Method and apparatus for transferring a wheelchair bound person

[0001] The present invention generally relates to wheelchairs, and more particularly to methods and apparatuses that can be integrated into a wheelchair so that a wheelchair bound person can be easily transferred.

[0002] Transferring from a wheelchair to another place, such as car, bed, bath, toilet, furniture, or other places, is a problem for both wheelchair riders and their helpers. Present wheelchair riders can rely on separate transfer apparatus such as lifters and transfer boards to aid the transfer. The lifters are not only costly but also lack of portability, whereas the transfer boards are economical but require extreme care and skills in using. Some riders choose to perform these transfers independently using their upper limbs, while others request assistance from helpers. Depending on a rider's condition, the recommended transferring technique can involve use of transferring aids such as a lifter, belt, transfer board, easy slide, turntable, and draw sheet-slow process. The problem in performing these transfers manually, without the aid of apparatus, is that the transfers may lead to repetitive strain injuries as a result of prolong actions that place strain on a body. Other causes of physical injuries to both helpers and wheelchair riders may include a traumatic accident, or a series of small accidents because of incorrect transferring procedures or techniques.

[0003] Therefore, there is an existing need for methods and apparatuses that can help the transfer of a wheelchair bound person.

[0004] One embodiment of the present invention provides a modular lateral transfer assembly (MLTA) adaptable to a wheelchair for easily transferring a wheelchair bound person. The MLTA comprises a pivotal shaft being secured onto a frame of the wheelchair, thereby providing physical support for the MLTA, a main slide board for providing a transfer plane, one or more sleeve units disposed underneath of the main slide board for securing the board onto the pivotal shaft, and a location hole assembly disposed at one end of the main slide board; thereby when the main slide board via the location hole assembly is secured to the frame of the wheelchair, the wheelchair bound person is transferred via the transfer plane.

[0005] In another embodiment of the MLTA, the main slide board has a plurality of through holes for lightening the board.

[0006] In another embodiment of the MLTA, it further comprises a secondary slide board, wherein the main slide board has one end for receiving the secondary slide board so that when the secondary slide board is pulled out, it forms an elongated transfer plane.

[0007] In another embodiment of the MLTA, each sleeve unit has a channel allowing the sleeve unit to rotatably accommodate the frame and a threaded hole for accommodating a fastener for securing the sleeve unit onto the main slide board.

[0008] In another embodiment of the MLTA, the location hole assembly has an oversized cavity for receiving a quick-release locking means disposed onto the opposite side of the frame, so that the main slide board is ready for transfer.

[0009] In another embodiment of the MLTA, the main slide board comprises one or more casing disposed onto its top surface for receiving one or more rollers, easing the transfer process.

[0010] In another embodiment of the MLTA, the main slide board comprises a plurality of casings disposed onto its top surface for receiving a plurality of rolling balls, easing the transfer process.

[0011] In another embodiment of the MLTA, the main slide board has a one-piece configuration. In another embodiment of the MLTA the main slide board has a two-piece configuration.

[0012] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a modular wheel assembly (MWA) adaptable to a wheelchair for easily transferring a wheelchair bound person laterally. The MWA comprises a linear guide assembly being disposed onto a frame of the wheelchair, a slidable wheel assembly coupled with the linear guide assembly, where the slidable wheel assembly slides along the linear guide assembly from a front position and a rear position, and a quick-release locator working together with the linear guide assembly to secure and lock the slidable wheel assembly at a desired position, whereby when the slidable wheel assembly is moved away from the front to the rear, a lateral transfer is allowed.

[0013] In another embodiment of the MWA, the slidable wheel assembly comprises a wheel, a wheel axle for supporting the wheel, a cover plate, a wheel lock/brake mounted on the cover plate for locking the wheel when it is not in motion, a quick-release locator mounted on the cover plate for securing the slidable wheel assembly at a desired position, and a hand rim for allowing hand pushes.

[0014] In another embodiment of the MWA, the linear guide assembly comprises a backplate, a pair of linear guide rods, a pair of linear guide holding blocks securely coupled onto the backplate for holding the two ends of the linear guide rods, a linear slide unit slidably disposed on the linear guide rods so that the linear slide unit moves between the linear guide holding blocks, wherein the linear slide unit is coupled with the slidable wheel assembly so that it moves the slidable wheel assembly, and a bracket securely coupled with the backplate for attaching the linear guide assembly to the frame.

[0015] In another embodiment of the MWA, the backplate has a plurality of holes including home location holes, alternate home location holes and transfer location holes for stopping and securing the motion of the linear slide unit.

[0016] In another embodiment of the MWA the linear guide assembly further comprises a cover plate for covering the linear guide assembly.

[0017] In another embodiment of the MWA, the linear slide unit is preloaded with rolling elements for easy sliding.

[0018] In another embodiment of the MWA, the linear guide rods have a feature selected from the group consisting of spline, circular shaft, polygonal shaft, and track rail.

[0019] In another embodiment of the MWA, the linear guide rod holding block is configured to have a pair of holes for receiving the linear guide rods, a pair of holes for fastening the block onto the backplate, and a hole for receiving a fastener for locking the linear guide rods.

[0020] In another embodiment of the MWA, the bracket is configured to have a threaded hole and a through hole for cooperatively holding the backplate onto the frame, and a threaded hole for securing the bracket to the backplate.

[0021] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a wheelchair for easily transferring a wheelchair bound person. The wheelchair comprises a modular lateral transfer assembly (MLTA), where the MLTA comprises a pivotal shaft being secured onto a frame of the wheelchair, thereby providing physical support for the MLTA, a main slide board for providing a transfer plane, one or more sleeve units disposed underneath of the main slide board for securing the board onto the pivotal shaft, and a location hole assembly disposed at one end of the main slide board; thereby when the main slide board via the location hole assembly is secured to the frame of the wheelchair, the wheelchair bound person is transferred via the transfer plane, and a locking means for locking the main slide board when it is being used for transfer.

[0022] In another embodiment of the wheelchair, the quick-release locking means is a spring loaded plunger.

[0023] In another embodiment of the wheelchair, it further comprises a seat cover disposed on top of a sling seat and detachable from the sling seat.

[0024] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a wheelchair for easily transferring a wheelchair bound person. The wheelchair comprises a frame, and a modular wheel assembly (MWA), wherein the MWA comprises a linear guide assembly being disposed onto a frame of the wheelchair, a slidable wheel assembly coupled with the linear guide assembly, where the slidable wheel assembly slides along the linear guide assembly from a front position and a rear position, and a quick-release locator working together with the linear guide assembly to secure and lock the slidable wheel assembly at a desired position, whereby when the slidable wheel assembly is moved away from the front to the rear, a lateral transfer is allowed.

[0025] In another embodiment of the wheelchair, it further comprises a modular lateral transfer assembly (MLTA), where the MLTA comprises a pivotal shaft being secured onto a frame of the wheelchair, thereby providing physical support for the MLTA, a main slide board for providing a transfer plane, one or more sleeve units disposed underneath of the main slide board for securing the board onto the pivotal shaft, and a location hole assembly disposed at one end of the main slide board; thereby when the main slide board via the location hole assembly is secured to the frame of the wheelchair, the wheelchair bound person is transferred via the transfer plane.

[0026] In another embodiment of the wheelchair, it further comprises a locking means for quick-release locking the main slide board when it is being used for transfer.

[0027] In another embodiment of the wheelchair, the quick-release locking means is a spring loaded plunger.

[0028] In another embodiment of the wheelchair, it further comprises a seat cover disposed on top of a sling seat and detachable from the sling seat.

[0029] The objectives and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0053] The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the invention.

[0054] Throughout this application, where publications are referenced, the disclosures of these publications are hereby incorporated by reference, in their entireties, into this application in order to more fully describe the state of art to which this invention pertains.

[0055] One embodiment of the present invention provides a transfer apparatus that is integrated with a wheelchair for allowing a wheelchair bound person to be transferred easily. In brief, the transfer apparatus comprises a modular wheel assembly (MWA) and a modular lateral-transfer assembly (MLTA). Depending on a user's choice, MWA and MLTA can be fitted on to a wheelchair for either a left- or a right-sided transfer. They can also be fitted on both sides of a wheelchair. In certain embodiments, MWA or MLTA can be incorporated separately to a wheelchair to meet a singular need. For example, only MWA will be incorporated in wheelchairs that use other transfer apparatus. The MWA can be linearly displaced to the rear freeing up sufficient space for a lateral transfer of a wheelchair rider. The MLTA can be deployed modularly to reach a targeted place or seat to provide a smooth and reliable transfer of the rider from the wheelchair. It is to be noted that the wheelchair with integrated MWA and MLTA does not need to be assembled de novo. Existing standard wheelchair users can remove one wheel with its associated components so that the remaining frame and wheel are ready for attachment of MWA and MLTA, a retrofitting option where the MWA and MLTA can be marketed and fitted separately.

[0056] Now referring to FIG. 1, there is provided an isometric perspective view of a wheelchair in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, where partial components of the wheelchair are shown for the clarity. As shown in FIG. 1, the wheelchair 1 has a configuration for a left-sided transfer, comprising a frame 2 for providing supports for other components (e.g., wheels); a pair of push handles 3; a pair of armrests 4, 4′ where one of them 4′ is a swivel armrest that can be lifted; a pair of footplates 5; a backrest 6; an optional castor 7; a fixed wheel 8; an axle 9; a wheel lock/brake 10; and a sling seat 11. The frame 2 is usually foldable for stowage. The push handles 3, armrests 4, 4′, footplates 5, axle 9, and wheel lock/brake 10 are coupled to the frame 2 for support. The wheel 8 is coupled to the axle 9 and can be locked into a position by the wheel lock/brake 10. The sling seat 11 is employed for supporting a wheelchair bound person.

[0057] Now referring to FIG. 2, there is provided an isometric perspective view of a wheelchair in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, where most components of the wheelchair are shown. The components described above in reference to FIG. 1 will not be described further. As shown in FIG. 2, the wheelchair 1 has a configuration for a left-sided transfer, comprising a modular lateral transfer assembly (MLTA) 100 described in detail hereinbelow; a modular wheel assembly (MWA) 200 including a linear guide assembly 210, a quick-release locator 220 shown herein, and a slidable wheel assembly with a wheel 18, a wheel axle 19, a wheel lock/brake 20, and a hand rim 21 for allowing hand pushes. The MLTA 100 is coupled with the frame 2 for providing the means to allow the wheelchair bound person to be laterally transferred from or into the wheelchair. The MLTA 100 is held in its upright position by a “C” channel 41 disposed onto the swivel armrest 4′. The MWA 200 is coupled to the frame 2 for allowing the slidable wheel assembly to slide between a front position and a rear position, so that the slidable wheel assembly of the MWA 200 can be moved away from the front to the rear when a lateral transfer is needed. FIG. 2 shows that the swivel armrest is lifted upwards with the MLTA 100 in the stowed upright position, and the MWA is in the initial “home” position.

[0058] Now referring to FIG. 3, there is provided an isometric perspective view of a wheelchair in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, where the MLTA 100 is in a fully deployed horizontal position, and the MWA is in the extended transfer position. As shown in FIG. 3, the wheelchair is ready for lateral transfer operation. The wheelchair further comprises an optional seat cover 12 that is disposed on top of the sling seat 11 and detachable from the sling seat 11. In one configuration of the detachable seat cover 12 as shown in FIG. 4, it has a plane 12a for covering the sling seat 11, a pair of gripping holes 12b located at two ends of the plane, and a plurality of easy hooks 12c positioned at four corners of the plane for securing the detachable seat cover onto the sling seat.

[0059] Now referring to FIG. 5, there is provided an isometric perspective underside view of the MLTA 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the MLTA is assembled into the wheelchair and in a tilted position with the sling seat being removed for visual clarity. The MLTA 100 comprises a main slide board 101, a secondary slide board 102, one or more sleeve units 103, a pivotal shaft 104, and a location hole assembly 105. The main slide board 101 has one end for receiving the secondary slide board 102 so that the secondary slide board 102 can be pulled out in a telescopic way, thereby when lateral transfer is needed, the secondary slide board 102 can be pulled out from the main slide board 101 to form an elongated transfer plane. The sleeve units 103 are disposed underneath of the main slide board 101 for securing the boards onto the pivotal shaft 104 which in turn is secured onto the frame 2. As shown in FIG. 6, another embodiment of the present invention provides a plurality of through holes 106 in the main slide board 101 for lightening the board. One end of the main slide board 101 has a cut corner configuration for making space for front castor wheel. FIG. 7 shows an isometric perspective view of the MLTA 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, where a bushing 107 is included. The bushing 107 secures the main slide board 101 into a desired axial position onto the pivotal shaft 104 by using a standard screw.

[0060] FIG. 8 shows one configuration of the sleeve unit 103 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, where the sleeve unit 103 has a channel 103a allowing the sleeve unit 103 to rotatably accommodate the frame 2 and a threaded hole 103b for accommodating a fastener for securing the sleeve unit 103 onto the main slide board 101. The rotational smoothness of the main slide board 101 can be enhanced by using of either suitable lubrication or rolling elements in between the interface of channel 103a and the shaft 104. The main slide board is movable along the pivot shaft 104 for fine adjustment. Its relative position is lockable by the bushing 107.

[0061] Now referring to FIG. 9, there is provided an isometric perspective view of the main slide board 101 and its quick-release locking mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The quick-release locking mechanism includes the location hole assembly 105 and a spring loaded plunger 30. The location hole assembly 105 has an oversized hole 105a which can be circular and rectangular cavity for receiving the spring loaded plunger 30 disposed onto the opposite side of the frame 2, so that the main slide board 101 is ready for transfer. This clearance derived from the diameter difference between the plunger 30a and the oversized hole 105a, is needed to accommodate small initial height difference found between the targeted place and the fully deployed slide boards. In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 10, the location hole assembly 105 has a block configuration with a pair of threaded holes 105b formed at one end for securing the assembly onto the bottom surface of the main slide board 101, and the oversized hole 105a formed at the other end. One embodiment of the spring loaded plunger is shown in FIG. 11, where the spring loaded plunger 30 has configured to include a cavity 30d for fitting the spring loaded plunger onto the frame 2, a pair of holes 30c for fastening, a plunger 30a for inserting into the oversized hole 105a, and a pull knob 30b for pulling the plunger 30a. In addition, FIG. 9 shows a recess clamp 31 for engaging and locking the sling seat 11 onto the frame 2.

[0062] Now referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, there are provided two examples of optional transfer means that can be disposed onto the top surface of the main slide board for easing the transfer process. The transfer means shown in FIG. 12 comprises one or more rollers 106 that sit nicely on a metallic casing. The transfer means shown in FIG. 13 comprises a plurality of rolling balls 106′ that sit snugly on metallic casings.

[0063] Now referring to FIG. 14, there is provided shows an isometric perspective view of the linear guide assembly 210 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The linear guide assembly 210 comprises a backplate 211, a pair of linear guide rods 215, a pair of linear guide holding blocks 216, a linear slide unit 217, and a bracket 218. The backplate 211 has a plurality of holes including home location holes 212, alternate home location holes 213 and transfer location holes 214 for stopping and securing the motion of the linear slide unit 217. The linear guide holding blocks 216 are securely coupled onto the backplate 211 for holding the linear guide rods 215, where the linear slide unit 217 is slidably disposed on the linear guide rods 215 so that the linear slide unit 217 moves between the linear guide holding blocks 216. The linear slide unit 217 is also coupled with the wheel axle 19 so that it moves the wheels 18 back/forward. The bracket 218 is securely coupled with the backplate 211 for attaching the linear guide assembly to the frame 2. As shown in FIG. 15, the linear guide assembly 210 also comprises a cover plate 219 for covering the linear guides, where the cover plate 219 is configured to have a through hole 219a for mounting of the slidable wheel assembly, a through hole 219b for mounting the plunger/quick-release locator 220, fastening holes 219c for securing the bracket that holds the wheel lock/brake 20, and a fastening hole 219d for securing the cover plate to the linear slide unit 217. The linear slide unit 217 can be preloaded with rolling elements such as rollers, balls or the likes. The linear guide rods 215 can have feature such as spline, circular shaft, polygonal shaft, track rail or the likes. The sliding contact surfaces can be suitably lubricated to facilitate smooth action.

[0064] FIG. 16 shows an isometric perspective view of the linear guide rod holding block 216 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The linear guide rod holding block 216 is configured to have a pair of holes 216a for receiving the linear guide rods 215, a pair of holes 216b for fastening the block onto the backplate 211, and a hole 216c for receiving a fastener for locking the linear guide rod 215.

[0065] FIG. 17 shows an isometric perspective view of a quick-release locator 220 for being attached to the cover plate 219 of the linear guide assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In this case the quick-release locator 220 is a spring loaded plunger 2101, configured to have a pull knob 2101a, a housing for a spring 2101b and a plunger 2101c.

[0066] FIG. 18 shows an isometric perspective view of the bracket 218 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The bracket 218 is configured to have a threaded hole 218a and a through hole 218c for cooperatively holding the backplate onto the frame 2, and a threaded hole 218b for securing the bracket to the backplate 211.

[0067] FIG. 19 shows an isometric perspective front view of the assembled modular wheel assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The modular wheel assembly 200 is in an extended position.

[0068] FIG. 20 shows an isometric perspective view of the wheelchair in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The wheelchair transfer apparatus is in a semi-deployed position with the sling seat removed for visual clarity. The modular lateral transfer assembly 100 has a main slide board 101 with a one-piece configuration. FIG. 21 shows another main slide board 101 with a two-piece configuration. In both configurations, the use of the secondary slide board is contemplated.

[0069] FIG. 22 shows an exploded view of the wheelchair in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] While the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be understood that the embodiments are illustrative and that the invention scope is not so limited. Alternative embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Such alternate embodiments are considered to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is described by the appended claims and is supported by the foregoing description.