Abstract: A gear drive assembly comprises two drive motors, each individually driving one propulsion element. The assembly accommodates transaxle-type mounting on a vehicle.

Abstract: A powered golf caddy vehicle permits a single golfer to conveniently control the speed and direction of travel during a round of golf while following the vehicle. Steering and throttle control functions are merged on a single steering tiller arm.

Abstract: A powered golf caddy vehicle permits a single golfer to conveniently control the speed and direction of travel during a round of golf while following the vehicle. Steering and throttle control functions are merged on a single steering tiller arm.

Abstract: A gear drive assembly comprises two drive motors, each individually driving one propulsion element. The assembly accommodates transaxle-type mounting on a vehicle.

Abstract: A reclining chair has a backrest and a seat, which includes a front seat portion and a rear seat portion. The chair is carried on a mechanized base. The base carries an actuator, which is coupled to a reclining linkage assembly. The reclining linkage assembly applies force in response to operation of the actuator to advance the seat and backrest forward while also tilting the backrest rearward from a generally upright position to a generally reclined position. Advancing the seat and backrest forward while the backrest reclines, keeps the distance between the backrest and an adjacent wall generally constant, regardless of whether the backrest is in the generally upright position and in the generally reclined position. The actuator can also operate a lifting linkage assembly for lifting the seat and tilting the seat forward to assist exit from the chair. A locking mechanism resists extension of an associated footrest linkage when the seat is lifted and tilted forward.

Abstract: A reclining chair has a backrest and a seat, which includes a front seat portion and a rear seat portion. The chair is carried on a mechanized base. The base carries an actuator, which is coupled to a reclining linkage assembly. The reclining linkage assembly applies force in response to operation of the actuator to advance the seat and backrest forward while also tilting the backrest rearward from a generally upright position to a generally reclined position. Advancing the seat and backrest forward while the backrest reclines, keeps the distance between the backrest and an adjacent wall generally constant, regardless of whether the backrest is in the generally upright position and in the generally reclined position. The actuator can also operate a lifting linkage assembly for lifting the seat and tilting the seat forward to assist exit from the chair. A locking mechanism resists extension of an associated footrest linkage when the seat is lifted and tilted forward.

Abstract: Systems and methods use force sensing resistors to control the propulsion and/or speed of electrically powered vehicles in a straight forward, inexpensive, and ergonomic manner.

Abstract: A reclining chair has a backrest and a seat, which includes a front seat portion and a rear seat portion. The chair is carried on a mechanized base. The base carries an actuator, which is coupled to a reclining linkage assembly. The reclining linkage assembly applies force in response to operation of the actuator to advance the seat and backrest forward while also tilting the backrest rearward from a generally upright position to a generally reclined position. Advancing the seat and backrest forward while the backrest reclines, keeps the distance between the backrest and an adjacent wall generally constant, regardless of whether the backrest is in the generally upright position and in the generally reclined position. The actuator can also operate a lifting linkage assembly for lifting the seat and tilting the seat forward to assist exit from the chair. A locking mechanism resists extension of an associated footrest linkage when the seat is lifted and tilted forward.

Abstract: A propelling and/or steering mechanism uses a planetary gear set and ring gear arrangement, in which the ring gear "floats" upon the planetary gear set, free of a center hub and a bearing connection.

Abstract: A propelling and/or steering mechanism uses a planetary gear set and ring gear arrangement, in which the ring gear "floats" upon the planetary gear set, free of a center hub and a bearing connection.

Abstract: A stroller includes a rounded vacuum formed body having a top opening capable of substantially enclosing an occupant, the body having at least one upwardly extending projection. A frame is attached to the body having wheels attached thereto and a handle assembly is attached to the rear of the stroller for pushing the same. A horizontal cross member is attached to the frame and positioned, in alignment with the rearwardmost surface of the upwardly extending projection whereby when one of the strollers is placed upon the other, the crossmember engages the projection and enables the nesting of one of the strollers atop the other.

Abstract: A method and associated tool joins all types of parted wire fencing material. The method and tool allow one person to quickly create a permanent splice that unites the parted wire while restoring tension to the parted wire lengths. Following the method, the tension remains when the tool is released from the splice. The result is a taut splice, with no sag or slack.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a three wheel personal mobility vehicle in which a wheel and drive assembly is readily detached from a vehicle frame by spring loaded pull pins which are connected by a strap so both of the pins can be manipulated simultaneously with a single hand. The invention provides for quick release and reassembly of the drive assembly which is provided with a handle for carrying the same to a trunk of a car or the like.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a base for a recliner lift chair in which the push links and flying links are dimensioned to provide constant velocity motion to the seat and back without dwell during movement in the lifting and reclining modes. The base is provided with a flexible tie to afford shifting of the base members to accommodate uneven floors and maintain four-point contact.

Abstract: A device for coupling a front wheel unit of a motorized wheelchair with a rear wheel unit to obtain an assembled motorized wheelchair. Generally the front wheel unit includes a wheel and handlebars or a steering wheel. The rear wheel unit includes at least a frame and a wheel rotatably connected to the frame. The coupling device includes a connector portion at the front end of the rear unit frame, which connector is generally vertically oriented but inclined forward slightly. The front wheel unit correspondingly has at its rear end a connector portion which is inclined forward at approximately the same angle as the rear connector, and sized and positioned so as to telescopically interfit with the rear connector.

Abstract: A slip clutch assembly has a push-pull rod on link and a motor driven threaded lead screw shaft which screws in and out of a threaded bore in the push-pull rod. A plastic generally cylindrical nut is interposed between the lead screw shaft and the bore in the push-pull member. The nut has spaced apart external rings which register in corresponding grooves in the bore in the push-pull rod. The nut has internal threads in which the lead screw turns. If the nut is prevented from moving axially by engaging the push-pull rod with a stop or load the rings on the nut slip on the grooves to prevent overload of the drive system and continued extension of the push-pull rod.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an appliance for transporting an invalid or handicapped patient to and from a bathtub and for supporting the patient while in a tub. An elongated generally rectangular frame is provided with a web having a pocket which forms a seat for the patient, with the pocket surrounded by a U-shaped fulcrum bar which protects the patient's hips and buttocks. The fulcrum bar enables loading of the appliance into the tub without the attendant handling the entire load. The appliance can also be used as a comfortable, stable all purpose seat for a handicapped patient.

Abstract: A lift chair has a lift base, a seat, and an extensible and retractable power-actuated ram connected between the lift base and seat to selectively raise and lower the seat. One or another accessory base provided with accessories such as a rocker or wheel assembly is also connected to the seat and is positioned to contact the floor before the ram is fully retracted so that the full retraction of the ram lifts the lift base off the floor and transfers the entire weight of the chair to the accessory base. When the ram is extended, the initial extension of the ram reseats the lift base on the floor and lifts the accessory base off the floor, thus transferring the weight of the chair from the accessory base back to the lift base, which supports and stabilizes the chair during the lifting thereof and until the ram is fully retracted again.

Abstract: A reclining elevator chair having a tiltable back, an extendible leg rest, and means for raising the seat and simultaneously tilting it forwardly to assist arthritic or other partially disabled persons in leaving the chair. A power-driven ram tilts the back and extends and retracts the leg rest in one mode of operation. In a second mode of operation, the same ram raises the seat and tilts it forwardly. The first mode of operation occurs when the ram is retracted below a predetermined length and the second mode of operation occurs when the ram is extended beyond the predetermined length. When the ram is equal to the predetermined length, a portion of the mechanism which tilts the back and extends and retracts the leg rest abuts against a portion of the seat frame and transfers the force of the ram from the back and leg rest to the seat.

Abstract: The front wheel assembly of a wheel chair is dimensioned so that it will easily pass through the space between the seat of an automobile and the doorframe thereof. The rear wheel assembly is retractable upwardly under the seat portion to a position which permits the seat portion and the retracted rear wheel assembly to be set upon the automobile seat. The wheel chair and the person seated therein may be easily placed on the automobile seat and removed therefrom while the person remains seated in the wheel chair.