Abstract
A system is provided for raising and lowering a wheelchair and user, the system comprising a handheld tool with a bit and a lift comprising: a framework, which includes a base, a top and a pair of sides; a pair of articulating legs mounted on the base; a carriage slidably engaged with the sides and including a grooved axle support which is configured to accept a wheelchair axle; a drivetrain in motive relation with the carriage; a gear box which is attached to the framework; a gear box gear which is housed in the gear box and is in motive relation with the drivetrain; and a spindle which is attached to the gear box gear, extends upward from the gear box and is configured to engage the bit of the handheld tool.
Claims
1. A wheelchair lift for use with a handheld power tool, the wheelchair lift comprising: a framework, which includes a base, a top and a pair of sides; a pair of articulating legs mounted on the base; a carriage slidably engaged with the sides and including a grooved axle support which is configured to accept a wheelchair axle; a drivetrain in motive relation with the carriage; a gear box which is attached to the carriage; a gear box gear which is housed in the gear box and is in motive relation with the drivetrain; and a spindle which is attached to the gear box gear, extends outward from the gear box and is configured to engage with a bit of the handheld tool.
2. The wheelchair lift of claim 1, wherein the sides include guides and the carriage includes a plurality of rollers that engage the guides.
3. The wheelchair lift of claim 2, wherein the guides are V-groove guides and the plurality of rollers are a plurality of sheaves that engage the V-groove guides.
4. The wheelchair lift of claim 3, wherein the drivetrain includes a plurality of chains, an upper idler sprocket on an upper idler axle, a middle driver sprocket on a driver axle which is in motive relation with the gear box gear and a lower idler sprocket on a lower idler axle.
5. The wheelchair lift of claim 4, wherein the carriage is rotatably mounted on the lower idler axle and is moveable from a horizontal working position to a vertical storage position.
6. The wheelchair lift of claim 5, wherein the spindle includes a hexagonal proximal end.
7. The wheelchair lift of claim 6, further comprising a locking mechanism on the carriage, which is configured to lock the carriage to a wheelchair axle.
8. A system for raising and lowering a wheelchair and user, the system comprising a handheld tool with a bit and a lift comprising: a framework, which includes a base, a top and a pair of sides; a pair of articulating legs mounted on the base; a carriage slidably engaged with the sides and including a grooved axle support which is configured to accept a wheelchair axle; a drivetrain in motive relation with the carriage; a gear box which is attached to the carriage; a gear box gear which is housed in the gear box and is in motive relation with the drivetrain; and a spindle which is attached to the gear box gear, extends upward from the gear box and is configured to engage the bit of the handheld tool.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the handheld tool is a power drill.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the handheld power drill is cordless.
11. The system of claim 8, wherein the handheld tool is a socket wrench.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the sides include V-groove guides and the carriage includes a plurality of sheaves that engage the V-groove guides.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the drivetrain includes a plurality of chains, an upper idler sprocket on an upper idler axle, a middle driver sprocket on a driver axle which is in motive relation with a gear in the gear box and a lower idler sprocket on a lower idler axle.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the carriage is rotatably mounted on the lower idler axle and is moveable from a horizontal working position to a vertical storage position.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the spindle includes a hexagonal proximal end.
16. The system of claim 15, further comprising a locking mechanism on the carriage, which is configured to lock the carriage to a wheelchair axle.
17. A method of a user in a wheelchair autonomously raising and lowering the wheelchair from a ground position, the method comprising: the user selecting a system for raising and lowering the wheelchair, the system comprising a lifting device and a hand tool with a rotating bit; the user positioning the wheelchair over the lifting device; the user engaging the bit of the hand tool with the lifting device; the user actuating the lifting device with the hand tool by rotating the bit; the lifting device engaging an axle of the wheelchair and raising the wheelchair; the user stopping the lifting device at a raised position by stopping the rotation of the bit; the user lowering the wheelchair to the ground position by actuating the lifting device with the hand tool by counter rotating the bit, thereby autonomously raising and lowering the wheelchair.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the user locking the wheelchair to the lifting device prior to raising the wheelchair.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the actuating is effected by a power handheld tool.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the actuating is effected by a cordless drill.
21. (canceled)
22. (canceled)
23. (canceled)
Description
FIGURES
[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the lift device of the present technology.
[0036] FIG. 2 is a close-up rear view of the drivetrain of the lift device of FIG. 1.
[0037] FIG. 3 is a close-up rear view of the drivetrain with the left frame removed.
[0038] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the gearbox of the lift device of FIG. 1.
[0039] FIG. 5 is a schematic showing the parts needed for the motive force.
[0040] FIG. 6A is a top perspective view of a wheelchair without a seat; and FIG. 6B is a side view of the wheelchair without the seat.
[0041] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the carriage of the lift device of FIG. 1.
[0042] FIG. 8A is a side view showing the wheelchair backing into the lift device of FIG. 1;
[0043] FIG. 8B is a side view showing the wheelchair located in the ready to lock position;
[0044] FIG. 8C is a side view of the wheelchair locked to the lift device; FIG. 8D shows a user in the wheelchair, which is in the locked position, applying a motive force with a handheld electric drill; FIG. 8E is a side view of the wheelchair raised above the ground;
[0045] FIG. 8F shows a user in the wheelchair in the raised position; FIG. 8G is a side view of the lift device stowed under the wheelchair.
[0046] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the lift device in the position to be moved by tilting the device onto the caster wheels in preparation for storage; and FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the lift device in its storage position.
[0047] FIG. 10A is a top perspective view of a leg in the operational position; and FIG. 10B is a top perspective view of the leg in the storage position.
[0048] FIG. 11A is a close-up perspective view of the gearbox and carriage in an operational position with the left frame of the lift device removed.
[0049] FIG. 11B is a close-up perspective view of the gearbox and carriage in a storage position with the left frame of the lift device removed.
DESCRIPTION
[0050] Except as otherwise expressly provided, the following rules of interpretation apply to this specification (written description and claims): (a) all words used herein shall be construed to be of such gender or number (singular or plural) as the circumstances require; (b) the singular terms “a”, “an”, and “the”, as used in the specification and the appended claims include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise; (c) the antecedent term “about” applied to a recited range or value denotes an approximation within the deviation in the range or value known or expected in the art from the measurements method; (d) the words “herein”, “hereby”, “hereof”, “hereto”, “hereinbefore”, and “hereinafter”, and words of similar import, refer to this specification in its entirety and not to any particular paragraph, claim or other subdivision, unless otherwise specified; (e) descriptive headings are for convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any part of the specification; and (f) “or” and “any” are not exclusive and “include” and “including” are not limiting. Further, the terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted.
[0051] Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. Where a specific range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is included therein. All smaller sub ranges are also included. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges are also included therein, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range.
[0052] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used, the acceptable methods and materials are now described.
[0053] A wheelchair lift device, generally referred to as 10, is shown in FIG. 1. The lift device 10 includes a framework, generally referred to as 12, consisting of two sides 14, 16, a front top member 18, a rear top member 20, a base front member 22 and a base rear member 24. A horizontal member 26 extends between the sides. Two articulating legs 28, 30 are attached to the base front member 22 and the base back member 24 and extend outward therefrom. Feet 32 are located at or proximate the distal end 34 of each leg 28, 30. A carriage 36 is indirectly mounted on the framework 12, via a V-groove guide 38 on the front right vertical member 40, the front left vertical member 42, the rear right vertical member 44 and the rear left vertical member 46 of the framework 12.
[0054] FIG. 2 shows how the carriage 36 is mounted on the V-groove guides 38. There are eight sheaves: two large front upper sheaves 48 mounted on an upper idler axle 50; two large back lower sheaves 52 mounted on a lower idler axle 54; two small rear upper sheaves 56 mounted on a drive shaft 58; and two small front lower sheaves 60 mounted on a lower shaft 62. The two larger diameter sheaves 48, 52 counteract the moment forward caused by the weight of the user/wheelchair. The two smaller sheaves 56, 60 are light duty and are engaged when the lift device 10 is tucked up underneath the user for transportation of the device 10. This transportation configuration would cause a backward moment due to the device 10 being suspended in the air.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 3, there are three sets of matching sprockets: an upper pair of idler sprockets 64 mounted on the upper idler axle 50; a lower pair of idler sprockets 66 mounted on the lower idler axle 54; and a middle pair of driver sprockets 68 mounted on the drive shaft 58. The middle pair of driver sprockets 68 are mounted on the drive shaft 58 such that torque from the drive shaft 58 will be applied to the driver sprockets 68, drawing the chain 70 towards the driver sprockets 68 and the carriage 36 is drawn upwards along the V-groove guides 38.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 4 a gear box 90 is located on the carriage. The gear box 90 retains the driver sprockets 68 which is mounted on the drive shaft 58. A spindle 94 extends outward from the gear box 90 and is rotatably mounted on the gear box 90. Bearings 96 and bearings 98 ensure smooth rotation of the spindle 94. A gear 100 on the spindle 94 meshes with the driver sprocket 68 in the gear box 90.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 5, the proximal end 102 of the spindle has a hexagonal shaped section 104 that engages a drill bit 106 of a drill 108, which is preferably cordless. The drill 108 is handheld by the user and provides the motive force for the chain drive. Alternately, a socket wrench 109 may be used to engage the spindle to provide motive force.
[0058] FIG. 6A shows a wheelchair frame 132, two wheels 134, a center axle 74, and a horizontal support member 136. The front casters, backrest, and seat of the wheelchair have been omitted for visual clarity, but their inclusion is assumed for the normal function of the wheelchair, generally referred to as 137.
[0059] FIG. 6B shows a side view of a wheelchair also showing a wheelchair frame 132, the wheels 134, the center axle 74, and a horizontal support member 136.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 7, the carriage 36 has an axle support 110 that is a groove for accepting the axle of the wheelchair. A horizontal member 112 is also grooved and is for accepting the horizontal member 136 on the wheelchair. The axle support has a locking mechanism 114. A release lever 116 is attached to the locking mechanism 114 allowing the user to release the locking mechanism 114. The locking mechanism is sprung to favour a clockwise orientation such that the release lever 116 rests against the bottom of the horizontal member 112 and the locking mechanism 110 favours the locked position. A pair of arms 120 of the carriage 36 are rotatably mounted on the upper idler axle 50. The back 122 of the carriage 36 rests on the front 124 of the gear box 90 in the working horizontal position. When the user is finished with the device 10, the carriage can be moved to the vertical storage position.
[0061] The method of a user in a wheelchair 137 autonomously raising and lowering the wheelchair from a ground position to a raised position is shown in FIGS. 8A-8E. To engage the wheelchair lift device 10, the user then backs the wheelchair towards the carriage 36 until the wheelchair axle 74 engages the locking mechanism 114 such that the locking mechanism 114 rotates to the open state. The user then raises the carriage until the axle support 110 contacts the wheelchair axle 74. This action will allow the locking mechanism 114 to assume the locked position and forcibly contain the wheelchair axle 74 against the axle support 110. The raising of the carriage 36 will also cause the wheelchair horizontal member 136 to be positioned within the horizontal support member 112.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 8A, a user backs their wheelchair, generally referred to as 137, towards the carriage, general referred to as 36. A locking mechanism 114 with a release lever 116 is rotatably attached to the carriage 36.
[0063] FIG. 8B shows the axle 74 of the wheelchair 137 engaging the locking mechanism 114 such that the release lever 116 is in a lowered orientation.
[0064] FIG. 8C shows the carriage 36 raised such that the axle 74 of the wheelchair 137 is engaged by the axle support 110 and the horizontal member 126 of the wheelchair 137 is engaged by the horizontal member 112. The locking mechanism 114 engages the axle 74 in a locked position. The release lever 116 is shown in its raised orientation.
[0065] FIG. 8D shows the user actuating the chain drive with the drill 108, while sitting in the wheelchair 137.
[0066] FIG. 8E shows the wheelchair 137 in an elevated position. In this position the sections of the chains 70 that are above the driver sprockets 68 and below the upper securing point 72 hold the weight of the wheelchair 137 while there is no appreciable tension in the section of chains 70 leading to the lower idler sprockets 66 and the securing point on the base rear member 24.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 8F, the user and wheelchair 137 can be lifted to at least 36 inches above the surface that the wheelchair wheels had been on. As the drill 108 is a variable speed drill 108, the user can raise and lower the wheelchair 132 at any chosen speed and to any chosen height. This allows for accurate positioning of the user and wheelchair 132.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 8G, when the device 10 is stowed off the ground underneath the wheelchair 137, the chain tension reverses and only the weight of the device 10 is felt via tension on the lower section of the chains 70 between the driver sprockets 68 and securing point on the base rear member 24. A caster wheel 71 is attached to the carriage 36 and acts as a tipping prevention device in the event that the weight of the user is not sufficient to overcome the weight of the lifted device 10. The user may choose to allow the wheelchair 137 to tip backwards such that the caster wheel 71 engages with the floor while transporting the device from location to location with wheelchair 137.
[0069] FIG. 9A shows the lift device 10 prepared for moving after the user has finished using the device 10. The legs 28,30 and the carriage 36 are folded. The legs 28,30 are retained in the folded position with leg clips 29 mounted on the gear box 90. The user can tilt the lift device 10 onto the caster wheels and roll it around to a storage location.
[0070] FIG. 9B shows the carriage 36 of device 10 locked in its storage state.
[0071] FIG. 10A shows the right leg 28 in its deployed state. Both the right leg 28 and the left leg 30 of the device 10 operate in similar fashions. Using the right leg 28 as an example, the leg 28 has a proximal section 134 which is considered stationary and a distal section 136 that is rotatably located inside the stationary proximal section 134 of leg 28. A detent pin 138 is deployed into a hole 140 of the stationary section 134 of the leg 28. The detent pin 138 prevents the rotation of the distal section 136 with respect to the proximal section 134 of the leg 28. A slide screw 142 is secured to the distal section 136 through the rotation slot 144 of the proximal section 134. A second detent pin 146 is deployed into a hole 148 of the stationary section 134 of leg 28. This detent pin 36 prevents the proximal section 136 from rotating about Bolt 150.
[0072] FIG. 10B shows the right leg 28 in its storage state. The distal section 136 of leg 28 has been rotated 180 degrees about the central axis about the proximal section 134 of the leg 28. The slide screw 142 and the rotation slot 144 prevent the distal section 136 of the leg 28 to rotate past 180 degrees. The detent pin 146 has also been disconnected from hole 148 allowing the distal section 136 of the leg 28 to rotate upwards about the bolt 150.
[0073] FIG. 11A shows the carriage 36 of the device 10 in its operational position. A latching hook 152 is rotatably attached to the carriage 36. The latching hook 152 engages a receiving slot 154 on the front face 124 of the gearbox 90 such that the carriage is locked in its horizontal operational position. The latching hook 152 can be rotatably disengaged from the receiving slot 154 so that the carriage 36 can be moved to its storage position.
[0074] FIG. 11B shows the carriage 36 of the device 10 in its storage position. A latching hook 156 is rotatably attached to the carriage 36. The latching hook 156 engages the top edge 158 of the gearbox 90 such that the carriage is locked in its vertical storage position. The latching hook 156 can be rotatably disengaged from the top edge 158 of the gearbox 90 so that the carriage 36 can be moved to operational position.
[0075] In an alternative embodiment, the handheld cordless power tool is a power socket wrench, and the spindle has a hexagonal end for being accepted by the power socket wrench.
[0076] In another alternative embodiment, the bit of the handheld tool is a socket bit, and the spindle has a hexagonal bore for accepting the bit.
[0077] In another alternative embodiment, the bit of the handheld tool is a Torx® bit and the spindle has a star-shaped bore for accepting the bit.
[0078] In another alternative embodiment, the bit of the handheld tool is a spline bit, and the spindle has a 12 point star-shaped bore for accepting the bit.
[0079] In another embodiment, the power tool is a handheld power socket wrench, which includes a cord.
[0080] In another embodiment, the power tool is a handheld drill, which includes a cord.
[0081] In another embodiment, the device is operated by an attached electric motor that is battery powered.
[0082] In another embodiment, the device is operated by an attached electric motor that includes a cord.
[0083] In another embodiment, the drivetrain comprises pulleys and belts rather than sprockets and chains.
[0084] In another embodiment, the drivetrain comprises of a rack and pinion gearing system rather than sprockets and chains.
[0085] In another embodiment the drivetrain comprises of a power screw system rather than sprockets and chains.
[0086] In yet another embodiment, the V-groove guides are replaced with guides such as, but not limited to tubes or U-shaped guides and the sheaves are replaced with rollers, such as but not limited to concave rollers or convex rollers.
[0087] While example embodiments have been described in connection with what is presently considered to be an example of a possible most practical and/or suitable embodiment, it is to be understood that the descriptions are not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the example embodiment. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific example embodiments specifically described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed in the scope of the claims, if appended hereto or subsequently filed.
