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 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 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 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: An anti-tip mechanism for use with a wheelchair is provided. The anti-tip mechanism has a support frame being adapted to be coupled to the wheelchair. A first and a second wheel support arm extend outwardly from the support frame and are pivotally coupled thereto. A wheel is rotatably connected to each of the support arms. An adjusting mechanism is coupled between the frame and the support arms. The adjusting mechanism is adapted to change the position of the support arms relative to the frame. In this manner, the adjusting mechanism is adapted to raise and lower the wheels. The anti-tip wheels of the wheelchair are thus adjustable to different fixed positions relative to the support frame by operation of the adjusting mechanism.

Abstract: A powered wheelchair for disabled persons is provided that has a frame that has a first end and a second end. A seat support is coupled to the frame between the first and second ends. A pair of swivel wheels is coupled to the frame proximate the first end and a pair of motor driven wheels is connected to the frame proximate the second end. A motor is coupled to each of the driven wheels. The motors are adapted to allow a change in the rotational direction of the driven wheel to which it is coupled, wherein the rotational direction of the motors may be changed when the wheelchair is converted from a rear wheel drive wheelchair to a front wheel drive wheelchair. At least one battery is coupled to the motors, the battery providing power to the motors. An electronic controller is coupled to the motors and the battery. The controller has a user interface that is used to direct the speed and direction of the wheelchair. A seat assembly is reversibly coupled to the seat support and extends upwardly above the frame.

Abstract: A powered wheelchair for disabled persons is provided that has a center frame that has a first end and a second end. The wheelchair further has a seat support coupled to the center frame between the first and second ends. A pair of rear stabilizing wheels is connected to the center frame near the first end. The wheelchair further includes a drive assembly that is removably coupled to the center frame near the second end. The drive assembly has a pair of drive wheels that each have a motor operably connected thereto. A coupling mechanism is associated with the frame and the drive assembly that removably couples the frame to the drive assembly. The coupling mechanism is applicable and releasable by hand without the use of any tools. A power source is removably held on the center frame generally between the first and second ends, and is electrically connected to each of the motors. A seat assembly is removably coupled to the seat support that extends upwardly above the center frame.

Abstract: A tiller assembly for steering a personal mobility vehicle. A knuckle joint for the tiller includes a base secured on the front wheel steering spindle and a knuckle element connected for limited pivotal movement on the base. A bolt connects the knuckle element to the base and also connects the tiller to the knuckle joint. A spring loaded pin on the tiller enters spaced apart openings in the knuckle element to lock the tiller to the knuckle element in any one of various positions, including an operating position and a collapsed position. Adjustment screws on the base are contacted by stop surfaces on the knuckle element to limit in both directions the pivoting of the knuckle element. This allows the tiller to float to a limited extent and also to act rigidly when the vehicle user needs to pull himself up by using the tiller. Spacer sleeves on the pivot bolt allow adjustment of the friction between the knuckle element and base without affecting the tiller.

Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle includes a main frame unit with front and back ends, both with wheels thereon, a steerable front wheel, an operator's seat and vehicle controls. A pair of spaced rear wheels are mounted at the back end of the vehicle and include moveably mounted axles supporting the rear wheels and connected to arms with mechanisms for selectively angularly moving the axles outwardly and inwardly of the main frame unit to vary wheel base and wheel track. A motor is connected to the wheel support structure for remotely varying the wheel base and wheel track. A separate drive motor is operatively connected to the wheels for movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle includes a floor pan with a rear drive unit at one end and a steerable front wheel at the other end. The drive unit is separable from the floor pan and includes spaced apart, differentially connected rear wheels, an electric motor, and belts and pulleys drivingly connecting the motor to a differential unit. The front wheel is steered by a tiller. A seat with a folding back is removably connected to the floor pan toward the pan rear end to concentrate the weight of the driver over the rear wheels to aid in traction. A brake is provided on the front wheel and is lockable for parking purposes. Each of the drive unit, seat unit, a battery, and a floor pan unit weighs less than thirty pounds such that the separated components can be easily lifted and manipulated for transportation of the vehicle between sites of use.