DE202009018674U1 - Swing and kit for this - Google Patents

Abstract

Swing with - a carrying device (3, 3 ') for receiving a wheelchair (100), - at least one suspension point (25) and - means (3, 6) for lifting the wheelchair (100) from a rest position into a rocking position, the Means (3, 6) for lifting can be locked, and wherein the wheelchair (100) can be picked up by the carrying device (3, 3 ') in the rest position, characterized in that the means (3, 6) for lifting the wheelchair ( 100) include this on the underside.

Description

The invention relates to a swing and a kit for this purpose.

A large number of people rely on the use of a wheelchair. This applies to people with a congenital disability as well as old people and accident victims. For these people leaving the wheelchair is usually associated with great difficulties and often possible only with outside help. Although it is possible by the wheelchair to move on a level surface either alone or with outside help, but a variety of physical activities, which are natural for people without physical restriction, impossible.

However, especially physically handicapped, wheelchair-bound children and adolescents have a natural urge to move. This can be lived out by own, active movement, but also by the child being moved by someone else. It has been shown that rocking, which is also perceived by non-disabled as relaxing or happy, can have a very positive effect on people with disabilities, both calming and stimulating. This effect is not limited to children and adolescents, even for the elderly this form of exercise can be beneficial.

However, the use of a conventional swing is excluded for many wheelchair-bound people. Even if the person has assistance in changing, securing on a normal swing seat is too strenuous or impossible. For this reason, special swings have been designed, in which the rocker can sit or lie very stable and thus take into account the particular physical limitations. On the one hand, these custom-made items are expensive, on the other hand, it is always necessary to change from a wheelchair to the swing, which is very time-consuming. In addition, leaving the wheelchair is sometimes perceived as unusual and disturbing, making a relaxed rocking is not possible. In addition, there are devices in which the wheelchair is used, and operate on the principle of the rocking chair. However, these devices are expensive, heavy and can not give the feeling of a swing even from the movement.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a simple swing to use for wheelchair bound people.

The object is achieved according to the invention by a swing according to claim 1 and by a kit according to claim 12.

The swing according to the invention comprises a support device for receiving a wheelchair. The support device is thus designed so that it can support a wheelchair. Here, solid structures are possible, which form a kind of frame or platform for the wheelchair, but also flexible constructions, eg. B. with ropes o. Ä., At least partially adapt to the wheelchair and support or hold him. Are also conceivable means such. As hooks or brackets, by means of which the wheelchair is secured against movement relative to the swing.

Furthermore, the swing comprises at least one suspension point. For example, similar to the seat of a conventional swing, the carrying device may be provided with ropes for suspension, the ropes ending in at least one loop or rope loop attached to a conventional swinging hook or the like. is secured. In this case, the eyelet or rope loop forms the suspension point. Of course, the suspension point by a camp, z. B. ball bearings, be given. Depending on the embodiment of the suspension point can change its position by the movement of the swing, z. B. by the sliding back and forth an eyelet on a hook.

The suspension point can, as described, be formed by a separate component (eg an eyelet), but it can also be formed by the support device itself. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the swing consists essentially of two cable loops in which the wheelchair is suspended and which form the carrying device. The ropes forming the "carrying loops" simultaneously fulfill the purpose of the ropes, chains or the like, which are used in conventional swings for suspension. The ropes can also directly, possibly in a known manner by means of a knot a suspension loop is formed on hooks o. Ä. be hung so that support and suspension point of the swing are realized in a rope.

It is therefore a swing in the true sense, in which the support device can swing freely with the wheelchair, so not a rocking chair o. Ä. This results in the swing according to the invention a range of motion, which is comparable to the conventional swings. The swing according to the invention thus allows the disabled person a swing experience, without having to leave his wheelchair for this purpose. He can remain in the chair, which is familiar to him and which is adapted to his individual needs. Therefore, the use of the swing for him is very pleasant and easy. Also for people who Disabled persons (hereinafter referred to as auxiliary persons) do not incur the expense associated with the changeover. In contrast, the carrying device allows the wheelchair to be accommodated (including the person seated therein), which considerably simplifies the preparations for rocking. Finally, it is possible to inexpensively realize the swing according to the invention with comparatively simple, few components, as will be explained below with reference to an embodiment.

Although a single suspension point is sufficient for the function of the swing, to ensure better positional stability of the wheelchair, it is often expedient to provide two suspension points. This can be counteracted in particular rolling or rotational movements of the wheelchair, which can occur in the suspension in a single point.

In a further development of the invention, a tilt of the wheelchair within the support device is variable. In this case, in particular an inclination is meant, which corresponds to a rotation about the transverse axis of the wheelchair, d. H. through which the entire seat is tilted to a certain extent. This is particularly advantageous because a position with a relatively strong supine position in which they are well secured for physically disabled, which are severely limited, is selectable. A more upright position can z. B. be selected for people who feel uncomfortable in strong supine position. The described variability can be realized by a support device, the total, z. B., by rotation about an axis, is adjustable. Alternatively, the variability but with a support device can be realized, which is at least partially flexible and allows in this way a recording of the wheelchair in different inclinations. This possibility will be clarified below.

In an advantageous embodiment of the swing according to the invention, a swing radius of the wheelchair is variable. This means that either before or after the wheelchair is picked up by the carrying device, the radius of movement of the wheelchair when swinging can be adjusted. This typically corresponds to an adjustment of the distance of the wheelchair from the suspension point. Such adjustability can be realized in various ways. If the wheelchair, for example, suspended by straps, the length of these straps essentially defines the swing radius, a lever ratchet can be provided on each of the straps, by means of which the length of the belt - even under load from the wheelchair - can be variably adjusted. If ropes or rods are used instead of belts, then z. B. a clamping screw for adjusting the said radius can be used. Another way to adjust the swing radius will be explained in connection with the embodiment.

The described adjustability of the swing radius, the swing can be adapted to a different spatial conditions, on the other hand affects the setting of the radius also on the frequency of the rocking motion. Thus, by shortening the swing radius, an increased rocking frequency can be set if this is perceived by the person sitting in the wheelchair as pleasant.

The ease of use can be further improved if the swing includes means for lifting the wheelchair from a rest position to a swing position, the lifting means being lockable. This makes it possible that the wheelchair is first received by the support device while it is in a rest position. The rest position is the position in which the wheelchair stands on the floor, possibly also a position in which the support device rests with the wheelchair received in the ground. In any case, the rest position is a position in which no free swinging of the wheelchair is possible. In the described further development of the swing wheelchair can then be lifted from the rest position, so that a rocking is possible.

The means for lifting can in this case be designed in the same way as the means described above for shortening the swing radius and may possibly be identical to these. It is crucial here that the means for lifting can be locked, so that unintentional release of the wheelchair from the swing position is prevented. A simple way of such a lockable means for lifting is z. As a rope by means of which the wheelchair can be raised and which is clamped after lifting done.

In order to facilitate the operation of the means for lifting, in a preferred embodiment one-handed means are provided for locking the means for lifting. The one-handed operability of the lock is particularly advantageous if a single person helps in the use of the swing. Such a one-handed operable means may, for. B. be a clamp with which a rope is clamped. Also, the lever ratchet already mentioned above allows one-handed operation and is therefore easy to use for a single helper.

Both the means for setting a swing radius and the means for lifting the wheelchair can be operated by means of a motor. In the sense of a simple, easy Execution of the swing, however, a manual operation is preferred. In this case, it is advantageous if, according to a further development, means for deflecting a force for lifting the wheelchair are provided. The merit of such means arises directly from the fact that the force for lifting the wheelchair is directed upwards, while it is easier, for example, for an assistant operating the means for lifting, to apply a downward force, since in this case it is her own weight can use. Such means for deflecting a force are known in the art, they may, for. B. be realized by a pulley.

User-friendliness can be further enhanced by integrating means to reduce a wheelchair lifting force. A typical example of this is the use of a pulley. From the prior art a variety of other mechanical means is known, such as. As levers, cranks or gear combinations, this list is by no means exhaustive. Many of these means are at the same time means of redirecting the force.

An advantageous, simple and yet flexible variant of the swing according to the invention results when the support device comprises two elongated, flexible elements, by means of which the wheelchair can be covered on the underside. Here, the term stretched, flexible elements, in particular ropes, chains or straps. The said elements, while the wheelchair is standing on the ground, can be guided under it so as to encompass it. The said elements can in this case form a pair of loops in which the wheelchair can be stored. It has surprisingly been found that even without further securing the wheelchair, solely due to frictional forces, the position of the wheelchair during normal use is stable. Since the said elements are flexible, they adapt to the shape of various wheelchairs, and also allow a variable adjustment of the tilt of the wheelchair. To further secure securing elements such as brackets or hooks can be provided to the said elements, by means of which an accidental slippage of the wheelchair relative to said element is completely prevented.

In particular, when the wheelchair in by means of flexible elements, such. B. ropes, is suspended, it can also come with two suspension points to rotating and rolling movements. To prevent this, are provided in a development of the invention means for position stabilization. This means all elements that counteract any movement other than the normal rocking vibration. Such means, which may also be referred to as trim aids, preferably ensure that upon a rotation of the support device and the wheelchair strong restoring forces occur that limit the rotation. The funds can be of various kinds. One way is z. As therein, individual ropes or rope sections, by means of which the wheelchair is suspended to connect by transverse solid elements together. This will also be explained with reference to the embodiment.

In principle, it is possible to set the swing in a similar manner in motion as a conventional swing, z. By an assistant pushing the wheelchair. In order to facilitate the movement of the swings and in particular to prevent a risk of injury to the assistant by parts of the wheelchair, it is advantageous if means for exciting a rocking motion are provided. The said means are preferably manually operable in terms of a simple construction, although a motor drive is not excluded. These funds are mainly used for the helper a comfortable point of attack, eg. As a handle or the like, and possibly to gain a certain safety distance to the wheelchair. Advantageously, such means for exciting comprise at least one rope, by means of which the swing can be pulled periodically, or a rod, by means of which the swing can be pulled and pushed.

The swing invention is characterized depending on the embodiment by a light and simple construction. For this reason, a kit for the swing according to the invention is also provided with the present invention. Such a kit may consist of relatively few parts and allow a construction by technically little experienced people. For particularly simple handling, it is preferred that the swing from the kit exclusively by means of detachable connections, in particular screw and / or knot is constructible. Such a kit can be assembled with relatively little time and without the use of special tools. It is therefore suitable for a large number of users. Of course, with this preferred design principle, it is also possible to readily exchange or supplement individual parts, if necessary.

In the following, details of the invention will be explained with reference to an embodiment with reference to the figures. Hereby shows:

1 : A perspective view of an embodiment of the swing according to the invention;

2a : a highly schematic representation of a first step in the commissioning of the swing 1 in side view;

2 B : a highly schematic representation of a second step of putting the swing in operation 1 in side view;

2c : a highly schematic representation of a third step in the commissioning of the swing 1 in side view;

2d : a highly schematic representation of the swing out 1 in side view, wherein the wheelchair is in a swinging position;

2e : a highly schematic representation of the swing out 1 in side view, wherein a wheelchair is in rocking position of a stronger inclination; such as

3 : a perspective view of the swing out 1 , in which the wheelchair is mounted, and which in turn is suspended by two rocking hooks.

The 1 - 3 show an embodiment of the swing according to the invention 1 with two suspension points 25 . 25 ' used to hang two ropes 3 . 3 ' serve, which form loops. The ropes 3 . 3 ' and the loops are sized to fit a wheelchair 100 (pictured in 2a - 3 ) can be hung in the loops, they thus form the support device. The wheelchair 100 swings in operation on the ropes 3 . 3 ' similar to the seat of a conventional swing.

In the 1 illustrated swing 1 consists of two swing elements 2 . 2 ' , which are available separately here. The following is just one of the rocking elements 2 . 2 ' described because the structure of the other element is identical. As already stated, the swinging element comprises 2 a rope 3 , This rope 3 is at a first end 20 fixed with a document clamp 6 connected. The connection is given here by knotting the rope, alternatively, but also z. B. spliced or welded. From the document clamp 6 outgoing is the rope 3 via a pulley 4 led, in turn, on a rope loop 5 is attached. This rope loop 5 forms a suspension point 25 for the swing 1 , By means of the rope loop 5 can the swing element 2 (as well as the corresponding other element 2 ' ) in the suspension point 25 on a swing hook 110 (in 2a - 3 shown) or the like. Of course, instead of the rope loop 5 also a metal eyelet o. Ä. be used. When in operation the wheelchair is off the ropes 3 . 3 ' is worn, allows the pulley 4 a particularly low-friction swings. In a simplified embodiment could in contrast to the pulley 4 as well as the rope loop 5 be waived, taking the rope 3 directly on a swing hook 110 is hung.

After passing through the pulley 4 forms the rope 3 a loop big enough to hold the wheelchair 100 is, and finally passes through the Belegklemme 6 , By pulling on a free end 23 of the rope 3 the loop can be reduced or the rope 3 can by means of the document clamp 6 be arrested. The document clamp shown here 6 is z. B. used for sailboats for covering ropes. The rope 3 can free through the clamp 6 as long as it is deflected by an angle of less than about 135 °. If this angle is exceeded, ie the rope 3 quasi returned, it is clamped and thereby arrested. This locking can be done with one hand, which proves to be very useful in handling.

As described above, form the two ropes 3 . 3 ' the swing elements 2 . 2 ' together a support device for receiving the wheelchair 100 , When swinging the wheelchair rests 100 in through the ropes 3 . 3 ' formed loops (see 3 ). A rolling or twisting of the wheelchair 100 while rocking is prevented on the one hand, that the swing shown 1 in two suspension points 25 . 25 ' can be hung. To achieve further stabilization, the rope is 3 in a first document point 21 as well as a second document point 22 on both sides of the pulley 4 through a trim element 7 secured. The trim element 7 consists of two short wooden strips 8a . 8b by means of screws 9 are connected, so the rope 3 sandwiched between them.

To put the swing in operation, each of the swing elements 2 . 2 ' in the suspension points 25 . 25 ' in swing hooks 110 hung, the z. B. firmly screwed into a ceiling or can be welded to a frame. After that, the wheelchair 100 under the swing hooks 110 hazards. To take the wheelchair 100 becomes the free end 23 from the document clamp 6 pulled out and front to back under the wheelchair 100 passed. This condition is in 3a displayed. Subsequently, the free end 23 again through the document clamp 6 passed through, reducing the wheelchair 100 from the rope 3 enclosed and covered on the underside. This allows the flexible structure of the rope 3 an adaptation to the particular shape of the wheelchair 100 , As before, the wheelchair rests on the ground, as in 3b can be seen.

To the wheelchair 100 from the in 3a and 3b Lifting home position shown in a rocking position, pulls an assistant (not shown) to the free ends of the rope 23 , This is the rope 3 in the document clamp 6 diverted so that the helper the free end 23 does not have to pull up, but this - ergonomically favorable - can pull down obliquely. After the helper the wheelchair 100 pulled into a swinging position that corresponds to a desired swing radius, it locks the rope 3 by means of the document clamp 6 by putting the free end of the rope 23 pulling down at a steep angle. It is advantageous that the document clamp 6 can be operated with one hand, so that the auxiliary person a rope 3 can lock with one hand, while with the other the other rope 3 ' holding.

The wheelchair 100 is now off the ropes 3 . 3 ' held in a fixed rocking radius and can be offset in a conventional manner by pushing in rocking movements. While 3d a starting position of the wheelchair 100 in an upright position, shows 3e alternatively, the wheelchair 100 in a position with greater inclination. The larger angle can be set up advantageously while the wheelchair 100 is in the resting position on the ground. Possibly. this requires the assistance of a second assistant.

4 shows again a view of the wheelchair 100 who is in a swinging position from the ropes 3 . 3 ' worn. In the present case, every rope was 3 . 3 ' from the front through the suspension 102 a front arranged auxiliary wheel 101 guided from there to the bottom of the wheelchair on the inside of the main wheel 103 along and finally laterally outside on the backrest 104 along. With this or a similar cable guide, which is possible with most current wheelchair models, is usually a sufficient stabilization of the wheelchair 100 given due to frictional forces. Alternatively, on each rope 3 . 3 ' Also other security elements are provided by means of which the wheelchair 100 is attached.

At the in 4 The construction shown was the free end of the rope 23 through a bracket 30 (shown schematically here), so that a release of the through the document clamp 6 given lock is not possible. In this way, the free rope ends 23 be used by the helper to stimulate the rocking motion by periodic pulling. This allows the helper a certain safety distance to wheelchair 100 and can not be violated by hard parts of it.

The swing shown 1 is simple in construction and has a very low weight. In addition, she lets herself, as they are mainly made of ropes 3 . 5 and smaller components 4 . 6 . 7 consists of a small pack size, which is why it is extremely portable, z. B. in a small backpack or in a sports bag.

The swing can easily be made from a kit that includes the cable clamps, the wooden slats and screws for the trim elements and the pulleys in addition to rope elements. From these elements, even a less experienced person can assemble the swing by knotting and screwing.

Claims (13)

Swing with - a carrying device ( 3 . 3 ' ) for receiving a wheelchair ( 100 ), - at least one suspension point ( 25 ) and - means ( 3 . 6 ) for lifting the wheelchair ( 100 ) from a rest position to a swing position, the means ( 3 . 6 ) are lockable for lifting, - and wherein the wheelchair ( 100 ) in the rest position of the carrying device ( 3 . 3 ' ), characterized in that the means ( 3 . 6 ) for lifting the wheelchair ( 100 ) include this bottom side. Swing according to claim 1, characterized by two suspension points ( 25 . 25 ' ). Swing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a sloping position of the wheelchair ( 100 ) within the carrying device ( 3 . 3 ' ) is variable. Swing according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a swing radius of the wheelchair ( 100 ) is variable. Swing according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by one-hand operable means ( 6 ) for locking the lifting means ( 3 . 6 ). Swing according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by means ( 6 ) for deflecting a force for lifting the wheelchair ( 100 ). Swing according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by means for reducing a force for lifting the wheelchair ( 100 ). Swing according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support device comprises two elongate, flexible elements ( 3 . 3 ' ), in particular ropes, chains or straps, by means of which the wheelchair ( 100 ) is underside comprehensible. Swing according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by means ( 8th ) for position stabilization. Swing according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by means ( 3 ) to stimulate a rocking movement. Swing according to claim 10, characterized in that the means for exciting at least one rope ( 3 ) or a rod. Kit for a swing according to at least one of claims 1 to 11. Kit according to claim 12, characterized in that from this, the swing exclusively by means of detachable connections, in particular screw and / or node is constructible.

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