Structural members for use in wheelchairs
US6058674A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 4, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 9, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 4, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61G5/10
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A structural member for use in a wheelchair which includes an elongate section having side members connected by at least one central member and movement accommodating channels. Preferably, the elongate section has a W-shaped cross-sectional configuration. The preferred cross-section has a generally round outline. The preferred wheelchair structural member also includes a mechanism for imparting torsional stiffness thereto. Preferably, that mechanism includes stiffening disks which have a solid, circular cross-sectional appearance, and which are formed integrally with the elongate section. Similarly, the preferred structural member may include a mechanism for imparting bending strength. Stiffening disks, as well as increased cross-sectional diameter and increased wall thickness may be used to reduce the tendency of a structural member to bend. A preferred injection molding method and the preferred use of fiber-reinforced plastic materials are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.