Patent Description:
A reclining transport chair is disclosed in the <CIT>.

It is common to transport hospital patients in wheelchairs. In such situations, the patient normally sits in the wheelchair and an operator, often referred to as the escort, pushes the wheelchair to move the patient to the desired location. To accomplish this, the escort often must maneuver the chair and patient in and out of elevators, through hallways, up and down ramps, into and out of rooms, etc. In addition, the escort often must assist the patient out of the chair or into the chair. Unfortunately, conventional wheelchairs are not very effective in such circumstances because they are designed for self-mobility, not patient transport.

One drawback of conventional wheelchairs is that escorts must bend over to reach the handles of the wheelchair to push it. The handles normally extend straight back toward the escort in an orientation that is unnatural for the escort and the handles are typically not adjustable. In addition, wheelchairs do not provide enough room for the escort's feet when walking, especially when longer strides are taken as when the escort is tall or when the escort is moving quickly. Furthermore, wheelchairs do not provide adequate storage for items such as the patient's belongings or medical documents and equipment. Typically, the only storage that is provided is a rear pocket that is integrated into the flexible seatback of the wheelchair. When items are placed in the pocket, the items tend to poke the patient in the back thereby making for an uncomfortable ride. Moreover, the upright sitting position and absence of head support can be uncomfortable for the patient over longer periods of time, even when items are not placed in the rear pocket.

In addition to those drawbacks, it can be difficult for the escort to assist patients into or out of conventional wheelchairs. In either situation, the escort must bend over while supporting at least part of the patient's weight. Such an action can cause escort back injuries. Even when such injuries are not sustained, the act of assisting the patient into or out of the chair can require significant strength, which may not be possessed by the escort. It can also be physically straining for patients to get into and out of conventional wheelchairs, particularly if these patients are in a physically weakened condition due to age, illness, or injury.

A further drawback of conventional wheelchairs is that they take up a large amount of space when not in use and tend to be left in disarray in hospital hallways such that they impede personnel and hospital equipment. Furthermore, the footrests of conventional wheelchairs are detachable and tend to get lost. Moreover, conventional wheelchairs are easily stolen.

A further drawback of conventional wheelchairs is that they cannot recline. Sitting upright for long periods of time can be fatiguing to patients with weakened core muscles, spinal injuries, and the like. Conventional wheelchairs might be adequate for relatively robust patients who are unable to walk over long periods of time, but in practice wheelchairs are used to transport patients with more serious disabilities. As a matter of practical usage wheelchairs are not merely used to transport a patient from one place to another, but often the patient must wait for long periods of time in the wheelchair waiting for medical attention, such as when a patient is taken from the hospital room to a busy radiology center.

In view of the above-described drawbacks, it can be appreciated that it would be desirable to have alternative means for transporting individuals, such as hospital patients, from place to place.

The disclosed transport chair embodiments can be better understood with reference to the following figures. It is noted that the components illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

As described above, conventional wheelchairs have several drawbacks when used to transport individuals, such as hospital patients, from place to place. Disclosed herein are transport chairs that are specifically designed for transporting such individuals with the maximum comfort while simultaneously reducing the effort required by the individuals and the chair operators (e.g., hospital escorts) and thereby reducing the opportunity for injury. In some embodiments, the transport chairs comprise a seat assembly that is supported by a base frame and that can pivot relative to the base frame about a pivot axis located near the front edge of the chair's seat. Such pivoting capability not only makes moving patients into and out of the chair much easier (particularly for patients with weakened legs or balance problems) but also facilitates chair nesting that significantly reduces the amount of space required for storage of the chairs.

In this disclosure, particular embodiments are described and illustrated. It is noted those embodiments are mere examples and that many other variations are possible. The present disclosure is intended to include all such variations.

<FIG> illustrate an example embodiment of a transport chair <NUM>. Generally speaking, the transport chair <NUM> includes a seat assembly <NUM> that is supported by a base frame <NUM>. The seat assembly <NUM> comprises a seat frame <NUM> that includes multiple frame members, which can be configured as hollow metal (e.g., steel or aluminum) tubes. For the purposes of this discussion, the frame members will be referred to as tubes. The seat frame <NUM> includes two opposed side tubes <NUM>, and a top cross tube <NUM>, a rear cross tube <NUM>, and a bottom support component or tray <NUM>, each of which extends between the two side tubes. As is described below, at least one seat assembly tube section <NUM> is attached to the bottom tray <NUM> to facilitate articulation of the seat assembly <NUM>.

Extending between the side tubes <NUM> is a support element <NUM> that supports the user (patient) when being transported in the chair <NUM>. In some embodiments, the support element <NUM> comprises a flexible material that both conforms to the patient's body and facilitates air circulation so as to increase patient comfort. By way of example, the support element <NUM> comprises a hospital-grade vinyl fabric or mesh. Irrespective of the particular nature of the support element <NUM>, the side tubes <NUM> can be continuous so as to form both a lower portion or seat <NUM> of the chair <NUM> and an upper portion or backrest <NUM> of the chair. In some embodiments, the backrest <NUM> forms a fixed angle with the seat <NUM> that is greater than <NUM> degrees. Such an angle is known as an "open hip angle" and not only increases patient comfort by enabling proper positioning of the spine but further facilitates entry into and exit from the transport chair <NUM>. In some embodiments, the side tubes <NUM> form a seat profile based on the Grandjean curve, which is specifically designed to provide maximum comfort for all body sizes. Although the seat <NUM> and backrest <NUM> have been described and shown as being formed by the continuous side tubes <NUM>, and therefore define a fixed angle between them, separate tubes or other members could be provided for the seat and backrest to enable adjustment of the angle between the backrest and the seat.

As is further illustrated in the figures, the lower and upper portions of the side tubes <NUM>, which pertain to the seat <NUM> and the backrest <NUM>, respectively, are individually curved. Specifically, the lower portions of the side tubes <NUM> curve downward at the front of the seat <NUM> to accommodate the bend of the patient's knees and curve upward at the rear of the seat to accommodate the bend of the patient's hips and to transition into the backrest <NUM>. The upper portions of the side tubes <NUM> curve slightly forward near the lower-middle portion of the backrest <NUM>, curve slightly rearward near the upper-middle portion of the backrest, and curve slightly forward again near the top of the backrest accommodate the natural curvature of the spine and to provide support to the shoulders (and head for smaller patients). In addition, the top ends of the side tubes <NUM> extend rearward from the support element <NUM> toward the chair operator.

With particular reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, extending backward from the top ends of the side tubes <NUM> and extending laterally between the side tubes is an operator handle <NUM> that can be used by the chair operator to move the transport chair <NUM>. In some embodiments, the handle <NUM> comprises side portions <NUM> that extend rearward from the side tubes <NUM> and a laterally-extending portion <NUM> that extends between the side portions and that forms the grip of the handle. Because the handle <NUM> extends back from the side tubes <NUM>, which themselves extend back from the support element <NUM>, the position of the handle ensures that the chair operator has plenty of space for the operator's feet and legs when walking with the chair <NUM>. In addition, because the handle <NUM> incorporates a laterally-extending portion <NUM> for a grip, the handle is much easier to grasp than wheelchair handles.

The handle <NUM> is pivotally connected to the side tubes <NUM> and can be angularly adjusted to suit the height of the operator and/or to account for the recline angle of the seat assembly <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustability is enabled by pivot joints <NUM> that are in a normally locked orientation but which can be adjusted when release buttons <NUM> on the sides of the pivot joints are depressed and held. By way of example, the laterally-extending portion <NUM> of the handle <NUM> can be articulated from a <NUM> degree declination angle to a <NUM> degree inclination angle, thereby providing approximately eight inches of vertical adjustment. As is shown best in <FIG> and <FIG>, the laterally-extending portion <NUM> of the operator handle <NUM> can be economically curved to suit the natural positions of the operator's outstretched hands.

Also mounted to the side tubes <NUM> are opposed armrests <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the armrests <NUM> are mounted to the side tubes <NUM> with mounting brackets <NUM> that are fixedly secured to the rear sides of the side tubes. In some embodiments, the armrests <NUM> are pivotally mounted to the mounting brackets <NUM> so that they can be articulated from a bottom, generally horizontal position at which they are generally parallel to the seat <NUM> to a top, generally vertical position at which they are generally parallel with the backrest <NUM> and therefore out of the way of the patient. In some embodiments, the mounting brackets <NUM> each comprise an attachment element <NUM>, for example a hook, that is configured to receive and secure a bottom rack of the transport chair <NUM>, which is described below. As is also described below, such receipt and securing facilitates nesting of the transport chair <NUM>.

As is shown best in <FIG> and <FIG>, the transport chair <NUM> optionally includes a rear storage component <NUM> that can be used to store various items, such as the patient's personal items, medical documents and equipment, or a power source for the chair's motorized lifting mechanism (when provided). The rear storage component <NUM> can be fabricated from sheet metal (e.g., steel or aluminum) or a plastic material and, as illustrated in the figures, can be secured to the top and rear cross tubes <NUM>, <NUM> of the seat assembly <NUM>. As is further illustrated in the figures, the rear storage component <NUM> can define an upper storage compartment <NUM> in the form of a large pocket and a lower storage compartment <NUM> in the form of a flat tray. As is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the storage component <NUM> can contain an integral IV pole <NUM> that can be manually extended from a horizontal, stowed position (shown in the figure) to a vertical, extended position (not shown) so that an IV bag or other component can be hung from a hook <NUM> of the pole. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower storage compartment <NUM> supports a power source <NUM> (e.g., battery) for the lifting mechanism.

As described above, the seat assembly bottom tray <NUM> extends between the two side tubes <NUM>. More specifically, the bottom tray <NUM> extends below the seat <NUM> between the lower portions of the side tubes <NUM>. The bottom tray <NUM>, like the cross tubes <NUM>, <NUM>, provides structural integrity to the seat assembly <NUM>. In addition, the bottom tray <NUM> facilitates pivoting of the seat assembly <NUM> about a front pivot axis <NUM> of the transport chair <NUM> located near the front edge of the seat <NUM>. In particular, the bottom tray <NUM> supports at least one horizontal seat assembly tube section <NUM> that is fixedly mounted on and concentric with a horizontal pivot shaft <NUM> that is concentric with the pivot axis <NUM> and therefore has a central longitudinal axis that is coincident with and defines the pivot axis. In some embodiments, the shaft <NUM> comprises a hollow metal (e.g., steel) tube. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two seat assembly tube sections <NUM>. Because the tube sections <NUM> are fixedly connected to the bottom tray <NUM>, which supports the seat assembly <NUM>, the seat assembly can rotate or pivot about the pivot axis <NUM> with the pivot shaft <NUM>. As described below with reference to <FIG>, the seat assembly <NUM> can be positioned in any number of orientations between a fully reclined position and a fully inclined (or forward titled) position. In the illustrated embodiment, the tube sections <NUM> are mounted to the bottom tray <NUM> with flanges <NUM> that extend from the tray to the tube sections (see <FIG> and <FIG>).

The bottom tray <NUM> also facilitates pivoting of the seat assembly <NUM> because the bottom tray serves as the attachment point for a lifting mechanism <NUM> that assists the operator with pivoting the seat assembly about the pivot axis <NUM>. An embodiment for the lifting mechanism <NUM> and its operation are described below.

The base frame <NUM>, like the seat frame <NUM>, comprises multiple frame members, which can be configured as hollow metal (e.g., steel or aluminum) tubes. For the purposes of this discussion, the base frame members will also be referred to as tubes. As indicated most clearly in <FIG> and <FIG>, the base frame <NUM> includes to two opposed, generally vertical front tubes <NUM>. Located at the top ends of the front tubes <NUM> are horizontal base frame tube sections <NUM> that, like the seat assembly tube sections <NUM>, are mounted on the pivot shaft <NUM>. Unlike the seat assembly tube sections <NUM>, however, the base frame tube sections <NUM> are not fixed to the pivot shaft <NUM> such that the pivot shaft can rotate independent of the base frame tube sections. With this configuration, the front tubes <NUM> support the pivot shaft <NUM>, and therefore the seat assembly <NUM> that is mounted to the shaft <NUM>.

Connected to the bottom ends of the front tubes <NUM> are front wheel assemblies <NUM>. As is shown in the drawings, the front wheel assemblies <NUM> are each configured as a caster wheel that includes a wheel <NUM> that can rotate about a horizontal axis and a bracket <NUM> that can rotate about a vertical axis. By way of example, the wheel <NUM> comprises a resilient outer surface made of rubber or a polymer with similar properties.

Extending between the front tubes <NUM> is a generally horizontal front cross tube <NUM>. The front cross tube <NUM> provides structural support to the front tubes <NUM> and further supports the lifting mechanism <NUM> with downward extending mounting flanges <NUM> to which the lifting mechanism <NUM> is pivotally mounted. Although capable of alternative construction, the lifting mechanism <NUM> can comprise an internal electric motor (not visible) contained within an outer housing <NUM> that linearly drives a shaft <NUM> that is pivotally connected to the bottom tray <NUM> of the seat assembly <NUM>. When the motor is driven to extend the shaft <NUM> from the housing <NUM>, the bottom tray <NUM> is moved upward and the seat assembly <NUM> pivots forward about the pivot axis <NUM>. In contrast, when the motor is driven to retract the shaft <NUM> into the housing <NUM>, the bottom tray <NUM> is moved downward and the seat assembly <NUM> pivots backward about the pivot axis <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example controller <NUM> that can be used to actuate the lifting mechanism <NUM>. As is shown in that figure, the controller <NUM> is mounted within the upper storage compartment <NUM> of the rear storage component <NUM> and includes up and down push buttons <NUM>. Although the controller <NUM> is shown as being integrated with the rear storage compartment <NUM>, in other embodiments the controller can be connected to a long (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM> foot long) cable that enables the operator to remotely actuate the lifting mechanism <NUM> from a position other than behind the chair <NUM>. For example, the cable would enable the operator to actuate the lifting mechanism <NUM> from the front of the chair <NUM> so that the operator could actuate the lifting mechanism and assist the patient at the same time. In still other embodiments, the controller <NUM> can be a wireless controller.

Extending rearward from the front tubes <NUM> are two opposed, generally horizontal side tubes <NUM>. In embodiments in which the transport chair <NUM> can nest with like chairs, the side tubes <NUM> extend outwardly at an angle from the front tubes <NUM> as shown in <FIG> to provide room for another chair to fit between the side tubes. As is shown best in <FIG>, the side tubes <NUM> each terminate in a vertical rear flange <NUM> to which a rear wheel <NUM> is mounted. The rear wheels <NUM> in this embodiment are significantly larger than the front wheels <NUM> but, as with the front wheels, can each comprise a resilient outer surface made of rubber or a polymer with similar properties. Fixedly mounted to the inside of each wheel <NUM> is a toothed hub <NUM>. A brake element (not visible in the figures) that is operated by a foot pedal <NUM> positioned adjacent the wheel <NUM> can engage the teeth of the hub <NUM> to provide independent positive braking for each wheel <NUM>. Although independent braking has been described, the brake element associated with each wheel <NUM> can be simultaneously operated by a single foot pedal <NUM> in alternative embodiments.

Extending beneath the seat assembly <NUM> is a bottom storage component in the form of a bottom rack <NUM>. The front end of the rack <NUM> is pivotally mounted to the side tubes <NUM> near the point at which the side tubes connect to the front tubes <NUM> (see <FIG>) and the rear end of the rack is supported by (rests upon) the rear flanges <NUM> of the side tubes <NUM>. With this configuration, the rear end of the bottom rack <NUM> can be lifted up from the rear flanges <NUM> and connected to the attachment element <NUM> for nesting purposes (see <FIG>). In the illustrated embodiment, the rack <NUM> is constructed as a metal wire frame.

Extending down from and between the side tubes <NUM> is a U-shaped central cross tube <NUM>. The central cross tube <NUM> provides structural support to the side tubes <NUM> and further supports a stop member <NUM> that is pivotally mounted thereto. As is described below, the stop member <NUM> is used to prevent footrests of another transport chair from damaging the lifting mechanism <NUM> when an operator improperly attempts to nest the chair without first folding up the footrests of the rear chair. In the retracted or undeployed position shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the stop member <NUM> is lifted up off the floor or ground and is suspended from the bottom rack <NUM> due to magnetic attraction between a magnet provided on the stop member <NUM> and the metal of the bottom rack (or associated magnet of the rack if provided). When the bottom rack <NUM> is lifted upward to facilitate nesting, the magnetic coupling is broken and the stop member <NUM> drops down to the floor or ground under the force of gravity to assume an extended or deployed position that ensures that the footrest of a potentially nesting chair is blocked.

In addition to the seat assembly <NUM>, the pivot shaft <NUM> of the base frame <NUM> also supports at least one footrest assembly <NUM>. Although a single footrest assembly <NUM> can be provided to support both of the patient's feet, the illustrated embodiment includes two footrest assemblies, one for each foot. Each footrest assembly <NUM> includes a horizontal footrest assembly tube section <NUM> that is mounted on and concentric with the pivot shaft <NUM>. Unlike the seat assembly tube sections <NUM>, however, the tube sections <NUM> are free to rotate about the pivot shaft <NUM>. Extending from each footrest assembly tube section <NUM> is a leg <NUM> that is similar in length to a human lower leg. Pivotally mounted to the bottom end of each leg <NUM> with a pivot joint <NUM> is footrest <NUM>. In some embodiments, the footrests <NUM> each comprise a generally planar metal plate <NUM>. Attached to the bottom surface of each plate <NUM> is a layer of resilient slip-resistant material <NUM> that, as described below, acts as a further brake for the transport chair <NUM> when a patient enters or exits the chair.

In some embodiments, the footrest assemblies <NUM> pivot in unison with the seat assembly <NUM> until they contact the floor or ground, at which point the patient can stand on the footrests and get into or out of the chair <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, such functionality is provided by key and slot apparatuses defined by the seat assembly tube sections <NUM> and the footrest assembly tube sections <NUM>. Example key and slot apparatuses are illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, which show the base frame <NUM> (with the lifting mechanism <NUM> removed), the bottom tray <NUM> of the seat assembly <NUM>, and the footrest assemblies <NUM>. Specifically, illustrated are the key and slot apparatuses defined by pairings of seat assembly tube sections <NUM> and footrest tube sections <NUM>.

As is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a key <NUM> in the form of a rectangular and arcuate tab extends from the inner edge of each seat assembly tube section <NUM> toward its adjacent footrest tube section <NUM>. The key <NUM> is received within an arcuate slot <NUM> that is provided along the outer edge of the footrest tube section <NUM> that faces the adjacent seat assembly tube section <NUM>. Each slot <NUM> has a top end <NUM> and a bottom end <NUM> and the key <NUM> can travel along the slot and at least engage the top end of the slot. The key and slot pairs are angularly positioned on the tube sections <NUM>, <NUM> such that when the seat assembly <NUM> is reclined past a predetermined point (e.g., past a point at which the seat <NUM> is horizontal), the key <NUM> engages the top end <NUM> of the slot <NUM> and continued reclining of the seat assembly will lift the footrest assemblies <NUM> off of the floor or ground so that the footrest assemblies will pivot in unison with the seat assembly. When the seat assembly <NUM> is pivoted forward again to the extent at which the footrests <NUM> again are supported by the floor or ground, the footrest assemblies <NUM> will "break" from the seat assembly and they will remain stationary even if the seat assembly continues to be pivoted forward. During such continued pivoting, the key <NUM> of the seat assembly tube section <NUM> travels unimpeded along the slot <NUM> of the footrest assembly tube section <NUM>. An example of such operation is described in relation to <FIG> below.

In some embodiments, the footrest assemblies <NUM> can be independently locked in predetermined orientations relative to the seat assembly <NUM> to elevate one or both of the patient's feet. An example of such locking is illustrated in <FIG>. That figure shows the base frame <NUM> of the transport chair <NUM> (with the lifting mechanism <NUM> removed) with the footrest assemblies <NUM> attached. As is shown in <FIG>, the left footrest assembly <NUM> has been locked in an elevated orientation relative to the right footrest assembly <NUM> using a locking pin <NUM> that has been passed through openings formed in the left footrest assembly tube section <NUM> and the pivot shaft <NUM>. When the pin <NUM> has been so placed, the footrest assembly <NUM> is fixedly connected to the pivot shaft <NUM> and will therefore move in unison with the seat assembly <NUM> (not shown), which is likewise fixed to the shaft.

The construction of an example transport chair <NUM> having been described above, operation of the chair will now be discussed. As described above, the seat assembly <NUM> is infinitely adjustable between a fully reclined orientation in which a patient can sit in the chair <NUM> to a fully inclined or tilted forward orientation in which the patient can either get into or out of the chair. <FIG> show the seat assembly <NUM> being articulated from the fully reclined orientation (<FIG>) to the fully inclined or tilted forward orientation (<FIG>). As indicated in <FIG>, both the seat <NUM> and the backrest <NUM> are reclined when the seat assembly <NUM> is in the fully reclined orientation. In some embodiments, the seat <NUM> forms an angle with the horizontal plane of approximately <NUM> to <NUM> degrees and the backrest <NUM> forms an angle with the vertical plane of approximately <NUM> to <NUM> degrees when the seat assembly <NUM> has been fully reclined. By way of example, the seat <NUM> is reclined at an angle of approximately <NUM> degrees (from the horizontal plane) and the backrest <NUM> is reclined at an angle of approximately <NUM> degrees (from the vertical plane) in the fully reclined orientation. As is also shown in <FIG>, the footrest assemblies <NUM> are lifted up off of the floor or ground because of the aforementioned key and slot apparatuses.

When the lifting mechanism <NUM> is activated to extend the shaft <NUM>, the seat assembly <NUM> will pivot forward about the pivot axis <NUM> and the recline angle of the seat assembly will be reduced. <FIG> shows the transport chair after the lifting mechanism <NUM> has been operated to bring the seat <NUM> to a horizontal orientation. As is also shown in that figure, the footrest assemblies <NUM> have pivoted downward as the seat assembly <NUM> has pivoted forward to the point at which the footrests <NUM> initially make contact with the floor or ground. Although the footrests <NUM> have been described and illustrated as first touching the floor or ground when the seat <NUM> is horizontal, it is noted that this relationship is merely exemplary and that the footrests may first touch the floor or ground when the seat is in another orientation.

If the lifting mechanism <NUM> continues to operate, forward pivoting of the seat assembly <NUM> continues, as indicated in <FIG>, and both the seat <NUM> and backrest <NUM> will begin to tilt forward. Notably, however, the footrest assemblies <NUM> do not continue to pivot with the seat assembly <NUM> because they are now supported by the floor or ground.

<FIG> shows the seat assembly <NUM> in the fully inclined, or forward tilted, orientation. As is shown in that figure, the footrest assemblies <NUM> have not moved. In some embodiments, the seat <NUM> forms an angle with the horizontal plane of approximately -<NUM> to -<NUM> degrees and the backrest <NUM> forms an angle with the vertical plane of approximately <NUM> to -<NUM> degrees when the seat assembly <NUM> is fully forward tilted. By way of example, the seat <NUM> is tilted forward at an angle of approximately -<NUM> degrees (from the horizontal plane) and the backrest <NUM> is tilted forward at an angle of approximately -<NUM> (from the vertical plane) degrees in the fully inclined orientation.

It is much easier for patients to get out of the transport chair <NUM> when the seat assembly <NUM> has been tilted forward as shown in <FIG>. Specifically, the pivoting of the seat assembly <NUM> places the patient in a more upright position that is closer to standing than the seated position of a conventional wheelchair. Therefore, less energy and leg strength are required to stand up. When the patient begins to stand up, the patient's weight is pressed down onto the footrests <NUM>. This force presses the footrests <NUM> into firm contact with the floor or ground. This force, combined with the slip-resistant material <NUM> provided on the underside of the footrests <NUM>, stabilizes the chair <NUM> as well as the patient as the patient leaves the chair. The forward tilt of the seat assembly <NUM> also reduces the energy or strength needed from someone (e.g., a hospital escort) who is called upon to assist the patient out of the chair <NUM>.

The forward tilt of the seat assembly <NUM> also makes it easier for patients to get into the chair <NUM>. Specifically, because the seat <NUM> is tilted forward and upward in the orientation shown in <FIG>, the patient does not need to drop down as far to sit as the patient would need to with a conventional wheelchair. This also makes for less work for the individual who assists the patient into the chair <NUM>.

The pivoting of the seat assembly <NUM> not only facilitates patient entry into and exit from the transport chair <NUM> but also facilitates storing the chair by nesting. <FIG> shows the transport chair <NUM> from the rear when the chair is at or near the fully inclined (forward tilted) orientation. As shown in that figure, the bottom rack <NUM> is still supported by the rear flanges <NUM> of the side tubes <NUM> of the base frame <NUM>. When the rack <NUM> is in that position, it occupies the space between the rear wheels <NUM> that could be used for nesting. If nesting is desired, the rack <NUM> can be manually pivoted upward and attached to the seat assembly <NUM> as indicated in <FIG>. Specifically, the rack <NUM> can be hung on the attachment elements <NUM> provided on the mounting brackets <NUM> connected to the side tubes <NUM> of the seat assembly <NUM>. In some embodiments, such attachment is performed when the seat assembly <NUM> has been tilted forward just short of the fully forward tilted position. Once the rack <NUM> has been attached, the seat assembly <NUM> can be fully pivoted forward. Regardless, once the rack <NUM> has been connected to the seat assembly <NUM>, the space between the rear wheels <NUM> is open and unobstructed.

When the bottom rack <NUM> is pivoted upward, the magnetic coupling that connects the footrest stop member <NUM> to the rack is broken and the stop member drops down to the floor or ground into its deployed position, as shown in <FIG>. As described above, once deployed, the stop member <NUM> is positioned to block passage of the footrests <NUM> of another chair that someone may try to nest behind the chair <NUM> and therefore prevents the footrests from damaging the lifting mechanism <NUM>. Because of the stop member <NUM>, the footrests <NUM> of another chair that is to be nested behind the chair <NUM> must be folded upward prior to nesting.

Such upward folding is illustrated in <FIG>. Specifically, the footrests <NUM> have been pivoted through approximately <NUM> degrees so that they are moved from a generally horizontal orientation to a generally vertical orientation. In some embodiments, friction holds the footrests <NUM> in the vertical orientation to prevent them from unintentionally flopping down,into the horizontal orientation.

<FIG> illustrates nesting of two transport chairs: a front chair 10a and a rear chair 10b. As is shown in that figure, the rear chair 10b has been moved into the space between the rear wheels <NUM> of the front chair 10a so that the two chairs occupy less space than they would if they were stored separately. As is further shown in <FIG>, the seat assembly <NUM> of the rear chair 10b does not occupy the space beneath the seat assembly <NUM> of the front chair 10a.

To place the chairs 10a, 10b in the orientation shown in <FIG>, the chair operator can first position the front chair 10a in a desired storage location and set the brakes of the chair. Next, the operator can pivot the front chair 10a forward and attach the bottom rack <NUM> of the front chair to its associated seat assembly <NUM> at a position somewhere between fully reclined and fully inclined (forward tilted). Once the bottom rack <NUM> has been attached to the seat assembly <NUM>, the operator can complete the forward tilting of the front chair 10a. Next, the operator can fold up the footrests <NUM> of the rear chair 10b and then push the rear chair forward between the rear wheels <NUM> of the front chair 10a until the footrests of the rear chair contact the deployed stop member <NUM> of the front chair. At that point, the operator can set the brakes of the rear chair 10b and, if desired, attach the bottom rack <NUM> to the seat assembly <NUM> and fully forward tilt the seat assembly so that a further chair can be nested behind the rear chair.

The operator can perform the reverse operation to unnest the rear chair 10b from the front chair 10a. For example, the operator can pivot the seat assembly <NUM> of the rear chair 0b back and detach the bottom rack <NUM> so it can be placed in its horizontal orientation (supported by the rear flanges <NUM> of the side tubes <NUM>). Once the seat <NUM> assembly has been reclined, the operator can release the brakes of the rear chair 10b and withdraw the rear chair from the front chair 10a. Before the rear chair 10b can be used by a patient, the operator must unfold the footrests <NUM>. If deemed necessary, the seat assembly <NUM> can again be titled forward after the footrests <NUM> have been unfolded to facilitate easier entry into the chair <NUM> by the patient. Because the forward tilting of the chair causes the footrests <NUM> to engage the floor or ground, the operator must recline the chair <NUM> before it can be used to transport the patient. Notably, such reclining would still be necessary even if the footrests. <NUM> did not engage the floor or ground because the forward tilt angles of the seat <NUM> and backrest <NUM> are such that the patient could slip and fall forward out of the chair <NUM> if transport were attempted before reclining the seat assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates another example transport chair <NUM>. The chair <NUM> is similar in many ways with the transport chair <NUM>. However, the lifting mechanism <NUM> of the chair <NUM> is configured as a gas piston lifting mechanism. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the lifting mechanism <NUM> comprises two gas pistons <NUM>, each having a housing that contains a pressurized gas that is used to drive a shaft <NUM> from the housing. The lifting mechanism <NUM> operates in similar manner to a lifting mechanism of an office chair. Specifically, the pistons <NUM> maintain a given seat orientation until they are activated, in this case by a foot pedal <NUM>. At that point, gas can flow within the pistons <NUM> to apply an extending force to the shafts <NUM>. In some embodiments, the force provided by the pistons <NUM> is not, by itself, enough to pivot the seat assembly <NUM> forward when a patient is seated in the chair <NUM>. Instead, the pistons <NUM> provide lifting assistance to the operator when the operator manually pivots the seat assembly <NUM> forward using the handle <NUM>. That said, the force provided by the pistons <NUM> greatly reduces the amount of effort required from the operator to pivot the seat assembly <NUM> forward. When the foot pedal <NUM> is released, the pistons <NUM> will hold whatever orientation the seat assembly <NUM> is in.

The wheelchair <NUM>, shown in <FIG>, is capable of reclining, in addition to having forward-leaning capability (referred to from this point forward as "inclining forward" or simply "inclining"). In some embodiments of the reclining chair <NUM>, the seat assembly <NUM> both reclines and inclines forward about the same pivot axis <NUM>, which may be the pivot shaft <NUM> discussed above. Multiple additional features may be present to facilitate a comfortable and economically advantageous reclining position for the patient.

For example, one or more features are be present to raise the patient's legs while the patient reclines. One such feature is a leg rest assembly <NUM> that is separate from the footrest assembly <NUM>. Although the footrest could be designed to elevate when the patient reclines, such an approach has a number of problems. The footrest would be angled too high for the patient's feet to rest stably, and they would have a tendency to slip off (absent some complex mechanism for reorienting the footrest). The footrest would protrude in front of the patient, potentially striking objects in front of the chair while in forward motion or turning. In a reclining position the feet are not well positioned to support the rest of a patient's leg. An independently articulating leg rest has none of these problems.

Consequently, embodiments of the wheelchair <NUM> comprises a leg rest assembly <NUM> configured to pivot to elevate independent of the footrest assembly <NUM>, and configured to pivot to ascend in unison with the seat assembly <NUM> as said seat assembly <NUM> pivots to recline. When the wheelchair <NUM> is in its upright position, the leg rest assembly <NUM> is retracted, in a non-elevated position (see <FIG> and <FIG>). The leg rest assembly <NUM> elevates via any of a number of types of actuators, as known in the art. The leg rest assembly <NUM> may be configured to cease elevating once the patient's legs have been raised to an approximately horizontal position. Some embodiments of the leg rest assembly <NUM> may have the capability to elevate independent of the seat assembly <NUM>, to allow a patient sitting upright to rest one or more legs. Although the embodiment of the leg rest assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG> is shown as having two leg rest pads <NUM> (left and right), it is contemplated that the leg rest assembly <NUM> could have a single pad <NUM> on which both legs rest. In embodiments of the leg rest <NUM> that have two pads <NUM> as shown, the leg rest assembly <NUM> could be configured to allow each leg to elevate independent of the other. This could be useful under various circumstances, such as when a patient has a single leg in a cast or a brace that will not permit the patient to bend her knee.

When the leg rest assembly <NUM> elevates in unison with the seat assembly <NUM> as it reclines, the degree of elevation of the leg rest assembly <NUM> may be a function of the degree of reclination of the seat assembly <NUM>. Such configurations have the advantage of allowing the patient's back to recline without leaving the legs in a potentially uncomfortable seated position, The leg rest assembly <NUM> may also have the ability to elevate independent of the reclination of the seat assembly <NUM>, for example to support an injured leg while the patient sits upright.

In the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the leg rest assembly <NUM> pivots about an axis <NUM> at the front edge of the seat, just in front of the seat assembly's pivot shaft <NUM>. The axis <NUM> in the illustrated embodiment is proximate to the axis <NUM> about which the footrest assembly <NUM> and seat assembly <NUM> pivot. In further embodiments, the leg rest assembly <NUM>, the footrest assembly <NUM>, and the seat assembly <NUM> pivot about a common axis (not shown). The leg rest pivot axis <NUM>, as shown, intersects a left and a right leg pad support member <NUM>, which is jointed. In other possible embodiments, the leg rest assembly <NUM> could potentially share the pivot shaft <NUM> with the seat assembly <NUM>.

Another possible feature of the reclining chair <NUM> is a pair of articulating armrests <NUM>. When the patient reclines, the patient's shoulders translate downward, causing the arms to be reoriented. This can cause the arms to be pulled into a position in which the elbows are not in contact with a static armrest. Not only can this be uncomfortable, but if the patient has in IV line in, this position could potentially put unwanted tension on the IV line or cause the hypodermic needle to damage the surrounding tissue. In the illustrated embodiment of the wheelchair <NUM>, the armrest <NUM> pivots about a pivot axis <NUM> located near the back of the armrest <NUM> and translates toward the rear wheels <NUM> when the seat assembly <NUM> reclines. Thus the patient's arms remain supported by the armrests <NUM>. Superior ergonomic positioning can be achieved by pivoting the armrests <NUM> such that they remain parallel to the footrest assembly <NUM> as the armrests <NUM> pivot and translate. In a further embodiment of the wheelchair <NUM>, the armrests <NUM> translate toward the rear wheels <NUM> until contact is made between the armrest <NUM> and the rear wheels <NUM> (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). Such contact can have the effect of restricting or arresting the rolling of the wheels <NUM>. It can serve to lock the movement of the wheelchair <NUM> when the patient is in a reclined position.

Claim 1:
A wheelchair (<NUM>) configured to recline and incline forward, said wheelchair comprising:
a. a base frame (<NUM>) having a first pivot axis (<NUM>);
b. at least two wheels (<NUM>) rotationally mounted to said base frame;
c. a seat assembly (<NUM>) and a footrest assembly (<NUM>) configured to pivot about said first pivot axis from a first seated position to an inclined seated position; and
d. a leg rest assembly (<NUM>) pivotally coupled to said base frame and configured to pivot about a second pivot axis (<NUM>) to elevate in unison with the seat assembly when said seat assembly reclines independent of said footrest assembly.