ES2401682T3 - Element of armor and armor for a means of personal transport such as a wheelchair - Google Patents

Abstract

An armor for a means (1) of personal transport, such as a wheelchair, which includes: - at least one first piece (9, 10) of armor to support a part to be occupied by a user; - at least a second piece (41, 42) of armor for transferring weight from the first piece (9, 10) of armor to an axle of a main wheel (2, 3) and arranged to support the first piece (9, 10 ) of armor in an orientation predominantly transverse to the second piece (41, 42) of armor, where the second piece (41, 42) of armor includes an elongated tubular section (45, 46) and widens at a second end of the elongated tubular section (45, 46) forming a terminal integral part that includes a curved support (58, 59) to receive the first piece (9, 10) of armor, and - at least one piece (39, 40, 43, 44 ) additional reinforcement, in which the elongated tubular section (45, 46) is arranged to engage the additional part (39, 40, 43, 44) in a telescopic relationship at a first end of the second part (41, 42 ) of armor, characterized in that the additional piece is provided in the form of a directly connected vertical pole (43, 44) with a shaft tube clamp (39, 40), where the vertical post (43, 44) and the tube clamp (39, 40) constitute a single forged or molded component.

Description

Element of armor and armor for a means of personal transport such as a wheelchair

The invention relates to an armature for a means of personal transport and a means of personal transport, such as a wheelchair.

An example of such armor is known. WO 98/16182 describes a wheelchair that has a frame to which a pair of wheels is connected. The armor comprises a seat support, a back support and a lower leg support. The seat support comprises a pair of longitudinal bars, which are interconnected by a rear anchor arm, a front anchor arm and a shaft. The shaft is mounted on a pair of shaft supports. Each axle support has a lower horizontal support bar that supports an axis clamp. The lower support bar is connected to a pair of vertical supports that are coupled within external telescopic bushes that have openings for fixing the height using adjustment screws. A known wheelchair problem is that the configuration of the axle supports and the way in which they are attached to the longitudinal bars means that a lower horizontal support bar and a different axle clamp are needed to make the position adjustable longitudinal axis relative to the seat. This in turn necessitates the use of two vertical supports that are coupled within external telescopic bushings, so that the axle supports are relatively heavy.

US 6,302,429 B1 discloses a wheelchair that has a pair of side armature assemblies, separated from one another and that includes a generally horizontal upper tube and a generally horizontal lower tube under the upper tube. The upper tube has a row of holes for fixing the seat when it becomes a rigid reinforcement of a wheelchair. An optional wheel fixing consists of an axle plate tube mounted between the upper reinforcement tube and the lower reinforcement tube. The shaft plate tube is attached to the armature tubes by connectors at both ends.

It is a purpose of the invention to create an armor for a personal transport means that allows a weight transfer from a first piece of armor that supports a part such as a seat by means of a second piece of armor to an axle of a main wheel in a predominantly longitudinal direction along the second piece of armor, in which the second piece of armor can freely hang from the first piece of armor, and the connection between the two pieces of armor is relatively insensitive to the forces transverse to the longitudinal axis of the second piece of armor.

This purpose is achieved by the armor according to claim 1.

Preferred armor parts according to the invention are described in claims 2 to 7.

Moreover, the elongated section may have a tubular configuration at least at its first end, and may be arranged to receive an inner piece at the first end.

Also, the elongated section may have a non-circular cross-section with a diameter greater than that at least one projection on a plane containing a longitudinal axis of a piece of reinforcement that is received in the curved support is generally parallel to that longitudinal axis.

In one embodiment, a longitudinal axis of the elongated section, at least at the second end, is located at an angle of less than 90 °, in particular forming an angle in the range between 85 ° and 75 °, relative to a longitudinal axis of the curved support

In a further embodiment, the curved support is part of a device for holding the curved support in an adjustable position in a piece of reinforcement that is received in the curved support.

In a variant of this embodiment, the curved support is part of a collar-shaped clamp to extend over an angle greater than 180 ° around a piece of inserted reinforcement that is received in the curved support.

According to another aspect, a personal transport means with an armor according to the invention is defined in claim 8.

The invention is based on the surprising understanding that, because the armor piece widens at a second opposite end becoming a terminal part that includes a curved support for receiving an additional armor piece with an orientation predominantly transverse to the section elongated, a contact area with the relatively large additional piece of reinforcement is provided, so that the area extends beyond the diameter of the elongated section in at least one direction. Therefore, the terminal part that includes the curved support maintains the angle between the elongated section and the additional reinforcement piece with relative ease. An elongated section arranged to engage with a part in a telescopic relationship is a typical example of a piece of armor that is generally provided with a predominantly vertical orientation in a personal transport means, thereby transferring forces along its longitudinal extent. which are due to the weight of the occupying person.

It is indicated that forged head stems with curved support clamps are known in the field of bicycle technology, but that these are always used in a predominantly horizontal orientation. They do not include an end arranged to engage with an additional part in a telescopic relationship. Moreover, the clamp is forged in order to counteract the torsional forces exerted on the head (i.e., a moment around the longitudinal axis of the elongated section), which appear when cyclists pull the handlebars when they advance uphill.

If the transition between the terminal part and the elongated section is forged, then the transition will be able to withstand forces exerting a moment in the plane containing the elongated section and the piece of armor that is received in the curved support without tearing. This connection between the terminal part and the elongated section is much stronger than a connection by welding between the two parts that are not integral components of a single metal part. There is no weakening as would occur due to a localized heating in a welding step. This reduces the risk of tearing in the transition. Moreover, to achieve a smooth appearance, it is not necessary to include a grinding step in the manufacturing process. By using at least one forging tool comprising a nozzle, as well as a temperature and force control, the armor piece can be manufactured in series with relatively low tolerances. Compared to a piece of die-cast armor, the forged connection allows the use of a hollow elongated section with a relatively thin wall.

If the elongated section has a tubular configuration at least the first end, and if it is arranged to receive an inner part at the first end, then the part with the largest diameter is also the part that extends from the oriented armor part of predominantly transverse way and that widens even more towards the curved support. Therefore, greater resistance to moments is achieved in a plane containing the elongated section and the armature piece oriented predominantly transverse.

If the elongated section has a non-circular cross-section with a diameter greater than at least one projection on a plane containing a longitudinal axis of a piece of reinforcement that is received in the curved support is generally parallel to that longitudinal axis, then the piece of armor is further reinforced in the plane containing the elongated section and the piece of armor oriented predominantly transverse.

If a longitudinal axis of the elongated section, at least at the second end, is located at an angle of less than 90 °, in particular forming an angle in the range between 85 ° and 75 °, relative to a longitudinal axis of the curved support, then the first end can be placed at a longitudinal end of the piece of reinforcement that is received in the curved support without the need to place the curved support at that end. This is used, for example, in wheelchairs, where the reinforcement piece can be used to carry an axle tube under a longitudinal reinforcement piece that carries the curved support. The shaft is located in a position as rear as possible without positioning the curved support at the same end of the armor piece that carries the seat. This leaves room for connection to a backup, for example. An additional effect is that the slight elasticity of the elongated section allows vertical shocks to be absorbed.

In one embodiment, the curved support is part of a device for holding the curved support in an adjustable position in a piece of reinforcement that is received in the curved support. One effect is that it is possible to make the armor comprising the armor piece more versatile, since the armor piece can be repositioned relative to the armor piece that is received in the curved support. If the curved support is part of a collar-shaped clamp to extend over an angle greater than 180 ° around a piece of inserted reinforcement that is received in the curved support.

If, in the method of manufacturing a piece for an armor of a personal transport means, such as a wheelchair, the step of creating the terminal part includes at least one forging step to form at least one transition between the elongated section and the terminal part, then a relatively robust connection between the terminal part and the elongated section will be provided. This connection is resistant to tearing due to forces that tend to exert a moment in the elongated section in a plane comprising the elongated section and the piece of armor that is received in the curved support.

If the method further includes forging at least the first end of the elongated section by providing it with a tubular shape, then a drilling operation can be dispensed with to provide the tubular shape. This saves material and a separate manufacturing step. The tubular shape allows the use as an external tube of a telescopic connection with an internal part. It generally saves weight.

The invention will be explained in greater detail by referring to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a wheelchair with the seat and backrest removed for the sake of clarity;

Figure 2 is a front view of the wheelchair of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a rear view of the wheelchair of Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 is a side view of the wheelchair of Figures 1 to 3;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of some parts of the wheelchair frame of Figures 1 to 4;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the wheelchair of Figures 1 to 4 with the rear wheels

removed to show the interconnection between the armor pieces that support the seat and a

shaft tube;

Figure 7 is a perspective view corresponding to that of Figure 6, but with a spacer added to the interconnection;

Figure 8 is a perspective view corresponding to that of Figures 6 and 7, but with an additional spacer added;

Figure 9 is a perspective view from another angle of the wheelchair of Figures 1 to 8, with a rear wheel removed for the sake of clarity and in the configuration of Figure 7;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a tubular part of one of the assemblies that interconnects a piece of reinforcement that supports the seat and the shaft tube;

Figure 11 is an additional perspective view of the tubular part of Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the tubular part of Figures 10 and 11;

Figure 13 is a bottom view of the tubular part of Figures 10 to 12;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of an intermediate product to form the tubular part of Figures 10 to 13; Y

Figure 15 is a detailed exploded view of the axle tube and two mounts that interconnect the axle tube and the respective reinforcement pieces to support the seat.

Referring to Figures 1 to 4 in particular, an exemplary wheel chair 1 is shown which is supported by left and right main rear wheels 2, 3 and by left and right pivotable swivel wheel mounts 4, 5 comprising 6, 7 swivel castors. The wheelchair 1 comprises a base frame and a backrest frame 8 (see Figure 5).

The base frame comprises lateral pieces 9, 10 of left and right reinforcement arranged on opposite sides of a central axis (not shown) aligned with a direction d of forward movement of the wheelchair 1. The side pieces 9, 10 of left and right armor are generally L-shaped. In other words, the wheelchair 1 has an open armor. The armature side pieces 9, 10 each end longitudinally in a first arm 11, 12 and a second arm 13, 14. Each first arm 11, 12 has a transition to the second arm 13, 14 through sections 15, 16 curved. The first arms 11, 12 extend generally horizontally, and the second arms 13, 14 are directed downwards. It is indicated that the angle between the first arms 11, 12 and the horizontal plane can be adjusted by adjusting the rear height of the first arms 11, 12 relative to the ground. They are therefore only predominantly but not exclusively oriented in a horizontal direction.

The first arms 11, 12 are arranged to support a seat (not shown) of the wheelchair 1. In particular, a first saddle (not shown) can be hung between the first arms 11, 12 of the side pieces 9, 10 of armor, on which a seat cushion (not shown) of any shape or configuration can be placed.

In particular reference to Figures 2 to 5, the curved sections 15, 16 of the armature side pieces 9, 10 are curved in multiple planes, such that the second arms 13, 14 are separated from each other by a further distance cut that the first arms 11, 12 of the side pieces 9, 10 armor. Therefore, the seat can be relatively wide, while the second arms 13, 14 of the armature side pieces 9, 10 provide leg support for the person occupying the wheelchair.

The second arms 13, 14 are supported by the orientable pivoting wheel assemblies 4, 5 through the angled rods 17, 18 in which the orientable pivoting wheel assemblies 4, 5 are partially accommodated. The rounded bars 17, 18 are fixed with the respective longitudinal ends to the sides of the respective second arms 13, 14 in a position removed from the (lower) ends of the second arms 13, 14 corresponding to the ends of the pieces 9 , 10 armor sides. The rounded bars 17, 18 position the pivoting wheels 6, 7 orientable at a wider distance from the longitudinal central axis of the wheelchair 1, in order to provide stability. They are also fixed to the second arms 13, 14 of the side pieces 9, 10 of armor forming an angle with them in order to at least partially orient in a direction opposite to the direction d of movement of the wheelchair 1; that is, closer to the rear 2, 3 wheels. This makes the maneuverability of the wheelchair 1 relatively good, by shortening the wheelbase. Because the wheelchair 1 has an open frame, it is supported by the pivoting wheels 6, 7, which can only be adjusted through the bent bars 17, 18 and the second arms 13,

14. There is no other connection between the orientable pivoting wheel assemblies 4, 5 and the first arms 11, 12 of the armature side pieces 9, 10. Similarly, the bent bars 17, 18 form the only connections between the orientable pivoting wheel assemblies 4, 5 and the side pieces 9, 10 of the frame.

It is desirable to place the rear wheels 2, 3 as close together as possible for the sake of the width of the seat, and therefore it is desirable to place them as close as possible to the side pieces 9, 10 of armor. The seat should be wide enough to accommodate an occupant comfortably, but, overall, the wheelchair 1 should be narrow for better maneuverability and access to buildings, transportation and similar places. This is only possible if the angle of fall of the rear wheel assembly 2, 3 is maintained when the wheelchair 1 is occupied. There should be no "buckling" of the armor, and in particular there should be no rotation or twisting of the side pieces 9, 10 of armor under the weight of the occupying person. Otherwise, the wheels 2, 3 would suffer a deflection inward at the top towards the first arms 11, 12, and would move against them or against the fenders 19, 20 mounted on the first arms 11, 12 of the pieces 9 , 10 armor sides. To avoid this, the first arms 11, 12 are directly connected by a first cross anchor arm 21, and indirectly by an axle tube 22. Additionally, a footrest assembly with pieces 23, 24 of left and right reinforcement footrests, generally aligned with and connected to the second arms 13, 14, includes at least a first cross piece 25 that interconnects parts 23, 24 of left and right armor footrests. An additional cross piece 26 is located under the footrest plate (not shown), during use.

To adjust the height of the footrest assembly, it is contemplated that the left and right reinforcement footrest pieces 23, 24 of the footrest assembly are accommodated within the second arms 13, 14 in a telescopic manner. Means will generally be provided for capturing the telescopic movement of the left and right reinforcement footrest pieces 23, 24 in one of a number of positions, for example in the form of inclined pins in the reinforcement footrest pieces 23, 24, arranged to cooperate with any hole between a series of holes in the second arms 13, 14 of the side pieces 9, 10 of armor. In the illustrated embodiment, the reinforcement footrest pieces 23, 24 are flanged within the second arms 13, 14 in the armature side pieces 9, 10.

The backrest frame 8 is pivotally connected to the base frame by means of a connection mechanism that allows the left and right backrest pieces 27, 28 to be trapped to the first arms 11, 12 of the pieces 9, 10 side armor in a generally vertical position at any angle between several angles. This connection mechanism comprises left and right hinge plates 29, 30, which connect the left and right backrest pieces 27, 28 to the left and right side pieces 9, 10, respectively. The connection to parts 27, 28 of left and right backrest reinforcement is fixed. The hinge plates 29, 30 are pivotally connected to the armature side pieces 9, 10. A retractable pin (not shown in detail) couples an opening between a row 31 of openings in the left hinge plate 29 to imprison the pivotal movement of the hinge plate 29 and the backrest piece 27, and a mechanism of Similar locking is provided on the right side of the wheelchair 1. With the plug or similar coupling piece retracted from the hinge plates 29, 30, the backrest reinforcement pieces 27, 28 can be bent and locked in a position where their longitudinal central axes are predominantly parallel to and positioned at along the longitudinal central axes of the first arms 11, 12 of the side pieces 9, 10 of armor. In this configuration, the wheelchair 1 can be easily transported, for example in the trunk of a car. It can be transported with just one hand by holding the first cross anchor arm 21 between the side pieces 9, 10 of the armature side or by a second similar cross anchor arm 22 existing between the pieces 27, 28 of the backrest frame.

Referring to Figure 5, the first cross anchor arm 21 is constituted by a tubular structure which has, in the longitudinal direction, a central section 33 and first and second terminal sections 34, 35. The terminal sections 34, 35 end at the ends of the cross anchor arm 21 with which they are connected to the left and right side armatures 9, 10. Each of them has a central longitudinal axis that forms an angle that moves away from a plane defined by the first arms 11, 12 of the left and right side pieces 9, 10 at least where they join the pieces 9, 10 side armor left and right. Therefore, the central section 33 is contained in a plane parallel to the plane defined by the first arms 11, 12. There is therefore a space between the central section 33 and a seat supported by the first left and right arms 11, 12 . Thanks to the angle of the terminal sections 34, 35, in this way, the central section 33 can be relatively long and does not need to be located exactly below the middle of the seat. In an alternative embodiment, the terminal sections 34, 35 are contained in the plane of the first left and right arms 11, 12, and curved sections are provided that form an angle away from this plane between the central section 33 and the sections 34, 35 terminals

In a manner similar to the first cross anchor arm 21, the second cross anchor arm 32 is constituted by a tubular structure having, in the longitudinal direction, a central section 36 and first and second terminal sections 37, 38. The terminal sections 37, 38 end at the ends of the cross anchor arm 21 with which they are connected to the left and right backrest side pieces 27, 28. Each of them has a central longitudinal axis that forms an angle that moves away from a plane defined by the backrest reinforcement pieces 27, 28, at least where they join the left and right backrest reinforcement pieces 27, 28. Therefore, the central section 36 is contained in a plane parallel to the plane defined by the backrest reinforcement pieces 27, 28. There is therefore a space between the central section 36 and a backrest (not shown) supported by the backrest and left and right pieces 27, 28. Thanks to the angle of the terminal sections 37, 38 in this way, the central section 36 can again be relatively long.

The shaft tube 22 is connected to the base frame through the left and right shaft tube clamps 39, 40 (see Figures 2, 3, 6 to 9 and 15). The axle tube 22 accommodates convergence tubes (not shown in detail) to hold the axles of the rear wheels 2, 3. Convergence tubes are also held in position by means of shaft tube clamps 39, 40. At least one of the convergence tubes and the axle can be removed from the axle tube 22, such that the rear wheels 2, 3 can be removed from the wheelchair frame when the wheelchair 1 needs to be transported. Therefore, the (open) ends of the axle tube 22 provide housings to removably accommodate the rear wheel axles.

The interconnection between the shaft tube clamps 39, 40 and the first arms 11, 12 allows movement of the shaft tube 22 between the different predetermined positions at varying distances from the first arms 11, 12 of the armature side pieces 9 . The positions are located at varying distances from the seat. In this way, the rear seat height can be adjusted.

The interconnection between the shaft tube 22 and the first arms 11, 12 of the armature side pieces 9, 10 comprises two assemblies of a tubular part in the form of a vertical tube 41, 42 and an internal part in the form of a post 43, 44 vertical. Each vertical post 43, 44 is telescopically inserted into a vertical tube 41, 42, in order to extend only over a portion of the latter's longitudinal extension, since the vertical posts 43, 44 are substantially shorter than the tubes 41, 42 vertical. In the illustrated embodiment, the vertical tubes 41, 42 hang down the side pieces 9, 10 of the reinforcement. In fact, the vertical tubes 41, 42, in particular the elongated sections 45, 46 thereof, do not form an exactly right angle with the first arms 11, 12 of the armature side pieces 9, 10. Instead, they are forming an angle less than 90 °, in particular they are forming an angle in the range between 85 ° and 75 °, relative to a longitudinal axis of the first arms 11, 12. This angle is located on the side that looks in the opposite direction to the front wheels 6, 7. It is indicated that the vertical tubes 41, 42 can still be oriented generally vertically, since the first arms 11, 12 do not need to be exactly horizontal. In general, they will be forming a slightly inward angle pointing towards the rear, so that a person occupying the wheelchair 1 will be held in the seat.

The vertical posts 43, 44 are directly connected to the shaft tube clamps 39, 40. The vertical posts 43, 44 therefore extend upwardly from the shaft tube clamps 39, 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the vertical posts 43, 44 and the respective tube clamps 39, 40 are in fact integral elements of a single component. It is a forged or molded component. There is therefore no interface between the vertical posts 43, 44 and the respective clamps 39, 40. The latter provide bases with curved support surfaces 47, 48 (Figure 15) for the first spacers 49, 50 of a stack of spacers 49-54 for transferring a longitudinal force from a respective lower end of the vertical tubes 41, 42 to a respective support surface 47, 48.

Because the shaft tube clamps 39, 40 are provided at the longitudinal ends of the vertical posts 43, 44, the shaft tube clamps 39, 40 are located immediately below the first arms 11, 12 of the parts 9 , 10 reinforcement sides, just at the ends of the shaft tube 22. Therefore, the wheels 2, 3 can be located near the side pieces 9, 10 of armor, but there is a relatively small moment arm on the axles that could tend to tilt them and thereby affect the angle of fall of the wheels 2, 3. Because there is a single shaft tube 22 that interconnects the vertical tubes 41, 42, they will have a lower tendency to bend.

The elongated and tubular sections 45, 46 of the vertical tubes 41, 42 are non-circular, in this case oval, in their cross-section (see Figure 13). An axis 55 aligned with a larger diameter of the non-circular cross-section is predominantly aligned with the longitudinal central axes of at least the first arms 11, 12 of the armature side pieces 9, 10. This provides an added stiffness to prevent bending in a direction parallel to the direction of travel of the wheelchair 1. Other non-circular cross sections will also provide this effect.

At one upper end, the vertical tubes 41, 42 are connected with the double tube clamps 56, 57. The double tube clamps 56, 57 are integral parts of the vertical tubes 41, 42, which means that there is no internal or external interface between the tube clamps 56, 57 and the elongated tubular sections 45, 46 of the tubes 41 , 42 vertical. The double tube clamps 56, 57 can move along the first arms 11, 12 of the armature side pieces 9, 10, such that the distance between the pivoting wheels 6, 7 pivotable and the wheels 2, 3 Rear can be varied. Because the vertical tubes 41, 42 are interconnected by the axle tube 22, the distance between the left adjustable pivoting wheel 6 and the rear wheel 2 and the distance between the right adjustable pivoting wheel 7 and the rear wheel 3 remains constant. The double tube clamps 56, 57 also contribute to keeping the distance between the front wheels 6, 7 and the rear wheels 2, 3 constant.

Each double tube clamp 56, 57 comprises a curved support 58, 59, which, during use, supports the respective first arm 11, 12 of a side piece 9, 10 of reinforcement. In the illustrated embodiment, the curved support 58, 59 forms part of each of the two clamp collars 60-63 that extend at an angle greater than 180 ° around the side piece 9, 10 of reinforcement when inserted into the clamp 56, 57 double tube. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the curved brackets can be part of pipe clamps comprising opposite clamp halves that are held together by bolts or similar fasteners. However, the illustrated embodiment allows a person to loosen the double tube clamps 56, 57 to move the vertical tubes 41, 42 in their longitudinal direction (parallel to the direction of travel d), without any risk of the tubes 41 , 42 verticals get out.

To achieve additional stiffness, the first arms 11, 12 also have a non-circular cross-section, such as oval. The double tube clamps 56, 57, in particular also the curved supports 58, 59, are properly configured for this cross-sectional shape.

It will be appreciated, in particular from Figures 12 and 13, that vertical tubes 41, 42 widen in the transition between elongated sections 45, 46 and double tube clamps 56, 57. Therefore, the minimum diameter of the elongated sections 45, 46 will therefore be less than the minimum diameter of the first arms 11, 12, if necessary. Moreover, the first arms 11, 12 of the armature side pieces 9, 10 are supported over a large distance by the curved supports 58, 59. Therefore, the widening occurs at least in the plane of the cross-section through a longitudinal axis 64 of the support 58, 59 curved and parallel to or through a longitudinal axis of the elongated section 45, 46.

In the illustrated embodiment, the basic configuration of the vertical tubes 41, 42 is provided by forging. Figure 14 shows a piece 65 of intermediate reinforcement after the forging steps have been carried out. Additional stages of the manufacturing process require knurling and cutting to create double tube clamps 56, 57. Forging steps require the use of a tool or more than one that is negative in the shape of the intermediate reinforcement piece 65. These are used to provide the hollow elongated tubular section 45 and the transition between the elongated section 45 and the end portion that will ultimately comprise the curved support 58 of the double tube clamp 56. Forging is carried out under controlled conditions. The temperature is controlled to a point where the material of the vertical tubes 41, 42 is considerably ductile. The force with which the tools are applied to the workpiece is controlled relatively accurately. Then a heat treatment can be carried out. The forged nature of the transition between the elongated section 45 and the end portion that will ultimately constitute the curved support 58 of the double tube clamp 56, implies that the vertical tubes 41, 42 are capable of withstanding shaking in the direction of travel d with relative success The risk of tearing the upper ends of the elongated sections 45, 46 is small. This effect is achieved without the need to create elongated sections 45, 46 with relatively thick walls.

Referring to Figure 15, at the opposite ends of the tube clamps 56, 57 of the vertical tubes 41, 42, vertical tube clamps comprising collars 66, 67 and respective bolts 68, 69 are provided for coupling respective elements between a plurality of internally threaded holes 70-75. It is indicated that the holes 70-75 extend only a short radial distance within the solid vertical posts 43, 44. They are not therefore through holes. Bolts 68, 69 are inserted through holes 76, 77 in collars 66, 67 and openings 78, 79 in vertical tubes 41, 42.

It is noted that, in the illustrated embodiment, the internal parts of the internally threaded holes 70-75 do not provide support surfaces, and that the bolts 68, 69 do not function as elements for transferring a longitudinally directed force from one end of the tubes 41 , 42 vertical to vertical posts 43, 44, because spacers 49-54 already perform this function. In other embodiments, however, this is not necessarily the case.

Apart from the single opening 78, 79, the tubes 41, 42 are smooth. The absence of a row of openings through the walls of the vertical tubes 41, 42 makes them more resistant.

Although the elongated sections 45, 46 of the vertical tubes 41, 42 have a generally oval shaped cross-section, also inside, the vertical posts 43, 44 have a different cross-sectional shape, such that there is a certain degree of slack. Due to the fact of using clamps to fix the vertical tubes 41, 42 to the vertical posts 43, 44, this is not too important. On the other hand, the manufacture of the components comprising the vertical posts 43, 44 is simplified for this reason, since the tolerance ranges may be greater. It is appreciated, however, that the vertical posts 43, 44 also have a non-circular cross-section, such that the torsion of the vertical posts 43, 44 within the vertical tubes 41, 42 is avoided due to the vertical lock by form that is established when collars 66, 67 are tightened. In this case, the vertical posts 43, 44 are cylindrical with an octagonal shaped cross section. The faces of the octagon are alternately short and long, defining a shape that corresponds to that of a rectangle with truncated corners. When the bolts 68, 69 are tightened, the collars 66, 67 act on the surfaces defined by the short faces that form the truncations. Two such surfaces 80, 81 are indicated in Figure 15.

With regard to spacers 49-54, at least one spacer 49, 50, smaller, comprises a non-metallic material, such as plastic, rubber or artificial rubber. This spacer 49, 50 may be reinforced by metal components to provide it with additional structural rigidity. The non-metallic surface of the spacer prevents metal-to-metal contact between vertical posts 43, 44 and vertical tubes 41, 42. It is conceived that at least the smallest spacer 49, 50 will always be present, even with the wheelchair 1 in its lowest position, such that a silent trip is ensured.

The upper surfaces 82, 83 of the upper spacers 53, 54 are attached and support loads 84, 85 terminals of the vertical tubes 41, 42 as well as lower surfaces of the collars 66, 67. Therefore, the walls of the tubes 41 , 42 verticals are generally subjected to longitudinal forces. There is no force at the edges of the openings 78, 79.

In the illustrated embodiment, spacers 49-54 have a cylindrical configuration with identical cross-sectional shapes in general, at least as regards external circumferences. Therefore, a smooth appearance is created, with no sharp edges at the interfaces between spacers 49-54. This continues due to the fact that the outer circumference of the cross-sectional shape of spacers 49-54 is generally identical to that of collars 66, 67.

In general, a set of spacers 49-54 will be provided to the wheelchair 1 to be adjusted by the user. The user can select an appropriate number of game spacers of an appropriate type. In an alternative embodiment, the set of spacers differs in at least one dimension or one composition. In the illustrated embodiment, the heights of the larger spacers 51-54 correspond to the distance between successively internally threaded holes 7075 in the vertical posts 43, 44. They may be equidistant or they may be located at different intervals, such that spacers of the same height or spacers of different height will be used.

The spacers 49-54 transmit the longitudinal forces between the vertical tubes 41, 42 and the vertical posts 43, 44, such that the openings 78, 79 and the threads of the holes are not subjected to forces that could damage them under the weight of the person occupying the wheelchair 1. The vertical posts 43, 44 lend extra rigidity to the vertical tubes 41, 42.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, which may vary within the scope of the claim. The proper characteristics mentioned in the description, claims and drawings may be essential for the invention in its different implementations.

The parts of the wheelchair's frame can be made of a composite material or a metal or a metal alloy. Suitable materials in particular also for forged vertical tubes 41, 42 include aluminum-scandium alloys, 7000 series aluminum alloys, in particular 7003 aluminum alloy,

or 6000 series aluminum alloy. 7000 aluminum alloy has a relatively high tensile strength.

List of reference numbers

Wheelchair Left rear wheel Right rear wheel Left pivoting wheel assembly Right adjustable pivot wheel assembly Left adjustable pivot wheel Right adjustable pivot wheel Backrest armature Left armature side piece Right armor side piece First left arm First right arm Second arm left Second right arm Left curved section Right curved section left Right angled bar Left side fender Left side fender Cross anchor arm Axle tube Left footrest reinforcement part Right footrest reinforcement piece First footrest reinforcement piece Second cross foot piece footrest Left backrest reinforcement part Right backrest reinforcement part Left hinge plate Right hinge plate Row of openings Cross anchor arm Central section First terminal section Second section n terminal center section

37

 First terminal section

38

Second terminal section

39

Pipe clamps left

40

Right pipe clamp

41

Left vertical tube

42

Right vertical tube

43

Left vertical post

44

Right vertical post

Four. Five

Elongated section of the left vertical tube

46

Elongated section of the right vertical tube

47

First left surface

48

First right surface

49

Small left spacer

fifty

Small right spacer

51

Bottom left spacer

52

Lower right spacer

53

Upper left spacer

54

Upper right spacer

55

Shaft aligned with the largest diameter of the vertical tube cross section

56

Left double tube clamp

57

Right double tube clamp

58

Curved support of left vertical tube

59

Curved bracket of right vertical tube

60

First left double tube clamp collar

61

Second left double tube clamp collar

62

First right double tube clamp collar

63

Second right double tube clamp collar

64

Longitudinal support shaft

65

Intermediate reinforcement piece

66

 Left collar

67

 Right collar

68

 Left bolt

69

 Right bolt

70

 First left hole

71

 Second left hole

72

Third left hole

73

 First right hole

74

 Second right hole

75

Third right hole

76

Left collar hole

77

Right collar hole

5

78  Left opening

79

 Right opening

80

Left post surface

81

Right post surface

82

Upper surface of upper left spacer

10

83 Upper surface of upper right spacer

84

Left terminal face

85

Right terminal face

Claims (8)

1.- An armor for a means (1) of personal transport, such as a wheelchair, which includes:

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at least a first piece (9, 10) of armor to support a part to be occupied by a user;

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 at least a second piece (41, 42) of armor to transfer weight from the first piece (9, 10) of armor to an axle of a main wheel (2, 3) and arranged to support the first piece (9, 10) of armor in an orientation predominantly transverse to the second piece (41, 42) of armor, where

The second piece (41, 42) of reinforcement includes an elongated tubular section (45, 46) and widens at a second end of the elongated tubular section (45, 46) forming a terminal integral part that includes a support (58, 59 ) curved to receive the first piece (9, 10) of armor, and

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 at least one additional piece (39, 40, 43, 44) of armor, in which

the elongated tubular section (45, 46) is arranged to engage the additional piece (39, 40, 43, 44) in a telescopic relationship at a first end of the second piece (41, 42) of armor, characterized by the additional piece is provided in the form of a vertical pole (43, 44) directly connected with a shaft tube clamp (39, 40), where the vertical pole (43, 44) and the clamp (39, 40) of tube constitute a single forged or molded component. 2. An armor according to claim 1, wherein the transition between the terminal part and the elongated section (45, 46) is forged. 3. An armor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elongated section (45, 46) has a tubular configuration at least at the first end, and is arranged to receive the vertical post (43, 44) in The first extreme. 4. An armature according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongated section (45, 46) has a non-circular cross-section with a diameter greater than at least one projection on a plane containing a longitudinal axis of a piece (9, 10) of reinforcement received in curved support (58, 59) is generally parallel to that longitudinal axis. 5. An armor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a longitudinal axis of the elongated section (45, 46), at least the second end, is located at an angle of less than 90 °, in particular forming an angle in the range between 85 ° and 75 °, in relation to a longitudinal axis (64) of the curved support (58, 59). 6. An armor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the curved support (58, 59) forms part of a device (56, 57) for holding the curved support (58, 59) in an adjustable position in a piece (9, 10) of armor that is received in the curved support (58, 59). 7. An armor according to claim 6, wherein the curved support (58, 59) forms part of a collar-shaped clamp (60-63) to extend over an angle greater than 180 ° around a piece ( 9, 10) of reinforcement inserted in the curved support (58, 59). 8. A means of personal transport, such as a wheelchair, which includes an armor according to any one of claims 1 to 7.