Motorized Wheelchairs Patents (Class 180/907)
-
Patent number: 11974954Abstract: An electric power assist device includes a processor including hardware. The processor assists human power input from a user to a drive member with power of a motor, determines whether a current position is located outdoors using a signal from a sensor, and when determination is made that the current position is located outdoors, reduces an assist amount by the motor as compared with a case where the current position is located indoors.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2021Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yuma Matsumoto, Hirotaka Saito, Yuka Shiraiwa, Takahiro Uchida, Shuji Moriyama
-
Patent number: 11945527Abstract: A planetary wheel type obstacle crossing robot, including a frame, a front drive set, and a rear drive set, is provided. The front drive set and the rear drive set are respectively connected to a front end and a rear end of the frame. The front drive set includes a dual-drive steering wheel structure, which includes two drive wheels and two first drive devices. The first drive devices respectively output different rotational speeds to the drive wheels, so that the dual-drive steering wheel structure rotates. The rear drive set includes two planetary wheel sets, two second drive devices, and a planetary wheel set suspension structure. Each planetary wheel set is individually driven and includes a front wheel, a rear wheel, and an upper wheel. The wheels of each planetary wheel set cooperate to climb over an obstacle under an action of a driving torque output by the second drive device.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2021Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: HUAZHONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Bin Han, Xuedong Chen
-
Patent number: 11919554Abstract: A mobile transport system for transporting objects in a technical system, includes a vehicle frame, a first wheel pair, a second wheel pair, and a third wheel pair, each having two wheels rotatable relative to the vehicle frame, and a swing frame pivotable about a swing axis extending in a transverse direction relative to the vehicle frame. The first wheels of the first wheel pair are attached to the vehicle frame, and the second wheels of the second wheel pair are attached to the swing frame. The third wheels of the third wheel pair are attached to a tilt frame pivotable relative to the swing frame about a tilt axis extending approximately in the longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2020Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: SEW-EURODRIVE GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Friedrich Manz, Jan-Patrick Ködderitzsch, Theodor Dahl, Joshua Gordon David Frisch
-
Patent number: 11903887Abstract: Embodiments of a wheelchair and suspension system are provided. The suspension includes a drive assembly that is pivotably connected to a base frame at multiple locations. In one embodiment, the connection is via intermediary pivoting links or arms. Embodiments of the links or arms including rigid links, resilient links, elastic links, shocks, springs, gas cylinders and lockable gas cylinders (or combinations of the foregoing). The drive assembly can, via the pivot connections, pivot to accommodate and traverse variations and obstacles on ground surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: INVACARE CORPORATIONInventor: Robert Bekoscke
-
Patent number: 11873044Abstract: Disclosed is a personal mobility device including a towing module configured to allow various types of towed modules to be selectively connected and towed, and a connection device configured to connect the towing module and the towed modules. The connection device includes a connection member extending rearward from the towing module, a connection shaft having an upper side rotatably supported on the connection member and a lower side coupled to a shaft coupling hole formed on a connection frame of the towed module, and a locking device provided on the connection frame to lock the connection shaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2021Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATIONInventors: Soobin Kim, Rowoon An, Ilsun Song, Seunghyun Woo, Jae Yul Woo
-
Patent number: 11857470Abstract: Wheeled vehicles, such as wheelchairs, that are adapted to traverse obstacles are provided. The wheeled vehicles include a frame, drive wheels, front anti-tip wheels positioned in front of the drive wheels and rear anti-tip wheels positioned behind the drive wheels. One exemplary vehicle includes front anti-tip wheels supported by rigid arms that are fixed to the frame and drive assemblies that are independently suspended from the frame. Another exemplary vehicle includes a linkage that links the front and rear anti-tip wheels, such that movement of one of the front or rear anti-tip wheel relative to the frame causes movement of the other wheel relative to the frame.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2021Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: Robert L. Cuson, Robert A. Bekoscke, Daniel J. Stothard
-
Patent number: 11840270Abstract: A pushchair seat for mounting on a pushchair chassis is comprised of a seating surface and a backrest, wherein the backrest has a distal section and a proximal section which can be rotated relative to the distal section in such a way that the backrest can be folded up from an unfolded backrest usage position into a collapsed backrest storage position.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2018Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: CYBEX GmbHInventor: Ralf Holleis
-
Patent number: 11584403Abstract: A wheel drive apparatus of an automated guide vehicle (AGV) is provided, which includes: a bogie frame; drive frames including a pair of drive wheels installed so that power is transmitted through opposite side surfaces of the bogie frame, and first auxiliary wheels opposite to second auxiliary wheels, with a gap “b” outside of each of the opposite side surfaces of the bogie frame; rotation shaft portions pivotally coupled at shaft points of each of the drive frames and the bogie frame; and connection portions in which first connection arms are respectively formed in the drive frames, and second connection arms are respectively formed in the bogie frame, and the first and second connection arms are vertically connected as a slip rod so as to move up and down at a predetermined gap “a”, and thus which does not cause the drive wheel to float in the air even if any of the auxiliary wheels or any of the drive wheels of the AGV travelling along the floor contacts a depression, a barrier and a slope.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2020Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: MACPION CORP., LTD.Inventor: Jae Hyun Park
-
Patent number: 11577573Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile robot adapted to traverse vertical obstacles. The robot comprises a frame and at least one wheel positioned in a front section of the robot, at least one middle wheel positioned in a middle section of the robot, at least one back wheel positioned in a back section of the robot, and at least one further wheel in the front, middle or back of the robot. The robot also comprises at least one motor-driven device for exerting a downward and/or upward force on the middle wheel and at least two motors for driving the wheels and the motor-driven device. Also disclosed is a method of climbing using a mobile robot as disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2020Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: STARSHIP TECHNOLOGIES OÜInventors: Ivo Liivik, Märt Liivik, Tiit Liivik
-
Patent number: 11572117Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile robot adapted to traverse vertical obstacles. The robot comprises a frame and at least one wheel positioned in a front section of the robot, at least two middle wheels and at least two rear wheels. The at least one middle wheel and at least one rear wheel are connected by a tilting lever that is arranged on each of the opposing sides of or to the frame, forming a pair of wheels. Each tilting lever can be turned around a lever bearing located between the respective axial centers of rotation of each pair of wheels.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2021Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: STARSHIP TECHNOLOGIES OÜInventors: Ivo Liivik, Märt Liivik, Tiit Liivik
-
Patent number: 11534355Abstract: A flexible supporting membrane is made from a stretchable material formed into a sheet that adjusts itself based on the pressure applied by a patient's knees. The membrane includes: a top edge adapted to be located in a vicinity of the knees of the patient when in use; a bottom edge adapted to be located in a vicinity of the patient's ankles when in use; and a first and second lateral edge extending between the bottom edge and the top edge. The flexible supporting membrane further includes a central section and two peripheral sections extending along the direction defined by the lateral edges between the top edge and the bottom edge of the sheet. The peripheral sections are adapted for each supporting one of the two knees of a patient by yielding to the pressure exerted by the knees and thus forming a knee cradling depression.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2018Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: Huntleigh Technology LimitedInventors: Marie Rubin, Therese Hellström
-
Patent number: 11534353Abstract: The vehicle is provided with a seat which is movable between a high position and a low position, and configured to be grounded when the seat is at the low position, and a support leg extending substantially downward from the seat of the vehicle. The support leg is movable between a retracted position positioned close to a vehicle body frame and a deployed position positioned remote from the vehicle body frame, the support leg being configured to be at the retracted position when the seat is at the high position, and to move from the retracted position to the deployed position when the seat moves from the high position to the low position.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2021Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Seiji Kato, Takeshi Echizenya, Wataru Yada
-
Patent number: 11529274Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a removable power assist for converting a manual wheelchair into an electronic wheelchair, based on configuring a friction roller to releasably engage with a wheelchair wheel, configuring the friction roller when engaged to drive the wheel through a contact surface with the wheel above the wheel center and behind the wheelchair seating area, configuring a motor to rotate the friction roller, and moving the wheelchair based on engaging the friction roller and activating the motor to turn the wheel through force by the friction roller against the contact surface with the wheel. The power assist may include a user-operable lever configured to engage or disengage the friction roller without a user leaving their seated position in the wheelchair. Configuring the friction roller above the wheel center and behind the wheelchair seating area may permit collapsible wheelchair folding or unfolding without uninstalling the power assist.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2021Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: RODA FUTURA, LLCInventors: Evan Peskin, Vivek Nagar, Audrey Wilson, Jonathan Slavin
-
Patent number: 11523951Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a wheelchair power assist device configured to switch a motorized friction roller between engaged and disengaged modes with a wheelchair wheel, based on an engagement actuator configured to move the friction roller relative to an attachment member removably secured to the wheelchair. The friction roller may be operably coupled with an engagement member configured to move relative to the attachment member. The engagement member may be moved by an extendable and retractable actuator shaft coupled with the attachment member. A manual wheelchair may be converted to a powered wheelchair using a motorized friction roller for each wheelchair wheel. A plurality of power assist devices may be configured to position a respective plurality of friction rollers to leave an open space behind the wheelchair seating area, advantageously permitting the power assist devices to remain attached to a foldable wheelchair in either folded or unfolded configurations.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2022Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: RODA FUTURA, LLCInventors: Evan Peskin, Vivek Nagar, Audrey Wilson, Jonathan Slavin
-
Patent number: 11505061Abstract: An axle assembly for a low floor vehicle is described herein. The axle assembly includes an axle housing and a drive unit for driving a wheel assembly. The axle housing including a first gearbox, a second gearbox and a cradle assembly coupling the first gear box to the second gear box. The axle assembly includes first and second hub assemblies that form a first axis of rotation. The first gearbox includes an electric motor that is coupled to a transmission used to rotate an output shaft. The first gearbox also includes a differential mounted for rotation with the transmission and a first drop box mounted for rotation with the differential. The axle assembly also includes a portal axle mounted for rotation with the first drop box and extends from the first gearbox to the second gearbox wherein the portal axle forms a second axis of rotation that is offset from the first axis of rotation of the hub assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2019Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.Inventors: Shaun Mepham, Christopher G. Baillie
-
Patent number: 11419774Abstract: A mobility vehicle may comprise a frame, a first pivot arm, a second pivot arm, and a suspension assembly. The first pivot arm may be coupled to the frame and coupled to a drive wheel. The second pivot arm may be coupled to the frame and coupled to a ground engaging caster wheel. The suspension assembly may be coupled to the frame. The suspension assembly may include a first spring assembly and a second spring assembly. The first spring assembly may be disposed about a first spring axis and coupled to the first pivot arm. The second spring assembly may be disposed about a second spring axis and coupled to the second pivot arm. The first spring axis and the second spring axis may be disposed relative to each other at an angle of no greater than about 150° when the mobility vehicle is operating on horizontal ground.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2018Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: PRIDE MOBILITY PRODUCTS CORPORATIONInventor: Jonathan Davis
-
Patent number: 11414119Abstract: The electric stroller comprises a frame, a child seat, an operator seat, a plurality of wheels, a port motor, a starboard motor, a control circuit, and a battery. The electric stroller may be a self-propelled conveyance. The child seat may be supported by the frame and may be adapted to transport a child. The operator seat may be coupled to the frame behind the child seat and may be adapted to transport an operator. A port driven wheel may be propelled by the port motor and a starboard driven wheel may be propelled by the starboard motor with the speed and direction of the port motor and the starboard motor controlled independently.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2019Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Inventor: Ishmael Morgan
-
Patent number: 11399995Abstract: A powered balancing mobility device that can provide the user the ability to safely navigate expected environments of daily living including the ability to maneuver in confined spaces and to climb curbs, stairs, and other obstacles, and to travel safely and comfortably in vehicles. The mobility device can provide elevated, balanced travel.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2018Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Stewart M. Coulter, Brian G. Gray, Dirk A. van der Merwe, Susan D. Dastous, Daniel F. Pawlowski, Bob Peret, Dean Kamen, Derek G. Kane, Dave Doherty, Matthew A. Norris, Alexander D. Streeter, David J. Couture, Matthew J. Myers, Matthew B. Kinberger, Constance D. Pitenis, Allison E. Key-Wallace, David E. Collins, Erik N. Sabin, Katie A. DeLaurentis, Catharine N. Flynn, Elizabeth Rousseau, Thomas A. Doyon, Dale B. McGrath, Ryan Adams, Prashant Bhat, Trevor A. Conway, David J. Meehan, Tania M. F. Zirn, Paul R. Curtin, Zachary E. Cranfield, James J. Dattolo, Atlant G. Schmidt, III, Steven B. Meuse, George W. Marchant, Jr., Jeffrey C. Marrion
-
Patent number: 11376952Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an in-wheel driving device and a method for assembling the same, and the in-wheel driving device includes a driving motor including a motor shaft, a reducer which interworks with the driving motor to reduce a rotational force of the driving motor, a reducer housing, in which the reducer is disposed, a first gear connected to the reducer, and a support bearing part which supports the reducer on an outer side of the reducer, the reducer includes a sun gear connected to the motor shaft, a ring gear disposed in the reducer housing, a planetary gear disposed between the sun gear and the ring gear and engaged with the sun gear and the ring gear, and a carrier, in which the sun gear is disposed in an interior thereof, which supports the planetary gear and rotates in conjunction with rotation of the planetary gear.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2021Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.Inventor: Kyeong Ho Shin
-
Patent number: 11247746Abstract: One embodiment of an electric convenience vehicle (ECV) may include a frame, a plurality of wheels configured to support and move the frame, a user support member supported by the frame, a steering mechanism disposed toward a front portion of the ECV, a motor configured to cause at least one wheel to be propelled forward, propelled backward, or to remain in a fixed position, a throttle, when activated in a first position, may cause the motor to propel the wheel(s) in a forward direction, when activated in a second position, may cause the motor to propel the wheel(s) in a reverse direction, and a control and communications unit (CCU) disposed in front of the user support member, and configured to control operations of the motor.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2018Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: ScooterBug, Inc.Inventors: Christopher T. Meehan, Marc M. Barber, Kurt D. Ring, Colt Wright Fletcher, John Thomas Zaniker, Tomas Rodriguez, Wesley Edward Swogger, Hal Gunner
-
Patent number: 11213441Abstract: A wheelchair suspension comprises a frame, at least one pivot arm, at least one front caster, at least one rear caster, a stabilizing system, and a sensor. The pivot arm is coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. The rear caster is coupled to the frame. The stabilizing system is coupled to the frame and the pivot arm. The sensor is arranged such that tipping of the frame causes actuation of the stabilizing system to at least partially resist further movement of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2019Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: INVACARE CORPORATIONInventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Robert L. Cuson
-
Patent number: 11118986Abstract: The present invention relates to a shear force measuring device for measuring a shear force of a human body relative to a seat, such as a chair, wheelchair, aircraft seat, the device including: a frame for providing a mechanical, substantially slide-free connection to the seat, a force sensor arranged on the frame, shear force receiving means for receiving the shear force which are coupled to the sensor. The shear force receiving means are arranged and configured such that shear force exerted on the shear force receiving means is transferable to the sensor so that the shear force is detectable by the sensor. The present invention further relates to a wheelchair or seat, a method and a computer-readable carrier including computer program means.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2017Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: Vicair B.V.Inventor: Max Paul Rogmans
-
Patent number: 11045366Abstract: The invention is a control apparatus for a personal vehicle, in particular for wheelchair (10), the control apparatus comprising: a first motion sensing unit (11) adapted for being mounted on a body part and for determining orientation with respect to an external frame of reference, a second motion sensing unit (12) adapted for being mounted on the personal vehicle and for determining orientation with respect to the same external frame of reference, and a processing unit (13) adapted for outputting an inertial control signal corresponding to a relative orientation of the first motion sensing unit (11) and of the second motion sensing unit (12) determined on the basis of a first orientation supplied by the first motion sensing unit (11) and of a second orientation supplied by the second motion sensing unit (12). The invention is furthermore a personal vehicle provided with the control apparatus, and a control method therefore.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2014Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: Now Technologies Zrt.Inventor: Marton Juhasz
-
Patent number: 11033447Abstract: Design and build new models of wheelchair also design and build equipment for installing on some types of wheelchairs that are in the market for sale, that by using them user will be able to do their personal basic daily tasks without others help. This wheelchair includes a pair of lifting members mounted on said rehabilitation wheelchair for enabling said lifting members to move upward and downward and a moving seat mounted on said rehabilitation wheelchair for enabling user to sit on toilet bowl directly, wherein said moving seat being compressed and said lifting members moving user downward and user sitting on toilet for doing toilet. The user can use this system for changing clothes, washing, doing toilet, moving body vertically up and down, using oven for cooking, picking up materials from higher places that cannot be reached by user, and all actions that involve getting up and picking up.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2019Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Inventors: Sirop Boghozian Savarani, Arsineh Boghozian Savarani
-
Patent number: 10912690Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle is provided. The suspension includes, for example, a frame, at least one drive assembly and at least one caster pivot arm. The at least one drive assembly and the at least one caster pivot arm are pivotally connected to the frame at a common pivot axis such that the drive assembly and the front caster pivot arm are pivotable relative to one another.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2019Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: Robert Bekoscke, Damon Jurkiewicz
-
Patent number: 10525861Abstract: A seating assembly includes a seat operably coupled with a seatback. A calf support is rotatably coupled with the seat. A first motor is proximate the calf support and rotates the calf support outward approximately 90 degrees from a design position to a deployed position. An extension telescopingly engages with the calf support. A second motor is operably coupled with the extension and is configured to move the extension outward.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2017Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Kevin Wayne Preuss, Keith Allen Godin, Daniel Ferretti
-
Patent number: 10525896Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cargo rack for a utility vehicle. The cargo rack comprises a base structure, a front wall structure extending upward from the base structure and having a top edge, a pair of opposing sidewall structures, wherein each sidewall extends upward from the base structure and having a top edge, and a back wall structure extending upward from the base structure and having a top edge. The cargo rack base structure is structured to be disposed within a reservoir of a vehicle front body cowl such that the entirety of the cargo rack base structure is disposed within the cowl reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2018Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: Textron Inc.Inventors: Philip Jhant, Nick Moore, Matthew Baekelandt
-
Patent number: 10512572Abstract: A wheelchair suspension comprises a frame, at least one pivot arm, at least one front caster, at least one rear caster, a stabilizing system, and a sensor. The pivot arm is coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. The rear caster is coupled to the frame. The stabilizing system is coupled to the frame and the pivot arm. The sensor is arranged such that tipping of the frame causes actuation of the stabilizing system to at least partially resist further movement of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2018Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: INVACARE CORPORATIONInventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Robert L. Cuson
-
Patent number: 10182956Abstract: A transport apparatus includes a base, a sling, and a support frame mounted to the base. The frame is configured to move from a first position relative to the base to a second position relative to the base. The frame includes a U-shaped frame with a lower cross-frame member and vertically oriented spaced side frame members joined with the cross-frame member. The side frame members support arm rests, and the cross-frame member optionally forms a footrest. In another aspect, the frame includes an access opening to allow a person egress and ingress to and from the sling through the frame.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2015Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: Stryker CorporationInventors: Martin W. Stryker, Jason James Wroblewski
-
Patent number: 10028871Abstract: A method for electrically assisting with the propulsion of a rolling system comprising a driving wheel driven by an electric motor, the torque applied by the motor being a function of a propulsion torque transmitted by a user to the driving wheel, wherein the method comprises: a preliminary step of storing in memory an unknown input model representing the weighted system, which is a function of the geometry and of the mass of the weighted system, and having as output data the rotational speed of the driving wheel; a step of estimating unknown input being the total torque applied to the wheel, influencing the rotational speed, the total torque being estimated from the rotational speed by calculating the inverse model; the propulsion torque transmitted by the user being deduced from the total torque estimated on the basis of the other known torques that make up the total torque.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2015Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignees: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE (CNRS), Université de Valenciennes et du Hainaut CambresisInventors: Sami Mohammad, Thierry-Marie Guerra, Philippe Pudlo
-
Patent number: 9944167Abstract: A system, method, and device for operations of an electrically motorized vehicle. The vehicle can utilize an electrically motorized wheel to convert a non-motorized wheeled vehicle to an electrically motorized wheeled vehicle. The electrically motorized wheeled vehicle includes a plurality of electrically motorized wheels, each of the plurality of electrically motorized wheels in communication with at least one other of the plurality of electrically motorized wheels to coordinate operation of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Superpedestrian, Inc.Inventors: Assaf Biderman, Jon Stevens, John David Heinzmann
-
Patent number: 9944314Abstract: A steering assist system for a vehicle comprises a steering assist module configured to determine a baseline assistance force to be applied to a steering system of the vehicle, and a transient disturbance compensation module configured to determine a transient compensation force to compensate for transient conditions that urge the vehicle to deviate from a straight path. The transient compensation force is based at least partially on the determined baseline assistance force. The system also includes a steady-state disturbance compensation module configured to determine a steady-state compensation force to compensate for steady-state conditions that urge the vehicle to deviate from the straight path, the steady-state compensation force being based at least partially on the determined baseline assistance force. Methods relate to controlling steering systems.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Joseph M. Raad, Sergio Trimboli
-
Patent number: 9872804Abstract: A wheelchair includes a frame, a chair, a pair of drive wheels, a pair of rear wheels, and a pair of front wheels. Each front wheel is part of a front arm assembly that is rigidly coupled to a drive via a mounting plate. The mounting plate is connected to the wheelchair frame by a pivot. The drives are transversely mounted. The batteries are disposed rearward of the drives. The wheelchair seat can be moved forward to provide access to the batteries without fully removing the wheelchair from the frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2016Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: Pride Mobility Products CorporationInventors: John Puskar-Pasewicz, Kip D. Alder
-
Patent number: 9849050Abstract: A wheelchair lift assembly includes a wheelchair. The wheelchair has a pair of seats and a frame. Each of the seats is hingedly coupled to the frame. Each of the seats is positionable in a stored position having each of the seats being horizontally oriented on the frame. Each of the seats is positionable in a lifted position having the each of the seats hinging upwardly from the upper front member. A lifting unit is coupled to the wheelchair. The lifting unit selectively urges each of the seats between the stored position and the lifted position. Thus, the lifting unit may lift a user thereby facilitating the user to exit the wheelchair.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2016Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Inventor: Judie McClean
-
Patent number: 9808383Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a wheelchair configured to reposition an occupant between a lowered and a raised position. The wheelchair can include a frame, a seat moveable relative to the frame, a drive wheel, and one or more pairs of arm assemblies. The arm assembly includes a wheel configured to move from a first spatial location when the wheel chair is operating on flat, level ground to a second spatial location that is different than the first spatial location. Arm limiters can selectively engage the arm assembly based on at least one of a seat position, position of the arm assembly and surface conditions of ground surface. The arm limiters can limit the range of motion of the arm assembly and sometimes other operational aspects of the chair.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2016Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: Pride Mobility Products CorporationInventors: James P. Mulhern, Stephen J. Antonishak
-
Patent number: 9636265Abstract: A single passenger carrying mobile robot, includes a single operated member that is operated by a passenger to instruct both a moving direction and a moving speed of the passenger carrying mobile robot, a moving member configured to move the passenger carrying mobile robot and a controller configured to control the moving member based on input information input to the operated member by the passenger, wherein the passenger carrying mobile robot further includes a sensor that acquires obstacle information of a surrounding of the passenger carrying mobile robot, and the controller predicts an expected course of the passenger carrying mobile robot based on the input information and determines based on the obstacle information whether or not an obstacle is located in the expected course, and changes a control of the moving member when determining that the obstacle is located.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2015Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignees: Chiba Institute Of Technology, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takayuki Furuta, Masaharu Shimizu, Hideaki Yamato, Kengo Toda, Takashi Kodachi, Mitsuhiro Ando, Noboru Nagamine, Seongjun Yang, Hirotoshi Ochiai, Wataru Takayanagi
-
Patent number: 9566200Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a wheelchair configured to reposition an occupant between a lowered and a raised position. The wheelchair can include a frame, a seat moveable relative to the frame, a drive wheel, and one or more pairs of arm assemblies. The arm assembly includes a wheel configured to move from a first spatial location when the wheel chair is operating on flat, level ground to a second spatial location that is different than the first spatial location. Arm limiters that can selectively engage the arm assembly dependent on the position of the arm assembly and surface conditions of ground and can limit the range of motion of the arm assembly and sometimes other operational aspects of the chair.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2014Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: Pride Mobility Products CorporationInventors: James P. Mulhern, Stephen J. Antonishak
-
Patent number: 9532912Abstract: A seat assembly for a conveyance, such as a wheelchair, that allows the user to set the recline angle of the seat back at a seating position, fold the seat back down to a folded position and back up to the seating position, such that the seat back is returned to the seating position at the user selected recline angle R unless the recline angle is adjusted by the user. The user selected recline angle R is not disturbed by folding the seat back from the seating position, to the folded position 106, and back to the seating position.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2014Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: Howard Loewenthal, Traian Mohan, Robert Bekoscke, Damon Jurkiewicz, Daniel James Yee
-
Patent number: 9449142Abstract: A system and method for modeling supervisory control of heterogeneous unmanned vehicles through discrete event simulation is provided. Generally, the system contains a memory and a processor configured by the memory to perform the steps of: simulating events in the system; simulating arrival processes for the events in the system; simulating how long a human operator takes to respond to the simulated events in the system, where the time that the human operator takes to respond to a simulated event is referred to as a service time; and prioritizing the events to be handled by the human operator, wherein the system models human operator involvement in the unmanned vehicle system.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Mary Louise Cummings, Carl Elie Nehme
-
Patent number: 9351889Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a wheelchair configured to reposition an occupant between a lowered and a raised position. The wheelchair can include a frame, a seat moveable relative to the frame, a drive wheel, and one or more pairs of arm assemblies. The arm assembly includes a wheel configured to move from a first spatial location when the wheel chair is operating on flat, level ground to a second spatial location that is different than the first spatial location. Arm limiters can selectively engage the arm assembly based on at least one of a seat position, position of the arm assembly and surface conditions of ground surface. The arm limiters can limit the range of motion of the arm assembly and sometimes other operational aspects of the chair.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2014Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: Pride Mobility Products CorporationInventors: James P. Mulhern, Stephen J. Antonishak
-
Patent number: 9033073Abstract: The invention provides a motorized portable mobility device configured expressly for use by those who have undergone leg amputation. A generally rectangular wheeled base platform with a U shaped niche positioned on the rear of the device easily traverses both carpeted and solid flooring. A circular rotating plate enables a user to quickly adjust directional positioning. Two feet and adjustable height legs terminating in integrated support socks are mounted to the rotating plate. Adjustable height vertical supports terminating in handles and having a horizontal cross member are mounted to the front of the device. A control panel is mounted to a handle.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2013Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Inventors: Ninfa Garcia, Wilfredo Garcia
-
Patent number: 9016715Abstract: A mobility device for people who need assisted mobility comprising side support structures for supporting the weight of an occupant in a semi seated position, a back rest structure, a shin rest structure and an arm rest structure. The mobility device of the present invention provides a rear access which is feasible by moving outwardly and upwardly the side support structures.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2011Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Rideup Mobility Inc.Inventor: Michael Moliner
-
Patent number: 9010470Abstract: Wheeled vehicles, such as wheelchairs, that are adapted to traverse obstacles are provided. The wheeled vehicles include a frame, drive wheels, front anti-tip wheels positioned in front of the drive wheels and rear anti-tip wheels positioned behind the drive wheels. One exemplary vehicle includes front anti-tip wheels supported by rigid arms that are fixed to the frame and drive assemblies that are independently suspended from the frame. Another exemplary vehicle includes a linkage that links the front and rear anti-tip wheels, such that movement of one of the front or rear anti-tip wheel relative to the frame causes movement of the other wheel relative to the frame.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2010Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: Robert L. Cuson, Robert A. Bekoscke, Daniel J. Strothard
-
Patent number: 8925943Abstract: A wheelchair includes a frame, a rear caster coupled to the frame, a drive wheel coupled to the frame, a front caster, and a pivoting assembly. The pivoting assembly couples the front caster to the frame such that upward movement of the front caster relative to the frame causes the front caster to move toward the drive wheel.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2012Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Invacare Corp.Inventor: James H. Molnar
-
Patent number: 8910975Abstract: Embodiments of a suspension for a vehicle is provided. The suspension includes, for example, a frame and a locking assembly. The locking assembly inhibits tipping of a frame of the vehicle when tipping of the frame is detected.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2008Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: Robert Bekoscke, Damon Jurkiewicz, Gerald Fought
-
Patent number: 8851214Abstract: A wheelchair of the mid-wheel drive type comprises a chassis frame (10), a pair of front link arms (30) and a pair of rear link arms. The link arms are pivotally connected to the chassis frame. Front caster wheels (32) and drive wheels (53) are fixed to the front link arms. Rear caster wheels (42) are fixed to the rear link arms. Each front link arm (30) is operatively connected to an adjacent rear link arm (40) by a respective coupling (70), which is arranged to transmit pivotal movement of one of the front (30) and rear (40) link arm to an opposite pivotal movement of the other of the front (30) and rear (40) link arm.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2010Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Permobil ABInventor: Mehdi Mirzaie
-
Patent number: 8833774Abstract: A wheelchair suspension comprises a frame, at least one pivot arm, at least one front caster, at least one rear caster, a stabilizing system, and a sensor. The pivot arm is coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. The rear caster is coupled to the frame. The stabilizing system is coupled to the frame and the pivot arm. The sensor is arranged such that tipping of the frame causes actuation of the stabilizing system to at least partially resist further movement of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2013Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Robert L. Cuson
-
Patent number: 8820454Abstract: A motorized wheelchair includes a frame, a battery support assembly that supports a battery box and is connected to the frame, first and second power drive assemblies disposed on each lateral side of the wheelchair, first and second rear wheels driven by the power drive assemblies, and first and second castor wheels that are pivotally connected to said frame. The battery support assembly is pivotally connected to the frame by a first connecting arrangement, so that said battery support assembly can pivot around a first longitudinal axis. The battery support assembly is pivotally connected to the first connecting arrangement by a second connecting arrangement, so that the battery support assembly can pivot around a second lateral axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2012Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Invacare International SARLInventors: Peter Jost, Ralf Ritter
-
Patent number: 8814196Abstract: A shower assistance scooter device supports a person in a bathing facility. The device includes a base and a seat coupled to and extending upwardly from the base. The seat is rotationally coupled to the base. A handle assembly is coupled to the base and positioned adjacent to a front side of the base. The handle assembly is rotatable relative to the base. A plurality of wheels is coupled to the base including at least one drive wheel and a directional wheel coupled to the handle assembly for steering the device. A first front foot rest is coupled to the base adjacent to a front side of the base. The base, seat, handle assembly, wheels, and first front foot rest are each water resistant to support a person in a bathing facility while the person bathes.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2013Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Inventor: Steven K. Poggenpohl
-
Patent number: RE45158Abstract: The invention relates to a control system for controlling a wheelchair having movable parts. The control system comprises a controller and a number of actuators for effectuating movements of the movable parts. The controller comprises a mathematical model of the kinematics of the movable parts and their respective at least one actuator, means for receiving an input signal from one or more of the actuators, and means for setting, based on the mathematical model, limiting positions of the actuators in response to the determined input signal. The invention also relates to a corresponding wheelchair and method of controlling a wheelchair.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2013Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Permobil ABInventor: Patrik Emilsson