U.S. patent application number 11/273913 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-17 for swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back.
This patent application is currently assigned to Saint Louis University. Invention is credited to J. Gary Bledsoe, Sandra Lehn.
Application Number | 20070108829 11/273913 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38040030 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070108829 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lehn; Sandra ; et
al. |
May 17, 2007 |
Swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back
Abstract
In the past, a posterior transfer was only an option using
zipper back sling upholstery. The removable swing away solid
wheelchair back offers multiple ways to transfer while preventing
orthopedic, neuromotor, and respiratory complications from
wheelchair positioning. By mounting the swing away removable solid
wheelchair back at a slight angle, the rib cage, lungs, and
diaphragm are opened making breathing easier when the respiratory
system is compromised.
Inventors: |
Lehn; Sandra; (Saint Louis,
MO) ; Bledsoe; J. Gary; (Webster Groves, MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY;OFFICE OF INNOVATION AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
3556 CAROLINE MALL
SUITE C208
ST. LOUIS
MO
63104
US
|
Assignee: |
Saint Louis University
|
Family ID: |
38040030 |
Appl. No.: |
11/273913 |
Filed: |
November 15, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/397 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G 5/10 20130101; A61G
5/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/397 |
International
Class: |
A47C 7/36 20060101
A47C007/36 |
Claims
1. A device for facilitating ingress and egress from a wheelchair
comprising a swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back,
wherein said swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back
comprises: a. a solid wheelchair seat back; b. an upper frame
support attached to said solid wheelchair seat back by fasteners;
c. a lower frame support attached to said solid wheelchair seat
back by fasteners; d. a frame attached to said upper frame support
and said lower frame support consisting of: i. a top wheelchair
back frame support which is attached to said swing away removable
solid wheelchair seat back via said upper frame support, ii. a
bottom wheelchair back frame support which is attached to the swing
away removable solid wheelchair seat back via said lower frame
support, iii. a left wheelchair back frame support which is
attached to the top wheelchair back frame support and the bottom
wheelchair back frame support by one or more fasteners, and iv. a
right wheelchair back frame support which is attached to the top
wheelchair back frame support and the bottom wheelchair back frame
support by one or more fasteners; e. a left wheelchair handle clamp
attached to the wheelchair's left handle by one or more fasteners;
f. an upper connecting device comprising a base portion attached to
said left wheelchair back frame support by one or more fasteners
and a connecting pin portion which articulates with the left
wheelchair handle clamp; g. a lower connecting device comprising a
base portion attached to said left wheelchair back frame support by
one or more fasteners and a connecting pin portion which
articulates with the left wheelchair handle clamp; h. a right
wheelchair handle clamp consisting of: i. a right wheelchair
posterior clamp attached to the wheelchair's right handle by one or
more fasteners, ii. a latch, iii. a latch spring tension screw, iv.
an upper anterior clamp attached to the wheelchair's right handle
by one or more fasteners, v. a lower anterior clamp attached to the
wheelchair's right handle by one or more fasteners; i. a securing
bracket mount attached to said solid wheelchair seat back by one or
more fasteners; and j. a securing bracket attached to said securing
bracket mount by one or more fasteners.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein the one or more fasteners are
screws, bolts or similar devices that can secure the individual
components of the device to a corresponding individual component of
the device or to other components on the wheelchair proper.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein the left wheelchair back frame
support, the right wheelchair back frame support, upper frame
support, lower frame support, and securing bracket mount are
constructed of plastic components.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein the left wheelchair back frame
support, the right wheelchair back frame support, upper frame
support, lower frame support, and securing bracket mount are
constructed of metallic components.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein the top wheelchair back frame
support, the bottom wheelchair back frame support, left wheelchair
handle clamp, right wheelchair handle clamp, upper connecting
device, lower connecting device, and securing bracket are
constructed of a plastic components.
6. The device of claim 1 wherein the top wheelchair back frame
support, the bottom wheelchair back frame support, left wheelchair
handle clamp, right wheelchair handle clamp, upper connecting
device, lower connecting device, and securing bracket are
constructed of metallic components.
7. The device of claim 1 wherein the connecting pin portion of the
upper connecting device and the connecting pin portion of the lower
connecting device is inserted into the left wheelchair handle clamp
and can articulate through an arc of zero (0) to one hundred and
twenty (120) degrees.
8. The device of claim 7 wherein the connecting pin portion of the
upper connecting device is zero (0) to fifty (50) mm shorter than
the connecting pin portion of the lower connecting device.
9. The device of claim 1 wherein said right wheelchair handle clamp
and said left wheelchair handle clamp are designed such that said
swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back is inclined at an
angle of zero (0) to ten (10) degrees.
10. The device of claim 9 wherein said swing away removable solid
wheelchair seat back is inclined at the preferred angle of eight
(8) degrees.
11. A method of posterior ingress and egress to a wheelchair for an
individual with poor muscle strength, which method improves overall
oxygenation of the individual, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) to prepare for posterior egress from the wheelchair, the
individual manipulates the latch to the open opposition; (b) with
the latch in the open position, the individual pushes the swing
away removable solid wheelchair seat and disengages the securing
bracket from the right wheelchair handle clamp; (c) once the
securing bracket is disengaged, the individual rotates the swing
away removable solid wheelchair seat back via the upper connecting
device and the lower connecting device attached to the left
wheelchair back frame support via the connecting pin portion of the
upper connecting device and the lower connecting device which
articulates with the left wheelchair handle clamp; (d) the swing
away removable solid wheelchair seat back is either (i) rotated in
excess of ninety (90) degrees out of the individual's way while
remaining attached to the wheelchair or (ii) removed completely
from the wheelchair to allow ingress and egress from the
wheelchair; (e) with the swing away removable solid wheelchair seat
back rotated in excess of ninety (90) degrees, the individual
transfers into or out of the wheelchair by transferring through the
rear upright frame or push handles on the chair for a posterior
egress or ingress; (f) alternately, the swing away removable solid
wheelchair is disengaged from the wheelchair proper by rotating the
swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back via the upper
connecting device and the lower connecting device attached to the
left wheelchair back frame support via the connecting pin portion
of the upper connecting device and the lower connecting device
which articulates with the left wheelchair handle clamp through an
arc of zero (0) to one hundred and twenty (120) degrees and lifting
the swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back straight up and
disengaging the upper connecting device connecting pin portion and
the lower connecting device connecting pin portion from the left
wheelchair handle clamp thereby completely freeing the swing away
removable solid wheelchair seat back from the wheelchair proper;
(g) with the swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back
removed from the wheelchair, the individual transfers into or out
of the wheelchair by transferring through the rear upright frame or
push handles on the chair for a posterior egress or ingress.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the left wheelchair back frame
support, the right wheelchair back frame support, upper frame
support, lower frame support, and securing bracket mount are
constructed of plastic components.
13. The method of claim 11 wherein the left wheelchair back frame
support, the right wheelchair back frame support, upper frame
support, lower frame support, and securing bracket mount are
constructed of metallic components.
14. The method of claim 11 wherein the top wheelchair back frame
support, the bottom wheelchair back frame support, left wheelchair
handle clamp, right wheelchair handle clamp, upper connecting
device, lower connecting device, and securing bracket are
constructed of a plastic components.
15. The method of claim 11 wherein the top wheelchair back frame
support, the bottom wheelchair back frame support, left wheelchair
handle clamp, right wheelchair handle clamp, upper connecting
device, lower connecting device, and securing bracket are
constructed of a metallic components.
16. The method of claim 11 wherein the connecting pin portion of
the upper connecting device and the connecting pin portion of the
lower connecting device is inserted into the left wheelchair handle
clamp and can articulate through an arc of zero (0) to one hundred
and twenty (120) degrees.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein the connecting pin portion of
the upper connecting device is zero (0) to fifty (50) mm shorter
than the connecting pin portion of the lower connecting device.
18. The method of claim 11 wherein said right wheelchair handle
clamp and said left wheelchair handle clamp are designed such that
said swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back is inclined at
an angle of zero (0) to ten (10) degrees.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein said swing away removable solid
wheelchair seat back is inclined at the preferred angle of eight
(8) degrees.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] (1) Field of the Invention
[0002] The field of invention relates to devices and methods for
facilitating posterior ingress and egress from a wheelchair for
individuals with limited dexterity and to improve overall
oxygenation of said individual.
[0003] (2) Description of the Related Art
[0004] Sling back and seats are the most common types of wheelchair
upholstery provided in the seating and positioning industry. These
sling back and seats are normally made of leather or a breathable
nylon fabric. The sling back and seats allow for comfortable
seating when a child or adult does not have irregular tone, muscle
weakness, abnormal reflex patterns, shortening of a muscle group,
or skeletal deformities. Irregular tone and abnormal reflex
patterns can cause muscle spasms or extensor thrusts that actually
cause a client to lurch out of a wheelchair uncontrollably. The
weak muscle strength, shortening of muscles and skeletal
deformities prevent a client from sitting erect in a wheelchair and
maintaining that posture. There are some inherent problems that
result from long term use of sling upholstery such as internal
rotation of the hips from sitting on a sling seat. In addition, if
a sling seat and back are used an elongated "C" posture occurs in
the spine. (1)
[0005] Solid backs and seats were developed to improve orthopedic,
neuromotor, respiratory and circulatory factors. The orthopedic
factors are range of motion, skeletal deformities, and skeletal
alignment, as described by Cook and Hussy (1995). (2) The solid
backs and seats by providing better support resulted in clients not
developing skeletal deformities and skeletal alignment problems
like scoliosis, kyphosis, or lordosis. The neuromotor factors are
muscle tone, reflex patterns, postural control and voluntary
movement, Cook and Hussy (1995). (2) Optimal seating systems could
prevent triggering abnormal tone and reflex patterns thus allowing
voluntary movement and better postural control while sitting. This
would allow more participation in normal activities throughout the
day. With use of solid seat components respiratory and circulatory
factors like vital capacity, forced expiratory volume and
expiratory time in children all improved according to Nwaobi and
Smith (1986). (3) The benefit from using solid seat and backs
became apparent as wheelchairs were used for longer periods of
time. Orthopedic, neurmotor, circulatory and respiratory problems
could be identified and addressed preventing further medical
complications from wheelchair positioning.
[0006] Solid backs and seating systems became removable systems to
allow easy transport of the wheelchairs in automobiles. The solid
seats and backs were not easy to fold and transport in a vehicle.
The removable solid seat and back systems could be taken completely
off of the frame of the wheelchair once a client had transferred to
the car. An attendant could assist with the wheelchair, if the
client did not have adequate strength to lift the chair components
or frame into the back seat or trunk of the vehicle.
[0007] The swing away removable solid back described herein was
developed to allow four types of transfers from the wheelchair. The
subject can transfer with a sliding board, or transfer laterally,
to the right or left sides of the chair, using a front approach to
transfer, or transfer through the rear upright frame or push
handles on the chair for a posterior transfer.
[0008] In the past, a posterior transfer was only an option using
zipper back sling upholstery. The subject could unzip the back and
complete a posterior transfer. The problems with skeletal
deformities, skeletal alignment and compromised respiratory status
from long term use of a sling zipper back on the wheelchair lead us
to develop the swing away removable solid back.
[0009] The swing away removable solid wheelchair back allows
individuals with minimal strength to complete a sliding board or
lateral transfer with modified assistance to a toilet, or bed. The
swing away hardware allows the solid back to swing and slide around
the toilet tank for transfer ease. The swing away removable solid
wheelchair back is designed to allow individuals with poor muscle
strength the ability to safely use the swing away removable solid
wheelchair back. The swing away removable solid wheelchair back has
an easy latching device that allows an individual with minimal hand
function to set up for a transfer, and securely latch the seat back
into place. By mounting the swing away removable solid wheelchair
back at an eight (8) degree angle, the individual has opened the
rib cage, lungs, and diaphragm making breathing easier when the
respiratory system is compromised. The removable swing away solid
wheelchair back offers multiple ways to transfer while preventing
orthopedic, neuromotor, and respiratory complications from
wheelchair positioning.
[0010] The following references are cited throughout this
disclosure using the associated numerical identifiers. Applicant
makes no statement, inferred or direct, regarding the status of
these references as prior art and reserves the right to challenge
the accuracy of any statement made in these references. These
references are incorporated herein by reference.
REFERENCE CITED DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0011] (1) Bergen A., Presperin, J., and Tallman, T. (1990).
Positioning for function: Wheelchairs and other assistive
technologies. Valhalla, N.Y.: Valhalla Rehabilitation
Publications.
[0012] (2) Cook, A., and Hussey S. (1995). Seating and Positioning
Systems as Extrinsic Enablers for Assistive Technologies In A. Cook
and S. Hussey, (Eds.), Assistive Technologies: Principles and
Practice. St. Louis: Mosby.
[0013] (3) Nawobi, O., and Smith, P. (1986) Effects of adaptive
seating on pulmonary function of children with cerebral palsy,
Developmental Medicine Child Neurology 28: 351-354.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The Device
[0014] The invention provides a simple device, which can be placed
on existing solid wheelchair backs to facilitate posterior ingress
and egress for individuals with poor muscle strength, while
improving the overall oxygenation of said individual. The instant
device can be readily removed by the individual with poor muscle
strength thus facilitating said individual's posterior ingress and
egress from the wheelchair.
[0015] In the preferred aspect depicted in FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A
and 3, the device comprises a swing away removable solid wheelchair
seat back, an upper and a lower frame support attached to the back
of the swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back, a frame
attached to the swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back
(via the upper and lower frame support attached to the back of the
removable solid wheelchair seat back) which articulates via a
connecting device(s) on the frame with a left wheelchair handle
clamp, and a securing bracket attached to the swing away solid
wheelchair seat back via a securing bracket mount which articulates
with a right wheelchair handle clamp which contains an integral
latch mechanism that locks the securing bracket in place when said
latch mechanism is in the closed position. The connecting device(s)
on the frame articulates with the left wheelchair handle clamp such
that when the latch mechanism of the right wheelchair handle clamp
is in the open position the securing bracket is unrestrained and is
able to disengage from the right wheelchair handle clamp such that
the swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back is able to
rotate from the fixed position through an arc of greater than
ninety (90) degrees. When the securing bracket is unrestrained,
i.e. the latch mechanism is in the open position, and is disengage
from the right wheelchair handle clamp the swing away removable
solid wheelchair seat back can be rotated via the connecting
device(s) on the frame which articulates with the left wheelchair
handle clamp and removed from the wheelchair by lifting the swing
away removable solid wheelchair seat back straight up and
disengaging the connecting device(s) on the frame from the left
wheelchair handle clamp. The right and left wheelchair handle
clamps are designed such that when said right and left wheelchair
handle clamps are attached to the wheelchair's handles and the
swing away removable solid wheelchair back is attached to the
wheelchair proper via the right and left wheelchair handle clamp
the swing away removable solid wheelchair back is inclined at an
angle of eight (8) degrees. By mounting the swing away removable
solid wheelchair back at an eight (8) degree angle, individual's
seated in the wheelchair experience a more opened rib cage, lungs,
and diaphragm making breathing easier when the respiratory system
is compromised. The removable swing away solid wheelchair back
offers multiple ways to transfer while preventing orthopedic,
neuromotor, and respiratory complications from wheelchair
positioning.
The Method
[0016] In another embodiment, the instant invention provides a
method for posterior ingress and egress for individuals with poor
muscle strength while improving overall oxygenation of said
individual. To prepare for posterior egress from the wheelchair the
individual with poor muscle strength will first manipulate the
latch mechanism to the open position. When the latch mechanism is
in the open position the securing bracket is unrestrained. With the
latch mechanism in the open position the individual with poor
muscle strength can push back on the swing away removable solid
wheelchair seat back and disengage the securing bracket from the
right wheelchair handle clamp. Once the individual with poor muscle
strength has disengaged the securing bracket the swing away
removable solid wheelchair seat back can be rotated via the
connecting device(s) on the frame, which articulates with the left
wheelchair handle clamp. The swing away removable solid wheelchair
seat back can then either be rotated in excess of ninety (90)
degrees out of the individual with poor muscle strength's way while
remaining attached to the wheelchair and allowing the individual
access and egress from the wheelchair or the swing away removable
solid wheelchair seat back can be removed completely from the
wheelchair to allow access and egress from the wheelchair. The
swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back can be detached
completely from the wheelchair by individuals with poor muscle
strength when the securing bracket has been disengaged as
previously described and the removable solid wheelchair seat back
is lifted straight up disengaging the connecting device(s) on the
frame from the left wheelchair handle clamp. With the swing away
removable solid wheelchair seat back removed from the wheelchair
individuals with poor muscle strength can egress from the
wheelchair by transferring through the rear upright frame or push
handles on the chair for a posterior transfer. Similarly, with the
swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back removed from the
wheelchair or rotated in excess of ninety (90) degrees individuals
with poor muscle strength can transfer into the wheelchair by
transferring through the rear upright frame or push handles on the
chair for a posterior ingress.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 shows a rear view of the device comprising a swing
away removable solid wheelchair seat back, an upper and a lower
frame support attached to the back of the swing away removable
solid wheelchair seat back, a frame attached to the swing away
removable solid wheelchair seat back (via the upper and lower frame
support) which articulates via a connecting device(s) on the frame
with a left wheelchair handle clamp, and a securing bracket
attached to the swing away solid wheelchair seat back which
articulates with a right wheelchair handle clamp which locks the
securing bracket in place via a latch mechanism.
[0018] FIG. 1A shows a top view of the device with said securing
clamp in the engaged position.
[0019] FIG. 1B shows a top view of the device with said securing
clamp in the disengaged position.
[0020] FIG. 2 shows a side view of said right wheelchair handle
clamp with said latch mechanism in the open position.
[0021] FIG. 2A shows a side view of said right wheelchair handle
clamp with said latch mechanism in the closed position.
[0022] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the left wheelchair handle
clamp.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] It is understood that this invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments and methodologies, as these may vary. It is
also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the
purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not
intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which will be
limited only by the appended claims.
[0024] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The
preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described,
although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those
described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the
present invention. Nothing herein is to be construed as an
admission that the invention is not entitled to antedate such
disclosure by virtue of prior invention. Each reference cited
herein is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Embodiments
[0025] Disclosed is a simple device, which can be placed on
existing solid wheelchair backs and mounted on existing wheelchair
handles to facilitate posterior ingress and egress for individuals
with poor muscle strength, while improving the overall oxygenation
of said individual. A preferred embodiment of the present
invention, which shows the latch mechanism in the open position, is
presented in FIGS. 1, 1A, 2 and 3. This device has a swing away
removable solid wheelchair seat back 1, an upper frame support 2
and a lower frame support 3 attached to the back of the swing away
removable solid wheelchair seat back 1, a frame 4 consisting of; a
top wheelchair back frame support 4A which is attached to the swing
away removable solid wheelchair seat back 1 via the upper frame
support 2, a bottom wheelchair back frame support 4B which is
attached to the swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back 1
via the lower frame support 3, a left wheelchair back frame support
4C which is attached to the top wheelchair back frame support 4A
and the bottom wheelchair back frame support 4B, and a right
wheelchair back frame support 4D which is attached to the top
wheelchair back frame support 4A and the bottom wheelchair back
frame support 4B, an upper connecting device 5 and a lower
connecting device 5A attached to the left wheelchair back frame
support 4C, a left wheelchair handle clamp 6 attached to the
wheelchair's left handle, a right wheelchair handle clamp 7
consisting of: a right wheelchair posterior clamp 7A, a latch 7B, a
latch spring tension screw assembly 7C, an upper anterior clamp 7D,
and a lower anterior clamp 7E attached to the wheelchair's right
handle, and a securing bracket 8 attached to a securing bracket
mount 9 which is further attached to the swing away removable solid
wheelchair seat back 1.
[0026] The instant device, as described may be operated in either
the locked or unlocked position. When in the locked position the
latch 7B of the right wheelchair handle clamp 7 is in the closed
position. The latch 7B is in the closed position when the latch 7B
is rotated clockwise ninety (90) degrees from the perpendicular to
engage with the channel on the right wheelchair posterior clamp 7A.
When the latch 7B of the right wheelchair handle clamp 7 is in the
closed position the securing bracket 8 restrained and remains
engaged to the right wheelchair posterior clamp 7A such that the
swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back 1 is secured in
place. When in the unlocked position the latch 7B of the right
wheelchair clamp 7 is in the open position. The latch 7B is in the
open position when the latch 7B is rotated counterclockwise ninety
(90) degrees to disengage from the channel on the right wheelchair
posterior clamp 7A. When the latch 7B is in the open position, and
the securing bracket 8 is disengaged from the right wheelchair
posterior clamp 7A the swing away removable solid wheelchair seat
back 1 can be disengaged from the wheelchair proper by rotating the
swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back 1 via the upper
connecting device 5 and the lower connecting device 5A through an
arc of zero (0) to one hundred and twenty (120) degrees and lifting
the swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back 1 straight up
which disengages the upper connecting device 5 and the lower
connecting device 5A from the left wheelchair handle clamp 6 and
completely disengages the swing away removable solid wheelchair
seat back 1 from the wheelchair proper.
[0027] For the instant device, as described the upper connecting
device 5 and the lower connecting device 5A attaches to the left
wheelchair back frame support 4C and articulates with the left
wheelchair handle clamp 6. The left wheelchair handle clamp 6 and
the right wheelchair handle clamp 7 are designed such that when the
left wheelchair handle clamp 6 and the right wheelchair handle
clamp 7 are attached to the corresponding wheelchair handle, by
fasteners in the case of the left wheelchair handle clamp 6 and by
an upper anterior clamp 7D, and a lower anterior clamp 7E for the
right wheelchair handle clamp 7, the swing away removable solid
wheelchair seat back 1 is inclined at an eight (8) degree
angle.
[0028] In another embodiment, the instant invention provides a
method for posterior ingress and egress for individuals with poor
muscle strength while improving overall oxygenation of said
individuals. To prepare for posterior egress from the wheelchair
individuals with poor muscle strength will first manipulate the
latch 7B to the open opposition. When the latch 7B is in the open
position the securing bracket 8 is unrestrained. With the latch 7B
in the open position individuals with poor muscle strength can push
back on the swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back 1 and
disengage the securing bracket 8 from the right wheelchair handle
clamp 7. Once the individual with poor muscle strength has
disengaged the securing bracket 8 the swing away removable solid
wheelchair seat back 1 can be rotated via the upper connecting
device 5 and the lower connecting device 5A attached to the left
wheelchair back frame support 4C which articulates with the left
wheelchair handle clamp 6. The swing away removable solid
wheelchair seat back 1 can then either be rotated in excess of
ninety (90) degrees out of the individual with poor muscle
strength's way while remaining attached to the wheelchair and
allowing the individual access and egress from the wheelchair or
the swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back 1 can be
removed completely from the wheelchair to allow access and egress
from the wheelchair. Individuals with poor muscle strength can
remove the swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back 1
completely from the wheelchair when the securing bracket 8 has been
disengaged from the right wheelchair posterior clamp 7A. The swing
away removable solid wheelchair seat back 1 can be disengaged from
the wheelchair proper by rotating the swing away removable solid
wheelchair seat back 1 via the upper connecting device 5 and the
lower connecting device 5A through an arc of zero (0) to one
hundred and twenty (120) degrees and lifting the swing away
removable solid wheelchair seat back 1 straight up which disengages
the upper connecting device 5 and the lower connecting device 5A
from the left wheelchair handle clamp 6 and completely disengages
the swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back 1 from the
wheelchair proper. With the swing away removable solid wheelchair
seat back 1 removed from the wheelchair individuals with poor
muscle strength can egress from the wheelchair by transferring
through the rear upright frame or push handles on the wheelchair
for a posterior transfer. Similarly, with the swing away removable
solid wheelchair seat back 1 removed from the wheelchair or rotated
in excess of ninety (90) degrees individuals with poor muscle
strength can transfer into the wheelchair by transferring through
the rear upright frame or push handles on the chair for a posterior
ingress.
[0029] Materials of construction for the individual components of
the instant device (i.e. the frame 4, left wheelchair clamp 6,
right wheelchair clamp 7, upper and lower connecting device 5 and
5A respectively) preferably include those materials that can
provide structural integrity and allow for mass requirements.
Preferably, the material of construction for the individual
components is metal (stainless steel, hardened steel, etc.) for
machined pieces such as the left wheelchair clamp 6, right
wheelchair clamp 7, upper connecting device 5 and lower connecting
device 5A, and plastic components (HDPE, Teflon, etc.) for
components of the instant device such as the upper frame support 2,
the lower frame support 3, left wheelchair back frame support 4C
and right wheelchair back frame support 4D, and securing bracket
mount 9. However, the skilled artisan in the manufacture of this
invention will reasonably expect the instant device to be
constructed of any material which will meet the structural
integrity and mass requirement criteria discussed while allowing
the instant device to work in the manner described in the preferred
embodiment of the instant device.
[0030] Although the preferred embodiment discussed above relates to
assisting access and egress from a wheelchair for individuals with
limited dexterity as well as providing improved overall oxygenation
to said individuals, the invention is not so limited. While various
embodiments and applications of this invention have been shown and
described, it is apparent to those skilled in the art modifications
are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein.
The invention, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the
spirit of the appended claims.
EXAMPLE
Prototype Device
Abstract
[0031] Individuals with tetraplegia can easily swing away, and
remove the Solid Wheelchair Back. It facilitates transfers and
provides postural support to minimize the ill effects of long term
positioning on sling upholstery. The design features tetraplegic
releases to unlatch the wheelchair back. The Solid Wheelchair Back
swings away and slides back to allow clearance of the wheelchair
rear uprights and push handles for transfers. The Solid Wheelchair
Back is closed by a gate-like, sliding mechanism and latches
securely following transfer. The Solid Wheelchair Back is easy to
remove for wheelchair transport in an automobile. The Solid
Wheelchair Back Modification for posterior transfers is the product
of creative problem solving to meet the needs of a subject with
post polio syndrome and functional tetraplegia. The subject used a
conventional seating system utilizing sling seat upholstery and
zipper back upholstery because it allowed independence with
transfers. The subject's sitting posture included the naturally
occurring deformities from long-term use of sling upholstery,
kyphosis, scoliosis, pelvic obliquity, pelvic rotation and a
windswept hip deformity. The subject had very few pressure related
skin problems and did not use a wheelchair cushion. The subject did
report shifting of internal organs from recent radiological testing
and is a regular visitor with the pulmonologist. Initial attempts
to improve the subject's posture with a solid seat insert and basic
therapeutic wheelchair cushion and an eight (8) degree angle back
allowed a more upright posture and increased ease of breathing. The
problem remains without ability to complete a posterior transfer,
we had decreased functional ability to complete self-care and
bathroom transfers. Following several calls to vendors and product
searches we could not find a swing away removable solid wheelchair
back to meet the client's needs. Biomedical engineering assistance
on designing a solution to this complex problem resulted in the
Solid Wheelchair Back.
Methods
[0032] Once the Solid Wheelchair Back was fabricated the subject
began several trials to adapt to the new seating system. The trials
allowed time to master transfer techniques and resolve minor
accessibility modifications to allow use of the new seating system
at the office, home, and in the community.
Results
[0033] Pulse oximeter measurements were taken in the subject's
conventional sling back wheelchair with readings of eighty seven
percent (87%) oxygen saturation. When transferred into the
wheelchair with the Solid Wheelchair Back the subject's oxygenation
saturation improved to ninety three percent (93%) oxygen
saturation. The subject experienced some medical complications and
subsequently had several weeks of therapy with an exercise program
focused on pulmonary rehabilitation. Specifically working on
breathing exercises, strengthening intercostals muscles and
increasing tidal lung volume. At this last therapy session pulse
oximeter readings were taken again in the wheelchair with the Solid
Wheelchair Back. Oxygen saturation in the blood was then at ninety
seven percent (97%).
Discussion
[0034] In summary, the subject's use of the wheelchair with the
Solid Wheelchair Back has experienced a remarkable improvement in
pulmonary function. Part of the success can be attributed to
improving posture in the wheelchair and decreasing the kyphotic and
wind swept posture typically exhibited in the sling seating on the
wheelchair. The eight (8) degree angle back allows the subject to
lean back in the chair to open the shoulder, lungs and chest. The
solid removable wheelchair back improved oxygenation and in
combination with therapy has made a significant difference in the
subject's pulmonary status.
[0035] The following references were used throughout this
disclosure. Applicant makes no statement, inferred or direct,
regarding the status of these references as prior art and reserves
the right to challenge the accuracy of any statement made in these
references. These references are incorporated herein by
reference.
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