Patents by Inventor James H. Molnar
James H. Molnar has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20160256337Abstract: A wheelchair suspension includes a frame, a pivoting assembly, at least one front caster, and at least one rear caster. The pivoting assembly has a first link pivotally coupled to the frame member, a second link pivotally coupled to the frame member, a drive assembly fixedly connected to a first end of the first link, and a third link pivotally connected to the first link and pivotally connected to the second link. The drive assembly causes downward pivotal movement of the first end of the first link and upward pivotal movement of a second end of the first link. The upward pivotal movement of the second end of the first link causes the second link and the caster assembly to undergo upward movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2016Publication date: September 8, 2016Inventor: James H. Molnar
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Patent number: 9370455Abstract: A wheelchair suspension includes a frame, a pivoting assembly, at least one front caster, and at least one rear caster. The pivoting assembly has a first link pivotally coupled to the frame member, a second link pivotally coupled to the frame member, a drive assembly fixedly connected to a first end of the first link, and a third link pivotally connected to the first link and pivotally connected to the second link. The drive assembly causes downward pivotal movement of the first end of the first link and upward pivotal movement of a second end of the first link. The upward pivotal movement of the second end of the first link causes the second link and the caster assembly to undergo upward movement.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: INVACARE CORPORATIONInventor: James H. Molnar
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Publication number: 20150108735Abstract: A wheelchair suspension includes a frame, a pivoting assembly, at least one front caster, and at least one rear caster. The pivoting assembly has a first link pivotally coupled to the frame member, a second link pivotally coupled to the frame member, a drive assembly fixedly connected to a first end of the first link, and a third link pivotally connected to the first link and pivotally connected to the second link. The drive assembly causes downward pivotal movement of the first end of the first link and upward pivotal movement of a second end of the first link. The upward pivotal movement of the second end of the first link causes the second link and the caster assembly to undergo upward movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2014Publication date: April 23, 2015Inventor: James H. Molnar
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Patent number: 8925943Abstract: A wheelchair includes a frame, a rear caster coupled to the frame, a drive wheel coupled to the frame, a front caster, and a pivoting assembly. The pivoting assembly couples the front caster to the frame such that upward movement of the front caster relative to the frame causes the front caster to move toward the drive wheel.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2012Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Invacare Corp.Inventor: James H. Molnar
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Publication number: 20120217713Abstract: A wheelchair includes a frame, a rear caster coupled to the frame, a drive wheel coupled to the frame, a front caster, and a pivoting assembly. The pivoting assembly couples the front caster to the frame such that upward movement of the front caster relative to the frame causes the front caster to move toward the drive wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2012Publication date: August 30, 2012Applicant: INVACARE CORP.Inventor: James H. Molnar
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Patent number: 8172015Abstract: A wheelchair includes a pivoting drive assembly having a drive wheel, a motor drive connected to the drive wheel, and a first pivoting linkage fixedly attached to the motor drive. The pivoting drive assembly is pivotally coupled to a frame at a first frame pivot axis such that the drive wheel, motor drive, and first pivoting linkage pivot about the first frame pivot axis as a unit. The wheelchair further includes a second pivoting linkage and a front caster assembly. The second pivoting linkage is pivotally coupled to the frame at a second frame pivot axis. The first pivoting linkage is pivotally coupled to the front caster assembly at a first front caster pivot axis and the second pivoting linkage is pivotally coupled to the front caster assembly at a second front caster pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2008Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventor: James H. Molnar
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Publication number: 20090091092Abstract: A wheelchair includes a pivoting drive assembly having a drive wheel, a motor drive connected to the drive wheel, and a first pivoting linkage fixedly attached to the motor drive. The pivoting drive assembly is pivotally coupled to a frame at a first frame pivot axis such that the drive wheel, motor drive, and first pivoting linkage pivot about the first frame pivot axis as a unit. The wheelchair further includes a second pivoting linkage and a front caster assembly. The second pivoting linkage is pivotally coupled to the frame at a second frame pivot axis. The first pivoting linkage is pivotally coupled to the front caster assembly at a first front caster pivot axis and the second pivoting linkage is pivotally coupled to the front caster assembly at a second front caster pivot axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2008Publication date: April 9, 2009Applicant: Invacare CorporationInventor: James H. Molnar
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Patent number: 7472767Abstract: The present invention relates to a wheelchair suspension that includes a pivoting assembly. The pivoting assembly includes at least two linkages. The pivoting assembly is structured so that the drive assists the wheelchair in traversing obstacles.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2006Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventor: James H. Molnar
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Patent number: 7198284Abstract: A mobility aid, such as a wheelchair or walker, includes first and second structural members and a fastener for connecting the members together. A washer has first and second portions connected by a bridge portion, each with a fastener opening for receiving the fastener. The washer is self-supporting on a structural member to take the place of two individual washers. A method of connecting first and second connecting members to a frame member of a personal mobility aid includes placing a washer on the frame member so that the washer has first and second portions spaced apart on opposite sides of the frame member; placing the first and second connecting members adjacent the first and second portions of the washer; and fastening the connecting members and the frame member and the washer together with a fastener.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: Matthew Robert Cerreto, Edward B. Roth, James H. Molnar
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Patent number: 7055634Abstract: The present invention has a plurality of pivoting linkages to lift and retract a front castor assembly to facilitate traversing an obstacle or rough terrain. In this regard, a wheelchair suspension having a frame member and at least one a pivoting assembly is provided. The pivoting assembly has, for example, a first linkage pivotally coupled to the frame member and a second linkage pivotally coupled to the frame member. At least one front caster assembly is coupled to the first and second linkages wherein upward pivotal movement of the first linkage causes the caster assembly to undergo upward vertical movement and upward pivotal movement of the second linkage causes the caster assembly to undergo lateral movement inward toward the wheelchair.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2004Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventor: James H. Molnar
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Patent number: 7040429Abstract: A wheelchair suspension having plurality of pivoting linkages to lift and retract a front castor assembly to facilitate traversing an obstacle or rough terrain. In this regard, a wheelchair suspension having a frame member and at least one a pivoting assembly is provided. The pivoting assembly has, for example, a first linkage pivotally coupled to the frame member and a second linkage pivotally coupled to the frame member. At least one front caster assembly is coupled to the first and second linkages wherein upward pivotal movement of the first linkage causes the caster assembly to undergo upward vertical movement and upward pivotal movement of the second linkage causes the caster assembly to undergo lateral movement inward toward the wheelchair.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2001Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventor: James H. Molnar
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Publication number: 20040159476Abstract: The present invention has a plurality of pivoting linkages to lift and retract a front castor assembly to facilitate traversing an obstacle or rough terrain. In this regard, a wheelchair suspension having a frame member and at least one a pivoting assembly is provided. The pivoting assembly has, for example, a first linkage pivotally coupled to the frame member and a second linkage pivotally coupled to the frame member. At least one front caster assembly is coupled to the first and second linkages wherein upward pivotal movement of the first linkage causes the caster assembly to undergo upward vertical movement and upward pivotal movement of the second linkage causes the caster assembly to undergo lateral movement inward toward the wheelchair.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2004Publication date: August 19, 2004Inventor: James H. Molnar
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Publication number: 20040060748Abstract: The present invention has a plurality of pivoting linkages to lift and retract a front castor assembly to facilitate traversing an obstacle or rough terrain. In this regard, a wheelchair suspension having a frame member and at least one a pivoting assembly is provided. The pivoting assembly has, for example, a first linkage pivotally coupled to the frame member and a second linkage pivotally coupled to the frame member. At least one front caster assembly is coupled to the first and second linkages wherein upward pivotal movement of the first linkage causes the caster assembly to undergo upward vertical movement and upward pivotal movement of the second linkage causes the caster assembly to undergo lateral movement inward toward the wheelchair.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2001Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventor: James H. Molnar
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Patent number: 6394476Abstract: The invention pertains to wheelchairs, and more particularly, to a wheelchair seat having a seat back member which substantially maintains a constant vertical angle when the seat bottom or rail is pivotably raised and lowered. Accordingly, the angle between a seat back and seat rail is changed during adjustment of the seat rail.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventor: James H. Molnar
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Patent number: 5853059Abstract: A wheelchair includes a frame having first and second longitudinal sides connected by a bridge and a seat module carried by the frame. A first power drive assembly is disposed on the frame first longitudinal side. The first power drive assembly includes a first swing arm pivotally secured to the frame, a first motor mounted to the first swing arm and a first wheel operably connected to the first motor. A second power drive assembly is disposed on the frame second longitudinal side. The second power drive assembly includes a second swing arm pivotally secured to the frame, a second motor mounted to the second swing arm and a second wheel operably connected to the second motor. A first resiliently biased anti-tip assembly is secured to both the frame first longitudinal side and the first motor. A second resiliently biased anti-tip assembly is secured to both the frame second longitudinal side and the second motor. A power supply is mounted on the frame for powering the first and second motors.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1996Date of Patent: December 29, 1998Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: Gerold G. Goertzen, Neal J. Curran, James H. Molnar
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Patent number: 5575348Abstract: A wheelchair includes a frame having first and second longitudinal sides connected by a bridge and a seat module carried by the frame. A first power drive assembly is disposed on the frame first longitudinal side. The first power drive assembly includes a first swing arm pivotally secured to the frame, a first motor mounted to the first swing arm and a first wheel operably connected to the first motor. A second power drive assembly is disposed on the frame second longitudinal side. The second power drive assembly includes a second swing arm pivotally secured to the frame, a second motor mounted to the second swing arm and a second wheel operably connected to the second motor. A first resiliently biased anti-tip assembly is secured to both the frame first longitudinal side and the first motor. A second resiliently biased anti-tip assembly is secured to both the frame second longitudinal side and the second motor. A power supply is mounted on the frame for powering the first and second motors.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1994Date of Patent: November 19, 1996Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: Gerold G. Goertzen, Neal J. Curran, James H. Molnar