Abstract: A wheelchair includes a frame, and a front pivot arm pivotally mounted to the frame at a front pivot point, the front pivot arm having a caster for supporting the frame. A rear pivot arm is pivotally mounted to the frame at a rear pivot point, the rear pivot arm having a caster for supporting the frame. A ground engaging mid-wheel drive wheel is connected to the frame. A linkage connects the front and rear pivot arms to each other in a manner such that an upward or downward rotation of one of the pivot arms about its pivot point causes rotation of the other pivot arm about its pivot point in an opposite rotational direction.

Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle includes an base unit having a frame and front and rear pivot arms pivotally mounted at respective front and rear pivot points. The front and rear pivot arms support casters. A drive unit having a ground engaging mid-wheel drive wheel is connected to the frame. A linkage connects the front and rear pivot arms to each other in a manner such that an upward or downward rotation of one of the pivot arms about its pivot point causes rotation of the other pivot arm about its pivot point in an opposite rotational direction. The base unit may also include a drive unit that is pivotally supported on the base unit by a torque arm and a suspension system that includes a suspension stop. The torque arm selectively disengages the suspension stop to allow movement of the front caster wheel in response to the terrain traversed.

Abstract: A wheelchair includes a frame, and a front pivot arm pivotally mounted to the frame at a front pivot point, the front pivot arm having a caster for supporting the frame. A rear pivot arm is pivotally mounted to the frame at a rear pivot point, the rear pivot arm having a caster for supporting the frame. A ground engaging mid-wheel drive wheel is connected to the frame. A linkage connects the front and rear pivot arms to each other in a manner such that an upward or downward rotation of one of the pivot arms about its pivot point causes rotation of the other pivot arm about its pivot point in an opposite rotational direction.

Abstract: An adjustable step arrangement for a vehicle to assist a user to get into and out of the vehicle. The arrangement includes a U-shaped, tube member supported on a guide system. The tube member has two leg portions with a step section extending between them. The leg portions of the tube members have slots in their undersides that slidably receive vertical guide plates attached to the vehicle. The plates have guide channels in them and the leg portions of the tube member are secured to the guide plates by bolts passing through the channels wherein the adjustable step arrangement can be selectively moved either manually or by a powered assembly between its raised and lowered positions. The step arrangement is accessible to the user for assistance getting into and out of the vehicle in both its raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: An improved wheel assembly comprises a caster fork, a caster wheel rotatably supported by the caster fork, and a caster swivel post defining an axis about which the caster fork rotates. The caster swivel post is being adapted to rotate about a pivot axis within a cylindrical housing. Alternatively, the wheel assembly has an adjustable axle for varying the camber angle of a wheel. The wheel assembly comprises a housing and an axle supported by the housing. The axle in turn rotatably supports a wheel. The axle is adapted to rotate about a pivot axis within a cylindrical housing.

Abstract: An improved wheel assembly comprises a caster fork, a caster wheel rotatably supported by the caster fork, and a caster swivel post defining an axis about which the caster fork rotates. The caster swivel post is being adapted to rotate about a pivot axis within a cylindrical housing. Alternatively, the wheel assembly has an adjustable axle for varying the camber angle of a wheel. The wheel assembly comprises a housing and an axle supported by the housing. The axle in turn rotatably supports a wheel. The axle is adapted to rotate about a pivot axis within a cylindrical housing.

Abstract: A wheelchair frame has first and second side frames, a slider housing, and a slider member mounted for movement relative to the slider housing. Links connect the slider housing to both the first and second side frames, and links connect the slider member to both the first and second side frames. Movement of the slider member relative to the slider housing actuates the links to change the spacing between the first and second side frames, thereby opening and closing the wheelchair frame.

Abstract: A wheelchair is foldable to open and closed positions. The wheelchair includes first and second frame members that are movable with respect to each other during folding of the wheelchair. A biasing member is connected to at least one of the frame members. Movement of the frame members with respect to each other during folding of the wheelchair creates a biasing force in the biasing member urging the wheelchair to an open position.

Abstract: An adjustable rotary positioning mechanism comprising a clevis having a central axis, a first arm, a second arm, and a plurality of bores arcuately spaced around the central axis through the first arm of the clevis. A rod end having a central axis and a plurality of sockets is rotatably connected to the clevis through the central axis. The plurality of sockets are arcuately spaced around the central axis and positioned colinearly with the plurality of bores. A plurality of locking pins are carried in the sockets and configured to project into the plurality of bores to lock the clevis and the rod end together and to retract from the plurality of bores to permit relative movement of the clevis and the rod end. Another embodiment of the invention is a wheelchair comprising a frame, drive wheels and steerable wheels supporting the frame, and paired foot supports each adjustably connected to the frame using the adjustable rotary positioning mechanism described above.

Abstract: A reclining backrest apparatus (10) for a wheelchair assembly (11) having a main frame (12). The backrest apparatus (10) includes a backrest frame (13) which is pivotally mounted to the main frame (12) between a normal position and a reclined position. A backrest support assembly (15) is included which slidably mounts the backrest frame (13) for movement between an extended position and a retracted position. A cord member or tendon (17) has one end (20) mounted to the backrest support assembly (15), and an opposite end (21) mounted to the wheelchair main frame (12). A pulley assembly (23) is coupled to the backrest frame (13) for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis (14) during pivotal movement of the backrest frame (13).

Abstract: An two-post armrest apparatus (10) including an armrest frame (12) having a horizontal frame member (13) and downwardly depending front post (15) and rear post (16). A latch assembly (17) includes a latch member (20) which releasably couples the armrest frame (12) to the wheelchair frame (11), and a pivot assembly (21) which cooperates with the latch member (20) for operation thereof. Upon release of the front latching or locking assembly (22) and swinging the armrest frame (12) away from the wheelchair frame (11) and about pivot assembly (21), the latch member (20) is automatically disengaged enabling removal of the armrest frame (12).

Abstract: A swing-away joystick mounting assembly (20) for mounting a joystick (12) to a wheelchair frame member (11). The joystick mounting assembly (20) produces pantographic movement of the joystick device (12) between a retracted position and an extended position to adjust the placement of the joystick (12). Ingress and egress to and from the wheelchair are eased while, further, permitting the wheelchair to be moved closer to a table or desktop (14). A pair of arms (24, 24') are pivotally mounted at first ends (25, 25') to a first mounting mechanism (21) at spaced apart locations and pivotally mounted at second ends (26, 26') to a second mounting mechanism (22) at spaced apart locations. This four-bar configuration produces pantographic movement of the second mounting mechanism with the joystick device (12) carried thereby between the retracted position and the extended position. A latch mechanism (27) releasably secures the arms (24, 24') together in either the retracted position or the extended position.

Abstract: An armrest mounting assembly (20) for mounting an inverted, U-shaped, armrest assembly (14) to a wheelchair having a frame (10). The mounting assembly (20) includes a body (22) which is formed to receive an end of the armrest post portions (17). Releasable fasteners (29) couple the body (22) of the armrest mounting block to the wheelchair frame (10). The mounting assembly (20) includes a mounting groove (28) defined by the body (22) proximate a frame engaging surface (24) of the body (22). The groove (28) is formed and dimensioned to slidably receive an enlarged head (36) of the fastener (29) for movement of the mounting block (20) through a plurality of positions along the wheelchair frame member (18) when the fastener (29) is not tightened. This movement permits alignment between the armrest post portion (17) and mounting body (22).