Wheel chair abstract
A wheel chair with a removable toilet bowl and seat, comprising
a frame which has two forward vertical rails and two rearward vertical
rails with horizontal rails coupled therebetween to form a wheel
chair with a push handle at the upper extent of the rearward vertical
rails and wheels rotatably secured to the lower extent of the frame.
A pair of upper slide rails in a horizontal orientation and spaced
parallel with respect to each other are coupled at their forward
ends to the forward vertical rail and coupled at their rearward
ends to the rearward vertical rail. A pair of lower slide rails
in a horizontal orientation and spaced parallel with respect to
each other are coupled at their forward ends to the forward vertical
rail and coupled at their rearward ends to the rearward vertical
rail. A pair of upper channels are formed in the upper slide rails
facing each other and are laterally spaced by a first predetermined
distance. A pair of lower channels are formed in the lower slide
rails facing each other and are laterally spaced by a first predetermined
distance. An upper tray is formed in a planar configuration with
enlarged horizontal lateral edges received in the upper channels
and formed with a central planar surface to constitute a seat for
a user. A lower tray with enlarged horizontal lateral edges is received
in the lower channels. The central extent of the lower tray is formed
with a recess to function as a toilet.
Wheel chair claims
What is claimed as being new and desired to be protected by LETTERS
PATENT of the United States is as follows:
1. A wheel chair with a removable toilet bowl and seat, comprising:
a frame having two forward vertical rails and two rearward vertical
rails with horizontal rails coupled therebetween to form a wheel
chair with a push handle at the upper extent of the rearward vertical
rails and wheels rotatably secured to the lower extent of the frame;
a pair of upper slide rails in a horizontal orientation and spaced
parallel with respect to each other and coupled at their forward
ends to the forward vertical rail and coupled at their rearward
ends to the rearward vertical rail;
a pair of lower slide rails in a horizontal orientation and spaced
parallel with respect to each other and coupled at their forward
ends to the forward vertical rail and coupled at their rearward
ends to the rearward vertical rail;
a pair of upper channels formed in the upper slide rails facing
each other and laterally spaced by a first predetermined distance;
a pair of lower channels formed in the lower slide rails facing
each other and laterally spaced by a first predetermined distance;
an upper tray formed in a planar configuration with enlarged horizontal
lateral edges received in the upper channels and formed with a central
planar surface to constitute a seat for a user; and
a lower tray with enlarged horizontal lateral edges received in
the lower channels, the central extent of the lower tray being formed
with a recess to function as a toilet.
2. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 and further including
a pair of catches secured to the forward and rearward vertical rails
adjacent to the slide rails adapted to move to an inoperative position
remote from the trays to allow for the sliding movement of the trays
with respect to the slide rails and an operative position within
the recesses in interference contact with the trays to preclude
inadvertent removal of the trays from the slide rails.
3. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 and further including
two pair of recesses formed on the exterior surface of each tray
facing outwardly at a forward extent thereof and at a rearward extent
thereof.
4. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 and further including
two pair of holes formed in the exterior surface of each slide rail
at a forward extent thereof and at a rearward extent thereof.
5. A new and improved wheel chair with a removable toilet bowl
and seat, comprising, in combination:
a frame having two forward vertical rails and two rearward vertical
rails with horizontal rails coupled therebetween to form a wheel
chair with a push handle at the upper extent of the rearward vertical
rails and wheels rotatably secured to the lower extent of the frame;
a pair of upper slide rails in a horizontal orientation and spaced
parallel with respect to each other and coupled at their forward
ends to the forward vertical rail and coupled at their rearward
ends to the rearward vertical rail;
a pair of lower slide rails in a horizontal orientation and spaced
parallel with respect to each other and coupled at their forward
ends to the forward vertical rail and coupled at their rearward
ends to the rearward vertical rail;
a pair of upper C-shaped channels formed in the upper slide rails
facing each other and laterally spaced by a first predetermined
distance;
a pair of lower C-shaped channels formed in the lower slide rails
facing each other and laterally spaced by a first predetermined
distance;
an upper tray formed in a planar configuration with enlarged horizontal
lateral edges received in the upper channels and formed with a central
planar surface to constitute a seat for a user;
a lower tray with enlarged horizontal lateral edges received in
the lower channels, the central extent of the lower tray being formed
with a recess to function as a toilet;
two pair of recesses formed on the exterior surface of each tray
facing outwardly at a forward extent thereof and at a rearward extent
thereof;
two pair of holes formed in the exterior surface of each slide
rail at a forward extent thereof and at a rearward extent thereof;
and
a pair of pivotable catches secured to the forward and rearward
vertical rails adjacent to the slide rails adapted to move to an
inoperative position remote from the trays to allow for the sliding
movement of the trays with respect to the slide rails and an operative
position within the recesses in interference contact with the trays
to preclude inadvertent removal of the trays from the slide rails.
Wheel chair description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a wheel chair with a removable
toilet bowl and seat and more particularly pertains to allowing
people in wheel chairs to more easily and comfortably undergo bodily
waste elimination.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of wheel chairs and toilets of various designs and configurations
is known in the prior art. More specifically, wheel chairs and toilets
of various configurations heretofore devised and utilized for the
purpose of facilitating the transportation of invalids in wheel
chairs and to facilitate individuals in wheel chairs to undergo
bodily waste elimination are known to consist basically of familiar,
expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding
the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which
have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives
and requirements.
By way of example, the prior art discloses in U.S. Pat. No. 5,127,113
to Di Matteo et al. an invalid transfer arrangement.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,282,284 to Brantman et al. discloses a sliding
transfer device.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,549 to Riva discloses a transfer seat to be
used between a wheelchair and an automobile seat.
Lastly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,201,377 to Wilson discloses a wheelchair
with sidewardly swingable seat.
In this respect, the wheel chair with a removable toilet bowl and
seat according to the present invention substantially departs from
the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so
doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose
of allowing people in wheel chairs to more easily and comfortably
undergo bodily waste elimination.
Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing
need for new and improved wheel chair with a removable toilet bowl
and seat which can be used for allowing people in wheel chairs to
more easily and comfortably undergo bodily waste elimination. In
this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types
of use of wheel chairs and toilets of various designs and configurations
now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an
improved wheel chair with a removable toilet bowl and seat. As such,
the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described
subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved
wheel chair with a removable toilet bowl and seat apparatus and
method which has all the advantages of the prior art and none of
the disadvantages.
To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a new
and improved wheel chair with a removable toilet bowl and seat,
comprising, in combination, a frame having two forward vertical
rails and two rearward vertical rails with horizontal rails coupled
therebetween to form a wheel chair with a push handle at the upper
extent of the rearward vertical rails and wheels rotatably secured
to the lower extent of the frame. A pair of upper slide rails are
provided in a horizontal orientation and spaced parallel with respect
to each other and coupled at their forward ends to the forward vertical
rail and coupled at their rearward ends to the rearward vertical
rail. A pair of lower slide rails are also provided and are in a
horizontal orientation and spaced parallel with respect to each
other and coupled at their forward ends to the forward vertical
rail and coupled at their rearward ends to the rearward vertical
rail. A pair of upper C-shaped channels are formed in the upper
slide rails facing each other and laterally spaced by a first predetermined
distance. A pair of lower C-shaped channels are formed in the lower
slide rails facing each other and laterally spaced by a first predetermined
distance. An upper tray is formed in a planar configuration with
enlarged horizontal lateral edges received in the upper channels
and formed with a central planar surface to constitute a seat for
a user. A lower tray with enlarged horizontal lateral edges is received
in the lower channels. The central extent of the lower tray is formed
with a recess to function as a toilet. Two pair of recesses are
formed on the exterior surface of each tray facing outwardly at
a forward extent thereof and at a rearward extent thereof. Two pair
of holes are formed in the exterior surface of each slide rail at
a forward extent thereof and at a rearward extent thereof. A pair
of pivotable catches are secured to the forward and rearward vertical
rails adjacent to the slide rails adapted to move to an inoperative
position remote from the trays to allow for the sliding movement
of the trays with respect to the slide rails and an operative position
within the recesses in interference contact with the trays to preclude
inadvertent removal of the trays from the slide rails.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important
features of the invention in order that the detailed description
thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that
the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There
are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be
described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of
the claims appended hereto.
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the
invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is
not limited in its application to the details of construction and
to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable
of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various
ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology
employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not
be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception,
upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as
a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems
for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention.
It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including
such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from
the spirit and scope of the present invention.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a
new and improved wheel chair with a removable toilet bowl and seat
which has all the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a new
and improved wheel chair with a removable toilet bowl and seat which
may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new
and improved wheel chair with a removable toilet bowl and seat which
is of a durable and reliable construction.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide a
new and improved wheel chair with a removable toilet bowl and seat
which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to
both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible
of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such
use of wheel chairs and toilets of various designs and configurations
economically available to the buying public.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide
a new and improved wheel chair with a removable toilet bowl and
seat which provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior
art some of the advantages thereof, while simultaneously overcoming
some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith.
Still another object of the present invention is to allow people
in wheel chairs to more easily and comfortably undergo bodily waste
elimination.
Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new
and improved wheel chair with a removable toilet bowl and seat comprising
a frame which has two forward vertical rails and two rearward vertical
rails with horizontal rails coupled therebetween to form a wheel
chair with a push handle at the upper extent of the rearward vertical
rails and wheels rotatably secured to the lower extent of the frame.
A pair of upper slide rails in a horizontal orientation and spaced
parallel with respect to each other are coupled at their forward
ends to the forward vertical rail and coupled at their rearward
ends to the rearward vertical rail. A pair of lower slide rails
in a horizontal orientation and spaced parallel with respect to
each other are coupled at their forward ends to the forward vertical
rail and coupled at their rearward ends to the rearward vertical
rail. A pair of upper channels are formed in the upper slide rails
facing each other and laterally spaced by a first predetermined
distance. A pair of lower channels are formed in the lower slide
rails facing each other and laterally spaced by a first predetermined
distance. An upper tray is formed in a planar configuration with
enlarged horizontal lateral edges received in the upper channels
and formed with a central planar surface to constitute a seat for
a user. A lower tray with enlarged horizontal lateral edges is received
in the lower channels. The central extent of the lower tray is formed
with a recess to function as a toilet.
These together with other objects of the invention, along with
the various features of novelty which characterize the invention,
are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and
forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of
the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects
attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying
drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred
embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be better understood and objects other than
those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is
given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description
makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of
the wheel chair with a removable toilet bowl and seat constructed
in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is rear elevational view of the device shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view taken at circle 3 of FIG.
2.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged exploded view of the coupling of one slide
to one rail.
FIG. 5 is an perspective view of the lower tray as shown in FIGS.
1, 2 and 3.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6--6 of FIG.
5.
Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout
the several views of the drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1
thereof, a new and improved wheel chair with a removable toilet
bowl and seat embodying the principles and concepts of the present
invention and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will
be described.
The present invention, the new and improved wheel chair with a
removable toilet bowl and seat, is comprised of a plurality of components.
Such components in their broadest context include a frame, upper
and lower slide rails, upper and lower C-shaped channels, an upper
tray, a lower tray, recesses, holes and catches. Such components
are individually configured and correlated with respect to each
other so as to attain the desired objective.
More specifically, the central component of the wheelchair 10 of
the present invention is a frame 12. The frame has two forward vertical
rails 14. It also has two rearward vertical rails 16. Horizontal
rails 18 couple the forward and rearward rails. Together the rails
form the central component or frame of the wheelchair. In addition,
the frame includes a push handle 20 at the upper extent of the rearward
vertical rails. The frame also includes wheels 22 rotatably secured
to the lower extent of the frame. The forward wheels are preferably
rotatable about a vertical axis to constitute casters for improved
maneuverability.
Coupled with respect to the frame are a pair of upper slide rails
26. Such upper slide rails are in a horizontal orientation. They
are spaced parallel with respect to each other. They are coupled
at their forward ends to the forward vertical rails. They are coupled
at their rearward ends to the rearward vertical rails.
In addition to the upper slide rails 26, there are provided a pair
of lower slide rails 28. The lower slide rails are in a horizontal
orientation. They are spaced parallel with respect to each other.
They are coupled at their forward ends to the forward vertical rails.
They are coupled at their rearward ends to the rearward vertical
rails.
Next provided, in association with the upper slide rails are a
pair of upper C-shaped channels 32. Such channels are formed in
the upper slide rails in an orientation to face each other. They
are laterally spaced by a first predetermined distance.
In association with the upper C-shaped channels 32 are a pair of
lower C-shaped channels 36. Such channels are formed in the upper
slide rails in an orientation to face each other. They are laterally
spaced by a first predetermined distance.
In association with the upper slide rails 26 and upper C-shaped
channels 32 is an upper tray 40. Such upper tray is formed in a
planar configuration. It is formed with an enlarged horizontal lateral
edges 42. Such lateral edges are received in the upper channels
of the upper slide rails. The upper tray has a lateral dimension
essentially equal to the first predetermined distance. The upper
tray constitutes a seat for the user.
A lower tray 44 is next provided. The lower tray is formed with
enlarged horizontal lateral edges 46. Such lateral edges are positionable
in the lower channels of the lower slide rails. The lateral dimension
of the lower tray is also equal to the first predetermined distance.
The central extent of the lower tray is formed with a generally
hemispherical shaped recess 48 extending downwardly therefrom. Such
recess functions as a toilet during operation and use when the upper
tray is removed.
Further capabilities are provided to the system by a locking/unlocking
assembly. Such locking/unlocking assembly includes two pair of recesses
52. Two pair of such recesses are formed in each tray. They face
outwardly at a forward extent of the tray and at a rearward extent
of the tray.
Positioned in association with the two pair of recesses are two
pair of holes 56. Such holes are formed in the exterior surface
of each slide rail. They are located at the forward extents of the
slide rails and at the rearward extents thereof. They are adapted
to overlie the recesses when positioned during normal operation
and use.
Lastly provided are a pair of pivotable catches 60. Such catches
are secured to the vertical rails through a nut and bolt assembly.
They include a pivot pin and a finger. The catches are secured to
the forward and rearward vertical rails. They are located adjacent
to the slide rails and are adapted to move between inoperative and
operative positions. In the inoperative position, the catches are
rotated remote from the trays. This is to allow for the sliding
movement of the trays with respect to the slide rails. When in the
operative position, the catches are pivoted through the holes into
the recesses in interfering contact with the tray. Such an orientation
precludes inadvertent removal of the trays from the slide rails.
The present invention is a removable toilet bowl and seat for use
with wheelchairs. This receptacle enables the patient to stay in
the chair rather than having to be lifted out or transported.
This specialized seat is made from smooth, hard plastic, similar
to that which is used in conventional bathrooms. Four preformed
metal or steel brackets are provided for mounting to existing wheelchairs,
or as part of the original manufacturing process for new apparatuses.
The existing seat will be modified in the same way to enable it
to slide out as well. High quality hardware, including a safety
latch, holds these seats securely in place.
A patient, with the help of an aide or nurse, must lift up slightly
to allow the regular seat to be removed. Directly below this, already
in place, is the receptacle. Gently, the user is set back down on
this "toilet" and the necessary garments are moved out
of the way. Now the individual is left alone to go to the bathroom.
When finished, the assistant helps the patient to clean up and then
lift up to remove the basin and insert the original seat. The waste
is disposed of properly and the seat sanitized. It can now be slid
back in place for use at a later time.
The slide out seat will allow individuals who use wheelchairs to
more easily and comfortably undergo waste elimination. It is a simple
design that lends itself to ease of manufacturing.
As to the manner of usage and operation of the present invention,
the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly,
no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation
will be provided.
With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized
that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the
invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form,
function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily
apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent
relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described
in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present
invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of
the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications
and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is
not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and
operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications
and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of
the invention. |