Abstract:
An enhanced mobility device is disclosed. The device has an enclosure defining an interior and an exterior and having a floor defining an opening therein. At least one access opening allows passage between the exterior and interior. A plurality of clamps attach to the interior of the enclosure. The access opening is sized to allow passage of a personal mobility device from the exterior to the interior where the mobility device may be secured to the enclosure for transport by the plurality of clamps.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/114,116 entitled “APPARATUS FOR THE HANDICAPPED,” filed Nov. 13, 2008, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This disclosure relates to handicap aids in general and, more specifically, to devices for enhancing mobility of handicapped persons in the outdoors. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Handicap mobility aids have, to date, largely consisted of devices that simply allow the handicapped to obtain mobility. Wheelchairs and motorized scooters allow non-ambulatory persons to move with a degree of freedom approximating that of a fully capable individual. Similarly, in an outdoor context, both handicapped and non-handicapped individuals may enjoy enhanced mobility and decreased fatigue by the use of all terrain vehicles, or ATVs. 
         [0004]    A non-handicapped individual is generally free to mount and dismount the ATV for purposes of recreation, rest, or to pursue activities on foot, while a handicapped person may not be able to easily mount or dismount the ATV, and may be more or less dependent upon whatever may be within reach on the ATV. Similarly, a non-handicapped person can leave the ATV to obtain shelter from the elements while many handicapped persons may have to deal with whatever the weather brings, without being able to easily leave the ATV. 
         [0005]    What is needed is a device for addressing the above, and related, concerns. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The invention of the present disclosure, in one aspect thereof, comprises an enhanced mobility device. The device has an enclosure defining an interior and an exterior and having a floor defining an opening therein. At least one access opening allows passage between the exterior and interior. A plurality of clamps are attached to the interior of the enclosure. The access opening is sized to allow passage of a personal mobility device from the exterior to the interior where the mobility device may be secured to the enclosure for transport by the plurality of clamps. 
         [0007]    In some embodiments, the enclosure provides a plurality of observation windows. The enclosure may comprise two pieces in a telescoping arrangement configured to allow adjustment of the enclosure for height. In another embodiment, the enclosure comprises two pieces in a telescoping arrangement configured to allow for adjustment of the enclosure for length. In some embodiments, the plurality of clamps are configured to attach to a cargo rack of an all terrain vehicle. In other embodiments, the plurality of clamps are configured to attach to a wheelchair. 
         [0008]    The device may further comprise an emergency signal indicator affixed to the exterior of the enclosure and activated from the interior of the enclosure. A plurality of extendable legs may be provided on at least one side of the enclosure for righting the enclosure in the event the enclosure tips onto the at least one side. 
         [0009]    The invention of the present disclosure, in another aspect thereof, comprises a kit for use by a handicapped person for cover, mobility, and protection. The kit includes an enclosure having at least one entrance and a floor defining and opening, the entrance being sized to allow passage of a personal mobility craft and the floor opening being sized to allow the personal mobility craft to rest upon the ground while enclosed by the enclosure. The kit further includes at least one clamp on the interior of the enclosure adapted to clamp onto the personal mobility craft and allow the personal mobility craft to support the enclosure for transport. A floor piece is selectively and removably attachable to the enclosure to cover the floor opening and thereby provide a floor to the enclosure. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments, the kit further comprises a chair attached to the floor piece and having a safety belt. The kit may include a winch attached to the enclosure and adapted to lift a user into and out of the enclosure via a second opening. The kit may also include a plurality of wheels attached to the enclosure and a tow hitch attached to the enclosure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a handicap mobility device according to aspects of the present disclosure. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a top view of a lower portion of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is another top view of the lower half of the device of  FIG. 1  showing an attached floor. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a front end view of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a back end view of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a side cutout view of the device of  FIG. 1  attached to an all terrain vehicle. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is another side cutout view of the device of  FIG. 1  illustrating exemplary medical supply holders. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is another side cutaway view of the device of  FIG. 1  illustrating exemplary placement of emergency equipment and firearms. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a side view of a handicap mobility device with an attached help sign. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a side perspective view of a floor insert for a handicap mobility device. 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is an opposite side view of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is a top view of a floor of a handicap access device showing an exemplary placement of a floor door. 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is another opposite side view. 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is a top view of an inner floor of a handicap device without a floor door. 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  is a top view of a bottom half of a handicap access device. 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  is an exploded side view of the handicap access device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  is another side view illustrating top and bottom halves of a handicap access device fitted together. 
           [0029]      FIG. 19  is a side view of a handicap access device illustrating an exemplary configuration of a side door. 
           [0030]      FIG. 20  is a side view of a handicap access device illustrating exemplary placement of a robotic work arm. 
           [0031]      FIG. 21  is a schematic diagram of a winch and control apparatus utilized to move a person into and out of the handicap access device. 
           [0032]      FIG. 22  is an end view of a handicap access device with an open access door illustrating an exemplary placement of an all terrain vehicle within the access device. 
           [0033]      FIG. 23  is a front view of a handicap access device utilizing a wheelchair. 
           [0034]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of a portion of the interior of a handicap access device illustrating how the device may attach to an ATV or other transportation device. 
           [0035]      FIG. 25  is an end perspective view of an embodiment of a handicap access device providing a set of wheels and a transportation hitch. 
           [0036]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a handicap access device with a self-righting apparatus. 
           [0037]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view of an inner floor of a handicap access device providing a wheelchair stabilizer. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0038]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a side view of a handicap mobility device according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device  1000  comprises an upper portion  10  and a lower portion  11  in the present embodiment. The upper portion  10  may be telescopically engaged with the lower portion  11  such that the device is height adjustable. Adjustment rollers  27  on internal track  32  may be provided to guide the upper portion  10  in proper alignment with the lower portion  11 . A series of height adjustment holes  99  may also be provided for securing the upper portion  10  and the lower portion  11  into a desired height. A lock pin  15  may be provided for securely retaining the upper portion  10  and lower portion  11  in the prescribed relationship. 
         [0039]    Referring now also to the side view of  FIG. 7 , it can be seen that the device  1000  is adapted to be fitted to a personal mobility device  44 . In the present example, the personal mobility device is an all terrain vehicle or ATV. However, it is understood that in other embodiments, the device  1000  may be sized to accommodate other personal mobility devices, such as motorized scooters, wheelchairs, snowmobiles, or other devices. 
         [0040]    In the present embodiment, the device  1000  attaches to the ATV  44  by one or more clamps  29  that attach to an ATV rack  100  on the fore and aft ends of the ATV  44 . The clamps  29  may be tightened by the clamp tightener  28  and attached to latch platforms  13 . In some embodiments, a platform brace  14  may be needed to ensure structural integrity of the latch platform  13 . Although clamps are utilized as an attachment means in the present embodiment, in other embodiments, other attachments means could be used including, but not limited to straps, vises, latches, hasps, pins, and bolts. 
         [0041]    Referring now also to  FIG. 22 , an access door  126 , by which the ATV  44  enters the enclosure  1000 , can be seen. In the present embodiment, the ATV  44  may be backed into the enclosure  1000  and then attached by the aforementioned clamps  29  to the ATV  44 . With reference back to  FIG. 1 , it may be seen how the upper portion  10  and lower portion  11  may be adjusted from within the device  1000 . A screw motor  102  is provided with a female screw box  103  in conjunction with a male screw adjustment  104 . These may be electrically powered for adjusting the height of the lower portion  11  relative to the upper portion  10 . In one method of operation, the ATV  44  may be driven into the enclosure  1000  when the enclosure is in a state with the lower portion  11  telescoped upward into the upper portion  10 . The height of the lower portion  11  within the upper portion  10  may be such that the latch platforms  14  are in close proximity to the ATV racks  100  or other attachment point. When the ATV or other mobility device has been securely clamped to the latch platform  13 , the height adjustment mechanism may be electronically activated, which will lower the lower portion  11  downward out of the upper portion  10 . As a result of the lower portion  11  being securely affixed to the ATV  44 , the upper portion  10  will be lifted clear of the ground or other support surface such that the weight of the enclosure  1000  will rest upon the ATV  44 . From this point, the ATV rider may travel within the enclosure  1000  with access to the protection from the elements and other benefits provided by the enclosure  1000 . 
         [0042]    In another embodiment, the enclosure  1000  may be attached to the ATV  44  and adjusted for height for transportation without the necessity of a telescopic upper portion  10  and lower portion  11 . For example,  FIG. 24  illustrates the interior portion of such an embodiment with attachment means on the upper portion  10 . A powered control box  129  can be seen interfitting with a latch platform  13  and clamps  28 . In the present embodiment, lock rings  134  may be provided to prevent lateral slippage when attached to the ATV  44 . A lock hinge  12  may be provided for further adjustment of the latch platform  13 . 
         [0043]    It will be appreciated that other embodiments may be sized to fit different personal mobility vehicles. For example, with reference to  FIG. 23 , it can be seen that the enclosure  1000  may be sized to fit a wheel chair. Additionally, some embodiments will be constructed in a telescopic fashion so as to be adjustable for width or length instead of or in addition to, height as described above. 
         [0044]    The materials used in construction of the device  1000  may vary in accordance with its intended use and the vehicle being used to carry it. For example, a large high powered ATV  44  may support a relatively robust and heavy embodiment. On the other hand, if the enclosure  1000  is intended for use on a manually powered wheel chair, it may be constructed of lighter materials including but not limited to lightweight woods or even sturdy fabrics such as denier or canvas that have been weather treated and attached to a frame. 
         [0045]    In some instances, it may be useful to leave the ATV  44  attached to the enclosure  1000  or for other reasons the user may desire to enter or leave the enclosure  1000  without use of the ATV. In such case and for other reasons, the device  1000  may be provided with a winch system that may include a winch motor  78 , a winch rail box  79 , a winch axle  80 , a winch pulley  81 , and winch cable  82 . In the present embodiment, the winch cable  82  is connected to a handicap pickup belt  83 . Depending upon the level of assistance needed by the user, the handicap pickup belt  83  could also be replaced with a full body harness or another device providing additional retention and control. 
         [0046]    Referring now also to  FIG. 21 , it may be seen that the winch system may be controlled by a winch control box  84  connected by control wiring  42  to the winch motor  78  and the remainder of the system. In some embodiments, the wiring  42  will be of sufficient length to allow the user to operate the winch system from inside or from outside the enclosure  1000 . 
         [0047]    It will be appreciated that the enclosure  1000  provides a number of additional enhancements and features, some or all of which may be included in various embodiments. For example, some embodiments will be equipped with observation doors  26 , as well as sliding windows  24 , as shown in window frames  23 . Exterior features, such as lighting  40 , are also contemplated. As can be seen with reference to  FIG. 8 , for example, for the oxygen dependent an oxygen bottle holder  50  may be provided along with an oxygen bottle  60 . Handicap rails  22  may also be provided, as well as a number of platforms or fold down storage tables  53 . It can be seen that the present embodiment provides crutch holders  49  with crutches  59 . Internal lighting  56  may also be provided. 
         [0048]    Examples of other interior features may include, but are not limited to, hot and cold storage  46 , an ammunition or film holder  61 , a camera or gun stabilizer  52 , and a medical dry box  58 . With reference now also to  FIG. 9 , other examples may include gun holder  62  shown with guns  63 , CB radio  68  shown with CB radio holder  69  connecting via coax cable  70  to communication antenna  71 . Also shown is rod holder  64  with fishing rods  65 . A cell phone holder  67  may be provided for a cell phone shown as  66 . It will be appreciated that the device  1000  is adaptable to hold a wide variety of medical supplies including, but not limited to, the glucometer holder  72  and the glucogon holder  73 . Convenience devices may also be provided, such as a drink holder  74  and/or an ice box or cooler  75 . 
         [0049]    Climate controls may also be provided, as shown by the ventilation tubing  47 , vent  41  and heating and cooling unit  48 . It is understood that many of the devices and accessories within the device  1000  may rely on battery power. Therefore, a battery  55  and battery box  54  may be provided but are not necessarily the only power source available within the device  1000 .  100501  In addition to convenience features, it will be appreciated that the mobility device  1000  also provides numerous safety features in its various embodiments. Referring to  FIG. 7  for one example, a wheelchair storage platform  30  may be provided for storing a manual foldable wheelchair  43 . In this way, a user of the mobility device  1000  will never be completely without means of mobility even in the event of a mechanical breakdown or failure. 
         [0050]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , a help signal or help sign  90  that may be spring loaded by coil spring  89  may be activated within the device  1000  by activating the release lock system  91  by a help sign release rope  92 . In this manner, a user that becomes immobile or otherwise in need of aid while within the device  1000  may be able to signal to others nearby from within the device  1000 . It will also be appreciated that the cell phone holder  67  and/or CB radio  68  within the device  1000 , as previously mentioned, may also be considered as safety communication aids. 
         [0051]    As a further example of safety and convenience features, reference is made to  FIG. 19 . Here it can be seen that a door  18  may be equipped with a pull handle  116  attached by cable  115  to aid a use in closing the door. A lower door  21  may also be provided on a pivot rod  20 . In this way, the device  1000  may be completely enclosed, regardless of the adjusted height.  FIG. 20  illustrates the integration of a robotic arm assembly  120  with a robotic hand assembly  121 . This enables a user to manipulate objects outside the enclosure  1000  without leaving. 
         [0052]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a side view of the device  1000  equipped with a stabilization system is shown. In the present embodiment, the stabilization system is an electrically powered system comprising a number of stabilization legs. In the present embodiment, the stabilization legs include three components, namely the female stabilizer  135 , the male/female stabilizer  136 , and the male stabilizer  137 . It will be appreciated that the aforementioned components operate together in a telescopic fashion to allow the device  1000  to be self-righting in the event of a tip over. In the present embodiment, the self-righting system is electronically activated and may be utilized by access to the height control switch  130 . This may be wired by wiring  57  to battery  55  and battery box  54 , which in turn powers the stabilizer system. Although only one side of the device  1000  is shown with a safety stabilizing system,it will be appreciated that two or more sides may be so equipped to enable the user to self-right the device  1000  from a tipped position or from any position that is likely to result in tipping. 
         [0053]    The device  1000  of the present disclosure will be modular in some embodiments. For example, with reference now to  FIG. 11 , a floor piece is shown. The floor piece  39  may be placed within the device  1000  to allow the device to be used as a stationary protective structure. A bottom access door  37  may be provided on the floor piece  39  if needed or desired. A number of lock pins  15  may secure a handicap chair  94  to the floor piece  39 . Other aids may also be provided, including but not limited to, a handicap chair railing  97 , a safety belt  96 , and a winch pick-up  95 . The winch pick-up  95  may be utilized to lift the chair into and out of the enclosure  1000  utilizing the winch system as previously discussed.  FIG. 27  illustrates another embodiment where the floor piece  39  is adapted to secure a wheel chair  43 . 
         [0054]    In addition to having an optional floor system for converting the device  1000  into a stationary enclosure, the device may also be equipped, as shown in  FIG. 25 , with wheels  133  and/or a hitch  132 . This may allow the device  1000  to be transported or towed with the aid of another vehicle. In some embodiments, the floor piece  39  may also be utilized with the embodiment shown in  FIG. 25 , resulting in a mobility trailer. 
         [0055]    It will be appreciated from the examples given that the mobility system  1000  is widely adaptable for a variety of uses. To provide further examples of specific embodiments, a number of additional figures are included with the present disclosure. To aid the reader in more fully understanding the various specific embodiments, a parts list is also provided herein as Table 1. Those of skill in the art will readily understand the included drawings in conjunction with the parts list and the detailed description given above to easily adapt the designs disclosed herein to other uses within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 10 
                 upper portion 
               
               
                 11 
                 lower portion 
               
               
                 12 
                 lock hinge 
               
               
                 13 
                 latch platform 
               
               
                 14 
                 latch platform brace 
               
               
                 15 
                 lock pin 
               
               
                 16 
                 door frame 
               
               
                 17 
                 door hinge 
               
               
                 18 
                 upper door 
               
               
                 19 
                 door hasp 
               
               
                 20 
                 upper/lower door pivot rod 
               
               
                 21 
                 lower door 
               
               
                 22 
                 handicap rail 
               
               
                 23 
                 window frame 
               
               
                 24 
                 slide windows 
               
               
                 25 
                 observation door hinge 
               
               
                 26 
                 observation door 
               
               
                 27 
                 adjustment rollers 
               
               
                 28 
                 clamp tightener 
               
               
                 29 
                 secure clamp 
               
               
                 30 
                 handicap wheelchair storage 
               
               
                   
                 platform 
               
               
                 31 
                 female platform lock 
               
               
                 32 
                 internal track 
               
               
                 33 
                 inside floor support 
               
               
                 34 
                 anchor hole 
               
               
                 35 
                 inner floor studs 
               
               
                 36 
                 inner floor female lock 
               
               
                 37 
                 bottom access door 
               
               
                 38 
                 door handles 
               
               
                 39 
                 inner floor —removable 
               
               
                 40 
                 lights 
               
               
                 41 
                 vent 
               
               
                 42 
                 wiring 
               
               
                 43 
                 wheelchair 
               
               
                 44 
                 ATV 
               
               
                 45 
                 pull handle 
               
               
                 46 
                 hot/cold medical climate control storage 
               
               
                 47 
                 tubing ventilation 
               
               
                 48 
                 heat/cool unit 
               
               
                 49 
                 crutch holder 
               
               
                 50 
                 oxygen bottle holder 
               
               
                 51 
                 medical support holder 
               
               
                 52 
                 camera/gun stabilizer 
               
               
                 53 
                 fold down storage table 
               
               
                 54 
                 battery box holder 
               
               
                 55 
                 battery 
               
               
                 56 
                 internal light 
               
               
                 57 
                 wiring 
               
               
                 58 
                 medical dry box 
               
               
                 59 
                 crutch 
               
               
                 60 
                 oxygen bottle 
               
               
                 61 
                 ammunition/film holder 
               
               
                 62 
                 gun holder 
               
               
                 63 
                 gun 
               
               
                 64 
                 fishing pole holder 
               
               
                 65 
                 fishing pole 
               
               
                 66 
                 cell phone 
               
               
                 67 
                 cell phone holder 
               
               
                 68 
                 CB radio 
               
               
                 69 
                 CB radio holder 
               
               
                 70 
                 coax 
               
               
                 71 
                 communication antenna 
               
               
                 72 
                 glucometer holder 
               
               
                 73 
                 glucagon holder 
               
               
                 74 
                 drink holder 
               
               
                 75 
                 ice box 
               
               
                 76 
                 alert speaker 
               
               
                 77 
                 alert roll over control box 
               
               
                 78 
                 winch motor 
               
               
                 79 
                 winch rail box 
               
               
                 80 
                 winch axle 
               
               
                 81 
                 winch pulley 
               
               
                 82 
                 winch cable 
               
               
                 83 
                 handicap pick up belt 
               
               
                 84 
                 winch control box 
               
               
                 85 
                 wind curtain holder 
               
               
                 86 
                 wind curtain 
               
               
                 87 
                 mirror 
               
               
                 88 
                 female chair holder 
               
               
                 89 
                 coil spring 
               
               
                 90 
                 help sign 
               
               
                 91 
                 release lock system 
               
               
                 92 
                 help sign release rope 
               
               
                 93 
                 male chair holder 
               
               
                 94 
                 handicap chair 
               
               
                 95 
                 winch pickup 
               
               
                 96 
                 safety belt 
               
               
                 97 
                 handicap chair railing 
               
               
                 98 
                 axle 
               
               
                 99 
                 height adjustment holes 
               
               
                 100 
                 ATV racks 
               
               
                 101 
                 winch pivot 
               
               
                 102 
                 screw motor 
               
               
                 103 
                 female screw box 
               
               
                 104 
                 male screw adjustment 
               
               
                 105 
                 female sleeve box 
               
               
                 106 
                 male slide box 
               
               
                 107 
                 cable guide 
               
               
                 108 
                 motor housing 
               
               
                 109 
                 observation camera 
               
               
                 110 
                 observation camera screen 
               
               
                 111 
                 door housing male lock system 
               
               
                 112 
                 female housing for male lock system 
               
               
                 113 
                 secure safety plate 
               
               
                 114 
                 door pull guide 
               
               
                 115 
                 door pull cable 
               
               
                 116 
                 door pull handle 
               
               
                 117 
                 male adjustable height pins 
               
               
                 118 
                 female adjustable height receiver 
               
               
                   
                 openings 
               
               
                 119 
                 winch pivot cable slide opening 
               
               
                 120 
                 robotic arm assembly 
               
               
                 121 
                 robotic hand assembly 
               
               
                 122 
                 robotic arm/hand control box 
               
               
                 123 
                 robotic arm/hand monitor screen 
               
               
                 124 
                 winch control arm 
               
               
                 125 
                 housing box for portability 
               
               
                 126 
                 equipment front access door 
               
               
                   
                 frame 
               
               
                 127 
                 female housing 
               
               
                 128 
                 adjustable powered height control 
               
               
                 129 
                 adjustable powered control box 
               
               
                 130 
                 adjustable height control switch 
               
               
                 131 
                 female hitch receiver 
               
               
                 132 
                 male hitch 
               
               
                 133 
                 removable portable wheels 
               
               
                 134 
                 lock band 
               
               
                 135 
                 safety powered female stabilizer 
               
               
                 136 
                 safety male/female stabilizer arm 
               
               
                 137 
                 safety male stabilizer 
               
               
                 138 
                 wheelchair stabilizer and adjustable tray 
               
               
                 139 
                 male wheelchair stabilizer holder 
               
               
                 140 
                 female wheelchair stabilizer 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0056]    Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes and modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such changes and modifications are encompassed within the spirit of this invention as defined by the claims.