DEVICE FOR SECURING A WHEEL CHAIR AND FITTING FOR MOUNTING ON A WHEEL CHAIR

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for securing a wheel chair and a fitting for mounting on a wheel chair; the device is of the kind stated in the introductory part of claim 1, and the fitting is of the kind stated in the introductory part of claim 12.

[0002] Devices and fittings of this kind are especially used in securing wheel chairs in cars and busses, so that the wheel chair users can use these means of transport without leaving the wheel chair.

[0003] Several devices and a fitting of the previously mentioned types are known from the publication: Rådet for tekniske tiltak for funksjonshemmede (The Council for technical Initiatives for the Disabled): "Seter, belter og rullestolfester", NKH/ISO Nos. 12 12 09, 12 12 12, 12 12 24, 1992, Senter for Industriforskning, Oslo (NO).

[0004] The devices can be secured to a base such as a car floor in separate fasteners or floor rails mounted on the base, designed to match the devices. These floor rails can be of various designs, for securing seats in busses and aeroplanes and for securing cargo in aircrafts and freight containers. They often have the shape of an embedded rail with a longitudinal, upwardly open T-shaped slot, which with regular intervals have openings in the full width of the slot so that bolts with a T-shaped head can be inserted and extracted through the openings.

[0005] On sheet 05-07-01.0 in the mentioned publication a device of the previous mentioned type is disclosed, in the form of a set of straps with corresponding floor fasteners, where the wheel chair is clamped against the base by means of the straps while it is supported on its own wheels. Thereby the straps are directed from areas on the frame of the wheel chair and sloping outwards and downwards. No adjustment of the wheel chair is necessary. The device is manufactured by Gustav Bruns GmbH & Co KG, Apen (DE).

[0006] On sheet 05-07-19.0 a similiar device is disclosed in the form of straps for securing in floor rails. The end of the straps pointing towards the base are provided with claws, which are lowered into the floor rails, where they are secured by being moved a little in the pulling direction of the strap. Neither here an adjustment of the wheel chair is necessary. The device is manufactured by C. N. Unwin, Ltd., Somerset (GB).

[0007] On sheet 05-07-18.0 a device of the previous mentioned type is disclosed, in the form of two toothed bars with each two claws, which can engage a floor rail or a part of the frame of the wheel chair, respectively. The claws are tightened in the direction against each other, whereby a catch in the upper claw is cooperating with the teeth of the bar. The wheel chair is clamped against the base by the bars, while it is supported on its own wheels. The bars are generally vertical and exert their force in that direction. The device do not demand an adjustment of the wheel chair and is manufactured by C. N. Unwin, Ltd., Somerset (GB).

[0008] On sheet 05-07-17.0 a similiar device is disclosed, where the bars are designed with a thread and the claws are tightened in the direction against each other by means of this thread. The lower claw of the device can cooperate with the floor rails or separate floor fasteners. The device do not demand an adjustment of the wheel chair and is manufactured by SN Konsult, Gävle (SE).

[0009] On sheet 05-07-03.0 a device and a fitting of the previous mentioned types are disclosed. The device comprise a set of claws consisting of two upper and two lower claws and is secured to the base. The lower claws are fixed and the upper claws are movable by means of an electromotor. A fitting for the device is to be mounted on the wheel chair in the shape of a bow, which the claws can grab securing the wheel chair. The device is manufactured by Handi-Norge AS, Skjetten (NO).

[0010] A drawback to these devices, which do not need adjustment of the wheel chair, is that the chair is only secured by the influence of downwards or slanting downwards directed forces, so the wheels of the chair must provide the necessary reaction.

[0011] Particularly in those devices, where the wheel chair is secured mainly by vertical bars, the wheels of the chair are loaded excessively hard. This is a natural result of the geometrical conditions, where the horizontal forces, acting on the wheel chair during a drive in a car or a bus, are transformed to very great forces indeed in the directions of the bars. The wheels of the chair have been seen to virtually break down under the influence of such forces, and buckled or oval wheels are commonly occuring damages. Wheel damages are also occuring to a certain extent when securing with straps.

[0012] Obviously it is important that the means of securing engage the wheel chair in the areas where it is strong and stable. A very major drawback to the devices which do not demand an adjustment of the wheel chair, is that it is up to the operators to decide how the straps or the bars are to be arranged on the frame of the wheel chair, in that sense that the embodiment of the device do not dictate placement in certain areas of the chair. On some types of wheel chair the claws of the bar can be placed on or near the axises of the rear wheels of the chair, having the very dangerous effect that the chair is generally free to tilt backwards around the axis, resulting in the users head hitting the floor very hard. When using collapsible wheel chairs, strain on the frame in certain areas may affect the chair to collapse, and other wheel chairs have detachable parts like arm rests, not safely secured to the chair and therefor not able to serve securing with claws or straps in a secure manner.

[0013] A considerable drawback in securing with straps or bars is that the devices can not be operated by the wheel chair users themselves. Finally securing with straps or bars is at best difficult and time-wasting for the operating crew, which often regrettably results in the wheel chair not being carefully secured, or that bus companies or taxicab owners do not wish to drive with secured wheel chairs.

[0014] US Patent No. 4,623,289 discloses a device for securing a wheel chair to a base such as the floor of a bus. The wheel chair is equipped with longitudinally extending, transversely spaced plates having cut-outs from their front ends and in the floor, a mechanism is buried, comprising a bail rod controlled to swing from a position near the floor upwardly and rearwardly against a transverse back-stop extending upwards from the floor in the width of the wheel chair to a height just below the framework of the wheel chair.

[0015] The present invention provides a device and a fitting of the types stated by way of introduction without the above described drawbacks, which especially are suited for securing collapsible wheel chairs, very simple to operate for an assistant and operable by the wheel chair users themselves, where the wheels of the chair do not have to transmit any reaction originated in the securing of the chair, and where the forces of securing are transformed to the wheel chair in the most appropriate way.

[0016] According to the present invention this is obtained by the features disclosed in the characterizing clauses of claim 1 and claim 12.

[0017] As the device by means of two sets of jaws, mutually spaced crosswise to the direction of travel of the wheel chair, clamp the fittings, mounted in pairs on the wheel chair near its wheel suspensions, the jaws and the engaging means of the fittings being designed with cross sections not varying in the direction of travel of the wheel chair, a very effective transmission of forces and torques occurs from the base through the device and the fittings to the most sturdy parts of the frame of the wheel chair, this occuring for both collapsible as well as non-collapsible wheel chairs. At the same time it is attained by means of said design of the opening cross section and the engaging means, that the fittings can engage the jaws by simply advancing the wheel chair in its direction of travel, whether this be done forwards or backwards.

[0018] By the subject matter of claim 2 is attained that the wheel chair can be advanced to engage the device from both ends of the device and that the wheel chair can be advanced through the device engaging this, and further on to or from another similiar device.

[0019] By the subject matter of claim 3 is attained that the device especially qualify for securing wheel chairs which cost design of guiding means and carriageway is obtained together with the device being least possible disturbing for coming and going on the base.

[0020] By the subject matter of claim 11 a way to release the wheel chair from the device is obtained, in the case of failure of the power source, where the operating controls of the device are powered from a power source.

[0021] By the subject matter of claim 14 and 15 a particularly sturdy and advantageous mounting of the fitting to the frame of the wheel chair is obtained.

[0022] By the subject matter of claim 16 the possibility for a convenient dismounting of the lower parts of the fitting when the wheel chair is not to be secured, is obtained together with that these can be used in general for all wheel chairs, a special design of the upper parts of the fitting being made for each type of wheel chair.

[0023] By the subject matter of claim 17 is obtained an increased security for correct engagement between device and fitting and in addition that the wheel chair when secured to the device of claim 6, easily can be advanced to engage correctly with the device, even if it is fully or partly punctured.

[0024] By the subject matter of claim 18 similiar advantages as mentioned for claim 5 are obtained together with a simple and low-cost design of the engaging means with good possibility for secure engagement.

[0025] The present invention will be illustrated in the following by embodiments referring to the drawing, wherein

Figure 1 discloses a wheel chair secured in a minibus by a device and a fitting according to the present invention,

Figure 2 discloses a plan view of the device according to the present invention,

Figure 3 corresponds to Figure 2 except the casing of the device and the upper jaws of the sets of jaws are removed,

Figure 4 discloses a vertical section in the device according to the present invention, along the line IV-IV in Figure 2 and with the movable jaws in an open position,

Figure 5 discloses a corresponding section in the device according to the present invention, along the line V-V in Figure 2 and with the movable jaws in a closed position,

Figure 6 is a side elevation of the upper part of the fitting according to the present invention, seen from the outside,

Figure 7 corresponds to Figure 6 and shows the upper part seen in the direction VII in Figure 6,

Figure 8 is a side elevation of the lower part of the fitting according to the present invention, seen from the inside,

Figure 9 discloses a vertical section in the lower part, along the line IX-IX in Figure 8, and also the engagement with a set of jaws in the device according to the present invention, and

Figure 10 is a plan view of one end of the device in Figure 3, with emergency operating controls for opening of the jaws of the device in case of failure of the power source of the actuator.

[0026] Figure 1 discloses a wheel chair 1 secured to the base 2 of a minibus or a van. Parts of the underframe of the wheel chair have been left out in the figure for the sake of clarity. On the wheel chair 1 two fittings 3 are mounted, which are in force-transmitting connection with the shafts 7 for each of those wheels 8 of the chair supporting the main part of its weight, in this case the rear wheels of the chair.

[0027] On the base 2 a device 4 is fastened, which clamps the fittings 3 and hence the wheel chair 1. The device 4 is designed with a low constructional height and is provided with a casing 9 with a rounded shape to be least possible disturbing for coming and going on the base 2, when a wheel chair is not secured in the device.

[0028] On top of the device 4 is a planar part 6 ending along both sides 12 of the device in jaws, which can engage and fix the fittings 3. The jaws and cooperating parts of the fittings 3 have uniform cross sections in a direction parallel with the central longitudinal axis 10 of the device 4 in the plane of the part 6, and is designed to engage and de-engage by advancing the wheel chair in its direction of travel 11, or the opposite direction. The direction of travel 11 is parallel to the central longitudinal axis 10 of the device 4.

[0029] When the wheel chair 1 is advanced to engagement of the fittings 3 in the jaws, these are moved towards each other, clamping the fittings 3 and thereby the wheel chair 1.

[0030] On top of the device is also sloping parts 5 along the centre line 10 intended for ascending and descending when a wheel chair is advanced over the device without engaging it. Together with the part 6, the parts 5 constitute a carriageway over the device along its longitudinal axis 10. Hereby, the wheel chair's one pair of wheels 13 can roll over the track 5, 6, while the other pair of wheels roll alongside the device. The wheel chair 1 can also be advanced through the device 4, the fittings 3 engaging in the jaws of the device and de-engaging again. Both ways are useful for example when several devices are placed after each other for holding several wheel chairs, because a wheel chair can be advanced over or through the first devices to a device further up front.

[0031] The device 4 can be mounted on the base 2 with fastening means as quick-acting clamps, which simply can be loosened and tightened again, so that the device for example can be dismounted and fastened to the wall of the bus or van, when the bus or the van is not used for transportation of wheel chairs.

[0032] Figures 2-5 are referred to. On the top side of the device 4 is by means of bolts 25 mounted a plate 6, which is folded at the sides 12 of the device, forming upper, stationary jaws 15, each comprising a downward flange 14. These upper jaws together with the lower movable jaws 18 constitute two sets of jaws 26. The sets of jaws extend in a direction parallel with the longitudinal axis 10 of the device and in this direction have an extension corresponding to the extension of the plate 6, cf. Figure 2.

[0033] With this extension in the longitudinal direction, the upper jaws 15 can be designed with a very low height, cf. Figure 4-5, without becoming too weak and hereby they contribute considerably to the reduction of the constructional height of the device.

[0034] The lower jaws 18 are designed with an upwards sloping face 19, hereby getting a wedge-shaped cross section, see Figure 5. The lower jaws 18 are movable in the direction 29, being guided in this direction by guides 31-34 cooperating with the faces of the jaws 18. The jaws are designed with slits 30 in the direction 29. The bolts 25 extend through these slits 30 providing stops limiting the movement of the jaws 18 in the direction 29. With this design the lower jaws 18 also contribute to the low constructional height of the device 4.

[0035] An actuator 22, known per se, which can be of any suitable type, is mounted to the base plate 35 of the device 4 by means of a bolt 31. The actuator has a telescoping rod 27, moving back and forth in the direction 28, when the actuator is operating. The rod 27 is connected by means of a bolt 32 to a slide 21 guided in the direction 28 of guides not shown. Four arms 20 are hinged with their first end to the slide, and in their second end they are hinged to the lower movable jaws 18. When the actuator 22 operates, the slide 21 follows the movement of the actuator, and because the first ends of the arms 20 follows the slide in the direction 28, the other ends of the arms move the jaws 18 in the direction 29.

[0036] According to the present invention the actuator 22 can be provided with a force-sensitive release device stopping the actuator when it encounters a certain amount of resistance. Hereby securing of the wheel chair with a desired force is ensured, not depending on the thickness etc., of the fittings 3 and an unnecessary loading and wear and tear of jaws etc. is avoided.

[0037] Figure 4 shows the one set of jaws 26 in its open state, the lower movable jaw 18 being pulled far back (to the left in Figure 4). The corresponding positions of the arms 20 and the slide 21 are shown in the figure with a dotted line, these parts here being shown out of their plane. Correspondingly, figure 5 shows the set of jaws 26 in its closed state, the lower movable jaw 18 being fully advanced (to the right in figure 5). Figure 4 shows that the opening 17, which the fitting 3 is to be inserted into, is relatively small, and that the jaw 15 is relatively little protruding relative to the outer shape of the device, and therefore present the least possible disturbance for coming and going on the base 2. The device 4 has the same cross section in the whole length of the jaws 15 and 18, corresponding to figures 4 and 5, cf. figures 2 and 3.

[0038] By clamping, the wheel chair 1 is raised due to the fittings 3 being pushed upwards by the upper sloping face of the lower jaws 18. Hereby it is effectively avoided that the wheels of the chair are loaded due to securing with the device 4 and the fittings 3. This results not only in a highly reduced risk of damage of the wheels of the chair, but also in a more secure fixing of the wheel chair, because a larger part of the fixing force is transferred through the connection between the device 4 and the fittings 3, this connection being inelastic, the connection between the wheels of the chair and the base being elastic due to the wheels having pneumatic tires.

[0039] The distance between the sets of jaws, measured in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device 4, corresponds to at least 60% and preferably 70-85% of the track of the wheel chair. By this is attained that the fittings 3 must be arranged with such a mutual spacing that they can easily be fastened near the suspensions or shafts 7 of the wheel chair, the fixing thus becoming sturdy and secure. Furthermore it is attained that the fittings 3 hereby can be fastened to a collapsible wheel chair of the most ordinary type, outside the space which "disappears" when collapsing the chair, whereby fittings 3 will not be in the way of the collapse.

[0040] It is important to ensure best possible that persons or objects cannot get jammed when the actuator 22 is moving the set of jaws 26 together, because this is done with a considerable force. This is attained by the opening 23 between the jaws, in which persons or objects can get jammed, being very small (se figure 4). At the same time the horizontal movement of the jaws 18 ensures that other objects as far as possible is pushed out of the opening 23, 24 when the jaws are closed (see figure 5).

[0041] The casing of the device 9 (see figure 2) is in a horizontal plane designed with generally circular arc shaped edges 36, with a radius a little greater than the width of the device and corresponding to the track of the wheel chair. This makes shunting with the wheel chair easier when it is advanced to engage the fittings 3 in the set of jaws 26, because then the one wheel of the chair will typically move in a circular arc with the mentioned radius. The casing 9 is also designed with entrance parts 16, which operate as guiding means for the fittings 3 when the wheel chair is advanced to engage the fittings 3 in the sets of jaws 26. Together these arrangements cause essential facilitations for the wheel chair driver, and also allow the wheel chair user himself to advance the wheel chair to engage the fittings 3 in the sets of jaws 26. If the operating controls (not shown) to control the device 4 are arranged within a close range for the wheel chair user, the device and the fittings according to the present invention can therefore be used by the wheel chair user by self-service.

[0042] Figures 6-9 disclose a fitting 3 to be arranged on a wheel chair, the fitting being fastened in the sets of jaws 26 in the device 4. The fitting 3 consists of an upper part 37, shown in figures 6 and 7, and a lower part 38, shown in figures 8 and 9. The fitting 3 is meant to be used in pairs, one upper part 37 and one lower part 38 being used in each side of the wheel chair.

[0043] The upper part 37 can be designed individually for each type of wheel chair and can appropiately be manufactured and delivered by the wheel chair manufacturer. The lower part 38 comprise the engaging means 39 cooperating with the device 4 and can appropiately be manufactured and delivered by the manufacturer of the device 4. Hereby the interface between the upper part 37 and the lower part 38 will be a kind of interface between the areas of responsibility of the two manufacturers, as well as the lower part 38 can be manufactured as a standard component.

[0044] Figures 6 and 7 disclose an embodiment of the upper part 37 of the fitting 3, which here is adapted to mount on a certain, per se known type of wheel chair (not shown). A fastening part 43 on top of the upper part 37 comprise a circular hole 44 and two circular bosses 45. In this case the wheels 8 of the chair (cf. figure 1) are designed with stagnant shafts 7, which can be fastened in horizontally extending, circular bushings in the frame of the wheel chair. In the frame of the wheel chair several holes are provided vertically above each other, designed so that the bushings each can be mounted in one of these holes, according to which height of the chair is desired. Each of the bushings are provided with an exterior thread with a corresponding nut and a outward collar in one end.

[0045] The fitting's upper part 37 is fastened on this type of wheel chair in that the two bosses 45 are engaged each in one of said holes in the frame of the wheel chair, and the bushing is mounted in a hole in between, being plunged through the hole 44 in the upper part, and thereby fastens this by means of its collar, when the nut is tightened. Finally the shaft 7 of the wheel 8 is mounted in the bushing. The fitting is hereby sturdily and firmly secured to the frame of the wheel chair.

[0046] The lower part 38 of the fitting 3 consists of a generally triangular sheet body 41. On the lower part 38 are engaging means 39 designed to be clamped in the set of jaws 26 of the device 4. In the disclosed embodiment of figures 8 and 9 the engaging means have form of a horizontally extending sheet member 40 with an upwards directed flange 42, which both are elongated in the direction of travel 11 (which in figure 9 extends towards the plane of the paper, perpendicular to it). The cross section of the engaging means (see figure 9) not varying in the direction of travel, they can be inserted into the opening 17 between the jaws 15, 18 in the set of jaws 26 in the device 4 by advancing the wheel chair 1 in the direction of travel 11.

[0047] The lower part 38 can be releasably fastened to the upper part 37. Hereby it can conveniently be removed when the wheel chair is not to be fixed by the device 4 and the wheel chair is therefore not loaded with additional weight represented by the lower part 38, the appearance of the wheel chair being as well not marred by the relatively vast lower part 38.

[0048] For fastening, a circular piece 46 is mounted on the upper part 37, which piece may be shaped with a chamfer as shown in figures 6 and 7. This piece 46 fits in a circular hole 48 in the lower part 38. Furthermore a fitting 47 is also mounted further up the upper part 37 with a downward flange 49, behind which there is a cavity, where a boss 50 is arranged, being designed as half of a circular cylinder with a horizontal axis of symmetry. On the upper edge 53 of the body 41 of the lower part 38 is a hollowing 52 corresponding to the form of this boss 50. In fastening the lower part 38 to the upper part 37, the hollowing 52 engage the boss 50, the upper edge 53 engaging behind the flange 49, after which the lower part is tilted until the piece 46 fills the hole 48. A latch 54, which is journalled rotatably around a shaft 56 and loaded by a spring not shown, hereby engage around the lower edge 57 of the upper part 37 of the fitting 3. Hereby the two parts 37, 38 of the fitting 3 are fastened to each other.

[0049] The lower part 38 is released from the fastening to the upper part 37 by operating the operating handle 55 of the latch, after which the lower part 33 can be swung free.

[0050] On the lower part 38 can be placed one or two wheels 58, which by insertion of the engaging means 39, 42 between the jaws 15, 18 can roll on the faces 6 on the top sides of the upper jaws 15. Hereby a guidance of the wheel chair 1 in a vertical direction is provided, facilitating a correct engagement of the engaging means 39, 42 between the jaws 15, 18. This guidance is especially useful, if one of the wheels 8 of the chair is less pumped or downright punctured.

[0051] In using the device 4 according to the present invention, the actuator 22 will preferably be operated by remote control, for instance by operating a not shown electrical switch, controlled by the wheel chair user or by an assistant. The actuator 22 is hereby powered from a power source such as a battery or from the electrical mains in the bus or the like, in which the device is mounted. However, it is important that the device always can be released from the device 4, also in those cases where the power source has failed due to a technical failure or in a traffic accident or the like.

[0052] Figure 10 discloses by way of example an embodiment of a safety release arrangement according to the present invention for use in situations like the ones mentioned. The actuator 22 is fastened by means of the bolt 31 to a slide 60 movable in the direction of the actuator 22 in a guide, which is indicated with the reference numerals 63. The slide is movable between the two positions 61, which is the working position and 62, which is the released position. The slide 60 is moved by a rod 65, which attacks the slide 60 on a boss 64. The rod 65 is moved by an operating lever 66, which is rotatably journalled on a bolt 67. The operating lever is kept in a working position 71 by a locking device 70.

[0053] The safety release arrangement is operated without the use of tools by the casing 9 of the device 4 being removed in a way not shown, whereafter the locking device 70 is released so that the operating lever is free. This is now turned in the direction 69 from the position 71 to a release position, thus moving the slide 60 to the release position 62. Hereby the actuator 22 is moved and thereby its rod 27 in the direction opening the jaws 18, and the wheel chair is released.

[0054] The device 4 and the fitting 3 according to the present invention is not limited to securing wheel chairs in means of transport, but can be used to secure wheel chairs everywhere, for example in entertainment devices in amusement parks and the like.

[0055] The device 4 and the fitting 3 according to the present invention are not limited to securing wheel chairs, but are also suited for securing other vehicles, which can be advanced in a direction of travel.

Claims

1. A device (4) for mounting on a base (2) and for securing a wheel chair (1) relative to the base (2), and having a lengthwise direction parallel to the base (2) in a mounted position of the device (4), the device (4) comprising jaws (15, 18) which can engage and by mutual movement clamp fittings (3) and which can be opened and closed by means of control means, characterised in that the device (4) comprises at least two sets (26) of jaws, the sets being placed with mutual spacing in a direction crosswise to the lengthwise direction (11), and that the opening (17) between the jaws (15, 18) is shaped with a cross section which generally do not vary along the lengthwise direction (11).

2. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the opening (17) between the jaws (15, 18) in their open state is designed to allow insertion of the fitting or the fittings (3) from either end of said opening (17).

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in comprising upper jaws (15) which are stationary, and lower jaws (18) which are movable.

4. A device according to claim 3, characterised in that the upper jaws (15) are elongate in the lengthwise direction (11) and narrow in the direction perpendicular to the base (2), in a mounted position of the device (4).

5. A device according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that each of the upper jaws (15) are formed from sheet and designed with an upward, generally flat face (6) and on a side facing away from the other set of jaws (26) designed with a downward flange (14), which face (6) and flange (14) both generally are extending in the extent of the jaw (15) in the lengthwise direction (11).

6. A device according to claim 3, 4 or 5, characterised in that each of the lower jaws (18) are designed as a wedge movable generally in the direction of the base (2), perpendicular to the lengthwise direction (11), in a mounted position of the device (4).

7. A device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in comprising guiding means (16) which by movement of fittings (3) in the lengthwise direction (11), guide the fitting or the fittings (3) in a direction towards the opening (17) between the jaws (15, 18).

8. A device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in comprising a carriageway (5, 6, 5), which generally extends in the lengthwise direction (11) across the device (4), and which is designed with sloping ascending and descending segments (5).

9. A device according to claims 7 and 8, characterised in that the guiding means (16) and the carriageway (5, 6, 5) are constituted by segments of the casing (9) of the device.

10. A device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control means comprise an actuator (22) known per se, which is powered from a power source such as a battery or an electrical network and which can be operated by control means or remote control means, as well as emergency control means for opening and closing the jaws in case of failure of the power source.

11. A device according to claim 10, characterised in that the emergency control means comprise a movable and lockable suspension for the actuator and an operating handle for unlocking and releasing the suspension.

12. A fitting for mounting on a wheel chair (1) in areas where the wheels (8) of the chair (1) carrying the biggest weight load are mounted to the wheel chair (1), in combination with the device of any of the claims 1-11 said fitting (3) having a lengthwise direction and having engaging means (39), which can engage and be clamped between jaws (15, 18) for securing the fitting (3), characterised in that the engaging means (39) are designed with a cross section, which generally do not vary in the lengthwise direction (11), and that the fitting (3) is designed for mounting in pairs.

13. A fitting according to claim 12, characterised in that the fitting (3) is adapted to encompassing a shaft (7) carrying one of the wheels (8) of the wheel chair (1).

14. A fitting according to claim 13, characterised in that the fitting (3) is adapted to being fixed by means of a bushing, which on the wheel chair (1) carries a shaft (7) carrying one of the wheels (8) of the wheel chair.

15. A fitting according to any of the claims 13-14, characterised in that the fitting (3) can be split at least into a part (37) designed for mounting on the wheel chair (1) and a part (38) comprising the engaging means (39).

16. A fitting according to any of the claims 13-15, which is designed to be clamped between jaws (15, 18), of which one (15) has a free face (6) opposite the engaging face, characterised in that the fitting (3) is provided with at least one wheel (58) placed near the engaging means (39) in such a way that between wheels (58) and engaging means (39, 42), a gap (59) is formed corresponding. to the width of one of the jaws (15).

17. A fitting according any of the claims 13-16, characterised in that the engaging means (39, 42) are elongate in the lengthwise direction (11) and that the engaging means (39) comprise a horizontal extending, plate-shaped part (40), which have a upward flange (42) on an inwards facing side, said flange (42) generally extending over the length of the engaging means (39).

Ansprüche

1. Vorrichtung (4) zur Befestigung auf einer Unterlage (2) und zum Sichern eines Rollstuhls (1) im Verhältnis zur Unterlage (2), welche Vorrichtung in einer montierten Stellung eine zur Unterlage (2) parallele Längsrichtung aufweist und Backen (15, 18) umfasst, die mit Beschlägen (3) greifen und diese durch gegenseitige Bewegung festspannen können, welche Bakken mittels Steuerorganen geöffnet und geschlossen werden können, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Vorrichtung (4) mindestens zwei Backensätze (26) umfasst, die in gegenseitigem Abstand in einer zur Längsrichtung (11) quer verlaufenden Richtung angeordnet sind, und dass die Öffnung (17) zwischen den Backen (15, 18) mit einem Querschnitt ausgebildet ist, der in der Längsrichtung (11) im allgemeinen nicht variiert.

2. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Öffnung (17) zwischen den Backen (15, 18) in deren geöffneten Zustand derart ausgebildet ist, dass sie Einsetzen des Beschlages oder der Beschläge (3) von jedem Ende der Öffnung (17) ermöglicht.

3. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sie obere stationäre Backen (15) und untere bewegliche Backen (18) umfasst.

4. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in einer montierten Stellung der Vorrichtung (4) die oberen Backen (15) in der Längsrichtung (11) länglich und in der zur Unterlage (2) senkrechten Richtung schmal sind.

5. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 3 oder 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass jede der oberen Backen (15) aus Plattenmaterial gefertigt ist, mit einer nach oben wendenden, im wesentlichen flachen Fläche (6), und auf einer von dem anderen Backensatz (26) weg wendenden Seite mit einem nach unten wendenden Flansch (14) ausgebildet ist, wobei sich sowohl Fläche (6) als Flansch (14) im wesentlichen in der Erweiterung der Backe (15) in der Längsrichtung (11) erstrecken.

6. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 3, 4 oder 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass jede der unteren Backen (18) als ein Keil ausgebildet ist, der in montierter Stellung der Vorrichtung (4) im allgemeinen senkrecht zur Längsrichtung (11) in Richtung der Unterlage (2) bewegbar ist.

7. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, gekennzeichnet durch Führungsorgane (16), die durch ein Bewegen von Beschlägen (3) in der Längsrichtung (11) den Beschlag oder die Beschläge (3) in Richtung zu der Öffnung (17) zwischen den Backen (15, 18) leiten.

8. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, gekennzeichnet durch eine Fahrbahn (5, 6, 5), die im wesentlichen in Längsrichtung (11) über die Vorrichtung (4) verläuft, und die mit schrägen aufsteigenden und abfallenden Abschnitten (5) ausgebildet ist.

9. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 7 und 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Führungsorgane (16) und die Fahrbahn (5, 6, 5) aus Abschnitten des Gehäuses (9) der Vorrichtung bestehen.

10. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Steuerorgan einen an sich bekannten Aktuator (22) umfasst, der von einer Kraftquelle, wie etwa eine Batterie oder ein Stromversorgungsnetz, versorgt wird, und der durch Steuerorgane oder Fernsteuerorgane sowie, im Falle von Ausfall der Kraftquelle, auch durch Notsteuerorgane zum Öffnen und Schliessen der Backen bedient werden kann.

11. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Notsteuerorgan eine bewegliche und verriegelbare Aufhängung des Aktuators und einen Bedienungsgriff zur Entriegelung und Freigabe der Aufhängung umfasst.

12. Beschlag zum Montieren auf einem Rollstuhl (1) in Bereichen, wo die Räder (8) des Stuhls (1) mit der grössten Gewichtsbelastung auf dem Rollstuhl (1) montiert sind, in Kombination mit der Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1-11, welcher Beschlag (3) eine Längsrichtung aufweist und mit Eingriffsorganen (39) versehen ist, die in Backen (15, 18) eingreifen und zwischen diesen zum Festhalten des Beschlages (3) eingeklemmt werden können, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Eingriffsorgane (39) mit einem Querschnitt ausgebildet sind, der in Längsrichtung (11) im wesentlichen nicht variiert, und dass der Beschlag (3) zum paarweisen Montieren ausgebildet ist.

13. Beschlag nach Anspruch 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Beschlag (3) zum Umschliessen einer eines der Räder (8) des Rollstuhls (1) tragenden Welle (7) vorgesehen ist.

14. Beschlag nach Anspruch 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Beschlag (3) zum Festhalten mittels einer Buchse vorgesehen ist, welche Buchse auf dem Rollstuhl (1) eine eines der Räder (8) des Rollstuhls tragende Welle (7) trägt.

15. Beschlag nach einem der Ansprüche 13-14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Beschlag (3) zumindest in einen zum Montieren auf dem Rollstuhl (1) vorgesehenen Teil (37) und einen die Eingriffsorgane (39) umfassenden Teil getrennt werden kann.

16. Beschlag nach einem der Ansprüche 13-15, welcher Beschlag zum Festspannen zwischen Backen (15, 18) ausgebildet ist, wobei die eine Backe (15) eine der Eingriffsfläche gegenüberliegende freie Fläche (6) aufweist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Beschlag (3) mit mindestens einem in der Nähe der Eingriffsorgane (39) plazierten Rad (58) ausgestattet ist, derart, dass zwischen den Rädern (58) und Eingriffsorganen (39, 42) ein der Breite einer der Backen (15) entsprechender Spalt gebildet wird.

17. Beschlag nach einem der Ansprüche 13-16, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Eingriffsorgane (39, 42) in Längsrichtung (11) länglich sind, und dass die Eingriffsorgane (39) einen waagrecht verlaufenden, plattenförmigen Teil (40) umfassen, auf dessen einer nach innen wendenden Seite ein aufwärts gerichteter Flansch (42) vorgesehen ist, welcher Flansch (42) sich im wesentlichen über die Länge der Eingriffsorgane (39) erstreckt.

Revendications

1. Dispositif (4) à monter sur une base (2) et pour fixer un fauteuil roulant (1) par rapport à la base (2), et ayant une direction longitudinale parallèle à la base (2) dans une position montée du dispositif (4), dispositif (4) qui comprend des mâchoires (15, 18) susceptibles d'engager et par mouvement commun de serrer des armatures (3) ainsi que de s'ouvrir et de se fermer par des moyens de commande, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif (4) comprend au moins deux jeux (26) de mâchoires, les jeux étant espacés l'un de l'autre dans une direction en travers de la direction longitudinale (11), et en ce que l'ouverture (17) entre les mâchoires (15, 18) est pourvue d'une section généralement restant inchangée le long de la direction longitudinale (11).

2. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'ouverture (17) entre les mâchoires (15, 18) dans l'état ouvert de celles-ci est conçue de manière à permettre l'insertion de l'armature ou des armatures (3) de tous les deux bouts de ladite ouverture (17).

3. Dispositif selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en comprenant des mâchoires supérieures (15) qui sont stationnaires, et des mâchoires inférieures (18) qui peuvent se déplacer.

4. Dispositif selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que les mâchoires supérieures (15) sont allongées dans la direction longitudinale (11) et étroites dans la direction perpendiculaire à la base (2), dans une position montée du dispositif (4).

5. Dispositif selon la revendication 3 ou 4, caractérisé en ce que chacune des mâchoires supérieures (15) est formée de tôle, pourvue d'une face généralement plane et tournée vers le haut (6), et sur un côté détourné de l'autre jeu de mâchoires (26), pourvue d'une aile tournée vers le bas (14), face (6) et aile (14) qui s'étendent généralement dans l'étendue de la mâchoire (15) dans la direction longitudinale (11).

6. Dispositif selon la revendication 3, 4 ou 5, caractérisé en ce que chacune des mâchoires inférieures (18) est conçue comme un coin qui peut se déplacer généralement dans la direction de la base (2) perpendiculairement à la direction longitudinale (11) dans une position montée du dispositif (4).

7. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en comprenant des moyens de guidage (16) qui, par déplacement des armatures (3) dans la direction longitudinale (11), conduisent l'armature ou les armatures (3) dans une direction vers l'ouverture (17) entre les mâchoires (15, 18).

8. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en comprenant un passage (5, 6, 5) s'étendant généralement dans la direction longitudinale (11) à travers le dispositif (4), et étant pourvu de portions inclinées vers le haut et vers le bas (5).

9. Dispositif selon les revendications 7 et 8, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de guidage (16) et le passage (5, 6, 5) sont constitués par des portions du carter (9) du dispositif.

10. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de commande comprennent un actionneur (22) connu en soi qui est alimenté par une source d'énergie telle qu'une pile ou un réseau électrique, et qui peut être commandé par des moyens de commande ou des moyens de télécommande, ainsi que des moyens de commande d'urgence pour ouvrir et fermer les mâchoires au cas de panne d'énergie.

11. Dispositif selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de commande d'urgence comprennent une suspension remuable et verrouillable pour l'actionneur et une poignée de commande pour déverrouiller et dégager la suspension.

12. Armature à monter sur un fauteuil roulant (1) dans des endroits où les roues (8) du fauteuil (1) portant le poids le plus important sont montées au fauteuil roulant (1), en combinaison avec le dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1-11, armature (3) qui présente une direction longitudinale et des moyens d'engagement (39) susceptibles d'engager et de serrer entre les mâchoires (15, 18) pour fixer l'armature (3), caractérisée en ce que les moyens d'engagement (39) sont conçus avec une section généralement restant inchangée le long de la direction longitudinale (11), et en ce que l'armature (3) est conçue pour montage par paires.

13. Armature selon la revendication 12, caractérisée en ce que l'armature (3) est adaptée à entourer un arbre (7) portant l'une des roues (8) du fauteuil roulant (1).

14. Armature selon la revendication 13, caractérisée en ce que l'armature (3) est adaptée à être fixée au moyen d'une douille qui, sur le fauteuil roulant (1), soutient un arbre (7) portant l'une des roues (8) du fauteuil roulant.

15. Armature selon l'une quelconque des revendications 13-14, caractérisée en ce que l'armature (3) peut être divisée en au moins une portion (37) conçue pour montage sur le fauteuil roulant (1) et une portion (38) comprenant les moyens d'engagement (39).

16. Armature selon l'une quelconque des revendications 13-15, étant conçue pour être serrée entre les mâchoires (15, 18) dont l'une (15) présente une face libre (6) opposée de la face d'engagement, caractérisée en que l'armature (3) est pourvue d'au moins une roue (58) arrangée près des moyens d'engagement (39) si bien qu'entre les roues (58) et les moyens d'engagement (39, 42), une ouverture est créée correspondant au diamètre de l'une des mâchoires (15).

17. Armature selon l'une quelconque des revendications 13-16, caractérisée en ce que les moyens d'engagement (39, 42) sont allongés dans la direction longitudinale (11), et en ce que les moyens d'engagement (39) comprennent une portion (40) en tôle s'étendant horizontalement et présentant une aile (42) tournée vers le haut sur un côté tourné vers l'intérieur, aile (42) qui s'étend généralement le long de la longueur des moyens d'engagement (39).

Drawing