Abstract:
Provided is an apparatus for use with a rear-wheel driven motorized wheelchair. The apparatus enables a motorized wheelchair to be used in areas that would not otherwise be possible. A motorized wheelchair, though very useful and necessary, has several mobility drawbacks. Lateral movement poses a problem to the motorized wheelchair. This apparatus provides a modification to existing rear-wheel driven motorized wheelchairs that allows the user to maneuver in tight spaces by providing a for sideways movement that would not be possible in conventional wheelchair designs.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/811,172, entitled, “Lateral Wheelchair Movement Mechanism”, filed Jun. 6, 2006, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This invention relates to wheelchairs. More specifically, this invention relates to a modification to motorized wheelchairs that enable users of motorized wheelchairs to move laterally. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     In a general embodiment, the invention includes an apparatus for use with a wheelchair, the apparatus comprising a base with a pair of wheels and a wheelchair lift. In one embodiment, the lift comprises a first lower-linkage connected to the base at its first end, a second lower-linkage connected to the base at its first end, a first upper-linkage hingedly connected to the second end of the first lower-linkage, and a second upper-linkage hingedly connected to the second of the second lower-linkage. The scissor-like movement made possible by this arrangement allows the wheelchair to be raised and lowered. In alternate embodiments an actuator is disposed between the first upper-linkage and the second upper-linkage or between the first lower-linkage and the second lower-linkage. In a preferred embodiment, a second mechanical actuator adapted to provide rotational force to the pair of wheels. Actuators for use with either the lift mechanism or the wheels can be selected from the group consisting of electrical motors, pneumatic actuators, hydraulic pistons, relays and comb drives. 
     The invention allows wheelchair-bound persons the ability to maneuver their wheelchair in a more efficient manner when confined within tight spaces. Specifically, our device allows its users to move laterally, which is currently not possible with existing technology. 
     Typically two drive wheels and two castors control a power wheelchair. These traditional wheelchairs can move forwards and backwards and can turn on a dime. However, when operating in tight spaces it can become very difficult to maneuver. The current invention addresses this problem by allowing the wheelchair to move sideways. Sideways movement will allow easy repositioning of the wheelchair without backing up and turning. 
     Chair-type selection was based on the popularity of several motorized wheelchair designs currently on the market. The most popular models are three-wheeled scooters, front-wheel drive chairs, and rear-wheel drive chairs. All three designs lacked the ability to move sideways. Scooters are widely used by the elderly for mobility inside their homes but are not well suited for younger, more aggressive users. Front-wheel drive chairs have excellent durability but are not in wide use because of design restrictions including battery and motor locations. Rear-wheel drive chairs, however, are widely used by all age groups and provide a large market for the current invention and were, therefore, used as the basis for the current invention. 
     The current invention incorporates a five-link mechanism powered by a linear actuator that raises the wheelchair up and then laterally drives it to the left or right. 
     To allow for lateral movement, the unmovable rear wheels of the motorized wheelchair had to be overcome. In order to accomplish this, the rear of the wheel chair was raised enough to utilize the already existing caster wheels in front and then supply a large enough lateral force to drive the assembly sideways. For the lift, a scissoring mechanism utilizes the power provided by a linear actuator and creates a lift. To allow platform of wheelchair to extend and lift, 3″×1.5″ standard Associated Aluminum Channel and pins that acted a hinges for the bending were used. For the lateral driving force, a DC gear motor is coupled with an eleven tooth #35 sprocket and chained in series with two lateral drive wheels. The mechanism controls for both motors were then wired into a control box with two toggle switches and mounted in the chair. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention shown incorporated into a wheelchair platform. 
         FIG. 3   a  is a front plan view of an embodiment of the drive mechanism of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 3   b  is a front plan view of an embodiment of the lift mechanism of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 3   c  is a front plan view of an embodiment of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 4   a  is a top plan view of the aluminum spacer used in an embodiment of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 4   b  is a front plan view of the aluminum spacer used in an embodiment of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 4   c  is a perspective view of the aluminum spacer used in an embodiment of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 5   a  is a top plan view of the alignment channel used in an embodiment of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 5   b  is a side plan view of the alignment channel used in an embodiment of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 5   c  is a front plan view of the alignment channel used in an embodiment of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 5   d  is a perspective view of the alignment channel used in an embodiment of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 6   a  is a top plan view of the alignment mount used in an embodiment of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 6   b  is a side plan view of the alignment mount used in an embodiment of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 6   c  is a front plan view of the alignment mount used in an embodiment of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 6   d  is a perspective view of the alignment mount used in an embodiment of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 7   a  is a top plan view of the lower channel used in an embodiment of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 7   b  is a side plan view of the lower channel used in an embodiment of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 7   c  is a front plan view of the lower channel used in an embodiment of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 7   d  is a perspective view of the lower channel used in an embodiment of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 8   a  is a top plan view of the square tube used in an embodiment of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 8   b  is a side plan view of the square tube used in an embodiment of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 8   c  is a front plan view of the square tube used in an embodiment of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 8   d  is a perspective view of the square tube used in an embodiment of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 9   a  is a top plan view of the upper channel used in an embodiment of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 9   b  is a side plan view of the upper channel used in an embodiment of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 9   c  is a front plan view of the upper channel used in an embodiment of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 9   d  is a perspective view of the upper channel used in an embodiment of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 10   a  is a front plan view of the L-bracket used in an embodiment of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 10   b  is a perspective view of the L-bracket used in an embodiment of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 11   a  is a top plan view of the base channel used in an embodiment of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 11   b  is a front plan view of the base channel used in an embodiment of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 11   c  is a perspective view of the base channel used in an embodiment of the wheelchair modification according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is an illustration of an embodiment of the wheelchair modification shown incorporated into a motorized wheelchair. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and within which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     Motorized wheelchairs are generally designed to operate in forward and backward directions and are capable of turning to go in other directions. However, in tight spaces, the use of traditional wheelchair designs is very limited because space is needed to make turns. As a consequence wheelchair users are often unable to maneuver around in, or even into, tight spaces, severely limiting access to many places. The lateral movement mechanism of the current invention attaches to traditional motorized wheelchairs and provides an innovative way of operating motorized wheelchairs in tight spaces, greatly expanding the space a wheelchair user can access. A user can simply move sideways without backing up and turning, as was required by traditional designs. 
     As used herein, the term “actuator” refers to any mechanical device for moving or controlling the lift mechanism or providing rotational force to the wheels. For example, an actuator can be an electrical motor, pneumatic actuators, hydraulic pistons, relays and comb drives. While motors are mostly used when circular motion is needed, as to power the wheels, motors can also be used for linear applications, such as to actuate the lift mechanism, by transforming circular to linear motion (such as with a bolt and screw transducer). 
     With reference to  FIG. 1  there is shown a lateral wheelchair movement attachment  11  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The wheelchair attachment  11  has a base channel  12  that provides horizontal support to the structure. The base channel  12  connects on each end to a lateral wheel  20  and a lower channel  13 . The lateral wheels  20  and lower channels  13  are connected at a base axle  22  so that the lateral wheels  20  spin freely and the lower channels  13  are capable of movement about the base axle  22 . The opposite end of each of the lower channels  13  is connected on a mid-level axle  23  to an upper channel  15  so that both the lower channel  13  and the upper channel  15  are capable of movement about the mid-level  23  axle. Both sets of upper  15  and lower  13  channels combine in a scissor-like motion to provide the raising and lowering mechanism of the wheelchair attachment  11 . The opposite end of the upper channels  15  are each connected at an upper axle  24  to a square tubing. Movement is allowed along the upper axle  24  to aid in the raising and lowering mechanism of the wheelchair attachment  11 . Each square tubing  16  is fixedly attached to an aluminum spacer  17 , which is also fixedly attached to an L-Bracket  18 . Each L-bracket  18  is fixedly attached to an outer extension bracket  19 . Each outer extension bracket  19  is connected to the backside of an alignment channel  14  along a back axle  25 . An inner extension bracket  27 , being the same size and shape of the outer extension bracket  19 , is connected along the back axle  25  to the opposite side of the alignment channel  14  in parallel to the outer extension bracket  19 . Movement is allowed along the back axle  25  to aid in the raising and lowering mechanism of the wheelchair attachment  11 . The combination of the inner extension bracket  27  and the outer extension bracket  19  creates the means with which the wheelchair attachment is attached to the wheelchair  50 . The front-side of each of the alignment channels  14  is connected to an alignment mount  21  by a front axle  26 . The alignment channel  14  is capable of movement about the front axle  26 . Each alignment mount is attached to the backside of the base channel  12 . Both combinations of the alignment channel  14  and the inner  27  and outer  19  extension brackets work in a scissor-like motion, along with the upper  15  and lower  13  channel combinations, to provide the raising and lowering mechanism of the wheelchair attachment  11 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , a traditional wheelchair platform  10  consists of an H-shaped frame  28  with two front wheels  29  and two rear wheels  30 . One front wheel  29  is attached at each of the two front corners of the H-shaped frame  28 . The front wheels  29  are attached in a manner the permits swiveling and are therefore conducive to lateral movement. One rear wheel  30  is attached at each of the back corners of the H-shaped frame  28  and is fixed in a manner that only allows forward and backward motion and when in contact with the ground prohibits lateral movement. In order to provide lateral movement, the lateral wheels  20  must be lowered to make contact with the ground and the rear wheels  30  must be lifted off the ground. This vertical movement is allowed by the scissor-like motion of both the upper  15  and lower channels  13  and the alignment channel  14  and outer  19  and inner  27  extension brackets. The lateral wheels  20  are positioned perpendicular to the rear wheels  30 , so once vertical movement is complete lateral movement becomes possible. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3   b  and  3   c , a piston  30 . 1  powered by its own motor  31  is attached to the device in a plane parallel and above the base channel. The piston motor  31  is attached to an upper channel  15  in the same plane as the mid-level axle  23  in such a way that it makes no contact with the mid-level axle  23  and does not inhibit the upper  15  and lower  13  channels&#39; movement about the mid-level axle  23 . The free side of the piston is connected to the mid-level axle  23  on the opposite side by an O-ring which does not prohibit movement of the upper  15  and lower  13  channels. As the piston  30 . 1  expands the upper  15  and lower  13  channels are pushed outwards towards vertical positions, which results in the lifting of the wheelchair  50  and its rear wheels  30  off the ground and the lowering of the lateral wheels  20  to the ground. As the piston  30 . 1  contracts the upper  15  and lower  13  channels are pulled inward towards horizontal positions, which results in the lowering of the wheelchair  50  and its rear wheels  30  to the ground and the raising of the lateral wheels  20  off the ground. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3   a  and  3   c , lateral movement is accomplished by a cabling system. A DC motor  32  that provides the lateral driving force is attached to the center base channel  12 . A sprocket  33  is attached to the motor  32 , which connects to a cable  34  that wraps around one base axle  22 , then under the base channel  12 , around the other base channel  12  and back to the sprocket  33 . When the motor causes the sprocket to rotate, the cable begins moving which rotates the lateral wheels in the same direction and at the same rate. This rotation causes the wheelchair to more laterally. 
     The control mechanism for both the piston motor  31  and the lateral driving motor  32  are wired into a control box with two toggle switches. The control box is then mounted in the chair. The controller box consists of two three-position toggle switches. One switch controls lift and the other control left and right movements. Using the control mechanism, a user can lift the wheelchair  50 , move it laterally in either direction, and then lower it back to the ground. 
     The invention has many user-friendly features. It utilizes pins instead of bolts in certain areas to provide easy disassembly to replace the batteries. An overall maximum width of 36″ allows easy accessibility through common household doors. Also, a light aluminum channel design reduces excess weight. 
     The motor provides enough power to lift up to 400 pounds, including the wheelchair. For example, a wheelchair that incorporated the present invention and weighing 150 pounds could support a person weighing up to 250 pounds. A chain-driven system for lateral movement instead of a belt to increase the product life and dependability in harsher weather. 
     Utility can also be enhanced by modifications in manufacturability, material type, alignment cables, motor selection, and mechanism controls which are contemplated. Examples include: 
     Manufacturability—The aluminum channel size can be downscaled to reduce the overall weight of the mechanism and also reduced cost. The current design optimizes safety and the range of lateral movement, but can be downscaled without considerable loss of the benefits of the current optimization. 
     Material Type—The use of alternative materials may be more feasible. Specifically, in a non-load bearing component such as the base channel, the use of a composite may reduce cost in the future with the current rising costs of aluminum. 
     Alignment Cables—Higher-grade hardware or a modified cable design that allows the cables to attach directly to the channels would significantly improve operation of the invention. In the current design, the alignment cables are holding the base channel and the lower channel and restrict their movement relative to each other. However, the screw cable stops used to hold these cables are insufficient. Their long length, as they extend off the back of the channel, creates a moment arm of ˜0.750 inches. This moment arm when coupled with the force causes the cable stops to plastically deform. Improvements in the alignment cables would significantly reduce or completely remove the problem of plastic deformation. 
     Motor/Actuator Selection—More powerful motors could be used which would allow an increase in weight capacity, thereby increasing the range and number of possible users. 
     Mechanism Control—Programming controls and wiring schematics could be improved and integrated into a wheelchair&#39;s already existing programming panels. 
     It will be seen that the advantages set forth above, and those made apparent from the foregoing description, are efficiently attained and since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matters contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 
     It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween. Now that the invention has been described,