Wheelchair Frame Option Descriptions:
Frame Size
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Frame Width
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Frame/Seat Depth
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Seat-to-Floor Height
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Frame Width is the seat width measured in inches. This will also be the back width.
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Frame Depth is the seat depth measured in inches. Seat Depth is dependent on user height.
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Seat-to-Floor height is measured straight down to floor. Usually lower in rear and higher in front for a slight tilt back into the seat.
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Frame Length
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Swing-Away Frame
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Fixed-Frame
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Frame length on a Swing-Away frame is measured from seat center to front-hanger.
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Fixed-frame chairs measure seat center to front of frame.
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Front End Style
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Swing Away Frame
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Fixed Front 70-deg
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Fixed Front 80-deg
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Swing Away Footrests swing to the side for entering or exiting the chair. They also swing to the side to detach and attach from the side.
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Fixed front ends are set to a fixed angle. They are height adjustable and the footplates fold up for folding the wheelchair.
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Fixed front-ends are usually between 70 and 90-degrees. 90-deg. is straight down and may not be comfortable for many users.
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Since Swing Away Footrests are removable they can be replaced with other angle footrest or Elevating Legrests. The angle of a Fixed Frame is part of the frame and cannot be changed or altered.
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Front Frame Style
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Straight Front-End
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Tapered Front-End
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Found on most folding wheelchairs and optional on rigid chairs. Straight front frame is the most common front-end.
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Tapered front frames have an inset of 1-2 inches. Common on rigid non-folding wheelchairs and on a few folding chairs.
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Upholstery
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Nylon Upholstery
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Vinyl Upholstery
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Adjustable Tension Back
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Nylon upholstery is standard on most wheelchairs. Nylon is breathable and provides a cooler seat than vinyl.
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Vinyl is available for easy cleaning with a non-stretching vinyl seat and back. Ideal for incontinence.
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Adjustable Tension Back is only offered on higher-end chairs for users who rather adjust the fit themselves.
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Front Rigging
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Swingaway Frame
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Swingaway Footrests
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Elevating Legrests
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The Swing Away front end is the most common type of front rigging. A latch releases the footrests to swing to the side for chair entry or exit. They swing to the side for attaching or detaching. Chair use various methods of attaching.
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Swingaway Footrest are the most common front rigging. They come as standard equipment on most chairs and are at a fixed-angle, usually 60 or 70-degrees. The swing to the side for entering or exiting the chair.
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Elevating Legrests allow the user to place the leg at any angle. Legrests work independent of each other so each can be set to user preference. Elevating Legrests are a must on Reclining Wheelchairs.
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Footplates
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Composite Footplate
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Aluminum Footplate
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FootBoard
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Composite footplates are made of a lightweight composite material. Composite is durable and easy to keep clean.
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Aluminum footplates may be available as an option. Generally found on heavy-duty wheelchairs or chairs under constant use and abuse.
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The Footboard is offered on most higher-end chairs, both folding and rigid frame. The Footboard provides a single surface and often is accompanied by legstraps.
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How to Measure for a Wheelchair