US20050029855A1 - Dynamic seating system for personal mobility vehicle - Google Patents
Dynamic seating system for personal mobility vehicle Download PDFInfo
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- US20050029855A1 US20050029855A1 US10/697,363 US69736303A US2005029855A1 US 20050029855 A1 US20050029855 A1 US 20050029855A1 US 69736303 A US69736303 A US 69736303A US 2005029855 A1 US2005029855 A1 US 2005029855A1
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- base
- seat
- seating system
- seat tray
- tray
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
- A61G5/10—Parts, details or accessories
- A61G5/1056—Arrangements for adjusting the seat
- A61G5/1067—Arrangements for adjusting the seat adjusting the backrest relative to the seat portion
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
- A61G5/08—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs foldable
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
- A61G5/08—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs foldable
- A61G5/0866—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs foldable folding down backrest, e.g. where the backrest folds down onto the seat support
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
- A61G5/08—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs foldable
- A61G5/0883—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs foldable having locking means for maintaining a folded or unfolded condition
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
- A61G5/08—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs foldable
- A61G5/0891—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs foldable having rigid supports, e.g. seat or back supports which retain their shape after folding of the wheelchair
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
- A61G5/10—Parts, details or accessories
- A61G5/12—Rests specially adapted therefor, e.g. for the head or the feet
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
- A61G5/10—Parts, details or accessories
- A61G5/12—Rests specially adapted therefor, e.g. for the head or the feet
- A61G5/121—Rests specially adapted therefor, e.g. for the head or the feet for head or neck
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
- A61G5/10—Parts, details or accessories
- A61G5/12—Rests specially adapted therefor, e.g. for the head or the feet
- A61G5/128—Rests specially adapted therefor, e.g. for the head or the feet for feet
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B9/00—Accessories or details specially adapted for children's carriages or perambulators
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B9/00—Accessories or details specially adapted for children's carriages or perambulators
- B62B9/10—Perambulator bodies; Equipment therefor
- B62B9/102—Perambulator bodies; Equipment therefor characterized by details of the seat
- B62B9/104—Perambulator bodies; Equipment therefor characterized by details of the seat with adjustable or reclining backrests
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B9/00—Accessories or details specially adapted for children's carriages or perambulators
- B62B9/10—Perambulator bodies; Equipment therefor
- B62B9/14—Equipment protecting from environmental influences, e.g. Hoods; Weather screens; Cat nets
- B62B9/142—Equipment protecting from environmental influences, e.g. Hoods; Weather screens; Cat nets by flexible canopies, covers or nets
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
- A61G5/04—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs motor-driven
- A61G5/041—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs motor-driven having a specific drive-type
- A61G5/045—Rear wheel drive
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
- A61G5/10—Parts, details or accessories
- A61G5/1056—Arrangements for adjusting the seat
- A61G5/1064—Arrangements for adjusting the seat adjusting the depth of the seat
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
- A61G5/10—Parts, details or accessories
- A61G5/1056—Arrangements for adjusting the seat
- A61G5/1075—Arrangements for adjusting the seat tilting the whole seat backwards
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B9/00—Accessories or details specially adapted for children's carriages or perambulators
- B62B9/18—Resilient suspensions of bodies
Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of pending application Ser. No. 10/403,558 filed May 31, 2003, assigned to the assignee of this application, and incorporated herein by reference.
- This invention relates in general to land vehicles and, more particularly, to personal mobility vehicles. Most particularly, this invention relates to a seating system for personal mobility vehicles.
- Personal mobility vehicles, such as wheelchairs and strollers, often have a fixed seat consisting of a seating surface and a back frame. The seat and back frames are typically mounted on a base, which, for most personal mobility vehicles, supports two rear drive wheels and two front caster wheels. The personal mobility vehicle can be either manual driven, or power driven, in which case, the drive wheels will be motorized. The seating surface is usually either horizontal or slightly tilted back, with the front edge of the seating surface slightly higher than the rear edge of that surface. If a user sits in the same position in a vehicle for a long period of time, pressure is continuously applied to the tissue on the portion of the user's body (e.g., the buttocks, legs, and/or back) that is bearing the user's weight in that position. Blood circulation to that tissue will be reduced, and ulcers or other problems can result.
- To avoid these problems, it is advantageous for people sitting in personal mobility vehicles to shift their body weight from time to time. This is often accomplished by tilting the seat portion of the personal mobility vehicle backwards so that the user's weight is shifted away from the pressure points on the user's body. Also, the user's weight can be shifted by reclining the back frame. Reclining the seat back frame allows some of the user's weight to be borne by the user's back, thereby reducing the weight on the user's buttocks. Also, reclining the seat back allows the user to open and close the hip angle, thereby enabling the user to assume or be placed in both active and resting positions. This makes it possible for the user to be more comfortable in a multiplicity of activities.
- Conventional personal mobility vehicle seating systems are generally rigid. Vehicle users tend to fight against the seating system or feel restricted due to the rigidity. As a result, the personal mobility vehicle is often subjected to damage. It would be advantageous if there could be developed a personal mobility vehicle that does not restrict the user.
- The present invention is directed towards a dynamic seating system that includes a base, a seat tray, and a biasing element. The seat tray is positioned within the base and mounted for forward and rearward sliding movement with respect to the base. The biasing element is connected relative to the base and the seat tray for biasing the seat tray rearward relative to the base.
- Various objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a personal mobility vehicle adapted with a seating system according to the invention. -
FIG. 2 is a schematic view in perspective of the seating system according to the invention, with the seat back in a non-reclined condition. -
FIG. 3 is a schematic view in perspective of the seating system ofFIG. 2 , with the seat back in a reclined condition. -
FIG. 4 is schematic exploded view in perspective of the seating system ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 5 is a schematic view in perspective of the seating system ofFIG. 2 , with the seat back in a folded condition. -
FIG. 6 is a schematic rear view in perspective of the seating system ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 7 is a schematic rear view in perspective of the seating system ofFIG. 2 , showing the unlatching of the release block. -
FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the personal mobility vehicle shown inFIG. 1 , with the seating system removed. -
FIG. 9 is an enlarged schematic front view in perspective of a guide of the seating system, with the seat back in a non-reclined condition. -
FIG. 10 is an enlarged schematic front view in perspective of a guide, with the seat back in a reclined condition. -
FIG. 11 is an enlarged schematic rear view in perspective of a biasing element of the seating system, with the seat back in a non-reclined condition. -
FIG. 12 is an enlarged schematic rear view in perspective of the biasing element, with the seat back in a reclined condition. - Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in
FIG. 1 a personal mobility vehicle, generally indicated at 10, which may be in the form of a wheelchair, a stroller, or the like. The vehicle comprises abase 12, which is mounted for movement onfront caster wheels 14 andrear wheels 16. Thebase 12 includes aframe 18, which may include welded or bolted members, some of which may be tubular. Theframe 18 may extend upwardly to form ahandle 20. Aleg support 22 can be provided. Thebase 12 supports a seating system, generally indicated at 30. - As shown in
FIGS. 2-4 , theseating system 30 of the invention may include aseating shell base 32, into which may be nested or positioned aninner seat tray 34. Theseating shell base 32 is attached to and supported by thebase 12. Theinner seat tray 34 is secured to theseating shell base 32 in a manner that allows theinner seat tray 34 to slide forward and rearward with respect to theseating shell base 32. An optionalseat tray extension 38 is mounted for attachment to theinner seat tray 34 for the purpose of enabling a length adjustment of theseating system 30 to accommodate growth of the user of the vehicle. Optionally, theseat tray extension 38 can be provided with mountingarms 39 for mounting theleg support 22. - The mounting of the
inner seat tray 34 within theseating shell base 32 may be accomplished byslides 37, which are mounted between theinner seat tray 34 and theseating shell base 32 to facilitate guided, sliding movement of theinner seat tray 34 forward and rearward with respect to theseating shell base 32. Theslides 37 are low-friction slides that permit the vehicle user to tone (i.e., recline back with feet extended forward). Theslides 37 may be mounted in any suitable manner and may be any suitable low-friction structure, such as but not limited to nylon-coated slides, ball bearing slides, or linear bearing slides. Theslides 37 may be of the type, for example, that are commonly used as drawer slides, as shown inFIGS. 9 and 10 . The frictional coefficient of theslides 37 should overcome the potential inertial force to allow theseating system 30 to return to the non-reclined condition. - In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the primary guiding function is carried out by the
slides 37. However, the low-friction guides 40 may be positioned beneath theinner seat tray 34 as well to provide an additional low-friction surface for supporting the weight of the vehicle user. Thebottom guides 40 may be any suitable low-friction material or configuration. - The
seat tray extension 38 is provided with one ormore slots 42 that are oriented in a forward/rearward direction. Bolts, not shown, fit through theslots 42 in theseat tray extension 38 to enable it to be fixed at an appropriate position to accommodate the physical features of a particular vehicle user, and to enable adjustment as necessary for the growth of the vehicle user. Other fastening arrangements, not shown, can be used for attaching theseat tray extension 38 to theinner seat tray 34. It can be seen that theseat tray extension 38 is mounted on theinner seat tray 34 in an alterable manner that enables theseat tray extension 38 to be adjusted in the forward and rearward directions with respect to theinner seat tray 34. - The
seating shell base 32 has abottom wall 46 andside walls 48, all of which can be made of molded plastic, aluminum sheet, or any other suitable material. Theinner seat tray 34 is provided with abottom tray surface 50 and opposed upwardly extendingseat tray arms 52. Mounted to theseating shell base 32 is a folding seat back 56. The folding seat back 56 is comprised of aback plate 58 and seat back pivotarms 60, which are pivotally attached to the upwardly extendingseat tray arms 52 at pivot points 62. Preferably, a nylon washer is inserted between the seat back pivotarms 60 and theseat tray arms 52. The pivotal mounting of the folding seat back 56 enables the seat back 56 to be folded forward into a relatively compact folded configuration, shown inFIG. 5 , that makes thevehicle 10 easier to transport when not occupied by the vehicle user. The seat back pivot points 62 are preferably positioned relatively high on theseat tray arms 52 to enable the seat back 56 to fold into a compact configuration. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pivot points 62 are positioned so that they coincide with the anatomic pivot point of the user's body for the greatest conformance to the user's body during the recline of the seat back 56. - The folding seat back 56 is optionally provided with a seat back
extension 66 that can be adapted withvertical slots 68 that enable the seat backextension 66 to be raised vertically with respect to the folding seat back 56 to accommodate the positioning needs of the vehicle user. A back cushion, not shown, can be attached to the seat backextension 66 for the comfort of the vehicle user. Further, a seat cushion, also not shown, can be used on theseat tray extension 38 for improved comfort of the user. - As shown in
FIGS. 5-7 , at the rear of theseating system 30 is aback support bar 72. Therearward end 73 of theside walls 48 of theseating shell base 32 are provided withslots 74, and the ends of theback support bar 72 are connected to theseating shell base 32 by their insertion through theslots 74. Although aback support bar 72 is shown, it is to be understood that any other structural back support member, such as a link or a block, not shown, for connecting the seat back 56 to theseating shell base 32 can be used. Locking clamps 76 attached to the ends of theback support bar 72 secure theback support bar 72 to theseating shell base 32. The locking clamps 76 allow theback support bar 72 to be positioned at any vertical location along theslots 74. Other locking mechanisms, such as a wing nut, can be used for securing theback support bar 72 at a particular vertical location in theslots 74. Theslots 74 are substantially vertical, which for purposes of the present invention means literally vertical or oriented at a slight angle to the vertical. Preferably theslots 74 are at an angle within the range of from about 5 degrees to about 20 degrees to the vertical. Althoughstraight slots 74 are shown, curved slots, not shown, can also be used. The curved slots would change the geometry of the recline of the seat back 56 and the pivoting of the seat back 56 about the pivot points 62. - The folding seat back 56 is connected to the
back support bar 72 by means of arelease block 78 that preferably has a concave or hook-shapedcomponent 80 adapted to mate with or grasp thesupport bar 72 to form a releasable connection. When therelease block 78 is engaged with thesupport bar 72, the folding seat back 56 is prevented from folding forward. Theback support bar 72 may be provided with bar guides 82 which define acentral portion 84 of theback support bar 72 which is engaged by the hook-shapedcomponent 80 of therelease block 78. The bar guides 82 help align the folding seat back 56. Therelease block 78 can be attached to the folding seat back 56 by any suitable means, such as, for example, abracket 85. Preferably, therelease block 78 is pivotally or slidably mounted so that it can be readily lifted up by hand, as shown inFIG. 7 . Optionally, a spring, not shown, can be provided to bias therelease block 78 downwardly, requiring an upward force to release the connection with thesupport bar 72, and thereby providing an automatic locking of the seat back 56 in an unfolded condition. Therelease block 78 can be made of any material, such as nylon. The folding seat back 56 is preferably provided with ahandle grip 88 that can be grasped to fold the seat back 56 forward. Therelease block 78 is preferably adapted with a concave lift handle 90 to enable therelease block 78 and handlegrip 88 to be grasped with one hand, as shown inFIG. 7 , for simultaneously releasing therelease block 78 from theback support bar 72 and folding the seat back 56 forward. Although arelease block 78 is shown to connect the seat back 56 with theback support bar 72, other seat engaging mechanisms capable of being selectively actuated can also be used. - The
slots 74 in theseating shell base 32 are oriented at a rearward angle to the vertical so that as theback support bar 72 is lowered in theslots 74, from the upright position shown inFIG. 2 to the recline position shown inFIG. 3 , thesupport bar 72 will be moved forward and downwardly. Since the folding seat back 56 is normally connected to theback support bar 72 through therelease block 78, the seat back 56 will be rotated as theback support bar 72 is moved down in theslots 74. This has the effect of moving theinner seat tray 34 forward because of the hinged connection at the pivot points 62 between the seat back pivotarms 60 and theseat tray arms 52. The forward movement of theinner seat tray 34 during the recline of the seat back 56 moves the user's body forward, thereby counteracting the tendency of the center of gravity to move rearward with the recline of the seat back 56. The geometry of the various components of theseating system 30 enables theinner seat tray 34 to move forward at approximately the same rate that the center of gravity would otherwise move rearward with the recline of the seat back 56 so that there is very little forward or rearward movement of the center of gravity of the vehicle or of the user of the vehicle. Preferably, the movement of the center of gravity is less than a total of one inch of forward and rearward movement. - The attachment of the
seating shell base 32 to the base 12 can be by bolts or any other suitable attachment. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, theseating shell base 32 is provided with apivot post 96 andguide pin 98, as shown inFIG. 2 . Theframe 18 of the base 12 can include a tilt-in-space block 100, as shown inFIG. 8 . The tilt-in-space block 100 may include a plurality of apertures orcavities 104 arranged in an arc-like pattern on theside wall 106 of the tilt-in-space block 100. The tilt-in-space block 100 also includes aguide slot 108. Theguide slot 108 is configured to receive thepivot post 96 and theguide pin 98. Preferably, theguide slot 108 is substantially T-shaped with a generally straightupper portion 110 and an arc-shapedlower portion 112. At the uppermost portion of theguide slot 108 is thepivot post cradle 114 where thepivot post 96 is seated. - To install the
seating shell base 32 onto the base 12 after being completely removed from thebase 12, the tilt-in-spaceblock pivot post 96 and aguide pin 98 on each side of theseating shell base 32 are aligned with theguide slot 108. Then, theguide pin 98 is guided into theupper portion 110 of theguide slot 108 until theguide pin 98 enters thelower portion 112 of theguide slot 108, and thepivot post 96 is seated at thepivot post cradle 114 at the top of theguide slot 108. Latch pins, not shown, can be mounted on theseating shell base 32 for selective engagement with theapertures 104 to set the desired angle of theseating shell base 32 with respect to thebase 12. The structure and operation of the tilt-in-space block mounting system is explained in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,086,086, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. - Although not shown, the vehicle user is held into and against the
seating system 30. This can be accomplished with any suitable restraint. For example, a conventional lap belt and harness can be adapted for use with theseating system 30 for holding the user in theseating system 30. Theseating system 30 permits the vehicle user to tone even when held into and against theseating system 30. Toning most often occurs when the vehicle user does not have motor control. During toning, the user's muscles tense and the user straightens out. The restraint holds the user integral with theseating system 30. But for the movement of theseating system 30, theseating system 30 would be hard on the user and the user would likewise be hard on, or abuse, theseating system 30. - It should be noted that the
seat tray extension 38 remains in a single plane to allow changes in the hip angle of the user through horizontal movement of theseat tray extension 38. As theseat tray extension 38 slides forward, the seat backextension 66 reclines and theleg support 22 pivots automatically at the knee joint of the user. This movement allows the user to tone into full extension without placing undue stress on the mechanical components of theseating system 30. When the user relaxes tone, theseating system 30 is subject to return to the non-reclined condition, with theseat tray extension 38 and the seat backextension 66 in a relationship that is preferably substantially 90 degrees relative to one another. Since the pivot points 62, 64 of theseating system 30 approximate the anatomical pivot points of the user's body, dynamic action occurs without introducing shear between theseat tray extension 38 or the seat backextension 66 and the user's body. In addition, the length of theleg support 22 does not have to change as theleg support 22 swings away from and towards theseating system 30. During movement of theseating system 30, the seating components that support the user are constantly in contact with the user to maintain alignment of the user about a lateral center line or mid-line of theseating system 30. Since all the pivot points of theseating system 30 are based upon the pivot points of the user, the seating components maintain their relationship with the user. Theseating system 30 also has the ability to lock into a neutral body position when it is desirable to prevent the user from moving, for example, for safety reasons, such as when transporting the user in a vehicle. Theseating system 30 can also be adjusted in different tilt-in-space positions. The lockingclamp 76 allows theseating system 30 to be secured in any desired hip angle position, providing the benefit of the reclining function. - According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the
seating system 30 may be provided with a biasingelement 120 for automatically returning theseating system 30 back to the non-reclined condition when the user relaxes tone. The biasingelement 120 should overcome friction in theslide 37 against the weight of the user, and with possible assistance from the user, to return theseating system 30 back to the non-reclined condition. - The biasing
element 120 may include but is not limited to one or more springs, including helical springs, fluid springs, such as gas springs, or a combination thereof. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 11 and 12 , a helical spring and a gas spring are used in combination. - The biasing
element 120 may by connected relative to theseating shell base 32 and theinner seat tray 34. This may be accomplished in any manner. For example, one end of the biasingelement 120 may be connected to aclevis 124 on theseating shell base 32 and the other end of the biasingelement 120 may be connected to a clevis, not shown, on theinner seat tray 34. During forward movement of theinner seat tray 34, as the user tones, the biasingelement 120 stores energy to automatically move theinner seat tray 34 rearward when the user relaxes tone. - A biasing
element 120 according to the preferred invention may have a dampening effect. That is to say, the biasing element may function to dampen the effect of the movement of theseating system 30 to the reclined condition, the non-reclined condition, or both. In the most preferred embodiment of the invention, the biasingelement 120 dampens the effect of the movement of theseating system 30 to the non-reclined condition. - It should be appreciated that the biasing
element 120 may be adjustable so that the resistance or force of the biasingelement 120 or movement of theseat tray extension 38 can be adjusted. This can be done in any suitable manner. - Although the invention has been described thus far as being connected with a manually operated vehicle, it is to be understood that the invention can be used with power vehicles, as well as other seating devices such as swings, and stationary seating devices, such as indoor bases.
- The principle and mode of operation of this invention have been explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiment. However, it must be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope.
Claims (19)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/697,363 US20050029855A1 (en) | 2003-03-31 | 2003-10-30 | Dynamic seating system for personal mobility vehicle |
PCT/US2004/034834 WO2005044051A1 (en) | 2003-10-30 | 2004-10-20 | Dynamic seating system for personal mobility vehicle |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/403,558 US20040189076A1 (en) | 2003-03-31 | 2003-03-31 | Seating assembly for wheelchairs and strollers |
US10/697,363 US20050029855A1 (en) | 2003-03-31 | 2003-10-30 | Dynamic seating system for personal mobility vehicle |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/403,558 Continuation-In-Part US20040189076A1 (en) | 2003-03-31 | 2003-03-31 | Seating assembly for wheelchairs and strollers |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20050029855A1 true US20050029855A1 (en) | 2005-02-10 |
Family
ID=34573249
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/697,363 Abandoned US20050029855A1 (en) | 2003-03-31 | 2003-10-30 | Dynamic seating system for personal mobility vehicle |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20050029855A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2005044051A1 (en) |
Cited By (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070029857A1 (en) * | 2005-07-14 | 2007-02-08 | Hanson Wayne H | Adjustable motion wheel chair |
US20090309336A1 (en) * | 2008-06-17 | 2009-12-17 | Hanson Wayne H | Multifunctional foldable mobility base |
US20100295356A1 (en) * | 2009-05-20 | 2010-11-25 | Shih-Wen Chen | Chair device for person carrier |
EP2323888A1 (en) * | 2008-08-15 | 2011-05-25 | Artsana Usa Inc. | Stroller |
ITMI20112309A1 (en) * | 2011-12-19 | 2013-06-20 | Gm Italia S R L | MOTORIZED WHEELCHAIR |
US8596719B2 (en) | 2010-10-01 | 2013-12-03 | Permobil Ab | Wheelchair backrest assembly |
WO2014020378A1 (en) * | 2012-07-31 | 2014-02-06 | Invacare International Sàrl | Wheelchair including a collapsible and/or angle adjustable backrest frame |
WO2014072508A1 (en) | 2012-11-09 | 2014-05-15 | Abc Design Gmbh | Infant carriage seat with swivelable backrest |
CN104290799A (en) * | 2014-09-22 | 2015-01-21 | 安徽喜洋洋儿童用品有限公司 | Baby stroller backrest device with adjustable flexibility |
EP2433846A3 (en) * | 2010-09-27 | 2015-04-22 | Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited | Infant carrier apparatus having an adjustable backrest |
US20160346144A1 (en) * | 2015-05-28 | 2016-12-01 | Medical Positioning, Inc. | Low clearance medical imaging chair |
US10137921B2 (en) * | 2016-08-09 | 2018-11-27 | Sang Min Lee | Electric stroller |
US10328965B2 (en) * | 2014-11-26 | 2019-06-25 | Thule Canada Inc. | Passenger transport carriers |
US10500112B1 (en) | 2017-06-09 | 2019-12-10 | Wayne Harvey Hanson | Dynamic support system for a chair to provide a user multiple supported positions |
US11576492B2 (en) * | 2018-02-21 | 2023-02-14 | F. Smit Holding B.V. | Divisible shell for a seat |
US11839584B2 (en) * | 2018-12-28 | 2023-12-12 | Participant Assistive Products | Modular mobility systems |
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US7455362B2 (en) * | 2005-07-14 | 2008-11-25 | Kids Up, Inc. | Adjustable motion wheel chair |
US20070029857A1 (en) * | 2005-07-14 | 2007-02-08 | Hanson Wayne H | Adjustable motion wheel chair |
US20090309336A1 (en) * | 2008-06-17 | 2009-12-17 | Hanson Wayne H | Multifunctional foldable mobility base |
US7891696B2 (en) | 2008-06-17 | 2011-02-22 | Hanson Wayne H | Multifunctional foldable mobility base |
EP2323888A4 (en) * | 2008-08-15 | 2013-12-04 | Artsana Usa Inc | Stroller |
EP2323888A1 (en) * | 2008-08-15 | 2011-05-25 | Artsana Usa Inc. | Stroller |
US20100295356A1 (en) * | 2009-05-20 | 2010-11-25 | Shih-Wen Chen | Chair device for person carrier |
US8002354B2 (en) * | 2009-05-20 | 2011-08-23 | Freerider Corp. | Chair device for person carrier |
EP2433846A3 (en) * | 2010-09-27 | 2015-04-22 | Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited | Infant carrier apparatus having an adjustable backrest |
US10016322B2 (en) | 2010-10-01 | 2018-07-10 | Permobil Ab | Wheelchair backrest assembly |
US8636321B1 (en) | 2010-10-01 | 2014-01-28 | Permobil Ab | Wheelchair backrest assembly |
US9271885B2 (en) | 2010-10-01 | 2016-03-01 | Permobil Ab | Wheelchair backrest assembly |
US8596719B2 (en) | 2010-10-01 | 2013-12-03 | Permobil Ab | Wheelchair backrest assembly |
EP2606866A3 (en) * | 2011-12-19 | 2015-08-12 | Genny Mobility SA | Powered wheelchair |
ITMI20112309A1 (en) * | 2011-12-19 | 2013-06-20 | Gm Italia S R L | MOTORIZED WHEELCHAIR |
EP3292851A1 (en) * | 2012-07-31 | 2018-03-14 | Invacare International Sàrl | Wheelchair including a collapsible and/or angle adjustable backrest frame |
CN104703570A (en) * | 2012-07-31 | 2015-06-10 | 英维康国际责任有限公司 | Wheelchair including a collapsible and/or angle adjustable backrest frame |
US9364378B2 (en) | 2012-07-31 | 2016-06-14 | Invacare International Sarl | Wheelchair including a collapsible and/or angle adjustable backrest frame |
WO2014020378A1 (en) * | 2012-07-31 | 2014-02-06 | Invacare International Sàrl | Wheelchair including a collapsible and/or angle adjustable backrest frame |
WO2014072508A1 (en) | 2012-11-09 | 2014-05-15 | Abc Design Gmbh | Infant carriage seat with swivelable backrest |
CN104290799A (en) * | 2014-09-22 | 2015-01-21 | 安徽喜洋洋儿童用品有限公司 | Baby stroller backrest device with adjustable flexibility |
US11745781B2 (en) * | 2014-11-26 | 2023-09-05 | Thule Sweden Ab | Passenger transport carriers |
US20230055485A1 (en) * | 2014-11-26 | 2023-02-23 | Thule Sweden Ab | Passenger Transport Carriers |
US10328965B2 (en) * | 2014-11-26 | 2019-06-25 | Thule Canada Inc. | Passenger transport carriers |
US11325633B2 (en) * | 2014-11-26 | 2022-05-10 | Thule Sweden Ab | Passenger transport carriers |
US10667976B2 (en) * | 2015-05-28 | 2020-06-02 | Medical Positioning, Inc. | Low clearance medical imaging chair |
US20160346144A1 (en) * | 2015-05-28 | 2016-12-01 | Medical Positioning, Inc. | Low clearance medical imaging chair |
US10137921B2 (en) * | 2016-08-09 | 2018-11-27 | Sang Min Lee | Electric stroller |
US10500112B1 (en) | 2017-06-09 | 2019-12-10 | Wayne Harvey Hanson | Dynamic support system for a chair to provide a user multiple supported positions |
US11576492B2 (en) * | 2018-02-21 | 2023-02-14 | F. Smit Holding B.V. | Divisible shell for a seat |
US11839584B2 (en) * | 2018-12-28 | 2023-12-12 | Participant Assistive Products | Modular mobility systems |
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Legal Events
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Owner name: SUNRISE MEDICAL HHG, INC., COLORADO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:HANSON, WAYNE H.;PHELPS, WILLIAM B.;SANFORD, STEPHEN M.;REEL/FRAME:014658/0012;SIGNING DATES FROM 20031029 TO 20031030 |
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Owner name: DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, NEW YORK Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:SUNRISE MEDICAL HHG INC.;REEL/FRAME:015302/0454 Effective date: 20040513 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SUNRISE MEDICAL HHG INC., COLORADO Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS;REEL/FRAME:035135/0273 Effective date: 20121130 |