Don't you guys ever
wonder how handicaps people use to get around before wheel chairs were invented
or even crutches. Most of guys would say that they would simply craw on the
floor or have people hold them around. Obviously the person who invented the
wheel chair (unknown) was tired of carrying people around and found a way to
make it easier for people like him.
In 1783, John Dawson
invented a wheel chair that consisted of two large wheels and one
small one in the back. It was called the "Bath" and it wasn't the
first wheel chair ever invented but it did outsell all the other previous ones.
Although it outsold many other wheel chairs, it wasn't the most comfortable. It
wasn't until the late 19th century were many improvements were made to the
wheel chair, like new hollow rubber wheels and push rims. Of course, there was
some handicap patients that weren't able push themselves and didn't have
anybody to push them and that was when the invention of the self powered
motorized wheel chair was invented. In
1900s, there was a major advancement in the wheel chair technology. The first
motorized wheel chair was manufactured in London by George Klein.
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| One of the first wheel chairs ever invented |
Long after these
inventions, the mind controlled wheel chair was invented. This new wheel chair
technology was invented for those with very limited mobility, who couldn't use
a wheel chair by themselves. They plant a device named "The
BrainGate" the a person's brain and hooked to a computer to which the patient
can send mental commands that allow them to control the wheel chair to make it
do whatever they want it to do.
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| Modern electric Wheel Chair |
With this incredible
advancement of technology, I can't wait to see what else they can add to the
wheel chair to make it easier and more efficient for those who need it. Who
knows, maybe they'll invent a wheel chair that hovers everywhere instead of
having to roll on the ground.
Stay in touch for more
amazing inventions that changed the world.
Sources: http://inventors.about.com/od/wstartinventions/a/wheelchair.htm
http://www.1800wheelchair.ca/news/post/modern-wheelchair-inventions.aspx
This is a very interesting look into the history of inventions because the creation of wheelchairs is not necessarily something that we think of. This incredible invention has given those who might need help due to a disability, the opportunity to be less dependent on others and be able to experience more freedom. I can’t imagine not being able to walk, play sports or do other regulars things that I take for granted. But now thinking about it, the wheelchair has opened the doors to allow handicapped people to do sports and other activities.
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