Posts Tagged ‘powerchair cup holder’

Wheelchair types and configurations

Monday, December 7th, 2009

When it comes to wheelchair frames, the materials that are used define the extent to which the wheelchair is durable as well as how strong it is. There are a host of materials that are used, from aluminum, titanium, chrome as well as composite materials that are quiet light weight. Some of the frames could be rigid, while others are folding and flexible. One of the key aspects of good quality wheelchairs is the need for safety in the wheelchairs being crashworthy as well as tie down points. These need to be standardized for better safety. Titanium is of the best materials as it is durable and tough as well as light. Titanium is twice as strong as 6061 aluminum and 50% lighter than steel on account of which it provides the best of both worlds.

Wheelchairs come with well designed armrests which are meant to support the user’s upper body when seated in the chair. It is also possible to have wheelchairs without armrests or even truncated ones in case the user has enough strength to support his/her upper body. Wheelchairs come with lap trays, special armrests and also forearm troughs in order to provide comfort and convenience to the wheelchair user. Rigid arm boards serve the purpose of supporting the humeral head in alignment with the glenoid fossa at a better and more natural and flexible angle as compared to slings. Armrests, based on their type and mode could add a lot of weight to the wheelchairs.

There are quite a few armchair types that are available. Some of these have power functions like elevating, recline and tilt. Some of these also have height adjustment feature or flip back ability. Many of these wheelchairs fold well and simply which makes it easy for transportation and storage when not in use. These also have brake handles so that the wheelchair can come to a halt as required. The depth of the wheelchair is measured from the back to the front of the seat, and a proper depth is needed for both support and comfort.

When the wheelchair is of folding type, it should have 1 to 2 seat widths in the cross brace. One can also order growth kits from manufacturers along with footplates as well as new cross frame. Folding frames have cross braces that help the chair to get collapsed effectively. On the other hand, wheelchairs which are rigid in manner have folding backs and also wheels that are quick release in nature.

Wheelchairs come in various models that include rear-wheel, mid-wheel and front-wheel types. In rear-wheel type of wheelchairs, there are big wheels that are placed in the rear part so as to prop up the rider’s center of gravity. While rear wheel drive wheelchairs are quite common, front wheels are also gaining in popularity as they provide a tighter turning capacity.

One can also add mobility scooters to wheelchairs according to the user’s specific needs. There are also a number of other scooter accessories and additional products that you can take advantage of to enhance your mobility scooter experience. You can check out a lot if these online as there are quite a few websites that host such products online to make your wheelchair or mobility scooter experience more comfortable.

Typical Wheelchair Configurations

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

Wheelchair frames are now made of chrome, aluminum, aircraft aluminum, titanium, an alloy of chrome and other materials, or other lightweight composite materials. The materials used in the frame determine the wheelchair’s strength and capacity. Frames are generally available in folding and rigid styles. Wheelchair frames should be crashworthy and tie down points need to be standardized to establish safety. Titanium chairs are available that weigh in the high “teens” to accommodate the rider’s needs. Titanium is light and strong. In fact certain titanium alloys are 50% lighter than steel and twice the strength of 6061 aluminum.

Rear-wheel, mid-wheel, and front-wheel drive models are available. In a rear-wheel chair, the big wheels that drive the unit are positioned behind the rider’s center of gravity. Rear- wheel drive is the traditional type that is readily available. Front-wheel drives are becoming more common and provide tighter turning than rear-wheel drives.

Mobility Scooters can be customized to fit the user’s exact needs. Depending on the model of scooter and the user’s requirements, additional products can help you get even more out of your mobility scooter. There are also numerous websites catering to mobility accessories for wheelchairs and scooters. These retailers allow you to create a mobile environment compatible with your lifestyle.

Cup Holder Convenience from Wheelchair Accessories

Saturday, September 26th, 2009

You know wheelchairs weren’t designed with everyday conveniences in mind. One of those conveniences for those of us that use wheelchairs is cup holders. With some of the older model electric wheelchairs, no cup holder means struggling with some mobility issues. Of course we otherwise live very full lives but it’s kind of hard to carry a cup or two of hot coffee and try to use both hands to wheel around.

Cup holders are everywhere else, such as in our cars and boats so we can concentrate on driving and still enjoy a hot cup of joe. They are accessories on the finest touring motorcycles and mini-van musts. Yet, the cup holder is an item that is sorely not a standard item on a wheelchair. Such a small thing to have access to would make a lot of difference to someone that needs to use both hands and still get a cup of coffee from the cafeteria to the meeting room.

Many companies have taken this oversight for the wheelchair confined to heart and now offer several different types of cup holders for wheelchairs. These companies offer no-spill cup holders, double cup holders, and large, small, self-leveling, folding and even pivoting cup holders. There are cup holders galore for the wheelchair masses and they are suitable for light and heavyweight drinks, whether it be in a can or bottle.

With all these choices in cup holder devices it’s only natural they also offer convenient ways to mount them to wheelchairs. This is a really important aspect of the cup holder.
You will need a sturdy one so that hot coffee won’t be burning anyone. But it also needs to be easy to put on and remove. Cup holder mounts are designed for chairs with round tubing, square tubing or either kind of tubing. There are the Velcro strip ones and the metal clip styles. You can buy the mounts that attach to the wheelchair frame itself or the detachable tray.

One thing to remember when making a choice about cup holders for motorized wheelchairs is that it needs to add convenience and comfort to the person it’s for. It is one of those really small things that will make an incredibly huge difference in someone’s life.