Field of Invention

The present invention relates to an articulating wheelchair; more particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to an articulating wheelchair that enables a user to perform upper and lower body exercise.

Background

It is important for wheelchair users to be able to exercise, however accessibility to suitable exercise apparatus can be limited. Therefore this limitation to available exercise equipment and machines has make it difficult for many wheelchair users to perform regular and safe exercise.

Additionally, even when suitable exercise equipment is available, a user may be required to leave their wheelchair in order to use the exercise equipment properly. In such situations there may not be necessary assistance available, for example from a carer or coach, to assist the wheelchair to use the exercise equipment. Likewise, in some instances, the wheelchair user may require the need of a hoist in order to leave their wheelchair and transition to a piece of exercise apparatus or exercise equipment, as well as to return to their wheelchair.

As a consequence wheelchair users have been limited in the type of exercises they are able to undertake and the type and nature of exercise equipment they are able to use in order to perform a relevant exercise routine.

Prior Art

US Patent US 3 268 225 (Kolbel) discloses a hand held physical exercise device comprising a series of compression springs or other biasing means, mounted within rigid tubes against which a user had to press or pull in order to exercise. This device is one of many examples of an exercise device that is able to be used by wheelchair users.

Although very effective, such hand held exercise devices provide some resistive type training and exercise for hands, arm and shoulders; and to a lesser extent torso, legs and lower body, when a user is confined to wheelchair.

In addition there is also the need to remember to bring such exercise devices when travelling or away from a residence or a care centre.

Furthermore, as storage space is limited in a wheelchair, sometimes other items are required or preferred to be carried rather than an exercise device.

There is therefore a need to provide a convenient way for wheelchair users to be able to perform exercise in order to maintain strength, dexterity and suppleness in important muscles, as well as to remain fit and healthy.

The present invention seeks to provide a convenient way for wheelchair users to be able to perform exercise .

Summary of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an articulating wheelchair comprising: a seat, a backrest and at least one footrest; wherein the backrest and the at least one footrest articulate with respect to the seat by means of at least a first hinge that connects the backrest to the seat, and at least a second hinge that connects the at least one footrest to the seat, thereby enabling the wheelchair to be deployed in a plurality of configurations so that a user is able to undertake exercise in a reclined state.

In this way the wheelchair can be deployed in one of a plurality of configurations to enable the user to exercise different parts of their body, whilst enabling the user to be supported in the seat of the wheelchair. Advantageously this allows the wheelchair user to exercise more easily and now without the requirement to move from the wheelchair to a piece of exercise apparatus, such as multi-gym.

Preferably the seat, backrest and footrest are each defined by a framework, and the backrest and footrest are both moveable with respect to the seat.

The backrest and the at least one footrest, pivot by means of one or more hinges with respect to the seat. In this way a user can lie back and can extend their limbs. This enables a user to be partially reclined, supine and/or have one or both legs elevated whilst on the wheelchair and perform exercises whilst supported comfortably in any of these positions.

In preferred embodiments at least one of the hinges is adjustable and adapted to enable incremental adjustments so that the backrest and/or footrest can be configured in one of a plurality of orientations. For example, the hinges may include a ratchet or rack and pinion means to enable the backrest and/or footrest(s) to be moved to a desired position and locked in place by way of a lock means.

In some embodiments the hinges may be sprung, or incorporate a sprung mechanism, so that resistance must be applied, by the wheelchair user, in order to move the backrest and/or footrests about the hinge. In this way the user has to apply force to the backrest or footrest to generate movement or to resist movement and is thus exercising their muscles using resistance generated by the hinge.

It is appreciated that the sprung mechanism may be adjustable so that the resistance can be varied to suit a user. In this way any of the aforementioned resistance devices may include a means to vary the amount of resistance they provide so that resistance can be increased or decreased. In preferred embodiments the wheelchair has an arm exercise device. The arm exercise device is typically an arm rest or an arm support upon which a user engages their hands or arms in order to move the arm exercise device.

For example the arm exercise device may be a pedal mechanism mounted on a support that is hingeably attached to the seat.

In preferred embodiments the arm exercise device has a rotating portion which offers a resistive force to turning. In this way a user can easily exercise their arms whilst sitting or lying on the wheelchair. Typically the arm device has a handle or at least one rest for each hand or arm, each handle or rest may be mounted on a crank that rotates about an axle.

In some embodiments the arm exercise device has a chain and a chainring that is driven by turning the handles or rests. Preferably the chainring and chain are enclosed within a housing so that they are not accessible during normal use.

Preferably the support, upon which the arm exercise device is mounted, is connected by a hinge to part of the frame of the wheelchair, typically the seat framework, or the support, is adapted to be received by a channel on the framework. In this way the arm exercise device can be deployed from a stowed position under the seat to a deployed position for use.

In use, a user may grasp or rest upon each handle and turn the cranks about the axle, or move the chain about the chainring when seated, on the seat, or whilst lying, to exercise their arms.

In some embodiments the arm mechanism may have a means to assist movement, such as a motor to turn the handles. In this way a user’s arms may be moved, even if they do not have the strength to turn the arm exercise device manually. This may have therapeutic benefits to improve muscle tone and assist in circulation. In some embodiments the wheelchair has a pair of independently movable footrests, one for each foot. In this way a user can exercise each leg separately.

In some embodiments the backrest has a resistance mechanism, for example being sprung, so as to require force to move the backrest from a first upright position to one or more second reclined positions and so that when released the backrest is bias to return to the first position. In this way a user may be able to use their abdominal muscles to recline the backrest and the sprung mechanism may assist a user with returning to an upright position.

In other embodiments the at least one footrest may have a resistance mechanism, such as a spring or gas strut, so as to require force to move one or both footrests between a standard seated position (where a user’s knees are bent and feet are facing downwards), to one or more extended positions in which a user’s feet are raised. It is appreciated that movement in one direction may encounter resistance and movement in the other direction may be biased to return more easily.

Preferably a user is able to select which direction of movement has resistance and which direction is bias to return. In this way a user can choose to exercise and engage different leg muscles by either applying force with their leg to move the footrest, or by using their leg to resist the bias sprung mechanism.

In some embodiments an adjuster for varying the resistance of the mechanism is provided for easy access by the user, so that a user can adjust the resistance to match their ability.

In some embodiments it may be possible to disengage the resistance mechanism so that the backrest or footrest(s) can move freely in both directions.

In a particular embodiment the backrest and the at least one footrest are interconnected with one and another, so that the backrest and footrest are capable of simultaneous adjustment/movement. For example as the backrest reclines the footrest may elevate to provide a substantially horizontal surface for a user.

In some embodiments the wheelchair has at least one bar for receiving training weights. In this way the wheelchair can support weights that can be added to moveable parts of the wheelchair, such as the backrest, footrests, or arm exercise device to increase resistance. It is also appreciated that the weights can be used independently of the wheelchair so that the wheelchair provides all equipment required to exercise or mobilise a user.

In a preferred embodiment the weights are arranged on a bar that extends between legs of the footrests. In this way the footrests are weighted and provide resistance to a user who may be lifting or lowering the footrest.

In preferred embodiments at least a portion of the backrest is shaped to correspond to a user’s spine, for example the profile of the back rest may be curved to correspond to the shape of a spine. It is appreciated that in some embodiments the backrest may be specially adapted for a particular user to provide support and enhance posture.

In some embodiments the wheelchair may include one or more massage module for massaging a user’s back or legs when using in the wheelchair. The massage modules may comprise one or more raised and lowered surfaces. In some embodiments the massage modules may include a motorised moving element that massages the user helping to improve circulation.

In some embodiments the wheelchair may have at least one actuator which causes movement about a hinge. The actuator may be a spring, a gas strut or a motor to assist or encourage movement.

One or more rechargeable batteries may be provided to power the one or more motor. Ideally the at least one rechargeable battery is mounted on the framework of the wheelchair. In this way movement about the hinge, in at least one direction, is created or assisted by means of one or more actuators. This means that the wheelchair can be configured so that the user does not need to apply any force to move the backrest or footrest(s) and will not encounter any resistance. The use of motorised actuators may be important for users with limited mobility, for example users who are paralysed, and where movement from a first position to a second position and a second position to a first position can be encouraged by using actuators to bring about movement of a limb of the user.

As the wheelchair can be configured in various ways, the wheelchair may include one or more stabilisers to prevent tipping of the wheelchair, for example when the backrest and/or at least one footrest are deployed. The, or each, stabiliser may be a projection that engages with the ground, or near to the ground, when the wheelchair is a particular configuration.

In some embodiments the wheelchair has a motorised drive means for driving the wheels of the wheelchair.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of examples only, and with reference to the following Figures in which:

Brief Desr.ription of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a second isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 with leg- rest extended; Figure 4 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 with leg- rest extended and back-rest reclined;

Figures 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D show diagrammatic side views of the mechanism and means of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 in various positions;

Figure 6 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the device as shown in Figure 1 ;

Figures 7 show isometric detail views of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 8 shows an isometric detail view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 ;

Figures 9 show isometric detail views of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 10 show isometric detail views of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1 ; and

Figure 11 isometric detail views of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1 in use.

Detailed Description of the Embodiment

With reference to the Figures there is shown preferred embodiments and examples of configurations of the articulating wheelchair 99.

The articulating wheelchair 99 comprises: a seat 3, a backrest 1 and at least one footrest 6. The backrest 1 and the at least one footrest 6 articulate with respect to the seat 3 by means of at least one first hinge 9 connecting the backrest to the seat 3, and at least one second hinge 20 connecting the at least one footrest 6 to the seat 3 thereby enabling the wheelchair 99 to be deployed in a plurality of configurations.

The backrest 1 reclines by means of the hinges 9. In this way a user can be recline on their back or side to perform a variety of exercises.

The footrests 6 can be elevated by means of the hinges 20. In this way a user can move their legs up and down when seat, reclined, laid supine or right or left lateral recumbent upon the wheelchair 99.

The wheelchair 99 also has an arm exercise device 2. In Figure 1 the arm exercise device 2 is shown in an ‘in use’ position where a user can reach the arm exercise device 2 whilst seated. In Figure 3 the arm exercise device 2 is shown in a stowed position in which the arm exercise device 2 has been rotated about a hinge (see Figure 10) in order to be positioned below the seat 3 when it is not required for use. In this way the arm exercise device can just be deployed when required.

The arm exercise device 2 has handles or rests 11 that are turned by a user. The arm exercise device 2 is arranged on a support 2B (see Figure 10).

The handles 11 of the arm mechanism 2, work in a similar way to a recumbent bicycle, with a chain and chainring (not shown) and may be able to be stored separately when not in use, for example being stored in an arm rest or under the seat.

An adjustable resistance means has a dial 2A that is located on top of the arm exercise mechanism 2 (when in the in use orientation). A user may twist the dial to increase the level of resistance of the exercise.

In the pictured embodiment the chain and chainring (not shown) are contained within a housing 2C. The support is attached to the frame of the seat by insertion to a channel 12. The arm exercise device 2 can be removed from the channel and inserted in a different orientation so as to be stowed when not in use.

The wheelchair can be configured in multiple configurations to include at least a first position in which a user is in a seated position to a second extended position, in which the backrest 1 is reclined and/or the footrest(s) 6 are extended.

A user can exercise in both the first and second positions, and any configurations therebetween. The wheelchair can also serve as a standard wheelchair.

It is also appreciated that a user may position themselves in one of the configurations to assist with treatment, for example a leg may be elevated to change a dressing.

In the pictured embodiments the adjustment means for the wheelchair, that enable movement or locking of the backrest or footrest with respect to the seat, are hand operated. The operating means 13 is arranged to be easy to reach whilst seated so that a user can reconfigure the wheelchair whilst in the wheelchair, therefore without requirement for assistance.

The operating means 13 is typically levers that engage and disengage a lock mechanism at the hinges so that the backrest or footrests are locked in the desired configuration.

In some embodiments the operating means may also serve to connect and disconnect parts of the wheelchair, such as the backrest and footrests, to permit simultaneous movement.

The lock mechanism is a sprung pin and hole arrangement 9A (see Figure 2). The holes for receiving the pin are arranged on a segment with returned (closed) edges so the backrest 1 can therefore be reclined to different degrees by moving within the range defined by the segment’s returned edges. In other embodiments the wheelchair may be operated by actuators such as gas struts or motors (not shown). For a wheelchair with motorised actuators a controller may be provided to operate moveable parts of the wheelchair.

The footrests 6 comprise leg members 6B extending from the seat 3 to the foot portion 6A. The footrests 6 include leg exercise pads 7 to support the lower limbs, particularly when the legs are extended, or to provide protection for the legs if performing leg lifts and the leg exercise pads are against the shin of a user. The leg pads 7 are mounted on a bar 7A that extends between an opposed pair of leg members 6B. The bar 7A that also supports weights 4 on the free ends.

The footrests also have a moveable foot portion 6A for calf exercises. The foot portions 6A pivot up and down so that a user can perform lower leg exercises and mobilisation movements by raising and lowering their tows.

The foot portions 6A are clipped to a tubular bar that is part of the leg members 6B and can rotate about the bar.

It is appreciated that in some embodiments the footrests may be adapted to permit lateral and medial twisting of a user’s feet and/or legs.

The articulating wheelchair 99 can be reconfigured to a plurality of configurations which allow the user to exercise different body parts with ease whilst being in the wheelchair, either seated, or reclined as shown in a selection of examples in Figures 5. The wheels are not shown in Figures 5A to 5D.

In Figure 5A the backrest 1 is partially reclined and the footrests 6 are partially extended. In Figure 5B the backrest 1 is fully reclined (to a horizontal alignment) and the footrests 6 are partially extended.

In Figure 5C the wheelchair 99 is in a standard seated configuration with the backrest 1 upright and the footrests 6 are not extended. In Figure 5D the backrest 1 is partially reclined and the footrests 6 are partially extended.

The backrest 1 can recline to allow the user to both substantially lie down and to lie on their sides.

The backrest 1 and footrests 6 are connected by multiple hinges 20, 9. The brace 8, connects to a connecting arm of the seat 3A and members 10,12 so that as the backrest 1 reclines the footrest 6 raises to support the user’s legs.

As the backrest 1 moves back this, in turn, moves the brace 8 that is connected to the connecting arm of the seat 3A. The seat arm 3A that is below the seat 3 passes through the member 12 and connects to the footrest 6 via hinges 10. The hinges 10 permit articulation of the footrest 6 as the backrest is moved (and if the footrest were moved in isolation).

A lever 14 provides the operation means to permit articulation and to allow disconnection of the locking means as required. The lever 14 can also be used to isolate different members 10, 12 and hinges 20, 9 so as to recline the backrest 1 solely or raise the footrest(s) 6 solely.

The foot portions 6A include a resistance means in the form a spring to provide resistance so as to allow the user to perform a similar exercise to a calf raise.

The resistance of the foot portions 6A may be provided through use of torque springs to create the calf raise workout, such that the user will oscillate feet to provide movements that engage the lower limbs of a user.

In the pictured embodiments the wheelchair 99 can be reclined to 4 different positions allowing the user to work out their upper body muscles and allow the backrest to recline fully to enable free weights to be used, as shown in Figure 9. It is appreciated that other embodiments may be able to be configured to 4 or more different configurations.

The wheelchair is advantageously designed for the user to be able to exercise specific muscle areas of their body; giving the user the ability to work out in a controlled environment and under controlled conditions.

The lever 13 is a brake for the wheelchair.

It is also possible to isolate different parts of the wheelchair, for example the footrests 6 or foot portions 6A, so as to allow the user to perform a specific exercise using the isolated parts. By locking the hinges to prevent them from moving and so provide a resistive surface, parts of the wheelchair are thereby prevented from articulating. For example a pin and hole arrangement may be used to lock two relatively moving parts, such as hinge 20, or hinge 10, in a fixed orientation to prevent articulation.

Alternatively it may be possible to arrange the footrest 6 and the backrest 1 so that these parts move in unison. For example in Figures 5A, 5B and 5C the brace 8 is connected to part of the seat 3A and the footrest 6, so that movement of the backrest 1 causes corresponding movement of the footrest or vice versa. It is appreciated that when the backrest and/or footrest 6 are disconnected from the seat 3A, no such simultaneous movement can occur.

A pull lever 14 is shown in Figure 9. This lever is pulled to release the backrest and allow the backrest to recline. If the lever 14 is not released movement is prevented.

The parts of the exercise means, and mechanism are intended to be subtle and unobtrusive so that the articulating wheelchair appears as a standard wheelchair. The pictured embodiments ideally have a main wheelchair frame made from steel or another metal. The seat 3 and backrest 1 are ideally padded and coated in fabric that is optionally wipeable so as to be easily cleaned. The arm exercised device handles 11 may be formed from synthetic plastics such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic and may be injection moulded.

In the pictured embodiment, shown in Figures 1 to 4 and Figure 5, the seat 3 has a padded cushion with a central raised block to enable the legs to separate and increase comfort while the user is working out the lower body in particular. The raised block of the seat 3 also helps to locate the use when reclined by preventing slipping.

In some embodiments the padded cushion of the seat may be coated in or formed of breathable material. In further embodiments comprising a perforated cushion, to allow for comfort and breathability.

During use of the foot portions 6A the clips 13 may be undone to release the foot portions from the leg elements 6B and a user may arrange their legs to be located below leg pads 7 so that a user performs a leg press exercise by lifting the footrest 6 so that the leg pads 7 engage with the user’s shin.

All the pictured embodiments include weight plates 4 which have a screw thread locking bracket 4A (see Figure 11 ) to secure and provide weight for the leg exercises using the footrests 6. The weight plates 4 are located to either end of the bar 7A that supports the leg pads 7. The leg pads 7 which are padded to provide comfort against the leg, as the pressure is applied by the user’s legs against the resistance created by the weights 4.

The backrest is connected to the frame of the seat by multiple hinges 9 and a support brace 8 which may be telescopic or foldable.

The backrest and footrest are interconnected to allow the backrest 1 and footrest 6 (and thereby the leg pads 7) to simultaneously articulate into position. This allows the user to easily and effectively perform free weight exercises, whilst lying on their back, when the wheelchair is configured in the various arrangements shown in Figures 5.

Further embodiments may be modified or adapted to enable a user to carry out bicep curls or other exercises that use resistance. Resistance may be provided by weights, friction, gravity or resiliently deformable parts.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims.