Trunk control systems and wheelchairs comprising same

US11654311B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• United States Government as represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs · US
• Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. · DE

Inventors

• Gary D. Goldish · Minneapolis, US
• Andrew H. Hansen · Apple Valley, US
• Stuart Fairhurst · Minneapolis, US
• Gregory O. Voss · Lakeville, US
• Urs Schneider · Munich, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 14, 2020
• Grant date: May 23, 2023
• Expiry date: Jun 8, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60N2/245
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A trunk control system having a harness assembly and a flexion control assembly. The harness assembly has a backrest member and a harness secured to the backrest member. The backrest member is configured to be moveably coupled to a wheelchair. The backrest member is selectively moveable about and between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position. The harness cooperates with the backrest member to define a receiving space for receiving at least a portion of a torso of a wheelchair user. The flexion control assembly is coupled to the backrest member of the harness assembly. The flexion control assembly is configured to selectively permit or restrict movement of the backrest member about and between the fully retracted position and the fully extended position.