
1 Answer The term wheelback is used to define wooden chairs that have a splat area resembling a wheel, often with an ample center splat featuring a circular motif. The wheelback is a classic English side-chair design.
What is a wheelchair used for?
What Is a Wheelchair? A wheelchair is a straight-backed chair mounted on wheels with locking mechanisms, used for transporting the ill, injured, or people who suffer from limited mobility. 1 What Is a Wheelchair?
What does a wheelchair look like with a foot rest?
A photo from Ward K, Armory Square Hospital, shows a wheelchair looking like an ordinary chair with a foot rest. There are two large spoked front wheels with no hand rim and a small rear wheel for balance. The chair was either pushed from behind or by the occupant himself using the large wheels.
What are the basic terms of an electric wheelchair?
We’ve explained a few of the most basic terms below to make your shopping experience easier. All electric wheelchairs have four or six wheels, but only two wheels of the chair receive power directly from the motor. The other wheels (“casters”) stabilize the chair.
What is an ergonomic wheelchair?
An ergonomic wheelchair is designed as a synthesis of a standard, manual wheelchair, merged with an ergonomic office chair with superior lumbar support. They’re ideal chairs for people who spend extended periods of time sitting down.

Why is it called a Windsor chair?
The Windsor Chair takes its name from the English town of Windsor, where it originated around 1710. This type of chair is a form of wooden seating in which the back and sides consist of multiple thin, turned spindles that are attached to a solid, sculpted seat.
How can you tell if a chair is antique Windsor?
Spot a Fake Antique Windsor They may appear too light, or they can look too dark because a dark stain has been applied. They can look too perfect. With a genuine antique chair, you expect to see some natural variation and unevenness in color. Real antique chairs have patina, or wear from use.
What makes a Windsor chair valuable?
The market for these American icons is now shaped by their rarity, aesthetic appeal, condition, and soaring values. Prices for period Windsor chairs now range from about $1,000 to $200,000, with rumors of private sales of over $500,000.
What is a Windsor back chair?
What is a Windsor chair? This uniquely English chair is characterised by having a thick, one-piece, wooden seat into which the legs are mortised from below and the spindles forming the back-rest are slotted in from above. However, unlike other chairs, the back legs have no connection with the chair back.
How do you date an old chair?
How to Identify Vintage and Antique ChairsElizabethan (1520–1620)Early American Style (1640–1700)Carolean/Restoration (1660–1685)Queen Anne Style (1720–1760)Rococo (1730–1770)Chippendale (1750–1780s)Shaker Style (1787–1860s)Sheraton (1790–1820)More items...•
What should I look for in a Windsor chair?
Connoisseurs look for chairs of unusual or refined design and for pieces in unaltered condition with original finish. Windsor chairs were made in a large range of styles but the traditional English forms tend to be either comb- or hoop-backed with a central decorative splat.
Are Windsor chairs out of style?
The Windsor chair has remained a staple in country and cottage styles, reflecting its origins, but now is easily mixed into other design styles thanks to its simple lines and elegant silhouette.
What kind of wood are Windsor chairs made of?
It is common to find American Windsors made in the 18th century that contain three different species of wood. Pine, bass or tulip poplar are common for the seat. Non ring porous hardwoods such as Maple are stiff and make crisp turnings, and were used for the undercarriage.
Are Windsor chairs comfortable?
Handmade Windsor chairs are among the most comfortable wooden chairs there are. This is because the seat is deeply sculpted and sloped backwards and the angle of the back can be adjusted to fit the individual.
How can you tell if a chair is antique?
Antique chairs are those made more than 100 years ago, while vintage chairs span the time up to the 1970s.
Are spindle back chairs comfortable?
The chairs are extremely comfortable with and without the lumbar pillows, so this is the style pillow we will always keep on these chairs. I knew that guests would see the back of these chairs as they entered our home (and our living room), so I like that the backs of these chairs are eye-catching.
What is a Fiddleback chair?
Definition of fiddleback chair : a chair usually in Queen Anne style having a splat resembling the outline of a violin.
How do you date a Nichols and Stone Windsor chair?
2:125:00Nichols and Stone Rocking Chairs, History Price and Value - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYears they changed their maker's mark several times the maker's marker stamps is usually the bestMoreYears they changed their maker's mark several times the maker's marker stamps is usually the best way to date nickels and stone chairs. If the logo underneath features an ns surrounded by a shield.
Are Windsor chairs out of style?
The Windsor chair has remained a staple in country and cottage styles, reflecting its origins, but now is easily mixed into other design styles thanks to its simple lines and elegant silhouette.
What is a Windsor rocker?
A Windsor chair is a chair built with a solid wooden seat into which the chair-back and legs are round-tenoned, or pushed into drilled holes, in contrast to standard chairs (whose back legs and back uprights are continuous).
Are Windsor chairs comfortable?
Handmade Windsor chairs are among the most comfortable wooden chairs there are. This is because the seat is deeply sculpted and sloped backwards and the angle of the back can be adjusted to fit the individual.
What is the oldest form of wheeled chair?
Spoked wheels on chariots may be the oldest form of “wheeled chairs.” The Crusaders brought the wheeled cart or wheelbarrow back to Europe in the 12 th century. The wheelbarrow could carry any load and could transport invalids to the baths and spas. Today it is used primarily for gardening and construction rather than mobility. In 1531 a heavy armchair on rollers was used in bloodletting as a treatment chair. The patient’s feet were on a low stool and the chair had an upholstered back and seat for comfort. This chair is perhaps a forerunner of chairs for treatments in hospitals today. Hans Weiditz in his book, Loberra de Vanquete had a woodcut of this item.
Why did the spa chair have two wheels?
The chair had two wheels in back with a front wheel so the occupant could steer the chair anywhere he wanted to go. This chair was pushed from behind while the occupant steered with a bar in front of him. This wheeled chair was comfortable for the occupant to travel to and from the spa.
How did the wheelchair become portable?
As the 19 th century ended, the wheelchair became lighter and more portable weighing only fifty pounds when it had no push rims. Wire spoked wheels from the bicycle were fully adapted to wheelchairs. Thanks to these advances, wheelchair-bound people were very independent and worked for their own living. The Civil War created an expanding need for ways to help the wounded since it was the first war in which injured soldiers survived in large numbers. The disabled also had a bigger say in what was manufactured for them. This included purchasing special wheelchairs that were ordered by amputees.
What is wheelchair through the age?
Today a wheelchair is defined as a chair used by a person who has difficulty walking because of sickness, injury, or disability. Wheelchairs come in a wide variety of styles for the specific needs of the user.
What was Jason White's wheelchair made of?
This wheelchair was said to be of the Civil War era. It was made from a wooden chair with a padded seat and back. This wheelchair sits on a carriage axle with spoked wheels and iron tires with no hand-rims. There is a small rear wheel for balance and turning.
When was the first wheelchair invented?
However, finding the history of wheelchairs has been difficult. Only one book was found that was solely on wheelchairs, The Wheelchair Book by Herman Kametz, published in 1969. The first American patent for a wheelchair was issued in 1869, and Kametz claimed wheelchairs did not exist before that time.
How did mobility help the infirm?
Early attempts at mobility for the infirm can be traced to antiquity. An ancient Greek vase exists with the picture of a child’s bed on rollers, so it could be moved outside for fresh air. A Chinese sarcophagus from about 1300 BC shows perhaps the earliest evidence of a chair on wheels. These innovations helped lessen the isolation of the infirm. The theory that fresh air was beneficial apparently started early in our history.
What is a wheel in a wheelchair?
Wheel - The rear wheels are used for manual propulsion of the wheelchair. There are two types of wheel: Mag wheel and Spoke wheel. Mag Wheel - Made out of molded wheels that are heavy and durable. They cannot be replaced of fixed. Spoke Wheel - Spoke wheel has a similar appearance as bicycle wheels. They are lightweight.
What is the back seat?
Backseat - The fixed area where the user's back is rest on.
What is a swing away footrest?
Swing-Away Footrest - It can be rotated out of the way during transfers without having to remove from the wheelchair. Fixed Footrest - It is permanently attached to the wheelchair and it cannot be rotated.
What are the different types of wheelchair forks?
There are two kinds of fork: Standard fork and Frog leg forks. Standard Fork - Comes as a standard feature for most manual wheelchairs. Frog Leg Fork - Designed to eliminate road shock to provide for a smoother ride. Heel Loop - The loops are attached to the back surface of the footrest.
Why is knowing the parts of a wheelchair important?
Knowing the parts and features of a wheelchair is important when you are a new wheelchair buyer or when you are replacing a wheelchair part. For a first time wheelchair buyer, it may seem confusing with its complex design. However, once you are familiar with the anatomy of a wheelchair, it is not as intimidating as it seems.
What is a heel loop?
Heel Loop - The loops are attached to the back surface of the footrest. It provides support to the heel and keeps the foot positioned on the center of the foot rest. Footplate - They can move up and down to provide support surface where the user's foot is resting on top of. It allows easy transfers.
Where are the brakes on a wheelchair?
Brake - The brakes are located on the large rear wheels and they are typically located on the front of the wheel next to the bottom of the seat. It allows the wheels to be locked in place to prevent the wheelchair from moving. Caster Wheel - They are located in front of the rear wheels and are much smaller in size.
What is Invacare wheelchair?
Invacare is a worldwide home health goods company that provides a full line of sturdy power wheelchairs. Invacare also offers many other home health and mobility products, including scooters, respiratory devices, lifts and slings, and much more. The brand has thirty different global locations, over 4,000 employees, and roots in the healthcare industry that go back to the late 1800s. The company’s mission is to improve home health care so that patients can avoid the costs and disadvantages of institutional settings.
What is the difference between a mid wheel drive wheelchair and a front wheel drive wheelchair?
Mid-wheel drive tends to be best for turning completely around in tight spaces , while rear- and front-wheel drive wheelchairs tend to provide the smoothest rides and handle outdoor terrain best. It’s wise to consult with an occupational therapist to determine which type of wheel drive will be best for your daily use.
How much does an electric wheelchair cost?
Electric wheelchairs are heavy-duty mobility devices, and they can cost about $11,000 in some cases. In our company reviews, we only included companies that offer at least one electric wheelchair that costs between $1,000 and $6,000, the lower half of the available price range.
How much does a KD chair weigh?
Ideal for Travel: KD Smart Chairs weigh between 58 and 72 Ibs, including battery weight. The smallest wheelchair folds to approximately 13’ x 23’ x 33’, and the largest design is a few inches larger in all directions. Although heavier than a manual wheelchair, these chairs are much lighter than many other electric wheelchairs and can easily be picked up and stored in a car’s trunk.
Which is better, electric scooter or electric wheelchair?
Motorized scooters have handlebars and only three wheels, whereas an electric wheelchair has a joystick and four or six wheels. Electric wheelchairs tend to be more versatile and handle indoor settings better than scooters can. Electric wheelchairs are also better for individuals who have limited upper body strength, as they require significantly less upper body movement to operate.
What to do before you bring an electric wheelchair home?
Before you bring your electric wheelchair home, consider how you can change your home environment to make it safer. A doctor, occupational therapist, or even an electric wheelchair salesperson may have suggestions for making your home more wheelchair accessible.
What is the smallest u turn on an electric wheelchair?
Turning Radius. The turning radius is the smallest u-turn that the electric wheelchair can make. The smaller the turning radius, the better the chair will be for indoor use or small spaces. A turning radi us between 20” and about 35” is common.
Why are transport chairs smaller than manual wheelchairs?
This is because transport chairs are meant to be pushed by someone other than the person sitting in the chair. It is also meant to be lighter and transported easier by the way of folding. However, some transport chairs have larger wheels ...
What is a transport wheelchair?
A transport wheelchair unlike a standard wheelchair has smaller wheels and is meant to have someone push the transport chair. Unlike a regulator wheelchair that can be propelled by the person sitting in the wheelchair. The best lightweight transport wheelchairs will be used when you know there will be someone to push you or whoever will be sitting ...
What is the best wheelchair for transport?
The Medline Lightweight Transport Wheelchair is our top choice among transport chairs. It has larger 12 inch rear wheels and two 8 inch front wheels so it can be pushed easier over outside terrain and still be used indoors easily.
Why are lightweight transport chairs easier to push?
Lightweight transport wheelchairs are much easier for someone to transport and push because they are designed to be lighter and easier for the person to push then a traditional wheelchair that would be heavier. With all the choices of transport chairs, what are the best lightweight transport wheelchair materials, weight, ...
Why is a transport wheelchair important?
The entire idea of the transport wheelchair is making it lightweight and easier to transport. It also is designed to make it easier for the person that needs to push the transport chair. Remember these chairs are not like a manual wheelchair where the person sitting in the chair can propel themselves.
How much does a Fly Lite wheelchair weigh?
One of the lightest transport wheelchairs is the Drive Medical Fly Lite Ultra Lightweight Transport Wheelchair. It only ways 19.95 pounds. Put still has a weight capacity of 300 lbs.
What is a Medline wheelchair?
The Medline lightweight transport wheelchair provides hand breaks, easy transport, bigger back tires for outdoor use, and has leg rests that can swing out of the way.
What is a wheelchair cushion?
A wheelchair cushion provides the user a base from which their wheelchair positioning stems from, with comfort, pressure relief and ulcer prevention, shock absorption, and assists with postural alignment to improve user function . We recommend the memory foam over most gel and traditional sponge.
Why are wheelchairs built?
Wheelchairs are built with the highest technology possible to help facilitate the lives of people with the incapacity to walk. … Read more…
What is a Karman back cushion?
The Karman Healthcare Wheel chair Back Cushion is a contoured foam back cushion that provides upper back comfort and lumbar support. Designed to reduce lower back pain and muscle tension while seated for prolonged periods of time.
What is a gel foam seat cushion?
Gel Foam Wheelchair Seat Cushion is designed with comfort and pressure relief in mind. The cushion is constructed with a gel bladder surrounded by high density foam to mold comfortably to the user. As an added bonus, the breathable cover can easily be removed and washed to ensure a safe and sanitary condition. All these features ensure proper skin integrity and help prevent pressure ulcers and sores.
Is a wheelchair expensive?
Wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and other disability equipment can be costly. Therefore, many people find it difficult to overcome the… Read more…
Is it hard to be in a wheelchair?
Being in a wheelchair may seem challenging at first, but over time you will start to become adjusted to this… Read more…
