Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a wheelchair and particularly to a posture adjusting wheelchair.
Description of Related Art
[002] Wheelchairs are essential mobility aids for individuals with disabilities or limited mobility. Wheelchairs provide users with the ability to move around independently and engage in daily activities.
[003] However, traditional wheelchairs often lack certain features that could enhance comfort and functionality for users. One common limitation of conventional wheelchairs is the absence of a reclining backrest. Many wheelchair users spend extended periods seated, which can lead to discomfort, pressure sores, and muscle fatigue.
[004] Moreover, existing reclining wheelchairs typically involve complex mechanisms or bulky designs, which can be cumbersome and inconvenient for users. Additionally, the existing reclining wheelchairs need an assistance of a caretaker for adjustment or reclining a backrest.
[005] There is thus a need for a posture adjusting wheelchair that offers simplicity, comfort, and ease of use while maintaining durability and functionality, and can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a posture adjusting wheelchair. The wheelchair comprising: a seat adapted to accommodate a user. The wheelchair further comprising: a backrest adapted to provide a support to a back of the user. The wheelchair further comprising: a mechanical linkage. The mechanical linkage comprises a cam stay, arranged on a side of the seat and the backrest, adapted to recline the backrest at an angle of declination by the user. The backrest is secured, at a user desired angle of declination, using a lock.
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for adjusting a posture of a user using a posture adjusting wheelchair. The method comprising steps of: accommodating the user on a seat; enabling the user to rest a back on a backrest; adjusting an angle of declination of the backrest using a cam stay; locking the backrest at a desired angle of declination using a lock; and enabling the user to accommodate legs, feet and hands on a leg rest, a footrest, and a hand rest respectively.
[008] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a posture adjusting wheelchair.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a posture adjusting wheelchair that enables a user to independently recline a back without a guidance of a guardian.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a posture adjusting wheelchair that locks the back at a required angle and prevents further movement of the back.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a posture adjusting wheelchair that operates mechanically and requires no electricity.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a posture adjusting wheelchair that is sturdy and robust.
[0013] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0014] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1A illustrates a drawing of a posture adjusting wheelchair, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 1B illustrates a mechanical linkage of the posture adjusting wheelchair, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 1C illustrates the posture adjusting wheelchair in a flat position, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart of a method for adjusting a posture of a user using the posture adjusting wheelchair, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0022] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0023] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0024] FIG. 1A illustrates a drawing of a posture adjusting wheelchair 100 (hereinafter referred to as the wheelchair 100), according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the wheelchair 100 may enable a user to change a posture while being seated in the wheelchair 100. The wheelchair 100 may enable the user to recline their back at various angles. The reclining of back may enable the user to change his or her posture to obtain comfort while using the wheelchair 100.
[0025] According to embodiments of the present invention, the wheelchair 100 may be used in establishments such as, but not limited to, a home, a hospital, an emergency room, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any establishment, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies, for utilization of the wheelchair 100.
[0026] According to embodiments of the present invention, the wheelchair 100 may comprise a seat 102, a backrest 104, a mechanical linkage 106, a cam stay 108, a lock 110, a leg rest 112, a footrest 114, a hand rest 116, a set of wheels 118a-118d (hereinafter referred individually to as front wheels 118a-118b and rear wheels 118c-118d and plurally to as the set of wheels 118), a wheel rim 120a-120b (hereinafter referred individually to as a left rim 120a and a right rim 120b, and plurally to as the wheel rim 120), a handle 122a-122b (hereinafter referred individually to as a left handle 122a and a right handle 122b, and plurally to as the handle 122), and a brake 124.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the seat 102 may be adapted to accommodate the user. In another embodiment of the present invention, the seat 102 may be layered with materials to provide comfort to the user. According to embodiments of the present invention, the layered materials on the seat 102 may be, but not limited to, a steel plate, a plywood seat, a sponge, a seat cover, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any layered materials on the seat 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies, that may provide comfort to the user.
[0028] According to embodiments of the present invention, the seat 102 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, a metallic material, a wooden material, a ceramic material, a plastic material, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for construction of the seat 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the backrest 104 may be adapted to provide a support to a back of the user. In another embodiment of the present invention, the backrest 104 may be layered with materials to provide comfort to the back of the user. According to embodiments of the present invention, the layered materials on the backrest 104 may be, but not limited to, a steel plate, a plywood, a sponge, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any layered materials on the backrest 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies, that may provide comfortability to the back of the user.
[0030] According to embodiments of the present invention, the backrest 104 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, a metallic material, a wooden material, a ceramic material, a plastic material, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for construction of the backrest 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mechanical linkage 106 may comprise the cam stay 108 and the lock 110. The mechanical linkage 106 may further be explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 1B.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the leg rest 112 may be adapted to accommodate legs of the user. The leg rest 112 may further provide support to the legs of the user. According to embodiments of the present invention, the leg rest 112 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, a metallic material, a wooden material, a ceramic material, a plastic material, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for construction of the leg rest 112, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the footrest 114 may be adapted to accommodate feet of the user. The footrest 114 may further provide support to the feet of the user. According to embodiments of the present invention, the footrest 114 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, a metallic material, a wooden material, a ceramic material, a plastic material, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for construction of the footrest 114, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the hand rest 116 may be adapted to accommodate hands of the user. The hand rest 116 may further provide support to the hands of the user. According to embodiments of the present invention, the hand rest 116 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, a metallic material, a wooden material, a ceramic material, a plastic material, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for construction of the hand rest 116, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the set of wheels 118 may be adapted to provide mobility to the wheelchair 100. The set of wheels 118 may comprise the front wheels 118a-118b and the rear wheels 118c-118d, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the front wheels 118a-118b may enable a navigation of the wheelchair 100. The rear wheels 118c-118d may enable a man of the wheelchair 100, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, the set of wheels 118 may comprise a tire layering (not shown) on an outside for enabling a smooth motion. According to embodiments of the present invention, the tire layering of the set of wheels 118 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, a rubber material, a neoprene material, a foam material, a plastic material, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for the tire layering of the set of wheels 118, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. According to embodiments of the present invention, the set of wheels 118 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, a metallic material, a carbon fiber material, a plastic material, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for construction of the set of wheels 118, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the wheel rim 120 may enable the user to self-navigate and maneuver the wheelchair 100. The wheel rim 120 may be installed with the rear wheels 118c-118d with a common sharing axis. The common sharing axis may enable a transmission of motion from the wheel rim 120 to the rear wheels 118c-118d. In an exemplary scenario, if the user may rotate the wheel rim 120 in an anti-clockwise direction, then the rear wheels 118c-118d may rotate in an anti-clockwise motion leading to a forward navigation of the wheelchair 100. On the contrary, if the user may rotate the wheel rim 120 in a clockwise direction, then the rear wheels 118c-118d may rotate in a clockwise motion leading to a backward navigation of the wheelchair 100.
[0038] According to embodiments of the present invention, the wheel rim 120 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, a metallic material, a wooden material, a carbon fibre material, a plastic material, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for construction of the wheel rim 120, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, the handle 122 may enable a guardian and/or a caretaker of the user to navigate and maneuver the wheelchair 100. The guardian and/or the caretaker may tightly grip the handle 122, and push and/or pull using the handle 122 for the forward and/or backward navigation of the wheelchair 100 The handle 122 may be rigidly installed behind the backrest 104. According to embodiments of the present invention, the handle 122 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, a metallic material, a wooden material, a ceramic material, a plastic material, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for construction of the handle 122, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0040] In an embodiment of the present invention, the brake 124 may be adapted to stop a movement of the wheelchair 100. The brake 124 may comprise brake pads (not shown). The user may actuate the brake 124 for engagement of the brake pads with the rear wheels 118c-118d. The engagement of brake pads of the brake 124 with the rear wheels 118c-118d may lead to development of friction. The friction caused by rubbing of the brake pads on the brake 124 may reduce a velocity of the wheelchair 100 and may eventually stop the wheelchair 100. According to embodiments of the present invention, the brake 124 may be for example, but not limited to, a disk brake, a drum brake, a hydraulic brake, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the brake 124, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0041] FIG. 1B illustrates the mechanical linkage 106 of the wheelchair 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the mechanical linkage 106 may comprise the cam stay 108 and the lock 110. The cam stay 108 may be arranged on sides of the wheelchair 100. The cam stay 108 may link the seat 102 and the backrest 104.
[0042] In an embodiment of the present invention, the cam stay 108 may adapted to recline the backrest 104. For reclining the backrest 104, the user may disengage the lock and push the backrest 104 until a desired recline. The angle between the seat 102 and the reclined backrest 104 may be defined as an angle of declination. The angle of declination (or the recline of the backrest 104) may be adjusted by the user. After, adjusting to a desired angle of declination (or the recline of the backrest 104) the user may engage the lock 110 to secure the backrest 104 at the desired recline and prevent further movements of the backrest 104.
[0043] Further, the cam stay 108 may adapted to pull up the backrest 104 to an upright position. For pulling the backrest 104, the user may disengage the lock 110 and pull the backrest 104 until the upright position is obtained. After obtaining the backrest 104 at the upright position, the user may engage the lock 110 to prevent any further movements of the backrest 104.
[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention, the angle of declination may be in a range from 90° to 180°. At 90° of the angle of declination, the backrest 104 may be in the upright position as the angle between the seat 102 and the backrest 104 may be 90°. At 180° of the angle of declination, the backrest 104 may be in a flat position (bed position) as the angle between the seat 102 and the backrest 104 may be 180°.
[0045] FIG. 1C illustrates the wheelchair 100 in a flat position, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flat position of the wheelchair 100 may be obtained at 180° of the angle of declination (the angle between the seat 102 and the backrest 104 may be 180°). The user may sit on the seat 102 and rest the back on the backrest 104. Further, the user may disengage the lock 110 and push back on the backrest 104 to recline the backrest 104 using the cam stay 108. After achieving the flat position, the user may reengage the lock 110. The user may accommodate the feet and the hands on the footrest 114 and the hand rest 116. Further, the user and/or the guardian may navigate and maneuver the wheelchair 100 using the set of wheels 118 and the wheel rim 120.
[0046] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart of a method 200 for adjusting the posture of the user using the wheelchair 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] At step 202, the wheelchair 100 may enable the user to be accommodated on the seat 102.
[0048] At step 204, the wheelchair 100 may enable the user to rest the back on the backrest 104.
[0049] At step 206, the wheelchair 100 may enable the user to adjust the angle of declination of the backrest 104 using the cam stay 108.
[0050] At step 208, the wheelchair 100 may enable the user to lock the backrest 104 at the desired angle of declination using the lock 110.
[0051] At step 210, the wheelchair 100 may enable the user to accommodate the legs, the feet, and the hands on the leg rest 112, the footrest 114, and the hand rest 116 respectively.
[0052] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0053] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A posture adjusting wheelchair (100), the wheelchair (100) comprising:
a seat (102) adapted to accommodate a user;
a backrest (104) adapted to provide a support to a back of the user; and
a mechanical linkage (106), characterised in that the mechanical linkage (106) comprises a cam stay (108), arranged on a side of the seat (102) and the backrest (104), adapted to recline the backrest (104) at an angle of declination by the user, wherein the backrest (104) is secured, at a user desired angle of declination, using a lock (110).
2. The wheelchair (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a leg rest (112) adapted to accommodate and provide a support to legs of the user.
3. The wheelchair (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a footrest (114) adapted to accommodate and provide a support to feet of the user.
4. The wheelchair (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a hand rest (116) adapted to accommodate and provide a support to hands of the user.
5. The wheelchair (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a set of wheels (118a-118d) adapted to provide a mobility to the wheelchair (100).
6. The wheelchair (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a handle (122a-122b), a wheel rim (120a-120b), or a combination thereof adapted to maneuver and navigate the wheelchair (100) using the set of wheels (118a-118d).
7. The wheelchair (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a brake (124) adapted to stop a movement of the wheelchair (100).
8. The wheelchair (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seat (102) and the backrest (104) are layered with a steel plate, a plywood seat, a sponge, a seat cover, or a combination thereof for providing comfort to the user.
9. A method for adjusting a posture of a user using a posture adjusting wheelchair (100), the method characterised by steps of:
accommodating the user on a seat (102);
enabling the user to rest a back on a backrest (104);
adjusting an angle of declination of the backrest (104) using a cam stay (108);
locking the backrest (104) at a desired angle of declination using a lock (110); and
enabling the user to accommodate legs, feet, and hands on a leg rest (112), a footrest (114), and a hand rest (116) respectively.
10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the angle of declination is in a range from 90° to 180°.

Date: March 15, 2024
Place: Noida

Dr. Keerti Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
(IN/PA-1529)