Abstract: A cushion element for use in the wheelchair. The cushion element includes a generally rectangular body in plane having a front edge, a pair of opposed side edges and a rear edge. The cushion element is sized and shaped to be placed on a seat support of a wheelchair. The cushion element includes at least one collapsible support located toward the front edge of the element. The collapsible support is characterized by being more easily compressed towards the front edge and less easily compressed towards the rear edge. Thereby, under compression, the collapsible support forms a wedge shaped section in cross-section beneath a wheelchair occupant's legs. In this manner, the person is permitted to reach their foot down to the ground without the formation of a pressure point at the front edge of the seat cushion.

Abstract: A cantilever arm weighing apparatus comprises two arm portions joined by two linkage members disposed in parallel one above the other. A load cell extends from the arm portion attached to a support structure to the arm portion which receives the weight to be measured. A bearing coacts with the load cell and the arm portion bearing the weight to receive the load from the arm portion and transfer it to the load cell. The linkage members act to nullify the moment effect and minimize losses due to friction. A readout device is attached to the load cell providing a readout of the weight applied to the load cell through the bearing.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for wheelchairs comprises a drive member and a driven wheel hub member journalled on the drive member for rotation about an axis. The drive and driven members each have axial grooves, the grooves in the drive member and the driven member being adapted to be aligned thereby to define axial keyways. A clutch member is rotatably mounted on the drive member and provides axially extending keys. The clutch is movable between an engaged position in which the keys are inserted into the keyways and a disengaged position in which the keys are removed from the keyways.