FOLDING ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR

Abstract

A folding electric wheelchair that provides the user an electronic driving system powered by two lithium-ion batteries that is sealed to be weatherproof, able to drive over different terrain types and slope grades on any given day whether it's raining or sunny, lightweight and portable for transportation, travel-friendly, compact in overall size when in the folded position to fit into a small space for storage. An ergonomically contoured seating that includes a bump dampening and terrain vibration system with the supporting frame pieces (34), (42), and (50) having an oval shape. The manner of how the embodiment operates to fold and unfold consists of eight specific hinge joint embodiments including: (30), (32), (38), (40), (46), (48), (58) and (64).

Claims

1. A folding electric wheelchair having a seat to support the user, a pair of front wheels, a pair of rear motor wheels, a pair of batteries, one joystick controller, one operational drive computer, individual pieces of frame bolted to each other to provide the folding hinge joints that collapse the wheelchair into a small space. a. A folding electric wheelchair of claim 1 further includes a left side and right side front folding hinge joints. i. A folding electric wheelchair of claim 1 wherein said folding hinge joints are composed of a tubular material. ii. A folding electric wheelchair of claim 1 wherein said folding hinge joints with a tubular material having an oval shape. b. A folding electric wheelchair of claim 1 further includes a left side and right armrest folding hinge joint. i. A folding electric wheelchair of claim 1 wherein said armrest folding hinge joints are composed of a tubular material. ii. A folding electric wheelchair of claim 1 wherein said armrest folding hinge joints with the tubular material having an oval shape. c. A folding electric wheelchair of claim 1 further includes a left side and right side seat base folding hinge joint. i. A folding electric wheelchair of claim 1 wherein said seat base folding hinge joints are composed of a tubular material. ii. A folding electric wheelchair of claim 1 wherein said seat base folding hinge joints with the tubular material having an oval shape. d. A folding electric wheelchair of claim 1 further includes a rear frame folding hinge joint. i. A folding electric wheelchair of claim 1 wherein said rear frame folding hinge joint is composed of a tubular material. ii. A folding electric wheelchair of claim 1 wherein said rear frame folding hinge joint with the tubular material having an oval shape. e. A folding electric wheelchair of claim 1 further includes a footrest folding hinge joint. i. A folding electric wheelchair of claim 1 wherein said footrest folding hinge joint is composed of a tubular material.

2. A bump dampening and terrain vibration system with the supporting frame pieces having an oval shape, a pair of front wheels, a pair of rear wheels, and a pair of vibration springs under the seat. a. The bump dampening and terrain vibration system of claim 2 wherein said supporting frame pieces are composed of a tubular material. b. The bump dampening and terrain vibration system of claim 2 further includes supporting frame pieces of backrest support frame, seat base support frame, armrest frames with the tubular material having an oval shape. c. The bump dampening and terrain vibration system of claim 2 wherein said front and rear wheels are composed of solid rubber.

3. An electronic driving system that is sealed to be weatherproof, one joystick controller, one operational drive computer, a pair of batteries, a pair of rear motor wheels. a. The electronic driving system that is sealed to be weatherproof of claim 3 wherein said pair of rear motor wheels are composed of an electric 250 wattage brushless motor. b. The electronic driving system that is sealed to be weatherproof of claim 3 wherein said pair of rear motor wheels are composed of an internal rubber gasket lining to prevent outside water elements from damaging internal brushless motor. c. The electronic driving system that is sealed to be weatherproof of claim 3 wherein said pair of batteries are composed of lithium ion. i. The electronic driving system that is sealed to be weatherproof of claim 3 wherein said pair of lithium ion batteries slide into and are then encased inside the hollow tubular material of the battery sleeve housing. ii. The electronic driving system that is sealed to be weatherproof of claim 3 wherein said pair of lithium ion batteries are located on the right and left side of the seat base support frame. d. The electronic driving system that is sealed to be weatherproof of claim 3 wherein said joystick controller is composed of a rubber gasket lining to prevent outside water elements from damaging internal circuit boards.

4. An ergonomically contoured seating cushions to support the user which are secured to the supporting frame pieces. a. The ergonomically contoured seating of claim 4 further includes a sculpted seat cushion which is secured to the seat base support frame. b. The ergonomically contoured seating of claim 4 wherein includes a backrest cushion which is secured to the backrest support frame. c. The ergonomically contoured seating of claim 4 wherein said seat and backrest cushions are composed of a breathable nylon mesh outer material.

5. An all terrain drive system, solid rubber tires with an aggressive tread pattern, means to drive over different terrain types, means for driving up to a 25 degree slope. a. The all terrain drive system of claim 5 further includes a pair of 250 wattage brushless electric motor wheels. i. The all terrain drive system of claim 5 wherein said pair of rear motor wheels are located behind the backrest support frame which is behind the backside of the user. b. The all terrain drive system of claim 5 wherein said wheelbase positions the user on the seat base support frame in the center of the wheelbase to obtain a hill climb ability of up to 25 degrees. c. The all terrain drive system of claim 5 wherein said front and rear wheels have an overall wheel width of at least 2 inches.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1 shows the right side view of the folding electric wheelchair schematically illustrates the wheelchair in the unfolded operational drive position.

[0020] FIG. 2 shows the right side view of the folding electric wheelchair schematically illustrates the wheelchair in the folded or collapsed for storage and travel friendly position.

[0021] FIG. 3 shows the left side view of the folding electric wheelchair schematically illustrates the wheelchair in the unfolded operational drive position.

[0022] FIG. 4 shows the front view of the folding electric wheelchair schematically illustrates the wheelchair in the unfolded operational drive position.

[0023] FIG. 5 shows the back view of the folding electric wheelchair schematically illustrates the wheelchair in the unfolded operational drive position.

[0024] FIG. 6 shows the top view of the folding electric wheelchair schematically illustrates the wheelchair in the unfolded operational drive position.

[0025] FIG. 7 shows the bottom view of the folding electric wheelchair schematically illustrates the wheelchair in the unfolded operational drive position.

[0026] FIG. 8 shows the perspective view of the folding electric wheelchair schematically illustrates the wheelchair in the unfolded operational drive position.

TABLE-US-00002 DRAWINGS - REFERENCE NUMERALS 10 Battery Sleeve Housing 12 Rear Motor Off-Road Wheel 14 Front Caster Off-Road Wheel 16 Footrest 18 Footrest Grip Plate 20 Front Caster Wheel Fork 22 Right Front Caster Swivel Housing 24 Left Front Caster Swivel Housing 26 Right Leg Strap Support Frame 28 Left Leg Strap Support Frame 30 Right Front Folding Hinge Joint 32 Left Front Folding Hinge Joint 34 Seat Base Support Frame 36 Seat Cushion 38 Right Seat Base Folding Hinge Joint 40 Left Seat Base Folding Hinge Joint 42 Armrest 44 Joystick Controller 46 Right Armrest Folding Hinge Joint 48 Left Armrest Folding Hinge Joint 50 Backrest Support Frame 52 Backrest Cushion 54 Vibration Spring 56 Frame Lock Lever 58 Rear Frame Folding Hinge Joint 60 Under Carriage Support Frame 62 CPU Computer 64 Footrest Folding Hinge Joint 66 Lithium-ion Battery 68 Right Side Rear Motor 70 Left Side Rear Motor 72 Leg Strap

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Referring now to FIG. 1 (right side unfolded view) of the folding electric wheelchair. The power for the embodiment is supplied by 66 which slides into and is contained by 10. The top end of 10 has a hollow opening, the bottom end has four bolts, two located on the top side and two located on the bottom side which screws into 68. At the bottom end of 10 holds the positive and negative battery plugs that connect 66 to 68 for electrical power to move the embodiment. When 66 is encased inside 10 this seals 66 from outside weather elements, thus making 66 weatherproof. The top portion of 10 has a circle opening on each side which holds 30 of the embodiment. The 30 interlocks 26 and 34 both specific embodiments overlay each other to provide a hinge joint that allows the wheelchair to fold up.

[0028] The user of the folding electric wheelchair sits on 36 which is bolted onto 34 by four screws into the two crossbeam supports of 34. The crossbeams are made out of a rounded tube and are welded to the oval tube shape of 34. The material of 34 can consist of other types of tubular material, and the tube has an oval shape. Having the tubular material be an oval shape provides the bump-dampening and terrain vibration system for the folding electric wheelchair. The oval tube shape of 34 connects to 50 by way of 38.

[0029] The oval shaped specific embodiment is 50. The material of 50 can consist of other types of tubular material, and the tube has an oval shape. Having the tubular material be an oval shape provides the bump-dampening and terrain vibration system for the folding electric wheelchair. This support frame piece holds two folding hinge joints of 38 and 46. The end of 42 connects to 50 using 46, this allows 42 to be raised or pushed up out of the way so the user can transfer in and out of the embodiment. This specific embodiment of 46 allows the wheelchair to fold up.

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2 (right side folded view) of the folding electric wheelchair. When the embodiment is in the folded position 50 and 34 are parallel to each other, with 52 and 36 touching against each other. The 16 folds up to sit on top of the ergonomic contour of 36. This specific embodiment of 16 allows the wheelchair to fold up. The 42 is raised or pushed up toward 50 to rest alongside 50. The specific embodiment connection of 30 places 26 in the folded position with 20 resting beside 10. This causes 14 to touch the sides of 10 when in the folded position. The folding electric wheelchair can stand by itself in the folded position because the embodiment sits on the ground and is supported by the end caps on 50. The embodiment is also supported standing upright by 12, which also touches the ground. These two contact points on the ground assist the folding electric wheelchair to stand upright without any additional equipment. This provides the user with freedom and independence while traveling.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 3 (left side unfolded view) of the folding electric wheelchair. The power for the embodiment is supplied by 66 which slides into and is contained by 10. The top end of 10 has a hollow opening, the bottom end has four bolts, two located on the top side and two located on the bottom side which screws into 70. At the bottom end of 10 holds the positive and negative battery plugs that connect 66 to 70 for electrical power to move the embodiment. When 66 is encased inside 10 this seals 66 from outside weather elements, thus making 66 weatherproof. The top portion of 10 has a circle opening on each side which holds 32 of the embodiment. The 32 interlocks 28 and 34 both specific embodiments overlay each other to provide a hinge joint that allows the wheelchair to fold up.

[0032] The user of the folding electric wheelchair sits on 36 which is bolted onto 34 by four screws into the two crossbeam supports of 34. The crossbeams are made out of a rounded tube and are welded to the oval tube shape of 34. The material of 34 can consist of other types of tubular material, and the tube has an oval shape. Having the tubular material be an oval shape provides the bump-dampening and terrain vibration system for the folding electric wheelchair. The oval tube shape of 34 connects to 50 by way of 40.

[0033] The oval shaped specific embodiment is 50. The material of 50 can consist of other types of tubular material, and the tube has an oval shape. Having the tubular material be an oval shape provides the bump-dampening and terrain vibration system for the folding electric wheelchair. This support frame piece holds two folding hinge joints of 40 and 48. The end of 42 connects to 50 using 48, this allows 42 to be raised or pushed up out of the way so the user can transfer in and out of the wheelchair. This specific embodiment of 48 allows the wheelchair to fold up.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 4 (front unfolded view) of the folding electric wheelchair. The user of the embodiment sits on 36 and 52. The upper seating area for the user on the embodiment consists of 52 which is attached to the three crossbeams that are welded to 50. The contour of 52 is ergonomic to follow the curvature of the human spine. The specific embodiment of 52 is made out of a breathable, flexible and washable material.

[0035] The lower seating area 36 is ergonomically contoured which provides comfortable seating for the user. The front edge of 36 curves downward towards the ground and away from the backside of the user's legs. This specific embodiment of 36 does not dig into the back of the user's legs which can cause pain, stiffness or circulation problems as prior art. The specific embodiment of 36 is made out of a breathable and washable material. The base of 36 is a solid material and is bolted onto 34 by four screws into the two crossbeams supports of 34. The inside of 36 is made of foam which is glued to the solid, ergonomic contoured base of 36.

[0036] The legs of the user are placed on 16. The top portion of 16 holds 18 which is strapped onto 16 using three connection straps that wrap around the round tube frame shape of 16. These three connection straps are then screwed into 18 to secure it in place. To assist the user with extra leg support 72 is a specific embodiment that can stay on or be easily removed from the folding electric wheelchair. The design of 72 attaches to the right side of the embodiment by 22 and stretches across to attach to the left side by 24.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 5 (back unfolded view) of the folding electric wheelchair. When the embodiment is in the unfolded position to prevent it from folding up while the user is sitting in the wheelchair, 56 connects to 58 to lock the frame in this unfolded position. The top portion of 56 is welded onto the bottom crossbeam of 50. The bottom portion of 56 is welded onto the center of 58.

[0038] Also attached to the bottom crossbeam of 50 is two sets of 54. One set is welded onto the left side of 56 and the other is welded onto the right side. There are two set of 54 that assist the embodiment with bump-dampening and terrain vibration. When the user drives over rough terrain, a few examples are: cobblestones, pavers, bricks, curbs, gravel, and rocks. Each 54 absorbs those bumps so they do not filter up to the user sitting on 36. The material that 54 is made out of can range in different sizes and tension strength.

[0039] To move the folding electric wheelchair, the embodiment has two motors. The first specific embodiment is 68. The second specific embodiment is 70. Both 68 and 70 are sealed inside a weatherproof metal housing, with brushless electronic internal drive components and can vary in wattage depending on the desired speed and weight capacity of the user. Both 68 and 70 have electromagnetic brakes, to assist the user in stopping or slowing down. Each specific embodiment of 68 and 70 has a manual drive function, so the user can be pushed. No power is needed to roll the embodiment in manual mode.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 6 (top unfolded view) of the folding electric wheelchair. The specific embodiment for turning the folding electric wheelchair while driving is 22 and 24. Both 22 and 24 swivel 360-degrees so the embodiment can drive in any direction the user desires. This allows the user to have maneuverability in tight spaces and around any obstacles while driving.

[0041] While the user is seated position on 36, they place their feet rest on top of 18. This specific embodiment can be made out of different materials that provide traction and grip on the top surface. When driving the embodiment in wet weather 18 helps hold the user's feet securely in place by the circle traction pattern. The circle traction pattern can range in different sizes or pattern shapes, as long as that pattern covers the entire surface of 18.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 7 (bottom unfolded view) of the folding electric wheelchair. This particular view showcases the undercarriage of the embodiment and the hinge joints that assist in folding up the electric wheelchair. The first undercarriage joint is 58. This specific embodiment folds the rear portion. The shape of the tube is round and attaches to the left and right sides of 60. A socket shoulder bolt is used in 58 because the bolt has both a smooth and threaded surface area. The smooth half of this bolt allows the specific embodiment to fold and unfold, while the threaded half secures 58 to 60. The second undercarriage joint is 64. This specific embodiment folds up 16. The shape of the tube is round and attaches to the left and right sides of 60. A socket shoulder bolt is used again in 64 because the bolt has both a smooth and threaded surface area. The smooth half of this bolt allows 16 to fold and unfold, while the threaded half secures 64 to 60.

[0043] The main electronic operation for driving the embodiment is handled by 62. This specific embodiment is sealed inside a weatherproof case which is then secured by bolting to 60. The electronic power for 62 is provided by turning on 44, which is remotely connected to 68 and 70. The electronic driving system for the embodiment consists of the following sealed weatherproof specific embodiments: 62, 44, 66, 68 and 70.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 8 (perspective unfolded view) of the folding electric wheelchair. While the user is sitting on 36, the user can rest their arm(s) on 42. On the right and left side of the embodiment 42 helps hold the user on 36. The material of 42 can consist of other types of tubular material, and the tube has an oval shape. Having the tubular material be an oval shape provides the bump-dampening and terrain vibration system for the folding electric wheelchair. Whether the user is right-handed or left-handed 42 holds 44, which is used to steer the folding electric wheelchair. The 44 is how the user operates the embodiment. The top knob of 44 can be pushed in any direction providing 360-degrees of maneuverability. There are many different brands of 44 that can be used. The specific embodiment of 44 is sealed to be weatherproof so the user can operate the embodiment in any type of weather. The top knob and control buttons are also sealed from the outside elements. The main operating functions of 44 are: to power on/off the embodiment, speed control, and driving maneuverability.

[0045] The embodiment has a total of four wheels: two smaller sized 14 and two larger sized 12. The overall size and dimensions of 12 and 14 can vary. Both 12 and 14 are made of solid rubber so the user can drive over sharp objects without getting a flat tire. The solid rubber wheels also assist in the bump-dampening and terrain vibration system on the embodiment. Both 12 and 14 have an aggressive off-road tire tread to assist the user in driving over many different types of terrain.

Operation of Specific Embodiments

[0046] The manner of how the embodiment operates to fold and unfold consists of eight specific hinge joint embodiments. The manner of how the embodiment operates to fold. First, push up on or raise up 42 which is attached to hinge joint 46. Next operating step to folding up the embodiment is to push up on or raise up 42 which is attached to hinge joint 48. Move yourself around to the back view of the embodiment (not shown here but shown in FIG. 5) push in 56 to unlock the unfolded frame pieces. While pushing in 56 simultaneously push forward on 50, both specific embodiments are attached to hinge joint 58. Continue pushing forward on 50 until the embodiment is laying parallel to the ground. The continuing forward motion of 50 will automatically cause the remaining specific hinge joints embodiments to fold up. Those remaining specific hinge joint embodiments include: 30, 32, 38, 40 and 64.

[0047] The manner of how the embodiment operates to unfold. Stand the embodiment upright (not shown here but shown in FIG. 2). Move yourself around to the back view of the embodiment (not shown here but shown in FIG. 5). The user grabs the top cross bar portion of 50 with one or both hands. Make a quick jerking motion pushing 50 forward quickly. With the assistance of the law of gravity, the weight of the rest of the embodiment will automatically unfold. Once the embodiment is in the unfolded position 56 will close automatically to lock the specific embodiment pieces in the unfolded position so the user can seat down on 36.

Conclusion Ramifications and Scope

[0048] Accordingly, the reader will see that several advantages of one or more aspects are as follows: to provide the user an electronic driving system that is sealed to be weatherproof, able to drive over different terrain types and slope grades on any given day whether it's raining or sunny, ergonomically contoured seating, lightweight and portable for transportation, travel-friendly, compact in overall size when in the folded position to fit into a small space for storage. Furthermore, the folding electric wheelchair has additional advantages in that: [0049] it provides the user a folding electric wheelchair that folds up into a small sized space to fit inside the trunk of a vehicle or automobile. [0050] it provides the user a folding electric wheelchair to drive in any type of weather conditions. [0051] it permits the user to plan their future appointments without worrying about rainy days and the electronic drive system getting wet and stop operating as such with such prior art. [0052] it permits the user a folding electric wheelchair that can keep driving off road and over different terrain types even if the flat concrete sidewalk ends. [0053] it provides the user a folding electric wheelchair that is travel friendly on airplanes, because the FAA regulations state that lithium ion batteries must be encased in the equipment. Much like laptops, smartphones, and tablets lithium ion batteries are encased inside those devices. [0054] it permits the user a folding electric wheelchair to drive up slopes that are steeper than a 12-degree maximum slope as per ADA guidelines for a handicapped ramp. Many real-life driving situations are steeper, for example: parking garages, crosswalks, gangways, hilly streets and sidewalks. [0055] it provides the user a folding electric wheelchair with a bump dampening and terrain vibration system. When driving over rough terrain the user does not feel every bump in the road. Many disabled users suffer in pain throughout the day, and a small bump in the road may cause additional pain for the user. [0056] it provides the user a folding electric wheelchair with ergonomically contoured seating cushions. Said ergonomic cushions are contoured to follow the natural curves of the human body. This provides the user additional comfort while seated for extended periods of time.

[0057] Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiment but as merely providing illustrations of independence and freedom the user would gain from said embodiment.

[0058] Thus, the scope of the embodiment should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.