Device and method for adjusting a wheelchair leg rest

Abstract

A device for adjusting a wheelchair leg rest, includes a supporting column to the upper end of which is attached a forward, upper part of a wheelchair and to the lower end of which is attached a footrest, wherein at least a lower part of the supporting column is hinge-connected at a link, and where to the lower part of the supporting column, at a distance from the link, there is attached a first, preferably circular-arc-shaped part having a plurality of adjustment holes arranged along a circular arc with origo at the pivotal point of the link, and where to a forward, lower part of the wheelchair there is attached a second, preferably circular-arc-shaped part for locking cooperation with the first part, a plurality of adjustment holes also being provided on the second part along a similar circular arc as for the first part, and where the locking advantageously is effected by a locking bolt passed through two adjustment holes on their respective parts aligned with each other by turning the lower part of the supporting column about the link.

1 . A device ( 1 ) for adjusting a wheelchair leg rest, comprising a supporting column ( 2 ) to the upper end ( 3 ) of which is attached a forward, upper part ( 4 ) of a wheelchair and to the lower end ( 5 ) of which is attached a footrest ( 6 ), wherein at least a lower part ( 2 ″) of the supporting column ( 2 ) is hinge-connected at a link ( 7 ), characterised in that to the lower part ( 2 ″) of the supporting column ( 2 ), at a distance from the link ( 7 ), there is attached a first, preferably circular-arc-shaped part ( 8 ) having a plurality of adjustment holes ( 9 ) arranged along a circular arc with origo at the pivotal point of the link ( 7 ), and where to a forward, lower part ( 10 ) of the wheelchair there is attached a second, preferably circular-arc-shaped part ( 11 ) for locking cooperation with the first part ( 8 ), a plurality of adjustment holes ( 9 ) also being provided in the second part ( 11 ) along a similar circular arc as for the first part ( 8 ), and where the locking advantageously is effected by a locking bolt ( 12 ) passed through two adjustment holes ( 9 ) in their respective parts ( 8 ,  11 ) aligned with each other by turning the lower part ( 2 ″) of the supporting column ( 2 ) about the link ( 7 ). 
   
   
       2 . A device according to ciaim  1 , characterised in that the locking bolt ( 12 ) is locked with a nut ( 13 ). 
   
   
       3 . A device according to  claim 1 , characterised in that the locking bolt ( 12 ) is locked in threads provided in the adjustment holes ( 9 ). 
   
   
       4 . A device according to  claim 1 , characterised in that the link ( 7 ) is arranged at the junction between the forward, upper part of the wheelchair ( 4 ) and the supporting column ( 2 ). 
   
   
       5 . A device according to  claim 1 , characterised in that the link ( 7 ) is arranged between an upper ( 2 ′) and lower ( 2 ″) part of the supporting column ( 2 ). 
   
   
       6 . A device according to  claim 1 , characterised in that three adjustment holes ( 9 ) are arranged on each of the respective parts ( 8 ,  11 ). 
   
   
       7 . A device according to  claim 6 , characterised in that the angle adjustment of the device ( 1 ) is carried out at predetermined angles of 70°, 80° and 90°. 
   
   
       8 . A method for angle adjustment using a device ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , characterised by bringing two selected adjustment holes ( 9 ) on respective parts ( 8 ,  11 ) into alignment with each other by turning at least the lower part ( 2 ″) of the supporting column ( 2 ) about the link ( 7 ); and passing a locking bolt ( 12 ) through the two aligned adjustment holes ( 9 ) for locking the respective parts ( 8 ,  11 ) together. 
   
   
       9 . A method according to  claim 8 , characterised by locking the locking bolt ( 12 ) with a nut ( 13 ). 
   
   
       10 . A method according to  claim 8 , characterised by locking the locking bolt ( 12 ) in threads provided in the adjustment holes ( 9 ).