Abstract: An improved leg rest hinge structure for a wheelchair that is both strong and easily manipulated. The hinge structure includes a hinge post inversely mounted to a hinge cap which retains the leg tube and foot plate of the leg rest. The hinge post is removably and rotationally inserted into a cylindrical socket fixed to the frame of the wheelchair. A flat land is formed on the exterior circumference of the cylindrical socket that engages either a matching land formed on the underside of the hinge cap or a spring loaded pivot plate fixed on the hinge cap adjacent the hinge post. The structure provides a rugged single post hinge point and an easily manipulated mechanism for releasing the leg rest for rotating it to the side and out of the way.

Abstract: A tilt seat mechanism for a wheelchair that includes a base frame and a seat frame that are nested and parallel in a first position and separated and angled in a second position. The seat frame is rotated about a pivot on the base frame by an electrically driven jackscrew. The drive linkage comprises a crossbar connected to the end of the jackscrew and a pair of tee-head connecting links that move with the crossbar. The ends of the crossbar move in channels on the base frame and pivotally connect to the tee-head links. The connecting links are pivotally attached to a bracket fixed on the seat frame. As the jackscrew turns it moves the crossbar and connecting links out from a closed position. This movement results in the lifting of the seat platform to a reclining position with respect to the horizontal base frame.

Abstract: An arm rest assembly for a wheelchair movable between a lowered position suitable for resting an arm thereon and a raised position suitable for gaining access to the seat of the wheelchair. The arm rest assembly comprises two generally parallel arm elements, each of which are pivotally attached to the wheelchair frame at a point adjacent to the back of the wheelchair. The lower arm element is linked to the upper arm element by way of a sliding pin positioned within a longitudinal slot in the upper arm element. One end of the longitudinal slot includes an angled segment into which the sliding pin falls when the arm rest assembly is in a lowered position. This angled segment of the slot locks the two arm elements into a parallel configuration and prevents their rotation with respect to the attachment points on the wheelchair.

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting the securement of the wheels of a wheeled vehicle, such as a power wheelchair, to the floor or bed of a transport vehicle having tension connection anchors in the floor respectively vertically below the desired position of the wheels, comprises a hubcap securable to each wheel, a connector plate slidably mountable on each hubcap and a tensile connection such as a strap, cable, chain or the like adjustably secured between each connector plate and a vertically adjacent tension connection anchor.

Abstract: A assemblage for mounting a caster wheel on a depending stationary post on a wheeled load carrier comprises a body element having a cylindrical chamber concentrically surrounding the support post. The body element has a bracket for mounting a caster wheel for rotation about a horizontal axis. A vertical stack of washers surround the support post and alternate ones of such washers are secured to the support post and rotatable within the cylindrical chamber while the remainder of such washers are co-rotatable with the body element about the axis of the support post. The cylindrical chamber is filled with a lubricating fluid to a sufficient depth to cover all abutting surfaces of said washers, thereby providing viscous fluid shearing resistance to shimmying movement of the caster wheel relative to the support post. To maintain the friction between the support post and body element independent of the amount of load, anti-friction thrust bearings are provided between the support post and the body element.

Abstract: A suspension system for the ground engaging powered and/or caster wheels of a power wheelchair utilizes three links, two of which are universally pivotally connected between the frame of the wheelchair and a wheel mounting transaxle housing or subframe so that the wheels can tilt relative to the frame of the wheelchair in a vertical plane. A third link is connected between the vehicle frame and the wheel mounting structure which can only pivot in a vertical plane, thus restraining the wheels from any lateral displacement relative to the vehicle frame. Fluid cylinders operable between the links and the vehicle frame provide cushioning of the frame and also, by subtraction of fluid from the fluid cylinders, can lower the entire frame of the wheelchair relative to the ground engaging wheels to permit the wheelchair and occupant to drive into the side door opening of a conventional van.

Abstract: An electrically powered vehicle having two primary ground engaging wheels operatively connected to a driving motor by an automatic transmission and to a steering motor by a shiftable bevel gear which permits opposite variations in rotational speed of the ground engaging wheels.