Automatically Controlled Therapeutically Shifting Wheelchair Seat

• US 20080097256A1
• Filed: 04/11/2007
• Published: 04/24/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 10/23/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hank Torres
• Original Assignee: Hank Torres
• Inventors: Marsden, Randal Jay, Torres, Hank
• Granted Patent: US 7,614,699 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 601/24
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2203/20 Displays or monitors
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2203/42 for inclination
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2203/44 for weight
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2210/10 for orthopedics
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 5/045 Rear wheel drive
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 5/1043 Cushions specially adapted for wheelchairs
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 5/1059 adjusting the height of the seat
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 5/1081 with shock absorbers or other suspension arrangements between frame and seat
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 1/02 Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/0149 Seat or chair
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2203/0431 in 90°/90°-position, like on a chair
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0224 Non-manual adjustments, e.g. with electrical operation
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0268 using sensors or detectors for adapting the seat or seat part, e.g. to the position of an occupant
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0272 using sensors or detectors for detecting the position of seat parts
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/39 Seats tiltable to compensate for roll inclination of vehicles

Abstract

A controller module for a wheelchair automatically, automatedly adjusts position of the wheelchair seat with respect to the wheelchair base. The wheelchair seat is pivotally connected to the wheelchair base, and the seat is moveable with respect to the base by a powered actuator. The controller module includes a microprocessor connected to the powered actuator. The microprocessor controls operation of the powered actuator, such as by varying power to the actuator. A sensor, such as a 3-axis sensor, is connected to the microprocessor. The sensor senses seat position and signals the microprocessor of the position. The microprocessor performs a programmed sequence, to periodically adjust the seat position when the wheelchair seat is occupied. The signal from the sensor is feedback to the microprocessor for operations according to the programmed sequence. The controller module includes interfaces for use in making selections among options for the programmed sequence. A display of the controller module can provide output information. The controller module also includes other interfaces for input and output, such as for programming the microprocessor, settings, and otherwise. The controller module can provide medical and therapeutic benefits by operations of periodically adjusting the seat position, thereby varying a wheelchair occupant'"'"'s pressure contacts, weights, and loadings against the seat.

Claims

1. A wheelchair, comprising:

a base;

a seat pivotally connected to the base;

an actuator connected to the base and the seat, the actuator capable of changing the seat position in respect to the base;

a controller connected to the actuator, for activating the actuator to vary position of the seat with respect to the base via pivot of the seat to the base;

a sensor connected to the controller, for periodically, at intervals, determining position of the seat in relation to the base; and

a program of the controller, for periodically, at intervals, invoking the controller to activate the actuator according to the program, for varying seat position in respect to the base at periodic intervals.

2. The wheelchair of claim 1, wherein the controller and the sensor are modular and retrofittable to the wheelchair.

3. A wheelchair, comprising:

a base, including powered features;

a seat pivotally connected to the base, for at least two directions of freedom of movement of the seat with respect to the base;

a first actuator connected to the seat and the base;

a second actuator connected to the seat and the base;

a controller connected to the first actuator and the second actuator;

a user interface panel connected to the controller;

a program of the controller for periodically activating the first actuator and the second actuator according to the program; and

a sensor connected to the controller, for determining position of the seat;

wherein the program, at periodic intervals, operates the controller to activate the actuators and adjustably vary position of the seat in respect to the base;

wherein the sensor signals to the controller, as input to the program, respective intervallic positioning of the seat as to the base.

4. A method of controlling a wheelchair to vary position of a seat pivotally connected to a wheeled base of the wheelchair, comprising the steps of:

attaching a controller to a powered actuator, the powered actuator connected to the seat and the base and capable of shifting the seat with respect to the base on actuation of the powered actuator; and

programming the controller to periodically, at intervals, activate the powered actuator to shift the seat in respect to the base;

wherein the step of programming provides therapeutic benefit to an occupant of the wheelchair through intervallic shifting of the seat to the base.