WO2000071412A1

WO2000071412A1 - Fixed and adjustable ergonomically efficient handles especially for wheelchairs

Info

Publication number: WO2000071412A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/014276
Authority: WO
Inventors: William J. Brady
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-05-24
Filing date: 2000-05-24
Publication date: 2000-11-30
Anticipated expiration: 2001-11-24
Also published as: AU5443100A

Abstract

A handle arrangement (1) for a hand propelled wheeled vehicle that has a vehicle frame (2) and at least two wheels (5). The handle arrangement may be integrally formed on the vehicle frame (2) or be detachable. The handle arrangement has a hand grip area with a gripping plane where the gripping plane is substantially horizontal. The handle arrangement may also have an adjustment device (14) or locking device (15).

Description

FIXED AND ADJUSTABLE ERGON-MICALLY EFFICIENT HANDLES ESPECIALLY FOR WHEELCHAIRS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to an adjustable handle for wheeled vehicles and more particularly to wheeled vehicles of the type propelled by hand, such as wheelchairs and the like.

2. Description of Related Art Wheeled vehicles of the type to be considered with the present invention include wheelchairs, perambulators or baby carriages, supermarket trolleys, shopping carts, and the like. The invention is not restricted to application to these devices and may be applied to general devices of the type discussed below. The type of wheeled vehicle particularly suited for the present invention comprises a wheeled vehicle having two spaced- apart handles extending from the vehicle adapted to enable the vehicle to be pushed along utilizing the handles to apply propulsion, such as a wheelchair. The type of wheeled vehicle or wheelchair particularly to which this invention is directed is that type having two spaced apart handles extending from the wheeled vehicle and adapted to enable the wheeled vehicle to be pushed along utilizing those handles to apply propulsion. Wheel chairs of various types are utilized throughout the prior art and are typically of conventional construction having a seat and a back, with the seat having a seat framework mounting wheels in a parallel relationship on opposed sides of the seat.

In order to fold flat, the handles, being formed integrally with the tubular frame of the wheelchair and typically having grips, are currently constructed to extend rearwardly in the same plane as the wheelchair's side frame panel. When the wheelchair is in the open/occupied position, the hand grip handles extend rearwardly in a plane parallel with the side panels, such that, in order for an attendant to grip the hand grips for propulsion, it is necessary to twist his or her wrist approximately 90 degrees forward from the normal gripping position, whereby the attendant's knuckles are in alignment with the rearwardly extending hand grip handle, placing a strain on the attendant's wrist, thereby weakening it. Also, as currently designed, wheelchairs must be operated by the use of both handles due to the weight of the patient, and the poor leverage provided by the rearwardly extending hand grip handles. Inasmuch as both handles are required by the attendant to operate the wheelchair, it is very difficult to operate the wheelchair and open doors or do grocery shopping with an associated shopping cart or, in a hospital situation to push an accessory piece of equipment while propelling the patient. In the past, wheelchair hand grip construction has not received attention because historically these chairs were operated by hospital orderlies, or were intended for limited movement about a dwelling where the wheelchair is attended by a member of the family. More recently, prior art devices have attempted to provide improved mobility with devices which are adapted for one-handed operation. For example, a raised adapter handle has been developed for use on wheeled vehicles having two spaced-apart handles and a single hand grip extending from the center of the adapter handle. This adapter handle is disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,708,357, issued on Nov. 24, 1987 to Mavis Soderbaum. Whereas the Soderbaum adapter handle provides a single handle between two handle grips, it has failed to reorient the single handle such that it remains difficult to apply propulsion and steering forces to the wheeled vehicle with the single, rearwardly extending handle. Furthermore, the Soderbaum handle is not easily removable to permit use on a plurality of wheeled vehicles, as is required in a hospital setting where an attendant is called upon to serve a large number of wheelchair patients on a given day.

Another prior art adapter handle, adapted for use with two spaced-apart handles, is disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,872,697, to Gerard Berkowitz. The Berkowitz adapter handle suffers from the same deficiencies as the Soderbaum in that it fails to re-orient the unitary handle used to apply propulsion forces and for steering, rather it also extends rearwardly and remains difficult to operate, particularly where heavy loads are involved as is with a wheelchair patient in a thick pile carpet environment such as a retirement home. Furthermore, Berkowitz uses clamps which permit removal, but does not permit quick removal, and involves complex apparatus. Berkowitz is adapted to accommodate a plurality of sized handles, but requires complex clamping mechanisms for such an accommodation.

Another adapter handle has been developed which extends between the hand grips of a wheelchair to permit an attendant to maneuver it with one hand by utilizing a raised hand grip cross bar. This particular wheelchair handle is disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,044,650, issued on Sep. 3, 1991 to Robert Eberle, Jr. The Eberle wheelchair handle provides a raised cross bar extending above and between handles on the wheelchair. In order to connect the Eberle handle it is necessary that the ends of the synthetic rubber handle grips be removed by cutting on a given wheelchair to provide openings. These openings give a number and page and line reference and are required to accept pins to extend in the open ends of the handles, being held in place by friction alone. Eberle has the further difficulty that there is no positive locking device to keep the raised cross bar in engagement with the handles at such time as the wheelchair is being wheeled down a decline. Without a locking device, there is a risk that an attendant, upon attempting to restrain forward movement of the wheelchair, is apt to pull the raised cross bar free from the wheelchair, losing control thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a wheelchair handle. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a group of fixed and adjustable handles that are designed to optimize the transfer of energy applied to them and at the same time provide a safer and more comfortable operating condition for the user. All of these handles offer unique task and positioning options thus creating substantially improved operational versatility.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a handle arrangement for a wheeled vehicle that provides a grip position that remains in a non-horizontal plane throughout a wide range of angles of inclination of the vehicle.

To obtain these and other advantages, one aspect of the present is a " hand propelled wheeled vehicle having a vehicle frame with at least one vertical support and at least .one wheel positioned at a lower end of the vertical support. A detachable means for gripping the vehicle frame is positioned at an upper end of said at least one vertical rearward support. This means for gripping has a hand grip area with a gripping plane arranged such that at any angle of orientation of the vertical support, the gripping plane is substantially non-horizontal. A means for locking the detachable means for gripping on the vertical support is also provided.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the hand grip area has a curved section. In additional embodiments of this aspect of the invention, the curved section may extend into a circular shape, provided the curved section extends in a plane that is substantially perpendicular or substantially parallel to said vertical support. In addition, lifting bars may be advantageously placed near the hand grip to assist in a lifting of the vehicle.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the hand grip area may be straight and further comprises an adjustment device to radially adjust the hand grip area in an adjustment plane relative to vertical support. The adjustment plane may be substantially perpendicular or substantially parallel to the vertical support as well as axial adjustment.

The adjustment device may be made of any type of well known tightening arrangements, such as a male and female screw tightened device, a spring loaded shaft having an end that is removably positioned in a lock channel formed in the means for gripping, a lock pin handle with a pivotal u-shaped cross- sectional shape positioned around the means for gripping, or an adjustable slide positioned between an end of the gripping area and the means for gripping. This list is not exhaustive, and can include any other well known types of adjusting devices.

The means for locking the handle arrangement may comprise a channel formed in the means for gripping adapted to be fit onto a section of the vertical support and screw-type tightening device positioned transversely in the channel. The screw-type tightening device is adapted to tighten said channel on the section of the vertical support.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a handle arrangement for a hand propelled vehicle is disclosed. The handle arrangement includes detachable means for gripping a vehicle frame positioned at an end of the vehicle frame. The means for gripping has a hand grip area with a gripping plane arranged such that at any angle of orientation of the vehicle frame, the gripping plane is substantially non-horizontal. A means for locking the detachable means for gripping on the vehicle frame is also provided.

According to this embodiment of the invention, the hand grip area can be configured as described above in connection the the first disclosed embodiment of the invention. In addition, an adjustment device and locking device as described above may also be provided.

A further embodiment of the present invention is directed to a wheelchair including a seat and seat frame work, a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted on the seat frame work, at least one of the wheels being positioned to allow an individual seated in the wheelchair to propel the wheelchair by rotating the at least one wheel by hand. A handle arrangement is integrally formed on a rearward upper end of the seat frame work. The handle arrangement further comprises at least one hand grip having a steering hand grip section and a lifting hand grip section. The lifting hand grip section is arranged such that at any angle of orientation of the wheelchair, the lifting hand grip section is lies in a plane that is substantially non-horizontal. The steering hand grip section and lifting hand grip section may be integrally formed on the seat frame work and be curved. The steering hand grip section and the lifting hand grip section may also be adjustable relative to the seat frame. Two or more lifting hand grip sections may also be provided. According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a hand propelled wheeled vehicle is disclosed and includes a vehicle frame having at least one vertical support and at least two wheels positioned at a lower end of said vertical support. A handle bar extends transversely to the vertical support and has a hinge positioned therein to allow the handle bar to fold into substantially equal lengths. The handle bar may be integrally formed on the vehicle frame, or alternatively, may be removable from the vehicle frame.

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 which makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 Front view of 1/4 Loop Downward Handle for a

Wheelchair

Fig . 2 Front view of 1/3 Loop with Lift Handle for a Wheelchair

Fig . 3 Front view of Crescent Loop with Lift Handle for a Wheelchair

Fig . 4 Front view of Upper MultiGrip Handle for a Wheelchair F Fiigg.. 5 5 Front view of Short MultiGrip Handle for a

Wheelchair

Fig . 6 Front view of MultiGrip Handle with Wheel Notch for a Wheelchair

Fig . 7 Front view of Full Length MultiGrip Handle for a Wheelchair

Fig . 8 Side view of Wheelchair

Fig . 9a Side view of Mounting Channel and Compression channel with Knob

Fig . 9b Side view of Mounting Channel and Compression Channel with Set Screw

Fig . 9c Side view of Mounting Channel and Compression Channel with Screw, Screw and Nut, Pin, Etc. Fig. 10a Side view of Mounting Channel with Knob Fig. 10b Side view of Mounting Channel with Set Screw Fig. 10c Side view of Mounting Channel with Screw, Screw and Nut, Pin, etc, Fig. 11 Front view of Crescent Loop with Lift Handle Fig. 12 Bottom view of Crescent Loop with Lift Handle Fig. 13 Side view of Crescent Loop with Lift Handle

Fig. 14 Front view of Crescent Loop with Lift and Bore

Through Channel Handle Fig. 15 Front view of Crescent Loop Handle Fig. 16 Bottom view of Crescent Loop Handle Fig. 17 Side view of Crescent Loop Handle

Fig. 18 Front view of Crescent Loop with Bore through

Channel Handle Fig. 19 Front view of Full Loop with Bore Through Channel

Handle Fig. 20 Bottom view of Full Loop with Bore Through

Channel Handle Fig. 21 Side view of Full Loop with Bore Through Channel

Handle Fig. 22 Front view of Full Loop with Lift Handle Fig. 23 Bottom view of Full Loop with Lift Handle

Fig. 24 Side view of Full Loop with Lift Handle Fig. 25 Front view of 2/3 Loop Handle Fig. 26 Bottom view of 2/3 Loop Handle Fig. 27 Side view of 2/3 Loop Handle Fig. 28 Front view of 2/3 Loop with Bore Through Channel

Handle Fig. 29 Front view of 1/3 Loop Handle Fig. 30 Bottom view of 1/3 Loop Handle Fig. 31 Side view of 1/3 Loop Handle Fig. 32 Front view of 1/3 Loop with Bore Through Channel

Handle Fig. 33 Perspective view of Front/Back Friction Lock

Handle Fig. 34 Perspective view of Axis Friction Lock Handle Fig. 35 Front view of Push Button Key Lock Handle

Fig. 36 Side view of Push Button Key Lock Handle

Fig. 37 Front view of Pull Knob Key Lock Handle

Fig. 38 Perspective view of Lock Pin Handle

Fig. 39 Perspective view of Lock Notch Handle

Fig. 40 Front view of Lock Notch Handle

Fig. 41 Perspective view of Resistance Lock Handle

Fig. 42 Front view of Resistance Lock Handle

Fig. 43 Perspective view of Friction Loop Handle F Fiigg.. 4 444 Front view of Straight Folding Bar Handle

Fig. 45 Side view of Straight Folding Bar Handle

Fig. 46 Front view of Curved Front Folding Bar Handle

Fig. 47 Side view of Curved Front Folding Bar Handle

Fig. 48 Front view of Angled Folding Bar Handle F Fiigg.. 4 499 Side view of Angled Folding Bar Handle

Fig. 50 Front view of Square Folding Bar Handle

Fig. 51 Side view of Square Folding Bar Handle

Fig. 52 Front view of Curved Side Folding Bar Handle

Fig. 53 Side view of Curved Side Folding Bar Handle

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to a group of fixed and adjustable handles that are designed to optimize the transfer of energy applied to them and at the same time provide a safer and more comfortable operating condition for the user. All of the handles offer unique task and positioning options thus creating substantially improved operational versatility.

Some of the handle arrangements embodiments are integrally formed on the original wheelchair and are therefore illustrated with the entire wheelchair. (Figs. 1 through 8) Other handle embodiments are contemplated as modifications or add-ons to the traditional wheelchair designs. Screws, locking pins, screws and nuts, etc., or a compression clamp design are provided, all of which not only allow for attachment to the wheelchair but also allow for the handles to be adjusted with exceptional ease and versatility. (Figs. 9 through 43) Although they are ideal for wheelchairs, they can have unlimited applications.

The present invention also contemplates a handle arrangement wherein the handle area is a bar handle designed to fold. (Figs. 44 through 53) . Although they are ideal for wheelchairs, they can have unlimited applications.

Referring to the handle arrangement shown in Figs. 1-8, the present invention is directed to a hand propelled wheeled vehicle. As best seen in Fig. 8, the present invention is directed to a wheelchair including a flexible back rest 10, flexible seat rest 11 and fold-up foot rest 4. A plurality of wheels 5 are rotatably mounted on the seat frame work 2. A seen in Fig. 1, seat frame 2 includes a rear vertical support 2a. At least one of the wheels 5 is positioned to allow an individual seated in the wheelchair to propel the wheelchair by rotating the the wheel by hand.

A handle arrangement is integrally formed on a rearward upper end of the vertical support 2a. The handle arrangement includes a curved hand grip 1 having a steering hand grip section and a lifting hand grip section. The steering and lifting hand grip sections are arranged in a gripping plane la such that at any angle of orientation of the wheelchair the steering and lifting hand grip sections of hand grip 1 lies in a plane that is substantially non-horizontal.

Figs. 2-8 illustrate alternative steering/lifting hand grip arrangements according to the invention. In Fig. 2, steering/lifting hand grip 1 includes a hand grip area with gripping plane la, and a lifting handle 6. Fig. 3 illustrates a steering/lifting hand grip 1 wherein the hand grip area with gripping plane la is formed as a crescent loop with lifting handle 6.

Fig. 4 illustrates an alternative upper multigrip handle arrangement. In this embodiment, steering/lifting hand grip 1 has the hand grip area with gripping plane la. In addition, this embodiment includes an upper lifting handle 7 and a lower lifting handle 8. The bottom of steering/lifting hand grip area 1 includes a ramp and child handle 9 to allow the chair to be steered or pushed by an individual standing on or beside a car ramp or other inclined surface.

Fig. 5 illustrates and alternative embodiment of the handle arrangement of Fig. 4, however the upper crescent loop portion of steering/lifting hand grip lhas been truncated to form a shorter handle extension. Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate alternative embodiments having additional lifting handles 8.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a detachable handle arrangement for a wheeled vehicle, as illustrated in Figs. 9-43. In this embodiment of the invention, a handle arrangement is disclosed for a hand propelled vehicle. The handle arrangement includes a detachable means for gripping a vehicle frame and means for locking said detachable means for gripping on said vehicle frame. A locking means contemplated by the present invention is illustrated in Figs. 9a-9c and Figs. 10a- 10c.

Figs. 9a, 9b, and 9c show a side view of a mounting channel 12 with a compression channel 13. The mounting channel 12 does not have to be round as shown in the drawings. It can be any shape and is the channel that fits around the part that the handle is being attached to. The compression channel 13 is an extension of the mounting channel and consists of one or two flexible sides which create compression in the mounting channel 12. The position of the channel and handle can be looked in place by compressing the compression channel with an adjustment knob 14, an adjustment set screw 15, a screw and nut 16, etc.

Figs. 10a, 10b, and 10c show a side view of a mounting channel 12 with another contemplated bore. It can be any shape and is the channel that fits around the frame part of the vehicle that the handle is being attached to. The position of the channel 12 and handle can be locked in place with an adjustment knob 14 or an adjustment set screw 15 by applying pressure directly against the part the handle to which it is being attached or by inserting a screw or pin through the part the handle it is being attached to.

Although these Figures illustrate an adjustable handle using a compression channel-type of attachment, any method of attachment can be applied to each handle including but not limited to: welding, brazing, gluing, bonding, etc. According to this embodiment of the invention, the means for gripping 1 is positioned at an end of a vehicle frame, such as that shown in Fig. 1. The means for gripping 1 has a hand grip area with a gripping plane la arranged such that at any angle of orientation of a vehicle frame, the gripping plane la is substantially non-horizontal . The present invention contemplates several different gripping means.

Figs. 11-14 illustrate one type of detachable gripping means according to the present invention. As seen in Fig. 11, gripping means 1 has a semicircular or curved section with a gripping plane la and a lifting handle 6. On a horizontal base portion of gripping means 1, mounting channel 12 and compression channel 13 are formed. In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 11-13, both mounting channel 12 and compression channel 13 extend only part way through gripping means 1. Fig. 14 illustrates both mounting channel 12 and compression channel 13, with mounting channel 12 having an extended portion 17 extending completely through gripping means 1. This embodiment also shows an adjustment knob 14 or an adjustment set screw 15 for locking the handle to the frame by applying pressure directly against the part the frame to which the handle is being attached.

Figs. 15-18 illustrate another type of detachable gripping means according to the present invention. As seen in Fig. 15, gripping means 1 has a semicircular or curved section with a gripping plane la. On a horizontal base portion of gripping means 1, mounting channel 12 and compression channel 13 are formed. In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 15-17, both mounting channel 12 and compression channel 13 extend only part way through gripping means 1. Fig. 18 illustrates both mounting channel 12 and compression channel 13, with mounting channel 12 having an extended portion 17 extending completely through gripping means 1. This embodiment also shows an adjustment knob 14 or an adjustment set screw 15 for locking the handle to the frame by applying pressure directly against the part the frame to which the handle is being attached.

Figs. 19-21 illustrate another type of detachable gripping means contemplated by the present invention. As seen in Fig. 19, gripping means 1 is again formed in a semicircular or curved manner having a gripping plane la. Fig. 19 illustrates both mounting channel 12 and compression channel 13, with mounting channel 12 having an extended portion 17 extending completely through gripping means 1. This embodiment also shows an adjustment knob 14 or an adjustment set screw 15 for locking the handle to the frame by applying pressure directly against the part the frame to which the handle is being attached. A ramp and child handle 9 is positioned below gripping means 1 to allow the chair to be steered or pushed by an individual.

Figs. 22-24 illustrate another type of detachable gripping means contemplated by the present invention. As seen in Fig. 22, gripping means 1 is again formed in a semicircular or curved manner having a gripping plane la and a lifting handle 6 extending in a curved fashion from one side of the handle to the other. Fig. 22 illustrates both mounting channel 12 and compression channel 13, with mounting channel 12 extending only part way through gripping means 1. This embodiment also shows an adjustment knob 14 or an adjustment set screw 15 for locking the handle to the frame by applying pressure directly against the part the frame to which the handle is being attached. A ramp and child handle 9 is positioned below gripping means 1 to allow the chair to be steered or pushed by an individual.

Figs. 25-28 illustrate another type of detachable gripping means according to the present invention. As seen in Fig. 25, gripping means 1 has a semicircular or curved section with a gripping plane la. On a horizontal base portion of gripping means 1, mounting channel 12 and compression channel 13 are formed. In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 25-27, both mounting channel 12 and compression channel 13 extend only part way through gripping means 1. Fig. 28 illustrates both mounting channel 12 and compression channel 13, with mounting channel 12 having an extended portion 17 extending completely through gripping means 1. This embodiment also shows an adjustment knob 14 or an adjustment set screw 15 for locking the handle to the frame by applying pressure directly against the part the frame to which the handle is being attached. In order to provide better stability, a brace 18 is provided. Brace 18 extends from one end of the gripping means 1 toward the base of the handle, thereby providing additional support for the handle.

Figs. 29-32 illustrate another type of detachable gripping means according to the present invention. As seen in Fig. 29, gripping means 1 has a curved section with a gripping plane la. In this case, the curved section extends upwardly. On a horizontal base portion of gripping means 1, mounting channel 12 and compression channel 13 are formed. In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 29-31, both mounting channel 12 and compression channel 13 extend only part way through gripping means 1. Fig. 32 illustrates both mounting channel 12 and compression channel 13, with mounting channel 12 having an extended portion 17 extending completely through gripping means 1. This embodiment also shows an adjustment knob 14 or an adjustment set screw 15 for locking the handle to the frame by applying pressure directly against the part the frame to which the handle is being attached.

The present invention also contemplates that the gripping means be adjustable to radially adjust the hand grip area in an adjustment plane relative to the vehicle frame. Accordingly, an adjustment device is also disclosed. Figs. 33-43 illustrate several contemplated adjustment devices according to the present invention. In each of these contemplated adjustment devices, a gripping means 1 is used. Gripping means 1 is pivotally attached to a base of the handle, and is adjustably to the base portion of the handle by one of several different means. Each of these means will be separately described below. Figs 33 and 34. illustrate one type of contemplated adjustment device. In Fig. 33, the handle is attached to the vehicle frame by the above described mounting channel 12 and compression channel 13. Adjusting knob 14 has a male threaded section 21 that is engaged transversely to compression channel 13 in threaded bore 22. Male and female front/back position lock members 19 are provided on a base portion of gripping means 1 and the handle base so as to mesh with one another. Front and back adjustment knbb 20 is used to hold gripping means 1 in a desired position. When tightened, front and back adjustment knob 20 draws male and female position lock members 19 together, thereby maintaining position of gripping means 1. Fig. 34 illustrates an alternative embodiment of this adjustment device. Male and female left/right end position lock members 23 are provided on the gripping means 1 and handle base. Left and Right end position knob 24 maintains the locking members in the desired position in a manner similar to that described above.

Figs. 35-37 illustrate and alternative adjustment device contemplated by the present invention. As shown in Figs. 35 and 36, the handle is provided with gripping means 1 which has a bore along a longitudinal axis thereof. Gripping means 1 is pivotally attached to a base of the handle. Push button 25 is positioned at the end of gripping means 1 and is in contact with spring loaded shaft 26. Spring loaded shaft 26 is urged under the force of spring 26a toward push button 25. At the other end of spring loaded shaft 26 a position lock key 28 is formed. Position lock key 28 is adapted to be fit into one of a plurality of position lock channels 27 formed in an end area of the handle base. When push button 25 is depressed, spring loaded shaft 26 moves against the force of spring 26a and position lock key 28 disengages from one of the plurality of lock channels 27. Gripping means 1 may then be pivoted to change its radial angle in relation to the frame of the vehicle. When push button 25 is released, spring 26a pushes shaft 26 upwardly and engages lock key 28 in one of the plurality of lock channels 27, thereby locking the handle in a desired position.

Fig. 37 illustrates a variation of the adjustment device of Figs. 35 and 36. In Fig. 37, spring load shaft 26 is formed in the base of the handle. Lock key 28 is formed on the end of shaft 26 and is maintained in one of the plurality of lock channels 27 by the force of spring 26a. When an adjustment is desired, locking pin 29 is pulled downwardly against the force of spring 26a, thereby disengaging lock key 28 from one of the plurality of lock channels 27. Gripping means 1 may then be pivoted to change its radial angle in relation to the frame of the vehicle. When lock pin 28 is released, spring 26a pushes shaft 26 upwardly and engages lock key 28 in one of the plurality of lock channels 27, thereby locking the handle in a desired position. Figs. 38-42 Illustrate another alternative adjustment device contemplated by the present invention. As shown in Figs. 38-42 the handle is provided with gripping means 1 which has a u-shaped yoke and is pivotally attached to the handle base. As shown in Fig. 38, the u-shaped yoke has a hole formed therein. A series of position pin holes 30 are formed in the base of the handle. As gripping means 1 is pivoted, the hole on the yoke will match up with a corresponding position hole 30. When the desired handle position is attained, position lock pin 31, which is attached to the base of the handle by chain 32, is inserted into the holes, thereby maintaining the gripping means in the desired position.

Figs. 39 and 40 show an alternative adjustment device according to the invention. A series of locking notches 34 are formed in the base of the handle. Gripping means 1 is provided with a threaded notch lock shaft 33. As shown in Fig. 40, the top of the u-shaped yoke is provided with a threaded lock plate 35. Gripping means 1 is adjustably positioned by rotating gripping means 1 thereby engaging threaded notch lock shaft in one of the plurality of locking notches 34.

Figs. 41 and 42 illustrate another alternative adjustment device of the present invention. A series of position grooves 38 are formed on the bottom of the base of the handle. The u- shaped yoke of gripping means 1 is pivotally connected to the base. Locking key 28 extends transversely to the base and is attached to the end of the u-shaped yoke. A threaded resistance shaft 36 is provided on the end of gripping means 1. Threaded resistance shaft 36 engages with threaded resistance plate 40 on the u-shaped yoke. The u-shaped yoke is pivotally connected to the base through slide 37. To adjust the gripping means 1, the grip area is turned to unthread resistance shaft 36 from resistance plate 40, thereby leaving a gap between the u-shaped yoke and the handle base. The gripping means is then moved through slide 37 to disengage lock key 28 from position groove 38. Gripping means 1 may then be pivoted to a desired position where the grip area is again turned to engage threaded resistance shaft 36 in threaded resistance plate 40. As threaded resistance shaft 36 comes into contact with the handle base, the gripping means is pulled upwardly through slide 37, thereby engaging locking pin 28 in a desired position groove 38.

Fig. 43 illustrates another adjustment device according to the present invention. Gripping means 1 is again pivotally attached at handle pivot 45 to the base of the handle. Two friction loops 42 and 43 connect the gripping means 1 to a front of the handle base. In the illustrated embodiment, friction loop 42 is attached to gripping means 1 and friction loop 43 is attached to the front of the handle base at loop pivot 44. A friction knob 41 is engaged in the overlapping loop sections between friction loops 42 and 43. When friction knob 41 is loose, friction loops 42 and 43 may slide relative to one another, thereby allowing the angle of gripping means 1 to be adjusted. When friction knob 41 is tightened, there is no sliding movement between friction loops 42 and 43 and the gripping means is maintained in its desired position.

Figs. 44-53 illustrate various aspects of another handle arrangement according to the present invention. As seen in Fig. 44, the handle arrangement includes a steering/lifting handle 1 in the shape of a handle bar extending transversely to the vertical support. The handle bar is provided with a hinge 46 positioned to allow the handle bar to fold into substantially equal lengths.

The handle bar may be integrally formed on the vehicle frame or be removable from the vehicle frame. When the handle bar is formed so as to be removable, a mounting channel 12 is provided at each side of the handle bar that allows the handle bar to be positioned on a vehicle frame. The handle bar is held in place by a set screw 16 or some other type of locking arrangement as described above. A handle pivot 45 is positioned at mounting channel 12 to provide a pivotal movement of the bar when the vehicle is folded. Thus, mounting channel 12, together with the vehicle frame section on which it is fitted forms handle pivot 45.

As illustrated in Fig.44, the handle bar may be straight. Alternative handle bar shapes are illustrated in the other figures. Figs. 46-47 illustrate an upwardly curved handle bar. Figs. 48-51 depict two types of upwardly angled handle bar, and Figs. 52 and 53 illustrate an upwardly angled handle bar having a curved gripping means 1. One of the most essential features of a wheelchair is that it can be folded for easy, storage and transport. The present invention contemplates that the handle bar may fold in any direction. An additional locking device to hold the handle bar in the open position may be required. All of the above designs incorporate that concept. Although the above description is directed primarily toward wheelchairs, the invention is not so limited. The shape, diameter, and length of each handle may vary in order to accommodate the placement of the hand from multiple angles. In addition the handles may be covered with a material best suited to insure the best possible grip and to also maximize the comfort to the user. Finger indentations may also exist but can not be determined until the actual dimensions of each handle are determined. This will vary based on the device the handle is being attached to. Although the adjustment knob is shown as a hexagonal shaped knob with finger indentations it can be any type of knob, lever, screw, etc., that allows the adjustment screw to be tightened and loosened on the compression channel or mounting channel. As one of the alternative methods of attachment to a device, the adjustment knob, screw, or pin can be positioned at the mounting channel to hit dead center on the mounting bar causing the handle to stabilize from the friction of the screw against the bar or by inserting the screw or pin through the bar.

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.

Claims

I CLAIM:

1. A hand propelled wheeled vehicle comprising: a vehicle frame having at least one vertical support and at least two wheels positioned at a lower end of said vertical support ; detachable means for gripping said vehicle frame, said means for gripping being positioned at an upper end of said at least one vertical rearward support, said means for gripping having a hand grip area with a gripping plane arranged such that at any angle of orientation of said at least one vertical support, said gripping plane is substantially non-horizontal; and means for locking said detachable means for gripping on said at least one vertical support.

2. A hand propelled wheeled vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said hand grip area comprises a curved section.

3. A hand propelled wheeled vehicle according to claim 2 wherein said curved section extends in a plane^" that is substantially perpendicular to said vertical support.

4. A hand propelled wheeled vehicle according to claim 2 wherein said curved section extends in a plane that is substantially parallel to said vertical support.

5. A hand propelled wheeled vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said hand grip area is straight and further comprises an adjustment device to radially adjust said hand grip area in an adjustment plane relative to said vertical support.

6. A hand propelled wheeled vehicle according to claim 5 wherein said adjustment plane is substantially perpendicular to said vertical support.

7. A hand propelled wheeled vehicle according to claim 5 wherein said adjustment plane is substantially parallel to said vertical support.

8. A hand propelled wheeled vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said means for locking comprises a channel formed in the means for gripping adapted to be fit onto a section of said vertical support and screw-type tightening device positioned transversely in said channel, said screw-type tightening device being adapted to tighten said channel on said section of said vertical support.

9. A hand propelled wheeled vehicle according to claim 5, wherein said adjustment device comprises a male and female back adjustment device and a tightening device.

10. A hand propelled wheeled vehicle according to claim 5, wherein said adjustment device comprises a spring loaded shaft having an end that is removably positioned in a lock channel formed in said means for gripping.

11. A hand propelled wheeled vehicle according to claim 5, wherein said adjustment device comprises a lock pin handle wherein said gripping area has a u-shaped cross-sectional shape that is positioned around said means for gripping and is maintained in a desired position by a pin extending through said u-shaped cross-section and into said means for gripping.

12. A hand propelled wheeled vehicle according to claim 5 wherein said adjustment device comprises an adjustable slide positioned between an end of said gripping area and said means for gripping.

13. A handle arrangement for a hand propelled vehicle, comprising: detachable means for gripping a vehicle frame, said means for gripping being positioned at an end of said vehicle frame, said means for gripping having a hand grip area with a gripping plane arranged such that at any angle of orientation of said a vehicle frame, said gripping plane is substantially non- horizontal; and means for locking said detachable means for gripping on said vehicle frame.

14. A handle arrangement according to claim 13 wherein said hand grip area comprises a curved section.

15. A handle arrangement according to claim 14 wherein said curved section extends in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to said vehicle frame.

16. A handle arrangement according to claim 14 wherein said curved section extends in a plane that is substantially parallel to said vehicle frame.

17. A handle arrangement according to claim 13 wherein said hand grip area is straight and further comprises an adjustment device to radially adjust said hand grip area in an adjustment plane relative to said vehicle frame.

18. A handle arrangement according to claim 17 wherein said adjustment plane is substantially perpendicular to said vehicle frame.

19. A handle arrangement according to claim 17 wherein said adjustment plane is substantially parallel to said vehicle frame.

20. A handle arrangement according to claim 17 wherein said means for locking comprises a channel formed in the means for gripping adapted to be fit onto said vehicle frame and a screw- type tightening device positioned transversely in said channel, said screw-type tightening device being adapted to tighten said channel on said vehicle frame.

21. A handle arrangement according to claim 17, wherein said adjustment device comprises a male and female fitted adjustment and a tightening device.

22. A handle arrangement according to claim 17, wherein said adjustment device comprises a spring loaded shaft having an end that is removably positioned in a lock channel formed in said means for gripping.

23. A handle arrangement according to claim 17, wherein said adjustment device comprises a lock pin handle wherein said gripping area has a u-shaped cross-sectional shape that is positioned around said a portion of said means for gripping and is maintained in a desired position by a pin extending through said u-shaped cross-section and into said means for gripping.

24. A handle arrangement according to claim 17, wherein said adjustment device comprises an adjustable slide positioned between an end of said gripping area and said means for gripping.

25. A handle arrangement for a hand propelled vehicle, comprising: a handle adapted to be removably positioned on a vehicle frame of said vehicle, said handle having a hand grip area arranged such that at any angle of orientation of said vehicle frame, said hand grip area is in a substantially non-horizontal plane; and a locking channel and lock pin to secure said handle on said vehicle frame.

26. A wheelchair including a seat and seat frame work, a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted on the seat frame work, at least one of the wheels being positioned to allow an individual seated in the wheelchair to propel the wheelchair by rotating the at least one wheel by hand, and a handle arrangement integrally formed on a rearward upper end of the seat frame work, the handle arrangement comprising: at least hand grip further comprising; a steering hand grip section; and a lifting hand grip section; wherein the lifting hand grip section is arranged such that at any angle of orientation of the wheelchair, the lifting hand grip section is lies in a plane that is substantially non-horizontal.

27. A wheelchair according to claim 26, wherein the steering hand grip section and lifting hand grip section are integrally formed and are curved.

28. A wheelchair according to claim 26 wherein the steering hand grip section and the lifting hand grip section are adjustable relative to the seat frame.

29. A wheelchair according to claim 26, wherein two or more lifting hand grip sections are provided.

30. A hand propelled wheeled vehicle comprising: a vehicle frame having at least one vertical support and at least two wheels positioned at a lower end of said vertical support; a handle bar extending transversely to the vertical support, the handle bar having a hinge positioned therein to allow the handle bar to fold into substantially equal lengths.

31. A hand propelled wheeled vehicle according to claim 30, wherein the handle bar is integrally formed on the vehicle frame.

32. A hand propelled wheeled vehicle according to claim 30, wherein the handle bar is removable from the vehicle frame.