferably, the fixed frame 120 is connected towards a lower end of the vertical support 125. For the avoidance of doubt, the term 'fixed frame' is used to distinguished from the 'movable frame'. However, as described in more detail later, the fixed frame may move in relation to the vehicle (in order to vary the height of the fixed frame and movable frame assembly).

In the preferred configuration the fixed frame 120 is connected to a substantially horizontal complimentary movable frame 140. The movable frame 140 moves relative to the fixed frame 120 in a horizontal plane.

The movable frame 140 moves between a first position as shown in figure 1 and a second position as shown in figure 3. Preferably, in the second position (figure 3), the horizontal distance between the fixed frame 140 and the movable frame 120 is smaller than in the first position (figure 1).

Preferably the fixed frame 120 comprises two fixed arms 121. The fixed arms 121 are substantially parallel and horizontally spaced apart from each other. Preferably the fixed arms 121 are hollow, each forming a cavity adapted to receive a complimentary member.

Preferably the movable frame 140 comprises two movable arms 141. The movable arms 141 are complimentarily connected to the fixed arms 121.

In the preferred configuration, the movable arms 141 of the movable frame 140, fits within the fixed arms 121 of the fixed frame 120. Preferably the movable arms 101 telescope in and out of the fixed arms 121 to extend and retract the wheelchair rack 100. Preferably the movable arms 101 telescope towards and away from the fixed arms 121.

Optionally, a friction reducing material or substance such as nylon may be introduced between the fixed arms 121 and the movable arms 141 to encourage smooth sliding between the parts. Optionally, the movable arms 142 each comprise a stopper piece 143 as illustrated in figures 3 and 4. The stopper piece 143 is adapted to limit movement of the movable frame 140 relative to the fixed frame. The stopper piece 143 preferably prevents further movement of the movable frame 140 towards the fixed frame 120, once the wheelchair rack 100 is in a closed position. In some configurations, the stopper piece 143 is located on the movable arm 141 as shown in figure 3.

Tracks

With reference to figures 1 and 2, the wheelchair rack 100 comprises wheel tracks 101, 102 adapted to receive wheels 201 of a wheelchair 200.

Preferably, a first wheel track 101 is fixed to the fixed frame 120.

Preferably, a second wheel track 102 is fixed to the movable frame 140. In the preferred configuration, as the movable frame 140 moves between a first position and a second position, the second wheel track 102 also moves in between a first position and a second position.

Preferably, in the second position (figure 3), the horizontal distance between the first wheel track 101 and the second wheel track 102 is smaller than in the first position (figure 1).

In the preferred configurations, the wheel tracks 101 and 102 comprises a substantially flat surface 103, and wheel track sides 104.

Preferably, as the second wheel track 102 moves from a first position to a second position, the wheelchair 200 also moves from an opened configuration to a folded configuration as best shown in figure 4.

Preferably, the wheel tracks each comprise a gripping means to move the wheelchair between a first position and a second position with the wheelchair rack 1 as the rack is adjusted between a first position and a second position.

In the preferred configuration, the gripping means are the wheel track sides 104. As the wheelchair rack 100 is adjusted between a first position and a second position, the wheel track sides 104 engage with the wheels 201 of the wheelchair 200, forcing the wheelchair to move from an open configuration to a closed configuration.

Optionally, the gripping means is friction or fastening means between the wheels 201 of the wheelchair and the surface 103 of the wheel tracks 101, 102. For example, the friction or fastening means may be provided for by grooves, protrusions, or hooks on the surface 103 of the wheel tracks 101, 102, or alternatively clips, straps or clamps etc.

An advantage of a collapsible wheelchair rack 100 is that a wheelchair 200 can be transported compactly at the back of a vehicle 300.

Optionally, the wheelchair sides 104 comprises a protective rubber top 105. The protective cover 105 can cover the top portion of the wheel track sides 104 and may reduce the possibility of injury due to sharp edges on the wheel tracks. The protective cover 105 can be a rubber or plastic, for example.

Optionally, the wheel tracks 101 and 102 comprises ramps 106 at one or both edges of the wheel track surface 103. The ramps 106 are incli ned planes which may allow a wheelchair 200 to be loaded onto the wheelchair rack 100 more easily and smoothly.

Manual Actuator

The wheelchair rack 100 comprises an actuator to move the movable frame 100 between the first position (figure 1) and the second position (figure 3).

As the wheelchair rack 100 moves between a first and second position, the side 104 of the wheel tracks 101 and 102 engages with the wheels 201 of the wheelchair 200 to push the wheelchair between a first and second position.

For example, as the wheelchair rack 100 moves to a second position with a wheelchair 200 loaded, the wheelchair rack forces the wheelchair to fold into a closed configuration.

In some preferred configurations as shown in figures 1, 3, 5 and 6, a manual actuator is used to move the wheelchair rack 100 between the first and second positions.

The manual actuator in its preferred configuration comprises a lever 130. As the lever 130 rotates in a first direction, the wheelchair rack 100 moves towards a first position. As the lever 130 rotates in a second direction, the wheelchair rack 100 moves towards a second position.

Preferably, as the wheelchair rack 100 moves between a first and second position, a wheelchair 200 loaded in the wheelchair rack will in turn move between a first and second position.

In one configuration, the lever is fixed to a rotating rod 131. Optionally, the rotating rod 131 is fixed to an intermediate piece 132. Optionally, the intermediate piece 132 is connected to an attachment piece 134, which pivots about a pivot point 133. Optionally, the wheelchair rack 100 comprises a connector plate 136 which supports the rotating rod 131. Preferably, the rotating rod 131 rotates through an aperture in the connector plate 136.

As the lever 130 winds in the first direction, the rotating rod 131 preferably also rotates in a first direction, and the intermediate piece 132 and attachment piece 134 pivots in a first direction so that the wheelchair rack moves in a first direction.

The intermediate piece 132 is connected to the attachment piece member 134 by a fastening means 133. Preferably, the fastening means 135 fits through apertures in the intermediate piece 132 and attachment piece 134 and allows rotation. It is anticipated that the fastening means 135 is a nut and bolt, but other fastening means known in the art may be used. As the lever 130 rotates in a second direction, the rotating rod 131 preferably also rotates in a second direction, and the intermediate piece 132 and attachment piece

134 pivots in a second direction.

In one configuration, the attachment piece 134 is connected to a connecting member 142 fixed and dependent from the movable in frame 140. As the attachment piece 134 pivots in a first direction, the movable frame 140 and first wheel track 101 moves towards the first position.

The attachment piece 134 is connected to the connecting member 142 of the movable frame 140 by a fastening means 135. It is anticipated that the fastening means

135 is a nut and bolt, but other fastening means known in the art may be used.

Optionally, the wheelchair rack 100 comprises a handle 144 to move or assist to move the wheelchair rack between the first and second positions. Preferably, the handle 144 is attached to the movable frame 120. Alternatively, the handle 144 is attached to the second wheel track 102.

Electric Actuator

In other configurations as shown by the example of figure 9, a controllable actuator is used to move the wheelchair rack 100 between the first and second positions. For example, the wheelchair rack 100 preferably comprises a controller 150 for the controllable actuator. The controllable actuator may be battery powered, or powered by the car electrical system for example.

In one configuration, the controllable actuator is a telescoping actuator comprising a fixed piece 151, and an extendable piece 152, connected to the movable frame 140 by a connecting member 153.

In another configuration, the controllable actuator can simply be incorporated into the fixed arms 121 and movable arms 141.

Preferably, the wheelchair rack 100 comprises buttons 154 to control movement between the first and second position.

It is anticipated that the wheelchair rack 100 can incorporate many different types of suitable actuators. For the most preferred configurations, a suitable type of linear actuator is preferred. For example a hydraulic, pneumatic, or linear motor actuators as known in the art are suitable.

It will be appreciated that the manner of mounting a suitable actuator will be readily within the ambit of a person skilled in the art. In particular, a suitable actuator is preferably mounted in such a way that a failure of the actuator and/or actuator power source would not result in uncontrolled movement of the actuator. This aspect is particularly important in relation to the height control actuator described later.

Strap In the preferred configuration, the wheelchair ramp 100 comprises anchor points 122 for attaching straps 123 as illustrated in figure 4. In one configuration, two anchor points 122 are located on the top surface of the fixed frame 120. The anchor points 122 are preferably eye bolts which can be firmly secured to the wheelchair rack 100, and receive a strap 123 to be tied to the anchor point.

Straps 123 can keep the wheel tracks 101 and 102 together to prevent the wheelchair 200 from opening during transportation.

Alternatively, locking mechanism known in the art may be used to prevent the wheelchair 200 from opening during transportation such locking pins, or clamps.

Optionally, the strap 123 is formed from a flexible material so that the wheelchair 200 can opened or folded without needed to re-secure the wheelchair.

It is anticipated other strapping means known in the art can be used to secure the wheelchair to the anchor point 122, such as ropes, cables.

In some configurations, the straps 123 are tied to the anchor point 122 using knots (not shown). Optionally, the straps 123 comprises hooks 124 to easily engage with the anchor point 122. Alternatively, buckles (not shown) or other securing means known in the art can be used to secure the straps 123 to the anchor points 122.

It is anticipated, that the handle 144 can be also used as an anchor point which the straps 123 can be tied around to secure the wheelchair 200 and the wheelchair rack 100.

Height Adjustment

In the most preferred configurations, the vertical position of the fixed frame 120 relative to the vehicle and/or vertical support 125 can be adjusted .

In a raised position as shown in figure 5, the fixed frame 120 is positioned towards the lower end of the vertical support 125.

In a lowered position as best shown in figures 6 and 8, the fixed frame 120 is positioned away from the lower end of the vertical support 125. Preferably, to move from a raised position to a lowered position, the fixed frame 120 moves in a downward direction in order to bring the chair to ground level .

In the preferred configurations, the wheelchair rack 100 comprises a vertical extendable support 126. The vertical extendable support 126 is preferably attached to the fixed frame 120. The vertical extendable support 126 is preferably dependent from the vertical support 125.

In one configuration, the vertical extendable support 126 has a diameter smaller than the vertical support 125, and fits within the vertical support. The vertical extendable support 126 preferably telescopes between a raised position (figure 5) and a lowered position (figures 6 and 8). In the raised position, a substantial portion of the vertical extendable support 126 is preferably located within the vertical support 125. In the raised position, the lower end of the vertical support 125 and the lower end of the vertical extendable support 126 is substantially on the same horizontal plane.

In the raised position, the wheelchair rack 100 is preferably positioned above the ground for storage and transport.

In the lowered position, a substantial portion of the vertical extendable support 126 is preferably located external to the vertical support 125. In the lowered position, the lower end of the vertical extendable support 126 is preferably located on a lower horizontal plane than the lower end of the vertical support 125.

In the lowered position, the wheelchair rack 100 is positioned on or substantially close to the ground for loading and unloading a wheelchair 200 as best shown in figure 8. An advantage of a wheelchair rack 100 capable of being lowered towards the ground is that the wheelchair 200 can be wheeled on and off the wheelchair rack. A wheelchair rack 100 capable of being lowered to the ground, eliminates or minimises any lifting required to load and unload the wheelchair 200 onto the wheelchair rack. Reducing or eliminating the need to lift the wheelchair 200 may decrease the likelihood of injury due to lifting a wheelchair.

Optionally, the wheelchair rack 100 comprises a stand 129 on the bottom surface of the wheelchair rack. The stands 129 may provide a flat surface for the wheelchair rack 100 to rest on as it reaches the ground. The stands 129 may to protect the wheelchair rack 100 from wear and tear over time due to contact with the ground. The stands 129 may also act as a shock absorber. Preferably the stand 129 is fixed on the bottom surface of the fixed arms 121.

In the most preferred configurations, the wheelchair rack 100 can operate between the raised and lowered positions. Preferably, the wheelchair rack 100 can maintain one or more intermediate vertical positions as shown in figure 7. Preferably, when the fixed frame in an intermediate position, a person may be able to position themselves onto the unfolded wheelchair 200 (without having to lower themselves to the normal height of a seated position). The person can then lower the frame to ground level and wheel themselves of the rack.

In one configuration, as illustrated in figure 7, the wheelchair rack 100 can have an intermediate position, which would position the seat of a wheelchair 200 just below a user's hip. In this intermediate position, a person may be able to position themselves onto the wheelchair 200 without needing to bend their knees. In this configuration, the wheelchair rack 100 can preferably be lowered to the lowered position with a person sitting in the wheelchair 200.

Additionally, the wheelchair rack 100 can preferably be raised from a lowered position to an intermediate position, to allow a user to straighten the legs with assistance from the wheelchair rack when bearing their body weight when getting into or out of the chair. This is particularly useful for partially disabled users, who have some mobility, but find it difficult to get in and out of seats at a lowered position.

Preferably, the wheelchair rack 100 can be adjusted to multiple different vertical positions, for different people of different heights or with different needs. In one configuration, the wheelchair rack 100 comprises a continuous range of intermediate positions. In another configuration, the wheelcha ir rack 100 comprises one or more discrete intermediate positions.

Accordingly it may be preferred that the movement up and down can be independently controlled of the movement to fold/unfold the chair.

In one configuration, friction between the vertical support 125 and the vertical extendable support 126 can maintain the wheelchair rack 100 at an intermediate position. In other configurations, a clamp, rack and pinon mechanism and other locking mechanisms known in the art may be used to maintain the wheelchair rack 100 at an intermediate position.

With reference to figure 1, in some configurations, a hand winch 127 can be used to adjust the wheelchair rack 100 between the different vertical positions. Optionally, the hand winch 127 comprises a handle 128 for ease use of use. Preferably, as the hand winch 127 winds in a first direction, the wheelchair rack 100 is repositioned to a lowered position. As the hand winch 127 winds in a second direction, the wheelchair rack 100 is repositioned to a raised position. In each mode, it is important that the mechanism includes means to prevent uncontrolled falling of the chair, particularly as the rack is intended to operate with the weight of the user sitting in the chair. Known means such as a pawl and ratchet mechanism may be used or any other means suitable and known in the art.

With reference to figure 9, in another configuration, a controlled actuator 163 is used to adjust the wheelchair rack 100 between the different vertical positions. The wheelchair rack 100 preferably comprises a controller 150 for the controlled actuator.

It is anticipated that the wheelchair rack 100 can incorporate many different types of suitable actuators 163. For the most preferred configurations, a suitable type of linear actuator is preferred. For example a hydraulic, pneumatic, or linear motor actuators as known in the art are suitable.

It will be appreciated that the manner of mounting a suitable actuator will be readily within the ambit of a person skilled in the art. In particular, a suitable actuator is preferably mounted in such a way that a failure of the actuator and/or actuator power source would not result in uncontrolled falling of the wheelchair.

Preferably, the wheelchair rack 100 comprises buttons 154 to control movement between the raised and lowered positions. The same controller 150, and buttons 154 may be used to move the rack between raised and lowered positions, as well as the retracted and extended positions described earlier.

In some configurations, may be advantageous to control these movements independently. In alternative configurations, it may be advantageous to control these movements together, and/or sequentially. For example, a single button press may move the rack from a raised and retracted position to a lowered and extended position, and/or vice versa.

Optionally, in one configuration, the vertical support 125 is one or more vertical stands 160 comprising a square cross-section. In this configuration, the wheelchair chair rack 1 preferably comprises a vertical frame 161 with an Ή' profile.

Preferably, the vertical frame 161 comprises one or more complimentary hollow vertical arms 162. Preferably the vertical arms 162 have some length, and extends partially along the vertical stand 160. The vertical actuator arms 162 are preferably configured to telescope up and down each vertical stand 160.

Preferably, the vertical frame 161 is connected to the fixed frame 120 of the wheelchair rack 100. Preferably, the wheelchair rack 1 comprises a vertical actuator arm 163 to connect the fixed frame 120 to the vertical frame 161. As the vertical actuator arm 163 retracts and extends, the fixed frame 120 preferably adjusts between a raised a lowered position.

A wheelchair rack 100 capable of vertical adjustment is beneficial as it may help some users maintain their independence, as they may be able to independently get in and out of their wheelchair 200. It may also be beneficial to caregivers who may find it difficult to lift people in and out of wheelchairs, due to the risk of back injury. Using the wheelchair rack 100, may improve the safety of users of the wheelchair 200 or for caregivers.

It is anticipated that in some optional configurations, the mechanism for opening and closing the wheelchair rack 100 operates in concert with the mechanism for vertical adjustment of the wheelchair rack. For example, as the wheelchair rack moves towards a lowered position, the wheelchair rack also moves to an opened position. These mechanisms working in unison may be advantageous as the wheelchair 200 can be positioned between use and transport easily and quickly.

In other configurations, the mechanism for opening closing the wheelchair rack 100 operates separately to the mechanism for vertical adjustment of the wheelchair rack. Separate mechanisms may be preferred by some users as they may want to raise and lower the wheelchair rack 100 while maintaining an opened or closed position. Some users may also want to open or close the wheelchair rack 100 while maintaining a raised or lowered position.

Attached to Vehicle In the most preferred configurations, the wheelchair rack 100 is configured to be attached to the rear of a vehicle 300.

The wheelchair rack 100 can be secured to most traditional vehicles 300. The wheelchair rack 100 can be easily removed from the vehicle 300 if desired. This may be especially beneficial for users who require a wheelchair 200 temporarily, and would like to transport their wheelchair without having to make complex modifications to their existing vehicle 300.

Transporting a wheelchair 200 externally at the rear of a vehicle 300 may beneficial as it provides the user more room to load and unload the wheelchair. Additionally, a wheelchair 200 mounted external to the vehicle frees up space in the vehicle for passengers or other cargo.

With reference to figures 4, 5 and 6, in the most preferred configurations, the wheelchair rack 100 is connected to the towbar (tow hitch) 301 of a vehicle 300. Alternatively, the wheelchair rack 100 can be attached to another portion of the vehicle 300, such as the boot or spare wheel (not shown).

In one configuration, the wheelchair rack 100 is connected to the towbar 301 by a towbar attachment 302. Preferably, the towbar attachment 302 is sized and configured to fit within a towbar hitch 301 comprising an aperture.

Alternatively, to secure the wheelchair rack 100 to a vehicle 300, the towbar attachment 302 preferably comprises an aperture adapted to engage with and be mounted to a tow ball (not shown).

Preferably, the towbar attachment 302 comprises fastening means 303 which engages with the wheelchair rack 100. In one configuration, the towbar attachment 302 is connected to the vertical support 125 of the wheelchair rack 100 via fastening means 303.

In another configuration, the towbar attachment 302 is a flat plate bracket comprising an aperture (not shown). Optionally, the towbar attachment 302 in this configuration can be fixed to a towbar 301 comprising a tow ball, by unscrewing the tow ball and bolting the flat plate towbar attachment 302 to the towbar 301.

Other

An advantage of a wheelchair rack 100 with a closed position, is that does not extend far past the rear of the vehicle 300. In one configuration, the wheelchair rack 100 only extends the length of a vehicle 300 by 800mm from the towbar 301.

It is anticipated that the wheelchair rack 100 can be used for purposes other than transport on the back of a vehicle. For example, the wheelchair rack 100 can be used to help a person get in and out of a wheelchair 200 at home with limited assistance or to store their wheelchair. It is also anticipated that the wheelchair rack 100 may be used with other devices other than a wheelchair. For example, prams, knee walkers, or disability scooters.

The wheelchair rack 100 may alternatively be used with a commode on it. The wheelchair rack 100 may raise and lower the commode to assist a person between a standing and sitting position. This may be particularly useful on road trips where a lavatory is not conveniently available.

The wheelchair rack 100 is preferably formed from metal, for example aluminium. It is anticipated that the wheelchair rack 100 can be formed from different metals. For example, the fixed frame 120 may be formed from aluminium, while the movable frame 140 and/or the towbar attachment 302 is formed from steel. However other suitable materials with sufficient stiffness and durability may be used.

To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known

equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.