EP2074977A1 - Transfer board for a person facilitating their movement between two sitting locations, in particular between a wheelchair and a chair - Google Patents

Abstract

The board (1) has two panels (2, 3) articulated with respect to each other using an articulation (X-X) forming a rotation axis by a hinge, such that one of the panels is folded on other panel defining as folded position of the board. Parallel sliding rails (11, 12) are hollowed in the panels in which mobile elements (6, 7) e.g. sliding bar, are moved. A flexible band (13) is fixed in the rails of the mobile element on both sides of the articulation. The elements are maintained inside its rails, respectively in the folded position of the board.

Description

The present invention relates to a transfer board for a person to facilitate its translation between two seated positions, in particular between a wheelchair and a seat, and more particularly between a wheelchair and a car seat.

These boards are used as an object which is placed in abutment on these two seated positions so as to form a bridge between these two locations, in order to facilitate the autonomous translation in sitting position of disabled persons or persons with reduced mobility.

It is currently known to make such transfer boards, but they are relatively bulky and cumbersome, which is a drag on their transport and their daily use, especially during business trips or business trips. trip.

Thus, the object of the invention relates more particularly to a transfer board for facilitating the transfer of a person from a sitting position on a support to another sitting position on another adjacent support. Even if such a transfer board was originally intended to allow the person to move between a wheelchair and an automobile seat, it should be understood that the object of the invention extends to any combination of seated supports. including chairs, beds, car seats and wheelchairs.

An example of such an embodiment of a transfer board is described in the document GB 2,387,321 which has a transfer board consisting of at least two panels articulable with respect to each other at using a hinged hinge, so that one of the panels can fold over the other panels to reduce its volume for transport. In order to allow the holding in extended position (or fully unfolded) of this transfer board and to prevent the board folds and falls at the time of passage of the person on the board, it is provided, inside hinge joint, locking means of the joint which allow to lock in position the hinge, which ensures a secure transfer of the person on the board. However, the hinge locking means of the hinge are relatively complex to implement and are difficult to manipulate by a person with little dexterity.

Another example of an embodiment of a transfer board consisting of a central panel on which are respectively hinged two side panels is also described in the document W02006 / 013385 . However, according to this embodiment, there is no provision for locking in position of the hinges of the side panels relative to the central panel. The blocking position of the joints is made using protuberances projecting from the central panel against which abut the side panels, resulting in a relative fragility of these joints.

It would therefore be particularly advantageous to make a transfer board easily transportable, lightweight, manipulable by people with little dexterity and to ensure a simplified locking of the articulation of the hinge axis.

The present invention proposes to solve the problems of the prior art using a transfer board for a person to facilitate its translation between two seated positions, the board comprising at least two panels capable of being articulated. relative to each other using a hinge-shaped hinge joint, so that one of the panels can be folded over the other of the panels thus defining a folded position of the board, means for strengthening the joint in the form of at least one movable member extending, in the extended or fully unfolded position of the board, on either side of the rotation axis hinge in both panels, thanks to which the load of the person moving on the transfer board in the extended position is adapted to be distributed both on the joint and on the element at least one rail being dug into the panels in which is able to move the element
characterized in that a flexible band is fixed in the rail of the element on either side of the hinge, whereby the element is held inside its rail in the folded position of the board .

In order to allow minimal handling of the board during its use, the element is able to move by sliding between a position in which it is fully housed in a complementary housing formed in only one of the panels of the board, and a position reinforcement in which it extends on either side of the axis of rotation in the two panels.

To limit the movement of the element in the board, the element comprises a projection adapted to come into contact against at least one stop provided on the path of movement of the element.

Advantageously, the stop is in the form of a bridge crossing the rail.

Advantageously, the element is a sliding bar.

In order to allow a balanced reinforcement of the articulation, two sliding rails are provided which are substantially parallel to one another, in which two elements are respectively provided which are able to move and whose displacement is limited by at least stubborn.

In order to lock the rotational movement of the articulation, the plate according to the invention comprises means for blocking the displacement of the element, preferably in the position of reinforcing the articulation.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the locking means are in the form of a movable projection provided on the path of movement of the element between a retracted position inside the panel and a projecting position.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'une forme de réalisation de la planche de transfert selon l'invention dans son état plié ;
• la figure 2 est une vue en perspective de la face supérieure de la planche de transfert dans sa position étendue ou totalement dépliée, face sur laquelle est apte à glisser une personne entre deux emplacements assis ;
• la figure 3 est une vue en perspective de la planche de transfert dans l'état plié, et plus précisément de son articulation formant axe charnière ;
• la figure 4 est une vue en perspective agrandie de l'articulation de la planche selon l'invention au moment de son pliage ;
• les figures 5 à 7 représentent trois vues en perspective de la face inférieure de la planche de transfert dans laquelle sont prévus des moyens de renforcement de l'articulation aptes à coulisser entre une première position, telle que représentée à la figure 4 et dans laquelle le pliage de la planche est autorisé, et une position de renforcement de l'articulation telle qu'illustrée à la figure 7 et dans laquelle la charge de la personne se déplaçant sur la face supérieure de la planche de transfert est apte à être répartie aussi bien sur l'articulation que sur les moyens de renforcement ;
• les figures 8 et 9 sont deux vues en coupe à travers une forme de réalisation de moyens de blocage en position de l'élément coulissant respectivement dans une position inactive et dans une position active.

The present invention is now described with the aid of a purely illustrative and in no way limiting example of the scope of the present invention, and from the following illustrations in which:

• the figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the transfer board according to the invention in its folded state;
• the figure 2 is a perspective view of the upper face of the transfer board in its extended or fully unfolded position, on which side is able to slide a person between two seated positions;
• the figure 3 is a perspective view of the transfer board in the folded state, and more precisely of its articulation hinge axis;
• the figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the articulation of the board according to the invention at the time of its folding;
• the Figures 5 to 7 represent three perspective views of the lower face of the transfer board in which there are provided means for reinforcing the hinge slidable between a first position, as shown in FIG. figure 4 and in which the folding of the board is allowed, and a position of reinforcing the hinge as illustrated in FIG. figure 7 and in which the load of the person moving on the upper face of the board of transfer is able to be distributed both on the articulation and on the reinforcement means;
• the Figures 8 and 9 are two sectional views through an embodiment of locking means in position of the sliding member respectively in an inactive position and in an active position.

The figure 1 represents a perspective view of a transfer board 1 for a person to facilitate its translation between two seated positions, preferably between a wheelchair and a car seat, the invention can of course be applied to any sitting position or any location on which a person may sit (such as a bed).

The board 1 comprises at least two panels 2, 3 able to be articulated with respect to one another by means of a hinge forming an axis of rotation by hinges XX, so that one of the panels 2, 3 can be folded on the other of the panels 2, 3, thus facilitating its transport. The hinge XX, constituted using at least one hinge (of known type), thus makes it possible to form a first folded position of the board 1 and a second completely unfolded or extended position of the board 1 (the board 1 then being substantially planar, see figure 2 ).

Each panel 2, 3 has an upper face 2a, 3a and a lower face 2b, 3b. It is understood by "upper" face the face of the transfer board 1 on which is preferably able to slip the person during his passage from one location to another. This so-called upper face 2a is preferably smooth, substantially planar, and made of a material facilitating sliding, that is to say with a low coefficient of friction.

He is represented more precisely on the figure 2 an upper view of the transfer board 1 in its extended or fully unfolded position, that is to say in a view on the upper faces 2a, 3a of the panels 2, 3 of Plate 1. The Figures 5 to 7 represent, in turn, a perspective view of the lower faces 2b, 3b of the panels 2, 3 of the board 1 on which are provided means 5 for strengthening the joint XX.

The means 5 for reinforcing the joint XX are in the form of at least one movable element 6, 7 extending, in fully unfolded position of the board 1, on either side of the axis of rotation. XX hinged in the two panels 2, 3, thanks to which the load of the person moving on the transfer board 1 is adapted to be distributed both on the hinge XX that on the element 6, 7.

Preferably, in order to lighten the weight of the transfer board 1 and since the load of the person moving on the board 1 is mainly distributed on the reinforcing means 5, the board 1 can be made entirely of lightweight materials, such as only wood.

However, although it is shown in the figures the preferred embodiment of the invention in which the movable member 6, 7 is not removable from the board 1, it is also possible to provide a board 1 in which the movable element 6, 7 is an independent element of the board 1.

However, in order to avoid the loss of this movable member 6, 7 and to increase the manipulations necessary for the mounting of the board 1 in fully unfolded position, the element 6, 7 is able to move by sliding between a position wherein the element 6, 7 is integrally housed in a complementary housing 6a, 7a formed in only one of the panels 2, 3 of the plate 1, and a position in which the element extends on both sides of the the axis of rotation XX in the two panels 2, 3.

More precisely and as shown in the figures, element 6, 7 is preferably in the form of a bar slider on which is fixed a projection 8 (for example by gluing or screwing) adapted to bear on at least one stop 9, 10 provided on the path of movement of the element 6, 7, so as to limit the displacement by sliding of this element 6, 7. The size and position of the projection 8 on the element 6, 7 is compatible with the location that can occupy the element 6, 7 in the respectively folded and extended positions of the board 1.

The element 6, 7 may be of any shape (flat, H, I ...). However, the most optimized form from the mechanical point of view is the I-section (for example IPN type metal profiles). On the other hand, a shape of the I-rail makes it possible to guarantee a higher security for the user during handling operations; there is indeed a lower probability of jamming his finger in the rail 11, 12, in which the element 6, 7 slides respectively.

In addition to the role of abutment, the projection 8 allows the user to manually move the element 6, 7 of reinforcement in the rail 11, 12, especially in case of inadvertent blocking. The shape of the projection 8 is preferably in a form adapted to a hand having little grip such as a quadriplegic hand. An anti-slip can also advantageously cover the projection 8 to facilitate gripping.

Although it is shown in the figures an embodiment of the transfer board 1 with two sliding members 6, 7 provided in the lower face 2b, 3b of the panels 2, 3 of the board 1, it is understood that it is also possible to make such a board 1 with a single element 6, 7 or with more than two elements 6, 7. Similarly, the general principle of the invention can also be applied to a board 1 with more than two panels 2, 3.

The element 6, 7 is made rigid, that is to say it can be in the form of a metal bar, so as to stiffen the internal structure of the transfer board 1 in its extended position and thus achieve a strengthening structure of the joint XX when the board 1 is in its extended position (or fully unfolded) so that when a person slides on the upper face 2a, 3a of panels 2, 3 of the board 1, it is obtained a distribution of the forces exerted on the articulation XX at the level of this element 6, 7, so that the weight of the person is not only reflected on this joint XX but is also or even essentially distributed over this or these elements 6, 7.

More specifically, at least one rail 11, 12 is hollowed out in the lower surface 2b, 3b of the panels 2, 3 in which is able to move by sliding a respective element 6, 7, the rail 11, 12 also forming the housing 6a, 7a in which is housed the element 6, 7 in the folded position of the board 1.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the transfer board 1 has two stops 9, 10 for limiting the displacement of the elements 6, 7 between the position allowing the folding and in which the elements 6, 7 are integrated in the panel 2 and do not exceed dimensions of this panel 2 (see figure 5 ), and a position in which the elements 6, 7 are located on either side of the hinge XX (see figure 7 ).

To do this, the stops 9, 10 are in the form of a transverse bar fixed on the lower surface 2b, 3b of the panels 2, 3 forming a bridge through the rails 11, 12 of the elements 6, 7. The protrusions 8 are then provided to abut against these bridges overhanging and crossing the rails 11, 12.

Advantageously, the panels 2, 3 are of the same dimensions and are substantially symmetrical about the axis XX in the extended position of the boards 2, 3, that is to say in the substantially horizontal position, so that in folding position of a panel 2, 3 on the other panel 2, 3, then the bridge forming a stop 9 of one of the panels 2 is then in contact directly from the other abutment bridge 10 of the other of the panels 3. It is thus preferentially provided a stop 9, 10 on each panel 2, 3 on either side of the hinge XX.

It may be noted that, according to the preferred embodiment of the board 1, there are provided two sliding rails 11, 12 substantially parallel to each other in which are respectively provided two elements 6, 7 under the form of sliding bars and whose movement is limited by the stops 9, 10, while knowing that it is also possible to provide that the movement of these elements 6, 7 is limited by a single stop and to provide instead of a stop means of attachment of the sliding bar thus preventing its sliding.

Preferably, the element 6, 7 is limited in its displacement in the folded position of the board 1 by a flexible band 13 fixed in the rail 11, 12 of the element 6, 7 respectively on both sides of the joint XX, thanks to which the element 6, 7 is held inside its respective rail 11, 12 in the folded position of the board 1. The length and stowage of the band 13 is set so that it allows free movement of the element 6, 7 between the two extreme positions of the element 6, 7, that is to say between the position of the element 6, 7 in the housing 6a, 7a ( corresponding here to a part of the rail 11, 12) allowing the folding of the board 1 and the position of reinforcing the joint XX. Without the presence of this band 13, there is a risk that the element 6, 7 does not remain in the housing 6a, 7a of the rail 11, 12 when the board 1 is folded, due to the presence of an interval i between the two panels 2, 3 folded one on the other (see figure 3 ), this interval i being all the more accentuated at the two rails 11, 12 folded on themselves in the folded position of the board 1. Advantageously, the band 13 is not fixed or glued on the whole length in the rail 11, 12 but is simply fixed at specific points and limited in the rail 11, 12. For example, the band 13 is fixed only at its two ends inside the rail 11, 12.

It can be provided means for blocking the displacement of the elements 6, 7, preferably in the position of reinforcing the X-X articulation. For example, the locking means may thus be in the form of a latch adapted to cooperate with a recess formed in the projection 8 of the element 6, 7, this latch can be provided at the level of the folding position of the board 1, or at the position of reinforcing the joint XX so as to prevent its lateral sliding if the board is not substantially horizontal, that is to say at a placement transfer board 1 between two seated positions that are not at the same height.

Alternatively, it may also be provided magnetic means, that is to say to provide one or more magnets on the element 6, 7 and one or more magnets of opposite polarity on at least one of the panels 2, 3 of the board 1 so as to allow its blocking, either in the folding position of the board, or in the position of reinforcing the hinge XX of the board 1.

Alternatively it may also be provided a system type Velcro (trademark) or any other suitable system.

The Figures 8 and 9 are two sectional views of a preferred embodiment of the locking means 14 in position of the element 6, 7 respectively in an inactive position and in an active position.

Thus, the locking means 14 may be in the form of a displaceable projection 15 provided on the path of movement of the element 6, 7 between a position retracted inside the panel 2, 3 ( figure 8 ) and a protruding position ( figure 9 ).

According to a preferred embodiment, but not exclusively, the projection 15 is of the binding screw type, that is to say comprises a cylindrical central body 16 surrounded by a first transverse body 17 and a second transverse body 18.

• dans la position inactive de la saillie 15, le premier corps transversal 17 est au même niveau que la face supérieure 2a du panneau 2 et le second corps transversal 18 est au même niveau que la face inférieure 2b du panneau 2, ce grâce à quoi l'élément 6, 7 peut se déplacer librement dans son rail respectif 11, 12;
• dans la position active de la saillie 15, le premier corps transversal 17 est enfoncé dans son logement 19 respectif à l'intérieur du panneau 2, ce qui entraîne la mise en saillie du second corps transversal 18 hors de la face inférieure 2b du panneau 2, ce grâce à quoi l'élément 6, 7 ne peut plus se déplacer dans son rail respectif 11, 12. L'enfoncement du premier corps transversal 17 dans son logement respectif 19 est réalisée soit par gravité, soit par l'utilisateur de la planche 1 qui a alors exercé une force de poussée sur le premier corps transversal 17 de manière à permettre le coulissement du corps central 16 et la mise en saillie du second corps transversal 18.

Preferably, the first and second transverse bodies 17, 18 are housed in respective housings 19, 20 of complementary shape in which the transverse bodies 17, 18 have a relative displacement, so that:

• in the inactive position of the projection 15, the first transverse body 17 is at the same level as the upper face 2a of the panel 2 and the second transverse body 18 is at the same level as the lower face 2b of the panel 2, thanks to which the element 6, 7 can move freely in its respective rail 11, 12;
• in the active position of the projection 15, the first transverse body 17 is pressed into its respective housing 19 inside the panel 2, which causes the projection of the second transverse body 18 out of the lower face 2b of the panel 2 thanks to which the element 6, 7 can no longer move in its respective rail 11, 12. The depression of the first transverse body 17 in its respective housing 19 is carried out either by gravity or by the user of the board 1 which then exerted a thrust force on the first transverse body 17 so as to allow the sliding of the central body 16 and the projecting of the second transverse body 18.

Although in the illustrated embodiment, the transverse bodies 17, 18 are substantially planar bodies, it should be understood that it is also possible to realize convex transverse bodies, so that the first transverse body 17 is slightly protruding of the upper face 2a of the panel 2 or slightly tucked inside its respective housing 19. As for the second transverse body 18, it can be made in any suitable form, not just planar, so that it allows a blocking when it protrudes out of the lower face 2b of the panel 2 and a free passage of the element 6, 7 in its respective rail 11, 12 when it is in a retracted position in its respective housing 20.

The projection 15 is advantageously placed in the rail 11, 12 at a location such that the projection 15 allows the locking in the reinforcing position of the element 6, 7 on both sides of the hinge XX while having the protrusion 8 of the element 6, 7 in contact on the stop 10 provided on the other panel 3 opposite the panel 2 in which the projection 15 is placed.

In addition, it can be provided on the board 1 handles formed in the panels 2, 3 from through recesses made at the edge of the edges of the panels 2, 3, so that the user can insert his hands to the interior of these recesses, which allows him to better handle the board 1 and to have a better seat and a better stability during its transfer by sliding on the board 1.

Moreover, to prevent the fall of the board 1 does not hurt the user or a third party, the fields of the board 1 can be covered with a polymer strip for damping shocks.

In addition, in order to limit the risk of sliding of the board 1 in the extended position when placed in support between two seated position so as to allow the translation in sitting position of people with reduced mobility, it is planned to incorporate plates of non-slip polymer (typically elastomers) at the ends of the board 1 which are supported on these locations (these anti-slip plates can be directly integrated into the lower surface 2b, 3b of the board 1).

Moreover, in order to prevent the user from getting injured during the unfolding or folding operation of the board 1, protections (for example visible, such as a transparent thin plate of plexiglass type (registered trademark)) will be put on the rails 11, 12. These protections are made in such a way that they prevent the user from getting their fingers caught in the rails 11, 12, while allowing access to the projections 8 provided on the elements 6, 7 reinforcement in case of inadvertent blocking (the user can in this case manually unlock the element 6, 7).

Claims (8)

Transfer board (1) for a person to facilitate its translation between two seated positions, said board (1) comprising at least two panels (2, 3) adapted to be articulated relative to each other to the using a hinge (XX) forming an axis of rotation by hinge, so that one of the panels (2, 3) can fold over the other of the panels (2, 3) thus defining a folded position of the board (1), reinforcing means (5) of said hinge (XX) in the form of at least one movable element (6, 7) extending in extended or fully unfolded position of the board (1), on both sides of the hinged axis of rotation (XX) in the two panels (2, 3), whereby the load of the person moving on the transfer board (1) in extended position is suitable to be distributed both on said articulation (XX) and on said element (6, 7), at least one rail (11, 12) being hollowed out in said panels ( 2, 3) in which said element (6, 7) is able to move, characterized in that a flexible band (13) is fixed in said rail (11, 12) of said element (6, 7) from on the other hand said hinge (XX), whereby said element (6, 7) is held inside its respective rail (11, 12) in the folded position of the board (1) Transfer board according to claim 1, characterized in that said element (6, 7) is able to move by sliding between: a position in which said element (6, 7) is integrally housed in a complementary housing (6a, 7a) formed in only one of the panels (2, 3) of the board (1), and - A reinforcing position in which said element (6, 7) extends on either side of the axis of rotation (XX) in the two panels (2, 3). Transfer board according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said element (6, 7) comprises a protrusion (8) adapted to come into contact against at least one stop (9, 10) provided on the path of displacement of said element (6, 7). Transfer board according to claim 3, characterized in that said stop (9, 10) is in the form of a bridge passing through said rail (11, 12). Transfer board according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said element (6, 7) is a sliding bar. Transfer board according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two sliding rails (11, 12) are provided which are substantially parallel to one another and in which two elements (6 , 7) able to move and whose movement is limited by at least one stop (9, 10). Transfer board according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (14) for blocking the displacement of said element (6, 7), preferably in said reinforcing position of said articulation (XX). Transfer board according to claim 7, characterized in that said locking means (14) are in the form of a displaceable projection (15) provided on the path of displacement of said element (6, 7) between a retracted position at inside a panel (2, 3) and a projecting position.

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