patent search
We worked with a patent attorney, who taught us how to sort through patents and find the ones that were similar to our invention. We found 20 that were at least somewhat similar. We put these into a spreadsheet and created disputes for each one to show at least a 10% difference between our invention and these. We looked at wheel types (we have 2 propulsion wheels and 2 transporter wheels). We couldn’t find any that used this combination. Propulsion wheels are important for maintaining independence because they allow the user to push themselves. We looked at materials used (ours is made of waterproof materials). A few patent products were made similar to this, but they were shower chairs; they didn’t convert into other things. We looked at aluminum and titanium frames (titanium is lighter and more expensive, yet very durable). Most products similar to this are made with both types of frames and we agreed that we would make ours available in both options. We focused on brake systems. Ours has hand brakes built in underneath the arm rests for when it’s in walker mode. They attach to the same brakes that are on the propulsion wheels for when it is in wheelchair mode. We couldn’t find any patented invention that had this dual system! We also searched for seat designs that clip in for the wheelchair position and fold up and Velcro for the walker position. We couldn’t find any that do this! The cross bars add stability and allow the invention to fold up and become portable. The ones on our wheelchair frame were moved to the rear of our invention, so that it’s still portable. It also allows the user to walk directly into the walker position. There is nothing patented like this! Because the cross bars are at the back, we had to add a stabilizing bar to the front. This “kick bar” doesn’t exist on any of the inventions we researched. In talking to our patent attorney and the medical equipment people we worked with, they were excited about its uniqueness!!