Abstract: A mounting assembly for attaching auxiliary equipment to a wheelchair includes multiple adjustment features. In the preferred embodiment, different wheelchair widths may be accommodated by utilizing attachment arms that pivot co-axially with a main column of the auxiliary equipment. The mounting assembly preferably includes a pair of arms and a pair of links that extend from the arms. The lengths of the links and the arms may be adjusted by rotation of a rod portion of each arm and each link, but other means for enabling changes in length are possible. The links are preferably pivotally connected to the arms, so that the distance between the ends can be varied on the basis of the particular wheelchair. Ball-and-socket joints are used, but rotatability of the sockets permits flexibility of the orientations of the joints. Additionally, a vernier adjustment effect may be included to permit adjustments in the angle of the main column.

Abstract: A modular wheelchair comprises a number of different modules that include a chassis module with frame members substantially centered along a center plane through the chassis, so that the chassis is able to lay flat when the modules are dissembled. The chassis is connected to a drive module by a single plug/receiver mechanical coupling that may include opposite end geometries. When the plug is in a seated position within the receiver, first end geometries of the two components mate mechanically to resist radial movement, while the second end geometries mate mechanically to resist both radial movement and rotation about an axis of the coupling. Additionally, axial movement in one direction is resisted, with the coupling oriented to apply gravitational force to resist axial movement in the opposite direction. The same arrangement may be used for a seat module.

Abstract: A motion control system for lever propulsion of a wheelchair enables a number of different manipulations at the hand grip of the lever. In some embodiments, as many as five user-controlled operations may be performed without need to remove a hand from the hand grip. A user applies force to the hand grip to initiate the motion lever in its forward and rearward strokes. In addition, the hand grip may be pivoted relative to the lever in order to control a brake. A parking brake mechanism may be provided at the hand grip to apply constant brake force. The direction shifter at the top of the hand grip may be used to shift between forward, neutral and rearward modes of operation. In some embodiments, steering of a front caster wheel is possible by rotating the hand grip. Further along the lever, the power applied per lever stroke is adjustable.

Abstract: An assembly for attachment of a propulsion system to a wheelchair frame includes a clamp which remains fixed to the frame, while an attachment device that enables three dimensions of adjustability permits quick release of a main wheel and the propulsion system (e.g., lever drive, pushrim and motor drive) that propels the main wheel. The clamp includes a first alignment feature, such as a pin. A spring-loaded latch may also be included. The attachment device includes a second alignment feature, such as a hole or slot, configured to mate with the first. To permit alignment for a number of different wheelchair frame geometries, the attachment device is rotatable to provide angular adjustability, structured to permit lengthwise adjustability, and coupled using hardware which provides offset adjustability in a direction generally parallel to the axis of the wheel.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a lever propulsion wheelchair includes at least one clutch and at least one gear set contained within a central hub housing operatively coupled to the drive surface of the main wheel being driven. In the preferred embodiment, there are additional clutches and gear sets contained within the hub housing and coaxial to the wheel. By locating the transmission components within the hub housing and providing the coaxial arrangement, various user capabilities may be enabled without a significant increase in wheelchair width, as compared to the width of conventional pushrim propulsion wheelchairs. Transmission components are cooperatively arranged to provide capabilities that may include forward, rearward and neutral “gears,” braking, anti-rollback, and quick-release removal.

Abstract: A modular wheelchair comprises a number of different modules that include a chassis module with frame members substantially centered along a center plane through the chassis, so that the chassis is able to lay flat when the modules are dissembled. The chassis is connected to a drive module by a single plug/receiver mechanical coupling that may include opposite end geometries. When the plug is in a seated position within the receiver, first end geometries of the two components mate mechanically to resist radial movement, while the second end geometries mate mechanically to resist both radial movement and rotation about an axis of the coupling. Additionally, axial movement in one direction is resisted, with the coupling oriented to apply gravitational force to resist axial movement in the opposite direction. The same arrangement may be used for a seat module.

Abstract: A motion control system for lever propulsion of a wheelchair enables a number of different manipulations at the hand grip of the lever. In some embodiments, as many as five user-controlled operations may be performed without need to remove a hand from the hand grip. A user applies force to the hand grip to initiate the motion lever in its forward and rearward strokes. In addition, the hand grip may be pivoted relative to the lever in order to control a brake. A parking brake mechanism may be provided at the hand grip to apply constant brake force. The direction shifter at the top of the hand grip may be used to shift between forward, neutral and rearward modes of operation. In some embodiments, steering of a front caster wheel is possible by rotating the hand grip. Further along the lever, the power applied per lever stroke is adjustable.

Abstract: An assembly for attachment of a propulsion system to a wheelchair frame includes a clamp which remains fixed to the frame, while an attachment device that enables three dimensions of adjustability permits quick release of a main wheel and the propulsion system (e.g., lever drive, pushrim and motor drive) that propels the main wheel. The clamp includes a first alignment feature, such as a pin. A spring-loaded latch may also be included. The attachment device includes a second alignment feature, such as a hole or slot, configured to mate with the first. To permit alignment for a number of different wheelchair frame geometries, the attachment device is rotatable to provide angular adjustability, structured to permit lengthwise adjustability, and coupled using hardware which provides offset adjustability in a direction generally parallel to the axis of the wheel.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for attaching auxiliary equipment to a wheelchair includes multiple adjustment features. In the preferred embodiment, different wheelchair widths may be accommodated by utilizing attachment arms that pivot co-axially with a main column of the auxiliary equipment. The mounting assembly preferably includes a pair of arms and a pair of links that extend from the arms. The lengths of the links and the arms may be adjusted by rotation of a rod portion of each arm and each link, but other means for enabling changes in length are possible. The links are preferably pivotally connected to the arms, so that the distance between the ends can be varied on the basis of the particular wheelchair. Ball-and-socket joints are used, but rotatability of the sockets permits flexibility of the orientations of the joints. Additionally, a vernier adjustment effect may be included to permit adjustments in the angle of the main column.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a lever propulsion wheelchair includes at least one clutch and at least one gear set contained within a central hub housing operatively coupled to the drive surface of the main wheel being driven. In the preferred embodiment, there are additional clutches and gear sets contained within the hub housing and coaxial to the wheel. By locating the transmission components within the hub housing and providing the coaxial arrangement, various user capabilities may be enabled without a significant increase in wheelchair width, as compared to the width of conventional pushrim propulsion wheelchairs. Transmission components are cooperatively arranged to provide capabilities that may include forward, rearward and neutral “gears,” braking, anti-rollback, and quick-release removal.