Abstract: The disclosed articulated wheel assemblies and associated vehicles, for example wheelchairs, include articulated wheel assemblies with at least one offset connecting arm rotatably attached at one end to a payload platform, for example a seat, and attached at the other end to a linear actuator, where the linear actuator is further connected to a wheel. Embodiments include a rotary actuator for varying the linear actuator swing angle, a rotary actuator for eccentrically rotating a hubless wheel, a linear actuator motor for varying the length of the linear actuator, and a propulsion motor. Embodiments provide omnidirectional motion, stepping action when presented with obstacles, irregular surface negotiation, tight space maneuvering and other features to provide disabled people increased mobility. Alternate embodiments include a payload platform with a support strut, which is rotatably attached to an offset connecting arm and pivotally mounted to a seat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wheelchair, including an assembly of a chair unit for a user and a support base supporting the chair unit, wherein the support base includes a number of carrying wheels for carrying the assembly, a drive element connected to the assembly for driving at least one carrying wheel and, an operating element connected to the assembly for operating the drive element. The invention also relates to an operating element for use in such a wheelchair.

Abstract: The present invention is a vehicle which has seven degrees of freedom driven by servo motors with brakes so that obstacles of transportation are overcome for a disabled and the disabled can be lifted to a height as tall as a normal person.

Abstract: An anti-tip system is provided for improving the stability of a powered vehicle, such as a powered wheelchair. The vehicle includes a drive-train assembly which is pivotally mounted to a main structural frame. A suspension system biases the drive-train assembly and its connected anti-tip wheel to a predetermined resting position. The drive-train assembly bi-directionally rotates about a pivot in response to torque applied to or acceleration forces on the vehicle. A linkage arrangement is provided and is characterized by a suspension arm pivotally mounting to the main structural frame about a pivot at one end thereof and an anti-tip wheel at the other end. The linkage may further include at least one link operable to transfer the bi-directional displacement of the drive-train assembly to the suspension arm. The link may include a bell crank member and/or may be resiliently compressible.

Abstract: A vehicle body includes a front frame, a rear frame, a control unit, a fixing screw, a battery, and a locking unit. Thus, the rear frame is combined with and detached from the front frame easily and rapidly, thereby facilitating a user assembling and disassembling the vehicle body. In addition, the fixing hooks of the front frame are snapped onto the fixing stubs of the rear frame, and the locking hook of the control unit on the support post of the rear frame is locked in the locking hole of the front frame, thereby forming a three-point support structure by the fixing hooks, the fixing stubs and the locking hook, so that the rear frame is combined with the front frame rigidly and stably.

Abstract: A self-propelled wheelchair with independently driven wheels and dual support frames connected in an articulating relationship. A front frame supports a seat and a rearward extended pivot connector. A pair of front wheels and left and right front drive units are connected to the front frame. A rear frame includes a forwardly extended pivot joint, a rear support platform having a power source thereon, and a pair of rear wheels and left and right rear drive units connected thereto. An articulating junction is formed by the front frame pivot connector attached to the rear frame pivot joint and providing articulation between the front frame and rear frame. A manually operable control unit includes computer circuitry in connection with each wheel drive unit, wherein manipulation of the control unit actuates each drive unit for control of rotational speed and direction of rotation for each wheel.

Abstract: A linkage arrangement for an active anti-tip system is provided for improving the stability of a powered vehicle, such as a powered wheelchair. The vehicle includes a drive-train assembly which is pivotally mounted to a main structural frame. A suspension system biases the drive-train assembly and its connected anti-tip wheel to a predetermined resting position. The drive-train assembly bi-directionally rotates about a pivot in response to torque applied to or acceleration forces on the vehicle. The linkage arrangement is characterized by a suspension arm pivotally mounting to the main structural frame about a pivot at one end thereof and an anti-tip wheel at the other end. The linkage further includes at least one link operable to transfer the bi-directional displacement of the drive-train assembly to the suspension arm and may also include a bell crank link member.

Abstract: Powered wheeled vehicle (1), capable of travelling both on level ground and over uneven surfaces, comprising at least one driving tread (BR11) as well as two pairs of front wheels (R61) and rear wheels (R21), of which at least one is a driving pair, wherein each wheel of the driving wheel pair is mounted on a swing arm, each arm of the swing arms (B21) of the rear wheels (R21) is secured to an actuator (V2) for placing said wheels in at least two positions, namely: a first lower position in which the ground-engaging surface of the wheels is below the ground-engaging surface of the tread so that said wheeled vehicle is moved by the wheels alone, and a second position in which the ground-engaging surface of the wheels remains in contact with the ground so that the vehicle is moved by a combination of the tread and said driving wheels.

Abstract: An auxiliary power unit starting apparatus for a wheelchair comprises a housing, a plurality of triggers fixed in a triggering disc which is installed on an inner surface of the housing, a plurality of return springs biased between the housing and the driving disc for providing an elastic force for enabling the thick portion of the triggers to keep abutting against the deep end of the chutes, a hand wheel fixed to the driving disc, a switch is fixed to the stator for starting and stopping the motor and is to be triggered by the triggering disc. When the user rotates the hand wheel, the triggering disc will trigger the switch, and thus the motor will be started and will produce an auxiliary driving power for rotating the wheel of the wheelchair.

Abstract: A side frame assembly for an electric wheelchair suspension includes a supporting frame unit with a rider-supporting frame, a front caster frame, an upper link having a front end connected pivotally to the front caster frame, and a lower link disposed under the upper link and having a front end connected pivotally to the front caster frame. A drive wheel frame has a front lower end connected pivotally to a pivot portion of the supporting frame unit. A connecting frame has an upper pivot portion connected pivotally to a rear end of the upper link, a lower pivot portion connected pivotally to a rear end of the lower link, and a rear pivot portion connected pivotally to the rear upper end of the drive wheel frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suspension for a conveyance that is capable of traversing obstacles and rough terrain. The suspension includes a frame, a pivot arm, a front caster, a drive assembly and a rear caster. The pivot arm substantially remains in a first position when the drive assembly moves in a first direction. Movement of the drive assembly in a second direction urges the pivot arm away from the first position.

Abstract: A class of transportation vehicles for carrying an individual over ground having a surface that may be irregular. This embodiment has a motorized drive, mounted to the ground-contacting module that causes operation of the vehicle in an operating position that is unstable with respect to tipping when the motorized drive arrangement is not powered.

Abstract: A collision damage prevention system is disclosed which may be installed on many standard powered mobility vehicles for handicapped persons. The system includes an array of one or more sensors placed around the periphery of the powered mobility vehicle, a switch for each sensor, and a central control module which receives input from the switches, turns the vehicle off and/or applies braking power to prevent damage from a collision. The system then prompts the operator to acknowledge the collision and guides the operator into the appropriate direction to move the vehicle's controls in order to move away from the object collided with.

Abstract: A vehicle includes: a chassis; a driving unit including a mounting seat pivoted to the chassis, a driving member mounted on the mounting seat, and two driving wheels mounted rotatably on the mounting seat and driven by the driving member; two front wheel units, each including a front lever having first and second ends and pivoted to the chassis, a front wheeled member connected to the first end, and a first cushioning member pivoted to the second end and the mounting seat for urging the front lever to rotate; and two rear wheel units, each including a rear lever having first and second ends and pivoted to the chassis, a rear wheeled member connected to the first end, a second cushioning member pivoted to the first end and the mounting seat, and a linkage pivoted to the second end of the rear lever and the mounting seat.

Abstract: A running wheel arrangement for a wheelchair that can be driven by electric motor including a frame and wheels releasably connected. A driving motor being integrated in two wheels and the wheels are connected via a respective adapter arranged on the frame. The wheel is inserted into the adapter and mechanically lockable via a locking device which includes: a pivot plate fastened to the driving motor; the wheel is mounted rotatably in a pivot plate via an axle bolt; a link bolt pointing in the direction of travel arranged in the adapter; a cross-sectionally U-shaped tab arranged at one end of the pivot plate; the tab being placed onto the link bolt such that the wheel is shifted by means of a pivoting movement toward the frame until a locking bolt provided on the pivot plate engaged on the locking bush arranged on the adapter, and the wheel is locked mechanically with respect to the frame via the locking bolt and the locking bush.

Abstract: An anti-tip system is adapted for use in a powered wheelchair for purposes of curb-climbing and ride stability. The anti-tip system includes at least one anti-tip wheel, a suspension arm for mounting the anti-tip wheel and a pair of links coupling the suspension arm to the main structural frame of the wheelchair. Each of the links is pivotally mounted to the main structural frame of the wheelchair about a first pivot point and is pivotally mounted to the suspension arm about a second pivot point. In a first embodiment of the anti-tip system, the links include an upper and lower link, wherein the upper link is extensible to facilitate angular displacement of the suspension arm to permit rearward displacement of the anti-tip wheel in response to an externally applied load.

Abstract: A variable stiffness suspension system is provided for a wheelchair. The wheelchair has a frame and at least one wheel coupled to the frame for generally vertical movement relative to the frame. At least one sensor is provided for sensing an operating condition of the wheelchair. A controller is operatively coupled to the sensor. A controllable damper having a variable stiffness is coupled to the controller, the wheel and to the frame. The controllable damper is responsive to the controller and provides a force capable of being varied in a continuous manner. The force is resistive to movement of the wheel. The controllable damper is preferably a commercially available magneto-rheological damper or a variable orifice fluid damper. The controllable damper may be either a linear damper or a rotary brake.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wheelchair with forced driven front caterpillar wheels with a cable-hauling ratchet lever by which a user, by himself/herself, can pass over a road-block or drains on roads, lifts up the caterpillars from the ground for easy steering on caster wheel, engages/disengages the drive wheel having ratchet clutch in the detachable wheel hub to idle the drive wheel/caterpillars for converting from/to manual drive to/from drive by auxiliary power source, and prevents the drive wheel from rolling backward during climbing inclines and controls speed continuously on a slope by a band brake means. So the disabled persons on their legs can travel to outdoors by himself/herself without a care of neighbors.

Abstract: A wheelchair is provided with front anti-tip wheels adapted to assist the wheelchair in mounting an obstacle that the wheelchair approaches obliquely. The anti-tip wheels may function as casters, capable of rotating about a vertical axis, or may be fixed for rotation about a horizontal axis only. The anti-tip wheels may include lateral convex surfaces which tend to allow the anti-tip wheel to slide or roll over the obstacle. The lateral convex surfaces may be provided by a laterally oriented rolling element, a convex-shaped hub, a convex-shaped housing that partially surrounds the wheel, or a ball-shaped wheel. Alternatively, rotation of the anti-tip wheel may be controlled such that the wheel rolling surface faces and engages the obstacle.

Abstract: A personal ability vehicle (PMV) includes a frame with front and rear subframes. A steering mechanism is mounted on the front subframe and includes a steering front wheel connected to a tiller. The rear subframe includes a suspension mount comprising a pair of rear support legs. An anti-tip suspension includes a pair of trailing arms each mounting a trailing wheel. Each trailing arm is pivotally mounted on a respective support leg whereby the suspension is inevitable through a limited range of motion about a transverse suspension pivotal axis. A pair of spring assemblies are attached to the trailing arms and are adapted for selectively engaging the support legs to provide a counter-rotational torque force around the suspension pivotal axis in order to resist backwards tipping of the PMV, for example, when it is ascending an inclined sloping surface. Relatively uniform proportional, weight distribution on said steering front, main and trailing wheels is maintained throughout a range of loads.

Abstract: A suspension structure for an electric wheelchair comprises a frame, two cantilevers, two drive wheels, two rollers, four wheel-mounting assemblies, two front wheel assemblies, two draglines and two rear wheel assemblies. When surmounting a barrier, the front wheel assemblies will pivot upward and press down the drive wheels through the cantilevers, thus improving the road holding performance of the drive wheels. In other words, the drive wheels and the front wheels can move interactively to surmount the barrier.

Abstract: A front wheel stabilizing device includes a mount adapted to be secured to a main frame of an electric motor-driven wheeled vehicle, and an axle disposed between two side plates of the mount. A wheel mounting member has a tubular head which is rotatably sleeved on the axle, and a cantilever arm which extends from the tubular head forwardly to terminate at a wheel-carrying end for mounting a stabilizing wheel thereon. The stabilizing wheel can yield under a jolting force that arises as a result of movement of the stabilizing wheel over an uneven ground so as to displace from a more tractive position to a less tractive position. A torsion spring has a coiled segment which is wound on the tubular head, and two urging ends which abut against the mount and the cantilever arm, respectively, so as to bias the stabilizing wheel downwardly, thereby restoring the stabilizing wheel from the less tractive position back to the more tractive position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wheelchair, particularly an electric wheelchair, comprising a frame (20), at least one steerable wheel (3), two non-steerable wheels (5) which are connected to the frame (20) at a wheelbase (R), and a seat (10) that is fastened to the frame (20) and is provided with a back rest (8). The inventive wheelchair is characterized by the fact that the wheelbase (R) is adjustable.

Abstract: An electric wheelchair frame includes a seat brace, a pair of connection rods, a pair of front suspension brackets, a pair of rear suspension brackets, and a pair of resilient members. A front section of either side of the seat brace is pivotally connected to the front suspension bracket. A rear section of either side of the seat brace is pivotally connected to the rear suspension bracket. A rear end of the front suspension bracket and a front end of the rear suspension bracket are pivotally connected to the connection rod, respectively. The resilient member has one end connected to the connection rod and another end connected to the rear suspension bracket.

Abstract: The present invention provides a battery carrier sliding device for the electric wheelchair, wherein a battery box for the electric wheelchair can be disconnected or reconnected through a manual lockable unit. The present invention provides an improved design for a battery carrier sliding device for the electric wheelchair that utilizes lockable units to manually detach or reattach the battery box by pulling or triggering the lockable unit. The lockable unit is comprised of a connecting belt and two flexible inserting units, wherein holes are formed on the supporting units respectively to correspond the flexible inserting units so that the battery box can be located securely onto the electric wheelchair. The battery box is comprised of a carrying function in such that the structures or the types of batteries do not need to be altered. Various types of batteries can be utilized with the present invention. The present invention provides an improved battery box that can fulfill the needs of the market.

Abstract: A bi-directional anti-tip system for a wheelchair includes a pair of anti-tip system subassemblies actively lifting a leading anti-tip wheel when traveling in either forward or reverse directions. The anti-tip system subassemblies operate to couple a leading anti-tip wheel to the drive assembly such that pivot motion thereof effects vertical displacement of the leading anti-tip wheel and to decouple a trailing anti-tip wheel from the drive assembly to null pivot motion inputs therefrom. In one embodiment, rheonetic links actively couple and decouple the anti-tip system subassemblies. The system may also include compliant bearings or extensible links for inward displacement of the anti-tip wheel upon impact with a curb.

Abstract: A level on a wheelchair allows the cambered rear wheels to be easily adjusted to eliminate toe-in/toe-out. The level comprises a ball encased in a curved track. The curve track is formed in a clear housing that mounts to the underside of a wheelchair camber tube or wheel axle. The camber tube or wheel axle is rotated until the ball aligns with an indicator mark indicating that toe-in/out has been eliminated from the cambered wheels.

Abstract: An anti-tip system is provided for stabilizing a vehicle, such as a power wheelchair, about a pitch axis and relative to a ground plane. The anti-tip system includes at least one anti-tip wheel. The mounting assembly for the anti-tip wheel is configured such that it traverses linearly in a direction toward or away from the ground plane and is responsive to an acceleration or deceleration of the wheelchair. As the wheelchair accelerates or decelerates, rotational motion of the drive train assembly is transmitted to a guide subassembly within the mounting to effect translation of the anti-tip wheel. Upward translation of the anti-tip wheel enables the wheelchair to negotiate obstacles, e.g., curbs or steps, while downward translation or force enhances stability when stopping the wheelchair or while moving down sloping terrain or surfaces. The anti-tip wheels may be castors and normally contacting the ground during operation.

Abstract: A curb-climbing rear wheel drive power wheelchair is disclosed having a pair of drive wheels, at least one ground-engaging idler wheel connected to the frame forward of the drive wheels and at least one ground-contacting anti-tip caster wheel mounted to the wheelchair aft of the drive wheels. The drive wheels and anti-tip caster wheels are mounted on common suspension arms, pivoted to the frame of the wheelchair behind the drive wheels and resiliently suspended, so that the anti-tip caster wheels move up and down in response to movements of the drive wheel suspension.

Abstract: The present invention provides a curb-climbing wheelchair having pivotal arm assemblies. The pivotal arm assemblies include at least one front caster and have the ability to rotate or pivot. The pivot arms rotate or pivot in response to moments generated by accelerating or decelerating the wheelchair thereby raising or lowering the front caster(s) through the rotational movement of the pivot arms. By raising or lowering the front caster(s) in such a manner, curb-like obstacles can be traversed in a low-impact manner.

Abstract: A transportable power wheelchair is provided which employs a variety of detachable modules to facilitate transportation and storage. The wheelchair may be readily disassembled/reassembled by a single individual without assistance and/or the need for special tools. The wheelchair includes a power supply unit, a pair of primary drive wheels, and a drive train subassembly mounting and independently driving each at least one of the drive wheels. First and second main frame subassemblies preferably have mounted thereon one of the drive train subassemblies. The power supply unit is also detachably mounted therebetween. At least one cross member assembly connects the main frame subassemblies. The cross member assembly, in combination with the main frame subassemblies, define the main frame assembly. A seat is also detachably mounted to the main frame assembly by means of the cross members.

Abstract: The disclosed invention used power-assist wheelchair hubs and an array of sensors to provide obstacle-avoidance features on a wheelchair. In a power-assisted manual wheelchair, the traditional rear wheels are replaced with motorized hubs that magnify the force applied to the rear wheels by the user. The present invention uses sensors to detect obstacles and drop-offs near the wheelchair, and uses the power-assist hubs to alter wheelchair movement in response to these sensor readings.

Abstract: A wheelchair with a footrest that tucks as a power base on which the wheelchair seat is mounted rotates about an axis parallel to a surface. The rotation of the power base raises the height of the seat above the surface. The footrest, which is coupled to the support, tucks towards the power base and still avoids obstacles on the surface. The footrest tuck improves the maneuverability of the wheelchair by reducing the radius about which the footrest swings as the wheelchair turns.

Abstract: A wheel bracket mechanism for an electric wheelchair equipped with auxiliary wheels, which comprises a frame, a pair of drive wheel brackets, four pedestal assemblies, a pair of caster brackets, a pair of oscillating assembly and a pair of anti-tipping brackets. The frame is provide with a pair of castor brackets at the front end and a pair of anti-tipping brackets at the rear end thereof, a pair of drive wheel brackets are secured to the frame with a front end stretching ahead of it and located between the castor brackets and the anti-tipping brackets, and between the castor brackets and the drive wheel bracket disposed an oscillating assemblies, four pedestal assemblies equipped with cushioning blocks are disposed at both sides of the front and rear end of the frame respectively in pairs with located opposite to each other.

Abstract: The invention provides a mobile carriage which is adapted to shift the center of gravity efficiently by utilizing the weight of wheel rotating means, power source means and control means to thereby increase the weight of a weight portion and reduce the increase in the weight of the entire carriage, the carriage comprising a base frame, a front wheel and a rear wheel which are disposed under the base frame, wheel rotating means coupled to the front wheel and the rear wheel for rotatingly driving the wheels, power source means for the wheel rotating means, center-of-gravity shifting means having a weight portion disposed above the base frame and a mechanism for moving the weight portion relative to the base frame to shift the position of the center of gravity of the base frame by moving the weight portion by the moving mechanism, and control means for controlling the wheel rotating means and the moving mechanism, the carriage being characterized in that at least one of the wheel rotating means, the power source

Abstract: A wheelchair includes a chair frame, two suspension arms, two clutches, two drive wheels, two shock absorbers, and two limiting units. The chair frame includes two lateral frame parts. Each of the suspension arms is connected pivotally to the chair frame adjacent to a respective lateral frame part. Each of the clutches is mounted on a respective suspension arm. Each of the drive wheels is coupled to a respective clutch. Each of the shock absorbers is mounted between a respective lateral frame part and a respective suspension arm. Each of the limiting units includes a mounting seat mounted on a respective lateral frame part and formed with a guide slot unit therethrough, and a connecting component that extends through the guide slot unit and that mounts movably a respective suspension arm on the mounting seat.

Abstract: A wheel chair includes a back support pivotally attached to a base frame and having a handle and a hand grip pivotally attached to the handle, a housing is secured to the base frame and includes a chamber to slidably receive a shank which has one end pivotally attached to the back support. An adjustably anchoring device may be used to adjustably anchor the shank to the housing, and to adjustably secure the back support to the base frame to selected angular position. One or more coil springs are engaged onto the shank, and have an inner diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the shank, to allow the springs to be engaged and clamped onto the shank, and to be expanded and released from the shank by a barrel.

Abstract: A mid-wheel drive power wheelchair for use by handicapped and disabled persons is provided having a frame, a seat supported by the frame, a pair of drive wheels supported on the frame under the seat, a motor for causing rotation of the drive wheels, a battery for supplying power to the motor, a rearward idler wheel, a forward anti-tip wheel and a resilient suspension supporting the forward anti-tip wheel, the suspension being attached to the frame rearward of the resilient front portion of the frame.

Abstract: A self-propelled wheelchair (1, 101) comprising a frame (2, 102) supporting a seat (3, 103), two drive wheels (5, 105) mounted to the front of the frame, a prime mover mounted to the frame so as to drive the two drive wheels. The wheelchair having at least one castor wheel (7, 107) mounted to the rear of the frame and pivotal about a substantially vertical axis (Y), the frame being height adjustable in such a manner that when the frame is lowered, the seat is simultaneously tilted backwardly. The frame is provided with an anchoring mechanism (116) which allows the wheelchair to be releasably anchored to an anchoring element (119) secured to the floor.

Abstract: A personal cart comprises a mounting structure secured onto two parallel and aligned suspension members near their respective proximal longitudinal ends so as to rest thereon, and extending both upwardly and longitudinally so as to generally define an angle with said suspension members, two driving wheels, each mounted to a respective suspension member near its proximal end, two driven wheels, each rotatably mounted to a respective suspension member near its distal end, and actuating means coupled to both driving wheels for selectively causing rotation of at least one of said two driving wheels. The actuating may includes a controller and a rechargeable battery or be in the form of a hand actuating device including two endless belts mounted along angled portions of the mounting structure. The personal cart comprises few components and is relatively compact which provides a long autonomy in the case of an electrically actuated embodiment, and less effort to actuate in the case of the hand actuating embodiment.

Abstract: A self-leveling and balancing vehicle composed of a base and a moving and driving mechanism installed on the base, the mechanism having two longitudinal moving seats installed on the guiding rails fixed on the base, a connecting frame extending to and connecting the two moving seats, and two sector gears installed on the two moving seats. A driving motor and a sensor are installed on the connecting frame, two level driving gears installed on two ends of the driving shaft and engaged with the two sector gears, a balance gear box installed on the driving shaft and having an output shaft extending to the connecting frame, and two driven gears installed on two ends of the output shaft and engaged with the racks fixed on the base.

Abstract: An electrical wheelchair includes a vertical rotating shaft connected fixedly to a seat member and journalled on a frame of a chair body, and a worm unit for transferring rotation of a motor shaft to the rotating shaft. A wheel-controlling switch is disposed on the seat member, and is operable to rotate a driving wheel unit. A rotation-controlling switch is also disposed on the seat member, and is operable to rotate the rotating shaft and the seat member by any desired angle smaller than and equal to 360°. When the seat member rotates from a frontward position by 180°, the rotational direction of the driving wheel unit is reversed under automatic control. As such, forward and rearward movement of the wheelchair can be conducted with ease.

Abstract: The present invention is a wheelchair control sensor for controlling a powered wheelchair for spinal cord-injured persons, who are incapable of using their hands, using movement of shoulders. The wheelchair control sensor includes two shoulder straps, two casings, two Force Sensitive Resistor (FSR) sensors, pressing balls, and a waist belt. The casings each have an internal space defined by an inclined surface. The FSR sensors are attached to the inclined surfaces of the casings or surfaces opposite to the inclined surfaces. The pressing balls are connected to the shoulder straps to press the FRS sensors while being moved through the internal spaces of the casings by external force. The waist belt is worn on an upper garment with the two casings spaced apart from each other at a certain interval.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suspension for a conveyance that is capable of traversing obstacles and rough terrain. In this regard, the suspension has a frame member and a pivoting assembly. The pivoting assembly has a pivot arm and a drive assembly. The pivot arm is pivotally coupled to the frame and has a first engagement surface. The drive assembly is pivotally coupled to the frame and has a second engagement surface configured to engage the first engagement surface. The second engagement surface is further configured to disengage from the first engagement surface upon pivotal movement of the drive assembly in a first direction and to re-engage the first engagement surface upon pivotal movement of the drive assembly in a second direction.

Abstract: The present invention has a plurality of pivoting linkages to lift and retract a front castor assembly to facilitate traversing an obstacle or rough terrain. In this regard, a wheelchair suspension having a frame member and at least one a pivoting assembly is provided. The pivoting assembly has, for example, a first linkage pivotally coupled to the frame member and a second linkage pivotally coupled to the frame member. At least one front caster assembly is coupled to the first and second linkages wherein upward pivotal movement of the first linkage causes the caster assembly to undergo upward vertical movement and upward pivotal movement of the second linkage causes the caster assembly to undergo lateral movement inward toward the wheelchair.

Abstract: A wheelchair suspension having plurality of pivoting linkages to lift and retract a front castor assembly to facilitate traversing an obstacle or rough terrain. In this regard, a wheelchair suspension having a frame member and at least one a pivoting assembly is provided. The pivoting assembly has, for example, a first linkage pivotally coupled to the frame member and a second linkage pivotally coupled to the frame member. At least one front caster assembly is coupled to the first and second linkages wherein upward pivotal movement of the first linkage causes the caster assembly to undergo upward vertical movement and upward pivotal movement of the second linkage causes the caster assembly to undergo lateral movement inward toward the wheelchair.

Abstract: Apparatus of a power driven wheelchair for displaying operational parameters thereof comprises: a programmed controller operative to monitor a plurality of operational parameters of the wheelchair; a joystick unit coupled to the programmed controller; and a display screen integral to the joystick unit. The programmed controller is operative to interact with the joystick unit to display a user selected operational parameter of the plurality on the display screen of the joystick unit.

Abstract: A curb-climbing rear wheel drive power wheelchair is disclosed having a pair of drive wheels, at least one ground-engaging idler wheel connected to the frame forward of the drive wheels and at least one anti-tip wheel mounted above ground aft of the drive wheels. The drive wheels and anti-tip wheels are mounted on common suspension arms, pivoted to the frame of the wheelchair behind the drive wheels and resiliently suspended, so that the anti-tip wheels move up and down in response to movements of the drive wheel suspension.

Abstract: The present invention provides a curb-climbing wheelchair having pivotal arm assemblies. The pivotal arm assemblies include at least one front caster and have the ability to rotate or pivot. The pivot arms rotate or pivot in response to moments generated by accelerating or decelerating the wheelchair thereby raising or lowering the front caster(s) through the rotational movement of the pivot arms. By raising or lowering the front caster(s) in such a manner, curb-like obstacles can be traversed in a low-impact manner.

Abstract: A wheelchair having a speed and direction control touchpad. The touchpad comprises two separated semi-conductive film layers, one measuring an X coordinate and one measuring a Y coordinate. When pressure is applied to the layers bringing them into contact with each other, an X, Y coordinate location is produced and the wheelchair is moved in a direction and speed analagous to the location of the pressure applied to the touchpad. A change in location of the pressure will result in a corresponding change in direction and speed. The touchpad also has a neutral or no movement activation point.