Wheelchair platform and detachable ramp, and methods of constructing and utilizing same

A combination wheelchair platform and detachable ramp to allow a person seated in the wheelchair to be at the proper height for an opthalmologic slit lamp examination, or for a standard size dining table. The platform and ramp have raised side members to prevent accidental rolling off.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

Not Applicable.

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to novel and unique wheelchair platforms and detachable ramps, and methods of constructing and utilizing same.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a wheelchair platform and detachable ramp to allow a person seated in a wheelchair to be at an elevated position for treatment or examination (such as, an opthalmologic slit lamp examination, or for convenience at a table, or use with an exercise apparatus

The prior, but not necessarily relevant, art is exemplified by:

Pestes United States Patent Application Publication 2003/0203792; and

It is a desideratum of the present invention to avoid the animadversions of conventional and present devices, and at the same time to provide a very convenient and easy to use and store wheelchair platform and detachable ramp apparatus and system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a combination wheelchair platform and detachable ramp, comprising: a wheelchair platform having three raised upper side members and an open side; said platform has a wheelchair-receiving surface surrounded by side members and said open side; a detachable ramp for selective and releasable connection to said platform to enable a wheelchair to move on said ramp to and from said wheelchair-receiving surface of said platform; and attachment means operably connected with said platform and ramp to facilitate selective and releasable attachment and detachment of said platform and ramp.

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a wheelchair platform and detachable ramp to enable a person seated in a wheelchair to be in an elevated position (approximately six inches above the floor level) for the convenience of an opthalmologic slit lamp examination.

Another object of the present invention to provide a wheelchair platform and detachable ramp to enable a person seated in a wheelchair to be in an elevated position (approximately six inches above the floor level) for home use, for example, to elevate to a standard size dining room table.

Other objects, advantages, and features of the present invention will become apparent to those persons skilled in this particular area of technology and to other persons after having been exposed to the present patent application when read in conjunction with the accompanying patent drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-6illustrate an apparatus20including a wheelchair platform21and a detachable ramp22in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention.

The platform21has any desired height, and other dimensions to accommodate the smallest to largest wheelchair23. Preferably, but not necessarily, the platform21may have a height dimension “a” to elevate the wheelchair23approximately six inches above the floor24for the convenience of an opthalmologic examination, or at standard size dining table, etc.

The platform21is provided with three raised sides25,26and27to prevent the wheelchair23from rolling off the chair-receiving surface35of the platform21.

Once the wheelchair23is in position on the platform21, the brakes of the wheelchair23prevent the wheelchair23from rolling forward.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the platform21may include wheels28,29,30and31at its bottom side32to provide ease in positioning or moving the platform21.

As best seen inFIG. 5, each wheel arrangement may be a spring-loaded wheel that includes a spherical ball wheel, e.g., wheel31, biased downwardly by a spring33. In this manner, when weight is applied to the platform21, the platform21will rest on the floor24.

The ramp22is the same width as the platform21as best illustrated inFIG. 4.

The ramp22is provided with a gentle slope or grade34to provide ease of movement of the wheelchair23from the floor24onto the chair-receiving surface35of the platform23.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the ramp22may include wheels36,37,38and39(similar to the spring-loaded wheels28,29,30and31) at its bottom side40to provide ease in positioning or moving the ramp22.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the platform21and the ramp22may also be provided with rubber footings to prevent sliding on hard surfaced floors.

The platform21and ramp22are provided with mating components for facilitating selectable and releasable attachment and detachment of the platform21and ramp22.

The ramp22may be provided with male components41and42for mating with female components43and44, respectively, of the platform21.

Alternatively, the platform21may be provided with male components41and42for mating with female components43and44, respectively, of the ramp22.

The mating components are best illustrated inFIG. 6. For example, the male component42includes a projection member45having a spring-loaded ball46. The female component44includes a chamber member47for receiving the projection member45, and also includes a detent48in which the spring-loaded ball46may releasably be received.

The ramp22is provided with raised sides49and50.

With reference toFIGS. 7 and 8, there is illustrated an apparatus60in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

The apparatus60also includes a detachable ramp71having two raised sides72and73, spring-loaded wheels74,75,76and77, and dovetail tenons78and79.

The male tenons78and79slide down into the female mortises69and70, respectively.

Alternatively, the platform61can have the tenons78and79; and the ramp71can have the mortises69and70.

With reference toFIGS. 9 and 10, there is illustrated an apparatus80in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

The apparatus80also includes a detachable ramp91having two raised sides92and93, spring-loaded wheels94,95,96and97, and quick-release toggle clamp members98and99.

The clamp members98and99mate with clamp members89and90, respectively, to provide quick-release toggle clamps for selectively locking together the platform81and the detachable ramp91.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the platform and/or ramp of any embodiment of the present invention can be provided with friction material on a top surface thereof, and/or rubber footings on a bottom surface thereof to prevent sliding on hard surfaced floors.

There have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described hereinabove several of the unique and novel embodiments of the present invention which can be practiced and constructed in many different configurations, arrangements of components, sizes, and shapes.

It should be understood that many changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications will become apparent to those persons skilled in this particular area of technology and to others after having been exposed to the present patent specification and accompanying drawings.

Any and all such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention are therefore covered by and embraced within the present invention and the patent claims set forth hereinbelow.