Abstract: There is provided a stair-climbing vehicle for transporting a wheelchair with a person sitting on. The vehicle comprise a crawler device including a pair of endless belt crawlers disposed on opposite sides of the vehicle; a vehicle body including a driving motor for driving the crawler device to enabling the stair-climbing vehicle to climb up or down a stairway; a load-carrying platform for mounting a wheelchair, said load-carrying platform being provided above the vehicle body capable of pivoting in vertical direction about one end thereof. The load-carrying platform is provided with a inclination sensor. The inclination sensor includes a first inclination sensing element and a second inclination sensing element, each inclination sensing element is a tubular member containing a flowable electrically conductive material and a pair of electrically conductive terminals.

Abstract: A powered vehicle is configured to stably and reliably ride on an escalator and includes a vehicle body (1), front and rear wheels (2) and (3), a drive mechanism (42), and front and rear supports (4) and (5). The front and rear wheels (2) and (3) are supported on front and rear portions of the vehicle body, respectively. The drive mechanism (42) drives the rear wheels. The front and rear supports (4) and (5) are arranged adjacent to the corresponding front wheels (2) and behind the rear wheels (3), respectively. The front or rear supports (4) and (5) land on the step surface at least when the vehicle body (1) is inclined at a maximum inclination portion of the escalator. At this time, the wheels (2) or (3) remote from the landed supports (5) or (4) land on another step of the escalator.

Abstract: A transporter main body has a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels, each of which is adapted to contact with a step of an escalator, a resilient member connected to the bottom of the transporter main body, a mounting structure for mounting a wheelchair, and an extending/retracting device connected with one end of the mounting structure for pivoting the mounting structure in vertical direction. After a wheelchair is mounted on the mounting structure, the wheels allow the transporter main body to be wheeled on the escalator. The resilient member grips the steps of the escalator to allow the wheelchair to ascend or descend with the escalator.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a medical transport device for moving a patient down a flight of stairs. A chair has a plurality of support members. A plurality of rollers are each connected to at least one of the support members. At least one tread defining a bottom surface is wrapped around the rollers. A slider is disposed adjacent to the plurality of rollers. The slider has a bottom edge which is disposed slightly above the bottom surface of the tread.

Abstract: A motorized cart is disclosed which allows a rider to safely ride an escalator. The motorized cart includes front wheels 2 and rear wheels 3 mounted on a vehicle body 1. A first support portion 6 is formed on the bottom of the vehicle body 1, and includes a plurality of contact portions which support the vehicle body 1 on the step surfaces of the escalator when it reaches the maximum inclined portion of the escalator.

Abstract: There is provided a transporter for patient's emergency escape, comprising: a transporter main body including a main body frame structure; a pair of crawler devices disposed on opposite sides of the transporter main body, each crawler device having a ground contacting surface extending for at least two steps of a stairway; a load-carrying frame structure provided above the transporter main body, said load-carrying frame structure being adapted to serve as a chair for carrying a person; a pair of tandem wheel structures each having a pair of ground contacting wheels arranged in the longitudinal direction of the transporter main body, said pair of tandem wheel structures being provided on opposite sides of the transporter main body near the rear ends of the crawler devices; a single tandem wheel structure having a pair of ground contacting wheels arranged in the longitudinal direction of the transporter main body, said single tandem wheel structure bing provided on the bottom of the transporter main body at a s

Abstract: The wheel-supported apparatus is used for climbing and descending stairs. The apparatus comprises a hollow main frame. A first carriage unit is located within the main frame and is slidably connected thereto. The first carriage unit is horizontally movable between a maximum front position and a maximum rear position by a first screw mechanism. A second carriage unit is slidably interconnected with the first carriage unit and is provided with a lower ground-engaging portion. The second carriage unit is movable vertically between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position by a second screw mechanism. The first and second screw mechanisms are operated in sequence for rising and backing the apparatus during climbing, and lowering and moving forward the apparatus during descent. Extendable supporting legs are used with a pair of rear caster wheels operatively connected under the main frame for periodically supporting the apparatus when climbing and descending the stairs.

Abstract: The powered tracked vehicle is equipped with photocells (13, 45) which monitor its backward and forward movements and automatically modify their orientation according to whether the vehicle is travelling on the level or negotiating stairs or a slope. The inclinometer (25) that monitors the attitude of the chair is located in a protected inner part of the frame (3) and is connected to the chair itself by means of a hinged parallelogram (57, 59, 103, 105). The inclinometer is mounted on one of the sides of the hinged parallelogram via a pivoting support (61) which, by means of a sheathed cable (66, 65) and a feeler (67), detects whether the vehicle's front runner (70) is raised or lowered and transmits to the chair the advance backward tilt required when beginning to descend a flight of stairs. Other devices are also provided to make the vehicle as safe to operate as possible.

Abstract: A transport apparatus for disabled individuals has a frame for carrying a driver, drive wheels, at least one front wheel, a back support and a push structure. The drive wheels are removable connected to drive wheel mounts. Those mounts are positioned on the frame near the rear of the frame. The front wheel is connected to a rotating fork that is mounted to the front of the frame by a fork mount. The push structure extends upward from the rear of the frame and is positioned behind the back support. For overcoming obstacles, pre-wheels are connected to the frame on mounts positioned ahead of the drive wheel mounts. For travel on narrow trails, the pre-wheels are removed from the side mounts and connected to an auxiliary mount attached to the rear of the frame. Once on the auxiliary mount, the drive wheels are removed and the pre-wheels serve as the rear support for the apparatus. A steering bar is coupled to the front of the frame for towing applications and for steering purposes.

Abstract: A vehicle which goes up and down stairs includes a vehicle body (101), front and rear wheels (102) and (103) provided at the front and rear of the vehicle body (101), respectively, front and rear auxiliary wheels (105) and (107) for lifting up or down the front and rear wheels (102) and (103) by one step of stairs, respectively, a driving unit for driving each wheel, a pivoting unit for pivoting the front and rear auxiliary wheels (105) and (107), sensors (121) to (124) for detecting a riser portion of stairs, and a control unit (120) for controlling the driving unit and the rotating unit in accordance with results of the sensors (121) to (124). Since the vehicle goes up and down stairs by rotation of the auxiliary wheels (105) and (107), a corner portion of the step of stairs is not damaged while the vehicle goes up and down stairs.

Abstract: In order to provide safe and effective surface climbing and descending vehicles, the vehicle includes a base for supporting a platform to be maintained in a generally horizontal orientation. The mechanism automatically raises and lowers the platform as the vehicle is descending or climbing the surface, respectively, in order to maintain the platform in the generally horizontal orientation. With this arrangement, the vehicle further includes a pair of endless belts normally to be maintained in driving engagement with the surface in a manner to conform to the surface during climbing and descending.

Abstract: A wheelchair having apparatus mounted thereon which, when placed in stair-climbing position, enables an occupant of the wheelchair to turn the large wheels of the wheelchair in a reverse direction, thereby causing a plurality of sprockets and chains mounted thereon to climb a stairway. The occupant places the apparatus in stair-climbing position by utilizing a hand air or other fluid pump mounted on the frame of the wheelchair to pump fluid into actuating fluid cylinders, thereby causing the pistons and associated piston rods of the fluid cylinders to extend and to place the apparatus in the climbing position. In this position the occupant may also cause the wheelchair to descend a stairway. By reversing a valve, the occupant may pump fluid into the cylinders to place the climbing apparatus in the stowed-away position, in which position the wheelchair may be used as a normal wheelchair.

Abstract: A movable chair includes a chair main body and a pair of left and right traveling devices. The chair main body has a seat portion. The traveling devices are disposed on left and right sides of the chair main body and are designed to move the chair main body while supporting the chair main body. The traveling devices includes traveling frames disposed along a traveling direction, endless rail portions respectively disposed around the traveling frames, endless tracks respectively wound around the endless rail portions, a driving section for driving the endless tacks, and a control section for allowing a sitting person to control the driving section. The endless tracks includes endless driving belts, and a plurality of ground-contact feet mounted on the endless driving belts and having different shapes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a wheel chair which is composed of a seat, a track device, a cushion device and an angle-regulate device so as to make the wheel chair can cross over the ditch or go up or down the stairs, when going up the stairs, user must lift the main wheels upwardly so as to make the track assembly contact the ground, then sliding the seat to the front slant part of the guide groove by its rollers, when the wheel chair going up to the last stairs, it can be returned to the horizontal position by means of the cushion device, when going down the stairs, user must slide the seat to the rear slant part of the guide groove, then going down the stairs by means of the track assembly, furthermore when the wheel chair crossing over the ditch, user must move first the seat to rear part of the wheel chair until the front part of the track assembly run over the ditch, then moving the seat to the front part so as to make the wheel chair cross over the ditch.

Abstract: A collapsible carriage or wheelchair, generally comprising a main frame, a seating assembly, a pair of wheel subassemblies, and a pair of rail assemblies. Preferably, the wheelchair further includes a back support assembly, an upper frame section, a front wheel, a front support assembly, and a harness system. The elements and components of the wheelchair are connected together so that the wheelchair can be quickly and easily expanded from a collapsed form to an open form. Generally, the seating assembly is provided to form a seat for a person, the wheel subassemblies are used to support the wheelchair for movement over floors and other flat surfaces, and the rail assemblies are provided to support the wheelchair for movement down stairs.

Abstract: A stair climbing device, such as a wheelchair for handicapped comprises a frame having two sides, two wheel pairs each arranged on a respective one of the sides of the frame, each of the wheel pairs having two wheels each provided with a rim and a center axis, two drive shafts provided for each wheel pair, the drive shafts extending parallel to one another and to the center axis and being driven jointly, the wheels of each of the wheel pairs being turnable relative to the frame about the drive shafts, each of the drive shafts being provided with a hub disc with which it is eccentrically connected, the rim of each of the wheels being concentrically and rotatably supported on a a respective one of the hub discs.

Abstract: An electronic control system for a stair climbing vehicle, such as a wheelchair is disclosed. Front and back sensors are provided for detecting a stairway or slope. The electronic control system determines from the sensor data whether the slope has an acceptable incline for traversing. If it is not acceptable, the vehicle will be prevented from entering onto the stairway or slope. A seat for a user is tilted in accordance with electronic controls to keep the user approximately vertical with respect to gravity as the vehicle traverses the stairs. The allowed operation of the vehicle is controlled via parameters which can be changed by removable memory which configures the vehicle for a particular user or group of users.

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: 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: 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: An all-terrain wheelchair comprising a frame having a pair of wheels rotatably mounted at each side thereof with a seat mounted on the frame between the wheels. Each pair of the wheels is operatively interconnected so that rotation of one wheel of the pair of wheels will cause both wheels to rotate. A ratchet arm is operatively connected to each of the front wheels so that the operator may propel the wheelchair. An optional flexible track is also provide for each pair of wheels.

Abstract: Apparatus for use on standard or customized wheelchairs for providing means by which the wheelchair and occupant may be moved up or down a stairway or curb with a minimum of inconvenience to the occupant of the chair and to the handler of the chair. The apparatus having a pair of mounting brackets attached to the side frame of the chair with a tread assembly adjustably positioned thereon at a select angle to the mounting brackets. The tread assembly having a series of rollers over which a tread is placed so that the tread will interact with the stairsteps or curb to allow the wheelchair to glide up or down the stairsteps or curb without experiencing the bumps commonly associated with rolling a wheelchair up or down a set of stairs or curb. The apparatus has a brake assembly and extension handlebars allowing the operator of the chair to control the chair and the speed upon which the chair ascends or descends the stairs. The apparatus is removable from the chair when not in use.

Abstract: A crawler unit for coupling to a wheelchair, especially for climbing stairs, comprises an undercarriage having power-driven tracks and an adapter for securing the wheelchair in a rearwardly tilted travelling position. In order to enable the wheelchair user to couple and decouple and maneuver the wheelchair by himself, the adapter which includes a male coupling member for mating engagement with a complementary female coupling member mounted on the wheelchair is connected to the crawler unit through lifting means adapted to be operated by the wheelchair user via actuating or control elements for selectively lifting the wheelchair relative to the crawler unit and lifting the crawler unit while the wheels of the wheelchair remain on the ground, such operation being possible both in position of the wheelchair.

Abstract: A kerb climbing device for a wheelchair having a pair of wheels of relatively small diameter comprises a guide arm and a lifting arm mounted centrally between the wheels for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis extending between opposed sides of the wheelchair. The guide arm and lifting arm extend forwardly of the wheels in an operative position of the device in which the free end of the lifting arm is spaced above the free end of the guide arm. The free end of the guide arm is arranged for locating against the kerb and the lifting arm is pivotal in response to engagement of the free end of the guide arm with the kerb to lower the free end of the lifting arm onto the kerb and lift the wheels of the ground thereby facilitating mounting of the kerb.

Abstract: A wheelchair is adjustable between a compact configuration, in which the center of gravity lies in a vertical plane (50), which intersects wheels (16,116) on a front carrier of the wheelchair and an extended configuration in which the center of gravity lies in a vertical plane spaced substantially from all wheels of the wheelchair.

Abstract: A stair-climbing and descending vehicle is disclosed, comprising a frame and a pair of transverse, co-axial, power-driven axles, each rotatably carrying a spider assembly at its outer end. Each spider has at least three wheels, one at each equi-spaced extremity of its radial arms. Each axle drives either the spider or the associated wheels through a differential gearing. When climbing a stairway, the spiders are rotated immediately when the wheels are prevented from rotating by encountering a stair riser. The differential also serves to safety and smoothly descend the stairs. The vehicle is adapted for use as a wheelchair, in which case a chair-shifting device is provided to shift the center of gravity of the vehicle, rearwardly.

Abstract: A stair-climbing wheelchair carrier, comprising a carrier portion comprising a pair of endless belt crawlers, and a handle portion rotatably and detachably provided on the carrier. The handle portion is adapted to be rotated between an operating position and a wheelchair engaging position. The endless belt crawler has an oblique overhand portion which has a height higher than a usual height of a step of stair. A guide body is provided to mount a wheelchair secured to the handle portion so as to be rotated together with the handle portion to the operating position.

Abstract: Selectively operable spiral cam wheels are positioned adjacent and rotate on a common axis with the drive wheels and are attachable to the drive wheels for progressively raising the wheelchair in response to rotation of the drive wheels in one direction and for progressively lowering the wheelchair in response to rotation of the drive wheels in the opposite direction. The spiral cam wheels are also attachable to the wheelchair frame so that the drive wheels are free to be rotated in the normal manner. A lifting arm is pivotally supported at one end on each side of the frame of the wheelchair and the other end is moved by the spiral cam wheels to progressively lift the casters of the wheelchair as the wheelchair is moved toward a curb to be traversed. Embodiments of the wheelchair are disclosed in which the wheelchair is raised as it is moved in a forward direction toward the curb, and in which the wheelchair is raised as it is moved in a rearward direction toward the curb.

Abstract: A wheel vehicle for traversing rough uneven terrain. One set of load bearing wheels is used in conjunction with secondary wheels that are placed such that the secondary wheels bridge the spacing between the load bearing wheels below the horizontal axis of the load bearing wheels sufficiently to prevent any ground projection from engaging such a space to impede movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: A carrier for rescuing patients having a frame having a pair of lower horizontal portions and upwardly inclined portions adjacent to the horizontal portions at rear end portions thereof.A pair of front and rear wheels are provided on the frame, and a pair of crawlers engaged with the frame and wheels to be moved on the frame and around the wheels.A seat having a handle is provided on the frame. A brake such as a centrifugal brake is provided for slowing the rotation of either of said front and rear wheels and for keeping the rotation speed in a constant speed.Travelling wheels are rotatably provided on the frame for moving the carrier on a flat surface.

Abstract: To enable an invalid's wheelchair to negotiate stairways, it has a chassis frame equipped with ordinary motor-driven road wheels for level running and a pair of crawler belts for stair ascent or descent. Either the wheels or the belts may be selected, either to the exclusion of the other, as the mode of travel. A chair or like load carrier is movably mounted on the frame, and linkage is provided so the center of gravity of the load is adjusted to give the required stability for the selected travel mode.

Abstract: A stair-climbing wheelchair having a sensor at the front end thereof for sensing the presence of a stair step or an inclined ramp. The sensor emits signals which reflect from a surface and to a receptor in the sensor, the receptor being coupled to a microprocessor which determines not only the linear distance traveled by the wheelchair in a forward direction, but also the height of a stair step. Thus, when the tracks are down, a microprocessor associated with the sensor will shut off the drive motors to the tracks if the slope of the stairway is too great when the tracks are down. In such a case, the wheelchair backs away from the stairway and does not go down it. If the slope is less than a predetermined value, such as 30.degree.-35.degree., the wheelchair can move down the stairway in the normal fashion.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus or wheelchair of conventional doorway width capable of negotiating stairways, turning about landings as necessary. The chair includes an outer supporting assembly, preferably the normal transport wheels, and an inner supporting assembly or feet. The chair includes mechanisms for elevating the supporting assemblies, in turn, while the other assembly supports the weight of the chair. The elevating mechanism is connected to the chair seat such that, upon elevation of a supporting assembly, the chair elevates also. The elevated assembly is articulated and advanced on horizontal slide bearings into contact with the stairs, with supporting elements resting on both lower and upper stair treads. The chair and occupant are then advanced on horizontal slide bearings over the new supporting assembly. The elevating mechanism then transfers chair weight to the new supporting assembly and elevates the former supporting assembly.

Abstract: A carrier for rescuing patients having a frame having a pair of lower horizontal portions and upwardly inclined portions adjacent to the horizontal portions at rear end portions thereof.A pair of front and rear wheels are provided on the frame, and a pair of crawlers engaged with the frame and wheels to be moved on the frame and around the wheels.A seat having a handle is provided on the frame. A brake such as a centrifugal brake is provided for slowing the rotation of either of said front and rear wheels and for keeping the rotation speed in a constant speed.Travelling wheels are rotatably provided on the frame for moving the carrier on a flat surface.

Abstract: A wheelchair for handicapped persons with a seat disposed on a movable frame, a battery set for the power supply of drive motors coordinated to the wheels of the wheelchair and a steering system for controlling the stop of the wheel groups for the purpose that the wheelchair can drive up and down stairs automatically, which is characterized in that the movable frame comprises two frames disposed on top of each other, which carry a compressed air container with coordinated compressor and where vertically standing double acting piston cylinder units hinged at the longitudinal side pieces for the vertical adjustment of eight wheelchair wheels combined to four wheel groups, such that the frames with the piston cylinder units are adjustable relative to their side projection like a parallelogram, that the seat is hinged at the upper frame, and where a stabilization system is coordinated to the seat under maintaining of its horizontal position at different relative positions of the upper and lower frames.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a wheelchair having a pair of upright rear frame members has a support adapted to engage underneath the wheelchair in an upright condition of same with the chair pivotal on the support between erect and inclined positions. At least two endless tracks on the support carry same and the wheelchair thereon so that the tracks allow the wheelchair to move on an incline. A frame element pivotal on the support about a horizontal axis transverse to the tracks carries a vertically displaceable transverse mount having outer ends respectively juxtaposed with the wheelchair frame members. An adjustment spindle extending along and rotatable about a horizontal axis through the mount ends adjacent the frame members has oppositely threaded ends at the outer ends engaged in respective mounting blocks axially slidable in the outer mount ends and threaded on the adjustment-spindle ends.

Abstract: A stair-climbing wheelchair carrier has a frame body, a pair of rail frames formed in a lower portion of the frame body and a pair of endless belt crawlers engaged with the wheels provided on the frame body and with the rail frames. A travelling wheel mechanism is provided on each of the rail frames at a rear portion thereof. The travelling wheel mechanism comprises a lever rotatably mounted on the rail frame, a pair of travelling wheels provided on both ends of the lever, and a spring for maintaining said travelling wheels in a position parallel with the grounding surface of the crawlers. Both the travelling wheels are so disposed that contact points with the ground are at lower positions than the grounding surface of the crawlers.

Abstract: A mechanism for the transport of an object across relatively level surfaces as well as to ascend and descend stairways. The mechanism is described particularly with respect to a wheel chair for handicapped persons and is provided with a frame and a pair of support wheels on each side of the frame. A climbing chain with lugs is associated with each wheel on the frame; these chains being inclined at an angle providing a desired lifting height. The wheel chair is either powered by the occupant or by electrical or other corresponding power means. Appropriate sensing means on the frame ascertain a nonlevel condition in pitch or yaw during ascent or descent of the stairs whereby corrections are made in the driving means such that a level orientation is re-established. Braking is provided by appropriate gearing whereby an interruption of the driving power holds the climbing chains in their current position.

Abstract: An improved power driven conveyance intended primarily for use by handicapped persons or invalids. A power means to drive the conveyance on level surfaces at normal pedestrian speeds and or to ascend or descend conventional or irregular stairways at reduced speed and increased torque. The invention further contains a self-leveling chair which automatically maintains the occupant in a level seated position regardless of the inclined position assumed by the conveyance frame, thereby contributing to the stability of the conveyance and the safety of the occupant. A fail safe tractor belt means is provided to insure a positive grip between the stair treads and the conveyance. Frontal and rear auxiliary tractor belt units adjust the inclination of the main tractor belts to alignment with the angularity of the stairways and landings.

Abstract: To enable an invalid's wheelchair to negotiate stairways, it has a chassis frame equipped with ordinary motor-driven road wheels for level running and a pair of crawler belts for stair ascent or descent. Either the wheels or the belts may be selected, either to the exclusion of the other, as the mode of travel. A chair or like load carrier is movably mounted on the frame, and linkage is provided so the center of gravity of the load is adjusted to give the required stability for the selected travel mode.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a wheelchair on a flight of steps has a support adapted to engage underneath the wheelchair in an upright condition of same with the chair pivotal on the support between erect and inclined positions. Two or more endless tracks on the support carry same and the wheelchair thereon so that the tracks allow the wheelchair to move over uneven terrain and up and down stairs. A latch is displaceable on the support between a holding position securing the wheelchair in the inclined position and a freeing position permitting the wheelchair to move freely between its positions. A safety device connected to the latch is responsive to the inclination of the tracks relative to the horizontal for blocking the latch from moving into the freeing position when the tracks are inclined at more than a predetermined angle to the horizontal. Thus the wheelchair cannot be released from the support when same is moving on an incline. The latch is provided with a pedal to displace it into the freeing position.

Abstract: A self propelled wheel chair is adaptable to climbing and descending stairs and steep slopes. The wheel chair is foldable for transporting and storing. Operation on level ground is similar to the operation of a conventional wheel chair. The wheel chair is supported by caster wheels on the front corners and by spider wheels on the rear corners. Skids are mounted to the caster forks for stabilizing the front of the chair during climbing operations. The casters are mounted to parallelogram linkages on the front of the wheel chair. The parallelogram linkages move the casters down and forward for repositioning to the climbing mode. The spider wheels are rotatably mounted to four bar linkages on the wheel chair side frames. The spider wheels engage the stairs to propel and stabilize the wheel chair during climbing or descending of stairs. The four bar linkages sequence the repositioning of the spider wheels and casters for climbing.

Abstract: A vehicle has a pair of endless tracks each extending around a series of wheels arranged in a plane adjacent to one side of the vehicle body. One of the series of wheels on each side of the vehicle body is movable relative to the vehicle body to a selected position to vary the configuration of the endless track in side view so that the vehicle is given a superior running performance and is freely movable along paths having various obstacles.

Abstract: A carriage for descending stairs carrying a person under the control of an operator, i.e., an able-bodied person walking behind the carriage. The person in the carriage rests upon a seat with an upright back. The carriage is supported at its sides upon two support units each of which has an endless belt which extends along a rigid longitudinal frame with two pulleys mounted upon horizontal axes at the opposite ends of the frame, and with belts extending around those pulleys and forming two longitudinal runs between the pulleys. Each belt is formed by a continuous strip of heavy fabric with a continuous strip of flexible rubber bonded to the fabric. The belts of the support units act as brakes to retard the movement down the stairs.

Abstract: A wheel chair has means for surmounting obstacles, comprising extensible legs 8 with wheels 10 at their feet ends, a link cable or the like mechanical connection actuable by a handle, 18 for lifting the wheelchair, the legs being extensible by pushing the handle forward to force the wheels 10 downwardly and lift the castors 5, and auxiliary rear wheels 31 being lowered for lifting the main wheels 6. Each lever 17 is mechanically connected to bell crank 28 pivoted on the rear of a base frame member. The bell crank carries, with a similar crank on the other side, the auxiliary rear wheels 31 which can be raised and lowered in response to lever 17. The wheels 31 are driven via a belt drive 33 running about the periphery of the wheels 31 and driven from the main wheels of the wheel chair by a pulley 34. A sprocket and chain drive can be used instead.

Abstract: A stair climbing wheelchair carrier having a carrier portion comprising a pair of endless belt crawlers, and a handle portion rotatably and detachably provided on the carrier. The handle portion is adapted to be rotated between an operating position and a wheelchair engaging position. The endless belt crawler has an oblique overhang portion which has a height higher than a usual height of a step of a staircase. The upper portion of endless belt crawlers are maintained by idlers in substantially horizontal position except the oblique overhang portion so that the wheelchair may be moved on the carrier portion and may be engaged with the handle portion at the wheelchair engaging position of the handle portion. The wheelchair is mounted on the carrier portion by rotating the handle portion to the operating position.

Abstract: A mechanism is described for the transport of an object across relatively level surfaces as well as to ascend and descend stairways. This mechanism is provided with a frame and a pair of wheels on each side of the frame for supporting the same above a surface. Furthermore, a climbing chain with lugs is associated with each wheel on the frame; these chains being inclined at an angle from the level to approximate the average pitch of stairs to be encountered. At least one of each of the wheels on each side of the frame is provided with mechanism for raising or lowering the same whereby the frame is maintained in a level orientation during ascent or descent of the stairs.The mechanism is described particularly with respect to a wheel chair for handicapped persons. Two principal embodiments are disclosed: one in which the wheel chair is powered by the occupant; and the other wherein the wheel chair is powered by electrical or other corresponding power means.

Abstract: The vehicle--e.g. a wheelchair--has groups of wheels (10) mounted on a spider (9) for rotation about a central axis to enable the vehicle to ascend or descend stairs or steps. To reduce the risk of the vehicle rolling off the steps, each wheel has alongside it a foot member (further wheel 13), rigidly secured to the spider, with engagement portions (18) to engage the stair when the spider is tilted and clear portions (14) allowing free rolling when the spider is level. Also, a geared drive arrangement to the spider(s) is provided to give braking or restraint with a mechanical advantage. In a further embodiment the drive motor for rotating the spiders is mounted on a pivoted projecting arm or skid (27, FIG. 6) which transmit the motor or braking torque directly to the stairs to reduce the risk of the vehicle tipping.

Abstract: A stair-climbing apparatus for a wheel chair or the like mobile transport means, which apparatus is provided with an undercarriage, a plurality of pulleys mounted in the undercarriage, at least one endless track extending along a way defined by at least two pulleys, a drive mechanism adapted for engagement of at least one of the pulleys and a frame for supporting the wheel chair or a similar mobile transport means, whereby the frame comprises a platform which relatively to the undercarriage is adapted for swiveling movement about a shaft extending at the climbing side of the undercarriage parallel to the pulley axes through drive means adapted for coaction with a steering mechanism which is adapted for keeping the platform horizontal independently of the position of the undercarriage. The drive mechanism is retarded when the platform deviates a set angle from the horizontal.

Abstract: A stair climbing wheelchair carrier comprising a handle assembly and base, the handle assembly for securing the wheelchair to the carrier, means for securing the handle assembly to the base, the base comprising a pair of spaced endless tracks having climbing lugs on the outside surface thereof, each of the endless tracks entrained around a pair of rollers and passing under the outer surface of a runner, one of the rollers situate proximate one end of the runner, the other proximate the other end, the runner being bent intermediate its ends to form a first portion extending away from one of the rollers and a second portion extending away from the first portion towards the second roller at an angle of between about 125.degree. and about 145.degree.