Patent Document

RELATED APPLICATION (PRIORITY CLAIM)  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/600,853, which was filed on Aug. 12, 2004, and which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The invention relates to a device which attaches to a wheelchair footrest and an adjustable table which can hold an electronic or computer device and can also serve as a work surface.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Prior Art  
         [0005]     Currently, due to space limitations, a typical hospital room does not include a computer which can be used by the patient. Instead of being able to browse the internet, send and receive e-mails, or play computer games, a patient is left to do things such as read a newspaper or watch television to cure boredom. In some locations, it is not even possible to view a television due to a lack of space in a room.  
         [0006]     Recent technologies have allowed computers to be manufactured in a unitary construction, whereby the computer&#39;s microprocessor, visual display and associated hardware are combined into one compact unit. The Personal Data Assistant (PDA), notebook computer and tablet PC are examples of products utilizing this space-saving technology.  
         [0007]     One would think that these compact computer technologies could therefore be used by wheelchair patients in hospitals. However, there is no practical place for a patient to store a computerized device while being mobile in a wheelchair.  
         [0008]     Standard pull-up tables have been in use for years. Typically, a pull-up table is comprised of an adjustable-height table supported by an upright element and mounted on a base with rolling castors. Such tables may also have a tilt function to allow the users to have a perpendicular view of the table surface while lying flat on their back.  
         [0009]     While a pull-up table and other conventional table designs may be suitable for the particular purpose for which they serve, they are not portable enough for disabled or physically-challenged individuals who must utilize a wheelchair. This is due to the limitations of having to transport a table along with the wheelchair.  
         [0010]     Another problem with conventional and pull-up tables is that there is no way of robustly supporting a computer device. A computer simply placed onto the tabletop of a conventional table can easily fall from the tabletop, potentially damaging the computer and/or injuring the computer user.  
       OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     The present invention relates generally to tables and, more specifically, it relates to a modular tube and table retrofitable to a wheelchair. Such a device which secures an electronic or computer device can function as a device for personal training, entertainment, rehabilitation, etc. The table may also function as a dinner tray or a document support for reading, etc. Such a modular table can be used by wheelchair individuals in schools, hotels, businesses, meeting rooms, homes, nursing homes, manufacturing environments, hospitals, etc. The modular table in tandem with a computer device can provide videoconferencing, faxing, and/or general business access. The product can allow users to listen to compact discs, view DVD movies, play games, check and send e-mail, and browse the internet from multiple viewing positions. As with many computer devices, wireless connectivity also exists for connection to the Internet or communication within a business environment (e.g., medical information tracking and billing). In doing so, the product can function as a portal of communication between the user and the outside world from the confines of a hospital bed or wheelchair, or between the user and healthcare professional if special needs exist.  
         [0012]     The design allows the wheelchair to be fully mobile during use of the table. This invention provides the opportunity for an electronic display or computer device to be positioned onto a wheelchair footrest that moves in unison with the wheelchair. The invention allows documents (either physically on the tabletop or existing digitally within the low-profile electronic display or computer device) to be read and signed. All of this can occur, while providing a fully-functional computer device with enhanced communications and entertainment capabilities, as well as a comfortable, adjustable viewing angle for the computer user. When not in use with the computer, this modular table can normally serve as an eating or reading table.  
         [0013]     In these respects, a modular tube and table retrofitable to a wheelchair according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus developed for the purpose of computer-assisted living, computer-assisted communication, rehabilitation, business and/or entertainment.  
         [0014]     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of tables now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new modular tube and table retrofitable to a wheelchair in a design and construction wherein the same can be utilized for computer-assisted living. The present invention provides a modular table that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art devices.  
         [0015]     The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new modular table that has many of the advantages of the tables mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new modular table that can attach to a wheelchair which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any prior art, either alone or in any combination thereof.  
         [0016]     The term “electronic device” in this document describes a tablet PC (either convertible or slate), portable laptop/notebook computer, Personal Data Assistant (PDA), gaming console, cellular phone, flat panel television, flat panel monitor, a remote display, a flexible display or other small-profile, microprocessor-controlled device.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0017]     A specific embodiment of the present invention provides a table which is supported by an adjustable upright structure and a base tube which supports the upright structure. The base tube is easily retrofitable to the footrest of most wheelchairs. More specifically, the tabletop of the modular table is comprised of aluminum, steel or plastic materials. The rigid tabletop surface is typically in a horizontal position, but can be rotated fore and aft to meet the computer user&#39;s preference and comfort. The tabletop can also have “top-hat” brackets and contain a sheet of thermoplastic material mounted above the top-hat bracket. The bent upright structure which supports the table is adjustable in height. The upright structure can be physically locked to the tabletop assembly and mounts into the base tube. The base tube mounts to the footrest of a wheelchair in a retrofitable fashion.  
         [0018]     Common manufactured wheelchairs contain similar design methodologies to support the wheelchair footrests. The elements described in this document utilize this standard footrest support means in a fashion not previously conceived to secure the modular tube and table to a wheelchair. The novelty in the design also lies in its simple retrofit assembly—no welding is necessary to provide a robust mounting to the wheelchair.  
         [0019]     In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.  
         [0020]     It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0021]     To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0022]     Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:  
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the preferred embodiment fully-assembled.  
         [0024]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the tabletop assembly.  
         [0025]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the adjustable support assembly.  
         [0026]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of the mounting tube.  
         [0027]      FIG. 5  is an exploded isometric view of the preferred embodiment installed onto the footrest of a wheelchair.  
         [0028]      FIG. 6  is an isometric view of the preferred embodiment installed onto the footrest of a wheelchair.  
         [0029]      FIG. 7  is a close-up isometric view of the mounting tube and footrest assembled to a wheelchair.  
         [0030]      FIG. 8  is an isometric view of the mounting tube and footrest assembled to a wheelchair.  
         [0031]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view of the preferred embodiment assembled to a wheelchair  
         [0032]      FIG. 10  is a rear isometric view of the preferred embodiment.  
         [0033]      FIG. 11  is an exploded isometric view of the preferred embodiment.  
         [0034]      FIG. 12  is an isometric view of an IV support tube installed into the modular mounting tube.  
         [0035]      FIG. 13  is an exploded isometric view of the alternative embodiment for mounting the tabletop assembly.  
         [0036]      FIG. 14  is an exploded isometric view of the upper support assembly.  
         [0037]      FIG. 15  is an exploded isometric view of the lower support assembly.  
         [0038]      FIG. 16  is an exploded isometric view of the standard inner mounting clamp assembled to the short clamping tube and the wheelchair frame.  
         [0039]      FIG. 17  is an exploded isometric view of the standard outer mounting clamp assembled to the short clamping tube and lower support assembly.  
         [0040]      FIG. 18  is an isometric view of the alternative embodiment for mounting the tabletop assembly assembled to the wheelchair frame.  
         [0041]      FIG. 19  is an isometric view of the alternative embodiment for mounting the tabletop assembly assembled to the wheelchair.  
         [0042]      FIG. 20  is an isometric view of the alternative embodiment for mounting the tabletop assembly assembled to the wheelchair and oriented 180 degrees.  
         [0043]      FIG. 21  is a top view of the alternative embodiment for mounting the tabletop assembly assembled to the wheelchair and oriented 180 degrees.  
         [0044]      FIG. 22  is an isometric view of the alternative embodiment for mounting the tabletop assembly assembled to the wheelchair and oriented 270 degrees.  
         [0045]      FIG. 23  is a top view of the alternative embodiment for mounting the tabletop assembly assembled to the wheelchair and oriented 270 degrees.  
         [0046]      FIG. 24  is an exploded isometric view of the optional control panel box.  
         [0047]      FIG. 25  is an isometric view of the optional control panel box.  
         [0048]      FIG. 26  is an isometric view of the optional control panel box positioned above the tabletop assembly.  
         [0049]      FIG. 27  is an isometric view of the optional control panel box assembled into the tabletop assembly.  
         [0050]      FIG. 28  is an isometric view of the optional control panel box assembled into the alternative embodiment for mounting the tabletop assembly, which is assembled to the wheelchair frame.  
         [0051]      FIG. 29  is an isometric view of the optional control panel box assembled into the alternative embodiment for mounting the tabletop assembly, subsequently assembled to the wheelchair.  
         [0052]      FIG. 30  is a view of the optional control panel box assembled into the alternative embodiment for mounting the tabletop assembly, subsequently assembled to the wheelchair for use with a corresponding gaming console and TV/monitor.  
         [0053]      FIG. 31  is an isometric view of the thermal management embodiment with optional top-hat brackets assembled into the tabletop assembly with computer above.  
         [0054]      FIG. 32  illustrates another thermal management embodiment wherein a top panel is provided, in order to protect an enclosed electronic device.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0055]     Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar referenced characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the attached figures illustrate the modular tube and table retrofitable to a wheelchair.  
         [0056]     The design is comprised of three main elements shown in FIGS.  1  thru  11 :  
         [0057]     1) tabletop assembly  1   
         [0058]     2) adjustable support assembly  2   
         [0059]     3) mounting tube  3   
         [0060]     The preferred embodiment contains:  
         [0061]     1) The tabletop assembly  1  depicted in  FIG. 2  which is comprised of: 
            tabletop enclosure  4      “half-moon” mounting bracket  5      mounting bracket  6      optional top-hat brackets  7      optional top horizontal panel  8             
 
         [0067]     The tabletop enclosure  4  is preferably made of metal or plastic, which a) has recesses  24 , b) a bottom panel  25  (for mounting items such as a portable computer, book, or food plate) and c) is contoured  26  at the front and rear (to provide ergonomic support to the user).  
         [0068]     The “half-moon” mounting bracket  5  is preferably made of metal or plastic, which has a) a bend at an angle  27 , b) a flat surface  28  for mounting to the bottom of the tabletop enclosure  4  c) a cutout at its center  29  for mounting to the tube  10  from the adjustable support assembly  2 , and d) holes  30  spaced evenly along an arc  30  to engage the retractable, spring-loaded plunger  11  from the adjustable support assembly  2 —for tilting the table.  
         [0069]     The mounting bracket  6  is preferably made of metal or plastic that a) has bent or curved surfaces  31  (for mounting to the tube  10  from the adjustable support assembly  2 ) and b) flat surfaces  32  to mount to the bottom side of the bottom panel  25  from the tabletop enclosure  4 .  
         [0070]     A plurality of optional top-hat brackets  7  are preferably made of metal or plastic, which a) are bent at a plurality of angles  33 , b) have a flat surface  34  to mount to the top of the bottom panel  25  from the tabletop enclosure  4 , and c) contain holes at the top-surface  35  (to facilitate airflow for cooling of electronic equipment).  
         [0071]     The optional top horizontal panel  8  can be made of plastic, wood, rubber or thermoplastic elastomer which a) is flat, b) is of such size to fit within the recess of the tabletop enclosure  4 , and c) has a circular cutout  36  for receiving a cup or other container which contains a beverage.  
         [0072]     The items listed above can be attached to one another with pressure-sensitive adhesive (i.e. PSA), Velcro®, welds, screws, nuts, self-clinching screws, self-clinching nuts, double-sided tape, rivets, or with any known prior art mounting techniques.  
         [0073]     2) The adjustable support assembly  2  depicted in  FIGS. 3,10  and  11  which is comprised of: 
        bent upright tube  9      horizontal tube  10      retractable, spring-loaded plunger  11      “leaf spring style” push-button  12      standard push-button  23         
 
         [0079]     The adjustable support assembly  2 , comprised of four main components, a) supports the underside of the tabletop assembly  1  and b) telescopes inside of the mounting tube  3  for vertical height adjustment.  
         [0080]     The bent upright tube  9 , preferably made of metal or plastic, a) is a section of rectangular, square or round tube, b) is generally vertical at the bottom  37 , c) is bent at an acute angle upward  38  (to space the tabletop assembly  1  away from the wheelchair user for optimal comfort), d) contains threaded or thru holes  39  for mounting the retractable, spring-loaded plunger  11 , and e) contains holes  40  for a “leaf spring style” push-button  12  (or for use with a spring-loaded plunger—not shown).  
         [0081]     The horizontal tube  10 , preferably made of metal or plastic, a) is a section of rectangular, square or round tube, a) is positioned roughly orthogonal to the bent upright tube  9 , and b) contains a hole  41  for a standard push button  23  (or for use with a spring-loaded ball plunger—not shown).  
         [0082]     A retractable, spring-loaded plunger  11 , typically of metal construction, a) is threaded into a tapped hole  39  in the bent upright tube  9 , b) has a spring-loaded tip which engages into the holes  30  from the “half-moon” mounting bracket  5  when fully extended, and c) has a knob  100  for retracting the spring-loaded tip  42 .  
         [0083]     When the knob  100  from the retractable, spring-loaded plunger  11  is pulled, the tip of the plunger  42  dis-engages from the holes  30  in the “half-moon” mounting bracket  5 , allowing the tabletop assembly  1  to rotate about the horizontal tube  10 . This provides the wheelchair user multiple desired viewing, working, and reading angles.  
         [0084]     The “leaf spring style” push-button  12  and the standard push button  23 , of standard construction, are mounted inside of the adjustable support assembly  2 . The “leaf spring style” push-button  12  is located inside the bent upright tube  9  at the bottom  43  for retaining the bent upright tube  9  inside of the mounting tube  3 . The other standard push-button  23  is located inside the horizontal tube  10  at the end  44  for retaining the tabletop assembly  1  onto the horizontal tube  10 .  
         [0085]     The “leaf spring style” push-button  12  inside of the bent upright tube  9  has two buttons, one top  45  and one bottom  46 , inside of the two holes  40  from and aligned parallel to the axis of the bent upright tube  9 . In a default position, the bottom button  46  contacts one of the holes  50  in mounting tube  3  and, therefore, locks the bent upright tube  9  in place. Pushing the top button  45  inward causes the bottom button  46  to move inward, since the two buttons  45 , 46  are connected via a leaf spring  47 . Once the bottom button  46  is no longer retained inside a hole  50  of the mounting tube  3 , the bent upright tube  9  can move vertically and swivel about the axis of the mounting tube  3 .  
         [0086]     The standard push-button  23  inside of the horizontal tube  10  has one button  101  inside of the hole  41  from the horizontal tube  10 . In a default position, the button  101  protrudes beyond the exterior surface of the horizontal tube  10 . In this configuration, the protruding button  101  prevents the mounting bracket  6  from sliding off of the horizontal tube  10 , thereby securing the associated tabletop assembly  1 . Pushing the button  101  inward allows the mounting bracket  6  and associated tabletop assembly  1  to slide off the horizontal tube  10 , thus allowing the product to be disassembled.  
         [0087]     For aesthetic purposes, an endcap (not shown) may be inserted into either end  43 , 49  of the bent upright tube  9  or into the end  44  of the horizontal tube  10 .  
         [0088]     3) The mounting tube  3  depicted in  FIG. 4  which is comprised of: 
        vertical tube  13      top bracket  14      bottom horizontal bracket  15         
 
         [0092]     The vertical tube  13 , is preferably made of metal, a) is a section of rectangular, square or round tube, and b) contains a plurality of holes  50  to secure the bottom pin  46  from the “leaf spring style” push-button  12  and the corresponding mated bent upright tube  9 .  
         [0093]     The top bracket  14 , is preferably made of a metal plate, a) is bent at an angle  51  to clear the top  52  of the wheelchair footrest  18 , b) contains a standard or countersunk clearance hole  53 , and c) is welded  54  to the vertical tube  13 .  
         [0094]     The bottom horizontal bracket  15 , is preferably made of a metal plate, a) contains a clearance hole  55  for mounting to a wheelchair footrest pin  21  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) and b) is welded  56  to the vertical tube  13 .  
         [0095]     Preferably, the three components of the mounting tube  3  listed above are welded to one another at the manufacturing facility prior to customer shipment. The length and orientation of the components are pre-defined for each wheelchair footrest style. Because of the typical spacing between footrest mounting plates on various wheelchairs, the length of the vertical tube  13  would be modified to allow the product to function with the several industry-standard footrest designs.  
         [0096]     4) Assembly of the new footrest sub-assembly  19  in  FIGS. 5 and 6   
         [0097]     The following items are required for the mounting tube  3  to be easily assembled onto a standard wheelchair footrest  18 : 
        footrest tube connector insert  16      screw or bolt fastener  17         
 
         [0100]     The footrest tube connector insert  16  (of standard construction) is first installed into the end  57  of the standard ⅞″ outer diameter, hollow, round tube  58  from a wheelchair footrest  18 . The second step is to position the mounting tube  3  into place such that the top bracket  14  is flush to the footrest connector  16 . Next, attach the bolt or screw fastener  17  (preferably with a flathead) through the hole  59  in the top bracket  14  to the footrest tube connector insert  16  already located inside the footrest tube.  
         [0101]     5) Assembly of the new footrest sub-assembly  19  to wheelchair  20  in FIGS.  7  thru  9   
         [0102]     The assembly of the footrest sub-assembly  19  to the wheelchair  20  is made in two simple steps. The hole from the bottom horizontal bracket  15  slides over the bottom footrest support pin  21  from the wheelchair  20 . The top footrest support pin  22  from the wheelchair captivates the top  52  of the footrest sub-assembly  19 , subsequently rigidifying the mounting tube  3  to the wheelchair.  
         [0103]     Therefore, the tabletop assembly  1 , adjustable support assembly  2 , and mounting tube  3  described above can be retrofit by a customer to a wheelchair  20  without drilling or welding. The customer can receive these three components  1 ,  2 ,  3  individually-wrapped. The customer&#39;s first step would be to sub-assemble the tabletop assembly  1  onto the adjustable support assembly  2 . The second step would be to secure the mounting tube  3  onto the wheelchair. The final assembly step would be to install the tabletop assembly  1  with attached adjustable support assembly  2  into the mounting tube  3 .  
       DESCRIPTION OF THERMAL MANAGEMENT EMBODIMENTS  
       [0104]     Thermal management of a computer  140  is achieved by natural means of convection inherent in the table design. See  FIG. 31 . Efficient cooling of the device can therefore be achieved without any exterior forms of power. A typical electronic device is designed to draw its heat to the bottom of the unit. The bottom surface of a computer  140  can mount directly to the top  60  of the optional top-hat brackets  7 . The tabletop has open recesses  24 . Any heat that is generated by an electronic device naturally propagates between the top-hat brackets  7  and to the open recesses  24  of the tabletop  1 . The top-hat brackets  7  also contains holes  35  at the top surface to draw heat away from an electronic device. The top-hat brackets  7  and tabletop enclosure  1 , if metal, also provide a thermodynamic heat-sink to facilitate cooling of the electronics.  
         [0105]      FIG. 32  illustrates another thermal management embodiment which is very similar to that which is shown in  FIG. 31 , except in  FIG. 32 , a top panel  8  is included and covers the computer device  140 . Preferably, the top panel is made of a transparent plastic or glass and covers the computer device  140 , thereby acting as a water-resistant or tamper-resistant surface which protects the enclosed electronic device  140 .  
       DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT FOR MODULAR TUBE AND LONG VERTICAL TUBE RETROFITABLE TO A WHEELCHAIR TO SUPPORT AN INTRAVENOUS BAG  
       [0106]     Mounting tube  3  can also be used to support a long vertical tube  61  for an intravenous (IV) bag to create a new embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 12 . In this embodiment, both the tabletop assembly  1  and upright support assembly  2  are removed and replaced with a long vertical tube  61 . The vertical tube  61  contains a generally horizontal rod  62  at the top end  63  as a means to support an IV bag.  
       EMBODIMENT DESCRIPTION CONCLUSION  
       [0107]     The design depicted in this document is specifically geared to be retrofitable to most manufactured wheelchairs, but one skilled in the art can modify this design to work in other applications as well. For example, the mounting tube  3  can be retrofit onto a bed frame (for hospital or home usage), onto a table (for restaurant usage, etc.) or onto a seat (for usage at an airport/bus terminal, etc.).  
         [0108]     Note that the design described in this document is meant to be mounted onto the footrest located on the left side of the wheelchair. One skilled in the art can easily modify this design to mount onto the right side of the wheelchair as well.  
         [0109]     The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.  
         [0110]     For example, while many of the components are described as being metal with welds, it is possible to provide that the components are instead made of plastic. Additionally, different methods other than push buttons can be used to facilitate connection of the adjustable support assembly  2  to the tabletop assembly  1  and the mounting tube  3 . Many, many other variations are fully possible while staying within the scope of the present invention.  
       DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT FOR MOUNTING THE TABLETOP ASSEMBLY  
       [0111]     Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar referenced characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the attached figures illustrate an alternate means of mounting the tabletop assembly  110 .  
         [0112]     The design  110  is comprised of six main elements shown in FIGS.  13  thru  23 :  
         [0113]     1) tabletop assembly  1   
         [0114]     2) upper support assembly  64   
         [0115]     3) lower support assembly  65   
         [0116]     4) standard inner mounting clamp  66   
         [0117]     5) short clamping tube  67   
         [0118]     6) standard outer mounting clamp  79   
         [0119]     The alternative embodiment for mounting the tabletop assembly  110  contains:  
         [0120]     1) The tabletop assembly  1 , as previously described and depicted in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0121]     2) The upper support assembly  64 , depicted in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , which is comprised of: 
        short vertical tube  68      horizontal tube  69      retractable, spring-loaded plunger  11      tube collar  70      standard push-button  23         
 
         [0127]     The upper support assembly  64 , comprised of five main components, a) supports the underside of the tabletop assembly  1 , b) telescopes inside of the lower support assembly  65  for vertical height adjustment and c) rotates inside of the lower support assembly  65  to allow the tabletop assembly  1  to be oriented away from the wheelchair. Rotating the tabletop assembly  1  away from the front of the wheelchair allows an individual to enter and exit the wheelchair without difficulty—see additional FIGS.  20  to  23 .  
         [0128]     The short vertical tube  68 , preferably made of metal, aluminum, fiberglass or plastic, a) is a section of rectangular, square or round tube (as shown in  FIG. 14 ), b) is generally vertical, c) contains a slot  71  (or thru holes, not shown) for accepting the front tip  78  of a retractable, spring-loaded plunger  76  from the lower support assembly  65  (see  FIG. 15 ).  
         [0129]     The horizontal tube  69 , preferably made of metal, aluminum, fiberglass or plastic, a) is a section of rectangular, square or round tube, b) is positioned roughly orthogonal to the short vertical tube  68 , and c) contains a hole  72  for a standard push button  23 , as depicted in  FIG. 14  (or for use with a spring-loaded ball plunger—not shown).  
         [0130]     A retractable, spring-loaded plunger  11 , typically of metal construction, a) is threaded into a tapped hole  95  in the short vertical tube  68 , b) has a spring-loaded tip  42  which engages into the holes  30  from the “half-moon” mounting bracket  5  from the tabletop assembly  1  when fully extended, and c) has a knob  100  for retracting the spring-loaded tip  42 . See  FIGS. 13 and 14 .  
         [0131]     When the knob  100  from the retractable, spring-loaded plunger  11  is pulled, the spring-loaded plunger tip  42  disengages from the holes  30  in the “half-moon” mounting bracket  5 , allowing the tabletop assembly  1  to rotate about the horizontal tube  69 . This provides the wheelchair user multiple desired viewing, working, and reading angles.  
         [0132]     The tube collar  70 , of standard constructon, as shown in  FIG. 14 , generally has a round shape with an inner hole  96  (circular inner hole shown, but can be other shapes based on the short vertical tube  68  shape) which allows the short vertical tube  68  to mount into the tube collar  70 . The tube collar  70  also has a threaded hole  73  which allows a set screw  74  to tighten into it. After installation of the short vertical tube  68  into the tube collar  70 , the set screw  74  can be tightened, thereby fastening the tube collar  70  onto the short vertical tube  68 .  
         [0133]     The standard push-button  23 , of standard construction, is located inside the horizontal tube  69  at the end  97  for retaining the tabletop assembly  1  onto the horizontal tube  69 .  
         [0134]     The standard push-button  23  inside of the horizontal tube  69  has one button  101  inside of the hole  72  from the horizontal tube  69 . In a default position, the button  101  protrudes beyond the exterior surface of the horizontal tube  69 . In this configuration, the protruding button  101  prevents the mounting bracket  6  of the tabletop assembly  1  from sliding off of the horizontal tube  69 , thereby securing the associated tabletop assembly  1 . (See  FIGS. 10 and 11  for detailed views of the tabletop assembly  1 .) Pushing the button  101  inward allows the mounting bracket  6  and associated tabletop assembly  1  to slide off the horizontal tube  69 , thus allowing the product to be disassembled.  
         [0135]     3) The lower support assembly  65  depicted in  FIGS. 13 and 15  is comprised of: 
        bent tube  75      retractable, spring-loaded plunger  76         
 
         [0138]     The bent tube  75 , preferably made of metal, aluminum, fiberglass or plastic a) is a section of rectangular, square or round tube (shown), b) contains a roughly 30 degree bend and c) contains a hole  77  to mount the retractable, spring-loaded plunger  76 . The retractable, spring-loaded plunger  76  can be attached to the bent tube  75  with welds, screws, nuts, self-clinching screws, self-clinching nuts, rivets, or with any known prior art mounting techniques.  
         [0139]     The following paragraph describes the use and movement of the upper support assembly  64  relative to the lower support assembly  65 . The short vertical tube  68  from the upper support assembly  64  is slid into the top end  92  of the bent tube  75  from the lower support assembly  65 . The tube collar  70  fastened to the short vertical tube  68  from the upper support assembly  64  stops the upper support assembly  64  from dropping down into the lower support assembly  65 . The upper support assembly  64  and corresponding tabletop assembly  1  can be raised or lowered relative to the lower support assembly  65  by unscrewing the set screw  74 , adjusting the height of assemblies  1  and  64  accordingly, and tightening the set screw  74 . To rotate the upper support assembly  64  and corresponding tabletop assembly  1  around the stationary lower support assembly  65  (and away from the corresponding wheelchair  20 ), simply pull the retractable, spring-loaded plunger  76  from the lower support assembly  65 ; doing so will disengage the tip  78  of the spring-loaded plunger  76  from the slot  71  found on the short vertical tube  68 , which will allow the upper support assembly  64  and tabletop assembly  1  to freely rotate.  
         [0140]     For aesthetic purposes, an endcap (not shown) may be inserted into the bottom end of the short vertical tube  68  or the distal end of the horizontal tube  69 .  
         [0141]     4) The standard inner mounting clamp  66 , of standard construction, depicted in  FIGS. 13, 16  and  17 , preferably made of metal or aluminum, is comprised of: 
        top clamp section  80      center clamp section  81      bottom clamp section  82      fasteners  83         
 
         [0146]     The circular recesses  84  (can be square or rectangular, not shown, depending on the wheelchair frame  84  type) from the center clamp section  81  and bottom clamp section  82  of the standard inner mounting clamp  66  are positioned on either side of the wheelchair frame  85  and secured with fasteners  83 . (See  FIG. 17  for assembled standard inner mounting clamp  66 .)  
         [0147]     5) The short clamping tube  67 , depicted in  FIGS. 13, 16  and  17  is preferably made of metal, aluminum, fiberglass or plastic, and is of square, rectangular or circular shape (depicted). The short clamping tube  67  attaches into the circular recesses  84  from the top clamp section  80  and the center clamp section  81  of the standard inner mounting clamp  66 . Once the fasteners  83  are secured through clearance holes  98  in the top clamp section  80  and into threaded holes  86  in the center clamp section  81 , the short clamping tube  67  is secured in place to the the standard inner mounting clamp  66 .  
         [0148]     6) The standard outer mounting clamp  79 , of standard construction, depicted in  FIGS. 13 and 17 , preferably made of metal or aluminum, is of the same design as the standard inner mounting clamp  66 , and is comprised of: 
        top clamp section  87      center clamp section  88      bottom clamp section  89      fasteners  90         
 
         [0153]     The circular recesses  91  (can be square or rectangular, not shown, depending on the wheelchair frame  85  type) from the bottom clamp section  89  and center clamp section  88  of the standard outer mounting clamp  79  are positioned around the bent tube  75  from the lower support assembly  65 . Once the fasteners  90  are secured through clearance holes  93  in the bottom clamp section  89  and into threaded holes  94  in the center clamp section  88 , the bent tube  75  (and corresponding lower support assembly  65 ) is secured to the standard outer mounting clamp  79 .  
         [0154]     The tabletop assembly  1 , upper support assembly  64 , lower support assembly  65 , standard inner mounting clamp  66 , standard outer mounting clamp  79 , and short clamping tube  67  described above can be retrofit by a customer to a wheelchair  20  without drilling or welding. The customer can receive these six components  1 ,  64 ,  65 ,  66 ,  67  and  79  individually-wrapped. The customer&#39;s first step would be to secure the standard inner mounting clamp  66  onto the wheelchair frame  85 . The second step would be to secure the short clamping tube  67  into the standard inner mounting clamp  66 . The third step would be to secure the standard outer mounting clamp  79  onto the short clamping tube  67 . The fourth step would be to install the bent tube  75  from the lower support assembly  65  into the standard outer mounting clamp  79 . Somewhere away from the wheelchair, the tabletop assembly  1  would be assembled onto the upper support assembly  64 . The final assembly step would be to install the short vertical tube  68  from the upper support assembly  64  (which is already attached to the tabletop assembly  1 ) into the lower support assembly  65 . Height adjustments of the tabletop  1  can be made two ways: 1) the set screw  74  from the tube collar  96  is loosened, which allows the tube collar  96  to be re-positioned up or down along the short vertical tube  68  from the upper support assembly  64  or 2) the fasteners  90  from the standard outer mounting clamp  79  are loosened, which allows the bent tube  75  from the lower support assembly  65  to be re-positioned up or down within the standard outer mounting clamp  79 .  
         [0155]     Novel uses of the design  110  are depicted in FIGS.  19  to  23 . If the wheelchair occupant desires to move the tabletop assembly  1  away from the front of the wheelchair  20 , the occupant simply pulls a handle on the retractable, spring-loaded plunger  76  and rotates the tabletop assembly  1  and attached upper support assembly  64  from the design  110  away from the wheelchair  20 .  FIGS. 20 and 21  depict the tabletop assembly  1  and upper support assembly  64  rotated 180 degrees (relative to the position shown in  FIG. 19 ).  FIGS. 22 and 23  depict the tabletop assembly  1  and upper support assembly  64  rotated nearly 270 degrees (relative to the position shown in  FIG. 19 ) with the tabletop assembly  1  oriented nearly vertical. In the 270-degree orientation, the outermost left edge  130  of the tabletop assembly  1  only extends approximately 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) beyond the left wheel  131  of the wheelchair  20 . The distance from the outermost left edge  130  of the tabletop assembly  1  to the outer most edge of the right wheel  132  of a typical 26 inch (66.04 centimeter) wide wheelchair would therefore be approximately 28 inches (71.12 centimeters)—as depicted in  FIG. 23 .  
         [0156]     The two orientations (180-degree and 270-degree) of the tabletop assembly  1  and the upper support assembly  64  discussed above are practical for: 1) a caretaker/nurse who wishes to perform a “lateral transfer” or “pivot transfer” of a patient into or out of the wheelchair or 2) the wheelchair occupant to enter and exit the wheelchair using his/her own strength. In addition, the latter, compact, 270-degree orientation provides a very practical use for a wheelchair occupant who must travel from one room to another room in a home: the width of the wheelchair  20  with attached design  110  measures only approximately 28 inches (71.12 centimeters), thus allowing the wheelchair  20  with attached design  110  to pass through a standard 29 inch (73.66 centimeter) wide door frame opening. In  FIG. 23 , dimension A identifies the width of a standard wheelchair and is assumed to be 26 inches, and dimension B identifies the width increase associated with the attached design  110  and is preferably only about two inches.  
       DESCRIPTION OF CONTROL PANEL BOX EMBODIMENT (WHICH REPLACES THE OPTIONAL TOP HORIZONTAL PANEL)  
       [0157]     In a separate embodiment, the optional top horizontal panel  8  can be replaced with an optional control panel box  111 , depicted in FIGS.  24  to  30 , which is comprised of: 
        top horizontal control panel  116      bottom horizontal control panel  127      support members  121      standard electronic pushbutton switch(es)  113      optional standard electro-mechanical joystick  114      optional standard electro-mechanical trackball  115      joystick and trackball fasteners (screws  119  and nuts  130 )        
 
         [0165]     The bottom horizontal control panel  127  made of plastic, metal, or wood which a) has a flat top, b) is solid or has a hollow core, c) is of such size to fit within the recesses  24  of the tabletop enclosure  4 , and d) has multiple cutouts  112  for receiving electronic components such as standard electronic pushbutton switches  113 , a standard electro-mechanical joystick  114 , and e) an optional square or rectangular cutout  117  to contour around the standard electro-mechanical trackball  115 .  
         [0166]     A top horizontal control panel  116 , made of plastic, metal or wood which a) has a flat top, b) is solid or has a hollow core, c) is of such size to fit within the recesses  24  of the tabletop enclosure  4 , d) has multiple cutouts  112  and e) an optional larger circular cutout  129  to contour around the ball  128  from a standard electro-mechanical trackball  115 .  
         [0167]     The top horizontal control panel  116  is positioned above the bottom horizontal control panel  127 . The top horizontal control panel  116  has multiple clearance holes  118  to receive screws  119  which mount through holes  120  in the joystick  114  and trackball  115 ; the screws are secured to corresponding nuts  130  which mount from underneath the joystick  114  and trackball  115 .  
         [0168]     The standard electronic pushbutton switches  113  are positioned into the multiple cutouts  112  of the top horizontal control panel  116  and bottom horizontal control panel  127 . The nuts  131  from the standard electronic pushbutton switches  113  are then fastened to the bottom of the standard electronic pushbutton switches  113 , thus securing the standard electronic pushbutton switches  113  to the top horizontal control panel  116  and bottom horizontal control panel  127 .  
         [0169]     Two support members  121 , made of plastic, metal or wood are attached to the bottom side of the top horizontal control panel  116  with pressure-sensitive adhesive, Velcro® (a.k.a. hook and loop), welds, screws, nuts, self-clinching screws, self-clinching nuts, double-sided tape, rivets, or with any known prior art mounting techniques. The support members  121  provide the space needed to keep the electro-mechanical devices  113 ,  114  and  115  from touching the tabletop enclosure  4  from the tabletop assembly  1 .  
         [0170]     As depicted in  FIGS. 26 and 27 , the optional control panel box  111  is placed into the tabletop enclosure  4  from the tabletop assembly  1  to form the assembly shown in  FIG. 27 . This assembly is subsequently attached to the alternate means of mounting the tabletop assembly  110 , as depicted in  FIG. 28 .  FIG. 29  depicts the optional control panel box  111  assembled into the alternate means of mounting the tabletop assembly  110 , and subsequently attached to the wheelchair  20 .  
         [0171]     Note that the wiring/cables for the standard electronic pushbutton switches  113 , standard electro-mechanical joystick  114  or standard electro-mechanical trackball  115  which are typically attached at the underside of each electro-mechanical device, are not shown in FIGS.  24  to  29 . The optional control panel box  111  can house wireless electronic transmitters or other electrical device internally to transfer the input signals from the standard electronic pushbutton switches  113 , standard electro-mechanical joystick  114  or standard electro-mechanical trackball  115  to external electronics. Such a system can control electronic devices on the wheelchair or remotely in the home.  
         [0172]     One example of a practical application for the optional control panel box  111  with corresponding hardware  113 ,  114  and  115  would be as an ergonomic, easy-to-access, disability-friendly device to replace the typically small, handheld control pads used on Xbox® or Playstation®-type video game consoles.  FIG. 30  depicts such an application, whereby a television/monitor  122  is connected to a gaming console  123  via a control cable  124  and the gaming console  123  is connected to the optional control box  111  via a second control cable  125 . In this application, an additional hole  126  is required in the support member  121  from the optional control panel box  111  to allow the control cable  125  to connect to the electronic  113  and electro-mechanical devices  114 ,  115  in the control panel box  111 . While a gaming console is specifically shown in  FIG. 30 , the control panel  111  can be configured to communicate with another type of electronic device, such as a personal computer, a laptop computer, a tablet PC or any other electronic device.

Technology Category: 1