Wheelchair accessory

• US 9,675,507 B1
• Filed: 08/02/2016
• Issued: 06/13/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 02/04/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Michaele Wilson-Hunter
• Original Assignee: Michaele Wilson-Hunter
• Inventors: Wilson-Hunter, Michaele
• Primary Examiner(s): Canfield, Robert
• Application Number:
  US15/226,698
• Time in Patent Office: 315 Days
• Field of Search: 135 8801, 135 8802, 135 8803
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 5/10 Parts, details or accessories
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/22 telescopic
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 17/00 Flags; Banners; Mountings therefor

Abstract

An apparatus for use with a wheelchair and more particularly to a collapsible wheelchair accessory as used to improve the visibility and comfort of an occupant of a wheelchair. Generally speaking, the wheelchair accessory includes a collapsible canopy, which can be opened and extended over the top of a wheelchair to protect the rider from rain and snow. Attached to one side of the canopy is a telescoping neon-lighted pole that projects at least six feet above the canopy, which will make the presence of the wheelchair visible to motorists from a great distance away.

Claims

1. A wheelchair accessory for a wheelchair, said wheelchair accessory comprising:

a retractable canopy, said retractable canopy providing shelter from inclement weather for a passenger of said wheelchair,

a telescoping neon-lighted flag pole, said telescoping neon-lighted flag pole providing visibility for said wheelchair to oncoming motorists, and

a first control pad for attachment to an arm rest of said wheelchair, said first control pad configured to actuate said retractable canopy and said telescoping neon-lighted flag pole;

a first storage compartment having an interior for housing said retractable canopy, said first storage compartment having a first flap covering said first storage compartment when said retractable canopy is stored therein;

a second storage compartment attached rearwardly and laterally to said first storage compartment;

said second storage compartment housing said telescoping neon-lighted flag pole, said second storage compartment having a second flap covering said second storage compartment when said telescoping neon-lighted flag pole is stored therein;

a third storage compartment, said third storage compartment comprising;

a second control pad operable to actuate said retractable canopy and said telescoping neon-lighted flag pole between an extended and contracted position;

a portable power source powering said retractable canopy and said telescoping neon-lighted flag pole so as to be selectively extended and retracted in response to activation of either said first control pad or said second control pad;

an attachment unit configured to secure said wheelchair accessory to said wheelchair;

a pair of apertures on an upper surface thereof; and

a pair of lift arms housed therein and configured to selectively extend outwardly through said pair of apertures in response to activation of either said first control pad or said second control pad;

wherein said lift arms have upper ends secured to a bottom of said first storage compartment such that said first storage compartment and said second storage compartment move in tandem with said lift arms.

2. The wheelchair accessory of claim 1 further comprising:

a retractable frame having a first end attached to said interior of said first storage compartment and a second end supporting said retractable canopy, wherein;

said retractable frame is configured to extend outwardly supporting said retractable canopy from said first storage compartment a desired distance and then fold in upon itself when said retractable frame and said retractable canopy are retracted within said first storage compartment.

3. The wheelchair accessory of claim 1 wherein:

said first and second control pads are configured to lower or raise said first compartment to a desired height, retract or extend said retractable canopy a desired distance outward, and lower or raise said neon-lighted flag pole a desired height for improving the visibility of said wheelchair to oncoming motorists.

4. The wheelchair accessory of claim 2 wherein said first control pad and said second control pad are operable to actuate said retractable canopy and said neon-lighted flag pole independently of one another.