Wheel chair abstract
A table designed for ease of use by the occupant of a wheel chair
having a shaped, cut-back, front edge to allow the torso of the
user to extend partially into the working surface, enabling the
user to have ease of access to the entire working surface. A peripheral
lip or ridge about the back and side edges of the table prevents
articles from falling off and out of reach of the user, and the
height and table top size are dimensional for use by a wheelchair
occupant. The table has casters mounted on its rear leg portions
but not on its front leg portions. The table is easily moved by
the user who simply tilts the table to lift its front leg portions
off of the ground, tilting the table onto the casters mounted on
its rear legs, and then rolls the table with him. When the table
is tilted for movement the peripheral ridge acts to keep articles
on the table. When the table is at a desired location, its front
legs are lowered back down into hold contact with the floor. The
table is of simple construction, preassembled and then disassembled,
with all the parts provided in kit form for assembly and finishing
by a handicapped person.
Wheel chair claims
What is claimed is:
1. A wheel chair table system, comprising:
a horizontal planar surface disposed generally above a pair of
horizontally parallel arms of a wheelchair, said planar surface
having a generally straight rear edge, a pair of generally parallel
side edges extending laterally forward from the ends of said rear
edge and separated by a distance generally wider than said arms
of said wheelchair, and a front edge extending laterally between
the forward ends of said side edges and generally parallel to said
rear edge;
a notch in said front edge extending rearward into said planar
surface, said notch having a straight rear edge portion disposed
generally parallel to said rear edge and a pair of straight side
edges extending angularly outward from said rear edge to define
a cut out having a narrower rear portion and a wider front portion;
a pair of generally opposed planar side members extending laterally
downward from a lower surface of said planar surface;
means for retaining said planar side members and said planar surface
in a rigidified configuration;
a pair of opposed rollers formed by attaching a roller to a rear,
lower portion of each of said side members to provide for movement
of said planar surface, said opposed rollers further being disposed
in a vertical plane generally parallel to said rear edge of said
planar member to provide a means for rotating said planar surface
to a tilted configuration with its front edge raised to a position
higher than its rear edge;
a footing extending downward from a front, lower portion of each
of said side members having a lower surface suitable for engaging
a floor surface to prevent lateral motion thereon, said footings
forming a pair of opposed footings for restraining lateral motion
of said planar surface;
a handle attached to a portion of said front edge on both sides
of said cut out for use by an invalid in a wheel chair to rotate
and lift said planar surface about said opposed rollers upward from
a first configuration in which said footing engages said floor surface
and a configuration in which said cut out in part, surrounds a forward
body portion of said invalid, to a second configuration in which
said cut out rotates with said planar surface and moves upward along
a frontal periphery of said invalid to allow said planar surface
to rotate to its tilted configuration with its front edge in a higher
position than its rear edge while remaining in a configuration in
which said cut out in part, still surrounds a forward body portion
of said invalid, to further allow a separation between said footing
and said flooring so that said planar surface may be moved about
by said invalid from a first location to a second location with
said wheel chair; and
a lip extending around at least three edges of said planar surface,
said lip having a portion extending upward from said rear edge and
including generally parallel portions extending upward from said
side edges to provide a means when said planar surface is in its
tilted configuration for retaing articles on said planar surface.
Wheel chair description
BACKGROUND of INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to handicap assistance devices. More
particularly, the present invention relates to special tables for
use by handicapped persons confined to wheelchairs.
2. General Background of the Invention
It is difficult for many handicapped persons confined to wheelchairs
to use the desks or work tables designed for healthy people sitting
in regular chairs. Various table tops or tables have been designed
in the past for use by handicapped people, but they have not been
satisfactory for use by wheelchair occupants. Indeed, they have
been very limited in use, and often clumsy, requiring assistance
from another in for example first applying the table top to the
chair or removing it for storage while not in use.
It has been known in the table art generally to utilize a cutaway
edge to accomodate the body of the user of a table as is shown in
for example the patents to Snyder (U.S. Pat. No. 157,355 issued
Dec. 1, 1874), Shirley (U.S. Pat. No. 1,293,952 issued Feb. 11,
1919), Newman (U.S. Pat. No. 2,663,603 issued Dec. 22, 1953), Williams
(U.S. Pat. No. 3,123,935 issued Mar. 10, 1964) and Carlson (U.S.
Pat. No. Des. 141,359 issued May 29, 1945). The concept of a lip
or peripheral edge or ridge has also been known in the table art
generally as shown in the patents to Newman (U.S. Pat. No. 2,663,603
issued Dec. 22, 1953), Kline (U.S. Pat. No. 1,719,270 issued July
2, 1929) and Frey (U.S. Pat. No. 2,844,429 issued July 22, 1958).
However, the need for a table which will allow ease of use by an
individual confined to a wheelchair can not be served adequately
by these aspects alone. The wheel chair occupant for example must
be able to move and position his work table where it best suits
his needs at the time.
Therefore, the design of the table must be one which will enable
the wheel chair occupant to easily reposition the table, it must
prevent objects from falling from the working surface, and it must
permit the user to reach all areas of the work surface from his
wheelchair.
Additionally, it is often desirable to provide therapuetic work
for a wheelchair occupant, and the table design of the present invention
can be provided in easily assembled kit form using only a screwdriver,
which can be assembled by a wheelchair occupant and finished (stained,
painted, etc.) by the occupant.
3. General Discussion of the Invention
Thus, the present invention is directed to tables designed for
use by occupants of wheelchairs. Wheelchair occupants need to be
able to reach all areas of their working surface from a sitting
position, and therefore the present invention is designed with a
centrally located indentation or cut back portion in the front edge
of the working surface where the user would sit to allow the body
of the user to extend at least partially into the working surface
in order to provide greater access to the entire working surface,
with all of the work surface being within an arm's reach.
The wheelchair occupant also must be able to easily move the table
about and easily reposition it when desired and yet be stable and
relatively fixed when in use. To achieve this, casters or wheels
are provided only on the rear leg portions and not on the front
leg portions.
The table must also have means to prevent objects on the work surface
from falling off as the table is moved or being easily knocked off
when the table is being used. This is achieved by the use of a continuous
peripheral lip about the side and back edges of the working surface
of the table.
Additionally, it is often desirable to provide therapeutic work
for a wheelchair occupant, and the parts of the table design of
the present invention can be assembled by a wheelchair occupant
and finished (stained, painted, etc.) by the occupant.
The foregoing objects are thus achieved in a straight-forward,
economical and reliable structure, designed by one who has had need
for such a system but could find none available in the wheelchair
prior art.
The design of the wheelchair table of the present invention allows
for mobility and stability, which is important as it is adaptable
within the environment. The patient can be stationary, use the two
handles located in front of the table and pull it towards himself
for a snug fit. The cut out in the work space allows for the table
to be pulled close to the individual and gives more support of the
arms of the user on the sides.
The table is sturdy, lightweight, mobile and wheelchair accesible.
It is open in back, which allows for leg extensions.
Many different craft activities have been performed successfully
on the table. If an individual needs less stimulation, the table
is easily moved to a more isolated area. Working space on the table
is good. The small one inch side guards and back guard aide in holding
materials on the table.
The activity wheelchair table is beneficial for use in hospitals,
as well as for individuals in their home. The table can be used
in a variety of different ways for many individuals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the present
invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description,
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like
parts are given like reference numerals and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a top view of the preferred, exemplary embodiment of
the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the preferred, exemplary embodiment of
the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a right side view of the preferred, exemplary embodiment
of the present invention, with the left side being a mirror image
thereof.
FIG. 4 is a prespective view of the preferred, exemplary embodiment
of the present invention shown in use by a wheelchair user.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)
In used the front edge of the table 1 is tipped up and pulled onto
position by the wheelchair occupant when needed. The body of the
user fits into the cut back area 10, and the entire work surface
area of the table top 2 is within easy arm's reach of the user and
is at belly level (note FIG. 4). The table 1 can then be used to
work on, or as an is eating or playing surface, as may be desired.
The table 1 can travel along with the wheelchair, and easily moved
out of the way when desired with the use of, for example, one hand.
The table 1 is of simple design being primarily made from three
sections of plywood for elements 2, 3 and 4, which can be obtained
from a single standard sheet of plywood. They are simply fastened
together with for example screws using the metal angle brackets
6, 7 and the wooden stringers 8, 9. The lath strips 5 are glued,
screwed or nailed, and the handles 11, 12 which can be of the simple,
metal, screen door type, are screwed on. The wood blocks forming
the fixed, front footings 14 and the wheels 13 are attached to the
side panels 3, 4. The table is then basically complete except for
any desired finished of decorative touches. The parts for the table
1 can be provided to the wheelchair user in kit form, ready for
assembly and finishing by the user, which is both cost effective
and therapuetic.
As can be seen in FIGS. 1-3, the preferred embodiment of the wheelchair
table system 1 of the present invention includes a planer table
top 2 supported by two side support leg panels 3, 4 which in effect
provide front and rear support members for and on each side of the
table top 2. A modesty panel (not illustrated) can be provided across
the back sides of the support panels 3,4, if desired. A continuous
peripheral lip 5 extends above the table top 2 forming a ridge or
barrier about the side and back edges of the table top 2.
Triangular or angle braces 6,7 are included to strengthen and rigidify
the table structure and the connections between the top 2 and the
side leg panels 3,4. Additionally, side, longitudinally extended,
fastening stringers 8,9 are included along the tops of the side
leg panels 2,3. Screws are used to fasten the stringers to the table
top 2 and the side panels 3,4.
In the front of the table top 2 is a cut back portion 10, either
curved or angled back as shown to mate with and allow the user to
sit or the user's body to extend within the table's working surface
2. The working surface 2 thus extends not only in front of the user
but also partially along the sides of the user (note FIG. 4).
Grab handles 11,12 are also preferrably provided at the front,
side edges of the table top 2. This allows the user to firmly but
easily grip the table 1 top, particularly when it is desired to
move it toward the user, by for example pulling it into use before
the seated user, or thereafter move it away.
As can best be seen in FIG. 3, casters or wheels 13 are provided
at only rear or back side portions of the panels 3,4, with fixed,
extended surface, support blocks 14 being provided at the front
side portions (also note FIG. 2). When the table 1 is at rest on
the floor, the laterally and longitudinally extended bottom floor
engaging surfaces of the blocks 14 keeps the table 1 stably supported
and relatively immobile. However, when it is desired to move the
table 1, its front edge is merely tipped up using the handles 11,12
or gripping the table top 2, which shifts the weight of table 1
back onto the rollers 13. The table 1 is then easily moved on the
rear rollers or wheels 13. During this operation the peripheral
edging barrier 5 prevents any objects on the table top 2 from falling
or rolling off.
It is important that the table top 2 be of a size that all of the
working surface is within the arm's reach of the handicapped user.
A width of about thirty-six inches and a depth along the side edges
of about twenty-eight inches for the typical user has been found
to be preferred. Plywood three-quarters inch thick, for example,
has been found to be suitable for the table top 2 and the side leg
panels 3,4, with the leg panels having a width in the longitudinal
(front-to-back) direction of for example twenty-four inches.
It is also very important that the height of the table top 2 being
such to clear the arms of the wheelchair, typically being twenty-four
to twenty-eight inches off the floor, but not be too high to be
uncomfortable for the user, and about thirty inches has been found
to be preferred. The peripheral edging 5 can be for example lath
strips of one quarter inch wide with a height of for example one
and five-eighths inch. Footing blocks 14 having a longitudinal length
of five inches with an effective width of approximately two and
three-quarters inches also are suitable.
Such a table with the foregoing construction has an approximate
weight of thirty-five pounds, and can easily be moved about by a
handicapped wheelchair occupant.
Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within
the scope of the inventive concept herein taught, and because many
modifications may be made in the embodiment herein detailed in accordance
with the descriptive requirements of the law, it is to be understood
that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and
not in a limiting sense. |