Abstract: A hand-propelled wheelchair comprising a frame element to which is mounted a pair of large drive wheels and a pair of front caster wheels, the wheelchair further comprising a seat unit having a base and a back, the seat unit being slidably mounted on the frame in such a manner as to be manually slidable and arrestable in a plurality of desired positions along the frame element by the user while seated in the seat of the wheelchair, to vary the center of gravity of the user and the seat unit with reference to the axis of the drive wheels without disassembly of the drive wheels, the frame element or the seat unit from each other.

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: Novel composites are formed from a low rigidity gelatinous elastomer composition of poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) triblock copolymer and high levels of a plasticizing oil. The gelatinous elastomer composition is physically interlocked with an open cell sponge thereby displacing the air space within the sponge and the gel rigidity is found to be greater than about the sum of the combined rigidity of the gelatinous elastomer composition and sponge alone. The gelatinous elastomer composite exhibits a novel combination of properties including unexpectedly high elongation and tensile strength and excellent shape retention after extreme deformation under high-velocity impact and stress conditions. The gelatinous elastomer composites can be made firm or soft and flexible.

Abstract: A system of apparatus for use with handicapped or disabled patients. The apparatus includes a mobile platform which removably mounts a patient support module which can be a chair or commode seat. Lift module means is attached to the mobile platform for lifting or lowering the patient from or to a bed or other structure. In certain embodiments a body harness is suspended by the lift module for supporting the patient upright so that the apparatus can be used as a therapeutic walking exerciser. In another embodiment, a body sling supported from the lift module provides support for the patient's arms for use as a therapeutic exerciser. The method of operation permits the apparatus, with the support module chair removed, to be moved to a position where the lift module is centered over the patient on a bed, automobile seat or other structure to facilitate lifting and transporting the patient. This method simplifies the transfer of a patient.

Abstract: Novel gelatinous compositions and articles are formed from an intimate melt blend admixture of poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) triblock copolymer and high levels of a plasticizing oil.The gelatinous composition is transparent and have a novel combination of properties including unexpectedly high elongation and tensile strength and excellent shape retention after extreme deformation under high-velocity impact and stress conditions. The gelatinous products of this invention are soft, flexible, and have elastic memory, characterized by a gel rigidity of from about 20 gram to about 700 gram Bloom. These and other properties are particularly essential for the gelatinous composition to have utility as toys, therapeutic hand exercising grips, shock absorbers, acoustical isolators, components for cushions, and other uses.

Abstract: An adjustable cover and seating system for a wheelchair. The cover has a first or enclosing portion surrounding the inner seat members and a second or skirt portion extending about the sides of the first or enclosure portion and downwardly under the lower section of the enclosure portion. The first or enclosure portion of the cover can be placed over the seating members and secured in place by a zipper to encase the seating member. The skirt section can then be pulled to draw the skirt section downwardly which, in turn, draws the upper section of the enclosure portion snugly across the top of the seating members. In doing so, the peripheral side section of the enclosure portion is also drawn downwardly on itself into gathers or bunches which are held firmly in place against the seating members by the skirt section. This serves to present a neat outer appearance to the user and to prevent excess material from catching in the spokes of the wheelchair.

Abstract: A combination wheelchair/gurney comprising a three-part seat/gurney bed assembly, hingedly connected and pivotally mounted on a rigid metal rectangular frame, having two large side wheels for patient self-locomotion and two front caster wheels, and a seat support/locking position mechanism which carries most of the seat weight and is pivotally mounted to the frame bottom. The wheelchair converts to a gurney by an attendant pulling back and downwards on the top back of the chair in a levered action, causing the seat/bed assembly to pivot at the top of the frame and raising it horizontally to the top of the frame to form a gurney bed. The gurney bed is at the approximate height of a typical hospital bed, making it easy to move a patient from the bed to the gurney. Side-rails attached to the two top sides of the frame, pivot up and are locked in position for gurney travel security.

Abstract: A hand and forearm orthotic device for attachment to the forearm of chronically ill, elderly, handicapped, comatose or deliberated patients. The device comprises a block member, preferably formed of flexible foam or other soft material having a pair of support members releasably attached to the underside thereof. The block member incorporates a pair of retainer straps operative to hold a human forearm in a first position thereon. A hand support assembly is also connected to and/or incorporated in the block member so as to support the hand of the patient when the forearm is positioned on top of the block member. The hand support assembly may be adjustable so as to provide for varying degrees of rotation or dorsiflexion of the hand. A longitudinal groove formed by the support members and the underside of the block member may be used to facilitate placement of the block member on a wheelchair arm or other structure.

Abstract: A foldable frame (10) for a lightweight wheelchair (8) is disclosed. The foldable wheelchair frame (10) includes a pair of side frame assemblies (12, 14) each having a substantially horizontally oriented upper side frame member (16) extending for directly supporting a seat assembly (20). A cross bracing assembly (38) is mounted between the side frame assemblies (12, 14) for movement of the side frame assemblies (12, 14) between a deployed position and a collapsed position. The cross bracing assembly (38) includes a pair of cross bracing members (40, 42) pivotally coupled to each other by a pivot (44). The cross bracing members (40, 42) are pivotably coupled to the side frame assemblies (12, 14) by coupling proximate upper ends to the upper side frame members (16) and proximate lower ends to a remainder of the side frame assemblies (12, 14).

Abstract: An extendable leg rest assembly (20) having a footrest device (26) for a wheelchair including a mounting assembly (22) for mounting the leg rest assembly (20) to a frame (10) of the wheelchair. An elongated shaft (40) is pivotally coupled to the mounting assembly (22) to enable pivotal movement of the shaft (40) about a first pivotal axis (45) between a lowered position and a raised position. An elongated extension member (50) is telescopically mounted on the shaft (40) for reciprocating movement relative thereto. Pivotally coupled between the mounting assembly (22) and the elongated extension member (50) is a linkage (28). The linkage (28) pivots about a second pivotal axis (75) on the mounting assembly (22) spaced forwardly from the first pivotal axis (45).

Abstract: A single-post, height-adjustable and removable armrest apparatus (30) for a wheelchair having wheelchair frame (21). The armrest apparatus includes a base (31) formed for mounting to the wheelchair frame and an arm support assembly (32) having a height-adjustable armrest post (33). Interdisposed between the base and the support assembly is an elongated mounting assembly (34). A locking mechanism (37) is movably mounted to a mounting end (35) of the mounting assembly between a locked condition and a unlocked condition. In the locked condition, the mounting end is locked to the base member, while in the unlocked condition, the mounting end is released from the base. A securing mechanism (40) is movably mounted to an engaging end (36) of the mounting assembly between a secured condition and an unsecured condition. In the secured condition, the armrest post is locked to the mounting assembly, while in the unsecured condition, height adjusting movement of the armrest post is permitted relative to the engaging end.

Abstract: A wheelchair cycle apparatus that includes a frame to which is attached a connecting device for connecting the frame to a wheelchair. A drive wheel and driven wheel are attached to the frame. A pair of pedals are attached to either the drive wheel or the driven wheel depending upon whether the user can move his/her own legs. A chain connects the drive wheel to the driven wheel. The wheelchair cycle apparatus may be connected to the frame of a wheelchair to produce a wheelchair assembly that enables a disabled individual to exercise his/her own legs while seated in the wheelchair.

Abstract: A chassis is provided having two longitudinal sides, one or more cross-bars between the sides, and two torsion forwardly and downwardly extending arms terminating in sleeves for holding snap-in casters. When attached to the other wheelchair components, the arms create a space therebetween and under the wheelchair seat for storage of optional items. The molded chassis may be tailored to performance specifications and is constructed from composite material, preferably by compression molding using sheet molding compound or by resin transfer molding. Shock and vibration attenuating characteristics are selectable and the chassis sides may be of one or multiple piece construction. Each longitudinal side includes two vertically extending posts for attaching a seat, the posts providing a height, seat pan angle and center of gravity adjustment mechanism for the seating system relative to the chassis. The drive wheels are attached to camber plugs which are secured within recesses in the sides.

Abstract: The abduction wedge assembly for a wheelchair includes an abduction member joined to a slide, pivot and height extension mechanism that permits the abduction wedge member to be compatibly joined to wheelchairs of selected seat thickness. The slide, pivot and height extension mechanism which is joined to the base of a wheelchair seat includes a slidable member that is longitudinally slidable with respect to a fixed slide guide located at the base of the wheelchair seat. The slide member can be extended to a limit position that permits pivoting of the abduction member from an on-seat position to an off-seat position. The slide, pivot and height extension mechanism further includes a height adjustment member to which the abduction member is joined. The height adjustment member enables the abduction wedge member to be compatibly fitted to wheelchair seats of any thickness. A locking mechanism provided on the slide guide locks the slide member in any selected longitudinally extended position.

Abstract: A lapboard is adapted to be fitted to a chair with two arms, where the lapboard is a generally flat surface with a cleat positioned to generally parallel to and close one arm of the chair and a second cleat positioned generally parallel to and close to the other arm of the chair, plus securing means for securing the lapboard to the chair. The lapboard is secured by one or two straps connected to the rear right and left of the lap board and looped around behind the occupant of the chair, preferably fastened by a quick release clip. A second strap connected to the front right and left of the lapboard can be looped around the arms to secure the front of the lapboard.

Abstract: An overhead screen is provided for mounting above a wheelchair. The screen has an opaque canopy that protects the wheelchair occupant from direct sunshine as well as precipitation. The canopy is held in an extended position out over the wheelchair seat by a screen framework. The framework is releasably connected to the wheelchair by means of coupling elements, which may the form of elbows that fit telescopically over the rearwardly extending handles at the back of the wheelchair which are normally provided for the purpose of allowing a companion of the wheelchair occupant to push the wheelchair.

Abstract: This wheelchair incorporates a unitary supporting frame for the drive wheels and swivalable casters, and an adjustable seating assembly. The supporting frame is adjustable to change the wheelbase, track, and frame pitch and thereby shift the user's center of gravity and orientation with respect to the wheels. In a preferred embodiment provision is made for adjusting and maintaining the alignment of the wheels and casters. The seating assembly allows the seat and seat back to be positioned independently to suit the user's size, posture, balance, and other physical characteristics. A powered seat mount allows the user to raise and lower the seating assembly.

Abstract: A wheel chair with a rotating tray which may be rotated from a first position generally parallel to a back or rear support member. In an alternative position of the rotating tray, the tray is rotated from the first position generally parallel to the arm supports through ninety degrees into a vertical position whereby the user of the wheel chair is able to get up from and return to a bottom seat of the wheel chair.

Abstract: A wheelchair seat has a backrest assembly with a counter balance to provide equilibrium. A control loop is included on the sliding backrest to sense the onset of shear and compensate the backrest to a zero shear position during recline. A legrest assembly has a selectable lift arrangement for either independent or recline lift.

Abstract: A wagon for use in hospital environments includes a bracket such that an I.V. stand may be quickly connected to the wagon. In this way, the I.V,. stand and the wagon can be moved as a unit for transport of patients. The inventive structure of the bracket ensures that the I.V. stand is held closely to the wagon, such that it requires a relatively small lateral space, and such that it is guided against lateral tipping.

Abstract: A seat cushion for prolonged sitting, having a thigh cushion coupled to and spaced apart from a back cushion. A seat well is defined between the thigh cushion and the back cushion to remove pressure from the buttocks region. Coupling members couple the thigh cushion and the back cushion, and extend there between on either side of the seat well.

Abstract: A collapsible wheelchair assembly is provided that may be folded for storage with attached toilet seat. A waste pan is interlocked with wheelchair braces to sit under a flexible plastic seat, having a toilet opening, that hinges when the wheelchair is folded. Thus, a portable collapsible toilet facility is afforded incontinent patients for use in transit whenever necessary.

Abstract: A geriatric chair provides easy patient entry and exit and a stable restraint-free environment for a patient seated in a chair while left unattended. The chair includes a floor engaging foot rest portion disposed forwardly of the fulcrum member and a rearward floor engaging member on a side of the fulcrum member opposite from the foot rest portion. The chair is movable about the fulcrum member between a patient entry/exit position wherein the floor engaging foot rest portion and the fulcrum member engage the floor and a patient rest position wherein the fulcrum member and the rearward floor engaging member engage the floor in a manner such that the chair cannot be moved back to the patient entry/exit position by the patient while sitting in the chair unattended. The center of gravity of the chair is movable between a position forward of the fulcrum member when in the floor engaging position and a position rearward of the fulcrum member when in the patient rest position.

Abstract: Leg-powered, foot-steerable devices for attachment to a wheelchair are disclosed that include a longitudinal pole unit, attachment clamps for releasably mounting the pole unit upon the frame of the wheelchair and a wheel assembly that includes a bearing unit carried by the pole unit, a pillar assembly carried by the bearing unit for limited rotation about a steering axis, an axle supported by the pillar assembly, at least one drive wheel carried by the axle for free rotation thereon and for limited rotation with the pillar assembly about the steering axis, and a pair of peddles fixed by opposed crank arms on opposite sides of the drive wheel for simultaneous rotation thereof by the feet of the wheelchair user about the steering axis and the axle.

Abstract: A wheelchair includes a chassis having a pair of side frame assemblies that are rigidly connected to each other by a seat pan. Mounted on each side frame assembly is an interchangeable axle receiving platform for orienting drive wheels at a desired camber angle. One end of a seat member is pivotally attached to a foot member for adjustment of the seating angle. By moving an opposite end of the seat member along a curved portion of a bottom member of each side frame assembly, the seat angle is changed. A one piece caster assembly is disposed forward of the drivewheels on the chassis. Through the one-piece caster assembly, each caster can be simultaneously adjusted to a particular location along the frame.

Abstract: A prosthetic device operable by a handicapped user of the device for physically lifting and lowering the user's body to and supporting the user's body in an upright standing position and a sitting position. The disclosed prosthetic embodiments are motorized wheel chairs.

Abstract: A wheelchair comprises a backrest, a base frame and a rod assembly connecting the backrest with the base frame. The rod assembly includes at both sides of the backrest a support rod pivotably coupled with the base frame for adjusting the angle of inclination of the backrest. A locking mechanism is provided for locking the backrest in a desired position. For each support rod a pair of tubes is provided having an inner tube telescopically slidable in an outer tube. The free ends of the pair of tubes are rotatably connected with upper and lower supports, respectively, which supports are connected fixedly and rotatably, respectively, with the corresponding support rod. A gas spring is mounted in each outer tube, which gas spring is connected with the inner tube at one side and with the outer tube at the other side. The actuating pin of the gas spring is operable through an actuating lever pivotably supported at its free end in the outer tube.

Abstract: A wheelchair including a wheeled base assembly provided with an upright assembly thereon, the latter including a pair of vertical post arrangements which are provided adjacent front corners of the wheelchair and are vertically extendible and retractable. The upright assembly includes a pair of generally parallel and approximately horizontal arms which are mounted adjacent upper ends of the upright post arrangements. A seat assembly is removably attached to and positioned between the arms. The seat assembly includes a seat portion defined by normally vertically superimposed upper and lower seat subassemblies. The upper subassembly has an enlarged opening formed centrally therethrough. The lower subassembly can be detached and moved from beneath the upper subassembly to permit the seat portion of the wheelchair to be positioned directly over and utilized in conjunction with a conventional toilet so as to not require removal of the occupant from the seat assembly.

Abstract: A narrow seating device or chair including a support caddy having lockable ground engaging caster wheels and a seat portion for a patient undergoing a medical test. The seat portion is detachably mounted on the support caddy and tiltable to a plurality of tilt positions. The seat portion has a convexly curved surface which rests on spaced apart rollers on the upper side of the support caddy to enable tilting. A safety mechanism detachably secures the seat portion to the support caddy, while still allowing for tilting. The safety mechanism includes a flexible steel cable which is reeved around a pulley attached to the curved surface. The ends of the cable are secured to the support caddy. A tension spring and a turnbuckle to adjust spring tension are connected each to a respective one of the ends of the cable. A locking mechanism releasably locks the seat portion in a selected tilt position.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for movably mounting equipment (11) on a wheelchair (12) having an armrest (12a) and a back support (12b), which comprises first and second pivot assemblies (20, 21), a longitudinal body member (40) spacing and joining the first and second pivot assemblies (20, 21) and rotatable about a fixed axle (50) of the first pivot assembly (20). There may also be provided a device (22) to attach the fixed axle (50) to the wheelchair (12), a rotatable axle (51) in the second pivot assembly (21) supporting the equipment (11), and an assembly such as pulleys (80, 81) and a cable (83) for rotating the rotatable axle (51) as a function of the rotation of the body member (40) relative to the fixed axle (50).

Abstract: A drive apparatus and method for continuously transmitting power to an axle to rotatingly drive the axle are disclosed. The drive apparatus includes a flexible ratch such as a flexible chain, belt, or cable, and cooperating first and second ratch engaging members for alternatively engaging the flexible ratch to continuously drive an axle. To operate the apparatus, one moves the first and second ratch engaging members in a first direction which causes the first ratch engaging member to engage and drive the flexible ratch which rotatingly drives the axle. One then reverses the ratch engaging members' direction of movement which causes the simultaneous releasing and engaging of the ratch by the first and second ratch engaging members, respectively, which continuously drives the axle.

Abstract: A leveraged hand propeller and brake assembly for a wheel chair is described including on each wheel at least one main brace/propeller arm provided with a handle and a tire engaging gripper to rotate the wheel for forward motion and at least one brake arm provided with a brake handle at one end and a brake plug at the other and pivotally connected therebetween to the main brace/propeller arm assembly whereby squeezing of the propeller handle and brake handle together applies braking action to the wheel chair tire. The main brace is provided with an angled flange to limit movement between the propeller arm and the brace to a given angle.

Abstract: A transport vehicle has a seat for a patient of a hospital or the like, and luggage space behind the seat. The vehicle has handles so one person can transport a patient and the patient's luggage at the same time. The vehicle has sockets to receive various support members for IV poles, legs rests and the like for use by patients during transport. The front of the vehicle has a platform for the patient's feet, and the platform has an opening so the patient can stand on the floor while being seated. The vehicle may include a power lift for the seat to assist a patient in standing.

Abstract: A seating system for use with a base such as a conventional, preexisting wheelchair base includes a support unit and mounting bracket assemblies for removably mounting the support unit to the base. The support unit includes a frame assembly and a plurality of cushion elements adjustably connected to the frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a horizontal frame selectively adjustable in width to accommodate wheelchairs of varying widths. The frame assembly also includes a vertical frame, or spine, and an attachment mechanism for removably attaching the spine to the horizontal frame. The spine is adjustable both fore and aft and transversely. The cushion elements each include a connection device for independently and adjustably connecting the cushion elements to the frame assembly. The cushion elements are contourable so that they may be formed and reformed to fit to the specialized needs of each individual using the system.

Abstract: A tray assembly for wheel chairs incorporates a pair of trays, capable of relative planar movement, which are rotatingly mounted upon a horizontal support member which is, in turn, rotatable about the vertical axis of a vertical support member mounted upon the wheel chair. A tubular vertical mounting post may be fixed within a vertical wheel chair frame opening, utilizing a stem connecting member, or, alternatively, may be externally clamped to the frame of the wheel chair. A tubular vertical support member telescopically fits about and is releasably clamped to the mounting post, to permit both vertical adjustment and rotation about a vertical axis. A horizontal support member continues from the upper end of the vertical support member. A tray mounting plate is attached at the horizontal support member by a releasable clamping means, permitting rotation about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: A wheel chair having four spaced apart surface support wheels positioned on each corner of a rectangular platform in which a person rides is readily convertible to a walker which supports a person walking therebehind which has a triangular support platform with two spaced apart wheels at the rear and two closely positioned wheels acting effectively as a single dual wheel at the front thereof. The front portion of the rectangular platform of the wheel chair folds together to form the walker triangular support platform. The seat platform of the wheel chair is flexible and folds up at the front when the device is in its walker configuration. A Velcro type strap closes the front of the folded seat at the fold to provide a closed container for carrying items.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A wheelchair back system provides height adjustability of the back for the user, a lumbar support and bolsters for the back, as well as adjustment of the tilt of the back. The back system is removably affixed to the wheelchair by a pair of vertical channels adapted to partially encircle the vertical wheelchair posts, brackets affixed to the wheelchair posts, and straps which engage the brackets. A twist lock may be used to secure the straps in the brackets.

Abstract: A footrest assembly removably and pivotally connected to a wheelchair seat frame has a foot support rockable about two mutually normal axes to enable the elevation of the foot support to be adjusted and the foot support to swing between a normal position forwardly of the seat to an adjusted position to one side of the seat and facilitate movements of a person to and from the seat. The footrest also is bodily removable from the wheelchair seat frame.

Abstract: A storage compartment for a wheelchair includes a lower tray for holding at least one item, the lower tray or a holding member for the lower tray, being bolted permanently to one arm of the wheelchair and the lower tray having an upper opening. A cover member is pivotally secured on the lower tray for covering the upper opening of the lower tray when the cover member is in a closed position, the cover member having an upper surface which provides an arm rest for a user of the wheelchair. Detachable storage compartments, and compartments for use with clothing guards, are also disclosed. The device is adaptable to all known wheelchairs, and can be used to replace existing arm rests.

Abstract: A transfer seat permits a wheelchair bound patient to transfer from the wheelchair to the seat of an automobile. A peg on one side of the frame of the seat slides within a vertical tube used to support a removable arm of the wheelchair. The frame further provides for feet on the other side of the seat adapted to rest on the lower door frame of the automobile and support the transfer seat.

Abstract: An operating mechanism disposed on a handle bar of a baby carriage for actuating locking mechanisms disposed at opposite ends of the handle bar and which locks the handle bar at a predetermined position or locks the baby carriage in a folded or an unfolded position. The handle bar has a hollow tubular construction and is bent in a U-shape or an inverted U-shape as viewed from its front. The operating mechanism includes a pair of slide members each of which is slidably disposed at the central portion of the handle bar, operating wires inserted into the handle bar, each of the operating wires having an upper end respectively retained by each of the slide members and a lower end attached to the locking mechanisms, and slide guide projections projecting from upper and lower sides of each of the slide members and an operating grip rotatably mounted on the surface of the handle bar, the operating grip having U-shaped guide grooves formed therein into which the slide guide projections are received.

Abstract: A powered reclining lift chair includes a first base member for supporting the chair during the lift mode and a second base member having wheels for selectively transporting the chair from one location to another. The chair is operable through both lift and recline modes, as well as being manually actuated in a lowered position to transfer a portion of the chair weight to the second base member as desired. The manual actuation member is biased toward a first position that maintains two of the wheels above the ground surface.

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 reclining seat back assembly for a wheelchair includes a frame member having a pair of side posts pivotally connected to the wheelchair chassis. Each side post has a rearwardly extending handle at its upper end. A pair of extendable struts each include a hollow outer strut member pivotally connected to the chassis and an inner strut member pivotally connected to one of the side posts and received in the outer strut member. The struts contract as the seat back is pivoted toward a reclined position and extend as the seat back is pivoted toward an upright position. Mounted on each outer strut member is a locking mechanism that includes an engaging member having a first engaging surface with a profile complementary to a second engaging surface on the lower end of the inner strut member. A spring biases each engaging member into engagement with its respective inner strut member.

Abstract: The apparatus is a biomechanical body support including a substructure, a seat which is supported by said substructure and is tiltable relative to said substructure, a backrest which is coupled to said seat and is tiltable relative to said seat, the tilting axis of the backrest approximately coinciding with the pivotal point of the hip joint of a person resting on said seat, as well as a leg support also tiltably connected to said seat.

Abstract: A storage bag attachable to a wheelchair is pivotable from a stored position against the back of a wheelchair backrest to an accessible position adjacent a wheelchair armrest. Pivoting is accomplished under power of an electric motor which rotates an L-shaped bar supporting the storage bag or similar receptacle. The motor can be reversible for powering the bag in both directions between its stored position and its accessible position, or a return spring or gravity return can operate in the return direction. A manual switch controls the driving motor and is preferably mounted on the wheelchair armrest. Electrical energy for powering the motor can be derived from an auxiliary battery mounted on the wheelchair frame.

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: An overhead lifting apparatus adapted to a wheelchair lifts a disabled person from the wheelchair to a forward elevated position. The disabled person is rotated and lowered to a second desired location approximate to the front of the wheelchair. The overhead lifting apparatus includes a cable and frame assembly connected to the wheelchair, a harness coupled to the cable and fitted to the disabled person, and a cable driving means such as a winch and battery. The cable driving means is controlled from the wheelchair to lower and raise the disabled person. The winch and battery are located at a rearward portion of the wheelchair behind the hubs of the rear wheels. The location and substantial mass of the winch and battery preventing tipping of the wheelchair.

Abstract: A seat construction is arranged formed of light-weight posts to define a framework, wherein the framework mounts a commode seat within the framework for ease of access to individuals of limited physical capacity. A walker and wheel chair type structure is provided for use.