Nonmetallic Wheelchair

Abstract

A wheelchair including a transparent frame including a first side panel, a second side panel, a back section between the first and second side panels, and a seat section between the first and second side panels, a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the frame, and at least one handle coupled to the frame, wherein the wheelchair is entirely nonmetallic.

Claims

1. A wheelchair, comprising: a transparent frame including a first side panel, a second side panel, a back section between the first and second side panels, and a seat section between the first and second side panels; a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the frame; and at least one handle coupled to the frame, wherein the wheelchair is entirely nonmetallic.

2. The wheelchair of claim 1, wherein the plurality of wheels is transparent.

3. The wheelchair of claim 1, wherein the at least one handle is transparent.

4. The wheelchair of claim 3, wherein the at least one handle is at least partially comprised of a transparent rubber.

5. The wheelchair of claim 1, further comprising a nonmetallic and transparent armrest coupled to one of the first side panel or the second side panel.

6. The wheelchair of claim 1, further comprising a nonmetallic and transparent footrest pivotably coupled to the frame.

7. The wheelchair of claim 1, further comprising a nonmetallic seatbelt including a nonmetallic seatbelt buckle.

8. The wheelchair of claim 1, wherein the frame is made of a transparent polycarbonate material.

9. The wheelchair of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of supports extending between the first side panel and the second side panel, each of the plurality of supports being nonmetallic and transparent.

10. The wheelchair of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of assembly fasteners securing the plurality of supports to the first side panel and the second side panel, each of the plurality of assembly fasteners being nonmetallic and transparent.

11. The wheelchair of claim 1, further comprising a nonmetallic and transparent baggage tray below the seating section.

12. The wheelchair of claim 11, wherein the baggage tray is pivotably coupled about a support extending between the first and second side panels, the support being nonmetallic and transparent.

13. The wheelchair of claim 12, wherein the baggage tray is pivotable between a lowered position for receiving baggage and a raised position.

14. The wheelchair of claim 13, wherein the wheelchair is configured to stack with a second wheelchair when the baggage tray is in the raised position without removing any component of the wheelchair.

15. The wheelchair of claim 1, further comprising a nonmetallic braking mechanism including a nonmetallic lever and a nonmetallic braking pad.

16. The wheelchair of claim 15, wherein the nonmetallic lever is transparent and rotatably connected to one of the first or second side panels.

17. The wheelchair of claim 1, further comprising a nonmetallic and transparent tipping lever on each of the first side panel and the second side panel.

18. The wheelchair of claim 1, wherein the plurality of wheels includes a first rear wheel adjacent to an inside surface of the first side panel and a second rear wheel adjacent to an inside surface of the first side panel, each of the first rear wheel and the second rear wheel being transparent.

19. The wheelchair of claim 18, wherein the plurality of wheels includes a first front wheel pivotably and rotatably attached to the first side panel and a second front wheel pivotably and rotatably attached to the second side panel, each of the first front wheel and the second front wheel being transparent.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The advantages and features of the present invention will be better understood as the following description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a right side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a left side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 11 is a right side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 12 is a right side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 13 is a right side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the braking mechanism of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the braking mechanism of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the braking mechanism of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the braking mechanism of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The figures illustrate embodiments of the present, wherein a nonmetallic wheelchair 100 which comprises a frame 110, a left armrest 115, a right armrest 120, a footrest 125, a left rear wheel 130, a right rear wheel 135, a left front wheel 140, a right front wheel 145, a left handle 150, and a right handle 155. The frame 110 comprises a main left panel 110a, a main right panel 110b, a back section 110c, and a seat section 110d. The back section 110c is coupled to the main left panel 110a. The back section 110c is also coupled to the main right panel 110b. The back section 110c is further coupled to the seat section 110d. The seat section 110d is coupled to the main left panel 110a. The seat section 110d is also coupled to the main right panel 110b.

[0042] The left armrest 115 is pivotally coupled to the main left panel 110a. The right armrest 120 is pivotally coupled to the main right panel 110b. The left armrest 115 and the right armrest 120 are illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 and 9 in a position to allow a user to rest her arms. Either one or both of the left armrest 115 and the right armrest 120 may be pivoted towards the top of the back section 110c, where the left armrest 115 and the right armrest 120 may be in a position to provide more comfort and room for the user's sides.

[0043] The footrest 125 is pivotally coupled to the main left panel 110a and to the main right panel 110b. The left rear wheel 130 is coupled to the main left panel 110a. The right rear wheel 135 is coupled to the main right panel 110b. The left front wheel 140 is coupled to the main left panel 110a. The right front wheel 145 is coupled to the main right panel 110b. The left handle 150 is coupled to the frame 110. The right handle 155 is coupled to the frame 110. The footrest 125 may optionally include a folding mechanism to allow the footrest 125 to folded out of the way, thereby allowing the user to place her feet on the ground.

[0044] The left armrest 115, the right armrest 120 and the footrest 125 are illustrated in the upward pivoted position in FIG. 14. Although the figure illustrates all three in the upward pivoted position, each may be pivoted independently from the others. For example, for the comfort of the user, the left armrest 115 may be pivoted in the upward position, while the right armrest 120 may be pivoted in the downward position.

[0045] The frame 110, the left armrest 115, the right armrest 120, and the footrest 125 are made of a first nonmetallic material.

[0046] In some embodiments, the nonmetallic wheelchair 100 further comprises a seatbelt 160, a seatbelt buckle 161, and a seatbelt adjuster 162, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Some embodiments may have more than one seatbelt adjuster 162. Seatbelt adjusters 162 may be included to adjust the seatbelt 160 to fit and secure the user into the nonmetallic wheelchair 100. The seatbelt buckle 161 may be adapted to adjust the seatbelt 160 to secure the user to the nonmetallic wheelchair 100. In some embodiments, the nonmetallic wheelchair 100 may further comprise a kneestrap 165, a kneestrap buckle 166, and a kneestrap adjuster 167, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Some embodiments have more than one kneestrap adjuster 167. Kneestrap adjusters 167 may be included to adjust the kneestrap 165 to fit and secure the user into the nonmetallic wheelchair 100. The kneestrap buckle 166 may be adapted to adjust the kneestrap 165 to secure the user to the nonmetallic wheelchair 100. The seatbelt buckle 161, the seatbelt adjusters 162, the kneestrap buckle 166, and the kneestrap adjusters 167 may be made of a second nonmetallic material. The seatbelt 160 and the kneestrap 165 may be made of a transparent meshed fabric.

[0047] In other embodiments, the nonmetallic wheelchair 100 may further comprise a baggage tray 170. The baggage tray 170 is pivotally coupled to the main left panel 110a and to the main right panel 110b. The baggage tray 170 is made of a third nonmetallic material. The baggage tray 170 may be utilized to store the user's personal effects and belongings, such as carry-on bags. Furthermore, the baggage tray 170 may add to the structural integrity of the nonmetallic wheelchair 100.

[0048] In other embodiments, the nonmetallic wheelchair 100 may further comprise a braking mechanism 175. As illustrated in FIGS. 15-18, the braking mechanism 175 comprises a lever 175a, a connector rod 175b, and a braking pad 175c. The lever 175a is pivotally coupled to the connector rod 175b. The connector rod 175b is coupled to the braking pad 175c. The lever 175a pivots between a locked position 175d and a released position 175e. The braking mechanism 175 may be controlled by either the user in the nonmetallic wheelchair 100 or any person assisting the user or pushing the nonmetallic wheelchair 100. The braking mechanism 175 is made of a fourth nonmetallic material. The braking pad 175c is in contact with the left rear wheel 130 when the lever 175a is in the locked position 175d.

[0049] In other embodiments, the nonmetallic wheelchair 100 may further comprise a second braking mechanism 180. The second braking mechanism 180 comprises a second lever 180a, a second connector rod 180b, and a second braking pad 180c. The second lever 180a is coupled to the second connector rod 180b. The second connector rod 180b is coupled to the second braking pad 180c. The second lever 180a pivots between a second locked position 180d and a second released position 180e. The second braking mechanism 180 may be controlled by either the user in the nonmetallic wheelchair 100 or any person assisting the user or pushing the nonmetallic wheelchair 100. The second braking mechanism 180 is made of a fifth nonmetallic material. The second braking pad 180c is in contact with the right rear wheel 135 when the second lever 180a is in the second locked position 180d.

[0050] In some embodiments, the left rear wheel 130, the right rear wheel 135, the left front wheel 140, the right front wheel 145, the left handle 150, and the right handle 155 are made of a sixth nonmetallic material.

[0051] In some embodiments, the nonmetallic wheelchair 100 may further comprise a plurality of radial ball bearings 185, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. The plurality of radial ball bearings 185 are made of a seventh nonmetallic material. The plurality of radial ball bearings 185 makes driving, handling and maneuvering of the nonmetallic wheelchair 100 easier, better and smoother. The plurality of radial ball bearings 185 also reduce rotational friction and support radial and axial loads. The plurality of radial ball bearings 185 may also facilitate the coupling of the left rear wheel 130 and left front wheel 140 to the main left panel 110a and the coupling of the right rear wheel 135 and right front wheel 145 to the main right panel 110b.

[0052] In other embodiments, the nonmetallic wheelchair 100 may further comprise a left grip 190 and a right grip 195. The left grip 190 is coupled to the left handle 150. The right grip 195 is coupled to the right handle 155. The left grip 190 and the right grip 195 may be contoured or ridged to allow a person that pushing the nonmetallic wheelchair 100 to have a better hold on the left handle 150 and the right handle 155. The left grip 190 and the right grip 195 are made of an eighth nonmetallic material.

[0053] In some embodiments, the nonmetallic wheelchair 100 may further comprise a left tipping lever 110e and a right tipping lever 110f, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 9. A driver, who is pushing the nonmetallic wheelchair 100, may use her foot to apply pressure on either the left tipping lever 110e or the right tipping lever 110f to facilitate tipping the nonmetallic wheelchair 100 backwards. Tipping the nonmetallic wheelchair 100 may be beneficial in certain situations, such as when maneuvering over a curb.

[0054] In some embodiments, the nonmetallic wheelchair 100, 200 may be stackable, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 13. The nonmetallic wheelchairs 100, 200 may be configured to be stackable, which is advantageous for saving space and transporting the nonmetallic wheelchairs 100, 200. In some embodiments, the frame 110 may further comprise a left rubber stopper 110g and a right rubber stopper 110h, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 9 and 10. The left rubber stopper 110g and the right rubber stopper 110h act to stabilize and reduce lateral movement when two or more nonmetallic chairs 100, 200 are stacked together. The left rubber stopper 110g and the right rubber stopper 110h also serve to protect one nonmetallic wheelchair 100 from a second nonmetallic wheelchair 200, as illustrated in FIG. 10. The second nonmetallic wheelchair in FIG. 10 does not have the back section 110c and the seat section 110d for illustrative and clarity purposes. As illustrated, the left rubber stopper 110g of the second nonmetallic wheelchair 200 snugly presses against the main left panel 110a of first nonmetallic wheelchair 100. Although not shown, the right rubber stopper 110h of the second nonmetallic wheelchair 200 snugly presses against the main right panel 110b of first nonmetallic wheelchair 100. This prevents any lateral movement of the first nonmetallic wheelchair 100, which prevents the potential collision damage to the nonmetallic wheelchairs 100, 200. Furthermore, the left rubber stopper 110g and the right rubber stopper 110h of the second nonmetallic wheelchair 200 prevents the front of the first nonmetallic wheelchair 100 from striking the back of the second nonmetallic wheelchair 200, which also reduces potential collision damage to the nonmetallic wheelchairs 100, 200.

[0055] Additionally, in some embodiments, the baggage tray 170 may be pivoted to facilitate stacking of the nonmetallic wheelchairs 100, 200, as illustrated in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13. FIG. 11 illustrates the baggage tray 170 pivoted in the down position and FIG. 12 illustrates the baggage tray 170 pivoted in the up position. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the first nonmetallic wheelchairs 100 may be stacked with the second nonmetallic wheelchair 200 when the baggage tray 170 of the second nonmetallic wheelchair 200 is pivoted in the up position. The footrest 125 of the first nonmetallic wheelchair 100 may be configured to aid in the stacking by pivoting the baggage tray 170 of the second nonmetallic wheelchair 200 when the first nonmetallic wheelchair 100 is pushed into the back of the second nonmetallic wheelchair 200.

[0056] As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 7, 8 and 9, some embodiments may include support rods 110i and assembly means 220. The support rods 110i may aid the structural integrity of the nonmetallic wheelchair 100. The support rods 110i may further assist in pivoting the left armrest 115, the right armrest 120, the footrest 125, and the baggage tray 170. The assembly means 220 may include, but are not limited to, screws, bolts, clamps, and rings. The assembly means 220 may be utilized in the assembly of the nonmetallic wheelchair 100. Like the other parts of the nonmetallic wheelchair 100, the support rods 110i and assembly means 220 are nonmetallic, and preferably transparent.

[0057] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the nonmetallic wheelchair 100 may be composed of modular parts, thereby allowing ease of repairing or replacing parts. Also, some components may be made of several modular parts, for example, the main left panel 110a and the main right panel 110b are illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 as having at least two modular parts. The figures are illustrative, as the the main left panel 110a and the main right panel 110b may be manufactured as a single modular part.

[0058] In some embodiments, each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth nonmetallic material may be selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, rubber, clear rubber, wood, carbon fiber, thermoplastics, clear polycarbonate, tinted polycarbonate, ultraviolet resistant polycarbonate, methyl methacrylate, glass, transparent composites, glass fibers, resins, transparent fiber-reinforced composites, transparent plastic polymers, general purpose polystyrene, styrene acrylonitrile, styrene methyl methacrylate, poly(methyl methacrylate), and combinations thereof. The nonmetallic materials allow the nonmetallic wheelchair 100 to pass through metal detectors without triggering the alarms.

[0059] In some embodiments, each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh nonmetallic material may be polycarbonate. In some embodiments, the polycarbonate may be transparent.

[0060] In some embodiments, the eighth nonmetallic material may be clear rubber. In some embodiments, the clear rubber may be transparent.

[0061] The term “transparent” may include materials that are transparent and translucent. Generally, objects may have degrees of transparency, from completely transparent to opaque. “Transparent” includes materials that reduce the ability to hide or conceal objects because any hidden or concealed objects will be visible through the transparent materials used in some embodiments of the present invention. This transparency optimizes security.

[0062] Thermoplastic polymers include, but are not limited to, grades of thermoplastic polymers that are optically transparent. Examples of optically transparent thermoplastic polymers include, but are not limited to, polycarbonate and methyl methacrylate. Different types of polycarbonate include, but are not limited to, clear polycarbonate, tinted polycarbonate, ultra violet resistant polycarbonate (UV PC). Tinted polycarbonate may be tinted with any color and preferably the tinting maintains the materials' transparency. UV PC may be utilized in applications where the present invention required UV resistance, including, but not limited to, hospital applications.

[0063] Methyl methacrylate may also be known as acrylic or acrylic glass. Transparent composites, for example, may be made from nylon and polyacrylonitrile (PAN), where the nylon is embedded into an epoxy matrix and the PAN into poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Transparent fiber-reinforced composites, include, but are not limited to, mechanically strong composite materials of high optical quality and transparency equivalent to window glass, which may be achieved, for example, by layering a polymer matrix reinforced with glass ribbons and a tough compliant polyurethane film. Transparent plastic polymers, include, but are not limited to, general purpose polystyrene (GPPS), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), styrene methyl methacrylate (SMMA), and poly(methyl methacrylate).

[0064] Embodiments of the present invention preferably utilize nonmetallic materials that are sufficiently strong and rigid, yet lightweight, for this application. As a result, the embodiments are lighter and stronger than standard wheelchairs. Furthermore, the nonmetallic materials are preferably transparent.

[0065] Preferably, the embodiments of the present invention may be ergonomically designed for the comfort of the user.

[0066] Not all elements in the figures have been labeled for clarity purposes.

[0067] While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, omissions, and/or additions may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, unless specifically stated any use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another.