Hand Wheel Or Crack And Gearing Patents (Class 280/249)
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Publication number: 20150069733Abstract: A tractor assembly includes a connection unit which is connected between the tractor and the wheel chair. The connection unit includes a fixing member, a top link unit, a bottom link unit and a swing rod so as to form a four-link mechanism. The connection unit includes an engaging unit with an engaging section, and a position unit. The top link unit has a reception hole and the positioning unit has a push rod. When the push rod is located at the first position, the reception hole is closed. When the push rod is located at the second position, the push rod is retracted and the reception hole is exposed. The bottom link unit is pivoted about one end of the swing rod to move the other end of the swing rod to the position of the reception hole, the engaging section is inserted into the reception hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2013Publication date: March 12, 2015Applicant: Cycling & Health Tech Industry R&D CenterInventors: Shun-Yuan Ju, Gang-Hua Lee, Zheng-Yang Hu
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Patent number: 8967652Abstract: A wheelchair includes a seat for supporting an occupant and a frame supporting the seat, where the frame further includes a first pair of wheels and a second pair of wheels connected by a differential for reversibly locking the second pair of wheels such that propulsion of only one of the wheels in the second pair of wheels results in both of wheels in the second pair of wheels moving in an identical direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Inventor: Joshua Carmine Penn
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Publication number: 20140265211Abstract: A manual wheelchair including a frame, a drive wheel connected to the frame, having a first axis of rotation and configured to rotate relative to the frame, a push rim connected to the frame, having a second axis of rotation extending substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation of the drive wheel and configured to rotate relative to the frame, wherein the second axis of rotation of the push rim is offset from the first axis of rotation of the drive wheel in a direction orthogonal to the first axis of rotation of the drive wheel, and a transmission configured to transmit rotation of the push rim to rotation of the drive wheel. Additionally, the wheelchair may also include multispeed fixed-gear hubs for propulsion on different terrain and removable or rotatable push rims for easier transfers.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Department of Veterans Affairs, Technology Transfer ProgramInventor: Department of Veterans Affairs, Technology Transfer Program
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Patent number: 8807584Abstract: A stabilizing device for a handcycle has an axle including an inner shaft and an outer shaft. A first stabilizing component is coupled to the inner shaft. A second stabilizing component is coupled to the outer shaft in proximity to the first stabilizing component. A locking component is configured to engage the first and second stabilizing components to reversibly reduce rotation of the inner shaft with respect to the outer shaft. Alternatively, a stabilizing device for a handcycle has a frame including first and second stabilizing members affixed to the frame. A locking member is configured to engage the first and second stabilizing members to stabilize the frame. The stabilizing components or members include receptacles, teeth, or a friction component. The locking component or member includes a pin or knob configured to adjust the first or second stabilizing member into a locked position.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Lasher Sport, LLC.Inventor: William J. Lasher, III
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Patent number: 8790152Abstract: A ramp for a ride-on toy includes a base adapted to be positioned on a surface. The base has a top, sidewalls and an interior space. An end ramp section is also adapted to be positioned on the surface. A middle ramp section is removably connected between the base and the end ramp section. The end ramp section and the middle ramp section are sized to be removably positioned within the interior space of the base for storage. The ramp sections include a track formed on their top surfaces sized for miniature toy vehicles. The base features a roller wheel and a handle for pulling the base along the surface when the ramp sections and ride-on toy are stored in the base.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Radio Flyer Inc.Inventors: Thomas Schlegel, Joseph Agati
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Patent number: 8777249Abstract: A wheelchair assembly for propelling a wheelchair is provided. The wheelchair has front wheels and rear wheels and a pair of armrests. The wheelchair assembly comprises a first gear wheel secured to each rear wheel and a second gear wheel secured to each armrest. The second gear wheel is positioned directly over the first gear wheel with the second gear wheel being completely encased by a cover. A chain is secured over and between the first and second gear wheels and extends from an opening in the cover. Rotatable handles are attached to each armrest with each having a grasping portion extending Upward. A control linkage extends between the handles and the second gear wheels and mounted to and under the armrest such that rotation of the handles also rotates the second gear wheels with the control linkage being perpendicular to the line formed between the first and second gear wheels.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2012Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Inventors: David Roman, Eric James
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Publication number: 20140021694Abstract: A wheelchair includes a frame and first and second rear wheels that are each independently mounted to the frame via a respective mounting hub. Each rear wheel is detachably mounted to its respective mounting hub at two or more distinct hub mounting points. Either or both of the hub mounting points can be movable with respect to a remainder of the hub. A disk can be positioned at the rear wheel and a stop element located at the mounting hub can be selectively operated to interfere with the disk to prevent rotation of that rear wheel. Each rear wheel may include a push-rim having an elastomeric outer layer to facilitate manual gripping and an externally facing generally flat side face. The frame can include first and second spaced apart and unitary tubes which each extend in an unbroken manner from a wheelchair seat to a wheelchair forward region.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2013Publication date: January 23, 2014Inventors: Luciano Papi, Steve Smith
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Publication number: 20140015219Abstract: A bicycle. A front bicycle wheel and rear bicycle wheel are connected to a bicycle frame. A drive sprocket drives the rear bicycle wheel. Two hand grippable pivotally connected handles are each connected via a handle drive linkage to the drive sprocket. The pivoting of the handles in an approximately vertical plane controls the rotation of the drive sprocket and spins the rear bicycle wheel. In one preferred embodiment, the bicycle is a stationary bicycle. In another preferred embodiment the bicycle can be steered and taken on the street.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Inventor: David D. Price
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Patent number: 8616573Abstract: Sloped-for-rain urban sidewalks are horrible for wheelchair users because of the constant veering-off threat caused by gravity. Anybody who tries to self-propel a wheelchair on a city sidewalk for the first time is in for a rude awakening—the user must use one hand to steer by retarding one wheel, and that makes propelling inefficient, difficult and frustrating, to say nothing of the dangerous veering-off threat. Applicant's solution (undiscovered heretofore (centuries)) is to provide joining means to couple and uncouple the drive wheels. The joining means, when coupled, causes the two drive wheels to rotate in unison preventing the wheelchair from veering-off so that it travels straight when traversing a sloped surface, and when uncoupled allowing the two drive wheels to rotate at different speeds to allow turning. Joining means comprises: slip-clutch, gear configuration or the like, and may be automatic or user controlled.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: CIAS, Inc.Inventor: Leonard Storch
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Publication number: 20130175781Abstract: A bicycle. A front bicycle wheel and rear bicycle wheel are connected to a bicycle frame. A steerer tube controls the left and right motion of the front bicycle wheel. A drive sprocket drives the rear bicycle wheel. Two hand grippable pivotally connected handles are each connected via a handle steering linkage connection to the steerer tube. They are both also connected via a second handle drive linkage to the drive sprocket. The pivoting of the handles in an approximately horizontal plane controls the left and right motion of the front bicycle wheel. The pivoting of the handles in an approximately vertical plane controls the rotation of the drive sprocket and drives the bicycle forward.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2012Publication date: July 11, 2013Inventor: David D. Price
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Publication number: 20130113178Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel approach to improving the use of wheelchairs by offering the ability for the wheelchair to transition between accommodation for a seated position, and accommodation for a standing position, more particularly, wherein the inventive mobile manual standing wheelchair allows for a standing position during the course of mobile use, and which also permits fixed gearing of multiple speeds that also accommodates forwards and backwards motion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2012Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: The United State Government, as Represented by the Department of Veterans AffairsInventor: The United State Government, as Represented by
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Publication number: 20110266767Abstract: A seat member for use with a child's scooter vehicle for preventing the unintended flipping over of the scooter. The seat member having a body portion having opposing top and bottom surfaces and front and back surfaces. The seat member includes a generally planar seat surface on the top surface of the body portion and a projection member provided on the top back surface of the body portion. At least a portion of the projection member extends into the generally planar seat surface configured to prevent a user from leaning too far backwards on the seat member thus preventing the unintended flipping over of the scooter.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2010Publication date: November 3, 2011Inventor: Hongzhi Bao
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Patent number: 8047553Abstract: A collapsible folding stand for use with a horizontally oriented object such as a portable table saw that is attached to the stand is capable of being manipulated between open and closed positions. In the open position, the top frame is horizontally oriented. In the closed position, the stand is generally vertically oriented. To move the rolling stand from its open position to its closed position, the user needs only to lift the handle and the top frame will then move to its generally vertical closed position where the latching mechanism can then be engaged. The stand has an integrated support leg that can be selectively positioned and locked to provide increased stability for the stand. The support leg has a locking mechanism, which is operated by a single locking lever and can be adjusted to compensate for wear or degree of force needed to lock the mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2009Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Gary Voong
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Publication number: 20090166995Abstract: A gear shift pertaining to a hub of a wheel with a quick lock. The hub has a gear which is supported round a shaft with an outer end and an inner end. The inner end of the shaft is suspended via a suspension device on a vehicle. The quick lock includes a rod which runs in a cylindrical hole which is concentric within and with the shaft and a catch which locks the wheel with the shaft to the suspension device. The gear shift includes the shaft, the rod and a control, all so adapted that the rod has a neutral position relative to the shaft and wherein a movement, relative to the shaft, of the rod from the neutral position in a direction from the outer end of the shaft towards the inner end of the shaft disengages the catch so that the wheel together with the shaft can be locked to and released from the suspension device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2007Publication date: July 2, 2009Applicant: GEARWHEEL ABInventor: Christofer Sorquist
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Patent number: 7487982Abstract: A combination vehicle frame includes a base frame unit formed of a plurality of frame bars detachably connected to one another. One of the frame bars is provided with a head having intersected first through hole and second through hole. A rear wheel frame unit is detachably connected to the base frame unit remote from the head. A front wheel frame unit is selectively inserted through one of the first through hole and second through hole of the base frame unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2005Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: J.D. Components Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kun-Do Chan
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Patent number: 7485081Abstract: This is a portable exercise unit used in conjunction with a wheelchair that includes a frame, two rollers, and a tension control unit. The frame is adapted to fit over a wheelchair tire on one end and adapted to hold the two rollers on the other end. Each of the two rollers have a bearing in the center, one a non-directional bearing that is placed in the front of the frame and the other a clutch bearing that only turns in one direction placed in the back of the frame, and two axles, one for each roller with two washers on each axle. The roller assemblies are held in the frame with four clips. Also, within the frame there is a place provided for an adjustable tension control unit that includes an attachable felt pad.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2006Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Inventor: Richard Dwight Brooks
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Patent number: 7464951Abstract: A powered vehicle and method of operating is described for on and off-road use. The powered vehicle comprises a chassis and a first and second axle coupled to the chassis having at least one wheel coupled to the first axle and at least two wheels coupled to the second axle. The powered vehicle further comprises a movable seat configured to support a rider sitting down on the seat, and configured to move relative to the chassis in order to provide a steering mechanism for the powered vehicle. For example, the movable seat provides a mechanism for the rider to shift his or her weight relative to the chassis to cause the steering mechanism for the powered vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2005Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Inventor: Stephen R. Coray
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Publication number: 20080290628Abstract: The regular handlebar and front wheel of a bicycle are replaced by a steering head including a pair of hand cranks, and by a sprockets-containing front wheel. The hand cranks are positioned such that the rider's weight center is stabilized unto the cycle's seat, away from his hands. A sprocket mounted unto the hand cranks' drive shaft transmits the power from the hand cranks, through a continuous chain, to the front wheel's sprockets. A set of brake cables and bearings prevent the brakes' cables from twisting, while rotating the hand cranks. The regular cycle's seat is replaced by a back support-containing seat. The rider can position the hand cranks in unison or alternatively. The rider can drive the bicycle by simultaneous or independent foot and hand operation. The addition of a set of hand cranks to a regular bicycle enables an increase in the cycle's speed, along with intensified exercise. The hand cranks system can be mounted and unmounted onto any existing bicycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2007Publication date: November 27, 2008Inventor: John Tulpan
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Patent number: 7413206Abstract: A drive system for use with a bicycle includes first and second gears arranged so that the second gear is rotatably driven responsive to the first gear. A freewheel is operatively coupled to the second gear, and a drive sprocket is operatively coupled to the freewheel. The freewheel causes the drive sprocket to be rotatably driven only when the first gear is driven in either the first direction or the second direction. A driven sprocket may be mounted coaxially and in driving relationship with a wheel of the bicycle. A chain may be used for linking the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket. First and second levers extend from a support bar, which is coaxially mounted to the first gear. Reciprocal movement of the first and second levers causes the first gear to rotate, and correspondingly causes the second gear to rotate, thereby effecting rotation in the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2005Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Inventors: Victor Medina Peña, Ricardo Medina Peña
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Publication number: 20080164672Abstract: A drive system (3) for a human powered vehicle. The drive system (3) includes at least one input member (31), a transmission system (21) arranged to convert movement of the input member (31) to rotation of an output member (83), and a lock mechanism (123) including at least one drive member (133) for selectively locking a drive wheel (11,13) to rotation of the output member (83) for rotation therewith. The drive member is arranged for movement from a first operational position in which the drive wheel is not locked to the output member to a second operational position in which the drive wheel is locked to the output member, and back to the first operational position, under the control of a user of the vehicle. The drive system allows the user to choose between propelling the vehicle using the drive system or disengaging the drive system from the drive wheel and propelling the vehicle by some other means, for example by wheel rims.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2005Publication date: July 10, 2008Inventor: Andrew Ramon Brown
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Patent number: 7396023Abstract: A driving system allows an invalid chair having a seating structure, wheels on both sides of the seating structure and at least one front stabilizing wheel, to pass obstacles. The driving system has arms secured to both sides of the seating structure and on which shafts of the wheels are arranged slidingly within two extreme positions. Cranks are on both sides of the seating structure and rotary cross engagement members are at the rear and on both sides of the seating structure and have arms which are terminated with adhesive end pieces. Each crank is connected to a respective rotary cross engagement member through a geared transmission for transmission of rotary movement of the crank to the rotary cross engagement member, and the geared transmission is provided with a flap for preventing reverse rotating of the crank.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2005Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: Stairbike A.S.Inventor: Josef Vlk
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Patent number: 7377535Abstract: A bicycle frame assembly including a down tube and a monolithic down tube support. The down tube support preferably defines a pocket configured to receive an end portion of the down tube such that the tube support overlaps at least a portion of a side surface of the end portion of the down tube. In one embodiment, a weld bead joins both of the tube support and the down tube. Preferably, the down tube support also defines an opening configured to receive and support a pedal crank assembly relative to the bicycle frame. Furthermore, preferably the down tube support also includes a pivot mount portion configured to rotatably support a sub-frame of the frame assembly or a rear shock absorber.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.Inventor: Jason L. Chamberlain
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Patent number: 7341266Abstract: A portable robotic system having a folding carriage is disclosed. The carriage in one embodiment includes two legs and a lateral stabilizer. The folding legs and stabilizer allow the carriage to be maneuvered into a plurality of open and closed positions. In the open positions, the legs and stabilizer are spaced apart to support the robotic system during operation. In the closed positions, the legs and stabilizer and substantially parallel to one another. In one closed position with one leg or stabilizer extended to within reach of a person, the carriage may be rolled like a dolly. In another closed position with one leg or stabilizer collapsed against the carriage, the carriage may be carried like a suitcase. Methods of folding and transporting a robotic system and carriage are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Robotics Sciences, Inc.Inventor: John Clinton Bridges
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Patent number: 7311321Abstract: A cycle that has two fixed frame arms extending down on each side of the head tube axis, and a steering arm rotatably mounted in the head tube extends down between the frame arms and has a laterally off-set lower portion. A mounting member is fixed to the lower end of the steering arm and has a hollow cylindrical wheel support section which carries the inner portion of a bearing or bearings for the front wheel, allowing this wheel to rotate while being steerable by the steering arm. A fixed pedal axle extends freely through the hollow wheel support section and is rotatably supported by lower ends of the frame arms, this axle being connected by drive means to one of the cycle's front or rear wheels. Parts of the mounting member have an enlarged interior space relative to that in the wheel support section to accommodate steering movement of the mounting means relative to the pedal axle.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2005Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Inventor: Gerd Rutkowski
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Patent number: 7293790Abstract: The invention relates with the omni-directional toy vehicle that can move in all directions of forward, backward, rotational, left and right movement by driving manually the omni-directional wheels installed at the vehicle and combining their rotational directions. The vehicle characterized by comprising a frame composing the body of the vehicle, at least three rotating axles which are installed at the lower part of the frame with a rotatable mechanism, at least three omni-directional wheels which are connected to the axles, at least three driving element which are connected to the axles and drive the omni-directional wheels and a seat located at the upper part of the frame. The vehicle can be driven and steered simultaneously by means of driving combinations of each omni-directional wheel without any additional steering element and make an operator be interested in the manual operation of omni-directional wheels.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2003Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: Bstech Co. Ltd.Inventors: Kyungseok Byun, Kyuman Choi, Seungyoup Lee
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Patent number: 7175501Abstract: The present invention relates to a children's car that moves forward with a simple and easy operation with particular care taken of the safety of the child riding the car. A steering block which can be steered with a steering wheel and a steering column is provided at the front of the car body. Drive wheels having a ratchet wheel are provided on opposed sides of the steering block. Auxiliary wheels are provided at the front and the rear of the steering block to stably support the car body. As a child sits on or in the car and turns the steering wheel in alternating directions, the right and left drive wheels rotate in a forward direction. A pawl linked to the steering block engages the ratchet wheels to prevent inverse rotation of the drive wheels, causing the car to proceed ahead in a zig-zag pattern.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2005Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Sonokong Co., Ltd.Inventor: Bong Kyu Choi
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Patent number: 6726235Abstract: A trailer mover secured to the forwardly extending tongue of a recreational or multi-purpose trailer. The trailer mover includes a bracket pivotally attached to the trailer tongue and a gearbox rotatably attached to the bracket. The gearbox is pivotally movable between a lowered vertical working position and a raised horizontal storage position. Further, the gearbox is selectively rotatable with respect to the bracket to allow steering when in the working position. A rubber-tired groundwheel extends from the distal end of the gearbox and is powered by a hand crank, which drives a set of gears which provide a mechanical advantage.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2001Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Inventor: William V. McCarty
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Patent number: 6581947Abstract: A hand cycle includes a frame and a seat which is pivotable relative to the frame about a longitudinally extending axis to effect steerage of the hand cycle.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventors: Stuart John Andrews, Wayne John Kotzur
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Patent number: 6457731Abstract: An attachment for affixing hand operated side wheels to a scooter board is described. The attachment has a frame, preferably made from a metal strap with up-turned ends. The ends are sufficiently spaced to accommodate a scooter board placed between them. Each end has a short axle on which a wheel is mounted. The wheels have an outwardly oriented offset handle acting as a crank to propel the attachment when combined with a scooter board. A washer and bolt passing through the center hole of the scooter board is sufficient to mount the attachment. Slotted indexing blocks attached to the frame engage reinforcing ribs on the underside of the scooter board to prevent rotation of the attachment.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2001Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Inventors: Arlen C. Paranto, Steven A. Paranto
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Patent number: 6428028Abstract: A wheel transmission for mobility vehicle includes an input component capable movement at a first rate of motion for selectively driving an output component at either the first rate of motion or a second rate of motion. Operably connected between the input component and the output component is a conversion apparatus which enables the selective drive between the input component and the output component to take place. In addition, the conversion apparatus is capable of preventing the output component from being backdrivable, and thereby acting as a brake, when the vehicle is at rest.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1999Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: Synkinetics, Inc.Inventors: Frank A. Folino, James E. Maslow, Michael P. Cunningham
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Patent number: 6361058Abstract: A playcart movable with hands has two wheel supports each has a side wheel fitted onto it. The wheel supports are each connected to a connecting plate with two pins. The connecting plates are each connected to one of two bent ends of a front support member, and can be relocated on the front support member to change a width of the playcart for users of various bodily sizes. A main support member connected with a seat member is separably secured to the front member; the seat member can be relocated on the main support to change a length of the playcart. The wheel supports each can be pivoted inwards to fold the playcart for easy storage when one of the pins is removed.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2001Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Inventor: Shih-Hwa Yuan
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Publication number: 20010042968Abstract: A hand cycle includes a frame and a seat which is pivotable relative to the frame about a longitudinally extending axis to effect steerage of the hand cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2001Publication date: November 22, 2001Inventors: Stuart J. Andrews, Wayne J. Kotzur
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Patent number: 6279934Abstract: A drive shaft (78) extends across a wheelchair (12), transverse to a centerline (122) of the wheelchair (12). A first wheel (56) is rotatably mounted to one end of the drive shaft (78) and a second wheel (58) is fixedly mounted to the other end of the drive shaft (78), for rotating with the drive shaft (78). A drive wheel (66) is fixedly mounted to the drive shaft (78) on an opposite end of the drive shaft (78) from the second wheel (58) and adjacent to the first wheel (56). The drive wheel (66) is of a slightly smaller diameter than that of the first and second wheels (56, 58), being three to fifteen percent smaller. The drive shaft (78) has a plurality of linkage sections (92-100) which are rotatably connected such that the drive shaft (78) may be collapsed with a wheelchair frame (14).Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Inventor: Robert C. Womack
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Patent number: 6257607Abstract: A mounting assembly on a hand cycle for the shift and brake handles which includes a collar clamp carried on the end of the front post for detachably connecting with an elongated support member having opposite ends. The clamp member is releasably coupled to the midsection of the support member and the rear-most end of the support member carries a bearing assembly for operably mounting a crank handle with hand pedals. The hand crank further includes sprocket gearing which rotates with the hand crank as the rider turns the hand crank via the hand pedals during a riding procedure.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Inventor: Jon Franks
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Patent number: 6257608Abstract: An apparatus for propelling a wheelchair includes a spokeless power ring connected to the wheel chair, and a drive wheel supporting the chair and engaging the floor. The power ring and drive wheel are coupled together in such a way that rotation of the power ring drives the drive wheel proportional to the rotation of the power ring.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.Inventor: Thomas W. Hanson
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Patent number: 6220609Abstract: A ride-on vehicle having a longitudinal axis includes a body; a rear axle having a crank portion therein and rotatably secured to the body; a pair of spaced-apart driven rear wheels eccentrically fixed to the rear axle; a forward crank rotatably secured to the body and driven by a vehicle rider; and a shaft extending between the rear axle crank portion and the forward crank; wherein rotation of the forward crank results in a driving force being transmitted through the shaft to the rear axle crank portion, thereby causing the vehicle to move along its longitudinal axis and wherein the body oscillates vertically when the vehicle moves along its longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Columbia-Inland CorporationInventor: Micheal D. Jones
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Patent number: 6070894Abstract: An arm-powered wheeled vehicle that supports a rider in a prone or kneeling position to use crank arms radially displaced by 180 degrees to influence rear propulsion. Using this rider positioning and crank system maximizes the relatively low power available from the human body. Further, providing two steering devices and a wide range of gears allows the use of this arm-powered vehicle for traveling over varied terrain with the greatest possible control and safety.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1997Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Inventor: Michael Wayne Augspurger
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Patent number: 6047980Abstract: A manual two-speed wheelchair having a chair, frame, fixed wheel axles, and wheel assemblies. The wheelchair is capable of driving in a direct (1:1) power mode and a lower gear mode without shifting. A separate secondary input assembly provides for reduced gearing, one secondary input rim assembly per wheel assembly. The secondary input assembly includes a toothed driver gear, a toothed driven gear, and toothed belt. The driver gear and driven gear are offset from each other. This is accomplished by an offset arm. The secondary input assembly drives the driver gear, which, in turn, drives the belt, which, in turn, drives the driver gear, which is fixedly attached to the wheelchair wheel assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1999Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Assignee: University of WashingtonInventors: Anthony Margherita, Amand Cousins, Rebecca A. Aleshire, Khaled Al-A wadhi, Myke J. Woodwell, Jean Livesay
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Patent number: 5743544Abstract: An improved wheelchair wheel and hub assembly is described that interposes reduction gearing between the handring or rotatable hand wheel and the drivewheel of the assembly. This gearing provides some mechanical advantage to users who may lack sufficient strength to propel themselves in a conventional wheelchair, especially in a home environment. A single speed assembly is described which is operated conventionally by rotating handrings either forward or rearward to produce a corresponding rotation of the drive wheel but, unlike conventional wheels, a complete revolution of the handring results in only a partial revolution of the drive wheel. In the hub of the assembly is a wheel locking mechanism which enables the wheel to be easily and positively locked for the safety of the user, preventing rotation of the wheel in either direction. Additionally, a ratcheting mechanism is incorporated into the hub design which can be engaged to allow forward rotation but prevent rearward rotation of the drive wheels.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1996Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Inventor: Michael J. Weaver
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Patent number: 5301971Abstract: A wheelchair (10) for forwardly transporting a person in a sitting position includes a frame (12), a seat (14) and an axle (16). A pair of drive wheels (18) are rotatably supported on the axle (16) and rollably support the wheelchair (10) above a travel surface. A ratchet assembly (22) engages the drive wheels (18) directly with the axle (16) to permit free rotation of the drive wheels (18) forwardly but prevent rearward rotation thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1992Date of Patent: April 12, 1994Inventors: H. Arthur Brereton, Charles C. Harrett, Jr.
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Patent number: 5211414Abstract: A lightweight, optionally foldable wheelchair which allows the user maximum control over both travel direction and seat position. The wheelchair is driven manually by an arrangement of drive gears, which are actuated by a drive gear selector and operated by rotating a pair of opposed handwheels, one of which is contacted by each of the occupant's hands. One of four or more different gears may be selected, including a "Forward Only" and a "Reverse Only" gear, which allow travel only in the direction selected. A dual function shift lever supports the drive gear selector and may be activated to disengage the drive gears and engage a seat positioning gear. When the seat positioning gear is engaged, rotation of the handwheels by the wheelchair occupant will activate a seat raising mechanism which moves the seat from a horizontal sitting position to a substantially vertical position toward the rear of the wheelchair.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1991Date of Patent: May 18, 1993Assignee: Regain, Inc.Inventor: Michael H. Galumbeck
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Patent number: 5007498Abstract: A driving assembly includes a viscous shear coupling (15), a clutch (17) and a hysteresis or eddy current brake (19). The clutch comprises inner and outer parts (20 and 21) between which are received torque-transmitting balls (18) received in a cage (16) to which is connected a disc (30) forming part of the brake. The outer part (21) can overrun the inner part whether or not the brake is actuated. The inner part (20) can overrun the outer part (21) if the brake (19) is not actuated but drives the outer part (21) if the brake is actuated. The outer part (21) is connected to one part of the viscous shear coupling (15). A drive member (34) is connected to the inner clutch part (20) and a driven member (38) forms the other part of the viscous shear coupling.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1989Date of Patent: April 16, 1991Assignee: Viscodrive GmbHInventors: Helmut Wiese, Paul-Erich Schonenbrecher
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Patent number: 4982808Abstract: A viscous shear coupling, comprising a first part in the form of a housing (2), a second part (3) disposed within the housing to define an annular closure therebetween, a first set of annular plates (11) in the enclosure secured for rotation with the first coupling part interleaved with the plates (12) of a second set of plates, secured for rotation with the second coupling part (3) and a viscous liquid at least partially filling the enclosure, wherein the plates are provided with through slots (13, 14) which are arranged so that parts of the slots move into and out of area of axial alignment as the sets of plates rotate relative to one another.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1989Date of Patent: January 8, 1991Assignee: Viscodrive GmbHInventors: Herbert Taureg, Heinz Klein
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Patent number: 4981191Abstract: A front and rear wheel road wheel drive apparatus transmits drive power from a drive power source in a motor vehicle to main and auxiliary drive road wheels and controls the transmitted drive power to improve operating performance of the motor vehicle such as turning performance in low- and medium-speed ranges and running stability in a high-speed range.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1989Date of Patent: January 1, 1991Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yasuji Shibahata
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Patent number: 4685692Abstract: A riding bicycle normally driven over terrain by foot pedals operating on a sprocket shaft, is provided with hand cranks which operate through a flexible drive on the foot operated sprocket shaft, the flexible drive permitting full use of the steering fork throughout its range without impeding operation of the bicycle by the hand cranks.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1986Date of Patent: August 11, 1987Assignee: Tom P. FulliloveInventors: Tom P. Fullilove, Frank L. Dahlberg
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Patent number: 4502705Abstract: Separate pedal cranks are provided for the front and rear riders of a tandem bicycle having a front wheel of substantially smaller diameter than the rear wheel. Such front wheel is carried by a front fork journaled in a steering head directly below the front seat. The front pedal crank is carried at the end of a support arm extending generally horizontally forward from the steering head so that the front rider pedals in a sitting position with his or her legs extending forward. The front fork is connected to a steering shaft journaled in an upright steering post located behind the front seat. A rear seat substantially higher than the front seat is supported on an upright saddle post spaced rearward from the steering post but sufficiently close thereto for steering control of the bicycle by the rear rider.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1983Date of Patent: March 5, 1985Inventor: James B. Weaver
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Patent number: 4417742Abstract: A bicycle with a foot cranked sprocket driven rear wheel assembly and a steering arm assembly substantially pivoting about the vertical axis located substantially in coincidence or near and substantially parallel to the axis of the bicycle frame member where the seat post is inserted. At the upper leading portion of the steering arm a hand crank is provided to drive a flexible shaft at one end of it through gearing means with the other end, the shaft engaging another gear means to drive a ring gear that turns with the foot cranked sprocket. Connected at the lower lagging portion of the steering arm assembly are linking means which are also connected to the upper portion of the front fork to impart rotation of the front wheel assembly about a vertical axis so that the steerable front wheel can be steered by the steering arm assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1981Date of Patent: November 29, 1983Inventor: Franklin S. Intengan
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Patent number: 4274650Abstract: A hand drive assembly for a wheelchair is disclosed. The assembly comprises a main axle adapted to be installed on each side of a regular wheelchair for rotatably mounting the wheel of the chair, a main gear rotatably mounted on the main axle and adapted to be coupled to the wheel, an elongated plate mounted upwardly at one end on the main axle and at a predetermined angular position with respect to the vertical ahead of the wheel, a driving axle rotatably mounted at the other end of the gear plate, a driving gear secured to the driving axle, a hand drive ring coupled to the driving axle for driving such driving gear, and an intermediate gear rotatably mounted on the gear plate and coupling the driving gear to the main gear to transmit motion of the hand drive ring to the regular wheel of the wheelchair.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1979Date of Patent: June 23, 1981Inventor: Hans Gilles
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Patent number: 4066273Abstract: A toy car adapted to caper about, having a seat, a backrest and large wheels with inwardly-extending handles supported on the wheel rims. The wheels are supported on the ends of arms which are supported just to the rear of the seat and the ground-engaging bumper attached to the front of the vehicle supports the front of the car when it is occupied and tips forward.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1976Date of Patent: January 3, 1978Inventor: Raymond J. Lohr