| Connecting device for a joystick controller on an electric wheelchair -> Monitor Keywords |
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Connecting device for a joystick controller on an electric wheelchairRelated Patent Categories: Supports, Brackets, Adjustable, Single Joint, Horizontal PivotConnecting device for a joystick controller on an electric wheelchair description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060163437, Connecting device for a joystick controller on an electric wheelchair. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a connecting device, and more particularly to a four-bar linkage that holds a joystick controller in a constant orientation. [0003] 2. Description of Related Art [0004] Electric wheelchairs are a convenient mode of transportation for patients, aged people or handicapped people because they can go anywhere by moving a joystick without assistance from other people. [0005] A conventional electric wheelchair has a seat, two arms, a joystick and a connecting device attached to one arm and the joystick. The connecting device is a rod pivotally connecting the joystick to the arm so that the joystick extends out from the arm. By pivoting the connecting device, the joystick can move aside to keep the joystick from bumping against objects when a user moves close to a table or a wall. However, the orientation of the joystick changes when the connecting device pivots relatively to the electric wheelchair. Consequently, adjusting the direction of movement of the joystick after every movement of the connecting device is inconvenient. [0006] To overcome the shortcomings, the present invention provides an improved connecting device for a joystick controller on an electric wheelchair to obviate the aforementioned problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] The main objective of the invention is to provide a connecting device that keeps a joystick connected to the connecting device from changing its operational orientation. [0008] Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connecting device in accordance with the present invention mounted on an electric wheelchair; [0010] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connecting device in FIG. 1 and the wheelchair seat; [0011] FIG. 3 is an enlarged partially exploded perspective view of the connecting device in FIG. 1 attached to an electric wheelchair arm; [0012] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the connecting device in FIG. 1 attached to an electric wheelchair arm; [0013] FIG. 5 is an operational bottom view of the connecting device in FIG. 1 positioned back and near the wheelchair; [0014] FIG. 6 is an operational bottom view of the connecting device in FIG. 1 extended out from the wheelchair; and [0015] FIG. 7 is an operational bottom view of the connecting device in FIG. 1 positioned forward and near the wheelchair. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0016] A connecting device for a joystick controller on an electric wheelchair in accordance with the present invention comprises a post, two rods and a base. The post has two brackets attached to the post. The two rods are pivotally attached respectively to the two brackets in parallel with each other. The base pivotally attached to the two rods forms a four-bar linkage with the two rods and the post. The joystick controller is adjustably and detachably mounted on the base. The four-bar linkage keeps the joystick controller oriented in a constant direction when the base moves relatively to the electric wheelchair. Therefore, the joystick controller has a fixed orientation relative to the wheelchair. [0017] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, a preferred embodiment of the connecting device in accordance with the present invention attaches a joystick controller (40) to an arm of an electric wheelchair (1) and comprises a post (10), two rods (20) and a base (30). [0018] The post (10) is attached under an arm of an electric wheelchair, is a rectangular tube and has a front face, an outer face, two brackets (102) and two pivot pins (104). The two brackets (102) are attached respectively to the front face and the outer face in a single horizontal plane. Thus, the two brackets (102) are oriented perpendicular to each other. Each bracket (102) is U-shaped, has a cross member and two wings and is attached to the post (102) at the cross member so the wings protrude out from the post (10). Each wing of the bracket (102) has a hole, and the holes on the two wings are aligned with each other. The pivot pins (104) are mounted through the holes respectively in the two brackets (102). [0019] Each rod (20) has a proximal end, a distal end, a length and two transverse end sleeves (22). The two rods (20) are the same length and are pivotally attached respectively to the two brackets (102) on the post (10) in parallel to attach to the base (30). The transverse end sleeves (22) are formed respectively at the proximal end and the distal end. Each transverse end sleeve (22) has a top, a bottom and two bushings (202) mounted respectively on the top and bottom. The transverse end sleeve (22) at the proximal end is aligned with the holes in the two wings and mounted pivotally between the two wings of one corresponding bracket (102) with the pivot pin (104). [0020] The base (30) is connected pivotally to the distal ends of the two rods (20), is a rectangular panel and has four corners, a top face, a rear edge, a front edge, an inner edge, an outer edge, two mounting holes (302), two pivot pins (308), multiple adjustment holes, a U-shaped mounting bracket (304), a T-connector (32), multiple fasteners and a knob (34). Continue reading about Connecting device for a joystick controller on an electric wheelchair... Full patent description for Connecting device for a joystick controller on an electric wheelchair Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Connecting device for a joystick controller on an electric wheelchair patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. 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