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Poseidon (Shower Wheelchair)

DIY PVC shower wheelchair in a bathroom.

Poseidon is my first shower wheelchair design. My goal is to make a wheelchair that is more functional and substantially less expensive than the plastic shower chairs currently available. 

I am using inexpensive industrial style plate casters so they can be replaced as needed. The front wheels are 4". The anti-tipping wheel is 3". The rear wheels are solid to avoid the need to periodically pump them up. The axle receivers are made from 1.25" square Zinc tubing. As a result, the quick release axle will not rust into the axle receiver since the contact space is relatively minimal.

 

The right armrest is extended forward to provide a handle for transfers. The left armrest is positioned back in order to provide an open space for transfers. A sliding board could be placed in this area.

Poseidon features wheel-locks with extended handles to make it easier to lock the wheels with wet hands.

NOTE: For my prototype I am using standard T-brackets that are cut to create a DIY Slip-T bracket. An actual Slip-T bracket is preferable. I did not have any on hand. I have to order them online. Standard T-brackets are readily available at local hardware stores and are also less expensive.
 

Poseidon Fabrication Photos

Poseidon Stock List

Frame​

  • (2) 1"x 10' PVC tubes.

  • (1) 2"x 2"x 1/4" PVC sheet.

  • (1) 1"x 4"x 6' PVC trim board (for rectangular camber tube).

  • ​(13) 1" Slip-T brackets

  • (12) 1" 90 degree Elbow connectors

  • (2) 1" Three Way connectors

  • (2) 1" End Caps

  • (2) 3"x1.25" punched zinc sq tube (DIY) axle brackets 

 

Fasteners

  • A small box of 3/4" wood screws.

  • (4) 3.5" x 5/16" bolts, nuts, washers (for camber tube). 

Aftermarket Wheelchair Parts

  • (2) 4" industrial plate caster assemblies.

  • (1) 3" industrial plate caster assembly.

  • (2) Quick release axles.

  • (2) 24" (540) solid wheelchair wheels.

  • (1) Water friendly backrest cushion.

  • (1) Water friendly seat cushion.

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Frame Component Dimensions

(1) Back Panel - 17" x 14"x 1/4"

(2) Back Supports - 21"

(2) Lower Chassis - 28"
(2) Upper Chassis - 21"

(1) Seatpan - 17" x 17"x1/4"

(2) Camber Tube - 17" x 4"x1", 17" x 4"x1"

(2) Camber Mounting Brackets - 5"x 1.5"x1"

(2) Front Leg Supports - 9"

(1) Footplate Support - 15"x4"

(2) Footplate Side Support - 4"x4"

(2) Front Connectors - 1  7/8"

(1) Seat Cross Brace - 15"

(2) Footrest Supports - 7", 9"

(1) Left Armrest - 10"

(1) Right Armrest - 17.5"

(3) Armrest Supports - 6"

(1) Pushbar - 14.5"

(1) Anti-tipper Caster Support - 17"x4"

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