US-20260124083-A1 - Frame for a wheelchair

US20260124083A1US 20260124083 A1US20260124083 A1US 20260124083A1US-20260124083-A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a folding wheelchair having a plurality of support members each having a first and a second end, a first separation distance measured between the respective first ends of a second support member and a fourth support member, a second separation distance measured between the respective second ends of the second support member and a fourth support member, a third separation distance measured between the respective first ends of the first support member and the third support member, wherein the wheelchair can be disposed in an open position and a folded position and, in the open position, the first separation distance is shorter than the second separation distance, the first separation distance is shorter than the third separation distance, and the second separation distance is shorter than the third separation distance. An intersection angle of the second and fifth support members is less than 55 degrees.

Inventors

Sylvan Newby

Assignees

Sylvan LLC

Dates

Publication Date: 20260507
Application Date: 20251107

Claims (10)

1 . A folding wheelchair comprising: a plurality of support members each having a first and a second end; a first support member of the plurality of support members; a second support member of the plurality of support members; a third support member of the plurality of support members; a fourth support member of the plurality of support members; a fifth support member of the plurality of support members; a sixth support member of the plurality of support members; a seventh support member of the plurality of support members; an eighth support member of the plurality of support members; a first separation distance measured between the respective first ends of the second support member and the fourth support member; a second separation distance measured between the respective second ends of the second support member and the fourth support member; a third separation distance measured between the respective first ends of the first support member and the third support member; wherein the first support member is rotably connected to the seventh support member wherein the first support member is slidably connected to the second support member and the sixth support member; wherein the second support member is rotably connected to the fifth support member and the eighth support member; wherein the third support member is slidably connected to the fourth support member and the fifth support member; where in the third support member is rotably connected to the eighth support member; wherein fourth support member is rotably connected to the sixth and seventh support member; wherein the fifth support member is rotably connected to the sixth support member; wherein the seventh support member is rotably connected to the eighth support member; wherein the wheelchair can be disposed in an open position and a folded position; wherein in the open position, the first separation distance is shorter than the second separation distance; the first separation distance is shorter than the third separation distance; the second separation distance is shorter than the third separation distance; and an intersection angle measured at an intersection of the second and fifth support members between their respective first ends, the first intersection angle less than 55 degrees.
2 . The folding wheelchair of claim 1 wherein the first intersection angle is 52 degrees.
3 . The folding wheelchair of claim 1 wherein, in transitioning from the open position to the folded position, the first support member rotates about the rotable connection to the seventh support member the first support slides along the slidable connections to the second support member and the sixth support member; the second support member rotates about the rotable connection to the fifth support member and the eighth support member; the third support slides along the slidable connections to the fourth support member and the fifth support member; the third support member rotates about the rotable connection to the eighth support member; fourth support member rotates about the rotable connection to the sixth and seventh support member; the fifth support member rotates about the rotable connection to the sixth support member; and the seventh support member rotates about the rotable connection to the eighth support member.
4 . A headrest for insertion into a seatback pocket of a wheelchair, the headrest comprising: an insertion portion for insertion into the seatback pocket; an extension portion for extending out of the seatback pocket for cradling a user's head; a transition portion between the insertion portion and the extension portion; a first curvature of the insertion portion, the first curvature sized in relative proportions to match a user's back; a second curvature of the extension portion, the second curvature sized in relative proportions to match a user's head; and where in the first curvature and the second curvature are different.
5 . The head support system of claim 4 wherein the first curvature of the insertion portion is flatter than the second curvature of the extension portion.
6 . The head support system of claim 4 further comprising a removable padded portion covering the extension portion.
7 . A head support system for a wheelchair comprising: the wheelchair; a head support frame; an insertion portion of the head support frame; a head support portion of the head support frame; a seat back of the wheelchair; a pocket in the seat back, the pocket sized in relative proportions to slidably receive the insertion portion of the head support frame; a padded member covering the head support portion of the head support frame; a first contour of the insertion portion, the first contour sized in approximate proportions to a human back; a second contour of the head support portion, the second contour sized in approximate proportions to a human head; and wherein the first contour and the second contour are different.
8 . The head support system of claim 7 wherein the head support from is slidably removable from the wheelchair.
9 . The head support system of claim 7 wherein the first contour is flatter than the second contour.
10 . The head support system of claim 7 further comprising a removable padded portion covering the head support portion.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This application is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional Application 63/717,846 filed Nov. 7, 2024 the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Field of the Invention The embodiments of the invention relate to wheelchairs, and more particularly, to a design of frame and a headrest for a folding wheelchair. Although embodiments of the invention are suitable for a wide scope of applications, it is particularly suitable for strollers for adults. DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART Wheelchairs serve as mobility devices for individuals with various physical limitations, enabling them to navigate their environment with greater independence. Traditional wheelchair designs have evolved over many decades to address different user needs, ranging from basic transportation to specialized applications for sports and outdoor activities. The design requirements for wheelchairs vary significantly depending on the intended use environment, with indoor models typically prioritizing maneuverability and compact dimensions, while outdoor models may emphasize durability and stability over varied terrain. Modern wheelchair users often require devices that can accommodate multiple environments and usage scenarios, creating demand for versatile designs that maintain performance across different conditions. One ongoing challenge in wheelchair design involves balancing structural stability with portability. Many users require wheelchairs that can be easily transported or stored when not in use, leading to the development of folding mechanisms that allow the frame to collapse into a more compact configuration. However, folding mechanisms can introduce potential points of weakness or instability in the overall frame structure. The complexity of folding systems can also affect the overall weight of the wheelchair, as additional hardware and reinforcement may be required to maintain structural integrity at pivot points and connection interfaces. Furthermore, repeated folding and unfolding cycles can lead to wear at joint locations, potentially compromising the long-term reliability of the wheelchair frame if not properly designed and manufactured. Urban environments present particular challenges for wheelchair users, including navigating curbs, uneven pavement surfaces, and various obstacles that may be encountered on sidewalks and streets. These conditions place additional stress on wheelchair frames and can affect the overall durability and performance of the mobility device. The frame must be capable of withstanding these stresses while maintaining structural integrity over extended periods of use. The materials and construction methods used in wheelchair frames also play a role in determining the overall weight, strength, and cost of the final product. Manufacturers continue to explore different approaches to frame design that can provide adequate strength and stability while keeping the wheelchair lightweight and maneuverable for the user. Storage and transportation considerations are particularly relevant for users who travel frequently or have limited storage space in their homes or vehicles. The ability to quickly and easily fold a wheelchair for storage or transport can greatly enhance the user's mobility and independence in various situations. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, embodiments of the invention are directed to a frame for a wheelchair that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art. An object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a wheelchair suitable as an adult activity chair. Another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a wheelchair having a stable base suitable for urban terrain. Yet another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a wheel chair that is collapsible. Still another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a wheelchair that is lightweight. Additional features and advantages of embodiments of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of embodiments of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the embodiments of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of embodiments of the invention, as embodied and broadly described, frame for a wheelchair includes a headrest for insertion into a seatback pocket of a wheelchair, an insertion portion for insertion into the seatback pocket, an extension portion for extending out of the seatback pocket for cradling a user's head, a transition portion between the insertion portion and the extension portion, a first curvature of the insertion portion, the first curvature sized in relative proportions to match a u