A support structure for supporting the user of a mobility device or the like, the support structure comprising a fluid flow channel, the fluid flow channel comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, wherein at least part of the fluid flow channel is tapered, the at least part tapered fluid flow channel comprising a first end and a second end, the first end of the at least part tapered fluid flow channel being located proximal to the fluid inlet and the second end of the at least part tapered fluid flow channel being located distal to the fluid inlet, and wherein the width of the second end of the at least part tapered fluid flow channel is greater than the width of the first end of the at least part tapered fluid flow channel.

A modular seat apparatus includes a base cushion and a back cushion that includes a plurality of segments defining a longitudinal length of the back cushion. The back cushion is pivotably coupled to the base cushion such that the back cushion is oriented at an angle relative to the base cushion. The plurality of segments is configured to translate in response to the back cushion pivoting relative to the base cushion such that the longitudinal length of the back cushion decreases as the angle increases and the longitudinal length of the back cushion increases as the angle decreases.

A mobile patient support chair to assist in bathing of a patient by a carer with little or no upper body strength comprises a chair pivotally mounted in a support frame comprised of four legs each ending in a wheel. The chair frame comprises groups of support panels which can be locked in support positions and rotated through 90 degrees to provide access to the patient's legs, buttocks and back. Additionally the chair is balanced to allow easy rotation into a fully backwards lying position, and a fully forward lying position. In the fully forward lying position flexible retaining strips are placed across the patient to retain them in place. Additionally the wheels may be step-climbing wheels to assist in climbing small steps found in bathroom entrances and shower cubicles.

A chair for particular use in clinical or hospital environments has a frame to which a support material is secured. The support material may form a chair back and/or a seat for the chair to provide support to the chair occupant. The support material may be made from a textile of interwoven strands wherein some of the interwoven strands include copper containing particles, such as copper iodide or copper oxide within the textile fibers.

A backrest for a wheelchair or other mobility device configured to provide user controllable cooling and heat to the wheelchair user's back. The cooling element includes a Peltier chip, heat sink and gel pad for user contact. The heating element includes heating wire interposed between the fabric cover and the compressible foam of the backrest cushioning. The cooling element and heating element both move with the movement of the fabric cover so as to provide good heat conduction contact without adversely affecting cushioning. The backrest includes a tillable mount.

A wheelchair includes massaging units integral with both the seat and the backrest. A first massaging unit includes a plurality of vibrating members positioned about the periphery of the backrest that can be activated simultaneously, sequentially, individually or in a random pattern to knead the user's back, shoulders and neck. A second massaging unit includes motorized massaging discs that rotate and linearly reciprocate to provide a unique “rolling” massage to the buttocks and thighs.

A support system includes two cushions. The first cushion is divided into a plurality of bladders filled with a fluid, the bladders being connected by fluid interconnections. The second cushion is coupled to the first cushion. The second cushion is also divided into a plurality of bladders filled with a fluid, the bladders connected by fluid interconnections. When a force is applied to one of the plurality of bladders, a reactionary force is produced in a different one of the plurality of bladders in the same respective cushion.

A seating system, particularly suited for personal mobility vehicles, such as wheelchairs, that includes a seat cushion having pressure relieving properties and enhanced thermal absorption properties. The seat cushion includes a thixotropic fluid contained within a flexible envelope. The thixotropic fluid includes a phase change material that enhances the thermal absorption properties of the seat cushion to increase thermal absorption from a seated user to provide a reduced temperature sensory effect. The thixotropic fluid further includes a thermal conduction medium that facilitates heat distribution to the phase change material.

A folding electric wheelchair with elevating seat that provides the user an electronic driving system powered by two lithium-ion batteries that is sealed to be weatherproof, able to drive over different terrain types and slope grades on any given day whether it's raining or sunny, lightweight, and portable for transportation, travel-friendly, compact in overall size when in the folded position to fit into a small space for storage. An ergonomically contoured seat with an actuator that can raise and lower the seat base overall height. A bump dampening and terrain vibration system with the supporting frame pieces (34), (42), and (50) having an oval shape. The manner of how the embodiment operates to fold and unfold consists of specific hinge joint embodiments including: (46), (48), (58) and (64).