Abstract: A vehicle access system for moving a passenger between the vehicle and ground. Some embodiments have an electrical system, a motive source coupled to the electrical system, an arm coupled to the motive source, a platform coupled to the arm, and a safety restraint system coupled to the electrical system and the platform. The vehicle access system has at least a vehicle access position and a ground access position, wherein the passenger can safely access the platform at either access position. The platform is unable to move from either access position until the safety restraint system is in place. Once operation of the access system has begun, it can continue to operate and move the passenger to one of the access positions even if the safety restraint system is subsequently removed.

Abstract: A seat is pivotally connected to a frame of a wheelchair and is connected by one or more resilient supports. Each support includes a housing attached to either the seat or the frame and a bracket arrangement attached to the other of those wheelchair components. A spring biases the bracket arrangement with respect to the housing and an adjuster enables the force of the spring to be varied to alter resiliency of the support.

Abstract: A seat is pivotally connected to a frame of a wheelchair and is connected by one or more resilient supports. Each support includes a housing attached to either the seat or the frame and a bracket arrangement attached to the other of those wheelchair components. A spring biases the bracket arrangement with respect to the housing and an adjuster enables the force of the spring to be varied to alter resiliency of the support.

Abstract: A hip control apparatus for a wheelchair includes a two hip supports for positioning on opposite sides of the wheelchair seat. Each hip support has a relatively large main portion for engaging the pelvic region of a person seated in the wheelchair and narrower resiliently flexible arm that projects from the main portion toward the front of the seat. A seat belt has a separate segment secured to the arm of each hip support. The segments of the seat belt are releasably securable together by a connector. When the seat belt segments are secured around the person seated in the wheelchair, the arms of the two hip supports bend about the person for added support.

Abstract: The seat of a wheelchair has a back that is deeply contoured to provide lateral support for a user, and which is adjusted to conform to user torsos of various sizes. The seat back has a rigid, curved shell formed by a back panel with separate wings adjustably projecting forward from opposite sides of the back panel. Adjustment of the wings alters the length of curvature of the shell to conform to user torsos of different sizes. A cushion is attached to the shell and has pleated sections which expand and contract as the shell is adjusted.

Abstract: The seat of a wheelchair has a back that is deeply contoured to provide lateral support for a user, and which is adjusted to conform to user torsos of various sizes. The seat back has a rigid, curved shell formed by a back panel with separate wings adjustably projecting forward from opposite sides of the back panel. Adjustment of the wings alters the length of curvature of the shell to conform to user torsos of different sizes. A cushion is attached to the shell and has pleated sections which expand and contract as the shell is adjusted.