289 results about "Wheelchair user" patented technology

Two versions of apparatus for completely bathing oneself by users of wheelchair and elderly, infirm people are disclosed. Both versions includes a slidable up and down carriage with reciprocating belt for soaping and showering bathers back, a chair with coil under the seat for washing bottom parts of the body, a hand shower, and an appliance for washing the feet. For users of wheelchair the chair is designed for sliding with the bather from exterior of the bathtub to the interior of the bathtub. In version for elderly, infirm people the chair seat is fixed in position over the longitudinal lip of the bathtub to let the user to sit down on this chair as well as he sat on a standard chair or toilet. The users back in this case will be in area of the bathtub, while the feet will be out and the water, which coming out will be gathered by curtain in folding tray and pumped back in the bathtub.

A removable adjustable head rest for wheelchairs for providing users of wheelchairs with much needed back and neck support. The headrest includes a hollow cylindrical main portion, a pair of handle sleeves, and a head rest portion. The hollow cylindrical main portion has a generally inverted T-shaped configuration, a horizontal segment, and a vertical segment. A pair of handle sleeves are attached to the horizontal segment of the hollow cylindrical main portion. A head rest, having two integrally coupled adjustable side portions, is removable coupled to the vertical segment of the hollow cylindrical main portion. A neck roll removable coupled to the head rest.

An extension / retraction cylinder (5) stops or starts tilting the platform (21) of a stair-climbing wheelchair carrier (2) based on a detection signal from an inclination sensor (51) provided in a crawler drive unit (3). When the crawler drive unit (3) is detected to be not tilted, the tilting motion of the platform (21) is stopped at an intermediate angle (e. g. 20 °) of a maximum preset angle (e. g. 40 °). When the crawler drive unit (3) is detected to be tilted, the platform (21) is tilted up to the maximum preset angle, and as soon as the crawler drive unit (3) is detected not to be tilted after tilting, the platform (21) is driven so as to decrease its inclination angle relative to the crawler drive unit (3). Thus, a comfortable and usable stair-climbing wheelchair carrier (10) can be provided.

A wheelchair footrest retractor (10) is disclosed for use with a footrest (16, 18) in a wheelchair (14) to allow the wheelchair user or caregiver to readily manipulate the footplates (20) between an upper retracted position and a lower use position by simply manipulating a handle(56) located to the side of the knee of the wheelchair user. The wheelchair footrest retractor (10) can be mounted to the wheelchair with little or no modification of the wheelchair. The rod (58) in the wheelchair footrest retractor (10) can be adjusted in length to fit a particular wheelchair and also adjusted when the length of the footrest(16, 18) is adjusted.

The invention relates to a legrest for a wheelchair, provided with a footrest and a calfrest. In a first, supporting position (ready for use), this footrest and calfrest are designed for supporting at least a part of a leg of a user seated during use in the wheelchair. The calfrest can be moved to a non-supporting, second position (ready for transfer), wherein the calfrest is located outside the space which is occupied by the legs of a wheelchair user upon sitting down in and / or rising from the wheelchair. The pivotal direction of the calfrest is then such that the path of travel between said first and second position is located substantially outside the space occupied by the legs of the wheelchair user in the first, supporting position.

Weight-shift activity is measured by small, flat, low-cost pressure sensors placed under the cushion in the seat of the wheelchair. A wireless communications device such as a Blackberry™ page processes data received from the pressure sensors and transfers the electronic records to a central database periodically or in near real-time. The information about activity and weight shift exercises is stored at the central database where it may be accessed and viewed by Internet users. Historical records of an individual's activity may be presented to the individual and authorized caregivers through secure web pages. This activity information will encourage the wheelchair user to perform regular weight shift exercises and will allow caregivers to intervene when high-risk periods of inactivity are detected.

The seat of a wheelchair has a back that is deeply contoured to provide lateral support for a user, and which is adjusted to conform to user torsos of various sizes. The seat back has a rigid, curved shell formed by a back panel with separate wings adjustably projecting forward from opposite sides of the back panel. Adjustment of the wings alters the length of curvature of the shell to conform to user torsos of different sizes. A cushion is attached to the shell and has pleated sections which expand and contract as the shell is adjusted.

The invention provides a head gesture recognition technology-based wheelchair control method, and belongs to the field of artificial intelligence technology. A wheelchair body is provided with an image acquisition device, a computation and control unit, a bracket and a motor. When the wheelchair is used, the image acquisition device acquires a head image of a wheelchair user in real time and transmits the head image to the computation and control unit. The computation unit processes, analyzes and computes the image to acquire human face and nose position information and judges the head gesture of the user according to the human face and nose position information. According to the acquired head gesture, the computation and control unit generates a corresponding control command. Finally, the motor drives the wheelchair to move according to the acquired control command. Based on a non-contact image sensing and detecting method, the distribution condition of the human face gesture and the nose position in the image is comprehensively considered, so the head gesture judgment is more accurate, the control of the wheelchair is facilitated, and the method has the advantages of friendly man-machine interaction, convenient use for seriously disabled persons, and low additional cost.

Weight-shift activity is measured by small, flat, low-cost pressure sensors placed under the cushion in the seat of the wheelchair. A wireless communications device such as a Blackberry™ pager processes data received from the pressure sensors and transfers the electronic records to a central database periodically or in near real-time. The information about activity and weight shift exercises is stored at the central database where it may be accessed and viewed by Internet users. Historical records of an individual's activity may be presented to the individual and authorized caregivers through secure web pages. This activity information will encourage the wheelchair user to perform regular weight shift exercises and will allow caregivers to intervene when high-risk periods of inactivity are detected.

The invention relates to a double folding seat for a vehicle, particularly a public transportation vehicle such as a bus or a train, with a bench seat positioned in the direction of travel of the vehicle that has a backrest and a seating surface that can be folded between a home position and a sitting position, with a retaining device for holding a wheelchair or the like that has at least two hooks arranged in extension of the backrest and mounted on a wall supported on a floor of the vehicle, which hooks can be tightened by means of respective tightening members and loosened by respective loosening members, with a safety belt for the wheelchair user and with a covering for the tightening members and loosening members.

A wheelchair-accessible treadmill with a safety system allowing wheelchair users to exercise without the risk off steering off-course, tipping over, or rolling backwards off the treadmill. The wheelchair is secured by straps or similar means to two or more linear bearings that move along the side of the treadmill on rods or in tracks. When securely fastened, these allow the wheelchair to move forward and backward on the treadmill belt. The treadmill belt may be wider than standard, the height may be lower than standard, and a ramp may be used for access. An optical sensor may be used to determine the forward and backward movement of the wheelchair user. Wheelchair specific programs may be available through the control panel.

An enclosed carrier for a folded wheelchair, mounted on the outside side of an automobile, behind and adjacent to the driver's door, so that a wheelchair user can shift himself from his wheelchair to the driver's seat, then fold and store his own wheelchair, thus maintaining an economical independence.

The invention relates to a double folding seat for a vehicle, particularly a public transportation vehicle such as a bus or a train, with a bench seat positioned in the direction of travel of the vehicle that has a backrest and a seating surface that can be folded between a home position and a sitting position, with a retaining device for holding a wheelchair or the like that has at least two hooks arranged in extension of the backrest and mounted on a wall supported on a floor of the vehicle, which hooks can be tightened by respective tightening members and loosened by respective loosening members, with a safety belt for the wheelchair user and with a covering for the tightening members and loosening members.

A manual propulsion mechanism for wheelchairs utilizes a lever pivotally mounted to the hub of each rear wheel such that the wheelchair user can propel the chair with push / pull movements of the levers. Forward and reverse propulsion directions are accomplished by a system of one-way reversible clutches contained in the propulsion wheel hubs which also allow the levers to be operationally disconnected such that the chair can freewheel. Operator control of direction shifting is through pivoting motions imparted to the grip handles of the propulsion levers. In a preferred embodiment, improved ergonomics for propulsion direction changes are made possible by coordinating the direction of the shift pivot motion with the push / pull movement of the levers. This allows the operator to retain a comfortable, stable grip on the grip handle while simultaneously propelling and controlling direction of movement.

A wheelchair footrest retraction device has been developed to allow wheelchair users to easily retract the footrest and have assistance as they rise from the wheelchair. The device includes a handle that can be rotated by the user from a horizontal to a vertical position where it can then be used to provide support as the user rises from the wheelchair. Rotation of the handle acts to retract the footrest through a series of linkages that transmit force from the handle to the footrest. The device also includes a support post that prevents the wheelchair from tipping forward as the user rises from the wheelchair.

A manual propulsion mechanism for wheelchairs utilizes a lever pivotally mounted to the hub of each rear wheel such that the wheelchair user can propel the chair with push / pull movements of the levers. Forward and reverse propulsion directions are accomplished by a system of one-way reversible clutches contained in the propulsion wheel hubs which also allow the levers to be operationally disconnected such that the chair can freewheel. Operator control of direction shifting is through twisting motions imparted to the grip handles of the propulsion levers. In a preferred embodiment, improved ergonomics for propulsion direction changes are made possible by an improved short excursion clutch shifting mechanism that reduces the angle of arc through which the operator must twist the grip handle to effect the direction change. This allows the operator to retain a comfortable, stable grip on the grip handle while simultaneously propelling and controlling direction of movement.

A cushion for a wheelchair, including a matrix of cushion modules, wherein each cushion module includes a cushion element that has a phase change material included in its filler material that sits above an additional cushion element of a larger volume of filler material. The cushion also typically includes a support rail located on three sides of the matrix of cushion modules to align the body of the wheelchair user when sitting in the wheelchair. In addition, the cushion typically includes a base member that is positioned beneath the matrix and provides stability for the cushion. The cushion elements are typically enclosed in a moisture resistant envelope.

The invention discloses an intelligent wheelchair and a control method for the intelligent wheelchair. The intelligent wheelchair comprises a wheelchair frame, a master controller which is arranged on the wheelchair frame, a transmission mechanism, an obstacle avoidance device, a position sensor, a communication device and a health detection device, and the transmission mechanism, the obstacle avoidance device, the position sensor, the communication device, and the health detection device are electrically connected with the master controller; the health detection device detects physical function parameters of a user, the master controller compares the physical function parameters with preset threshold values, and if the physical function parameters exceed the preset threshold values, alarm information is generated and sent to a cloud medical service center through the communication device; the position sensor obtains position information of the intelligent wheelchair, the master controller generates route map information, and the transmission mechanism transmits the intelligent wheelchair to the nearest medical station. According to the intelligent wheelchair and the control method for the intelligent wheelchair, the health condition of a wheelchair user can be monitored and uploaded in real time, and the wheelchair user receives timely assistance under the situation that the health condition of the wheelchair user is deteriorated suddenly.

A reversible footrest includes an upper mounting device having attachment mechanisms mountable to either side of a wheelchair. An upper mounting device is connected to the lower mounting device which has a first support member that is capable of supporting a foot of a wheelchair user. A second mounting device having a support rod and supporting mechanism may be used to allow the reversible footrest to be raised or lowered. A second support member may also be used to support the lower leg of the wheelchair user. The attachment mechanisms and leg supporting components of the footrest are capable of being reversed to allow use on either side of the wheelchair.

The invention discloses a passage barrier-free structure of an elevator additionally mounted on an old building, and relates to the technical field of elevator additional mounting. According to the technical scheme, the passage barrier-free structure is characterized in that the passage barrier-free structure comprises the elevator arranged on the outer side of the old building; elevator halls communicating the elevator and the old building are arranged on all layers between the elevator and the old building; the heights of the elevator halls correspond to the heights of doorways of residentsof all the floor layers correspondingly; the staircase sections of an original double-running staircase and rest platforms located on half floors in the old building are dismantled and changed into asingle-running staircase and horizontal corridors; and the doorways of the residents, the elevator halls and the horizontal corridors are located on the same floor elevation. According to the elevatoradditionally mounted on the old building, the residents do not need to use the half-floor staircase any more before and after taking the elevator, barrier-free passage is achieved, and wheelchair users, for example, can freely go in and out conveniently. The unique construction structure scheme is adopted, it can also be guaranteed that the residents can safely pass during construction, and a series of problems such as external migration arrangement, caused by construction, to the residents are reduced.

A linear measurement device for measuring a wheelchair user for fitting a wheelchair, with a measuring bar having with a scale and a fixed locater attached at a first end. A second locator opposing the first locater moves on the measuring bar to a selected position for determining a distance measurement relative to the fixed locator for fitting the wheelchair user to the wheelchair. A method of measuring for wheelchair fitting with a linear measurement apparatus is disclosed.

A wheelchair lamp that is primarily for making a wheelchair more visible. The wheelchair lamp includes a housing that is mounted to the wheelchair. An extendable member having a light on top extends from the housing. The extendable member may be extended and retracted. A motor is contained within the housing to extend and retract the extendable member. An electrical conductor is longitudinally disposed with the extendable member. The electrical conductor electrically connects the light and the power source. A switch is used to selectively connect the motor to the power source causing the motor to operate so that the motor may extend or retract the extendable member. The light is extended and lit when a wheelchair user is near traffic or potentially at risk for a collision and is typically retracted when the user is indoors.

A method for ensuring the safety of a wheelchair passenger in a transport vehicle is disclosed. The method ensures that the wheelchair is blocked from moving by fixating the wheelchair to the vehicle floor and ensures that the wheelchair passenger is secured in his wheelchair by a safety-belt system. Prior to transport the method includes sensing if the wheelchair is correctly fixed to the vehicle floor and sensing if the safety-belt system is applied correctly. In a second aspect, a method for ensuring the safety of a wheelchair passenger in a transport vehicle is provided, by instructing the operator of the securing procedure to be followed. The safety of a wheelchair passenger in a vehicle is ensured by allowing the wheelchair user to indicate his status of safety.

A snowplow and mounting assembly having a mounting frame for use with a motorized wheelchair wherein the mounting frame has one side with a V-shape or other shape snowplow facing away from the wheelchair and has another side that faces the wheelchair and is adapted to cooperate with the wheelchair in use to plow snow. A particular snowplow and mounting assembly has a mounting frame for pressed engagement with the tip wheels of a wheelchair; a snowplow blade disposed on one side of the frame; first and second push wheel brackets disposed on the other side of the frame for contacting the first and second tip wheels of the motorized wheelchair; and at least one handle disposed on the frame adapted to be operated by user of the wheelchair.

A cooking appliance is disclosed, comprising a wall-mounted cooking chamber, i.e. oven, with a bottom-opening door and separate countertop control panel, which facilitates use by individuals with disabilities, injuries or limited mobility, such as wheelchair users. The oven is wall-mounted, at a convenient distance, above a kitchen countertop, leaving a useful area of countertop underneath. Advantageously, it includes a low profile motor driven lift mechanism, housed against the wall beneath the oven and comprising guide rails for lowering the door to counter level and raising it to the closed, cooking position. The door provides a platform for items to be cooked. When lowered to counter level, a user can slide dishes between the platform and the adjacent countertop, without need for lifting as in a conventional stove or wall-mounted oven. An easy to reach, counter-level control unit enables the user to control oven functions including raising / lowering the door.

The low-high chair provides a specially designed wheelchair with a seat that can be raised or lowered so that the wheelchair can be maneuvered in or out of a van without the risk of bumping someone's head on the roof of the van. The chair may also be adjusted for other purposes, such as driving a van, sitting at tables of various heights, or merely adjusting one's height to get a better view or be at the same height as one's contemporaries (e.g., at a movie theater or the like). The lift mechanism is operated by a pneumatic cylinder which is powered by an on-board compressed air tank. An inexpensive pneumatic valve may be used to raise or lower the chair, controlled by either the wheelchair user, or an assistant. The pneumatic tank may provide enough stored energy to raise and lower the user several times a day without recharging.

A compact wheelchair lift mechanism utilizes a horizontal actuator to advance the vehicle doors outwardly away from the side of the vehicle together with a wheelchair user supported by a platform, and a vertical actuator which then lowers the platform with the wheelchair and user downwardly between the doors and vehicle. With the platform on the ground next to the vehicle, the user may then roll forward and away from the vehicle. The vehicle doors are also pivotably attached to the lift mechanism, such that a user may exit the vehicle by simply opening the vehicle door about its traditional door hinge, and therefore without powering the actuators. In this way, the wheel chair lift mechanism provides for safe and easy exit from the vehicle even if electrical power is lost, and facilitates use of the vehicle by both wheelchair-using drivers and drivers who do not use a wheelchair.

Two versions of apparatus for completely bathing oneself by users of wheelchair and elderly, infirm people are disclosed. Both versions includes a slidable up and down carriage with reciprocating belt for soaping and showering bathers back, a chair with coil under the seat for washing bottom parts of the body, a hand shower, and an appliance for washing the feet. For users of wheelchair the chair is designed for sliding with the bather from exterior of the bathtub to the interior of the bathtub. In version for elderly, infirm people the chair seat is fixed in position over the longitudinal lip of the bathtub to let the user to sit down on this chair as well as he sat on a standard chair or toilet. The users back in this case will be in area of the bathtub, while the feet will be out and the water, which coming out will be gathered by curtain in folding tray and pumped back in the bathtub.

A cushion adapted to reduce heat and moisture from a wheelchair user's body, including a cushion member having a compressible material that permits air and moisture to flow through the cushion member. The cushion also includes an air and water permeable cover adapted to receive the cushion member. The cover includes an interface member having an outer layer formed of a hydrophobic material, an inner layer formed of a hydrophilic material, and a spacer layer having fibers positioned between, and generally perpendicular to, the outer and inner layers.

A method classifies an object in a scene as either an ambulatory person or a wheelchair user. Images of the scene are acquired with a set of stereo cameras. Moving objects in the scene are segmented from the background using detected edges. A 3D reconstruction of the object is generated from the edges, and tests are performed on height and 3D shape of the 3D reconstruction to classify the object as the ambulatory person or the wheelchair user.