Tetra Society of North America

The purpose of Tetra is to recruit skilled volunteer engineers and technicians to create assistive devices for people with disabilities. Volunteer engineers, design technicians, and health professionals work one to one with their clients to make assistive aids or modifications to their environments.

3077 Granville Street
Suite 207
Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 3J9
Canada
Telephone: 877-688-8762 or 604-688-6464.
Fax: 604-688-6463.
Web: http://www.tetrasociety.org.
Email: info@tetrasociety.org.

Products manufactured by Tetra Society of North America (listed alphabetically)

1. AXLE BRACKET

   The Axle Bracket is a rear wheel position adapter for wheelchairs designed to provide additional height adjustability for the axles on a wheelchair without drilling the frame. Two 9 mm aluminum plate brackets bolt into the existing adjusting holes on a wheelchair frame. The wheel axle can be bolted to the adjusting slot on the bracket. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by Andre Paquette for a user who could not adjust the seat height on the wheelchair low enough. Modifications by the wheelchair manufacturer proved to be very expensive. This bracket is intended to extend the range of adjustability without harming the frame's structural integrity.

2. BBQ COUNTERWEIGHT

   The BBQ Counterweight is a cooking aid designed to assist individuals to lift the lid of a barbecue with very little force or physical exertion. The modified BBQ lid has a 5/16-inch read rod bolted to the back and the counterweight consists of a 1-litre plastic bottle filled with sand and is attached to the end of the rod with wire. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by Dave Doman for an individual with very little arm strength who had difficulty lifting the lid of the BBQ. This device was found to provide enough leverage to make the lifting force needed to open very slight.

3. BINOCULAR CLAMP

   The Binocular Clamp is an extension arm for accessories designed to enable a persons to use a pair of binoculars without having to support the weight of them. The device consists of a 360-degree swiveling clamp fixed to the end of a 13 mm diameter stainless steel rod. The rod mounts onto the fitting of a wheelchair. Binoculars are attached to the device with an off- the-shelf Kaiser binocular fitting. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by Colin Knauf for a user with weak arms who can raise the binoculars to eye level, but cannot hold them in position. This device is intended to allow hands-free use of binoculars for an extended period of time.

4. BOCCIA BALL TRACK

   The Boccia Ball Track is designed to enable a wheelchair user to play boccia ball. The track is similar to a bowling ball ramp. The track consists of a 4-inch diameter PVC pipe cut in half with a 20-degree angle at the lower end. The track is mounted on a wheelchair and is used to accelerate a boccia ball. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by Colin Knauf for wheelchair users unable to play boccia ball because the ball must be thrown along the floor from a standing position. This device is intended to propel the ball without having to throw it. DIMENSIONS: The unit is 5-feet long.

5. CHILD CARRIER

   The Child Carrier is a child transport chair designed to enable a wheelchair user to carry a child on the wheelchair, to be close to the child, and keep the child occupied. The device consists of a standard child's swing seat mounted on a 3/4-inch copper plumbing pipe. A wire frame for a sun awning is mounted on the top of the frame. The unit mounts into the wheelchair arm rests. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by John Duffus for wheelchair users who have difficulty holding a child or moving about while holding a child. This device was developed to place the baby close to the adult for care and attention. DIMENSIONS: 13 x 24 inches.

6. CHILD'S VEHICLE

   The Child's Vehicle is a powered cart designed to be an electric toy vehicle for children with poor dexterity and motor ability. The cart is a standard electric child's vehicle with a modified joystick control and a backrest. The joystick has a plastic plate mounted on top and four plastic discs mounted on each corner. The modified joystick allows the vehicle to be controlled with simple palm and forearm movement. This battery powered vehicle has two motors, six wheels, and is chain driven. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by paul Cermak for children with poor hand or arm strength and coordination who can not easily operate the joystick control on an electric car. The above modifications allow the child to use this standard toy for entertainment and therapy. DIMENSIONS: Control plate is 5.5 x 5.5 inches square, and discs are 2 inches in diameter.

7. CHINESE CHECKER BOARD

   The Chinese Checker Board is a pegboard game designed to help exercise the upper body, improving the reach and dexterity of the user. The game consists of a wooden stand and an angled board. The unit is constructed of oak veneer plywood. The base is mounted on two swiveling castors and two fixed feet for easier movement. The Chinese Checker Board is affixed on the face of the game board, and uses pegs instead of marbles. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: The game board was designed by P. Cermak, M. Dolan. and S. Hartley for users who are recovering their upper body strength or improving their arm and hand dexterity. This game board was developed as a means of therapeutic exercise and entertainment. DIMENSIONS: Board measures 4 x 4 inches and adjusts vertically 3 to 6 feet from the floor. The wooden pegs have a 3/4-inch doweling.

8. CIGARETTE LIGHTER

   The Cigarette Holder is a grasping aid for hands of quadriplegics who cannot light his/her own cigarettes without the aid of an attendant. A commercial cigarette lighter is mounted on the end of a 3 mm diameter antennae wire, and mounted to a wheelchair armrest. The lighter runs off the wheelchair's power supply. The unit can be grabbed easily and pulled towards the user. The power switch has an extension, enabling it to be activated by a user with limited manual dexterity. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: This device was designed by Colin Knauf for high level quadriplegics who are dependent on attendants to light their cigarettes for them. This device is intended to provide a greater level of independence to these individuals, enabling them to light up whenever they please. DIMENSIONS: The unit is about 20 inches high.

9. COMMODE CHAIR

   The Commode Chair is a folding, fixed height commode designed to allow users to have a portable toilet chair for small bathrooms or for travel. The commode chair has fold up legs and a plywood seat covered with 1-inch thick vinyl covered foam. The legs consist of 1-inch diameter 6061 T6 welded aluminum tubing with adjustable feet which are comprised of a 1/4- inch ready rod that unscrews out of the bottom. The feet are locked in place with nuts. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by Dave Doman for persons in need of a portable commode chair that has enough celarance to fit over the top of most toilets. DIMENSIONS: 18.5 x 19.5 inches.

10. COMPUTER ELEVATION DEVICE

    The Computer Elevation Device is an adjustable monitor arm designed to enable a user to alternate sitting and standing positions while using a computer. The monitor platform is mounted on two threaded rods which are held in place by a wooden frame. A hand crank and two worm gears rotate the threaded rods which in turn raise and lower the platform. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by Murray Sharp for a user with a back problem who has to alternate between sitting and standing when using a computer for extended periods of time. The device is intended to keep the computer monitor screen at a comfortable seeing height level for both positions.

11. COMPUTER TABLE

    The Computer Table is an accessible table for wheelchair users. The table's height is 29 inches to accommodate a wheelchair, and has a tabletop made of 3/4-inch plywood with a teak veneer. A monitor shelf is included at the rear of the table, and the legs consists of a set of standard folding table legs which will not interfere with the wheelchair's wheels. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by Paul Cermak for wheelchair users who cannot use standard computer desks because they are too low to wheel their chair under. This table is intended to accommodate both a wheelchair and a small computer system. DIMENSIONS: Tabletop is 43.4 x 21.5 inches with an 8-inch high monitor shelf.

12. CUP HOLDER

    The Cup Holder is a wheelchair cup, glass, mug, or can holder designed to allow individuals who do not have the use of their hands to drink through a straw from his/her own cup without assistance. The plastic adjustable cup cradle is fixed to the top of a 10 mm stainless steel rod. The rod is mounted onto the wheelchair arm with a plastic connector. The cradle has two openings on either side for a mug handle and will accommodate a wide variety of drinking containers, allowing the user to use a personalized cup. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed for a quadriplegic that need assistance to drink. The cup holder was conceived by Fred O'Kelly to allow these individuals to take a drink whenever they please, giving them greater independence.

13. CURTAIN OPENER

    The Curtain Opener is designed to enable users with poor finger or hand grip and manual dexterity to use a curtain drawstring. The device consists of a metal bracelet which fits around the user's fingers. An aluminum clamping component is attached to the bracelet and provides a means to grab the curtain drawstring. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Developed by Paul Cermak for users with limited hand dexterity or arthritis for gripping curtain drawstrings or blinds.

14. DOG LEASH

    The Dog Leash is a grasping aid for the hand designed to provide a dog leash that is easy to release and lock by a person with weak hands or limited manual dexterity. The standard brass snap shackle fitting from a sailboat is fixed to the end of a 3-inch leather wrapped extension. There is a large ring attached to the plunger on the snap shackle for easier grasping. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by Andre Paquette for pet owners with reduced dexterity who have difficulty operating the fittings found on the end of pet leashes. This design is intended to more easily secure a pet.

15. EATING APPARATUS

    The Eating Apparatus is a mechanical feeder designed to assist individuals with little arm strength or muscle control to feed themselves. This motorized feeding arm consists of a steel track, a forearm support for the right arm, and a 12-volt car window motor. The device is controlled by a remote switch which is operated by the left hand. The feeding aid attaches to a table-like surface with a C-clamp. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: This device was designed by John Duffus for an individual with very little motor ability and muscle control. The user needed a device that would help her feed herself, without the aid of an attendant.

16. ELECTRONIC EASEL

    The Electronic Easel is designed to provide an electronic easel that is highly adjustable with the use of a mouthstick. The painting easel is mounted on the frame of an electric car seat. The 9 different easel adjustments are controlled by a switch which operates by positioning a mouthstick in front of the switch face. A switch and paintbrush holder are mounted on a framework which consists of 9 mm stainless steel rods. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by Chris Andersen and Fred O'Kelly for a high level quadriplegic who paints using a mouthstick and needs an assistant to adjust the canvas. This device is intended to provide a greater level of independence for artists with disabilities by enabling them to adjust the easel themselves.

17. ELEVATING OFFICE CHAIR

    The Elevating Office Chair is an adjustable height chair designed to enable a person with a disability to easily reach a standard kitchen countertop. The modified office chair is mounted on a two-ton car jack. The car jack is operated by extension handles that are easily reached by the user. The unit is mounted on castors from the original chair. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by Frank Heminsley for wheelchair users who have standard height kitchen countertops and cannot reach them from a wheelchair. The modified chair raises the user to a suitable height to make the countertops more accessible.

18. EYE DROPPER

    The Eye Dropper is a grasping aid and liquid medication guide designed to enable users with weak upper body strength, manual dexterity, or spasticity to apply eye drops with a standard eye dropper bottle. The device is a metal clamp consisting of machined aluminum, steel tubing, and plastic. The user places the eye dropper bottle in the holder at the top, then grasps the device by the two long handles at the bottom. The device is then raised up to the head, with the bottle positioned over the eye and the plastic stopper resting on the user's forehead to steady the bottle. Handles are gently squeezed, extracting eye drops from the bottle. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Developed by Eugene Duruisseau for persons who find it difficult to hold small eye drop bottles and to apply the medication.

19. FAUCET EXTENSION

    The Faucet Extension is a lever tap handle designed to enable users with a weak grip to operate a kitchen or bathroom faucet. The extension lever may also help to make a sink's taps more accessible to wheelchair users. The lever is a strip of stainless steel that has one end bent up to form a vertical handgrip. The unit is bolted into place on top of the existing faucet tap. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by John Duffus for users with poor grip strength to increase the leverage, reach, and grip area of the faucet. DIMENSIONS: The lever handle is 13 inches long.

20. FOLDING CRUTCHES

    Folding Crutches are designed to enable a user to easily dismantle and stow a pair of crutches in the panniers of a bicycle. The triple section crutches fasten together with spring loaded fittings. They include a swiveling forearm support, a handle, and a rubber base. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by Yoel Guttmann for a user with one leg who travels by bicycle. Standard crutches are too long and awkward to stow on a bicycle, but these crutches are intended to dismantle for easy stowage and transport.

21. GARDEN SEAT

    The Garden Seat is a stool designed to enable the user to get closer to the ground to comfortably tend a garden. The seat was made with two standard patio chairs cut, modified, and attached together with hose clamps. The arrangement allows two seating positions and transfer from or to a wheelchair. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by John Duffus for a user who could not tend the garden from a wheelchair. The device is intended to allow users to get closer to the ground to carry out garden chores.

22. KEYBOARD FRAME

    The Keyboard Frame is a keyboard interface designed to allow users with limited arm movement to adjust the positioning of a computer keyboard and to facilitate access by wheelchair users. The device consists of a steel frame with two arms fixed to a 3/4-inch steel tube. The frame swivels on a steel plate which locks using a 2-inch wing nut. The whole device is attached to a desktop utilizing a standard C-clamp. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by John Duffus for persons who find standard keyboard positions difficult or inaccessible to use. This device is intended to position the keyboard over a chair so that it can be operated with one hand, or a mouthstick. DIMENSIONS: Each of the steel arms are 9 inches long.

23. LIGHT TABLE

    The Light Table is a light box designed to provide a lighted, tilted surface that is accessible for a person with a disability to view slides and transparencies. The table consists of a wooden casing with a translucent acrylic surface. The viewing surface is angled and illuminated from underneath with a fluorescent light. Separate on/off switches are easily accessible from the left side. The unit is intended to be portable. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by Paul Cermak for persons who find conventional light tables large, heavy, and not easily used from wheelchairs. This device provides easier viewing from a sitting position and can be placed in locations which offer better access for wheelchair users. DIMENSIONS: Unit is 24.5 x 22.5 x 12 inches.

24. MICROWAVE DISH HOLDER

    The Microwave Dish Holder is a non-commercial product designed to assist individuals with limited manual dexterity and/or feeling to pick up and move a microwave dish, while protecting the individual from burns. The unit resembles a forearm orthosis with an aluminum claw attached to the end to grab onto the dish. The device is made of bent aluminum plate and Duraplast, with two velcro straps for attaching the holder to the wrist and fingers. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: This device was designed by the University of British Columbia for an individual with little feeling in the hands who could not sense the degree of heat of the dish that could produce a burn upon handling with bare hands. DIMENSIONS: The holder is approximately 8.5 inches long.

25. NAIL CLIPPERS

    These modified Nail Clippers are designed to enable users with little dexterity to trim nails using standard nail clippers. The device consists of standard nail clippers mounted on an acrylic plate base with four suction cups fixed to the bottom which keep the device anchored. The clippers swivel around on the center of the plate, allowing them to be used from multiple positions. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by John Duffus for users with weak hands or poor motor control who have difficulty gripping the nail clippers to trim their own nails. This device is intended to hold the clippers in place to be operated with the palm or the side of the hand. DIMENSIONS: Base plate is 5 x 7 inches.

26. NEEDLEPOINT FRAME

    The Needlepoint Frame is a clamp on needlework hoop designed to enable persons with the use of one hand to practice needlepoint. The device consists of a steel frame which supports a needlepoint apparatus. The frame clamps to one side of an easy chair and is held in place by friction. The frame can be easily removed from the chair. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by John Duffus for persons with the use of only one hand in order to keep the work stationary for the user.

27. PAINTING EASEL

    The Painting Easel is designed to be wheelchair accessible, portable, and adjustable with very little physical exertion. The easel has a folding wooden frame that supports an adjustable painting board, which runs on two sets of wooden "T" section tracks. The painting board moves up and down by means of a suspended counterweight, and is held in place by a 3-inch peg. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by Alan Vukusic for a wheelchair user with limited arm strength and very small reach. The base of this easel is wide enough to accommodate the wheelchair and the weighting mechanism makes the easel adjustable by the individual. DIMENSIONS: Frame is 57 x 39 x 26 inches; painting board is 30 x 37 inches with a 26-inch travel distance. Distance between the bottom of the easel and the ground is adjustable from 14 to 40 inches.

28. POOL FLOTATION DEVICE

    The Pool Flotation Device is a float swimming aid designed to enable children with disabilities to safely enjoy a swimming pool by helping them to float. The device consists of a plastic (PVC) tubing frame mounted on two sections of styrofoam insulation. The child is harnessed in a lifejacket that is suspended from the framework. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by Jay Drew for children with disabilities who cannot swim because they are unable to keep their head above water. This device is intended to safely keep their head above water so they can use a pool for entertainment and therapy.

29. POTTER'S WHEEL BRACE

    The Potter's Wheel Brace is designed to support an individual's upper body while leaning to use a pottery wheel. The device is made of bent aluminum tubing with a foam sleeve wrapped around the top section. Two rubber mounts are attached to the bottom ends. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by Jay Drew for a user with poor upper body support who needed a device to support the stomach when working over a pottery wheel.

30. RAISING CHAIR

    The Raising Chair is a seat lift mechanism designed to assist individuals to stand from a seat position. The raising platform rests on the seat of a regular chair. it contains a compressor and an air "bladder" which is constructed from three tire innertubes. The compressor fills the bladder with air much like a bellows, raising the seat platform and enabling the persons to stand. The frame of the seat lift is made of wood. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by Jay Drew for people who have difficulty standing or who have limited lower body strength in order to facilitate un-assisted standing.

31. READING STAND

    The Reading Stand is a stand with a book holder designed to enable a user to read or draw while keeping a straight posture. The wooden stand consists of a 3/8-inch plywood working surface supported by a frame made of pine. The book holder is a metal L-shaped section fixed to the bottom of the board to support books, large print or Braille materials, or artwork. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by John Duffus for persons who must keep a straight posture, and for persons who cannot support reading materials for long periods of time without fatigue. DIMENSIONS: Frame is made of 1 x 2 inch wooden sections; working surface is 34 x 24 inches; book holder is 26 inches long.

32. SCOOTER TRAILER

    The Scooter Trailer is a wheelchair cart designed to equip a powered scooter to tow a child and/or cargo. The trailer is mounted on a single swiveling castor wheel. The trailer is attached to the scooter by means of a fixed hitch. There is a wire basket on the trailer enclosing a bicycle baby seat which is mounted on a wooden platform. The fixed hitch/wheel castor configuration allows greater maneuverability when reversing. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by Jim Rees for mothers who use scooters to get around and cannot fit their child on them. This modification is intended to allow the mother to transport her child on a commercially available scooter trailer.

33. SEWING MACHINE MODIFICATIONS

    The Sewing Machine Modifications are designed to make a sewing machine table wheelchair accessible. The modifications include a commercial sewing machine table that has been raised 10 inches to accommodate a wheelchair and an inverted foot pedal. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by Paul Cermak for a wheelchair user to enable the person to wheel right up under the table, and the foot control pedal was inverted to allow the individual a better reach from the wheelchair.

34. SHOULDER SUPPORT

    The Shoulder Support is a car safety harness designed to provide shoulder support to wheelchair users. The device is made of a steel rod with a standard headrest mounted on top. The device is bolted to the floor of the vehicle. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: The device was designed by John Duffus for an individual who drives a vehicle from a wheelchair and tends to lean towards the right when making left hand turns. The device provides support for the upper body when maneuvering a vehicle. DIMENSIONS: Steel section is 25 x 5 mm, and stands approximately 42 inches high.

35. SLIPCASTING BOARD

    The Slipcasting Board is a lapboard designed to assist users with limited strength to handle the large, heavy plaster molds that are used for slipcasting. The device consists of a 3/4-inch plywood board with an opening on one side. The user places the board between two chairs and sits on one side. The board surface supports the plaster mold and provides a safer working position to handle the heavy mold. The opening allows the slip to be poured out of the mold and into a bucket which is placed on the floor. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by John Gilmore for users with limited strength or weak backs who have difficulty handling the heavy plaster molds. The molds must be filled with ceramic clip then rotated upside down to empty the excess slip. This requires awkward maneuvering, which the board is intended to help decrease. DIMENSIONS: Board is 19 x 19.5 inches with a 4 x 8 inch opening.

36. SPOON HOLDER

    The Spoon Holder is a utensil holder designed to enable users with limited grip or manual dexterity to grasp, measure, and pour measuring spoons without having to pick them up off a flat surface. The holder is made of a block of pine wood with depressions in the top to hold four measuring spoons of varying sizes (a tablespoon, a teaspoon, half a teaspoon, and a quarter teaspoon). PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Developed by Andre Paquette for users with poor dexterity and weak arms who have difficulty using small measuring spoons. This device was developed to elevate the spoon handles from a flat surface and to hold the spoons in place for easier measuring and pouring. DIMENSIONS (LxWxD): 7 x 4 x 2 inches.

37. STICK HOLDER

    The Stick Holder is a mouth stick holder designed to keep a mouthstick in a convenient location on a wheelchair. The device consists of two small metal clamps attached to an adjustable plastic connector and an adjustable plastic base. The base is supported on a 9 mm diameter stainless steel rod. The device is fitted onto the armrest of a wheelchair. The clamp will fit a wide variety of mouthstick sizes and the whole device can be installed in seconds. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by Fred O'Kelly for a quadriplegic who needed a way to easily access the mouthstick.

38. TOOTHBRUSH GRIPS

    The Toothbrush Grips are designed to enable users with poor hand strength and dexterity to hold a toothbrush. These custom modifications include a built-up handle made of foam to increase the grip diameter and area, and two protruding arms that allow the brush to be supported by the forearm and reinforced by the thumb. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: The grips were designed by Paul Cermak for users with little hand control and dexterity that have difficulty with tasks such as brushing their teeth.

39. TRANSFER HOIST

    The Transfer Hoist is a powered seat transfer lift designed to enable a person with a disability to transfer independently from a wheelchair to a bed. The device consists of a steel crane which swivels around from behind a bed. The crane includes an electric winch, a remote switch, and a harness. The crane has mounting points on the floor and the ceiling. The user fits into the sling-type harness, then operates the winch to be lifted and transferred. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by Frank Heminsley for a user who could not transfer from a wheelchair to a bed without the aid of an attendant.

40. TRANSFER TRAPEZE

    The Transfer Trapeze is a powered transfer aid designed to allow the user to transfer from a wheelchair to a couch with the aid of an overhead trapeze. The motorized trapeze is suspended from a wheelchair-mounted frame. The frame consists of steel tubing and 1-inch electrical conduit tubing. The motor consists of a used car window motor, which is mounted underneath the seat of the wheelchair. The user grasps the trapeze and activates the mounted switch, which rotates the device 90 degrees and transfers the user to a chair or couch. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by Ken Bayles for persons with limited upper body strength to assist them in transferring from one chair to another.

41. TRUMPET HOLDER

    The Trumpet Holder is an instrument holder designed to enable the user to play a trumpet without having to support the weight of the instrument. The device consists of a square bracket to hold a suspended trumpet. The bracket slides into the ends of wheelchair arm rests. The unit is collapsible and will fit into a trumpet case. The device can be assembled/dissembled in seconds. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Developed by Frank Heminsley for individuals who find playing a musical instrument difficult with one hand. The device is intended to allow persons to play the trumpet without the fatigue of having to hold the instrument in place for long periods of time. DIMENSIONS: 17 x 19.5 x 4 inches.

42. WHEELCHAIR TRAY

    The Wheelchair Tray is a lapboard designed to enable the user to eat or do other activities from their wheelchair and to provide some protection from spills. The tray is made of plywood with two sides that rest on the seatpan of the wheelchair. A vinyl seal is fixed to the inside edge of the tray to protect the user from spills. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by John Duffus as a more comfortable and practical eating surface for wheelchair users at a standard height tabletop that is not high enough to accommodate their chair. DIMENSIONS (LxWxD): 18 x 17 x 8 inches; trays should be custom fit to the user's wheelchair.

43. WHEELCHAIR UMBRELLA

    The Wheelchair Umbrella is designed to provide shelter from the elements for wheelchair users. The umbrella is made of a vinyl tent mounted on a frame which folds down behind the chair. Clear plastic windows provide visibility when the tent is up. The unit mounts to the wheelchair frame in four locations. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by Dave Doman for wheelchair users to allow them to quickly employ a cover in the event of rain without worrying about getting raingear caught in the wheels of the chair.

44. WINE BOTTLE HOLDER

    The Wine Bottle Holder is designed to enable persons with limited gripping ability to open a bottle of wine by holding the bottle in place and allowing the user to use two hands to engage a corkscrew. The device consists of a rectangular section of wood screwed into the corner of a kitchen drawer. Indentation in the wood holds the bottle against the drawer corner. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: Designed by Dave Dolman for a user who had only one good gripping hand, making it difficult to hold the bottle and operate the corkscrew. DIMENSIONS: Wood section is 2 x 4 inches.

See Tetra Society of North America products that are no longer available.