RECREATIONAL GUIDANCE SYSTEM AND METHODS THEREOF

Abstract

A guidance system to facilitate recreational activities of a disabled person partially immersed in water is disclosed. The guidance system comprises a control system configured to communicate with one or more movable members of a framework assembly. A portion of a support adapted to secure the disabled person is coupled to a portion of the framework assembly. When instructed by the control system, one or more members of the framework assembly may maneuver the support through a body of water to facilitate recreational activities by the disabled person. The control system may include a wireless device programmed by the disabled person and a receiver device. The guidance system may include a track peripheral to the body of water and the framework assembly may be conveyed on the track to provide greater freedom of movement of the disabled person in the body of water.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to a corresponding provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 60/678,279, filed May 6, 2005 in the name of the applicants of this application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to recreational devices for individuals, and more specifically, to recreational guidance systems that may be used by handicapped or physically challenged individuals to participate in recreational activities and methods of using these guidance systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well-known that water-related activities such as swimming and paddling have a profound effect on maintaining muscle tone as well as general health. Water effectively resists motion while providing buoyancy. Additionally, many individuals enjoy water activities both as a sports and recreational activity and also as a way of cooling off when it is hot.

In the past, physically challenged or handicapped individuals have not been able to readily participate in water activities without the aid of others. Consequently, their ability to freely participate in water activities has been curtailed unnecessarily. Generally, for such individuals, a nurse or helper aids the handicapped person to get into a body of water such as a pool and the helper often accompanies the individual in the water to guide and/or help the individual. The range of motion available to the individual is limited by the individual's ability to move freely and safely.

A hydraulic powered chair lift has been disclosed by Smith, U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,278. Smith's hydraulic powdered chair lift simply permits a handicapped individual to be moved from the side of a body of water into the water by lifting a chair in which the individual is seated. When the chair enters the water, the individual simply moves off the chair. Smith's chair does not guide the individual during water activities.

Krumbeck, U.S. Pat. No. 4,283,803 discloses a process for immersing disabled persons into a swimming pool using a wheelchair. Krumbeck provides a platform which may be raised and lowered into the swimming pool. The wheelchair is coupled to the platform, and when the disabled person is immersed in pool water, the person simply swims away from the wheelchair. Such activity provides no support for the disabled person while swimming freely in the water and further assumes the person is able to swim. No guidance is provided to the disabled person.

In both lifting devices described above inherent limitations exist because of the inability of the handicapped person to freely control the device and to obtain guidance during the water activity. Consequently, a disabled person's recreational experience in a water activity may be limited to the person's ability to partake in a physical activity after leaving a wheelchair or other support.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need to provide improved recreational guidance systems for the disabled. In a preferred embodiment of an improved recreational guidance system a handicapped person may manipulate the guidance system to safely provide the handicapped person with a wide range of motion. Furthermore, if the person has a limited range of motion the person may be moved about a body of water without separating from a portion of the wheelchair by configuring the portion as a support which may be decoupled from the wheelchair and thereafter coupling the support to the wheelchair when a water activity is complete.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide one or more improved recreational guidance systems for disabled persons wishing to participate in water activities.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved recreational guidance system that may be manipulated directly by a disabled person participating in water activities or by another person.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide an improved recreational guidance system that may be manipulated remotely by a disabled person participating in water activities or by another person.

It is a yet further object of this invention to provide an improved recreational guidance system for a disabled person that may permit wide-ranging motions while participating in water activities.

It is a further object of this invention to provide one or more methods for using recreational guidance systems for a disabled person while participating in water activities.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an embodiment of this invention, a guidance system for a disabled person is disclosed. The guidance system comprises in combination, a control system configured to output data received by the control system and a portion of at least one adjustable member of a framework assembly in communication with the output data. Furthermore, a portion of the at least one adjustable member is coupled to a portion of a support and the support is adapted to secure the disabled person. The at least one adjustable member is selectively maneuvered in response to the output data to facilitate water-related recreational activities when a portion of the support is immersed in a body of water.

In a further aspect the guidance system may comprise at least one track located on a surface peripheral to the body of water and a portion of the framework assembly may be coupled to a portion of the at least one track.

In accordance with another embodiment of this invention, a method for guiding a disabled person during a water-related activity is disclosed. In a step of the method a guidance system is provided, wherein the guidance system includes a control system configured to output data received by the control system and a framework assembly having at least one adjustable member with a portion of the at least one adjustable member in communication with the output data. In another step of the method a support is provided with a portion of the support coupled to a portion of the at least one adjustable member. In a yet a further step of the method the at least one adjustable member responds to the output data to maneuver the support.

In further steps of the method, the disabled person may be assisted into the support and secured to the support. The control system includes at least one of a wireless and a wired device and input data may be entered into the control system with the at least one of a wireless and a wired device to provide co-ordinate data to the at least one adjustable member of the framework assembly. Furthermore, the input data received by the control system may be converted into the output data to elevate and lower the support. The support may be elevated and at least a portion of the framework assembly may be rotated followed by lowering a portion of the support into a body of water.

The at least one adjustable member may be extended while the disabled person is partially immersed in the body of water according to at least one output data received from the control system and the support may be positioned to permit enhanced access to the body of water.

In another aspect of the method, at least one track may be provided peripheral to the at least one body of water with a portion of the guidance system coupled to a portion of the at least one track. The guidance system may be conveyed along the at least one track responsive to at least one output data received from the control system thereby enhancing the disabled person's water-related activities.

When desired, the support may be elevated from the body of water according to at least one output data received from the control system and at least a portion of the guidance system may be rotated to position the support onto a ground surface and release the disabled person from the support.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a guidance system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a guidance system.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a seat support of the guidance system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front side view of an embodiment of a wireless device.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a control system.

FIGS. 6A-6C are perspective views of the guidance system of FIG. 1 during various process steps of using the guidance system.

FIG. 7 is a plan view depicting an embodiment of the guidance system traveling on a track peripheral to a swimming pool.

FIG. 7A is an elevational view depicting a portion of the base of the guidance system of FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 depicts a flow diagram of a method of enhancing water-related activities for a disabled person.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.

In the Summary and Preferred Embodiments above, the Description of the Invention, and the Claims and Abstract below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference may be made to particular features (including method steps) of the invention. It is to be understood that this disclosure includes possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature may also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” (or “which comprises”) components A, B and C can consist of (i.e. contain only) components A, B and C, or can contain not only components A, B and C but also one or more other components. Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility).

The term “at least” followed by a number or the indefinite article “a” (meaning “one”) is used herein to denote the start of a range beginning with that number (which may be a range having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example “at least one” or “at least a” means 1 or more than 1. The term “vat most” followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of a range ending with that number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lower limit or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variable being defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “at most 40%” means 40% or less than 40%. If, in this disclosure, a range is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a first number)-(a second number)”, this means a range whose lower limit is the first number and whose upper limit is the second number. For example, 0-10 mm means a range whose lower limit is 0 mm, and whose upper limit is 10 mm.

The term “or” is used herein as a conjunction used to link alternatives in a series of alternatives. The term “and/or” is used herein as a conjunction meaning that either or both of two options may be valid.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a recreational guidance system 100. In one embodiment the recreational guidance system 100 may comprise a framework assembly coupled to a support 10 adapted to safely receive and transport a disabled person in a body of water (see FIGS. 5A-5C, 7 and the description below). The support 10 may comprise a seat, a chair, a harness, combinations thereof and the like.

In one aspect the framework assembly may comprise an end of a first member 24 coupled to a base 30 and an end of a second member 22 pivotally coupled to an opposite end of the first member. An end of a third member 14 may be coupled to an opposite end of the second member 22. Of course, the end of the third member may also be pivotally coupled to the opposite end of the second member 22. In one aspect the third member 14 may comprise a cantilever or any type of beam, girder, pole and the like.

In an embodiment, an end of one or more stabilization members 20 (only one shown in FIG. 1) may be coupled to a portion of the second member 22 and an opposite end of the one or more stabilization members may be coupled to a portion of the third member 14. The stabilization members 20 may comprise one or more braces, struts, brackets, buttresses, supports and the like. The one or more stabilization members 20 may be adjusted in length thereby altering the angle between the third member 14 and the second member 22. Of course, if no further stabilization is needed, the one or more stabilization members 20 may be omitted. In one aspect, no further bracing may be needed when the materials or design of construction (such as for the second member 22 and the third member 14) are exceptionally strong and rigid. In yet another aspect the framework assembly may further comprise a counter-weight (not shown) to balance the guidance system 100. Without limiting the disclosure, the counter weight may comprise a portion of the base 30.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a combination of the third member 14 and the second member 22 may be substantially right-angled or elbow-shaped. Without limiting the scope of the disclosure, the angle between the third member 14 and the second member 22 may be acute or obtuse (that is less than or greater than a right angle).

As further illustrated in FIG. 1, a member (or arm) 16 may extend outwardly from the third member 14. The guidance system 100 may include a motor, a hydraulic drive, a mechanical drive or an electromechanical drive (not shown) as is known in the art to retract and/or extend the arm 16 inwardly and outwardly from the third member 14 (see also FIGS. 6A and 6B and the description below). In one embodiment a rack and pinion drive (not shown) or any other drive means known in the art may move the arm 16 inwardly and outwardly with substantial precision relative to the third member 14. Of course, an end of the arm 16 or a portion of third member 14 may have a safety limiter (not shown) to prevent the arm from over-extending beyond a pre-determined length. Furthermore, it is understood that the arm 16 may slide in an inner portion of the third member 14 or alternatively, the arm may be configured to slide or travel on an outer portion of the third member 14.

In a similar fashion, when the second member 22 is pivotally coupled to the first member 24, the second member may be selectively rotated about an axis substantially perpendicular to a horizontal axis of the base 30 located on a ground surface. In yet another embodiment, the first member 24 and the second member 22 may be rigidly coupled or may be configured as a single element. An end of the first member 24 or an end of the combined first member and the second member 22 (configured as a single element) may be pivotally coupled to the base 30 to permit rotation in a plane about an axis substantially vertical to the base. Furthermore, without limiting the disclosure, the single element (as described above) or the first member 24 may be configured to selectively rotate about an axis extending substantially perpendicular to the plane of the base 30. Additionally, of course, the second member 22 may be repositioned hydraulically or by any other drive means as described above relative to the first member 24 to elevate or lower the third member 14. In other words, the guidance system's framework assembly comprising the base 30, the first member 24, the second member 22, the third member 14 and the arm 16 may be configured to provide freedom of directional motion (up-down, side-to-side, outward extension and inward extension, rotation and combinations thereof).

Although not shown in FIG. 1, power may be supplied in a variety of ways to the guidance system 100 as is understood in the art to drive any of the members 14, 22, 24 and the arm 16. For example, the base 30 may comprise (or may be coupled) to a separate power supply. In an embodiment hydraulic power may be provided from a standard water faucet to provide power for lifting and other movements (as described above) of portions of the framework assembly. In yet another embodiment the power supply may be configured with a generator or a battery or a standard electrical plug to provide power to the guidance system 100.

According to FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment the support 10 may comprise a chair or a seat portion and a safety belt 12 coupled to the seat portion. The support 10 may be a portion of a wheelchair (not shown) that may be decoupled from the wheelchair. Of course the support 10 may be simply a safety harness configured similarly to the safety belt 12 illustrated in FIG. 1 and also may be decoupled from a wheelchair (not shown).

An end of a line 18 may be coupled to an opposite end of the arm 16 and an opposite end of the line may be coupled to a portion of the support 10. The line 18 may comprise any of a cable, a cord, a chain, a wire or any other suitable tether and combinations thereof. The line 18 may be flexible and may be retractable into or extendable from (not shown) an inner or outer portion of the arm 16 or the third member 14 to lower or raise the support 10. Of course the line 18 may be a rigid member or a telescoping member that may be deployed to raise or lower the support 10 into a body of water 56 or onto a portion of a ground surface 58 (see FIGS. 6A, B and C and the description below).

In an embodiment of the guidance system 100 depicted in FIG. 1, a wired device 26 may be coupled to a portion of the framework assembly. The wired device 26 may be mounted in a housing 28 coupled to a portion of a surface of the framework assembly (shown in FIG. 1 coupled to the first member 24). In operation, a person may provide input instructions (or data) to the wired device 26 to provide output data suitable for positioning one or more portions of the guidance system 100 while a disabled person occupies the support 10. The wired device 26 may comprise any type of input interface such as a joystick, a key, a button, a switch, a lever, a display, a touch sensitive screen, a microphone and the like to input data suitable for manipulating the support 10 with the guidance system 100. In an exemplary embodiment the wired device 26 may be programmed to facilitate movement of a disabled person into and through a body of water 56 such as a swimming pool 62 (see FIGS. 5A-5C, 7 and the description below) by providing output data to one or more portions of the guidance system 100.

Without limiting the disclosure a portion of the materials of an embodiment of the framework assembly including the first member, 24, the second member 22, the third member 14, the arm 16, one or more stabilization members 20 and the base 30 may comprise carbon fiber/resin composites and the like. Without limiting the disclosure, the term resin includes any structural thermoset and thermoplastic polymers such as epoxy, acrylic, polyester, polyetherketone, polyimide, polyamide and copolymers thereof and the like. Of course, the materials may further comprise metals, alloys. Composite combinations which comprise fibers and metals and/or alloys and the like. Preferably, the materials are environmentally resistant. In one aspect of the disclosure the materials may be water resistant since the guidance system 100 may be configured for use proximate to water 56 (see FIGS. 5A-5C, 7 and the description below).

Referring now to FIG. 2, in another embodiment of a guidance system 200, the guidance system may comprise a framework assembly having one or more adjustable members as described above with reference to FIG. 1. However, the guidance system 200 may comprise a wireless system thereby facilitating data input by a disabled person during a recreational activity when immersed in the body of water 56. In an exemplary embodiment the wireless system may comprise a wireless device 34 powered by one or more batteries (not shown) and an antenna 36. The wireless device 34 may be coupled to a portion of the support 10 and may be further enclosed in a water proof container to prevent shorting of components of the wireless device. The wireless system may further comprise a receiver device 32 including a second antenna 38 communicating with the wireless device's antenna 36. Consequently, a disabled person may input positioning instructions (or data) using the wireless device 34 and the co-ordinate data may be communicated to the receiver device 32 to deploy, maneuver or manipulate components (such as the arm 16 or the second member 22) of the guidance system's 200 framework assembly after the input data is converted into output data suitable for response by one or more portions of the framework assembly. In an embodiment a portion of the receiver device 32 may comprise one or more valve systems configured to open and close according to input data received from the wireless device 34. The input data received from the wireless device 34 may be converted to output data received by the one or more valve systems to selectively maneuver at least one of the adjustable members by opening and closing valves as is understood in the art. Of course gearing arrangements of various types may be electromechanical or mechanical equivalents of the one or more valve systems.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the support 10 comprising a safety strap 12, an embodiment of yet another wireless device 52 and a housing 54 for the wireless device. Additionally, the support 10 may comprise one or more buoyancy members 50 to prevent the support occupied by a disabled person sinking below a predetermined depth into water. According to FIG. 3 the buoyancy members 50 may be substantially cylindrical in shape, but of course the floatation devices may be any suitable shape. In one embodiment the buoyancy members 50 may comprise substantially hollow plastic or substantially plastic foam structures such as styrene based polymers, polyurethane or micro-balloon filled polymers and combinations thereof as is known in the art. The buoyancy members 50 may be coupled to a lower portion or a side portion of the support 10. Of course, a seat portion of the support 10 may comprise the buoyancy members 50.

Referring to FIG. 4 another embodiment of a wireless device 34 comprises a display 46 to provide visible information such as directional data, working state of the wireless system, time of day and the like. Additionally, the wireless device 34 may comprise one or more direction-control keys configured as one or more keypads 42 (left, right, forward, reverse and stop illustrated in FIG. 4). One or more of the wireless device's keys 44 may also be configured as power activation keys or as any other directional motion keys (such as elevate and lower). Of course the wireless device 34 may further comprise an antenna 36 communicating remotely with an antenna 38 of a receiver device 32 as described above.

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a portion of a control system 500 such as either the wired device 26 depicted in FIG. 1, the wireless device 34 and associated receiver device 32 communicating with the wireless device depicted in FIG. 2 or the wireless device 52 illustrated in FIG. 3. In an embodiment the control system 500 may comprise one or more central process units (CPU or logic having a clock) 502, one or more communication chips 504, one or more memory 506 for permanent (read only memory-ROM) or temporary (random access memory-RAM) data storage, one or more input interface 508 configured to interface with hardware such as disc drives, USB ports and the like and software 510 (such as an operating system and program steps to direct hardware activities) resident in or loadable into the control system. A DC (direct current) or AC (alternating current) power supply 512 or a solar panel (not shown) may be coupled to the control system 500. The control system 500 may provide output data 514 to operate one or more portions of the guidance system 100 or 200 (as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2) and thereby enhance a disabled person's recreational experience.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate perspective views of the guidance system of FIG. 1 during various process steps of operating the guidance system. FIG. 6A illustrates the support 10 partially immersed in a body of water (or pool) 56, with the support suspended from the line 18 coupled to the arm 16. As further shown in FIG. 6A, arm 16 may be shifted inwardly and outwardly (see arrows above the arm 16 and the third member 14). In FIG. 6B the arm 16 has been extended outwardly compared to the illustration in FIG. 6A thereby freeing a disabled person to venture further out from an edge 58 defining a ground surface of a swimming pool 62 (see FIG. 7). In FIG. 6C the guidance system 100 may be elevated and rotated about an axis substantially perpendicular to the base 30 (depicted by the circle and arrows above the guidance system in FIG. 6C) so that the support 10 may be removed from the body of water 56 and subsequently placed onto a portion of a ground surface proximate to the edge 58. As depicted in FIGS. 6A-6C, at least a portion of the base 30 of the guidance system 100 may be coupled (such as with one or more bolts 40 or any other fastener as is known in the art) to a portion of the edge 58 of the ground surface proximate the body of water 56. Alternatively, a lower portion of the framework assembly may be buried or fixed in concrete in a portion of the ground. Of course, the base 30 does need not to be fixed to a portion of the ground surface of the edge 58.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of the guidance system 300 which may be similar (with reference to the framework assembly comprising the first member 24, the second member 22, the third member 14 and the arm 16, the support 10 and the line 18) to either of the guidance systems 100 and 200 described above. However, according to FIG. 7, a portion of the base 30 of the guidance system 300 may be coupled to one or more tracks 60 with one or more wheels 64, bearings or any other elements (see FIG. 7A) as is understood in the art. The guidance system 300 may advance along the track 60 responsive to one or more output data received from the control system 500 (see FIG. 5 and the description above) in any direction as shown schematically by the arrows and the phantom lines depiction of the guidance system (see FIG. 7). The track 60 may be further coupled to a power supply (not shown) to convey or propel the guidance device 300 on the track using electromagnetic force, mechanical force and the like. It is understood that the guidance system 300 may move forward or backwards along the one or more tacks 60 located on a ground surface around a periphery of a body of water 56 such as a swimming pool 62 to enhance a disabled person's water activities in the swimming pool.

It is understood that one or more tracks 60 track may be located on a peripheral edge above the body of water. Of course, the one or more tracks 60 may be configured as a conveyer belt, wherein a portion of the guidance system 300 may be coupled to the conveyer belt. Furthermore, such a guidance system 300 may be used as a training or exercise tool for a disabled person.

The flow diagram of FIG. 8 illustrates a method of enhancing water-related activities for a disabled person partially immersed in water. In step 800, a portion of a wheelchair such as a seat portion or a harness may be decoupled from the wheelchair and coupled to a line 18 extending from an arm 16 of a guidance system 100, 200 or 300 as described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 7. Alternatively, the disabled person may be assisted from the wheelchair and strapped or secured into a support 10, such as a seat, chair or harness coupled to the line 18. In step 802, a control system (as described above with reference to FIG. 5) may be programmed with a wireless device 34, 52 or wired device 26 by either the disabled person or any other person prior to entry of the support 10 into a body of water 56 to provide an enhanced water-related recreational experience. In step 804 the control system may convert input data and provide output instructions or data to a framework assembly of the guidance system 100, 200 or 300 to elevate the support 10, rotate the guidance system towards a body of water 56 and lower the support and the disabled person into the body of water. Subsequently, in step 806 the disabled person or another person may manipulate a control system comprising a wireless device 34 and a receiver device 32 communicating with the wireless device to instruct the control system to maneuver one or more adjustable members 14, 16, 20, 22, 24 of the guidance system 100, 200 or 300 as described above with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 7 so that the disabled person may readily navigate the body of water 56 according to any desired recreational pattern of movement. When the disabled person wishes to discontinue the water recreational activity, in step 808 the control system may be instructed to lift the support 10 and the disabled person from the body of water 56, rotate the guidance system's framework assembly and gently place the support back into a wheelchair or a peripheral ground surface proximate the body of water followed by decoupling the support from the line 18. Of course all instructions may be pre-programmed according to a pre-determined time schedule since the control system may further comprise a clock (clock chip or timer circuit) as is understood in the art.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A guidance system for a disabled person comprising, in combination:

a control system configured to output data received by said control system, a portion of at least one adjustable member of a framework assembly in communication with said output data,

a portion of said at least one adjustable member coupled to a portion of a support, said support adapted to secure said disabled person,

said at least one adjustable member selectively maneuvered in response to said output data to facilitate water-related recreational activities when a portion of said support is immersed in a body of water.

2. The guidance system of claim 1 further comprising at least one track located on a surface peripheral to said body of water and a portion of said framework assembly coupled to a portion of said at least one track.

3. The guidance system of claim 1 wherein said at least one adjustable member comprises an extendable arm of said framework assembly.

4. The guidance system of claim 1 wherein said at least one adjustable member selectively rotates about an axis of said framework assembly to facilitate deployment of said support from a ground surface into said body of water.

5. The guidance system of claim 1 wherein said support comprises at least one of a seat including a safety belt and a harness.

6. The guidance system of claim 1 wherein said control system comprises at least one wireless device in communication with at least one receiver device.

7. The guidance system of claim 6 wherein at least a portion of said at least one wireless device is coupled to a portion of said support to facilitate data input by a disabled person.

8. The guidance device of claim 1 wherein said control device comprises a wireless device coupled to a portion of said framework assembly.

9. The guidance system of claim 1 wherein said control system comprises at least one wired device configured to input data to selectively maneuver said at least one adjustable member of said framework assembly.

10. The guidance system of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of said support comprises at least one buoyancy member to float said disabled person immersed in said body of water.

11. The guidance system of claim 1 wherein said framework assembly comprises a base, an end of a first member coupled to said base, an end of a second member coupled to an opposite end of said first member, an end of an arm coupled to an opposite end of said second member and an opposite end of said arm coupled to a portion of said support, said arm configured to extend and retract from said second member to selectively position said support in said body of water.

12. A method for guiding a disabled person during a water-related activity comprising the steps of:

providing a guidance system including a control system configured to output data received by said control system;

providing a framework assembly having at least one adjustable member, a portion of said at least one adjustable member in communication with said output data;

providing a support, a portion of said support coupled to a portion of said at least one adjustable member; and

responding to said output data by said at least one adjustable member to maneuver said support.

13. The method of claim 12 further comprising the steps of:

assisting said disabled person into said support; and

securing said disabled person to said support.

14. The method of claim 12 further comprising the steps of:

providing said control system includes at least one of a wireless and a wired device; and

entering input data into said control system with said at least one of a wireless and a wired device to provide co-ordinate data to said at least one adjustable member of said framework assembly.

15. The method of claim 12 further comprising the steps of:

converting said input data received by said control system into said output data to elevate and lower said support;

elevating said support;

rotating at least a portion of said framework assembly; and

lowering a portion of said support into a body of water.

16. The method of claim 15 further comprising the steps of:

selectively extending said at least one adjustable member while said disabled person is partially immersed in said body of water according to at least one output data received from said control system; and

positioning said support to permit enhanced access to said body of water.

17. The method of claim 12 further comprising the steps of:

providing at least one track peripheral to said at least one body of water, a portion of said guidance system coupled to a portion of said at least one track; and

conveying said guidance system along said at least one track responsive to at least one output data received from said control system thereby enhancing said disabled person's water-related activities.

18. The method of claim 15 further comprising the steps of:

elevating said support from said body of water according to at least one output data received from said control system;

rotating at least a portion of said guidance system;

positioning said support onto a ground surface; and

releasing said disabled person from said support.