Weatherwear InformationOuter Fabric used for WeatherwearAs in ordinary personal outdoor rainwear manufacture, the outer fabric of Glanmor wheelchair and scooter weatherwear is a nylon with an inner coating (normally polyurethane) which prevents ingress of water. The coating may be sprayed on or laminated to the nylon fabric. Showerproof versus WaterproofOrdinary personal outdoor rainwear can be labelled as showerproof or waterproof. The difference between showerproof and waterproof is assessed by the degree to which water is prevented from passing through the garment fabric. This factor depends on not only the properties of the fabric, but also the wind pressure behind the rain. At Glanmor we have tested our PU coated nylon fabric by making up a fabric bag with welded seams, filling it with water and checking for any seepage through the fabric over time. The result? The level of the water in the bag dropped from long term evaporation only and not from seepage through the fabric or the welded seams BreathabilityBreathability is another property given to waterproof fabrics. This property is notably important in action sports where the wearer needs natural water vapour (perspiration) to escape and not to be trapped by the fabric - thereby making the wearer feel clammy.
Breathability is not a 'marketed' property of Glanmor weatherwear since physical exertion is not expected to be dominant when using a wheelchair or scooter. There is also sufficient natural air circulation from beneath the rainwear to prevent overheating.. It is also worth noting that a conventional PU coated nylon has an inherent breathability. Wheelchair WeatherwearWhen choosing wheelchair capewear or warm clothing the most important questions to be asked might be: Is full body, lower body or part body protection sought? Wheelchair Leg CapeLegs are the most exposed part of wheelchair users. As a minimum, adequate clothing might be a Leg Cape, lined or unlined, accompanied by a conventional jacket.
For leg warmth in particular one can use either a simple rug, leg bag or leg muff. Wheelchair RugA Rug provides the cheapest solution but it is not waterproof and only provides protection to the front of the legs. Wheelchair 'Leg Bag' and 'Leg Muff'For all-round leg protection a leg bag or leg muff (as we call them!) is necessary. Both these products have a thermally lined all-round leg covering.
The leg coverings described above can be complemented with a Shoulder Cape, lined or unlined. Wheelchair Full Body CapesFor 100% rain protection to the upper and lower body a full body Cape with Sleeves or Cape without Sleeves is available.
It is important to note that since the cape are designed to fit over the handles (or handlebars) and armrests of a wheelchair, capes sizes are chosen to fit the wheelchair, as well as the person in it! Accordingly, two adult sizes are supplied – Small, to suit wheelchairs 16” (40 cms) wide or less, and Standard to suit wheelchairs 17-18” (43-45 cms) wide.
Bespoke wheelchair capesCapes can be made to special order. Please refer to our Sales Office for further advice.Scooter WeatherwearThe legs are the most exposed part of the body of scooter users. Scooter Leg CapeAs a minimum, a Leg Cape accompanied by a conventional jacket may be adequate clothing. For leg warmth, either a simple rug or leg muff is available to choose from. Scooter RugA Rug provides the cheapest solution but it is not waterproof and only provides protection to the front of the legs. Scooter Leg MuffFor all-round leg protection a Leg Muff encloses the whole lower body and extends up onto the back of the scooter. Scooter CapeFor all-around protection a Cape surrounding the rider and scooter is provided. This cape is a one-piece assembly with a lightweight welded-in front window. Scooter Zipped and Zipless capesThe scooter capes also come in a design with a full length zip from head to bottom hem (Zip "throw-around" Cape). The zip makes it easier to put this cape on and off around the scooter. We have gone further and introduced a Zipless "throw-over" Cape. |