Abstract: A pelvic stabilization device attachable to a wheelchair includes a pelvic support brace and an apparatus for attaching the pelvic support brace to a wheelchair. A pivot apparatus provides movement of the pelvic support brace with respect to the apparatus for attaching the pelvic support brace, the pelvic support brace being pivotable between a first, neutral position and a second, tilted position. A pivot return apparatus is attached to the pelvic support brace to return the pelvic support brace to the first, neutral position from the second, tilted position. A pivot limiting apparatus limits the amount of pivot of the pelvic support brace that is inducible by the pivot apparatus.

Abstract: A hand rim assembly for a wheelchair wheel is disclosed, which includes an larger diameter hand rim and a smaller diameter hand rim. In one embodiment, the hand rim assembly is biasly coupled to the wheelchair wheel by a plurality of shock absorbing resilient fasteners. The shock absorbing resilient fasteners generally lessen the shock impact to the user's hands, arms, and shoulders, thus reducing the potential for repetitive stress injury and the like. In another embodiment, the smaller diameter hand rim has a different exterior coefficient of friction than that of the larger diameter rim so that users can use the hand rim with a higher coefficient of friction for propulsion and the rim with a lower coefficient of friction for braking. In addition, the rim used for braking, typically the smaller diameter rim, is formed of a thermally conductive material to reduce the potential for burning of the user's hands during braking.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the back support provided by a backrest of a wheelchair formed with sling construction. The backrest has flexible upholstery and two generally vertical support posts for anchoring the sides of the upholstery so that the upholstery extends between the support posts. When the occupant leans against the upholstery, the apparatus includes at least one cushion which contacts a portion of the upholstery behind the occupant to provide a desired configuration and distribution of support to the back of the occupant. The apparatus also has straps extending between the cushion and the support posts. The straps may be adjusted to position the cushion at a desired location along the rear face of the upholstery and adjust the degree of support provided to the occupant by the apparatus.

Abstract: A directionally controllable sled for downhill snow skiing has a unitary plastic body which includes a bottom member formed with a pair of downwardly and longitudinally extending elongated runners along opposite sides thereof. The pair of runners are spaced generally flat bottom surfaces and have inwardly facing plane control surfaces extending generally perpendicular to the bottom surfaces and intersecting along facing edges which are effective for directional control of the sled by the user during sled movement. The runners are formed with smoothly curved outwardly facing sides which are substantially less effective than the inwardly facing runner edges for directionally controlling the sled.