Wheelchair Patents (Class 297/DIG4)
  • Patent number: 4834411
    Abstract: A stand is made so that is can be installed or positioned adjacent to a sink, and has a tilt frame portion attachable to the frame of a wheelchair and operable to tilt or recline the wheelchair relative to a base frame so that a person in the wheelchair can conveniently have a shampoo at a sink basin. The wheelchair is first secured to the tilt frame with clamps. The stand includes an actuator that is operable to positively and safely tilt the tilt frame to recline the wheelchair rearwardly while a person is occupying the chair, so that the person's head will be adjacent and overlying the sink basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignees: Leone V. Willey, Donald L. Willey
    Inventors: Leone V. Willey, Donald L. Willey, Ivyl D. Kopecky, Ronald Stoltenberg, Patrick D. Bennett
  • Patent number: 4830567
    Abstract: A lift for tilting a wheelchair intended for use by a physician, dentist or the like in treating a wheelchair bound patient. The wheelchair lift assembly is portable, light weight and easily adapted to any wheelchair structure so as to provide proper support for the chair and occupant as well as provide the necessary angle of repose. The wheelchair lift assembly generally includes a frame, piston and lift linkage for causing rotation of the wheelchair about its rear wheels and stabilizer bars that support the wheelchair in the tilted position and prevent over rotation. Also provided is a detachable footrest support for the comfort of the wheelchair occupant when the wheelchair is lifted by the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Inventor: Isadore B. Rachman
  • Patent number: 4830243
    Abstract: The apparatus is attachable and detachable to walkers via rotating spring clips attached to the rails or legs of walkers. It is stable, attached at three points, yet variable in height and angle of surface by use of the telescopic brace, rotating clips and sliding brace attached to the tray angle by wing nuts and bolts. It is usable and storable and out of the walker user's way via the rotating attachment clips and telescopic brace. It does not rust not corrode and is cleanable with soap and water. The sliding of the brace horizontally in the angle, the telescopic variable height and tray angle, the angles of bends of the brace ends, and fully rotating attachment clips allow the apparatus to be assembled, attached and detached to multiple designs of walkers. The variable angle of the tray surface provides a writing surface while the apparatus is attached. The tray is countersunk and usable while attached for carrying items. Without the use of tools, the apparatus is assembled, attached or detached to walkers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Mann
  • Patent number: 4828281
    Abstract: A child's safety car seat is set forth selectively convertible into a stroller. In a first configuration, the child safety car seat is formed of two units wherein the first is nestable within the second to enable convenient positioning on a typical automotive car seat. By disengaging the first portion from the second, a rearwardly positioned handle is pivoted substantialy 180 degrees into an upright lock position simultaneously extending plural pairs of rollers positioned to extending linkage to enable the apparatus to perform the function of a child's stroller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Inventor: David K. Sanchas
  • Patent number: 4826196
    Abstract: A portable wheelchair having a metal wire frame is provided. The individual frame members are interconnected by clinched loop, hinged connections, and fold together in a manner that minimizes the space required for the stored configuration of the wheelchair. The metal wire fabrication also minimizes the wheelchair weight and the visual profile of the wheelchair in its deployed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Sitgo Corporation
    Inventors: George R. D. Kirkpatrick, John R. Trescott
  • Patent number: 4824132
    Abstract: An exercising device for use with the frame of a wheelchair and which comprises a cross-bar having an adjustable length and capable of being connected to the opposite sides of the frame of a wheelchair. The cross-bar is comprised of a pair of cross-bar sections pivotally connected intermediate their ends so that if the wheelchair itself is of a foldable construction, the wheelchair may be collapsed or folded with the cross-bar attached. A connecting arm is provided for pivotally connecting the cross-bar to a crankable assembly. The crankable assembly comprises a hand operated crank mechanism and a foot operated crank mechanism. Moreover, a stand is provided on the crankable assembly so that a driven wheel of this assembly can be elevated for enabling exercising by operation of each or both of the crank assemblies and which wheel can be lowered to the ground for causing propelling movement of the wheelchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Inventor: Jonie M. T. Moore
  • Patent number: 4819958
    Abstract: A child's folding pushchair comprises an articulated frame made of tubular metallic elements, featuring a pair of opposed sides provided with respective locking units acting between adjacent tubular elements of the said frame, which locking units can be moved between a first operative position, in which the pushchair is locked in an opened position, and a second inoperative position in which the pushchair can be folded.With at least one of the said locking units there cooperates a safety device adapted to maintain the said units momentarily in the said second inoperative position, so that the other locking unit can be released and thus enable the pushchair to be folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Peg Perego Pines SpA
    Inventor: Gianluca Perego
  • Patent number: 4819286
    Abstract: A stiffener and support structure for dry flotation cushions used on wheelchairs and a method for supporting dry flotation cushions used in wheelchairs. The structure includes a substantially rectangular rigid plate for inserting into the fabric covering of a dry flotation cushion for improving the support provided by a plurality of dry flotation cells when the dry flotation cushion is supported on the side frame members of a wheelchair. The rigid support plate has chamfered corners and is preferably manufactured of clear, molded plastic. The support plate is also provided with a void on the frontward section to allow formation of a pouch-like storage area by the wheelchair occupant using the support plate in a dry flotation cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Inventor: David J. Beauchamp
  • Patent number: 4813693
    Abstract: Wheelchair side frames (A) include forward and rearward side frame fortions (10, 12) which are telescopically interconnected such that the length of the side frames is selectively adjustable. A cross brace folding assembly (B) interconnects the side frames and selectively moves the side frames between folded and open configurations. The cross brace mechanism includes a pair of cross brace members (30, 32) which are pivotally interconnected (34) and which are each adjustable in length to adjust the width of the wheelchair in the open configuration without adjusting the height of the seat (100). A pair of rear seat support members (114) are telescopically mounted on posts (112) of the rear frame and are interconnected with stand-off members (120) for supporting a seat back portion (110). The stand-off members hold the seat back away from the rear seat support members such that the clamps from orthopedic braces and appliances may be freely mounted therealong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Walter G. Lockard, Herbert J. Hoekstra, Allen J. Boris, Douglas M. Nickles
  • Patent number: 4811964
    Abstract: A wheelchair propelled by rowing action includes a wheelchair frame with a pair of large main rear wheels connected by an axle, a rowing lever pivotally connected to the frame, a steering shaft with a handlebar grip mounted coaxially within the rowing lever and connected by a universal joint to a steering linkage connected to caster brackets mounting small front wheels, a pair of ratcheted sprockets mounted on the axle, a pair of sprocket chain segments connected by cables through pulleys to the rowing lever such that pulling and pushing of the rowing lever alternately causes driving engagement of one of the ratchets with the axles for propulsion and causes the other to slip. The leverage exerted by the rowing lever on the ratcheted sprockets is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Inventor: Douglas J. Horn
  • Patent number: 4809998
    Abstract: A collapsible wheelchair and a lift assembly which is permanently mountable in a vehicle and operable for moving the wheelchair and an occupant thereof between the interior and the exterior of the vehicle. The wheelchair includes a chair member and a pair of enlarged rear wheels on the chair member which are operable for movably supporting the rear portion of the chair member on a supporting surface when the chair member is in the erected position thereof. The wheelchair is movable to a collapsed position wherein one of the rear wheels is positioned behind the back portion of the chair member in substantially parallel relation therewith and the other rear wheel is positioned beneath the seat portion of the chair member in substantially parallel relation therewith. When the wheelchair is in the collapsed position, it has a reduced overall profile to enable the wheelchair and an occupant thereof to be effectively moved between the interior and the exterior of a vehicle with the lift assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: K G Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Girvin
  • Patent number: 4809804
    Abstract: A wheelchair apparatus is disclosed and includes a frame having a base portion and spaced side portions to define a space for receiving an operator's body. A device is provided for supporting the frame above a ground surface for movement therealong and includes a mechanism for moving the apparatus over the ground surface. A device is provided to permit an operator within the space to control movement of the apparatus along a ground surface. Finally, a seat assembly supports and selectively moves an operator between a fully seated position and a substantially upright position within the apparatus to permit the operator to control and move the apparatus over the ground surface from both the fully seated position as well as the substantially upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: Falcon Rehabilitation Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas T. Houston, Raymond H. Metzger
  • Patent number: 4805925
    Abstract: The sports wheelchair includes a frame portion (A) having left and right side frame portions. Rear wheel assemblies (B) are connected with the left and right side frame portions such that the rear wheels are connectable to the frame in any one of a plurality of positions and with an adjustable camber. A pair of front wheel assemblies (C) selectively interconnect front wheels with the frame with any one of a plurality of adjustable height, inward-outward, and forward-aft positions. An operator supporting seat (D) having a segmented center portion and an outer portion is selectively interconnected with the left and right side frame portions. A folding mechanism (E) enables the left and right side frame portions to be folded together for easier transportation and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Gilbert E. Haury, Nathalal C. Patel, Walter G. Lockard, Thomas R. Wiatrak, Neal J. Curran
  • Patent number: 4805954
    Abstract: A clamping apparatus for releasably securing a wheelchair to a base, such as the floor of a motor vehicle, is provided. The clamping apparatus includes a frame which is capable of being rigidly secured to the base and a movable clamp which is pivotally attached to the frame and capable of being moved between a wheelchair clamping position and a wheelchair release position. When in the clamping position, the clamp is capable of secure engagement with the wheelchair to prevent relative movement between the wheelchair and the base. When in the release position, the clamp disengages from the wheelchair, thereby permitting relative movement between the wheelchair and the base. Power driven actuating means for moving the clamp between the clamping and release positions is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Inventor: Lewis S. Lazaroff
  • Patent number: 4805931
    Abstract: A foldable wheelchair having opposed main side frames each comprising front and rear members supported on respective front and rear wheels and connected by upper and lower cross members, and a back member mounted for folding movement relative to the rear member wherein the side frames are connected by first and second foldable links for maintaining the side frames spaced apart in the erected condition of the wheelchair in which the back members are aligned with the rear members and support a flexible back panel, and the wheelchair is collapsible to a compact folded condition by folding the links to move the side frames adjacent to each other and by folding the back members to extend downwardly adjacent to the rear members and the associated rear wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: The Spastics Society
    Inventor: James F. Slasor
  • Patent number: 4802683
    Abstract: An attachment is provided for a typical folding wheelchair. The attachment includes a handle or lever which can be pushed downward by the occupant of a wheelchair to raise the seat thereby causing the wheelchair to partially fold and reducing its overall width. A pawl and toothed bracket are provided to selectively hold the chair in predetermined conditions of reduced width. A lifting lever may be positioned either for operation by an occupant or by an attendant and the lever mechanism may be rotated away from the occupant of the chair to avoid restricting his movement. Optional power operated means are also shown which can be used in tandem with or as a replacement for the manually operated means. The power operated means include a battery operated motor and a cable which is pulled or allowed to retract by a crank lever rotated by the motor. Another form of power operated means uses the electric motor to wind a cable on a drum thereby lifting the chair seat to which the cable is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Inventor: J. T. Gillum, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4802542
    Abstract: A powered walker apparatus includes a frame assembly defining a central space for containing an operator in a standing position. A mechanism is included for selectively moving the apparatus over a ground surface. A gate is provided for closing an entryway into the central space and is adapted to define the front surface of the apparatus when in a closed position. Finally, a seat assembly arrangement is provided having a seat member movable between a substantially horizontal position within the central space wherein the operator is maintained in a sitting position and a substantially vertical position wherein the operator is maintained in a standing position within such central space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Assignee: Falcon Rehabilitation Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas T. Houston, Raymond H. Metzger
  • Patent number: 4796948
    Abstract: An improved support system for a person in a sitting attitude to vary pressures produced on affected body areas adequate to improve blood perfusion thereat. A first, primary resilient support element is provided that defines a generally centrally located opening with a second, inflatable fluid support element received therein. The inflatable support element is located to receive the ischial tuberosities thereover and is normally deflated whereby minimal pressures are generated on body areas thereover. Fluid may be supplied to the second support element to inflate same, thereby supporting a greater proportion of the body weight and lowering pressures generated on the portions contacting the first support element. A valve controllably inflates and deflates the second element. A timer may be employed to activate an air compressor to inflate the second support element after a predetermined interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: SSI Medical Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick R. D. Paul, James H. Price, Kenneth Olshansky
  • Patent number: 4795176
    Abstract: A fabric support and restraint garment designed to safely and comfortably retain a person to a portable commode chair while providing proper body alignment. The device is constructed of a front torso panel with V-neck opening in the top and has a shoulder flap extension of the panel to the back. The torso panel is attached on the lower edge to a pelvic panel which covers only the front of the pelvic area. The pelvic panel contains two leg openings, located on the lower edge, which are created by the partial attachment of two rib knit leg bands. These bands are attached to the pelvic panel only on the top half, leaving the other half free to pass behind the thigh. Inadvertent removal of the garment by the wearer is prevented by four straps attached to the lower sides of the garment which are wound around the frame of the chair and tied behind the person on the shoulder flap extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Inventors: Linda M. Harrigan, Marlene H. Jaworski
  • Patent number: 4795182
    Abstract: A wheelchair is provided including a forward transversely extending support mounted at one forward corner of the wheelchair for angular displacement about a horizontal axis for movement between a closed position extending between opposite side forward corner positions of the wheelchair and an open position projecting forwardly of the aforementioned one forward corner portion of the wheelchair, the other forward corner portion of the wheelchair and the support including coacting structure for releasably latching the support in the closed position and supporting the adjacent portion of the support against downward deflection relative to the wheelchair as a result of a load being supported by the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Inventors: Larry B. Dyess, Kenneth R. Ball
  • Patent number: 4794999
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Inventor: Robert Hester
  • Patent number: 4795214
    Abstract: An invalid wheelchair/litter having improvements in the areas of a cushioning cylinder that softens the lowering motion from the litter configuration to the chair configuration to protect the patient, providing removable upholstery which permits use of slip covers and quick and easy cleaning of the apparatus, improved foot rest structure having numerous advantageous features, and a toilet seat variation to permit the user to perform bodily functions while seated in the invention apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: Cambridge Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald H. Holdt
  • Patent number: 4789175
    Abstract: A vehicle for the disabled comprising a wheel-chair with seat and back-rest, on the chassis of which two coaxial rear wheels and at least one front wheel are mounted, a cycle frame arranged behind the wheel-chair with a drive wheel drivable by means of pedals, a saddle and coupling device, mounted pivotably on a steering bearing of the cycle frame about a substantially vertical pivot axis, for the detachable connection of the wheel-chair with the cycle frame, the coupling device having at least one cross-member extending transversely of the longitudinal axis of the cycle frame, which cross-member is securable to the wheel-chair chassis through two coupling elements spaced from one another in the transverse direction and supports the forward end of the cycle frame on the chassis of the wheel-chair, is characterized in that the steering bearing (35) carrying the coupling device is connected with the cycle frame (2) through a joint (42) with substantially horizontal pivot axis but otherwise substantially rigidly
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1988
    Inventor: Siegfried K. H. Schramm
  • Patent number: 4786072
    Abstract: A collapsible wheelchair and a lift assembly which is permanently mountable in a vehicle and operable for moving the wheelchair and an occupant thereof between the interior and the exterior of the vehicle. The wheelchair includes a chair member and a pair of enlarged rear wheels on the chair member which are operable for movably supporting the rear portion of the chair member on a supporting surface when the chair member is in the erected position thereof. The wheelchair is movable to a collapsed position wherein one of the rear wheels is positioned behind the back portion of the chair member in substantially parallel relation therewith and the other rear wheel is positioned beneath the seat portion of the chair member in substantially parallel relation therewith. When the wheelchair is in the collapsed position, it has a reduced overall profile to enable the wheelchair and an occupant thereof to be effectively moved between the interior and the exterior of a vehicle with the lift assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: K G Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Girvin
  • Patent number: 4779885
    Abstract: An improved pivot joint assembly is provided for use in the frame of a folding wheelchair or the like, wherein the pivot assembly provides a simple yet sturdy pivot interconnection between tubular frame members. The pivot joint assembly comprises a bearing of plastic or the like anchored within an open end of a first tubular frame member and defining an outwardly presented concave bearing seat, preferably of semi-cylindrical shape, for engaging the exterior of a second tubular frame member at a selected position intermediate the length of the second frame member. A strap bracket of generally U-shaped configuration is wrapped about the second frame member and secured by a lock pin or the like to the first frame member and to the bearing to retain the frame members in generally T-shaped relation with the first frame member pivotal about a central axis of the second frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Assignee: Everest & Jennings, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene Zinn
  • Patent number: 4779883
    Abstract: This device is designed to fasten an infant car seat to the arms of a wheelchair. Primarily, it consists of a pair of rails that slide onto the arms of the wheelchair, and bars secured to the rails are provided with clamps that engage with and hold the rod portions of the seat safely to the bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Inventors: Rocco S. Paduano, Salvatore A. Paduano
  • Patent number: 4779881
    Abstract: A mobile vertical supporting apparatus for a child having an elongated support frame, an elongated front support leg and an elongated rear support leg is shown. The elongated support frame, front support leg and rear support leg are operatively coupled together and support an axle having two opposed wheel support ends operatively attached thereto. A foot support is operatively attached to and extends between the elongated support frame and a lower portion of the elongated rear support leg and is used to support the feet of the user. A body support section, having a central section and side support sections, is operatively attached to the elongated support frame to provide support to the upper body portion of a vertically positioned user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Assignee: Mobility Options Research Foundation
    Inventor: Mac L. Baker
  • Patent number: 4779884
    Abstract: A portable table for a wheelchair storable adjacent the frame of the wheelchair. The portable table is attached to the frame of the wheelchair and includes a tilting device for varying the angle of the table top relative to the horizontal. The table top is also slidably connected to the wheelchair frame enabling lateral movement, as well as tilting of the table top relative to the horizontal. The table top includes foldable sections held together by a magnetic retaining device until the sections are separated by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Inventor: Frank E. Minati
  • Patent number: 4776605
    Abstract: A wheeled bed apparatus includes a planar supporting surface stretched between a plurality of upper longitudinal and transverse tubular members forming a patient platform. The platform is pivotably affixed to a plurality of vertical tubular support members maintained in an erect, use position by a plurality of transverse frame members and diagonal braces. Hand wheels associated with two large supporting wheels permit propulsion of the apparatus by a patient while reposing atop the supporting surface. Coupling elements joining the various tubular members permit collapsing of the apparatus for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Inventor: John E. Hathcock
  • Patent number: 4773494
    Abstract: A hydraulically actuated, energy efficient wheelchair utilizes a pair of identical wheelchair drive units, with each unit having a constant speed battery powered electric motor driving a hydraulic pump and associated hydraulic motor. Hydraulic fluid flow between each pump and its hydraulic motor is controlled by the operator through the use of a solenoid actuated proportional control valve to determine the speed and direction of rotation of the hydraulic motor. One of these hydraulic motors is mechanically coupled to each wheelchair drive wheel. Means are provided to discharge excess pressurized fluid upstream of the hydraulic motor so as to minimize the backpressure on the pump and to thereby conserve driving energy and increase battery life. A method for hydraulically driving the wheelchair is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Inventor: Gene Anderson
  • Patent number: 4773702
    Abstract: A reversible cover for a baby seat with a three-dimensional seat support, comprising a core of foamed urethane with a smooth side and a side with hills and valleys and a cover around the core. The cover is made of air breathing seersucker on the smooth side of the core and is made of soft, insulating pile on the hill-and-valley side. The cover closely conforms to the seat support and can be reversed with the pile side being used during the winter and the seersucker side during the summer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Assignee: Combi Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takehiko Takahashi, Koichi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 4770432
    Abstract: A wheelchair construction particularly adaptable for collapsible wheelchairs and which may be formed of all nonmagnetic material, wherein the major components are skinned polymeric foam wheels and panels. The seat and back panels are hingedly supported on side panels, wherein the back panels include a downwardly opening V-shaped channel adjacent the center hinge which receives the upwardly foldable seat panels as the wheelchair is collapsed and the seat panels are supported in an overcenter hinge position on transverse foldable panels. The side panels include openings at their upper rearward corners forming integral C-shaped handles and the footrests are supported in a horizontal use or angled non-use position in configured slots formed in a support block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Iatrics
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Wagner
  • Patent number: 4770467
    Abstract: An improved footrest unit is provided for use with a wheelchair or the like for supporting the foot and leg of a person using the wheelchair. The footrest unit includes an elongated leg tube having an upper end joined to an upper frame sleeve adapted for in-line rotatable connection between vertically aligned frame members of a wheelchair frame, and a lower end carrying a footplate for supporting the foot of a person using the wheelchair. The entire footrest unit is rotatable about a central axis of the frame sleeve and relative to the wheelchair frame for swinging movement between a normal operating position at the front of the wheelchair and an out-of-the-way position at one side of the wheelchair. Lock members are provided for releasably locking the footrest unit in the normal operating position. Two of the footrest units are normally provided for each wheelchair for respectively supporting both feet of a wheelchair user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Everest & Jennings, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene Zinn
  • Patent number: 4768497
    Abstract: A rocking platform for wheelchairs includes a platform pivotally attached to a base housing, and sized to hold a standard wheelchair thereon. A retractable ramp on the forward edge of the platform allows a wheelchair to be easily rolled onto the platform. A lock bar with clamping devices on each end is attachable to the sides of the platform forward of the large rear wheels of the wheelchair to further secure the chair. A motor mounted in the housing powers the rocking action of the platform. The platform is easily stored and transported by tipping it up onto casters mounted on the rearward end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Inventor: Donald J. Winge
  • Patent number: 4763951
    Abstract: A contoured, corrective seat is disclosed for use in connection with a wheelchair wherein the mounting between the seat assembly and the wheelchair is of the quick-release type, and the seat assembly includes a seat frame which is adjustable as to height, depth, and angular relation between a molded buttocks supporting portion and molded back supporting portion thereof, and is also adjustable between the seat proper and the wheelchair. The buttocks and back supporting portions include separate custom molded cushions which are removably positioned in a single frame member capable of functioning as either a buttocks supporting frame or a back supporting frame. Adjustability between the two body supporting frame members allows the respective cushions to be moved relative to one another to compensate for growth in individuals, especially children.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Assignee: Michael W. Silverman
    Inventor: Michael W. Silverman
  • Patent number: 4762365
    Abstract: A chair comprising a seat (12,19) having an upstanding backrest (11,20) and a depending leg structure (13,14), with the leg structure terminating in front and rear friction-producing formations (17,18) normally engaged with the ground in a stable disposition for the chair, and the chair additionally having a roller assembly (22,23) in a configuration which extends rearwardly of and across the chair, and which is elevated from the ground with a front-to-rear upward inclination in the normal disposition, whereby the chair can adopt a stable mobile disposition by rearward tilting to engage the roller elements with the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: Hartana Developments Limited
    Inventor: Karl Grossfield
  • Patent number: 4759562
    Abstract: A kit for converting a wheel chair into a walker for a patient comprising a seat for replacing the wheel chair bottom, a base for mounting the seat to the wheel chair to define an open space for the patient in front of the seat between the sides of the wheel chair, the seat positioned immediately below the patient's buttocks when the patient is standing in the space. The kit also includes an inverted U-shaped support bar is mounted across the front of the wheel chair in position where it can be grasped by the patient, the support bar retaining the patient between the sides of the wheel chair and the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Inventors: Lillian L. Vinyard, Edward J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 4759561
    Abstract: Wheelchair comprising an underframe with front and rear wheels, and a seat part (1) which is adjustable relative to the underframe, which seat part (1) can be tilted forward and backward relative to the underframe in such a way that the overall center of gravity (6) of seat part (1) and wheelchair user (5) essentially assumes a fixed position relative to the underframe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Assignee: Huka Developments B.V.
    Inventor: Henricus T. J. Janssen
  • Patent number: 4753449
    Abstract: A recreational therapy attachment is provided for a wheelchair. The attachment includes an arm and clamping means for mounting the arm to a wheelchair such that the longitudinal axis of the arm is substantially perpendicular to the ground, and such that the arm is freely pivotable around its longitudinal axis and freely movable between upper and lower limits along its longitudinal axis. Recreation devices are attached to an end of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Inventor: Barbara A. Doucet
  • Patent number: 4749064
    Abstract: A brake system for a wheelchair comprises a base plate fixed to a frame of the wheelchair and a swing lever pivotally mounted to the base plate and provided with a brake member engagable with a circumferential surface of a wheel of the wheelchair. A toggle joint mechanism composed of two pivotally interconnected links is pivotally mounted to the base plate and connected to the swing lever to move the swing lever between an extended braking position and a retracted inoperative position. An operating lever is pivotally mounted to the pivot which interconnects the two links of the toggle joint mechanism. The operating lever has cam surfaces engageable with the two links to depress the latter when the operating lever is moved in either of two directions by pushing it or pulling it. Such action drives the swing lever into braking engagement with the wheel. A biasing spring is provided to urge the links of the toggle mechanism towards retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: Nissin Medical Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fukuzo Jinno, Hisahi Furukawa
  • Patent number: 4744578
    Abstract: A user propelled prone stand up wheelchair for an orthopedically disabled user. The wheelchair includes a body platform which is user adjustable between a user substantially vertical stand-up position to a substantially horizontal user face down position. The tilt position of the user relative to the wheelchair support surface is angularly adjustable by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Assignee: Luconex, Inc.
    Inventor: Cynde Stearns
  • Patent number: 4741547
    Abstract: A folding wheelchair frame including a compound folding mechanism having fore and aft tubular hinged wing frames pivotally coupled to the chair's side frames and to a longitudinal tubular slide-follower coordinating assembly. Scissored arms coupled between the forward hinged frame and slide-follower coordinate the folding action relative to the chair's longitudinal center axis and allows the latching thereof. Associated swing-away footrests, removable armrests and latched, folding back frames further reduce the folded profile and facilitate chair usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Inventor: Alan L. Tholkes
  • Patent number: 4737997
    Abstract: A method of moving a person from a bed to a wheelchair employs a seat section and a conveyor section. It includes the steps(a) fitting the seat section to the rear of said person who is lying on his side on the bed,(b) rolling the seat section and said person to bring the person into sitting position, on the seat section, and with the person's legs overhanging the side of the bed,(c) bringing the conveyor section and seat section into removably attached relation so that the conveyor section supports the seat section, and said person thereon, as the conveyor section and attached seat section are moved horizontally away from the bed,(d) conveying the seat section onto a wheelchair,(e) and detaching the conveyor section away from the seat section whereby the seat section and person thereon are fully supported by the wheelchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Inventor: Philip Lamson
  • Patent number: 4738487
    Abstract: A tilting seat having a base for supporting the seat on the floor and a stem extending upwardly from the base, either integrally or separably from the base, the seat being arranged such that it tilts about a tilting axis passing through the base such that a user can tilt the seat forward when in a working position. The base may be a turntable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Assignee: Ergoform Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard Shalinsky, Christopher J. Scrase, Raymond Mitchell
  • Patent number: 4736959
    Abstract: A convertible carriage including a superstructure with a seat for carrying a person to be transported, and a number of wheels. The wheels are rollably supported by wheel support structure which is movably interconnected with the superstructure. The superstructure is rollably transportable when the wheel support structure and wheels are in an extended position. The carriage further includes a device for relocating the wheels concurrently between the extended position and a retracted position in the superstructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Assignee: Amatech Corporation
    Inventor: Kip Van Steenburg
  • Patent number: 4732423
    Abstract: Invalid's chair has a support frame which includes a main support section, a seat support section pivotable on the main frame section and a back frame section, pivotable on the seat support section of the frame. The chair includes a seat cushion mounted on the seat frame and lower and upper back support cushions carried by the back frame and being independently adjustable relative one another. The seat and back frame sections are tiltable on the main frame together and the back frame is also tiltable independently of the seat frame. A tilting control cylinder is disposed between the back support section of the frame and the seat section and another tilt control cylinder is disposed between the seat section and the main support section to enable tilting of the back and seat portions of the chair together and independent tilting the back portion. The back support frame section and seat frame section are each pivotable about pins which are disposed substantially forward of the back edge of the seat cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Assignee: Bio-Architectural Design, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Condon
  • Patent number: 4732426
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a seat structure for collapsible (foldable) invalid chairs provided with a flexible seat and/or back covering, comprising an upholstery material (3) and a covering material (4) at least partially enclosing said upholstery material. The covering material (4) is provided with ultrafine perforations, and an open-pore foam material shaped as a molded part is used for the upholstery material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Assignee: Ortopedia GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Brudermann, Ruth Kruse, Peter Mackert
  • Patent number: 4732402
    Abstract: The wheelchair according to the invention comprises a frame (1) provided, on each longitudinal side thereof, with a propelling assembly including an arm (6) carrying a driving wheel (2) and a hand wheel (3) at its ends as well as a transmission means (8-10) connecting the driving wheel (2) to the hand wheel (3).It it characterized in that the propelling assemblies form removable assemblies disposed on the longitudinal sides of the frame (1).The arms (6) of the propelling assemblies are pivotally mounted on supports (7) attached on the longitudinal sides of the frame (1), while locking means (14) are provided to secure them on the supports (7) in any of a plurality of predetermined positions to adjust the position of the hand wheels according to the size of the disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Assignee: Establissements POIRIER
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Lambert
  • Patent number: 4730842
    Abstract: An adjustable wheelchair comprising a supporting frame having a front, a rear and a pair of sides defining a seat portion inbetween; a pair of main wheels rotatably mounted to the frame and a pair of secondary wheels rotatably mounted to the frame for pivotal movement with respect thereto. The frame includes a series of split clamps for continuous adjustment of the width of the seat portion over a defined range. A cushion is fastened to the seat portion by means of a pair of overlapping flexible supports having Velcro material thereon for joining the supports of varying degrees of overlap. The main wheels and secondary wheels are adjustable in both vertical and horizontal directions, and the chair is collapsible horizontally as opposed to vertically. The armrests are rotatable for allowing the chair back to be collapsed. A pair of footplates are swingably mounted to the frame for pivotal movement and the footplates may also be adjusted to varying degrees of inclination with respect to a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Assignee: Wheel Ring, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick D. Summers, Richard A. Eden
  • Patent number: 4730869
    Abstract: A storage compartment with a hinged cover which acts as an armrest is fixedly attached to the frame of a wheelchair and does not interfere with wheelchair folding, armrest frame removal, or occupant operation of propulsion rings and brakes. The storage compartments store small articles, identification, and money.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Inventor: Larry L. Schumacher