Handling Device for Persons With a Limited Gripping Function and Also Wheelchair Comprising a Device of This Type

A handling device for a person having limited gripping ability for holding and handling utensils, the handling device comprising

• an orthotic support adapted to be secured to a part of the body of the person;
• a utensil holder situated on the support, wherein the utensil holder includes gripping means;
• and
• a pneumatic, electric, or magnetic drive system or a combination thereof operative on the gripping means.

An electrically driven wheelchair comprising:

• a handling device for a person having limited gripping ability for holding and handling utensils, wherein the handling device comprises:
• an orthotic support adapted to be secured to a part of the body of the person;
• a utensil holder situated on the support, wherein the utensil holder includes gripping means, wherein the gripping means is a pneumatic single or double-acting gripper;
• and
• a pneumatic drive system operative on the gripping means, wherein the pneumatic drive system includes:
• a pressure reservoir that is feedable by a compressor, wherein the pressure reservoir includes a pressure indicator;
• a controller comprising at least one manually or electrically switched solenoid valve and a respective switch for operation thereof, and optionally a power supply for powering the switch and the compressor, wherein the switch is secured to the wheelchair within reach of the person to be actuatable by an elbow or forearm by the person;
• a pressure reducer for reducing the pressure of the pressure reservoir from 15 bar to an operating pressure of the gripper of approx. 6 or 8 bar, wherein the pressure reducer is situated between the pressure reservoir and the at least one solenoid valve;
• and
• a plurality of hoses for connecting the pressure reservoir to the gripper, wherein the pressure reservoir, the pressure indicator, and the pressure reducer, are transversely arranged on the back of the wheelchair.