Powered wheelchair joystick handles

摘要

One embodiment is a handle supporting a users hand having a large surface for the palm, a trough for the thumb, a protrusion between the thumb and first finger and flared edges to keep the hand from sliding. A support surface is coupled to the stem of a wheelchair joystick gimbal and is biased in forward driving. A second embodiment is a wheelchair joystick movable between forward and reverse positions while maintaining the same orientation relative to the user. A supporting surface is pivotally mounted to a gimbal stem fixed to the wheelchair. The handle pivots to remain in a neutral position with movement of the joystick. A bi-directional spring biases the handle toward a neutral position. A third embodiment comprises a pivot coupled to a gimbal stem and a cup coupled to the user. The assembly is completed by placing the cup over the pivot allowing for movement therebetween.

主权项

1. A joystick comprising a handle having an upper surface contoured to and adapted to support the hand of a user and a gimbal stem, the handle being pivotally attached to the gimbal stem by a single axis pivot joint to constrain the movement of the handle in only one plane with respect to the gimbal stem as the gimbal stem moves between a forward position and a rearward position with a neutral position about midway intermediate the forward and rearward positions to allow a wrist of a user to maintain a neutral position when the gimbal stem moves between the forward and rearward positions.