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Page 1 - Intro Page 2 - Description Page 3 -Options & Technical Info
The Willgo wheelchair is designed with the more user in mind and offers anyone an alternative method of propulsion to wheel mounted push rims. Wheel hub lever drive systems for wheelchairs have been around for some years. They consist of a wheel hub drive system that is attached to a conventional wheelchair - requiring the need to purchase a wheel hub drive system and also purchase a wheelchair; this cost builds up.
Lever drive wheelchairs have been around for some years but this chair includes a one way clutch in the design to prevent roll back on steeper slopes. The mechanism is based on two belt driven pulleys with the lower pulley having a return spring fitted to ensure the levers always return to the upright position and a one way clutch to prevent roll back. A lever on each wheel hub engages and disengages the clutch on each side. When disengaged the wheelchair may be propelled by the conventional wheel mounted push rims. A toggle on each wheel hub engages and disengages the transmission in seconds. The wheelchair can be propelled conventionally at the wheel mounted push rims, around the home, the office, with the handles locked down, then deciding to travel further, across terrain, to the shops, the transmission is engaged, in 2 easy motions, the handles raise automatically, and the wheelchair is powered away. The drive levers are intuitive to use and offer a highly effective biomechanical method of propulsion. Significant speeds can be generated if the full range of lever motion is exploited, however, normal speeds may be attained without the need to lean forward in the seat. The hydraulic disc brakes are actuated by fully adjustable bicycle type brake levers and ensure no risk of friction burns normally associated with braking at push rims. There is also a mechanical advantage to turning sharply. To assist sideways transfers the handles are pushed fully forwards to a lock down position and the parking brakes engaged. The handles lock down till they are released by the indexing bolt. The seat sizes available are 15", which may be out rigged to 17", by using alternative drive lever arms, and 17" which may be out rigged to 19" by the same method. The rear axle position is adjustable fore and aft through five positions. Castors have four positions for and aft. The rear wheels are removable and the backrest folds to allow the wheelchair to be lifted and fitted into a car. The backrest is also adjustable in angle. The sling canvas is adjustable in tension and will accept any pressure
relieving or comfort cushion of a suitable size. Basic backrest cushions
may be inserted and it is understood that we are looking to offer a backrest to
accept other forms of back support requiring clamping. The design of this wheelchair has been well thought through from both a technical and clinical perspective and developments have been made as field trials have identified areas for improvement. The Willgo offers an alternative propulsion method to those commonly available and may offer some users the opportunity for independence which would otherwise be unavailable or only through the use of a powered wheelchair. David Long, Clinical Scientist
Intro Description Options & Technical Info
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