Wheel chair abstract
Covers for a grip ring of a wheel chair are disclosed. According
to certain embodiments of the invention, a two-piece cover is provided.
The two-piece cover includes a soft, resilient inner pad and an
outer sleeve enclosing the inner pad. According to other embodiments
of the invention, a one-piece cover is disclosed. The one-piece
cover includes a soft, resilient inner pad and an outer layer permanently
attached to the inner pad. Both the one-piece and two-piece covers
can be easily removed from or installed on the grip ring. The covers
according to the present invention fit securely over wheelchair
grip rings, providing a cushioned, enlarged gripping area for the
wheelchair user. The covers improve the performance, feel and safety
of grip rings.
Wheel chair claims
What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent
of the United States is:
1. A wheelchair grip ring cover comprising: an inner pad sized
to substantially enclose a grip ring of a wheelchair, wherein said
inner pad comprises a substantially ring-shaped member including
a substantially tubular wall, and wherein said tubular wall includes
first and second adjacent edges separated by a circumferential gap
that extends circumferentially along the inner pad in a rotational
direction of the grip ring cover; and a removable outer sleeve sized
to fit around and substantially enclose said inner pad, wherein
said outer sleeve comprises a sheet of material bounded by a first
side, a second side opposite said first side, a first end extending
between said first and second sides, and a second end opposite said
first end and extending between said first and second sides, wherein
said outer sleeve includes a first side fastening element disposed
proximate said first side and a second side fastening element disposed
proximate said second side wherein said first side fastening element
and said second side fastening element are arranged to align and
fasten together to removably secure said outer sleeve on said inner
pad and to thereby secure said inner pad on the grip ring, wherein
said outer sleeve includes a first end fastening element disposed
proximate said first end and a second end fastening element disposed
proximate said second end, and wherein said first and second end
fastening elements are arranged to align and fasten together for
securing said outer sleeve on said inner pad and for securing said
inner pad on said grip ring.
2. The grip ring cover of claim 1, wherein said inner pad is constructed
of a soft, resilient material.
3. The grip ring cover of claim 2, wherein the soft, resilient
material is foam.
4. The grip ring cover of claim 1, wherein said outer sleeve is
constructed of one of the following materials; vinyl, leather or
fabric.
5. The grip ring cover of claim 1, wherein said inner pad further
comprises adjacent first and second free ends separated by a gap.
6. The grip ring cover of claim 1, wherein said first and second
adjacent edges include adhesive elements for bonding said first
and second adjacent edges together.
7. The grip ring cover of claim 6, wherein said adhesive elements
each comprise an adhesive covering a surface of a respective circumferential
edge, and a peel-off strip covering said adhesive.
8. The grip ring cover of claim 1, wherein said outer sleeve includes
reflective material.
9. The grip ring cover of claim 1, wherein said outer sleeve comprises
luminescent material.
10. The grip ring cover of claim 1, wherein said first side fastening
element and said second side fastening element comprise Velcro fasteners.
11. A grip ring assembly for a wheelchair comprising: a grip ring;
and a cover comprising an inner pad and a removable outer sleeve,
wherein: said inner pad substantially encloses said grip ring and
said outer sleeve substantially encloses said inner pad; said inner
pad comprises a substantially ring-shaped member including a substantially
tubular wall; said tubular wall includes first and second adjacent
edges separated by a circumferential gap that extends circumferentially
along the inner pad in a rotational direction of the grip ring cover;
said outer sleeve is a sheet of material bounded by a first side,
a second side opposite said first side, a first end extending between
said first and second sides, and a second end opposite said first
end and extending between said first and second sides; said outer
sleeve includes a first side fastening element disposed proximate
said first side and a second side fastening element disposed proximate
said second side; said first side fastening element and said second
side fastening element are aligned and fastened together to removably
secure said outer sleeve on said inner pad and to thereby secure
said inner pad on said grip ring; said outer sleeve includes a first
end fastening element disposed proximate said first end and a second
end fastening element disposed proximate said second end; and said
first and second end fastening elements are aligned and fastened
together for securing said outer sleeve on said inner pad and for
securing said inner pad on said grip ring.
12. The grip ring assembly of claim 11, wherein said inner pad
is constructed of a soft, resilient material.
13. The grip ring assembly of claim 12, wherein said resilient,
soft material is foam.
14. The grip ring assembly of claim 11, wherein said outer sleeve
is constructed of one of the following materials: vinyl, leather
or fabric.
15. The grip ring assembly of claim 11, wherein said grip ring
includes standoffs for connecting said grip ring to a wheel of a
wheelchair, and wherein said standoffs are disposed within said
circumferential gap.
16. The grip ring assembly of claim 11, wherein said inner pad
further comprises adjacent first and second free ends separated
by a gap.
17. The grip ring assembly of claim 16, wherein said first and
second adjacent edges include adhesive elements for bonding said
first and second adjacent edges together.
18. The grip ring cover of claim 17, wherein said adhesive elements
each comprise an adhesive covering a surface of a respective circumferential
edge, and a peel-off strip covering said adhesive.
19. The grip ring assembly of claim 11, wherein said outer sleeve
includes reflective material.
20. The grip ring assembly of claim 11, wherein said outer sleeve
comprises luminescent material.
21. The grip ring assembly of claim 11, wherein said fastening
elements comprise Velcro fasteners.
22. A wheelchair comprising the grip ring assembly of claim 11.
23. A method for installing a cover on a grip ring of a wheelchair,
comprising: folding an inner pad of said cover over said grip ring;
and wrapping and fastening an outer sleeve of said cover around
said inner pad, wherein wrapping and fastening said outer sleeve
around said inner pad comprises the following steps: a) placing
said outer sleeve over said grip ring such that an inner surface
of said outer sleeve is in contact with an outer surface of said
inner pad; b) wrapping a portion of said outer sleeve around said
outer surface of said inner pad; c) aligning and fastening together
portions of fastening elements disposed proximate opposing sides
of said outer sleeve; d) repeating steps b) and d) until said outer
sleeve substantially encloses said inner pad; e) pulling a second
end of said outer sleeve over a first end of said outer sleeve;
and f) aligning and fastening together fastening elements disposed
proximate said first and second ends.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein folding said inner pad over
said grip ring comprises the following steps: a) aligning a circumferential
gap of said inner pad with said grip ring, wherein said circumferential
gap extends along said inner pad in a rotational direction of said
grip ring; b) widening a section of said circumferential gap and
inserting a section of said grip ring through said section of said
circumferential gap and into a section of a hollow interior of said
inner pad; c) folding a section of a wall of said inner pad around
said portion of said grip ring; and d) repeating steps b) and c)
until said inner pad substantially encloses said grip ring.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein said inner pad comprises first
and second circumferential edges separated by said circumferential
gap, and further comprising: exposing adhesive on said first and
second circumferential edges; and pressing and bonding said circumferential
edges together.
Wheel chair description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a cover for a grip ring of a wheelchair.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many hand-propelled wheelchairs are equipped with a pair of grip
rings, or hand rims. Each grip ring is mounted outboard of a respective
wheel of the wheelchair. A series of posts, or standoffs, extend
between an inner side of the grip ring and an outer side of a rim
portion of the wheel, and attach the grip ring to the wheel. Typically,
grip rings are constructed of steel tubing or composite material
tubing. The grip rings are used by the wheelchair operator to propel
and maneuver the wheelchair.
Conventional grip rings have several disadvantages. Grip ring tubing
typically has a relatively small diameter, which provides a limited
gripping surface for a user. As a result, the user will experience
difficulty propelling the wheelchair in certain situations, such
as when traveling up ramps, traversing carpeted areas or traversing
rough terrain. The limited gripping surface provided by the conventional
grip ring also makes it difficult for the user to stop the wheelchair
when descending declined surfaces or when traveling at high speeds.
The lack of sufficient gripping surface can cause the user to resort
to improper and dangerous techniques to propel and maneuver the
wheelchair. For example, the user may simultaneously grip both the
wheel and the grip ring while propelling the wheelchair or the user
may grip substantially the entire diameter of the grip ring while
braking the wheelchair in order to obtain a greater gripping surface.
Both of the aforementioned techniques can result in injury to the
user, because the user may catch her fingers in the spokes of the
wheel while attempting to propel the wheelchair, or she may catch
her fingers in the standoffs while attempting to brake the wheelchair.
Furthermore, the conventional grip ring is generally uncomfortable
to the user's hand. The small surface area of the grip ring, the
combination of the shape of the grip ring and the hardness off the
grip ring makes the grip ring uncomfortable to use.
Additionally, the conventional grip ring can become even more uncomfortable
and dangerous to use under adverse conditions. For example, conventional
grip rings are slippery when they are wet, and the steel surfaces
of the grip ring can become uncomfortably hot or cold depending
on the temperature of their environment.
Attempts have been made in the prior art to provide improved grip
rings for wheelchairs. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,047 teaches
a dual grip ring assembly including a large grip ring mounted on
a wheel of a wheelchair and a small grip ring mounted to and disposed
outboard of the large grip ring. The large grip ring includes a
foam coating and the small grip ring is constructed of aluminum.
The large grip ring and small grip ring are designed to be gripped
together to propel the vehicle, thereby providing a relatively large
gripping area. The small grip ring is designed to be gripped alone
for braking the wheelchair. Although this invention may improve
performance in maneuvering the wheelchair, it adds significantly
to the cost and assembly time of the grip ring assembly. Additionally,
people with small hands (such as women and children) or arthritic
hands may find it difficult to grip the dual grip ring assembly.
Furthermore, the dual grip ring assembly substantially increases
the width of the wheelchair over conventional grip ring assemblies,
thereby making it more difficult to maneuver the wheelchair through
tight spaces. U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,705 B1 teaches a double-rimmed
grip ring assembly for a wheelchair. The grip ring assembly includes
a first rim, a second rim coaxially aligned within the first grip
ring and a vinyl-coated concave trough connecting the first rim
to a wheel of the wheelchair. This assembly provides a high-friction
gripping surface, but is substantially more complicated and costly
to manufacture than conventional grip ring assemblies. Also, as
is the case with U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,047, people with small hands
or arthritic hands may find it difficult to grip both rims of the
grip ring assembly. U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,268 B 1 discloses a grip
ring having a friction coating on its upper surface. This invention
provides a high friction gripping surface, but does not improve
the comfort or substantially increase the gripping area of the grip
ring.
Therefore, a device that improves the performance, comfort and
safety of the conventional grip ring is needed. More particularly,
a device that improves the traction, gripping area and feel of the
conventional grip ring, without significantly adding to the cost
or complexity of the grip ring and without significantly increasing
the width of the wheelchair, is needed.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention discloses various embodiments of a cover
for a wheelchair grip ring. The cover according to the present invention
includes an inner pad constructed of a soft, resilient material
and an outer sleeve constructed of a durable material that is resistant
to slippage and extreme temperature changes. The grip ring cover
is easily removed and installed on a grip ring of a wheelchair.
According to the present invention, the grip ring cover comprises
a substantially ring-shaped member. The inner pad includes a substantially
tubular wall that substantially encloses the grip ring. The outer
sleeve wraps and fastens around the inner pad to secure the inner
pad to the grip ring. According to some embodiments of the invention,
the outer sleeve is detachable from the inner pad. According to
other embodiments of the invention, the outer sleeve is permanently
attached to the inner pad. The outer sleeve may also include reflective
or luminescent material to improve the visibility of the grip ring
over.
The grip ring cover of the present invention provides an increased
gripping diameter for wheelchair users and provides a cushioned
gripping surface that resists slippage and extreme temperature changes.
Therefore, the present invention improves the performance, comfort
and safety of wheelchair grip rings. Furthermore, the present invention
achieves the aforementioned benefits without great expense or complicated
assembly, and without substantially affecting the width of the wheelchair.
The invention, along with additional features and advantages thereof,
may be best understood with reference to the following detailed
description and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a prior art wheelchair grip ring.
FIG. 1B is a cut-away outboard view of a wheel and grip ring of
the prior art wheelchair of FIG. 1.
FIG. 2A is an inboard side view of a grip ring cover according
to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2B is a sectional view taken along line 2--2 of FIG. 2A.
FIG. 3A is an inboard view of an inner pad of the grip ring cover
of FIG. 2A.
FIG. 3B is a sectional view taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 3A.
FIG. 4A is a view of an outside surface of an outer sleeve of the
grip ring cover of FIG. 2A.
FIG. 4B is a view of an inside surface of the outer sleeve of 4A.
FIG. 5A is an inboard cut-away view of the grip ring cover of FIG.
2A installed on a grip ring.
FIG. 5B is a sectional view taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 5A.
FIG. 6A is an inboard cut-away view of the inner pad of FIG. 3A
installed on a grip ring.
FIG. 6B is a sectional view taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 6A.
FIG. 7A is an inboard side view of a one-piece grip ring cover
according to another embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 7B is a sectional view taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 7A.
FIG. 8A is an inboard cut-away view of the grip ring cover of FIG.
7A installed on a grip ring.
FIG. 8B is a sectional view taken along line 7--7 of FIG. 8A.
FIG. 9 is an inboard side view of an inner pad for a grip ring
cover according to another embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 10 is an inboard side view of a one-piece grip ring cover
according to yet another embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an outer sleeve of a grip ring
cover according to another embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 11B is a sectional view taken along line 8--8 of FIG. 11A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention will now be described in detail with reference
to FIGS. 1 11B, wherein the same reference numbers indicate the
same elements.
FIG. 1A shows a prior art wheelchair 1 including a frame 1a, a
seat 1b attached to the frame 1a, a wheel 10 rotatably attached
to the frame a, and a grip ring 20 connected to and disposed outboard
of the wheel 10. Standoffs 25 attach the grip ring 20 to a rim 11
of the wheel 10. Each standoff 25 extends between a location on
the inside face 20a of the grip ring 20 and a location on the outside
face 11a of the rim 11, and space the grip ring 20 outboard of the
wheel 10. FIG. 1B shows an isolated view of the prior art wheel
10 and grip ring 20. As shown in FIG. 1B, the grip ring rotates
in a rotational direction R.
FIGS. 2A and 2B show a grip ring cover 30 according to one embodiment
of the invention. As shown in FIG. 2A, the grip ring cover 30 is
a substantially ring-shaped cover. As is best shown in FIG. 2B,
the grip ring cover 30 comprises an inner pad 40 and an outer sleeve
50 that, when the grip ring cover 30 is assembled, is snugly secured
or wrapped around the exterior surfaces of the inner pad 40.
Referring to FIG. 3A, the inner pad 40 comprises a generally ring-shaped
tube having adjacent first and second free ends that are 40a and
40b separated by a gap 40c. As shown in FIG. 3B, the inner pad 40
includes a substantially tubular wall 41 having first and second
adjacent edges 41a and 41b that are separated by a circumferential
gap, or open channel 41c in the wall 41 that extends circumferentially
along the inner pad 40 in the rotational direction R of the grip
ring 20. Circumferential edges 41a and 41b may include adhesive
elements 46a and 46b, respectively. The adhesive elements 46a and
46b may cover a portion of the surfaces of the respective edges
41a and 41b, or may cover the entire surface of the edges 41a and
41b. Preferably, the adhesive elements 46a and 46b comprise and
adhesive covered by a peel-off covering strip that may be peeled
off to expose the adhesive. The inner pad 40 further includes a
hollow interior 42 bounded by an inner wall surface 43 of the wall
41. The circumferential gap 41c communicates with the hollow interior
42 of the inner pad 40 to accommodate the grip ring 20, as will
be described later. The inner pad 40 is preferably constructed of
foam, but may be constructed of other soft, resilient materials.
As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the outer sleeve 50 comprises a sheet
of material having an outer surface 51 to be gripped by a wheelchair
user and an inner surface 52 for contacting the outer surface of
the inner pad 40. The outer sleeve 50 is bounded by a first side
53, a second side 54 opposite the first side 53, a first end 55
extending between the opposed sides 53 and 54, and a second end
56 opposite said first end 55 and extending between the opposed
sides 53 and 54. The width W of the sleeve 50 is slightly greater
than the outer wall circumference C.sub.w of the wall 41 of the
inner pad 40 so that the sleeve 50 can be closed around the inner
pad 40. The length L of the outer sleeve 50 is slightly greater
than the outer rotational circumference C.sub.R of the inner pad
40 so that the end 56 overlaps the end 55 when installed on the
grip ring 20, as will be further described later on. Preferably,
the length L of the outer sleeve is at least two inches greater
than the circumference C.sub.R of the inner pad to ensure proper
closure of the outer sleeve 55 over the inner pad 40. Although the
sleeve 50 is shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B as a rectangular sheet, the
sleeve 50 may be constructed in other suitable shapes. The outer
sleeve 50 is preferably constructed of leather, but may alternatively
be constructed of vinyl, a pliable plastic or a durable fabric.
According an additional embodiment of the invention, the outer
sleeve 50 may be constructed of a luminescent material or may include
some luminescent material to improve visibility of the cover 30
under dark lighting conditions. Thus, the luminescent material would
allow the user to easily identify and grasp the grip ring cover
30 under dark lighting conditions, and would also make the wheelchair
1 more visible to others under dark lighting conditions. According
to another embodiment of the invention, the outer sleeve may be
constructed of a reflective material or may include some reflective
material to improve the visibility of the wheelchair 1 under dark
lighting conditions.
Referring still to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a first side fastening element
51a is disposed on the outer surface 51 proximate the first side
53. A second side fastening element 52a is disposed on the inner
surface 52 proximate the second side 54, and is compatible with
the first side fastening element 51a for closing the outer sleeve
50 around the inner pad 40. The sleeve 50 may also include first
and second end fastening elements 51b and 52b. As shown in FIG.
6A, the first end fastening element 51b is disposed on the outer
surface 51 proximate the first end 55. The second end fastening
element 52b is disposed on the inner surface 52 proximate the second
end 56 and is compatible with the first end fastening element 51b
for fastening the first end 55 to the second end 56 around the inner
pad 40.
The arrangement of the fastening elements described above is by
way of example only, and other fastening arrangements may be used.
For example, the side fastening elements 51a and 52a may each be
placed proximate sides 54 and 53, respectively, with respect to
the configuration described above, and the end fastening elements
51b and 52b may be placed proximate ends 56 and 55, respectively,
with respect to the configuration described above.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fastening
elements 51a, 52a, 51b and 52b comprise Velcro fasteners. However,
other suitable fasteners may be used.
FIGS. 5A and 5B show the grip ring cover 30 fully assembled and
installed on the grip ring 20. When the cover 30 is installed on
the grip ring 20, the cover 30 substantially encloses the grip ring
20. More particularly, the inner pad 40 substantially encloses the
grip ring 20 and the outer sleeve 50 substantially encloses the
inner pad 40. Preferably, the thickness T of the cover 30 (i.e.,
the combined thickness of the tubular wall 41 of the inner pad and
the outer sleeve 50) is approximately 0.5 inches, thereby increasing
the gripping diameter D.sub.g of the grip ring 20 by approximately
one inch, as shown in FIG. 5B. Sizing the cover 30 in such a manner
will provide a substantial increase in cushioning and gripping area
for a user while still providing suitable clearance between the
grip ring assembly (the grip ring 20 and cover 30) and the terrain
traversed by the wheelchair. However, the thickness T may be larger
or smaller than the preferred size, so long as sufficient clearance
is be maintained between the cover 30 and the wheel 10 and between
the cover 30 and the terrain to be traversed, and so long as the
cover 30 provides sufficient padding for the user.
As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the inner pad 40 substantially encloses
the grip ring 20. The grip ring 20 is enclosed within the interior
42 of the inner pad 40 and the standoffs 25 are disposed within
the gap 41c. The edges 41a and 41b are bonded together via the adhesive
elements 46a and 46b, thereby securing the inner pad 40 tightly
around the grip ring 20 and resisting rotation of the inner pad
40 relative to the grip ring 20. However, the edges 41a and 41b
are not bonded together at locations near the standoffs 25, because
the standoffs 25 protrude between the edges 41a and 41b. The outer
sleeve 50 is wrapped and fastened around the inner pad 40. The side
fastening elements 51a and 52a are aligned and fastened along the
inner pad 40. The end fastening elements 51b and 52b are aligned
and fastened around the outer circumference C.sub.W of the inner
pad 40. As can be seen in FIG. 6A, spaces 57 are disposed around
the standoffs 25 to allow the outer sleeve 50 to wrap around the
standoffs 25.
The installation of the cover 30 will now be described. In order
to install the inner pad 40 on the grip ring 20, the inner pad 40
is aligned with the grip ring 20, and the inner pad 40 is folded
over the grip ring 20 such that the grip ring 20 is substantially
enclosed by the inner pad 40. More particularly, the inner pad 40
is installed as follows. The circumferential gap 41c of the inner
pad 40 is aligned with the grip ring 20. Then, the following steps
are repeated until the inner pad 40 substantially encloses the grip
ring 20 and the ends 40a and 40b are adjacent one another on the
grip ring 20: the circumferential gap 41c is widened along a section
of the inner pad 40 by pulling apart the wall edges 41a and 41b;
a section of the grip ring is then inserted through the circumferential
gap 41c and into a section of the hollow interior 42; and a section
of the wall 41 is then folded around the portion of the grip ring
such that the portion of the grip ring is enclosed by the portion
of the wall. Thereafter, the adhesive of adhesive elements 46a and
46b is exposed and the edges 41a and 41b are pressed and bonded
together. Thus, the inner pad 40 tightly encloses the grip ring
20 so as to provide a secure gripping foundation for the user. Because
the ends 40a and 40b are free and the inner pad 40 is relatively
flexible, the inner pad 40 may be easily manipulated to be folded
around the grip ring 20.
Once the inner pad 40 is installed, the outer sleeve 50 is wrapped
around the inner pad 40. More specifically, the following procedure
is carried out. The sleeve 50 is first placed over the grip ring
20 such that the inner surface 52 of the outer sleeve 50 is in contact
with the outer surface 45 of the inner pad 40. Thereafter, the following
steps are repeated until the inner pad 40 is substantially enclosed
by the outer sleeve 50: a portion of the sleeve 50 is wrapped tightly
around the outer surface 45 of along a portion of the inner pad
40 such that a portion of the second side 54 overlaps a portion
of the first side 53 and corresponding portions of the side fastening
elements 51a and 52a are aligned; corresponding portions of the
side fastening elements 51a and 52a are then fastened together around
the portion of the inner pad 40. Then, the second end 56 is pulled
over the first end 55 on the inner pad 40 such that the end fastening
elements 51b and 52b are aligned. The end fastening elements 51b
and 52b are then fastened together around the outer wall surface
45 of the grip ring 20.
According to another embodiment of the invention, an inner pad
40', shown in FIG. 9, is provided in place of inner pad 40. The
inner pad 40' is nearly identical to inner pad to 40, except that
the inner pad 40 has the form of a continuous ring without the gap
40c or ends 40a and 40b. The inner pad 40' is installed as follows.
The circumferential gap 41c of the inner pad 40' is aligned with
the grip ring 20. Then, the following steps are repeated until the
inner pad 40' substantially encloses the grip ring 20: the circumferential
gap 41c is widened along a section of the inner pad 40 by pulling
apart the wall edges 41a and 41b; a section of the grip ring is
then inserted through the circumferential gap 41c and into a section
of the hollow interior 42; and a section of the wall 41 is then
folded around the portion of the grip ring such that the portion
of the grip ring is enclosed by the portion of the wall. Thereafter,
the adhesive of adhesive elements 46a and 46b is exposed and the
edges 41a and 41b are pressed and bonded together. Because the inner
pad 40' has no free ends, it may be slightly more difficult to install
and remove than the inner pad 40. However, the inner pad 40' is
advantageous in that it can provide a tighter fit over the grip
ring 20.
According to another embodiment of the invention a stretch-fit
outer sleeve 50', shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B may be used instead
of the sleeve 50 described above. The sleeve 50' is a substantially
ring-shaped, semi-tubular sleeve including a semi-tubular wall 51'
having a pair of adjacent annular, elastic edges 53' and 54' separated
by an annular gap 55'. The wall 51' defines a hollow interior 56'.
The sleeve 50' is installed by aligning the annular gap 55' with
the inner pad 40 or 40' and stretching the sleeve 50' onto and over
the inner pad 40 or 40' such that a substantial portion of the inner
pad 40 or 40' is enclosed within the interior 52'. The sleeve 50'
may also include edge fastening elements 51a' and 52a' disposed
proximate the annular edges 53' and 54', respectively. The fastening
elements 51a' and 52a' may be aligned and fastened together to further
secure the sleeve 50' on the inner pad 40 or 40'. The stretch-fit
sleeve 50' is advantageous in that it can be quickly installed and
removed.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the sleeve 50'
may be adapted to fit directly over the grip ring 20 without the
use of an inner pad 40 or 40'. In such a case, the sleeve 50' is
installed by aligning the annular gap 55' with the grip ring 20
and stretching the sleeve 50' onto and over the grip ring 20 such
that a substantial portion of the grip ring 20 is enclosed within
the interior 52'.
According to another embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS.
7A and 7B, a one-piece grip ring cover 300 is provided. The grip
ring cover 300 is a generally ring-shaped member comprising a substantially
tubular inner pad 400 and an outer sleeve or shell 500 permanently
attached to the inner pad 400. The outer shell 500 may be bonded
to the inner pad 400 with adhesive, or it may be fused to the inner
pad 400 by a heating process. The inner pad 400 and outer shell
500 may be constructed of the same materials as the previously disclosed
inner pad 40 and outer sleeve 50.
As shown in FIG. 7A, the cover 300 comprises a generally ring-shaped
tube having adjacent first and second free ends 300a and 300b that
are separated by a gap 40c. Referring to FIG. 7B, the inner pad
400 includes a substantially tubular wall 401 having first and second
edges 401a and 401b that are separated by a circumferential gap
401c that extends circumferentially in the rotational direction
R of the grip ring 20. The cover 300 includes a hollow interior
302 bounded by an interior surface of the wall 401.
The outer shell 500 has side flaps 501 and 502 including respective
side fastening elements 501a and 502a. One of the side fastening
elements 501a and 502a is disposed on an interior surface of its
side flap, while the other of the side fastening elements 501a and
502a is disposed on an exterior surface of its side flap. The outer
shell 500 further includes an end flap 503 disposed proximate one
free end 300a or 300b of the cover 300, an end flap fastening element
503a on an interior surface of the end flap 503 and an end fastening
element 504 disposed proximate the other free end 300b or 300a.
FIGS. 8A and 8B show the cover 300 installed on a grip ring 20.
The cover 300 encloses the grip ring 20 such that the grip ring
is substantially enclosed within the interior 302 of the cover 300.
The side flaps 501 and 502 are aligned and fastened together via
the fastening elements 501a and 502a. The end flap 503 overlaps
the adjacent free end 300a or 300b such that the fastening elements
503a and 504 are aligned and fastened together, and free ends 300a
and 300b are secured in close proximity to one another. As can be
seen in FIG. 8A, spaces 507 are disposed around the standoffs 25
to allow the flaps 501 and 502 to wrap around the standoffs 25.
In order to install the cover 300 on the grip ring 20, the cover
300 is aligned with the grip ring 20, and the cover 300 is folded
over the grip ring 20 such that the grip ring 20 is substantially
enclosed by the cover 300. More particularly, the cover 300 is installed
as follows. The circumferential gap 401c of the inner pad 400 is
aligned with the grip ring 20. Then, the following steps are repeated
until the inner pad 400 substantially encloses the grip ring 20
and the ends 300a and 300b are adjacent one another on the grip
ring 20: the circumferential gap 401c is widened along a section
of the inner pad 400 by pulling apart the wall edges 401a and 401b;
a section of the grip ring is then inserted through the circumferential
gap 401c and into a section of the hollow interior 402; and a section
of the wall 401 is then folded around the portion of the grip ring
20 such that the portion of the grip ring is enclosed by the portion
of the wall 401. Thereafter, the side flaps 501a and 502a are aligned
and fastened together, and the end flap 503 is aligned and fastened
with the adjacent free end 300a or 300b.
According to another embodiment of the invention shown in FIG.
10, a cover 300' is provided. The cover 300' is similar to the cover
300, except that the cover 300' is formed in a continuous ring without
the free ends 300a and 300b, the end flap 503 and the fastening
elements 503a and 504. The cover 300' is installed in the same manner
as the cover 300, except that no fastening of free ends is required.
A grip ring cover according to the present invention can be sized
to fit any grip ring. A two-piece cover 30 may be manufactured such
that the length L of the outer sleeve 50 and outer rotational circumference
C.sub.R of the inner pad 40 or 40' are greater than necessary. Thus,
the outer sleeve 50 and inner pad 40 or 40' can be trimmed down
to fit grip rings of various sizes. Likewise a one-piece cover 300
may also have an outer rotational circumference C.sub.R2 that is
greater than necessary so that it may be trimmed to fit a variety
of grip rings.
According to the present invention, various embodiments of a grip
ring cover for a wheelchair are provided. The grip ring cover of
the present invention provides an enlarged gripping surface that
is comfortable to grip, resistant to slippage and resistant to extreme
temperature changes. The grip ring cover is easily assembled on
and removed from existing grip rings without requiring disassembly
of the grip ring. Additionally, the grip ring cover does not substantially
increase the width of the wheelchair, so as not to significantly
affect the user's ability to maneuver the wheelchair in tight spaces.
Furthermore, the grip ring cover according to the present invention
is inexpensive and simple to manufacture.
While the invention has been illustrated in connection with preferred
embodiments, variations within the scope of the invention will likely
occur to those skilled in the art. Thus, it is understood that the
invention is covered by the following claims. |