Pivoting side mount for a pelvic stabilization device
A pivoting side mount ( 26 ) which may used, for example, to attach a pelvic stabilization device ( 21 ) to a wheelchair. The pivoting side mount ( 26 ) includes first and second pivot brackets ( 152, 150 ) that are rotatably connected to one another and a spring ( 154 ), such as a rubber spring, for limiting the rotating movement of the two brackets relative to one another. A quick release assembly ( 28 ) is also provided. The quick release assembly ( 28 ) includes a receiver ( 30 ) and a body ( 40 ) that fits into the receiver. The body ( 40 ) includes one or more latches ( 42 ) that are biased outward and that snap into notches ( 44 ) in the receiver ( 30 ) when the body ( 40 ) is placed in the receiver ( 30 ). A release plate ( 46 ) is provided for releasing the latch or latches ( 42 ) from the notches ( 44 ).
1 . An attachment structure, comprising:
(a) a first mounting structure, comprising:
a groove; and
a slot that extends to the groove at an angle to the groove;
(b) a bar assembly, comprising:
a first bar configured to fit into the groove; and
a second bar, attached to the first bar, and extending at the angle to the groove;
the first bar, the second bar, the groove and the slot being arranged and configured such that the first bar is insertable into the groove, and after being inserted, the bar assembly may be rotated to align the second bar in the slot; and
(c) a second mounting structure, comprising:
a bracket at least one of slidably and rotatably mounted on the second bar; and
at least one lock for locking sliding and rotating movement of the bracket relative to the second bar
2 . The attachment structure of claim 1 , further comprising means for retaining the first bar in the groove at a location where the bar is aligned with the slot.
3 . The attachment structure of claim 1 , further comprising a spring to retain the first bar in the groove at a location where the bar is aligned with the slot.
4 . The attachment structure of claim 1 , further comprising a structure aligned and positioned to limit insertion of the first bar into the groove at a location where the bar is aligned with the slot.
5 . The attachment structure of claim 1 , wherein the bracket is both slidingly and rotatingly mounted to the second bar.
6 . The attachment structure of claim 1 , wherein the lock comprises a barrel nut.
7 . A pelvic support brace attached to a seating surface using the attachment structure of claim 1 .
8 . The pelvic support brace of claim 7 , wherein the first mounting structure is connected to the pelvic support brace, and wherein the second mounting structure is connected to the seating surface.
9 . The pelvic support brace of claim 8 , wherein the second mounting structure is connected to a pivoting mount, which in turn is connected to the seating surface.
10 . The pelvic support brace of claim 7 , wherein the seating surface comprises a wheelchair.
11 . A pelvic stabilization device, comprising:
a pelvic support brace;
a first pivot bracket connected to the pelvic support brace;
a second pivot bracket rotatable relative to the first pivot bracket about a first pivot axis and connected to a seating surface; and
a spring connected for rotatable movement to the first pivot bracket about a second pivot axis and for rotatable movement to the second pivot bracket about a third pivot axis arranged and configured to resist rotation of the second pivot bracket relative to the first pivot bracket, the first, second, and third pivot axes being substantially parallel;
wherein pivoting action of the second pivot bracket relative to the first pivot bracket permits the pelvic support brace to be pivotable between a first, neutral position and a second, tilted position, and wherein the spring is flexible enough to allow this pivoting, but has a bias to a neutral position which resists this pivoting, and provides a bias to return the pelvic support brace 21 to the first, neutral position from the second, tilted position.
12 . The pelvic stabilization device of claim 11 , wherein at least one of the first pivot bracket and the second pivot bracket comprises side flanges that extend along opposite sides of the spring at the respective pivot axis so as to guard at least three sides of the spring.
13 . The pelvic stabilization device of claim 11 , further comprising a structure for resisting movement beyond the first, neutral position from the second, tilted position, the structure permitting limited movement beyond the first neutral position.
14 . The pelvic stabilization device of claim 13 , wherein the structure is slightly compressible, allowing the pelvic support brace to tilt slightly backward, relative to a person sitting on the seating surface and held by the pelvic stabilization device.
15 . The pelvic stabilization device of claim 11 , wherein the spring is a rubber spring.
16 . The pelvic stabilization device of claim 11 , wherein the spring is a member of the subset of elastomers, coil springs, and, composite materials that resist bending.
17 . The pelvic stabilization device of claim 11 , wherein the seating surface comprises a wheelchair.
18 . The pelvic stabilization device of claim 11 , wherein the spring is replaceable within a spring having a different spring rate.
19 . The pelvic stabilization device of claim 11 , wherein the spring comprises rubber and comprises a tab at one end to aid in installation.
20 . The pelvic stabilization device of claim 11 , further comprising a mounting structure between the first pivot bracket and the pelvic support brace, the mounting structure permitting rotation of the first pivot bracket relative to the pelvic support brace.
21 . The pelvic stabilization device of claim 20 , wherein the mounting structure is attached to the pelvic support brace at a location and wherein the mounting structure permits sliding of the first pivot bracket in a first direction away from and toward the location.
22 . The pelvic stabilization device of claim 21 , wherein the mounting structure permits movement of the first pivot bracket at a direction transverse to the first direction.