Abstract:
An automatic device for storing wheelchairs behind vehicles is provided. The wheelchair storage device is configured to mount to the exterior of a vehicle on the vehicle&#39;s roof rack. The storage device includes a horizontal and vertical arm, that when activated by a motor, uses a series of motors and gears to move a wheelchair attached to the vertical arm to the rear of the vehicle. A storage platform is further provided that receives and secures the wheelchair behind the vehicle. The motors of the storage device may be powered by the vehicle&#39;s engine, and a remote may be provided for user control.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/155,247, filed Apr. 30, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    There are currently several devices available on the market for the transfer and storage of manual wheelchairs in an automobile. These systems are difficult for wheelchair users to use or operate as they enter or exit a vehicle. There are approximately 1.5 million manual wheelchair users in the United States, and of those, 70% are at one time or another injured when they transfer from their wheelchair to an automobile. These injuries are typically overuse injuries, and the resulting damage could cause a manual wheelchair user to prematurely switch to an automated wheelchair. 
         [0003]    Some wheelchair users simply disassemble their wheelchairs before entering their vehicles and reassemble the wheelchair when they reach their destination. The process of a wheelchair user transferring from the wheelchair seat to a vehicle seat, disassembling the wheelchair, and hoisting it into the vehicle is an arduous one that often results in injury. 
         [0004]    Of the products currently available on the market for storing a manual wheelchair during transit, the majority of systems are crane-based and semi-automated. The systems can be mounted on the interior or exterior of the automobile. For those systems, manual assistance is often first required to attach such systems to the wheelchair. A manual control is then used to activate and automate the lift function, sometimes requiring additional manual effort to guide the chair safely into the vehicle. If not in combination with a second system or piece of equipment, these systems may require the driver to possess a level of independence and functional mobility necessary to return to the driver&#39;s seat after their chair is stored all by themselves. Besides being limited to use by individuals having greater ambulatory capabilities, the use of these systems are often restricted to particular types of vehicles with sufficient storage space. Moreover, having ample storage space often limits seating for other passengers. 
         [0005]    Another system variation is storing a manual wheelchair in a rooftop carrier. This system also requires manual assistance for attachment, but the manual control performs both the lift and storage function with no additional effort. With storage on the rooftop, this system may be compatible with a wider range of automobiles including a standard sedan-type. However, it poses safety risks when driving under a bridge or overpass. Also, use with rigid frame manual wheelchairs is not possible as the system requires folding of the wheelchair for storage in a more compact rooftop carrier to limit wind resistance. Moreover, non-rigid manual wheelchairs can be problematic because they often fail to provide adequate back and/or seat support for wheelchair users. 
         [0006]    In yet another existing system, wheelchair users may store their wheelchairs in the bed of a pickup truck when in transit. This system also requires manual assistance for attachment, and a vehicle lift may be used to lift the wheelchair into the truck bed. However, because truck seats of a cab are typically elevated, a modified truck must be used with this system. 
       SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0007]    A wheelchair storage device is provided for securing and storing a wheelchair at a rear portion of a vehicle while a wheelchair user is in transit in the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the storage device is attached to the vehicle by an adapter plate that is selectively attachable to a roof rack of the vehicle. The adapter plate includes a track member extending along its length. 
         [0008]    A control panel may also be attached to the adapter plate. An arm member is also attached to the control panel. The arm member is a horizontal arm portion extending from the control panel to a vertical arm portion. The vertical arm portion extends downwardly from the horizontal arm portion. An attachment member is attached to a lower portion of the vertical arm portion for selectively engaging the wheelchair. 
         [0009]    The control panel includes each of a first, second, and third motor. The first motor is in mechanical connection with the vertical arm portion by way of the horizontal arm portion, in a preferred embodiment by a cord member which extends through each of the arm portions. The second motor includes a gear assembly connected to the horizontal arm. The third motor housed in said control panel includes a gear assembly engaged with the track member by way of a gearing mechanism. 
         [0010]    When the attachment member is selectively engaged with the wheelchair and the first motor is activated, the vertical arm portion is pulled upwardly and the wheelchair is lifted off of the ground. When the second motor is activated, the horizontal arm portion and the wheelchair connected to the vertical arm portion are rotated rearwardly toward the rear portion of the vehicle. Lastly, when the third motor is activated, the horizontal member and the wheelchair are translated rearwardly toward the rear portion of the vehicle via the track member. The third motor may be activated either concurrently with the second motor, or before the second motor. 
         [0011]    In at least one embodiment, the wheelchair storage device includes a storage platform for stowing the wheelchair when the vehicle is in motion. In that embodiment, the storage platform includes a locking device for securing the wheelchair within the storage platform while the vehicle is in motion. 
         [0012]    In another embodiment, the wheelchair storage device is in communication with a power source of the vehicle for providing power to the wheelchair storage device, for example the vehicle&#39;s battery. 
         [0013]    The control panel may include a computer device having software for programming operations of the wheelchair storage device. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment, the attachment member includes hook members for receiving and securing wheels of the wheelchair. 
         [0015]    In yet another implementation of the invention, the vertical arm portion is selectively extendable and retractable. A cord member may also be provided through the first arm portion and the second arm portion in connection at a first end with the attachment mechanism and at a second end with the first motor such that when the first motor is activated the wheelchair is lifted vertically upwards. Other structures for moving the arm member and its portions are also envisioned. 
         [0016]    Preferably, the adapter plate is selectively engageable with a rack member of any type of vehicle. 
         [0017]    Also in a preferred embodiment, the first, second, and third motors are operable using a remote control. In other embodiments, a wireless connection such as a Bluetooth connection may be utilized. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    In the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like or similar parts in the various views: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a wheelchair attached to an automatic wheelchair storage device subject to the teachings of the present invention, wherein the wheelchair is stowed and secured at the rear of a vehicle; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is an elevation view of a hook mechanism of the automatic wheelchair storage device, wherein the hook mechanism is in position to receive and secure a wheelchair; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is an elevation view of the hook mechanism of  FIG. 2 , wherein the hook mechanism has received and secured the wheelchair of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the wheelchair attached to the automatic wheelchair storage device of  FIG. 1 , wherein the wheelchair is at a front side portion of the vehicle; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the wheelchair attached to the automatic wheelchair storage device of  FIGS. 1 and 4 , wherein the wheelchair is at a rear side portion of the vehicle; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the wheelchair attached to the automatic wheelchair storage device of  FIGS. 1, 4, and 5 , wherein the wheelchair is at a rear portion of the vehicle; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged perspective view of a control panel of the automatic wheelchair storage device of  FIGS. 1 and 4-6 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a storage platform of the automatic wheelchair storage device, wherein a lock mechanism associated with the storage platform is in position to receive and secure the wheelchair; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the storage platform of  FIG. 9 , wherein the lock mechanism associated with the storage platform has received and secure the wheelchair. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0028]    The present invention provides an automatic device and method for storing a wheelchair behind a vehicle while a wheelchair user is in transit. The device allows a wheelchair user to exert low effort stowing the wheelchair while in transit because the storage device is automatically controlled. 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  illustrates wheelchair storage device  1  when a wheelchair  5  has been secured and stowed behind a vehicle  10 . With wheelchair  5  positioned behind vehicle  10 , wheelchair  5  is out of the way of traffic. By positioning wheelchair  5  behind vehicle  10  rather than on top of the roof of vehicle  10 , vehicle  10  will not face clearance issues when going under a bridge or overpass. Storage device  1  includes an arm member  12  having each of a first telescoping aim portion (or arm member)  15  and a second arm portion (or arm member)  20 . The arm portions  15 ,  20  are connected at an elbow joint  25 . Arm member  12  and its arm portions  15 ,  20  are preferably made of metal, but in alternative embodiments, may be made of any material that is light, strong, and rigid. Arm members  15 ,  20  are operable by way of a control panel  30  and associated mechanisms. Control panel  30  is preferably attached to an adapter plate  37  which is selectively attachable to a roof rack  38  of vehicle  10 . Wheelchair  5  is securable to storage platform  35  as in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Storage platform  35  is preferably made of plastic, but it can be made of any sturdy and rigid material such as a light metal like aluminum. 
         [0030]    A roof rack  38  is shown in  FIG. 1 . Roof rack  38  may be a roof rack pre-installed on a vehicle, or alternatively, it may be a roof rack that is purchased after-market. Control panel  30 , adapter plate  37 , roof rack  38 , and various components thereof are shown in in  FIGS. 7 and 8  in greater detail, and are discussed in greater detail herein below. The specific manner in which storage device  1  operates to move wheelchair  5  from its first position near the driver&#39;s door to the rear of vehicle  10  will also be explained in greater detail herein below. 
         [0031]      FIG. 2  illustrates an attachment member  40  for securing wheelchair  5  to storage device  1 . Attachment member  40  is preferably attached to arm member  15  by way of crossbar  45  of attachment member  40 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , crossbar  45  is hollow such that a cord member  50  may pass through crossbar  45 . Cord member  50  preferably includes hook members  52  attached to its end portions. In other embodiments, attachment means such as Velcro straps, snap members, clamp devices, or other foreseeable means may be used in lieu of hook members  52 . Hook members  52  are preferably selectively attachable to rim portions  55  of wheels  60  of wheelchair  5 , as shown in  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 3  illustrates attachment member  40  when it has received and engaged wheels  60  of wheelchair  5 . 
         [0032]    In a preferred embodiment, at least one hook member  50  includes a locking feature  65  that allows cord member  45  to be tightened to reduce play in cord member  45 . When pulled tightly, locking feature  65  preferably also presses crossbar  45  to the arms and/or or wheels  60  of wheelchair  5 , thus providing a rigid connection there between. In the illustrated embodiment, locking feature  65  is a ratcheting device known and understood in the art, but in alternative embodiments, locking feature  65  may be a cinching device or other known or foreseeable means for tightening cord member  45 . Locking feature  65  is preferably looped as shown in  FIG. 2  so that individuals with limited fine motor use could place their hand and/or arm through the loop and easily operate locking feature  65 . Preferably locking feature  65  also includes a large lever so locking feature  65  is easily loosened. 
         [0033]    In alternative embodiments where the wheelchair being stored is not a manual wheelchair such as wheelchair  5 , other attachment members may be utilized for selective attachment with an electric wheelchair, scooter, or other assist device known or foreseeable in the art. In those alternative embodiments, the attachment member should be able to securely engage the assist device while it moves from the front of the vehicle to the rear, and while the vehicle is in motion. It also should be selectively attachable to arm member  15  by some known or foreseeable attachment means. 
         [0034]      FIG. 4  illustrates storage device  1  in a first position where wheelchair  5  is positioned next to vehicle  10  near the driver&#39;s door. In another embodiment, wheelchair device  1  may be positioned in a substantially mirror-image arrangement relative to the arrangement shown in  FIG. 4 . In that arrangement, wheelchair  5  is positioned on the passenger side of vehicle  10 , as are arm members  15 ,  20 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 5  illustrates wheelchair  5  in a position at the rear of vehicle  10 , but still on the side of vehicle  10 . As shown, control panel  30  has similarly translated along track member  70  to the rear of vehicle  10 . At the same time, second arm member  20  has rotated outwardly away from the driver door of vehicle  10  such that it is substantially perpendicular to vehicle  10 . Because wheelchair  5  is already preferably raised off of the ground, as set forth above, wheelchair  5  should be substantially prevented from brushing against uneven ground or other obstacles as it moves and rotates rearwardly. 
         [0036]    This rotation of arm member  20  away from vehicle  10  is substantially circular, as will be described herein below when describing components of control panel  30 . In an alternative embodiment, as arm member  20  rotates, it may also telescope inwardly or outwardly, depending on the size and shape of vehicle  10 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 6  illustrates wheelchair  5  in a position at the rear of vehicle  10 , substantially behind the bumper of vehicle  10 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , control panel  30  and arm member  20  have translated to the rear of track member  70  at this position, and arm member  20  has rotated further outwardly away from the driver door of vehicle  10  such that it is approaching being parallel to vehicle  10 . As described above, in an alternative embodiment, as arm member  20  rotates outwardly, it may also telescope inwardly, depending on the size and shape of vehicle  10 . 
         [0038]    In the position illustrated in  FIG. 6 , wheelchair  5  is in position to be received and engaged by storage platform  35 . Storage platform  35  and its method and mechanism for receiving and engaging wheels  60  of wheelchair  5  are described below and shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 7  illustrates the interior of control panel  30  in greater detail. Control panel  30  may contain various gears and other components for facilitating the movement of wheelchair  5  from a driver or other automobile or vehicle seat to a rear, stowed position. As shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , and described above, control panel  30  is preferably movably mounted on adapter plate  3 . Adapter plate  37  may be mounted on roof rack  38  in a manner known or foreseeable in to those skilled in the art (e.g., snap-fit, bracketing). In the illustrated embodiment, rollers  72  and brackets  73  are used to attach adapter plate  37  to roof rack  38 . Rollers  72  preferably allow adapter plate  37  to slide along roof rack  38  as wheelchair  5  is translated to the rear of vehicle  10  in the manner described below. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , storage device  1  is in its “stowed” position, where wheelchair  5  is secured behind vehicle  10  in storage platform  35 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 7  illustrates a first motor  75  attached to both of control panel  30  and aim member  20 . When a wheelchair user has effectively moved from a wheelchair to a seat in vehicle  10 , and attached wheelchair  5  to attachment member  40  as set forth above, he or she may be ready to move wheelchair  5  so that it is stored behind vehicle  10 . To do so, first motor  75  first lifts wheelchair  5  off of the ground by raising telescopic arm member  15 . Arm member  12  and its portions  15 ,  20  are preferably sufficiently hollow to allow a cable member  77  (a portion of which is illustrated in  FIG. 2 ) to run through arm member  12 . The cable member running through arm member portions  15 ,  20  is preferably connected to first motor  75  at one end, and with crossbar  45  at its other end. In lieu of a cable member, in some embodiments a chain member or a rope member may run through arm member  12  and be used to raise wheelchair  5  off of the ground. Other mechanisms for doing the same are also envisioned. 
         [0041]    When first motor  75  is activated, the cable member is retracted such that it is pulled upwardly, and attachment member  40  attached to wheelchair  5  via crossbar  45  is also pulled upwardly. When cable member is pulled upwardly, arm member  15  is preferably telescoped within itself by any known or foreseeable mechanical method such as electromagnetic or mechanical telescoping. After motor  75  has been pulled upwardly such that wheelchair  5  attached to crossbar  45  is also pulled upwardly, storage device  1  and wheelchair  5  may be in the position illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0042]    Control panel  30  also preferably includes a second motor  80  that preferably includes a driving gear  85  connected thereto. When driving gear  85  is activated via motor  80 , driving gear  85  preferably engages a circular reduction gear  90  engaged with driving gear  85 . Reduction gear  90  is preferably attached to arm member  20  via a hinge pin  95  which drives through a receptacle for storing electronic components thereof. When reduction gear  90  is engaged by driving gear  85 , it is rotated counterclockwise in a manner known to those skilled in the art. As gear  90  rotates in a counterclockwise direction, so too does arm member  20 , which is attached to wheelchair  5  via attachment member  40 . As arm member  20  rotates outwardly toward the rear of vehicle  10 , wheelchair  5  is also preferably rotated toward the rear of vehicle  10 . Arm member  20  and wheelchair  5  are shown as progressively rotated outwardly away from the center of vehicle  10  in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
         [0043]    In an alternative embodiment where device  1  is placed on the passenger side of a vehicle such as vehicle  10 , motor  80  and driving gear  85  may be placed on the other side of reduction gear  90  such that reduction gear  90  is rotated in a clockwise direction, thus still allowing arm member  20  and wheelchair associated therewith to rotate away from the center of vehicle  10  and toward the rear of vehicle  10 . 
         [0044]    At the same time motor  80  operates to rotate wheelchair  5  toward the rear of the vehicle, a third motor  100  having a driving gear  105  attached thereto may be used to translate arm member  20 , arm member  15 , and wheelchair  5  linearly toward the rear of vehicle  10 . When motor  100  is activated, driving gear  105  preferably engages track member  70 , which acts as a reduction gear. As motor  100  is operated, driving gear  105  rotates along track member  70  in a gearing fashion toward the rear of vehicle  10 . 
         [0045]    Third motor  100  is preferably engaged with control panel  30  at a bracket portion  110  thereof. That way, when third motor  100  is activated and driving gear  105  rotates along track member  70  along the length of adapter plate  37 , control panel  30  attached to arm member  20  is likewise translated along the length of adapter plate  37 . Along with arm member  20 , wheelchair  5 , which is attached thereto, is also moved rearwardly toward the rear of vehicle  10 . In a manner substantially similar to the manner described above for motor  80 , if the device  1  is set up for use on the passenger side of vehicle  1 , motor  100  may be placed on the other side of track member  70  so that arm member  20  is still translatable to the rear of vehicle  10  on the passenger side of vehicle  10 .  FIG. 5  illustrates storage device  1  in a position where wheelchair  5  is substantially located at a rear side portion of vehicle  10 , and  FIG. 6  illustrates wheelchair  5  substantially behind vehicle  10 . 
         [0046]    As shown, in transitioning between these two positions, arm member  20  attached to wheelchair  5  both rotates outwardly toward the rear of vehicle  10  and translates rearwardly toward the rear of vehicle  10  until it is in the position illustrated in  FIG. 6 , where wheelchair  5  is prepared to be received and engaged by storage platform  35 . In some alternative embodiments, aria member  20  may translate rearwardly completely before rotating or vice versa, depending on the vehicle for which storage device  1  will be used. 
         [0047]    Control panel  30  preferably is in communication with a computer device for controlling operation of motors  75 ,  80 ,  100 . The relative position of arm member  20  may be determined by software that is pre-programmed into the computer device. So that device  1  may be used with any make or model of vehicle, the software may have different instructions and preprogrammed points at which different motors may be activated to initiate movements of aim  20  in particular directions in order to prevent wheelchair from  5  to crashing into the wheelchair user&#39;s vehicle or an adjacent vehicle, and to ensure that wheelchair  5  is substantially aligned with storage platform  35  when it is rotated to the position ready to be received by storage platform  35  behind vehicle  10 . 
         [0048]    The computer device may also include a wireless or wired connection and a control board and controller so that a remote control may be used to activate motors  75 ,  80 ,  100  and begin the process of stowing wheelchair  5 . Drivers for motors  75 ,  80 ,  100  are preferably in electronic communication with a vehicle&#39;s power supply, such that power for controlling motors  75 ,  80 ,  100  is provided by the vehicle&#39;s battery, either directly or indirectly. A connection to the vehicle&#39;s battery may be made via the vehicle&#39;s trunk or through an alternative electrical pathway. In other embodiments, a separate power source such as a battery unit could be provided to power device  1 . In at least one embodiment, sensors may further be used to determine the position of wheelchair  5  and relay information to the controller to regulate the speed of motors  75 ,  80 , and/or  100  based on the position of wheelchair  5 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 8  illustrates storage platform  35  of wheelchair storage device  1  before receiving and securing wheelchair  5 . Storage platform  35  may be affixed to the rear of vehicle  20  via a trailer hitch (not illustrated) or otherwise mounted to vehicle  20  in a manner known and understood in the art, for example using bracketing. Various forms and configurations are available for storage platform  35  to decrease wind resistance, improve travel, etc., and the illustrated embodiment is an exemplar only. In at least one embodiment, the trailer hitch may be able to hinge open such that a trunk area of vehicle  10  is accessible. Lights such as reverse or brake lights may also be added to storage platform  35  and/or an associated trailer hitch for safety purposes in a manner known and understood in the art. 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , storage platform  35  includes wheel receivers  115  for receiving wheels  60  of wheelchair  5  in the manner shown in  FIG. 9  and described hereinbelow. When arm member  20  has been rotated such that it is substantially behind vehicle  20 , wheelchair  5  may also be rotated such that its wheels  60  are in substantial alignment with wheel receivers  115 . As arm member  20  continues to rotate, wheels  60  are preferably guided into receivers  115 , as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . 
         [0051]    In alternative embodiments, storage platform  35  may be a box-like storage device to protect wheelchair  5  from weather damage or other elements. It also could further include a cover to protect wheelchair  5  from various potentially damaging elements. In the aforementioned embodiments, such a storage platform may still be automatically controlled, including any associated cover. 
         [0052]    A locking device  120  may also be provided in storage platform  35  for locking wheelchair  5  to the rear of vehicle  10  after its wheels are received by wheel receivers  115 . In a preferred embodiment, locking device  120  is motorized, but in alternative embodiments may be manually operated. In the embodiment where locking device  120  is motorized, it may be in electronic communication with the computer device associated with the gears and motors of control panel  30  and a power supply of the vehicle, preferably the car battery. When the computer device instructs locking device  120  to activate, a motor (not illustrated) within housing  125  of locking device  120  may initiate the rotation of locking cylinders  130  by way of rotating pivot  135  and pivot arms  140 . 
         [0053]    When pivot  135  is rotated, so too are pivot arms  140  and locking cylinders  130 . Apertures  145  are provided in storage platform  35  for each locking cylinder  130  to pass through before locking wheels  60 . After locking cylinders  130  pass through apertures  145 , they pass through spokes of wheels  60  and abut an interior portion  150  of storage platform  35 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . With locking cylinders  130  in place within wheels  60 , wheelchair  5  is secured at its lower end by locking device  120  and secured at its upper end by attachment member  40 . When vehicle  10  is in motion, wheelchair  5  is therefore preferably stabilized such that it will not fall off of vehicle  10 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0054]    When a wheelchair user reaches his or her destination, the reverse process substantially similar to that described above may take place to return wheelchair  5  to the side of vehicle  10  so that the wheelchair user may get back into wheelchair  5 . 
         [0055]    From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure. It will be understood that certain features and sub combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims Since many possible embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is also to be understood that all matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting. 
         [0056]    The constructions described above and illustrated in the drawings are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the concepts and principles of the present invention. Thus, there has been shown and described several embodiments of a novel invention securing a wheelchair for a wheelchair user while the wheelchair user is in transit. As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. The terms “having” and “including” and similar terms as used in the foregoing specification are used in the sense of “optional” or “may include” and not as “required”. Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present construction will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.