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Please Note:The technology listed below is not available to the public at this time. This technology requires further development before it is ready for the marketplace. T he VA is currently in the process of identifying potential companies who may be interested to commercially develop the technology. The VA inventors are available to collaborate with interested companies through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA). Through cooperative research initiatives such as these, it is our hope and goal that commercial products will be fully developed and made available to benefit veterans and others.
VA TECHNOLOGY OPPORTUNITY BRIEF
Wheelchair Caster System
(VA Ref. No. 06-039)
OPPORTUNITY
The objective of the Wheelchair Caster System is to reduce the risk of upper limb pain and injury to manual wheelchair users by decreasing the forces required to traverse a side-sloped surface.
TECHNOLOGY BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION
The device intends to prevent wheelchair drift, by applying a forward biasing force on the caster wheel, thus lowering the forces required by the downhill limb to maintain a straight path. Likewise, the Wheelchair Caster System caster mount will serve as the attachment point between the caster and the front frame of the wheelchair. Finally, the device will allow the caster fork and wheel to rotate allowing the user to steer the wheelchair.
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
The Wheelchair Caster System Provides the following advantages:
- The forward bias can be applied or removed by pulling or pushing an easily operated pin, located on the top of the caster mount housing. The pin has a large cylindrical top, making it easy to grasp for users with reduced hand function.
- By altering the position of the ball and spring unit, the biasing force can be raised or lowered to meet the needs of the user.
- The device can be installed on any wheelchair that features detachable caster mounts and can receive any standard caster fork and wheel.
PATENT STATUS
Patent pending.
OTHER AVAILABLE VA WHEELCHAIR TECHNOLOGIES
07-098; 07-025; 05-126; 05-049; 02-023; and, 01-021.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Ken Levin, Ph.D.Technology Transfer Specialist
Technology Transfer Program
Department of Veterans Affairs
Office of Research & Development (12TT)
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202-461-1713
Fax: 202- 254-0473
E-mail: Ken.levin@va.gov
Last Updated - November 13, 2008