Wheel chair abstract
An arm board for removable placement on wheel chair arms. The platform
of the arm board upon which the wheel chair users arm rests is premanufactured
to have multiple mounting locations for mounting members to the
wheel chair arm. It therefore can be interchanged between left and
right wheel chair arms. According to another aspect of the invention,
the board can be slid over a wheel chair arm and arm rest, by utilizing
a mounting bracket combination, without removing the arm rest.
Wheel chair claims
I claim:
1. An auxiliary arm support for wheel chair including right and
left arms having a width and being positioned on opposite sides
of a seat, and right and left arm rests having a length, a width,
and a central longitudinal axis and being attachable offset from
the longitudinal axis to the tops of the right and left arms respectively
by bolts extending through a spaced apart set of apertures in each
arm, said auxiliary arm support comprising:
a platform having a top and bottom;
mounting members built into the platform at one of at least two
alternative positions, one position for mounting the platform over
the right arm rest and to the right arm and another position for
mounting the platform over the left arm rest to the left arm so
that the auxiliary arm support can be slidably mounted to either
right or left arm of the wheel chair without additional manufacturing;
and
a cover and pad secured over the top of the platform.
2. The auxiliary arm support of claim 1 wherein the mounting members
comprise T-nuts mounted and fixed against rotation in the platform.
3. The auxiliary arm support of claim 1 wherein the pad is attached
by non-releasable fasteners to the platform.
4. The auxiliary arm support of claim 1 further comprising a retaining
strap mounted surrounding the platform to retain a wheel chair user's
arm to the platform.
5. An auxiliary arm support for wheel chair including right and
left arms having a width and being positioned on opposite sides
of a seat, and right and left arm rests having a length and a width
and attachable to the tops of the right and left arms respectively
by bolts extending through a spaced apart set of apertures in each
arm, said auxiliary arm support comprising:
a platform having a top and bottom;
mounting members built into the platform at one of at least two
alternative positions, one position for mounting the platform to
the right arm and another position for mounting the platform to
the left arm so that the auxiliary arm support can be mounted to
either right or left arm of the wheel chair without additional manufacturing;
a cover and pad secured over the top of the platform; and
the mounting members comprising threaded receivers, elongated spacer
bars having interfacing sides spaced approximately the width of
an arm rest, flanges positioned on top of the spacer bars having
interfacing edges closer than the interfacing sides but farther
than the width of the arm, bolts extending through flanges, spacer
bars, and into the receivers, so that the auxiliary arm support
can be slid longitudinally over the wheel chair arm rest and arm.
6. The auxiliary arm support of claim 5 wherein the flanges are
polyurethane elongated members.
7. The auxiliary arm support of claim 5 wherein the spacer bars
are rectangular in shape.
8. The auxiliary arm support of claim 5 wherein the flanges are
rectangular in shape.
9. The auxiliary arm support of claim 5 further comprising one
or more shims positioned between a spacer bar and one of the platform
and flange.
10. The auxiliary arm support of claim 5 wherein the flanges are
substantially parallel with the platform.
11. The auxiliary arm support of claim 5 wherein the flanges are
oblique to the platform.
12. The auxiliary arm support of claim 5 further comprising rounded
edges and ends on the flanges, spacer bars, and platform.
13. The auxiliary arm support of claim 5 further comprising beveled
oblique surfaces at opposite ends of the flanges to assist in insertion
of the auxiliary arm support to a wheel chair arm.
14. An arm board for the support and restraint of a wheel chair
user's chair arm, having a frame upon which is supported a seat
in a generally horizontal plane and at least one chair arm in a
generally vertical plane on one side of the seat comprising:
a generally planer arm board having a top and bottom and opposite
ends and sides;
retaining walls extending upwardly with respect to the top of and
on opposite sides of the board;
a stabilizer wall rigidly mounted to the board and one of the retaining
walls, the stabilizer wall having one side opposite the board and
extending downwardly with respect to one side of the board, the
one side being placeable between the wheel chair arm and the wheel
chair user, the user's body pinning the stabilizer wall to the wheel
chair arm;
so that the board rests on top of the wheel chair arm, the retaining
walls retain the user's arm to the board, and the stabilizer wall
holds the arm support in place without direct connection to the
wheel chair.
15. The arm board of claim 14 further comprising a bar connected
to the stabilizer wall extending downwardly from the stabilizer
wall to pass between the seat and the wheel chair frame to further
support and hold the arm board in place during use.
16. The arm board of claim 4 further comprising at least one restraining
strap connected to the arm board to retain and restrain the user's
arm to the board.
17. The arm board of claim 14 further comprising a wall portion
extending downwardly below the board and generally parallel and
adjacent to retaining wall opposite the stabilizer wall, to assist
in resisting lateral movement of the board relative to the wheel
chair arm.
Wheel chair description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to an auxiliary arm support for
wheel chairs, commonly called an arm board, which are used to support
the wheel chair user's incapacitated or paralyzed arm.
B. Problems in the Art
Arm boards per se are well known in the art. Conventional wheel
chairs have tubular arms with horizontal portions on opposite sides
of the wheel chair seat. Normally, a relatively narrow arm rest
pad is placed along that horizontal portion so that the wheel chair
user can rest his/her arms or elbows if needed.
These chair arms and arm rests are designed for resting or temporary
support of functioning arms of the user, as opposed to disabled
or paralyzed arms.
Arm boards are generally significantly wider and longer than the
conventional wheel chair arm rest pad to provide a large surface
to rest the disabled or paralyzed arm. Most times some sort of restraining
or retaining member is also used to either strap or hold the disabled
or paralyzed arm on the arm board.
As can be appreciated, some wheel chair users require an arm board
for their left arm, others for their right arm. Some require an
arm board for both arms. Many times, it is not possible to create
a standardized arm board because of the different sizes and needs
of individual users.
A conventional way of making an arm board is to take a flat rectangular
piece of wood, remove the wheel chair arm rest, position the board
on the wheel chair arm (without arm pad) and then drill holes in
the board and bolt the board in place of the arm pad. The board
is then covered with a pad and usually some material such as vinyl.
While this method provides a sturdy arm board, it requires such
steps as removing the arm pad, aligning and drilling holes to match
those of the wheel chair, attaching the board and then attaching
a pad and cover. This is a labor intensive and time consuming endeavor.
An improvement to this method leaves the arm pad on the wheel chair
arm and instead makes a slide on mounting bracket from wood that
is screwed or bolted to the bottom of the arm board. The arm board
with bracket is then slid over the wheel chair arm and arm rest.
The primary problems with this method are that it is time consuming,
labor intensive, and somewhat complex to accurately cut out the
brackets from wood pieces, connect them to the arm board, and then
cover the arm board with the pad and cover. A primary deficiency
with such a method is that once the bracket is installed, it is
effectively permanent. To remove it might require removal of the
cover and pad.
Further deficiency with known methods of making arm boards is that
they are dedicated to either the left or right arm of the wheel
chair and normally cannot be universally used or easily adapted
for either chair arm. Further, it is often difficult to slide an
arm board with wood mounting brackets over a vinyl arm pad without
substantial friction or the risk of tearing the arm pad.
A primary consideration is the amount of time and labor necessary
to manufacture and customize arm boards for particular patients
for particular sides of the wheel chair. A reduction in the time
and effort required to construct such arm boards coupled with increased
flexibility has been identified as a need in the art.
It is therefore a principal object of the present invention to
provide a wheel chair arm board and method of making the same which
solves and/or improves over the problems and deficiencies in the
art.
Another object of the present invention is to reduce the amount
of time and labor needed to make arm boards.
Another object of the present invention is to increase the flexibility
of use of the arm board; for example, its adaptability to either
the left or right arm of a wheel chair with or without arm pad without
essentially re-manufacturing the arm board.
Another object of the present invention is to increase the mountability
of the arm board, for example, the ease by which it can be mounted
to the wheel chair.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a measure
of portability and reusability based on the ease of construction,
flexibility, and ease of mounting of the arm board.
Another object of the present invention is to reduce the number
and types of arm boards kept in inventory because of the universality
of the invention.
Another object of the present invention is to provide safety, strength,
and durability, as well as deter any loosening or movement of the
arm board once mounted on the wheel chair.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a more economical
arm board and method of making the same.
These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will become more apparent with reference to the accompanying
claims and specification.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to arm boards used with wheel chairs.
A first feature according to the invention utilizes mounting members
built into the platform. The mounting members are built-in to allow
the arm board to be reversible for either left or right wheel chair
arms. Mounting members either allow direct attachment to the wheel
chair arm with bolts, or allow attachment of mounting brackets to
the platform of the arm board which then allow the arm board to
be slid over the wheel chair arm and arm pad.
Another feature that can be used with the invention uses a polyurethane
material as a part of the mounting brackets of the arm board to
facilitate easier slideable mounting to the wheel chair arm and
arm pad.
Another aspect according to the invention includes the use of non-complex
shapes and sizes of pieces to create the mounting brackets to reduce
labor and to economize inventory.
Another aspect of the invention involves the method of making an
arm board including utilizing a jig to simulate the size and shape
of an arm rest pad, provide a drilling jig, and building the mounting
bracket around that jig for accurate positioning of parts.
Another aspect according to the invention utilizes an arm board
with side walls and stabilizing walls on opposite sides of the arm
board which function to retain the arm from lateral movement and
which utilizes the wheel chair framework, and to some extent the
user's body to hold the assembly in place on the arm board without
direct attachment to the wheel chair.
Other aspects and features according to the invention will become
apparent with reference to the entirety of the specification and
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional wheel chair showing
in exploded fashion a removable wheel chair arm and arm pad.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged isolated view of a wheel chair arm and pad,
and a prior art arm board in exploded view.
FIG. 3 is an assembled view of FIG. 2 depicting diagramatically
the placement of the wheel chair user's arm on the arm board.
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of an arm board according to the present
invention.
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the arm board platform of FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of FIG. 5 including a jig and mounting
brackets associated with the method of making an arm board according
to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an end plan view of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of an assembled arm board of
FIG. 4.
FIG. 9 is an exploded view illustrating the use of shims with the
mounting brackets with the embodiment of FIG. 4.
FIG. 10 is a perspective partial view showing the embodiment of
FIG. 4 prior to being inserted onto a wheel chair arm.
FIG. 11 is similar to FIG. 10 but showing the arm board of FIG.
4 partially inserted on a wheel chair arm.
FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 10 showing the arm board fully
mounted on the wheel chair arm.
FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of the present invention which replaces the removed conventional
arm pad on the wheel chair arm.
FIG. 14 is perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the
invention which is similar to FIG. 4 but includes a ramp or incline
portion which inclines the platform of the arm board relative to
the wheel chair user.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the
invention prior to mounting upon a wheel chair.
FIG. 16 is similar to FIG. 15 except showing the arm board mounted
to the wheel chair.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
A preferred embodiment according to the invention will now be described
in detail. Reference will be taken frequently to the appended drawings.
Reference numbers and letters are used in this description and in
the drawings to indicate certain parts and locations in the drawings.
The same reference numerals will be used to indicate the same parts
and locations throughout the drawings unless otherwise indicated.
FIG. 1 illustrates a wheel chair 10 having left and right arms
14 and 12. An arm pad 16 is secured to horizontal section 18 of
each arm 12 and 14 by bolts (see, e.g., FIG. 13). A seat 22 is supported
by frame 24.
FIG. 2 shows a prior art arm board usable with wheel chair 10 of
FIG. 1. What will be called platform 26 of arm board 28 is conventionally
a rectangular wood piece. Facing L-shaped members 30 and 32 are
mounted to the bottom of platform 26 by screws 34 or other fasteners.
L-shaped member 30 has a narrower distal perpendicular portion 36
than the corresponding portion 38 of member 32. Members 30 and 32
are basically parallel and define a gap 40 between sections 36 and
38. A cover (for example, vinyl) 42 and resilient cushion 44 (foam
rubber for example) can be secured to platform 26 once members 30
and 32 are fastened to platform 26. Generally cover 42 wraps around
the edges of platform 26 and is stapled or otherwise fastened in
an essentially permanent manner to platform 26.
FIG. 3 illustrates that once the prior art arm board 28 of FIG.
2 is assembled, it can be positioned so that it is slid in the direction
of arrows 46 onto arm 12 or 14 and then over pad 16.
In FIGS. 2 and 3 it should be noted that platform 26 generally
extends forwardly of the wheel chair arm 14 to provide a support
for the entire forearm and hand (reference numeral 50) of the wheel
chair user. As can be seen in FIG. 2, this requires screws 34 to
be positioned in the back near corner of platform 26 so that members
30 and 32 also are positioned underneath platform 26 at the back
near corner, so that bore 26 ends up in the position shown in FIG.
2. Thus, considerable time and effort needs to be spent to accurately
position the holes or screws 34.
Also, FIG. 2 shows that at least in the preferred embodiment, portion
36 of member 30 is smaller than portion 38 of member 32. Portion
36 extends approximately 1/4" from a vertical part of member
30; whereas portion 38 extends approximately 7/8" in the preferred
embodiment. This is because many arm pads 16 of conventional wheel
chairs are off center on horizontal section 18 of arm 12 or 14.
This makes the construction of prior art arm boards 28, and particularly
members 30 and 32, more difficult because each are differently sized
and shaped. In the prior art members 30 and 32, the vertical side
walls are generally between 1" to 2" in height. They are
approximately 10" to 11" in length. These distances can
vary, however depending on a particular wheel chair.
One of the primary difficulties with the prior art arm board 28
is as follows. It is very time consuming and somewhat complex to
make. Members 30 and 32 are difficult to cut out of wood because
of their perpendicular portions. No good way is known as to how
to position members 30 and 32 accurately so that they fit in such
a relationship that the entire arm board 28 easily slides onto wheel
chair arm 12 or 14, but yet is snug enough that it essentially by
interference fit or friction stays in place over arm pad 18 and
arm 16. Moreover, members 30 and 32 must be fastened to platform
26 before cover 42 and pad 44 are placed over and secured to platform
26. Once all this work is done, it is difficult to go back and alter
any of the components. Furthermore, the design of arm board 28 must
be designed and manufactured for either left wheel chair arm 12
or right wheel chair arm 14 and normally is not interchangeable
to either arm.
FIG. 3 shows that conventionally some sort of retaining strap 48
is combined with arm board 28 to hold the disabled or paralyzed
patient arm 50 in place on arm board 28. Strap 48 can use any of
a number of conventional components to either permanently fasten
it to arm board 28 and releasably secure it around patient arm 50.
For example, one end of strap 48 can be sewn to or stapled to arm
board 28. Hook and loop material could be used to secure the strap
to itself around arm 50. Other types of fastening, both permanent
and releasable can be used. Alternatively, strap 48 can simply be
placed around arm board 28 and arm 50 and secured with respect to
itself to clamp arm 50 to board 28, but be non-attached to board
28.
FIG. 4 shows an embodiment according to the present invention.
Platform 26, cover 42, and cushion 44 are also used with this embodiment
of an arm board, referred to as arm board 52. However, arm board
52 utilizes T-nuts 54 which are secured through holes 56 in board
52. T-nuts 54, as is well known in the art, have threaded receiving
channels that receive threaded bolts 58. The heads of T-nuts 54
can contain teeth or other means to bite into board 52 (for example,
if it is wood) and hold T-nuts 54 in place. Essentially T-nuts 54
become built-in mounting members. A prime advantage of use of T-nuts
54, or similar components, is that once positioned where desired
in board 52, cover 42 and cushion 44 can then be secured prior to
installation of board 52 to the wheel chair or with respect to any
other structure.
The embodiment of FIG. 4 also includes spacer bars 60 and 62 (which
are generally identically sized elongated pieces) and flanges 64
and 66. As shown in FIG. 4, once assembled, spacer bars 60, 62,
and flanges 64, 66 mimic the L-shaped members 30 and 32 of FIG.
2 by defining a gap 68 between facing edges of flanges 64 and 66
to allow passage of wheel chair arm 12 or 14, and the interior space
between facing sides of spacer bars 60 and 62 being capable of receiving
snugly arm pad 16.
In the embodiment of FIG. 4, arm board 52 is 11/2" by 71/2"
by 22" plywood. Spacer bars 60 and 62 are 3/4" by 11/4"
by 11" hardwood pieces. Flange 64 is a white polyurethane slide
3/8" by 11/16" by 11", whereas flange 66 is a white
polyurethane slide 3/8" by 13/4" by 11".
Cover 42 is black vinyl or Naugahyde.TM. 111/2" by 26"
and cushion 44 is polyfoam 1" by 71/2" by 22".
A strap 48 can be used with the embodiment of FIG. 4 and can be
a black webbing material 2" by 21". A 2" by 6"
loop section can be attached to webbing or strap 48 and used in
combination with 2" by 6" hook portion as the means to
secure the strap around board 52 and an arm 50.
FIGS. 5-7 assist in an understanding of how the embodiment of FIG.
4 can be made. FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of platform 26.
The first step is to draw a line (reference number 70) 3/4"
and parallel with an edge of board 26 and a line (reference number
72) 1/2" from one end of board 26. In the preferred embodiment,
a 6" "C" clamp is inserted in a vice and secured
(see example C-clamp 73 in FIG. 7).
FIG. 5 shows where eventually two sets of T-nuts will be inserted
in board 26 to provide two alternative mounting locations for pieces
62, 66, and 60, 64. FIG. 5 indicates the future position of such
two sets (the first set being holes 76, 78, and 80, 82; the second
set being holes 80, 82, and 84, 86).
Next, one piece 74 of what is called an assembly jig is placed
on board 26, spacer bars 60 and 62 are placed on opposite sides
of piece 74 (see FIG. 7), and flanges 64 and 66 are laid on top
of spacer bars 60 and 62 and extend over a portion of piece 74 (see
FIG. 7). The whole combination of spacer bars 60 and 62, piece 74,
and flanges 64 and 66 is then moved to correspond so that the combinations
perimeter corresponds with lines 72 and 70 as shown in FIG. 5.
As can be seen in FIG. 7, piece 74 of the assembly jig is a rectangular
in cross-section piece (can be wood) which is pre-configured to
simulate the length, width, and depth of the wheel chair pad 18
to which arm board 52 is to be attached. The height of spacer bar
60 and 62 has been previously correlated to the height of the arm
pad so that piece 74 basically insures the correct lateral spacing
between spacer bar 60 and 62 when assembling arm board 52. Second
piece of the assembly jig (reference number 77) can be placed between
flanges 64 and 66 to insure their lateral spacing along their length.
(Pieces 74 and 77 could be one premade piece). A third piece of
the assembly jig (reference numeral 75) consists of a piece (can
be a plate made of for example metal) that is premanufactured to
conform generally to the desired perimeter dimensions of spacer
bar 60 and 62, and flanges 64 and 66 when assembled as shown in
FIG. 7. Piece 75 includes pre-drilled holes 120 and 122, and 124
and 126 that are pre-designed to correspond exactly with axes that
would go essentially through flanges 64 and 66 and through substantially
the middle of spacer bars 60 and 62. Holes 120, 122, and 124, 126
are pre-designed to allow essentially a drilling jig to create holes
76, 78, and 80, 82 in platform 26. FIG. 7 shows how C-clamp 73 is
used to clamp the entire assembly, including assembly jig pieces
74 and 75 into position on platform 26. It is to be understood that
the outer sides of pieces 64 and 66, and 60 and 62 are generally
aligned with the outer perimeter of assembly jig piece 75.
By referring to FIG. 6, what will be called a first set of holes
76, 78 in platform 26 are drilled through drilling jig piece 75,
into and through flanges 64 and 66 and spacers 60 and 62 and into
and through board 26 while the whole combination is clamped by the
"C" clamp 73 and secured in position. A second set of
holes 80, 82 are drilled at the opposite endof the assembly and
into board 26. It is to be understood as shown in FIG. 6 that holes
76, 78, 80, and 82 are outside of piece 74.
Clamp 73 is loosened and the entire combination is then moved down
the board (see ghost lines in FIG. 6) so that drilling jig piece
75 holes 120 and 122 align with just previously drilled holes 80
and 82 in board 26 and a third set of holes 84, 86 are then drilled
into board 26. This procedure essentially efficiently produces two
mounting locations for the combination of space bars 60, 62 and
flanges 64, 66, one for the right hand arm of the wheel chair, and
one for the left hand arm.
In the preferred embodiment the holes are drilled 1/4" wide.
Once three sets of holes are drilled, the combination of jig pieces
74, 77, and 75, spacer bars 60, 62 and flanges 64, 66 are removed
and the three sets of holes in board 26 are drilled from 1/4"
to 5/16" size. On the opposite side of arm board 26, 65/16"
T-nuts are driven into the holes.
Next, all pieces are smoothed and all corners are rounded. The
combination is then assembled together after selecting which of
the two mounting positions is desired using four 2" round head
bolts.
The 1" polyfoam and black Naugahyde.TM. cover 44 and 42 can
either be secured to board 26 after driving the T-nuts into the
holes or after assembly of all the parts except for cover 42 and
cushion 44. Finally, if desired strap 48, or even multiple straps
48 can be attached to board 26.
FIG. 8 shows the embodiment of FIG. 4 in assembled form. In this
instance a right arm mounting position has been chosen by placing
spacer bars and flanges 60, 62, 64, 66 nearest the back left hand
corner of board 26. The front of the board therefore extends forward
to support the distal portion of the user's arm including the hand.
If mounted to the other mounting position it would be a left arm
board. The use of polyurethane for flanges 64 and 66 converts those
flanges into glides or sliders to assist in smooth mounting the
arm board. The use of the piece 74, which is carefully sized to
simulate the dimensions of the arm rest 16, insures that it will
snugly fit over the arm rest and keep in position. This eliminates
any retro adjustments or waste as far as mistakes in measurement.
FIG. 9 clearly shows that shims 88, comprising elongated flat pieces
of wood or other material, can be used by placement between a spacer
bar 62 or 64 and either (or both) flange 64 or 66, and platform
26 to adjust for different sized arms and arm pads. Thus, the sizing
of spacer bars 60 and 62 is not as critical and customization work
is minimized.
FIGS. 10-12 depict how the assembled arm board 52 is slid onto
arm 14 and over arm pad 16.
FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment according to the present
invention. Arm board 90 consists of platform 26, cover 42, and pad
44 (not shown). In this instance, it is sometimes desirable to remove
wheel chair arm pad 16 by removing any screws or bolts that extended
through holes 94 in arm 12 or 14. In this instance, eight T-nuts
54 are installed in platform 26 as previously described, however,
the set of four to the left in FIG. 13 are to attach board 90 to
the left arm 14 of the wheel chair. Four T-nuts are installed at
each end of board 90 to allow for two spacings between holes 94
in arm 12 or 14. The set of four T-nuts 54 to the right are to attach
board 90 to the right arm 12. Each set of T-nuts 54 is spaced apart
so that the distance between each is the equivalent to the distance
between holes 94 (which can vary from wheel chair type to type).
This effectively provides two mounting locations (right and left
side) for arm board 90. A middle member 95 (can be made of wood),
includes a sculpted concave channel 97 that mates with the exterior
curvature of arm 14. It also includes two sets of holes (the first
set shown by reference numeral 99, the second set by 101). The two
sets of holes are positioned to correspond with two conventional
spacings for holes 94 in wheel chair arms. Only two holes are needed.
The right or left mounting position is selected and bolts 92 (e.g.
3/16".times.13/4" round head stove bolts) are placed through
holes 94, through either holes 99 or 101 in member 95, and into
T-nuts 54 to secure arm board 90 in place.
FIG. 14 shows another alternative embodiment according to the present
invention. It is essentially identical to the embodiment of FIGS.
4 and 8 except a ramp section 96 is secured by means well within
those skilled in the art, between spacer bars 60 and 62 and the
bottom of platform 26 so that platform 26 would be inclined with
respect to horizontal portion 16 of wheel chair arm 12 or 14. Different
mounting positions could be built into this arm board 98 similar
to as described with regard to other embodiments. Additionally,
the embodiment of FIG. 4 could be mounted to wheel chair arm either
by slide on mounting assembly or direct mount to the arm as previously
described.
FIGS. 15 and 16 show a still further embodiment according to the
present invention. Arm board 100 consists of a platform 102 which
can be covered by a cushion and vinyl cover as previously described
(not shown). Vertical wall sections 104 and 106 extend from opposite
lateral sides of platform 102 to form a channel 108 in which a users
arm can be laid and retained. A stabilizing wall section 110 can
extend below platform 102 (in this case is unitary with vertical
wall 106). It is essentially manufactured to be of a size which
would fit between arm 12 and seat 22 of wheel chair 10 and can utilize
a bar 112 (made, for example, from bar stock aluminum and screwed
or bolted along the side of section 110), which passes between seat
22 and the frame portion 114 adjacent to seat 22 (essentially between
the wheel chair frame and the frame of the arm). FIG. 15 shows arm
board 100 before installation on wheel chair 10. FIG. 16 shows it
once installed. Platform 102 would rest on arm rest 18 and stabilizing
wall 110 would essentially be positioned between the body and the
user of the wheel chair and arm 12. The body of the user of the
wheel chair would then prevent any substantial movement of arm board
100 towards or laterally towards the middle of the wheel chair,
and stabilizing wall 110 would prevent arm board 100 from moving
laterally away form the wheel chair. Stabilizing wall 110 would
rest on the frame 114 of the wheel chair, along with the user's
body prevent any rotation of arm board 100 around arm 12. Bar 112
would assist in keeping arm board 100 in place.
This embodiment therefore allows a quick, portable arm board which
would not require substantial pre-manufacturing and customization
for use. It would be reversible for either arm of the wheel chair.
Wall 104 could also include a downwardly extending portion extending
below board 102 (this portion is not shown), which could also serve
to retain arm board 100 on arm pad 18. A strap 48 (not shown) could
also be used with this embodiment.
It will be appreciated that the present invention can take many
forms and embodiments. The true essence and spirit of this invention
are defined in the appended claims, and it is not intended that
the embodiment of the invention presented herein should limit the
scope thereof. Variations are obvious to one skilled in the art
will be included within the invention defined by the claims.
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