Removable power assist for manual wheelchair
US11529274B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 5, 2021 |
| Grant date | Dec 20, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 15, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61G5/045
- 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 above the wheel center and behind the wheelchair seating area, 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. The power assist may include a user-operable lever configured to engage or disengage the friction roller without a user leaving their seated position in the wheelchair. Configuring the friction roller above the wheel center and behind the wheelchair seating area may permit collapsible wheelchair folding or unfolding without uninstalling the power assist.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.