GB2445010A

GB2445010A - Folding canopy for scooters or wheelchairs

Info

Publication number: GB2445010A
Application number: GB0616243A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Edward O'brien
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-08-16
Filing date: 2006-08-16
Publication date: 2008-06-25
Also published as: GB0616243D0

Abstract

A canopy 60 for a scooter or wheelchair 100 comprising a frame having a plurality of support elements 61-63 movable with respect to each other between a first stowed position and a second extended position, sheet material extending between the support elements, means 73, 74 for stabilising the frame when the support elements are in the second extended position and means for securing the frame to the scooter or wheelchair (see figure 10). The canopy may also comprise a transparent skirt (120 figure 18) attachable to a lower edge so as to further protect the occupant.

Description

Protective Canopy for a Scooter or wh1chalr The present invention

relates to a canopy for a scooter or wheelchair.

Canopies for wheelchairs and pavement scooters are known for protecting an occupant from adverse weather conditions, particularly rain. However, existing rain canopies or hoods often fail to sufficiently protect an occupant of a wheelchair or scooter from the rain and can be cumbersome and time-consuming to install.

Furthermore, such canopies arc unncccssarily oversized and bulky in use which makes them difficult to disassemble from a wheelchair or scooter and store away.

A purpose of the present invention is to provide an improved canopy for a scooter or wheelchair which is versatile, easy to usc, and capable of being fitted or removed wiLh minimum effort.

According to the present invention, there is provided a canopy for a scooter or wheelchair comprising a frame having a plurality of support elements movable with respect to each other between a first stowed position and a second extended position, sheet material extending between the support elements, means for stabilizing the frame when the support elements are in the second extended position, arid meuns lbr securing the frame to the scooter or wheelchair.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a scooter incorporating a canopy, the canopy comprising a frame having a plurality of support elements movable with respect to each other between a lirst crowed position arid a second extended position, sheet material extending between the support elements, means for stahihi.ing the frame when the support elements arc in the second extended position, and means for securing the frame to the scooter.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a wheelchair incorporating a canopy, the canopy comprising a frame having a plurality of support elements movable with respect to each other between a first stowed position and a second extended position, sheet material extending between the support elements, means for stabilizing the frame when the support elements are in the second extended position, and means for securing the frame to the wheelchair.

The canopy of the invention is particularly suitable lbr adult and paediatric wheelchairs, pavement scooters for physically disabled persons, and power-chairs i.e. tO electric chairs.

Thc canopy of the invention provides improvements over the disclosurc of UK Patent Application 0602709.8 as will be discussed further below.

It is preferred that the support elements of the frame are pivotally connected to each other. In a preferred embodiment, the support elcmcnts are connected by common pivoting means.

The frame of the canopy may have two support elements movable with respect to one another. It is preferred that the frame has three support elements movable with respect to each other. The support elements maintain the structural configuration of the canopy when the elements are moved to their extended in-use position, that is when the canopy is opened to protect an occupant of a scooter or wheelchair from the ruin or wind.

In a preferred embodiment of' the invention, the frame of the canopy further comprises at least one support element which is attachable, directly or indirectly, to a scooter or wheelchair. This support element may be arranged to be immovable with respect to the scooter or wheelchair. The plurality of movable support clcmcnts may be pivotally connected, by common or separate pivoting means, to the immovable support clement attached to the scooter or wheelchair.

it is preferred that each of the support elements is integrally formed. In a preferred embodiment, the movable support elements comprise at least two arm portims and an intermediate portion, in uiich ends of the arm portions arc pivotally connected to a support clement attached (directly or indirectly) to a scooter or wheelchair.

it is desired that the support elements are made from a durable and robust material, such as a toughencd plastics or metallic material, for example aluminium.

When it is desired to use the canopy of the invention, the plurality of support elements of the frame may he moved from a stowed, substantially vertical position to an open extended position so as to cover the occupant of a wheelchair or scooter and protect the occupant from the wind and/or rain. The support elements of the frame may be held together in the stowed position by suitable securing means. In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the support elements may comprise one or more movable projections by which suitable securing means. such as webbing, may be used to bold the support elements together.

The support elements of the frame are preferably substantially flat and elongate.

The sheet material of the canopy is preferably made from a durable plastics material. In a preferred embodiment, the sheet material comprises a substantially transparent PVC material.

The means for stabilizing the frame may be movable with respect to the support elements. It is preferred that the means for stabilizing the frame comprises at least one elongate element for holding or bracing the support elements in a substantially rigid configuration when in the extended position. The at least one elongate element is preferably securely attachable to at least one of the support -4.

elernenL. In an embodiment, the at least one elongate clement may comprise a stay hinged at a middle region with one or more projections on at least one of the support elements, so as to lock the support elements in a rigid configuration.

In a preferred embodiment, the means thr stabiliiing the frame comprises two elongate elements securely attachable to opposite arm portions of at least one of the support elements.

The canopy of the invention may preferably further comprise means thr protecting the lower part of an occupant of a scooter or wheelchair from wind and/or rain. ilie said means may preferably be releasably attachable to the frame of the canopy. In an embodiment of the invention, the said means comprises a skirt of substantially transparent material.

The canopy of the invention may advantageously be mounted to a wheelchair or scooter. The method of mounting the canopy to a wheelchair may be different to the method of mounting the canopy to a scooter.

Mounting a canopy of the invention to a wheelchair, the weight of the said canopy may primarily he borne by lower frame elements of the wheelchair. Preferably.

at least part of the frame of' the canopy may be secured to the frame of the wheelchair by one or more structural elements. It is preferred that the structural clement(s) provide attachment to the wheelchair at a desired lower part of the wheelchair frame.

Mounting a canopy of the invention to a scooter, it is preferred that the canopy comprises at least one mounting element, which may be located to the rear of the scooter backrest, tbr securing the canopy to the backrest of the scooter by suitable securing means. Preferably, the canopy is also secured to a region below or to the rear of the scooter seat by the at least one mounting clement, so as to hold the canopy in a substantially upright or vertical position.

Mounting a canopy of the invention to a power-chair may involvc a combination of the above features and methods.

The sheet material of the canopy of the invention may desirably extend to the S rear of an occupant in a wheelchair or scooter. ft is preferrcd that the sheet material may comprise an opening or vent at a predetermined location, such as near the handle regLon ola scn'iter or wheelchair, to allow release of air which may be blown into the canopy during windy conditions.

A Canopy adapted ftr use with a scooter.

A canopy adapted for use with a wheelchair.

The invention will now be described by reference to the accompanying drawings which show, by way of example only, embodiments of the invention: FIgures 1(a), 1(b) and 1(c) arc photographs showing a canopy of the invention fitted to a motorised scooter, Figures 2(a) and 2(b) are photographs showing a rear view of the canopy of Figure 1; Figure 3(a) is a photograph showing a canopy of the invention fitted to a wheelchair in an open extended position; Figure 3(b) is a photograph showing the canopy of Figure 3(a) in a closed stowed position; Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a canopy of the invention fitted to a rnotorised scooter; figure 5(a) is a schematic illustration of the canopy of Figure 4 showing a rear view thereof; Figure 5(h) is a schematic illustrationof part of the canopy of Figure 5(a); Figure 6(a) is a photograph showing a bracing member of a canopy cmhodying the invention in which the bracing member is holding the canopy in an open configuration; Figure 6(b) is an exploded view of part of the bracing member of Figure 6(a): Figure 7(a) is a photograph showing a rear view of a canopy embodying the invention titled to a wheelchair; Figure 7(h) is a photograph showing the lower part of the canopy of Figure 7(a); Figure 7(c) is a photograph showing part of a structural element of the canopy of Figure 7(a) connected to the wheelchair frame; Figure 8 is a photograph showing an interior view of a canopy of the invention at a backrest region of a wheelchair; Figure 9(a) is a photograph showing a canopy of the invention which incorporates a protective skin; and Figure 9(b) is a photograph showing the protective skirt partly attached to the canopy.

Figure 1(a) illustrates a canopy 10 embodying the invention which is fitted to a scooter. The canopy 10 comprises a frame of support elements (or ribs) 11, 12. 13, 14 in an open extended position. The support elements 12. 13, 14 are pivotally connected to support clement II by two common pivots 15. A sheet of PVC material 16 is secured to the support elements 11, 12, ii, 14 of the frame. The support clement 11 of the canopy is supported on the scooter by two elongate tubular elements 17, 18 which ore secured to the scooter seat by strips 20, 21 of fabric material. The tubular elements 17, 18 are attached to the arms of support element 11 and spaced apart by an inter-connecting element 19 (sec Figure 2(a)). A stabilizing tubular clement 22 is pivotally connected to arms of' the support element 11 at an approximate midpoint thereof. The arms of the tubular element 22 extend toward the support clement 14 and are connected thereto at approximate midpoints along the arms of element 14. A rear panel 23 of the PVC material 16 has two openings 24, 25 to allow a user access through the PVC material with their hands. Alternatively, a flap may be cut in the PVC material 16.

Figures 3(a) and 3(b), illustrate a canopy 50 embodying the invention which is fitted to a wheelchair. The canopy SQ shown in Figure 3(u) is being held in an extended position and the canopy 50 shown in Figure 3(b) is in a stowed position.

Figures 4 and 5(a) illustrate a canopy 60 embodying the invention, which is mounted to a scooter 100. The canopy 60 has a frame of movable ribs 61, 62, 63 which are pivotally mounted to supporting rib 64 by means of two common pivots 65.

The supporting rib 64 has arms 64a and 64h which are attached Lu the cnds of mounting tubes 66, 7. The mounting tubes 66, 67 are spaced apart along the arms 64a and Mb by an intermediate tube 68. Strips 69, 70 of webbing material arc tied around the backrest of the scootcr and the mounting tubes 66, 67 to secure the canopy to the scooter 100. A further mounting tube 71 is attached near the ends of arms 64a and 64b of rib 64. Referring to Figure 5(b). the mounting tube 71 has a tube 72a projecting from a midpoint thereof to under the seat of the scootcr 100. The end of tube 72a is lockably secured to a corresponding tube 72b, typically a square-shaped spigot, under the scooter seat so as to provide enhanced support and stability of the canopy on the scooter. If required strips of webbing material and Ia locking buckle(s) (not shown) may provide additional attachment of the canopy to the scooter 100.

Bracing members 73, 74 are pivotally connected to arms 64a, 64b of rib 64.

Opposite ends of bracing members 73, 74, are connected to the arms of rib 63. The bracing members consist of two elements connected together by a lockable hinge at an approximate midpoint along the braang members. The ribs 61, 62, 63 of the canopy 60 are advantageously held in a rigid configuration by means of the bracing members 73, 74.

Referring to Figure 6(a), there is shown a bracing member 75 of a canopy fitted to a wheelchair. The bracing member 75 is pivotally connected to a rear rib (not shown) of the canopy. An identical bracing member is also provided on the other side of the canopy. The bracing member 75 consists of two separate elements 76, 77 connected by hinge 78. Figure 6(b) is a close-up view of the hinge arrangement 78. In use, the canopy may be unfolded to an open extended position shown in Figures 6(a)(h) by opening or unfolding the bracing members about the hinge 78. TO secure the canopy in the extended position, a pin or projection 79 is provided at an end of thc clement 76 close to the hinge 78 for engagement with a recess So provided at an opposed end of' the element 77. A rigid sliding member 81 in the form of a closed loop may then be moved to overlap the pin 79 held in the recess 80 so as to "lock" the bracing member 75 in an extended position. A distal end of' the clement 76 of the bracing member is attached to rib 82 of the canopy by means of an adjustable knob 83 on a sliding element 84. The knob 83 is movable along the sliding element 84 and can he secured (by turning or closing the knob) at desired locations along the sliding element 84. Advantageously, this allows the canopy to be extended to varying degrees. A similar knob/sliding element arrangement could also be provided in place of, or in addition to, the hinge/pin/recess arrangement as described hereinabove.

Figure 7(a) shows a canopy 150 embodying the invention installed on a wheelchair 160. The canopy 150 comprises a frame of' ribs 154, 156. 158, 162 held in an extended configuration by bracing members 166, 168 more precisely described in Figures 6(a)(b). The ribs 154.162 are preferably made from a robust plastics material.

IS Ribs 156, 158, 162 arc pivotally connected to rib 154 by pivot connections 190. A sheet of' PVC material 152 extends between the ribs 154-162. A rear panel of PVC material is also provided between the arms and an intermediate portion of the rib 154.

The ribs 154-162 may be formed within channels of the PVC material and the separate channels may be bonded to panels of PVC material there between (see Figure 6(a)). A flap 164 may be formed in the rear panel of PVC material so that handles of the wheelchair may project through openings in the PVC material. The canopy 150 is secured to the wheelchair 160 by means of two structural elements 170, 172 which extend from an intermediate portion 154a of rib 154 to frame elenient 174, 1 7S nf'the wheelchair. l'he structural elements 170, 172 are spaced apart on the intermediate portion 154a of rib 154 and connected thereto by rings J78 (which maybe elliptical in shape) farmed around the rib 154. The rings 178 may be of different sizes to accommodate different sized ribs and may be capable of adjustment along a rib. Distal ends of the structural elements 1 70, 172 are connected to respective frame elements 174, 176 of the wheelchair by receiver connectors 180 (see Figure 7(c)). The receiver connectors 180 may be in the form ot' a 1-shape and may be made from one unit or alternatively from two corresponding units. The receiver connector 180 may be adjustable along the frame element of the wheelchair. 11 is preferred that the distal ends of the structural elements 170, 172 comprise telescopic portions which connect with the receiver connects. Beneficially, the provision of telescopically adjustable structural elements allows the canopy to be installed on different si7ed wheelchairs.

AdvErntageusly, the weight of the canopy is borne by the frame elements 174, 176 or the wheelchair.

The structural elements 170, 172 may be further strengthened by a cross-linking support element 182. The cross-linking element 182 enhances the stability of the structural elements supporting the frame of the canopy. The cross-linking support c!cmcnt 182 may be connetcd to the structural elements 170, 172 above the wheels of the wheelchair by means of connectors 184.

The structural elements 170, 172 may also be secured to the handles of the wheelchair by means of clamping connectors 186 as shown in Figure 8. Suitable alternative connectors may be used to further improve the stability of the structural elements 170, 172.

figures 9(a). 9(h) show a canopy 110 incorporating a skirt 120 of PVC material lbr protecting the lower part of a wheelchair occupant from adverse weather conditions. The skirt is detachable from the canopy 110 by means of a zip 130.

Alternative attachment means may also be used, such as hook and loop means, for

example Velcro.

The canopy of the invention may also be used as a sun canopy by replacing at least part of the transparent sheet material with substantially opaque material.

Many of the features illustrated in Figures 6 to 8 that apply to canopies for wheelchairs may also apply to canopies for scooters. IC)

Claims

Claims 1. A canopy for a scooter or wheelchair comprising a frame

having a plurality of support elements movable with respect to each other between a first stowed position and a second extended position, sheet material extending between the support elements, means for stabilizing the frame when the support elements are in the second extended position, and means for securing the fla to the scooter or wheelchair.
2. A canopy according to Claim 1, in which the support elements of the frame are pivotally connected to each other.
3. A canopy according to Claim 2, in which the support elements are connected by common pivoting means.
4. A canopy according to Claim 1,2 or 3, in which each of the support elements comprises a un tary element.
5. A canopy according to any one of the preceding Claims, in which each of the support elements comprises at least two arm portions and an intermediate portion.
6. A canopy according to any erie of the preceding Claims, in which the support elements are made from a durable and robust material.
7. A canopy according to Claim 6, in which the material comprises a toughened plastics or metaUic niateriai.
8. A canopy according to any one of the preceding Claims, in which the sheet material comprises aflansparent PVC material.
9. A canopy according to any onc of the preceding Claims, in which the means for stabilizing the frame i movable with respect to the support elements.
10. A canopy according to Claim 9, in which the means for stabilizing the frame comprises at least one elongate element for holding the support elements in a substantially rigid configuration when in the extended position.
11. A canopy according to Claim 10, in which the at least one elongate clement is adjustable to at least one of the support elements.
12. A canopy according to Claim 10 or 11, in which the means for stabilizing the frame comprises two elongate elements adjustable to opposite arm portions of at least one of the support elements.
13, A canopy according to any one of the preceding Clalins, further comprising means for protecting the lower part of an occupant of a scooter or wheelchair.
14. A canopy according to Claim 13, in which the said means is releasably detachable from the frame.
15. A canopy according to Claim 13 or 14, in which the said means comprises a skirt of substantially transparent material.
16. A scooter incorporating a canopy, the canopy comprising a frame having a plurality of support elements movable with respect to each other between a first stowed position and a second extended position, sheet material extending between the support elements, means for stabilizing the frame when the support elements are in the second extended position, and means for sectiring the frame to the scooter.
17. A wheelchair incorporating a canopy, the canopy comprising a frame having a plurality of support elements movable with respect to each other between a first stowed position and a second extended position, sheet material extending between the support elements, means for stabilizing the frame when the support elements are in the second extended position, and means for securing the frame to the wheelchair.
18. A canopy substantin fly as hereinbefore described with reference to.

and as shown in, the accompanying drawings,