Patent ID: 8544866
Filing Date: 2013-10-01
Classification: A61G

Abstract:
1. A wheelchair convertible for laterally transferring a patient to and/or from the wheelchair, the wheelchair comprising: a base with two main full-sized wheelchair wheels; a complete connected upper wheelchair seat assembly including a leg support, a seat, and a backrest which are configurable in various seating positions and a fully flat position; at least one armrest alongside the seat and configurable between at least: a carriage coupled to the seat and movable along at least a portion of the armrest when the armrest is in the second configuration, such that the carriage and seat are laterally moveable together in a transverse direction relative to a forward direction of the wheelchair; a lifting mechanism that can raise the carriage; wherein the armrest is attached directly to the lifting mechanism or a frame, but the armrest is not directly connected to the backrest, the seat, or leg support; wherein the armrest can rotate or fold down and lock into position to form or extend tracks; wherein the tracks and an underside of the seat and carriage securely attach to one another while allowing lateral fully controlled transverse movement by the carriage without tipping or rocking; whereby the lifting mechanism is operable for lifting the carriage, which can then permit lateral movement of the carriage and seat assembly along the tracks and enable transfer from the seat assembly of a patient in a seated or a supine position laterally without engaging the full-sized wheelchair wheel.