6th C: Crafting

CRAFTING:

The final concept is further refined against various criteria like the use of material and manufacturing limitations. Depending on the user profile, the designer at this stage creates several style options and zeroes in on the one that addresses the aesthetics concerns in the best manner. The final product design is showcased by creating small scale mock-up models, CAD models or working prototypes. The final product which meets the product brief conditions is then taken up for mass production.

SEATX:

It is the object of the present invention to provide a transfer apparatus for moving persons:

(a)can be used in confined spaces;

(b) is easily transportable between locations;

(c) transports users in a natural, comfortable, and dignified posture;

(d) is easy to use;

(e) feels secure and is not intimidating to the user;

(f) requires minimal effort by a single care provider;

(g) can be mounted on a standard wheelchair to provide a lift that allows the user the opportunity to participate is his transfer;

(h) is economical to manufacture;

(i) is compact and lightweight;

(j)can be stored in confined spaces;

(k) can be used to transfer users between different height surfaces such as beds, wheelchairs, chairs, and cars.

The invention meets the need for transferring a wheelchair user from the wheelchair to a toilet, a bed,

or a car seat. The invention is in the form of a four-legged wheeled stool that fits under the wheelchair

when not in use. It is fixed under the wheelchair via spring-loaded clamps which on pushing, clamps

to the X shaped rod under the wheelchair. Similarly, when pulled forward, the stool unclamps and is free

to move out of the wheelchair. In another exemplary embodiment, we use a different kind of clamps to

hold it under the wheelchair. 

Once the stool is pulled out, user slides onto the stool from her wheelchair. Which can be rotated to the

left or right of the wheelchair depending upon the location of target seat. Two clamps are externally

provided which fits to the footrest rod of the wheelchair for the very first time. The stool has two D-ring

carabiner shaped hook at the top of backside legs of the stool. One of this D-ring shaped clamp fits to

the clamp provided on the wheelchair to pivot the stool in required direction. In another future

embodiment, we use a single rod attached with a clamps which fits directly into the footrest rod without

any addition of clamp to the footrest rod. Front two wheels are restricted to move only straight while

back two wheels are 360 degrees rotatable around their axis. Front wheels are equipped with a locking

system. The Stool is also provided with two safety handles which can be extended in the horizontal

direction. Yet in another embodiment, telescopic rods are used to extend safety handles in both vertical

and horizontal direction.

After the person is in the boarding position, with a push from the wheelchair, person moves towards

the target location. To align user’s leg parallel to the target seat, stool seat is made rotatable along

its centre. To adjust height, screw jack mechanism is provided under the stool seat to match the target

height. In a further exemplary embodiment, a method may include a scissor lift, actuator or hydraulics

to raise the seat height.

Finally, locking the front wheels, user then slides onto the target seat from the stool and complete the transfer. Reverse mechanism can be used to get into the wheelchair.