Abstract: A wheelchair device which has an elevator seat which can raise the operator seated in the wheelchair in order to have access to normal counters and shelving and also can lower the operator to have access to the floor. The chair can be manual or electric both in its locomotion and elevation. The device further includes a locomotion safety governor for restricted speed operation in both the elevated and lowered configurations and a tilt sensing device to require a return to normal height in order to resume operation.

Abstract: A steerable and self-powered attachment for wheelchairs. This attachment is free-standing and includes a powered coupling means which is adapted for simultaneous attachment while the front of a wheelchair, carried thereon, is lifted to provide three wheel contact with the surface. The attachment includes a auxiliary frame, a drive means, a steering means, and the powered coupling means. The attachment is adapted to be coupled to the wheelchair by the occupant by actuation of a switch.

Abstract: A wheelchair arrangement provided with a wheeled base assembly having an upright assembly thereon, the latter including a pair of vertically extendible post arrangements positioned on opposite sides of the wheelchair arrangement. The upright assembly includes a pair of top arm arrangements which are cantilevered rearwardly from the upper ends of the posts arrangements. A seat assembly is removably attached to and positioned between the arm arrangements to facilitate transferring of an occupant, along with the seat assembly, either to or from the wheelchair arrangement. The arm arrangements permit both linear movement of the seat assembly in the front-to-rear direction and horizontal pivoting movement of the seat assembly sidewardly relative to the base assembly so that the seat assembly is oriented transversely relative to the front-to-rear direction.

Abstract: A wheelchair includes a foldable seat portion, a pair of stationary plates each of which is provided on each side of the seat portion. Each stationary plate has a shaft that extends outward upon which a wheel is mounted. A driving unit and a gear assembly which connects the driving unit to the wheel are also mounted on the stationary plate. A rechargeable battery unit is used for actuating the driving unit. The wheelchair further has a control switch for operating the driving unit.

Abstract: An economical light weight foldable wheelchair is selectively operable in a motorized, attendant or occupant driven self-propelled mode of operation. The wheelchair includes two opposed side frames that are foldable to a laterally more compact condition, a motor drive assembly and a foldable energy supply system support assembly. The energy supply system support assembly slidably receives two battery units with convenient front access and automatic electrical connection. Storage under the seat assures a center of gravity well ahead of the rear wheels. The motor drive system includes a releasable wheel drive assembly that supports two large rear wheels with a center of rotation behind, under or in front of the back support of the seat. Manual drive rings are mounted on the outside of the rear wheels and the occupant can easily reach a hub mounted toggle handle for the wheel drive assembly to control engagement of the rear wheels with the drive motors.

Abstract: A powered transfer and transport system is provided to permit disabled individuals increased mobility and freedom of movement. The powered system performs as a wheelchair in one configuration and as a bed in another, and provides powered mechanisms for variously positioning the seating surface which are operable by the occupant from the seating surface. The powered system includes mechanisms for laterally shifting, elevating, rotating, reclining and driving the seating surface. Enhanced mobility and freedom of movement for the individual results, improving the capability for independent living and expanding employment opportunities.

Abstract: Apparatus which enables a foldable wheelchair to be retrofitted with an electrical propulsion system without significantly compromising the ability to fold the chair. The apparatus includes a drive unit for each wheel to be driven. The drive units can be mounted on the stationary axles of the driven wheels and apply torque, generated by a separate motor in each drive unit, to the wheels at a plurality of symmetrically located points which are radially displaced from the axles.

Abstract: A motorized wheel assembly is provided in which there is a seat for receiving the occupant attached to a vertical shaft with a single central wheel mounted at the bottom of the shaft for rotation about a horizontal axis transverse to the chair and defining a direction of forward movement of the wheel forwardly of the chair. On the chair and the shaft is carried a battery and control unit for supplying power to the drive motor of the wheel mounted on the hub of the wheel. An outrigger frame includes a sleeve slideable on the shaft and a plurality of arms extending outwardly from the sleeve each arm carrying a castor wheel to prevent toppling of the device. Steering is achieved by the feet of the user applied to the outrigger frame to rotate the chair and the drivewheel about a vertical axis.

Abstract: A wheeled-chair chassis with a suspension mechanism which comprises a chassis structure, a suspension system, a transmission system and two front and rear wheels; the chassis structure includes a steel pipe frame similar to an inverse triangular frame. The suspension system includes shock absorbers, rocker arms, and pivot pins; one end of the rocker arm is connected with a pivot base on lower end of the steel pipe frame by means of a pin, while the other end thereof is mounted with a gear rack for mounting a motor of the transmission system, a gear box, and the rear wheels. The shock absorber is fixedly mounted between the steel pipe frame and the rocker arm to provide a retractable movement for absorbing a shake from the rear wheels and the rocker arm caused by a rough road surface in order to provide the chair with a comfortable driving. Since each of the systems is an independent assembly, it is easy to assemble.

Abstract: A modular wheelchair that may be rapidly assembled and disassembled includes an adjustable chassis for releasably attaching a wheel module and a seating module having a detachable leg rest module. The one-piece chassis is constructed from composite materials and has hollow or foam filled longitudinal sides and cross-bars connecting the sides, and two cantilevered or trussed forwardly extending arms which connect swivel castors. The sides include mounts for adjustably attaching the seat module at a selectable center of gravity and height. The composite materials of the arms provide shock and vibration protection and further provide a space behind the arms and beneath the seating assembly for storing and attaching optional equipment. The wheel assembly includes drive wheels constructed from composite materials, smaller travel wheels for traversing narrow openings, anti-tip wheels and wheel locks.

Abstract: A motorized wheelchair rear wheel drive assembly is selectively engageable and disengageable by an occupant to permit the wheelchair to be used in either a motorized mode or an occupant self propelled mode. For each rear wheel a drive motor connects through an axially extending worm gear assembly and rear drive axle to a drive hub. The drive hub is positioned outside of the rear wheel and supports a control handle which in turn controls a pair of locking pins which selectively engage the drive hub or disengage the drive hub from the rear wheel. The drive assembly enables the wheelchair to be folded to a laterally more compact condition.

Abstract: An electric vehicle that runs at a speed controlled by adjusting power supply to an electric motor in response to a speed setting signal from a speed setting device including an accelerator lever and a change speed lever. This vehicle comprises a first control unit for producing a target speed value based on the speed setting signal, a second control unit for controlling the electric motor, and a rotary encoder for detecting an actual vehicle speed from rotation of the electric motor and feeding the vehicle speed back to the first and second control units. The first control unit compares the target speed value and actual vehicle speed and, when a difference therebetween exceeds a predetermined value, varies the target speed value for application to the second control unit. The second control unit compares the target speed value and actual vehicle speed and determines an amount of power supply to the electric motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an three-wheel electromotor-driven golf caddie. Two rear wheels (3), driven by an electric motor (18) via a drive transmission (11) are furnished at the cart frame. The front wheel (13) is supported at a wheel fork, which is offset rearwardly and which is rotary supported at a rotary bearing. A brake device is furnished for the two rear wheels (3), where the brake device is preferably actuated with a brake lever (17) via a Bowden cable (8).

Abstract: A hydraulic system for powering a vehicle for human transporation. The output of a hydraulic pump is connected to at least one hydraulic motor by a hydraulic circuit, the motor(s) being mechanically connected to drive the vehicle. The hydraulic circuit establishes the direction of fluid flow through the motor(s). The pressure drop across at least a portion of the hydraulic circuit is monitored and the flow of fluid to the circuit is regulated accordingly.

Abstract: A stair-climbing attachment for a conventional foldable wheelchair including clutch mechanisms connecting the main wheels of the wheelchair to a drive mechanism for manually driving stair-climbing treads, ratchet and pawl mechanisms to selectively prevent or permit descending movement of the wheelchair on stairs, and manually actuated levers to manually position the treads in an operable and inoperable condition, the attachment permitting the wheelchair to be folded and conveniently transported by the user without outside assistance. A second embodiment incorporates a reversible motor to drive the treads. A third embodiment uses a hydraulic mechanism to position the treads.

Abstract: A modular power drive wheelchair is provided for rapid assembly and/or disassembly of relatively compact modular components. The wheelchair comprises a base module including a base frame and related support wheels, wherein the base frame is adapted for facilitated mounting or dismounting of a seat module. A battery module including at least one storage battery is provided for relatively easy slide fit mounting onto the base frame at a position below the seat module. A controller module is also provided for mounting onto the base module and functions during wheelchair operation to control battery powered operation of one or more drive motors coupled to the wheelchair wheels. The various modules are designed for rapid disassembly to permit easy transporting of the wheelchair, for example, within the trunk of a standard automobile. Moreover, the base and seat modules are designed for relatively easy size adjustment to accommodate changing size requirements, for example, of a growing child.

Abstract: A suspension system for a wheelchair comprises a frame, a pivot bar mounted to the frame through a hinge point, and a seat mounted on the pivot bar. The pivot bar is supported from the frame by a shock absorber and a helical spring so that impacts transferred to the frame through the wheelchair wheels are partially decoupled from the movement of the seat. The movement of the seat is constrained in a single plane along the longitudinal axis of the wheelchair.

Abstract: A wheelchair or walker apparatus is disclosed and includes a frame having a base portion and spaced side portions to define a space for receiving an operator's body. A device is provided for supporting the frame above a ground surface for movement therealong and includes a mechanism for moving the apparatus over the ground surface. The movement mechanism includes a device for maintaining contact with a ground surface when moving over uneven terrain. The movement mechanism can be maintained in a preferred alignment. A device is provided to permit an operator within the space to control movement of the apparatus along the ground surface. A seat assembly supports and selectively moves an operator between a seated position and a substantially upright position within the apparatus and permits the operator to control and move the apparatus over the ground surface from both the fully seated position as well as the substantially upright position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a power drive unit which is attachable to, and detachable from, a conventional wheelchair. Thus, a conventional manually-powered wheelchair can be converted into a power driven wheelchair employing the subject apparatus for driving and directing the movement of a manually-driven wheelchair having a plurality of wheels riding on an underlying surface. The subject apparatus comprises a drive and steering wheel which rides on the underlying surface for driving and for directing the path of operation of the wheelchair, as well as for powering the drive wheel. The apparatus is attachable to, and detachable from the wheelchair and is located rearwardly of the wheelchair so that the weight on the drive and steering wheel will substantially only be the weight of the apparatus. On the other hand, the weight of a person sitting in the wheelchair will be substantially the only weight imparted to the wheelchair wheels.

Abstract: A battery powered steerable electric drive unit for detachable connection to a conventional wheelchair having a collapsible wheelchair frame comprises: a support releasably connectable to the wheelchair frame by an adjustable releasably lockable attachment mechanism; a drive assembly pivotably (steerably) mounted on the support and including a ground-engaging wheel and a battery powered electric motor for dirving the wheel; a solenoid-operated brake engageable with a disc-like surface of a pulley in the drive mechanism for the wheel; a detachable steering column having a handle mounted thereon and pivotably and rotatably mounted on the support; an adjustable steering mechanism mounted on the support and connected between the steering column and the drive assembly to effect steering when the steering column is rotated about its longitudinal axis; and an electric controller comprising an off-forward-reverse switch, a speed control switch and a brake switch mounted on the handle, and further comprising a solid-s

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor for detecting the angle of an incline, such as a staircase, before it is reached by the wheelchair. A control signal is provided to a motor for tilting the seat to cause the seat to be tilted to a predetermined minimum safe angle before the wheelchair reaches the staircase. The minimum safe angle is an angle of tilt at which the wheelchair will not roll over if the tilting mechanism should fail to completely rotate the seat to a horizontal position and as the stairs are descended. The minimum safe angle is determined by the position of the center of gravity of the wheelchair which is affected by the users weight. If the seat does not achieve this minimum tilt, the wheelchair is prevented from going over the stairs.

Abstract: An improved power wheelchair is provided that provides exceptional maneuverability, stability and directional tracking characteristics. The wheelchair includes a torsional frame and a rigid stability frame. Two main wheels and a pivoting drive wheel are coupled to the torsional frame. At least two freely rotating casters are coupled to the stability frame. The torsional frame and stability frame interact to provide automatic compensation for directional tracking errors caused by shifts in the mass center of an occupant. The wheelchair can be equipped with either manual or power steering. A unique three-point battery mounting assembly also permits easy replacement of batteries.

Abstract: An electric drive attachment for a wheelchair. The drive includes an electric motor constituting the input member of the drive, a wheel adapted to touch the ground and to drive the wheelchair by frictional contact with the ground, and the wheel constituting the output member of the drive. The input member and the output member constitute an integral unit carried by a sleeve-like member slidably mounted to a first position of a mounting member attachable to the wheelchair, and first means are provided to allow the unit to be shifted to, and arrested at, at least two different positions along the first position of the mounting member. In the first position the unit is closer to a reference point on the wheelchair and in the second position the unit is more remote from the reference point.

Abstract: The motorized rolling armchair comprises a motor-transmission assembly (1,2) the output shaft of which (3) extends on either side of the transmission gear (1) and carries at each of its ends a rolling train (4,5). The motor-transmission assembly (1,2) carries a support (6) on which are fastened batteries (7) and which is provided at its front lower end with at least a roller (8). It comprises a light casing (9) on which the seat (10) and the back (11) of the armchair, of synthetic plastic material, are directly injected. Rapid corrections (14,20) are provided to couple and uncouple the casing to the motor-transmission assembly (1,2).

Abstract: A wheelchair including a wheeled base assembly provided with an upright assembly thereon, the latter including a pair of telescopic vertical post arrangements which are provided adjacent the front corners of the wheelchair and are vertically extendable and retractable. The upright assembly includes a pair of arms which are secured and cantilevered rearwardly from the upper ends of the upright post arrangements. A seat arrangement is removably attached to and positioned between the arms to facilitate transferring of an occupant, along with the seat assembly, either to or from the wheelchair.

Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle including rear and front frame sections which are quickly and easily engageable and disconnectable one to another. The rear frame section has a pair of coaxial rear spaced wheels and a pair of locator pins laterally extending preferably from each side margin adjacent each forward corner of the rear frame section. These locator pins engage with a locking bar rearwardly extending from and adjacent each rear corner of said front frame section. Each bar has a notch formed into its lower and upper margins adapted to engage the locator pins in a pivotal motion to guide the front and rear frame sections into abutting generally coplaner assembled relationship, thus preventing fore and aft and vertical movement therebetween. A latch-type connector preferably centrally positioned releasibly secures this coplaner relationship during use of the vehicle.

Abstract: A rotatable stand-up wheelchair or invalid mobility device which includes a main drive chassis having front and rear wheels. A means for raising and lowering the seat and back portion of the wheelchair raises and lowers the invalid from a substantially seated position on the seat to a substantially standing position supported by a foot plate attached to the base of the wheelchair. Stability of the wheelchair device is maintained by two triangular wheel configurations intercepting at their apex. In operation, the invalid can move while standing in such a fashion as the foot plate may be lowered to a close proximity to the ground so that the invalids hand approximates the level of a hand height of a non-handicapped person. This simulated normal motion and enables direct contact with countertops and other work surfaces.

Abstract: A powered wheelchair includes a high efficiency drive mechanism for increasing the range of travel on a predetermined battery charge. Drive motors are transversely mounted relative to side frames of the wheelchair, and disposed in superimposed arrangement for varying the width of the wheelchair.

Abstract: A steerable electrically powered three-wheeled vehicle has an upstanding seat post mounting a seat thereon. The seat post is telescopically and revolvably received in a seat post support fixed to the frame of the vehicle. A seat motor is provided on the vehicle which has a drive connection to the seat post assembly for raising and lowering it and there is a control on the vehicle for selectively operating the seat motor forwardly or reversely to raise or lower the seat post and seat. A pair of master lock parts are provided, one on the seat post support and the other on the seat post, and parts on the respective lock parts are automatically engaged when the seat post and seat are lowered to lowered position for locking the otherwise relatively revolvable parts against relative rotation. The lock parts automatically prevent operation of the motor driving the vehicle, unless the seat is in the forward facing position.

Abstract: An electrically driven auxiliary drive for vehicles including first and second electric motors each having associated therewith a friction drive element and apparatus for selectably bringing the friction drive elements into operative driving engagement with the tire of a vehicle wheel for driving thereof the friction drive elements being maintained in fixed mutually spaced relationship.

Abstract: A vehicle primarily intended for use by a single individual is disclosed which includes front and rear frame members and a releasable interconnecting mechanism for selectively engaging and disengaging front and rear frame members to permit the unit to be broken down into at least two components for easy transportation and storage. The seat for the unit is mounted on the rear drive frame and includes a seat post rigidly connected to that frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission device for the motorization of a rolling-chair for example. Said transmission device comprises a hollow shaft 7 provided at each of its ends with a rolling train 8-13 idly pivoted on the hollow shaft 7 and comprising a toothed crowns 21. It comprises two control shafts 14 slidingly mounted within the hollow shaft 7 merging each out of one end of it. Each control shaft 14 is connected to a pinion intended to cooperate with the corresponding toothed crown 21. It comprises a control device 23 of the axial position of said control shaft 14 with respect to the hollow shaft 7.

Abstract: A powered unit for adding motive power to a wheelchair comprising a frame adapted for easy attachment to the chair and steerable motive means powered preferably by an electric motor and including a wheel adapted to pull and to steer the chair.

Abstract: A kit or assemble is provided which can be used in the manufacture of a new wheelchair or to retrofit an existing wheelchair. The basic wheelchair structure includes a base portion having a pair of cross members mounted in the rear half of the upper portion of the wheelchair base structure. A pair of parallel guide rails are mounted between the cross members with a seat support bar attached to a pair of pillow blocks mounted on the guide rails. A linear actuator is centrally positioned within the wheelchair base structure to longitudinally move the seat support bar forwardly or rearwardly within the wheel base of the wheelchair. A rear edge of a wheelchair seat unit is pivotally attached to the upper surface of the seat support bar. Cam plates, each having a curved cam slot, are provided on each side of the seat unit with the cam slots engaging cam followers mounted on a pair of stanchions provided on each side of the rear portion of the base structure.

Abstract: A power driven vehicle for disabled, particularly for children, and which incorportaes a motor driven chassis module, a seat module and an accumulator module, wherein the chassis module incorporates two wheel pair units, which are disconnectable from each other and constitute a first, front wheel unit and a second, rear wheel unit, one of the wheel pair units, preferably the first wheel unit, incorporating two steering and driving units acting individually upon one wheel each, the second wheel unit being composed by a central beam, one end of which is connectable to the first wheel unit and having at its other end a yoke pivotably supported transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and having at its free ends wheels supported in bearings, and said seat module being centrally arranged on the beam, whereas said accumulator module is attached on both sides of the beam, between the pairs of wheels.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling heavy loads, such as a wheelchair for the handicapped, wherein a raising/lowering device is equipped with an inclination sensor cooperating with a safety device for stopping the device if a predetermined inclination is exceeded.

Abstract: A riding scooter that may be assembled and dis-assembled without the use of tools is formed of components of a size and weight such that they may be handled by a person of modest physical strength. The scooter's front and rear sections have overlapping interengaging parts that are biased together in the operative position by the weight of the sections alone. Batteries for electrical power are contained within casings which are cooperatively retained within a battery housing and which also permit the batteries to be simultaneously electrically connected to the vehicle electrical system upon insertion of the battery casings within the battery housing. A steering tiller is detachably mounted to the front steering yoke being retained in an operative position by a quick release locking collar.

Abstract: A motorized personal transport vehicle (PTV) with a removable, programmable memory which contains both a key code to enable only an authorized user to operate the PTV and contains constants for use in an algorithm which operates the PTV in accordance with a prescription for that particular user's needs. Control signals from an input, such as a joystick, are modified by the algorithm in accordance with the prescription for a particular user. This prescription is stored in the programmable memory and loaded into the computer when the memory is inserted. The key code in the memory can allow various levels of access, with access for a particular user, a particular group, physician access and technician access. In a preferred embodiment, an electrically erasable programamble read only memory (EEPROM) is used as the memory key.

Abstract: A wheelchair having a pair of electrically driven drive wheels, a pair of power-operated swivel steering wheels which rotate about a vertical steering axis, and a manually-actuated lever. Each steering wheel has its own motor for adjusting the steering angle of the steering wheel. The steering lever connects to a mechanical-electrical steering angle generator which produces an electrical signal which is dependent on the angular position of the steering lever. The signal is fed into an electrical device which controls both steering wheel motors to adjust the steering angle of the steering wheels. The electrical device produces two adjustment signals, one for each wheel, which are inversely proportional to the radius of the turning curve. The steering angle can be set at any angle to up to 360.degree. thereby providing substantial maneuverability for the wheelchair.

Abstract: A battery powered steerable electric drive unit for detachable connection to a conventional wheelchair having a collapsible wheelchair frame comprises: a support releasably connectable to the wheelchair frame by an adjustable releasably lockable attachment mechanism; a drive assembly pivotably (steerably) mounted on the support and including a ground-engaging wheel and a battery powered electric motor for driving the wheel; a solenoid-operated brake engageable with a disc-like surface of a pulley in the drive mechanism for the wheel; a detachable steering column having a handle mounted thereon and pivotably and rotatably mounted on the support; an adjustable steering mechanism mounted on the support and connected between the steering column and the drive assembly to effect steering when the steering column is rotated about its longitudinal axis; and an electric controller comprising an off-forward-reverse switch, a speed control switch and a brake switch mounted on the handle, and further comprising a solid-s

Abstract: A modular power drive wheelchair is provided for rapid assembly and/or disassembly of relatively compact modular components. The wheelchair comprises a base module including a base frame and related support wheels, wherein the base frame is adapted for facilitated mounting or dismounting of a seat module. A battery module including at least one storage battery is provided for relatively easy slide fit mounting onto the base frame at a position below the seat module. A controller module is also provided for mounting onto the base module and functions during wheelchair operation to control battery powered operation of one or more drive motors coupled to the wheelchair wheels. The various modules are designed for rapid disassembly to permit easy transporting of the wheelchair, for example, within the trunk of a standard automobile. Moreover, the base and seat modules are designed for relatively easy size adjustment to accommodate changing size requirements, for example, of a growing child.

Abstract: A wheelchair transporter for transferring a handicapped person, while seated in a wheelchair, from a ground level into an operative position on a motorcycle. The wheelchair is intended for independent use, but is designed to couple with a glide track on the motorcycle. The glide track receives rollers mounted on the wheelchair and guides the wheelchair into operational position on the motorcycle. The motorcycle includes a support unit for stabilization during the transfer of the wheelchair, and in the course of initiating and ending a ride on the motorcycle by a handicapped person seated in the wheelchair, operating the motorcycle.

Abstract: A kit for converting a hand-powered wheelchair to an electric motor-powered wheelchair is disclosed. The kit includes a pair of DC electric motors, each motor being connected to a drive wheel for rotating the drive wheel. The motors are mounted on the supporting frame of the chair for pivotal movement relative to the frame between a first position with the drive wheel adjacent to but spaced from the rim of one of the large diameter rear wheels of the chair and a second position with the drive wheels in engagement with the wheels so that rotation of the drive wheels will rotate the large wheels and move the chair. Levers are mounted on the frame for moving the motors between the first and second positions. A battery supplies power to the motors through switches that control the flow of electricity to the motors.

Abstract: A wheelchair is provided with an endless track drive for travel over rough ground. The endless track drive is detachably connected to the wheelchair by a frame such that a lower run of each of the endless tracks is located adjacent a lower periphery of each wheel. The chair in the wheelchair is kept low so that the occupant is not lifted so high as to experience a substantially different elevation when travelling on the endless track as when traveling on the wheels. A suspension preferably in the form of a flexible sheet allows one forward end of an endless track to be moved vertically independently of the forward end of the other endless tracks. Preferably, the endless drive is an attachment that is easily clamped to the wheelchair and is made mostly of plastic that is lightweight and easily cleaned and provides a low cost for the attachment.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for rapidly attaching and rapidly removing a battern (24) from a conveyance (10) of the type having a foldable frame (14) with side-members (26) that are foldably interconnected by cross-brace arms (28). A first quick-release element (38) is attached to the pivot pin (36) that interconnects the cross-brace arms (28); and a second quick-release element (40) is connected to the battery (24) by a U-shaped strap (84).

Abstract: The electric wheel-chair comprises drive wheels on one axle group, and swivel wheels on a second axle group, with the swivel wheels being either freely pivotable or positively steerable by an engageable steering drive. The positive steering system may have either a purely electric configuration in the form of a pair of electric steering drives, or an electro-mechanical configuration in the form of a common steering drive and a mechanical steering mechanism with electro-mechanical disengagement of the positive steering system. Switch-over from pivoting to steering operation is monitored by position sensors provided on the swivel wheels. As the seat assembly is adapted to be rotated to a corresponding position, the swivel wheels may be operated alternatively as the front wheels or the rear wheels of the wheel-chair. Owing to the engageable steering drive, the wheel-chair is well adapted for both indoor operation and outdoor operation, thereby considerably enhancing the mobility of a disabled person.

Abstract: As a rule, wheel-chairs have large(-diameter) drive wheels (3) and small(-diameter) steerable wheels (5), and wheel-chairs for indoor operation have their drive wheels as their rear wheels, while wheel-chairs for outdoor operation have their drive wheels (3) as front wheels. In the wheel-chair according to the invention, the seat assembly (6) is mounted for rotation about a vertical axis by means of a supporting column (14) above the chassis (1), such that, depending on the purpose of use of the wheel-chair, the large drive wheels are selectively disposed in the front or rear position with respect to the seat(ing) direction. In this way, the wheel-chair may be used both inddors and outdoors in an optimum manner. Additional positioning alernatives of the seat assembly, e.g. at .+-.90.degree. relative to the chassis, open to the user new possibilities of utilization.

Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle comprises front and rear frame sections which can be disassembled and assembled. The frame sections are secured together by a pivotable detachable connection such that the rear frame section is lockingly received in the rear portion of the front frame section and the length of the assembled frame is substantially the same as the length of the front frame section itself.

Abstract: A simple, lightweight, easily assemblable, disassemblable and transportable frame and motive means which can be attached to a wheelchair to enable a user having a lower body disability to safely move to and from a standing position without assistance from another person. The device provides braces against horizontal movement of the user's knees and hips when standing to allow the individual's skeletal structure to support the majority of the individual's body weight. The device utilizes a manually operated worm gear mechanism to provide a mechanical advantage in lifting and security against undesirable reverse movement of the lifting means when under load.

Abstract: A motorized wheel chair is provided comprising a chassis having two rear wheels and one front wheel mounted thereon. The front wheel is steerable by a handlebar. The rear wheels are driven by an electric motor, coupled to a gearbox, for reducing the speed of the wheel chair. The gearbox drives a friction drive assembly which is engageable with the rear wheels and also is coupled to the handlebar such that one of the rear wheels will be disengaged depending upon which direction the handlebar is turned. The device is provided with a switch which cuts power to the device when a change in surface elevation of a desired amount is detected either in front of or behind the device. A second switch may be provided to stop the vehicle upon contact with a foreign object. A third switch may be activated remotely to stop the device. Also, the chassis is adjustable in length, such that as a child grows the device may be adjusted accordingly.