Abstract: A retrofitable attachment for easily and quickly converting most conventional wheelchairs into self-propelled, steerable wheelchairs. The invention includes a drive arrangement easily attachable to one of the rear wheels of the wheelchair, an elongated arm unit easily attachable adjacent one of the front casters of the wheelchair, and a connecting member extending between the arm and rear drive arrangement. The elongated arm unit has an outer drive arm portion and an inner steering arm portion, both of which are mounted for pivotal movement together about a first axis to activate the drive arrangement. Additionally, the occupant of the wheelchair can twist or rotate the inner steering arm position about a second axis to steer the front caster of the wheelchair. The steering arrangement further includes a unique gearing system that eliminates dead spots in the steering and allows for easy and uniform manipulation of the steering arm and front caster.

Abstract: An adjustable lumbar back support system mountable across the back rest of a foldable wheelchair. The system is adjustable vertically and includes two cam members eccentrically mounted on an elongated member to selectively provide fore and aft adjustment as well as side to side adjustment. Additionally, pads can be mounted on the cam members to provide a further range of support to the system. The system provides rigidity to foldable wheelchairs and pivots out of the way when the wheelchair is collapsed. The system is also lightweight and unobtrusive and may be retrofitted to most existing styles of wheelchairs.

Abstract: An orthopedic device suitable for controlling hip joints is provided which includes a first hinge means for flexion and extension of the hip and a second hinge means for abduction and adduction of the hip. The orthopedic hip hinge permits a shortening of the overall length of the hinge arm assembly during abduction of the hip and minimizes pistoning of the thigh attachment support. Also included with this invention are means for permitting free abduction of the orthopedic hinge within a specified range, while preventing any abduction of the hip. The disclosed device more closely approximates the actual motion of the femoral head in its socket, since the flexion hinge and the abduction hinge employ a common element, and are disposed in a ball-joint arrangement.

Abstract: An orthopedic hinge is provided for controlling the flexion and extension of an associated body part, for example, a knee or elbow. The hinge employs a housing connected to a pair of control arms which are rotatably mounted to the housing and are free to move independently of one another. The hinge also includes a first and a second adjustment means having single elements for simultaneously controlling both control arms to thereby define an arc of extension and an arc of flexion of the body part. The hinge preferably includes a single screw for blocking the extension of the joint and a single screw for setting the flexion of the joint. The hinge can be adjusted for free motion throughout a preferred 120.degree. range of motion and can be selectively locked at any point within this range.