Abstract: An electrically powered steerable vehicle usable by the physically challenged has at least one rechargeable battery system, a shopping basket at its front end, and a probe electrical terminal mechanism connected with said battery system and adapted to be carried forwardly on the shopping basket which is connectable with a probe receiver assembly mounting a charging station. Electrical connections are adapted to be attached between the probe receiver, charging station, and a source of electrical power. The probe receiver comprises a forwardly converging system including at least one electrically conductive, resilient, laterally expandable part adapted to be supported at the level of the probe electrical terminal mechanism.

Abstract: A wheel drive disconnect system for use in electrically powered vehicles for transporting the physically challenged having at least one wheel comprising a rim, a wheel hub sleeve, and a radially extending plate connecting the rim and hub sleeve. A rotatably driven shaft drive is freely received by the hub sleeve and a releasable drive transmitter axially freely receives the drive shaft device and has a first position in which it is driven and a second axially displaced position in which it is not. Protrusions and drive surfaces provided between the wheel plate and drive transmitter are in radial alignment for driving the wheel in rotation when the drive transmitter member is in the first position and for permitting free wheeling of the wheel when the drive transmitter has been axially displaced and the protrusions and drive surfaces are out of radial alignment.

Abstract: A safety or emergency brake system for a slow moving off-road passenger vehicle has a brake lever that is adapted to pivot into contact with a wheel-mounted flexible tire that partially supports the vehicle and then be further pivoted by the tire, as it rotates in a forward direction due to vehicle inertia, into an interference position with the tire that locally deflects the tire to prevent further wheel rotation. The brake is activated by a device sensing impending vehicle impact with an obstacle, or by the vehicle operator, and is initially released by rotation of the tire in a reverse direction as the vehicle is caused to reverse or move backward.

Abstract: A four-wheeled cart, for physically challenged individuals has a frame that is propelled and supported by two driven rear wheels. An operator's seat is mounted on the rear portion of the frame. A generally flat platform, a part of which is inclined upwardly and forwardly, supports the operator's feet. A steerable front wheel on a vertical spindle is mounted on each corner of the front portion of the frame. The front wheels are steered by a toothed wheel assembly clamped to each vertical spindle under the flat platform, a torque transmission gear drive interconnecting the two toothed wheel assemblies, and a drive mechanism for turning the torque transmission gear drive. The drive mechanism can be a manual handle bar or an electric motor controlled by a joy stick. With the joy stick control, the flat platform is completely clear and allows the cart to move the operator up to work areas such as tables. The manual handle bar takes minimal space above the flat platform.

Abstract: A vehicle for physically disadvantaged persons and others desiring assistance which carries a chair at a relatively high level, is supported by wheels on front and rear axles. It has a rear bumper, supported by the frame and consisting of side attaching elements connected by a bumper cross element. Pivotally connected to each bumper side element is an anti-tip wheel support leg which mounts an anti-tip wheel having an axle connected to the lower end of each leg such that the legs are gravity biased to swing in toward the bumper. The wheel-supporting legs support the anti-tip wheels at a predetermined vertical distance above the ground when the frame is traveling over level ground, and are operative to automatically swing rearwardly away from the rear wheels to cause the anti-tip wheels to engage the ground and stabilize the vehicle from further tilting, when the frame tilts upwardly a predetermined amount from front to rear.

Abstract: A steerable electrically powered three-wheeled vehicle has an upstanding seat post mounting a seat thereon. The seat post is telescopically and revolvably received in a seat post support fixed to the frame of the vehicle. A seat motor is provided on the vehicle which has a drive connection to the seat post assembly for raising and lowering it and there is a control on the vehicle for selectively operating the seat motor forwardly or reversely to raise or lower the seat post and seat. A pair of master lock parts are provided, one on the seat post support and the other on the seat post, and parts on the respective lock parts are automatically engaged when the seat post and seat are lowered to lowered position for locking the otherwise relatively revolvable parts against relative rotation. The lock parts automatically prevent operation of the motor driving the vehicle, unless the seat is in the forward facing position.

Abstract: A steerable, electrically powered, three wheeled vehicle has a frame with a front end extending upwardly at a restricted angle. Laterally spaced apart rear wheels supporting the rear end, a steerable front wheel, journaled by the said front end for steerability, supports said front end. An elevated seat is supported on said rear end and a steering post connected to said front wheel extends upwardly at an angle at which it can be readily grasped by a seat occupant. Rechargeable batteris are carried in a well in a rear casing and the well and batteries have resilient contacts and terminals which automatically engage when the batteries are slipped into position in the well. An electric motor and drive mechanism is connected to drive said rear wheels, and demountable auxiliary wheels are detent secured to be driven with the rear wheels.

Abstract: A steerable, electrically powered, three wheeled vehicle has a frame with a front end extending upwardly at a restricted angle. Laterally spaced apart rear wheels supporting the rear end, a steerable front wheel, journaled by the said front end for steerability, supports said front end. An elevated seat is supported on said rear end and a steering post connected to said front wheel extends upwardly at an angle at which it can be readily grasped by a seat occupant. Rechargeable batteries are carried in a well in a rear casing and the well and batteries have resilient contacts and terminals which automatically engage when the batteries are slipped into position in the well. An electric motor and drive mechanism is connected to drive said rear wheels, and demountable auxiliary wheels are detent secured to be driven with the rear wheels.