Patent Document

RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/904,398, filed Oct. 14, 2010, that is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to devices intended to assist people with physical handicaps or limited mobility to transition between a first position and a second position, and more particularly to a rotatable platform having a straddleable seat that allows a user of the rotatable platform to safely and more easily mount the straddleable seat, rotate to a different position, and exit. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    There have been many devices developed over the years to assist people with physical handicaps or limited mobility. Such devices range from simple, self-powered devices requiring the user to stand; to powered, steerable devices with at least three wheels, typically accommodating seated users. 
         [0004]    A limitation of many of such existing devices is that it is difficult for a user to get on the device. Often getting on the device requires the person either to stand up and/or to be able to move onto a seat. Seats associated with devices of the prior art typically include a back and oftentimes arms. As used herein the term “seat” is defined as the component of a chair or other such structure upon which a user sits. A seat, therefore, as used herein is intended to support the buttocks of a user. While a back and arms on a seat may be beneficial to a person&#39;s comfort and safety once that person is positioned on the seat, their presence may make it more difficult for that person to get onto (i.e., mount) the seat. This potential interference to a user caused by the inclusion of a back or arms may depend on from which direction the person is approaching the straddleable seat of the rotatable platform. 
         [0005]    One factor that can make it easier for a person to get onto a seat is if the seat is rotatable. Even when a seat may be rotated, a user may still be required to move backward in order to sit on the seat. It is both difficult and unsettling for a person to have to back onto (i.e., move backward onto) a device, especially if there are no auxiliary means, such as handles, rails or bars to grab or hold onto to provide at least a feeling of safety. 
         [0006]    Anecdotal evidence is available from users of currently available devices as well as from potential users of improved devices that indicate that it would be desirable to provide a device that was easy and safe to mount and dismount from a forward direction. It appears that such a device would find acceptance in the marketplace. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention provides a family of transitioning devices each having a rotatable platform supported on a base. An elongated seat without attached arms or a back is supported on the rotary platform. Auxiliary supports may be temporarily installed on the platform once a user is in place on the seat. 
         [0008]    A user moving in a forward direction approaches the seat, straddles the elongated seat, and then sits down upon the elongated seat. The platform may then be rotated to a desired stopping point whereat the user simply moves off the elongated seat. 
         [0009]    The transitioning device having a rotary platform and an elongated seat may be provided in stationery or mobile configurations. Either an AC or DC electric motor, in conjunction with a suitable controller, may be provided to selectively rotate the rotary platform. 
         [0010]    It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a transitioning device having a rotatable platform supporting a straddleable seat. 
         [0011]    It is another object of the invention to provide a transitioning device having a rotatable platform supporting a straddleable seat that allows a user to approach and mount the straddleable seat by moving in a forward direction onto the straddleable seat. 
         [0012]    It is a further object of the invention to provide a transitioning device having a rotatable platform supporting a straddleable seat wherein auxiliary support structures may selectively be placed adjacent the straddleable seat. 
         [0013]    It is yet another object of the invention to provide a transitioning device having a rotatable platform supporting a straddleable seat wherein a user moving in a forward direction may mount the device and, after rotation, dismount the straddleable seat. 
         [0014]    It is still further object of the invention to provide a transitioning device having a rotatable platform supporting a straddleable seat that may be collapsed for transport or storage. 
         [0015]    It is an additional object of the invention to provide a transitioning device having a rotatable platform supporting a straddleable seat that includes an electric motor and a controller for turning the rotatable platform. 
         [0016]    It is another object of the invention to provide a transitioning device having a rotatable platform supporting a straddleable seat wherein the rotatable platform is supported above a base that includes castors or wheels to facilitate moving the transitioning device from one location to another. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when taken in conjunction with the detailed description thereof and in which: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is a perspective, schematic view of a transitioning device having a rotatable platform supporting a straddleable seat in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a bottom plan, schematic view of the transitioning device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a side elevational, schematic view of the transitioning device of  FIG. 1  with a user in a standing position disposed thereupon; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a side elevational, schematic view of the device shown in  FIG. 1  with an individual in a seated position; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a perspective, schematic view of a second embodiment of transitioning device having a manually rotated platform supporting a straddleable seat in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a perspective, schematic view of a third embodiment of a collapsible transitioning device in a non-collapsed, operational configuration; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a perspective, schematic view of the transitioning device of  FIG. 6  in a collapsed configuration; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a perspective, schematic view of a fourth embodiment of a transitioning device having a straddleable seat and a self-contained propulsion system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0026]    Generally speaking, the present invention provides a family of transitioning devices, each having a rotatable platform supporting an elongated, straddleable seat. These novel transitioning devices may be used to assist a person with limited mobility and/or physical ailments to safely and more easily enter onto the transitioning device from a first position (e.g., standing, sitting, moving from a bed, etc.), to stand or preferably sit on the sturdy, elongated straddleable seat, and to rotate to a desired angular orientation relative to the user&#39;s point of entry. Once rotated to a desired exit position, the user may dismount the straddleable seat at a second position (e.g., a wheel chair, a toilet seat, etc.). Because the user&#39;s motion is generally in a forward direction and auxiliary support structures are readily available to allow individuals the opportunity to be more self-reliant. 
         [0027]    Referring first to  FIG. 1 , there is shown perspective, schematic view of a first embodiment of a transitioning device having a rotatable platform supporting an elongated, straddleable seat, generally at reference number  100 . 
         [0028]    Transitioning device  100  has a raised, hollow, generally rectangular support base  102  having an upper surface  104 . While a generally rectangular support base or platform  102  has been chosen for purposes of disclosure, it will be recognized that other shapes may be substituted therefor. Consequently, the invention is not considered limited to the generally rectangular support base  102  chosen for purposes of disclosure. 
         [0029]    A raised portion  120  is disposed along a side of raised, hollow, generally rectangular support base  102 . The space within raised portion  120  may contain such elements as an electrical drive system for rotatable platform  106 , a battery, a battery charger, a motor controller or other such components. These components are discussed in detail hereinbelow. 
         [0030]    A removable battery pack  128  may be housed within raised portion  120  and typically, battery pack  128  may be removed from outside raised portion  120 . It will be recognized that transitioning device  100  may be manually powered or powered by an AC motor, not shown, utilizing power from an external source of AC power. In these cases, removable battery pack  128  may not be required. 
         [0031]    Rotatable platform  106  is disposed on upper surface  104  of support base  102 . A bearing device  130 , best seen in  FIG. 2 , is disposed between a lower surface, not specifically identified, of rotatable platform  106  and upper surface  104  of support base  102 . One type of bearing device  130  found suitable is a circular ball or roller bearing chase. Such bearing devices are believed to be well known to those of skill in the art and, consequently are not further described or discussed herein. Such bearing devices are typically used in well known so-called “lazy Susan” devices. In other embodiments, multiple individual bearing devices  130  may be disposed under rotatable platform  106 . 
         [0032]    A vertical support column  108  having a vertical support column base  110  is attached to either upper surface  104  of rotatable platform  106  or to an upper surface of support base  102 . Vertical support column  108  may be either fixedly or removably attached. 
         [0033]    A tubular safety handrail  122  has two components  122   a ,  122   b , each having a respective proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of each of components  122   a ,  122   b  is affixed to rotatable platform  106 . The proximal ends of each of components meet at a top of vertical support column  108  and are each affixed thereto. 
         [0034]    A user control switch  156  is disposed on tubular safety handrail  122 , typically close to the junction tubular safety handrail components  122   a ,  122   b  and vertical support column  108 . User control switch  156  is typically a lever switch that may control the rotation of rotatable platform  106 . If desired, user control switch  156  may be implemented such that a user  158 , best seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , may be required to maintain pressure on the switch lever to continue rotation of rotatable platform  106 . Limit switches  152 , best seen in  FIG. 2  and discussed in more detail hereinbelow, may interrupt the rotation of rotatable platform  106 . 
         [0035]    An elongated, straddleable seat  112  is supported by a diagonal brace  116  affixed to a lower surface, not specifically identified, of seat  112  and to vertical support column base  110 . Seat  112 , has a semi-circular relief or cutout in a rear side edge thereof sized and configured to accept and slidingly engage an outer surface of vertical support column  108 . Straddleable seat  112  and diagonal brace  116  are designed and configured to be removable from rotatable platform  106  and vertical support column  108 . 
         [0036]    Elongated, straddleable seat  112  may have an optional pad  118  on its upper surface. Pad  118  may be a removable pad or a pad permanently affixed to the upper surface of elongated, straddleable seat  112 . Pad  118  may cover all of elongated, straddleable seal  112  or only a portion thereof. 
         [0037]    Wheels  124  are affixed proximate a lower side edge of support base  102  by wheel brackets  126 . Wheels  124  are useful for rolling transitioning device  100  from one location to another when required. It will be recognized that wheels  124  are optional and not required on transitioning devices  100  that need not be moved. 
         [0038]    Referring now also to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a bottom plan, schematic view the transitioning device  100 . 
         [0039]    A drive motor  132  is secured to raised portion  120  by a drive motor bracket  134 . A mechanical output of drive motor  132  is coupled to a worm gear assembly  136 . Worm gear assembly  136  drives the outer edge of a worm gear sprocket  138 . Worm gear sprocket  138  is mounted on a chain drive support shaft  140  via a bearing, not specifically identified. 
         [0040]    A first chain sprocket  142  is fixedly attached to worm gear sprocket  138  and rotates synchronously therewith. 
         [0041]    A second chain sprocket  144  is fixedly attached to rotatable platform  106 . A drive chain  146  engages both first chain sprocket  142  and second chain sprocket  144 . 
         [0042]    A chain tensioning idler  148  supported on a support bracket  150  is disposed and configured to ride on an outer surface of drive chain  146 . Chain tensioning idler  148  incorporates a spring mechanism, not specifically identified, that serves to bias chain tensioning idler  148  with a predetermined pressure. 
         [0043]    A pair of limit switches  152  is disposed proximate rotatable platform  106  at typically approximately 180° apart. Limit switches  152  typically automatically turn power off through a limit switch relay  154  thereby stopping rotation of rotatable platform  106  at 180° or other preselected angular positions to allow user  158  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) to enter or exit transitional device  100 . 
         [0044]    It will be recognized that limit switches  152  may be disposed in a different angular relationship to one another. It will be further recognized that additional limit switches  152  may be added to meet a particular operating circumstance or environment. Consequently, the invention is not considered limited to two limit switches  152  disposed 180° apart shown for purposes of disclosure. Rather that invention is intended to include any number of limit switches disposed in an angular relationship(s) to one another. 
         [0045]    Limit switches  152  are operatively connected to limit switch relay  154 . In turn, limit switch relay  154  is operatively connected to drive motor  132 . Limit switches  152 , in combination with user control switch  156 , best seen in  FIG. 1 , control drive motor  132 . It will be recognized that additional components and/or connections, none shown, may be required to implement a complete control system for drive motor  132 . Such components and arrangements are believed to be well know to those of skill in the art and, consequently, and are not further described or discussed herein. 
         [0046]    Transitioning device  100  assists persons with physical handicaps or limitations but who have some arm strength to transition from a primary, fixed location (e.g., a bed) to a second location (e.g., a wheel chair, a toilet seat, etc.) safely and more easily. Transitioning device  100  typically accomplishes such transitions by rotating the user  158 , for example from a bed to a wheel chair having a seat disposed at right angles to the bed. The enhanced sense of security provided to the user thereof allows individuals to be more self-reliant. 
         [0047]    Transitioning device  100  can be tipped onto wheels  124  using safety handrail  122  as a handlebar to facilitate transporting transitioning device  100  to other locations. 
         [0048]    Referring now also to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , there are shown side elevational, schematic views of the transitioning device of  FIG. 1  with a user  158  disposed thereupon in a standing position and seated position, respectively. 
         [0049]    Referring now also to  FIG. 5  there is shown perspective, schematic view of a second embodiment of a transitioning device having a manually rotated platform supporting a straddleable seat, generally at reference number  200 . 
         [0050]    Transitioning device  200  has a hollow, substantially rectangular support base  202  that supports a rotatable platform  204  on roller or ball bearings, not shown, allowing the rotation of rotatable platform  204  relative to support base  202  thereby allowing transferring a user in a circular rotation. 
         [0051]    A vertical support column  206  having a handgrip  208  disposed at an upper end thereof. A lower end of vertical support column  206  is fixedly attached to support base  202 . 
         [0052]    Rotatable platform has a center opening  218  that allows rotatable platform  204  to encircle vertical support column  206  and rotate therearound. 
         [0053]    An elongated straddleable seat  212  is fixedly supported on rotatable platform  204  by a pair of seat supports  210  attached to rotatable platform  204 . 
         [0054]    Optionally, wheels  214  and a handle assembly  216  affixed to support base  202  may be provided to facilitate moving transitioning device  200  for one location to another. 
         [0055]    Unlike transitioning device  100 , transitioning device  200  is manually powered by the user, typically while the user is seated on straddleable seat  212  and holding onto handgrip  208 . Alternately, while the user is seated on straddleable seat  212 , a caregiver or other individual, neither shown, may rotate rotatable platform  204 . Typically, the user then grips either the vertical support column  206  or handgrip  208  for support. 
         [0056]    Once the user has moved from a first location (e.g., a bed) and is safely positioned on straddleable seat  212 , he or she places his/her hands on handgrip  208 . The user (or another individual) then applies a rotating force to move rotatable platform  204 , straddleable seat  212 , or the user, not specifically identified, in a desired direction and amount of rotation. 
         [0057]    As rotatable platform  204  rotates to a desired stopping position, the user applies a braking force to handgrip  208  so as to stop further rotation of rotatable platform  204 . 
         [0058]    When at a desired exit position, the user may exit transitioning device  200 . 
         [0059]    Transitioning device  200  may be moved by lifting handle  216  so that transitioning device  200  may be rolled on wheels  214  to move device  200  to another location. 
         [0060]    Referring now also to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , there are shown perspective, schematic views of a third embodiment of a collapsible transitioning device in an in a non-collapsed, operational configuration, and a collapsed, stowable configuration, respectively, generally at reference number  300 . 
         [0061]    Portable transitioning device  300  is intended for use primarily by emergency workers, for example emergency medical squad or ambulance workers, emergency room staff, or other persons who need assist persons such as to move, and if necessary, lift a person with limited mobility, physical handicaps or other infirmities from a first location (e.g., a bed) to a second location (e.g., stretcher, a wheel chair, an ambulance, etc.) safely and more easily. 
         [0062]    Transitioning device  300  has a thin, planar, substantially rectangular support base plate  302 . It may be desirable to cut away one corner  314  of support base plate  302  to form a pentagonal support base. It will be recognized that other shapes such as regular and irregular polygons for support base plate  302  may be chosen to meet a particular operating circumstance or environment. Consequently, the invention is not considered limited to the substantially rectangular or pentagonal shapes chosen for purposes of disclosure. 
         [0063]    Support base plate  302  has a plurality of spaced apart through holes or receptacles  316  adapted to selectively receive and secure components of transitioning device  300 . 
         [0064]    A bracket  318  is secured to support base plate  302  proximate a corner opposite cut away corner  314  proximate a corner. 
         [0065]    A vertical support column  306  consisting of an upper vertical support column member  320  and a lower vertical support column member  322  has a lower end attached to bracket  318  by one or more removable through pins or other similar securing device or mechanism, none shown. 
         [0066]    Upper vertical support column  320  is slidably received in lower vertical support column member  322 . A securing device, not shown, similar to the securing vertical support column  306  to bracket  318 , not shown, is used to hold upper vertical support column member  320  in a desired height relationship with in lower vertical support column member  322 . Such securements are believed to be well known to those of skill in the art and, consequently are not further described or discussed herein. In the embodiment chosen for purposes of disclosure, both upper vertical support column member  320  and a lower vertical support column member  322  are formed from square or rectangular metal tubing. 
         [0067]    A pair of handgrips  308  is fixedly attached to an upper end of upper vertical support column member  320 , generally orthogonally to a major axis of vertical support column  306 . 
         [0068]    Rotatable wheels or castors  304  are disposed on a bottom surface, not specifically identified, of support base plate  302 , typically adjacent each of the corners thereof. 
         [0069]    A straddleable seat  312  is positioned, retained and supported by contact with vertical support column  306  through retention means  324  that interacts with both a front portion of straddleable seat  312  and vertical support column  306 . A rear portion of straddleable seat  312  is supported by a support bracket  310  pivotally attached thereto at a pivot point  326 . A bottom portion of support bracket  310  is supported is connected to and supported upon support base plate  302  through one or more receptacles  316 . The support for straddleable seat  312  is adequate for supporting a user thereupon so that the individual may safely be moved while on transitioning device  300 . 
         [0070]    Straddleable seat  312  may be made height adjustable. This may be accomplished by multiple, selectable connection points for retention means  324  on vertical support column  306 . Further, additional receptacles  316 , not shown, may be provided on support base plate  302  to allow support bracket  310  to moved so as to raise straddleable seat  312 . 
         [0071]    Access onto straddleable seat  312  is preferably from the back of the seat (i.e., the end furthest from vertical support column  306 ). 
         [0072]    Elongated, rounded slots  328  that serve as handles are disposed in support base plate  302  proximate two or more sides thereof. 
         [0073]    Unlike transitioning devices  100 ,  200  where a rotatable platform  106 ,  206 , respectively, allow a straddleable seat  112 ,  212 , respectively to be rotated with respect for bases  102 ,  202 , respectively, transitioning device  300  has no separate rotatable platform. Instead, the entire planar base may be rotated on wheels or casters  304  to perform the same transitioning function. In other words, planar support base plate  302  is in and of itself the “rotatable platform, wheels or castors  304  allow straddleable seat  312  to be rotated. 
         [0074]    As previously stated, transitioning device  300  is intended for portable use in or near an emergency facility such as an ambulance, an emergency room, first aid station, etc. for transporting an injured patient or a patient having limited mobility. Transitioning rotation is accomplished by rotating the entire support base plate  302  on wheels or casters  304  with a user seated on straddleable seat  312  and securing him or herself to vertical support column  306  and/or handgrips  308 . Transitioning device  300  may be used to move an individual by a person gripping and pulling handgrips  308 , or also by lifting and carrying transitioning device  300  and user to the desired location using slots  328 . 
         [0075]    Referring now also to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a perspective, schematic view of the transitioning device  300  of  FIG. 6  in a collapsed, stowable or transportable configuration. 
         [0076]    Transitioning device  300  may be “collapsed” by removing securing mechanisms retaining vertical support column  306  to bracket  318  and to secure upper vertical support column member  320  in a desired height relationship with in lower vertical support column member  322 . Once removed, upper vertical support column member  320  is withdrawn fully into lower vertical support column member  322 . 
         [0077]    Retention means  324  on vertical support column  306  supporting a front portion of straddleabie seat  312  is released and seat support bracket  310  is removed from receptacle  316 . Further, additional receptacles  316 , not shown, may be provided on support base plate  302  to allow support bracket  310  to be folded against a bottom surface of straddleabie seat  312 . 
         [0078]    Vertical support column  306  may then be positioned horizontally on an upper surface of support base plate  302  and parallel thereto. Straddleable seat  312  is stored over the top thereof. In this collapsed configuration, transitioning device  300  may readily be transported or stowed. 
         [0079]    Transitioning device  300  offers a great alternative especially when a device such as a wheel chair or a stretcher is not a practical solution to move a person (e.g., in confined spaces). 
         [0080]    Referring now also to  FIG. 8 , there is shown a perspective, schematic view of another embodiment of a transporting and transitioning device in accordance with the invention, generally at reference number  400 . Transporting and transitioning device  400  combines the functionality generally associated with an electrically powered chair or “scooter” with the transitioning devices  100  and  200 . The functionality and necessary mechanisms for the mobility functionality of transporting and transitioning device  400  are believed to be well known to those of skill in the art. Consequently, these components, mechanisms, and systems are not further discussed herein. Any known arrangement of components may be utilized to “motorize” transitional devices  100 ,  200 . 
         [0081]    Transporting and transitioning device  400  has a hollow, substantially rectangular base  402 . 
         [0082]    Base  402  has a rotatable platform  404 , typically supported on one or more ball or roller bearing devices, not shown on an upper surface of base  402 . A drive mechanism, an example of which may be seen in  FIG. 2 , is operatively connected to rotatable platform  404 . It will be recognized by those of skill in the art that numerous variants of the drive system of  FIG. 2  may be implemented. Consequently, the invention is not considered limited to the drive system disclosed for purposes of disclosure. Rather any drive mechanism that may be configured to safely rotate rotatable platform  404  may be utilized and the invention encompasses all possible drive system variants. 
         [0083]    An elongated, straddleable seat  412  is fixedly supported on rotatable platform  404  by seat supports  410 . 
         [0084]    A pair of driven wheels  414  is operatively connected to base  402  and to a drive motor, not shown, and any necessary intervening ancillary drive components including, but not limited to, belts, pulleys, sprockets, chains, gearboxes, transmissions, torque couplers, etc. As the specific components and arrangements for the drive system form no part of the present invention, they are not further disclosed or discussed herein. Such drive systems, drive system components and drive system arrangements are believed to be well known to those of skill in the art. A tongue  420  rigidly attached to base  402  projects forward from a front surface thereof. Tongue  420  is hingedly coupled to a front steering assembly  422 . Front steering assembly  422  supports a pair of non-driven wheels  416 . 
         [0085]    Front steering assembly  422  supports a vertical support column  406  consisting of an upper vertical support column member  424  and a lower vertical support column member  426 . Upper vertical support column  424  is slidably received in lower vertical support column member  426 . A securing device, not shown, consisting of a through pin or similar securing mechanism is used to hold upper vertical support column member  424  in a desired height relationship with in lower vertical support column member  426 . Such securements are believed to be well known to those of skill in the art and, consequently are not further described or discussed herein. Vertical support column  406  may be rotated, that is “steered”, by using handles  408  to move vertical support column  406  as shown by arrow  428 . 
         [0086]    In the embodiment chosen for purposes of disclosure, both upper vertical support column member  424  and a lower vertical support column member  426  are formed from square or rectangular metal tubing. 
         [0087]    Vertical support column  406  has a T-structure, not specifically identified, having a pair of handgrips  408  disposed at either end thereof. A pair of lever activation switches  418  is provided, one of the pair of activation switches  418  being associated with a respective one of handgrips  408 . 
         [0088]    Activation switches  418  are used to generate the control signals necessary to control the various functions of device transporting and transitioning device  400 . Such functions include but are not limited to “driving” (i.e., propelling) device  400 , rotating rotatable platform  404  and, if otherwise implemented, adjusting the height of straddleable seat  412  relative to support base  402 , and/or adjusting the position of straddleable seat  412  relative to rotatable platform  404 . 
         [0089]    Transporting and transitioning device  400  provides both transportation and rotary transitioning functions to a person with limited mobility, physical handicaps or similar limitations but having some arm strength. As discussed hereinabove, the novel transitioning devices of the invention are useful helping such persons to transition generally rotationally from a first location (e.g., a bed) not only to a second location (e.g., a wheel chair, a toilet seat, etc.) safely and more easily, but almost anywhere since device  400  is based on a powered wheelchair, thus allowing individuals even more opportunity to be more self-reliant. 
         [0090]    In operation, a user mounts straddleable seat  412 , typically from the rear of transporting and transitioning device  400 . If transporting and transitioning device  400  is not oriented so that the user may readily mount straddleable seat  412 , an appropriate lever activation switch  418  to turn rotatable platform  404  so that straddleable seat  412  is aligned for easy access to the person wishing to mount straddleable seat  412 . 
         [0091]    Once on straddleable seat  412 , the user grasps handgrips  408  and activates an appropriate one(s) of lever activation switches  418  while applying a clockwise or counterclockwise twisting motion to the vertical support column  406  to align wheels  416  in a desired direction of travel. Travel may continue with the user steering wheels  416  along a desired path while manipulation level controls until a desired destination is reached. 
         [0092]    When the user reaches his or her destination, lever activation switches  418  are used to rotate rotatable platform  404  to a suitable position for dismounting. 
         [0093]    Device  400  may optionally include an adjustable suspension to further improve accessibility and comfort for a user. 
         [0094]    As the embodiments disclosed hereinabove show, the invention may be implemented in many different ways: a) the base may be primarily non-movable, movable but non-powered, powered to rotate the base, and powered to move the entire overall device (i.e., a “powered wheelchair” or scooter); the source of power to provide motion may come from the user, the caregiver(s), or a powered motor; and there are many optional features that may be added to further enhance the safety and accessibility depending on the application. 
         [0095]    The straddleable seats as disclosed in the various embodiments hereinabove may comprise options to further enhance the disclosed devices in various ways (i.e., safety, performance, ease-of-use, etc.). The straddleable seats may optionally also be adjustable in at least one direction (horizontally, vertically, etc.), either manually or through the use of a device such as a motor(s) to aid the user and/or the caregiver. The straddleable seats may also include features such as but not limited to a retractable seatback, sensors, vertical and/or horizontal arm supports or other features to aid the user, being foldable, being padded, being shaped, being sculpted, and being removable or detachable. Another possible variation to the straddleable seat is to have a portion of seat being fixed (preferably a more exterior portion), while the remainder (preferable the more interior portion) is attached to a rotatable platform disc, etc. The straddleable seats may even be round in shape, which may allow some users even more safe freedom of movement. 
         [0096]    It should also be understood that the disclosed invention may be incorporated into new devices as well as potentially retrofit into existing devices. The disclosed devices may also include communications capability for use by the user or caregiver, and/or in communication the sensors or mechanisms of the device(s). 
         [0097]    It should be understood by those skilled in the art that a device may, and typically does have many more components, some optional, some necessary, than those components identified and described in the embodiments disclosed hereinabove. For clarity, some components, which may be optionally included, may be intentionally excluded from the figures, along with additional mechanical parts, such as screws and nuts, wires, etc., many of which are not always easily externally visible. This is done only to enlighten and not obfuscate the invention. The specific component choices, based on material, weight, cost, etc., and locations of these various visible and hidden components probably would affect the design of a particular device, but this would only affect the details of the design, and not whether the inclusion of a straddlable seat would be beneficial. It should also be understood that the components that comprise the devices disclosed hereinabove are made of materials and dimensions that safely support individuals and meet all required local, state, and/or federal safety codes and regulations. 
         [0098]    Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, this invention is not considered limited to the representative examples chosen for purposes of this disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention. 
         [0099]    Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.

Technology Category: 1