Removable power assist for manual wheelchair
US11382809B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 17, 2021 |
| Grant date | Jul 12, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 17, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61G5/0816
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and associated methods relate to a removable power assist for converting a manual wheelchair into an electronic wheelchair, based on configuring a friction roller to releasably engage with a wheelchair wheel, configuring the friction roller when engaged to drive the wheel through a contact surface with the wheel that may be positioned under the wheelchair seating area, or to the side of the wheelchair seating area, or to the underside of an armrest, or in front of a wheelchair wheel, configuring a motor to rotate the friction roller, and moving the wheelchair based on engaging the friction roller and activating the motor to turn the wheel through force by the friction roller against the contact surface with the wheel. Some designs include a lever configured to permit a user seated in the wheelchair to engage or disengage the friction roller. Configuring the friction roller under the wheelchair seating area, or to the side of the wheelchair seating area, or to the underside of an armrest, or in front of a wheelchair wheel may permit wheelchair folding or unfolding without uninstalling the power assist.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.