Abstract: A wheelchair latching device designed to connect a wheelchair to a commode, which latching device includes a latch mechanism mounted on the wheelchair and designed to engage a receiver mechanism secured to the floor and/or the commode. An axle component of the latch mechanism is designed to engage a pivoting latch tongue provided in the receiver mechanism to releasably secure the axle against a pair of spring-loaded tension receivers which are forced rearwardly in the receiver mechanism housing responsive to impact with the axle when the axle engages the latch tongue. The axle is thusly locked between the tension receivers and a lip provided on the latch tongue, and the seat of the wheelchair is thereby securely positioned immediately adjacent to the commode seat.

Abstract: The travel chair has a form-fitted shell which is attached to a metal frame, capable of transporting handicapped and elderly persons from their residence; through public transportation terminals; aboard public transportation vehicles, such as aircraft and busses; hence to their destination without the individual leaving the apparatus. Folding rear legs allows the apparatus to be placed in a conventional seat without the individual leaving the shell. In limited spaces, the shell can be removed from the frame and placed in a conventional seat without the individual leaving the shell. In either configuration, the person, while remaining in the shell, can use conventional restraint devices, such as aircraft and automotive seat belts. In addition, inherent safety devices are incorporated in the apparatus for personal security. For storing or separate transportation, both the front and rear legs of the apparatus can be folded; thereby reducing the required space by approximately one-half.

Abstract: An article of furniture is provided for receiving a wheelchair and extending the wheelchair functions, the article of furniture including track rail members having upwardly opening concave tracks which extend rearwardly from a lowermost point to a first slightly raised position and then extend along curved paths in an arc having about the same or slightly larger radius of curvature as the large wheels of the wheelchair to be accommodated. Thus, a wheelchair may be backed along the concave tracks to "detent" over the first position to safely "bed" the wheelchair. Also included is a tilt frame against which the rear of the wheelchair bears and a head rest carried in an upper portion of the tilt frame. A controllable rearward reclining position may be assumed by actuating (alternatively, manually or power assisted) a lift mechanism which raises pads supporting the small front wheels of the wheelchair such that the entire wheelchair, as well as the tilt frame, rotates about the axis of the large wheels.

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.

Abstract: A urinary collection bag and tubing support system intended for use in combination with a folding wheelchair. The system includes a tubing support mounted immediately below the wheelchair seat and a folding collection bag support removably attached to the wheelchair frame below the tubing support. The support system does not interfere with nor hinder the normal folding of the wheelchair, and need not be removed prior to folding the chair.

Abstract: A wheeled structure is readily convertible as between a full-sized single bed and a wheelchair. The structure comprises three pivotally interconnected sections, namely a foot section, a seat section and a head section. In the bed forming position of the unit, the three sections are disposed horizontally to form a continuous mattress support surface. To convert the unit to the wheelchair forming position, the head section is swung upwardly and secured in position by latch members on the back ends of pivotal armrests. The foot section is swung down into vertical orientation and secured to the seat section by bracing rods. The device is simple to convert as between the wheelchair and bed forming positions.

Abstract: A collapsable, detachable child seat for mounting on a wheelchair having as its basic elements two identical frames supporting a fabric seat which slides into receiving members attached to tubular frame of said wheelchair.

Abstract: A centering mechanism is provided for the front wheels of a wheelchair having pairs of front and rear wheels. The centering mechanism has particular applicability for racing wheelchairs, such as those used in marathon racing. Linkage is employed to form a parallelogram structure with hinged corners, upon which the front wheels of the wheelchair are mounted by means of stub axles. The linkage holds the front wheels mutually parallel to each other while the centering mechanism returns the front wheels to parallel alignment with the rear wheels upon release of a steering device.

Abstract: A demountable sulky, which may be readily coupled and uncoupled to a steerable, motor-driven front wheel assembly, incorporates a T-bar having hoe-like blades provided on each of its ends, which are received in scabbards provided on the drive wheel assembly, and each of a pair of rear wheel frames. Latching mechanisms are provided to releasably, rigidly lock the hoe-like blades in position. Further, a releasable brace or rung bar component is used to auxiliarly, detachably lock the rear ends of the rear side wheel frames in rigidly spaced apart position in a safe and secure manner.

Abstract: A mobile rockable wheelchair having releasable locking means for locking the chair seat thereof in a substantially non-inclined position for exiting from the chair. The means for enabling rocking movement of the chair seat is achieved by a parallel four bar linkage assembly connected between the mobile pedestal, seat and backrest unit of the chair. A releasing lever arrangement is located within convenient reach of the chair's occupant. Adjustable and removable arm rest members are provided mounted on a common support frame for the seat and backrest unit of the chair. The support frame is suitable for mounting a variety of different chair seat and backrest units.

Abstract: A tray holder is provided for a wheelchair, whereby the tray holder can be conveniently stowed beneath an arm rest with no tray. The tray holder is carried by an arm pivotally carried from one of the vertical supports of the chair, so the tray holder can be disposed in front of the chair or at the side of the chair. When there is a tray in the tray holder, the tray can be at the front or side in useable condition. In another form of the device, the tray holder is held by the arm rests themselves, and the tray provides the force to maintain engagement with the chair.

Abstract: A reclinable wheelchair which operates in conjunction with a compatibly equipped bed to transport a prone person between the bed and the reclined wheelchair alongside the bed. The back rest can be raised and the leg rest of the wheelchair can be lowered to place the person in a sitting position. Provisions are included for use with a toilet.

Abstract: A chair assembly intended for use when taking X-ray pictures includes a chair and wheels for rotating and moving the chair relative to a carriage structure in the directions of the X- and Y-coordinates. Movement in the direction of these coordinates is effected by two guide frames provided with guides. A separate support frame provided with castors is arranged on the seat parts of the chair to prevent the chair from toppling or tipping. The castors of the support frame are normally located at a small distance from the underlying support surface, so as not to impede rotational and coordinate movements of respective chair members. Chair movements are controlled by a stirrup-like control bar having provided in the central portion thereof other control parts for activating the release of locking parts which lock the chair components against rotary movement and movement in the direction of the coordinates.

Abstract: One end of a support angle member is turnably connected to the lower end of a push rod, and the other end of the support angle member is turnably connected to the middle portion of a rear leg. When the push rod is aligned with one end of the support angle member, a sleeve urged by a spring to slide downward on the push rod engages the opened state locking-purpose engaging portion of the support angle member, thereby locking the opened state of a baby carriage. When the baby carriage is to be locked in its closed state, the sleeve engages the closed state locking-purpose engaging portion of the support angle member, thereby locking the closed state.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for detachably coupling an oxygen carrier to wheelchair such that they are transportable together as a unit without the need of a separate operator of the cart. The device fits between the downwardly directed support arms of the wheelchair. The carrier is made in different lengths depending on the size of the wheelchair. In the only embodiment the oxygen tank or tanks are supported entirely on the wheel chair by the device.

Abstract: A wheel-chair has a foldable frame structure (10) which is lockable in the unfolded state and carries wheels (11, 12) and a back (13). In the folded state, all fixed parts are folded up between the wheels of the wheel-chair. The frame structure (10) is box-shaped and has foldable set and bottom members (15, 17) and foldable front and rear wall members (19, 20). These seat, bottom, front and rear wall members are pivotally connected to side wall members (14). The seat and bottom members (15, 17) consist of two parts and are folding upwards and are mechanically interconneted by means of a central wall (18) for common folding movements. The front and rear wall members (19, 20) also consist of two parts and are mechanically interconnected for common folding movements by means of a rod (22) disposed underneath the bottom portion (17).

Abstract: An invalid wheelchair/litter having improvements in the areas of a cushioning cylinder that softens the lowering motion from the chair configuration to the litter cnfiguration to protect the patient, providing removeable upholstery which permits use of slip covers and quick and easy cleaning of the apparatus, and improved foot rest structure having numerous advantageous features.

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: Wheelchair restraint apparatus. The apparatus can be utilized to secure a wheelchair in fixed position on the floor of a vehicle without requiring structural modification of the wheelchair or requiring the utilization of tools to attach the restraint apparatus to the wheelchair.

Abstract: For a wheelchair, an improved handrim assembly includes a wheelrim with circumferentially spaced-apart slots formed through the wheelrim and anchor tab members loosely mounted through the slots. The anchor tabs have enlarged heads on the outer side of the rim and narrower neck portions which extend radially inward of the wheelrim. Fasteners mounted through apertures in the anchor tab necks extend transversely from the anchor tabs and are rigidly connected to portions to a handrim. Each of the slots in the wheelrim is longer in the circumferential direction than in the transverse direction, and the neck portions of the anchor tabs are flat-sided to bear against the long sides of the slots, thereby reducing shear stresses on the tab neck portions and the wheelrim.

Abstract: An upright wheelchair that allows the user to be in an upright standing position in the chair and self-propel the chair from that position by use of auxiliary drive wheels inner-connected with the main wheels. An enlarged chair back provides vertical support for the user and is pivoted for horizontal positioning with a fold-out support.

Abstract: A foldable wheelchair, which may be moved along a predetermined direction of movement, includes first and second side frames, drive wheels and travelling wheels rotatably supported on the side frames, and a folding mechanism which extends between the side frames, which can be moved between a folded position and an unfolded position, and which, in turn, includes first and second pivoting devices. Each pivoting device may be pivoted about a respective center axis, which extends approximately along the direction of movement, and each pivoting device has ends facing away from its respective center axis. Each side frame defines first and second pivot axes, which extend substantially parallel to the center axes. The ends of the first pivoting device are pivotable about corresponding of the first pivot axes, and the ends of the second pivoting device are pivotable about corresponding of the second pivot axes.

Abstract: A reclinable wheelchair which operates in conjunction with a compatibly equipped bed to transport a supine person between the bed and the reclined wheelchair. The back rest can be raised and the leg rest lowered to place the person in a sitting position. Provisions are included for use with a toilet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wheelchair which comprises a body portion (1), back wheels (2) and front wheels (3). The wheels (2,3) are fastened to the body portion (1). The body portion (1) comprises side supports (4), upper supports (5) and lower supports (6), and a seat portion (7) is positioned between the side supports (4), a back (8) in connection with the upper supports, and a foot support (9) in connection with the lower supports (6). The back wheels of the wheelchair are detachable and the body portion is foldable when the wheelchair is changed from the using position to the transporting position. The side supports (4) are formed by two elongated members: an upper and a lower part (41) and (42) respectively which extend roughly horizontally in the transporting position, and a front and a back part (43) and (44) respectively which interconnect said horizontal parts and are shorter than said horizontal parts.

Abstract: A table designed for ease of use by the occupant of a wheel chair having a shaped, cut-back, front edge to allow the torso of the user to extend partially into the working surface, enabling the user to have ease of access to the entire working surface. A peripheral lip or ridge about the back and side edges of the table prevents articles from falling off and out of reach of the user, and the height and table top size are dimensional for use by a wheelchair occupant. The table has casters mounted on its rear leg portions but not on its front leg portions. The table is easily moved by the user who simply tilts the table to lift its front leg portions off of the ground, tilting the table onto the casters mounted on its rear legs, and then rolls the table with him. When the table is tilted for movement the peripheral ridge acts to keep articles on the table. When the table is at a desired location, its front legs are lowered back down into hold contact with the floor.

Abstract: The invention provides an armchair on which is retractably fixed at least one foot rest pivoting with respect to the frame of the armchair.According to the invention, the foot rest is locked against rotation, in its service position, by means of a rotary cam which cooperates with the adjacent upright of the frame, this cam being locked by means of a locking finger. The cam and the locking finger are mounted on one of the lateral faces of the foot rest.

Abstract: A folding chair assembly for dual use as a wheelchair or a flight attendant's seat onboard a commercial passenger airplane. The folding chair assembly can be manipulated into any of the following modes: (1) fully retracted into a compact assembly that can be stowably secured by a plurality of catches against a vertical wall in the passenger compartment of an aircraft; (2) with the chair assembly still secured to the wall, the seat pan is pulled down against a seat return spring and is usable as a flight attendant's seat; and (3) the folded chair assembly is completely detached from the plurality of retaining catches and fully extended to function as a wheelchair that is usable down the aisles of commercial passenger aircraft.

Abstract: A wheelchair has two foldable side frames, link members which cross one another and are pivotable about a common horizontal axis so as to fold the side frames, front wheels and rear wheels connected with the side frames, a back rest with upwardly extending back supporting members, a seat with seat supporting members which are movable upwardly and downwardly in dependence upon a folding movement, and a foot support with foot support carrying arms, wherein each side frame is provided with guide receivers for the seat supporting members, and with supports for the link members, and wherein a rear wheel axle block and the front support carrying arms are formed as a one-piece element of synthetic plastic material. Such side frames have a lower weight, but are stable nevertheless, and also result in an improved handling of the wheelchair.

Abstract: An invalid walker and carrier therefor, wherein the carrier is constructed so as to be readily collapsible and portable, and to provide for greater utility and purpose; and which is constructed so that it can be detachably connected to any of the more popular walkers. The carrier includes a bottom panel having a connected circumscribing side wall, both of which are formed from flexible sheet fabric type materials, wherein the bottom panel is formed with a co-extensive pocket for detachably receiving a rigid member for stabilizing the carrier. The carrier is also provided with straps to form hanging loops for suspending the carrier from the upper frame portion of the walker. The hanging loops or straps are arranged so that the carrier can be readily attached to any of the popular walker constructions so that the carrier is disposed within the area defined by the leg members of the walker.

Abstract: A stair-climbing wheelchair having wheels defining a first wheel base and a pair of endless, flexible tracks providing a second wheel base, there being a motor-driven structure for moving the tracks into and out of ground-engaging positions. A first pivotal arm is pivotally mounted on the wheelchair near the front end thereof. The first arm is coupled to a fluid piston and cylinder assembly which actuates and cushions the pivotal movement of the arm as the wheelchair moves from a horizontal position to an inclined position, such as moving from the top of a stairway to the slope of the stairway as the wheelchair moves down the stairway. Similarly, a second arm coupled with a fluid piston and cylinder assembly is coupled to the wheelchair to cushion the movement of the wheelchair and its occupant as they move from an inclined position to a generally horizontal position, such as at the top of a stairway.

Abstract: A folding backrest of a wheelchair has two attendant handles fixed to upper tubes hinged to vertical lower tubes so as to be turnable into lowered positions. Supported on the upper tubes are respective cams turnable rearwardly by an attendant about a horizontal axis and in opposition to springs, from positions in which they bear against horizontal pins fixed at the rears of the lower tubes and maintain the upper tubes in their raised positions, into positions which allow them to be lowered past the pins to permit the backrest to be lowered.

Abstract: An arm tray for a chair comprising a flat tray with a wide front portion and a narrow rear portion that is attached to the arm of a chair by an adjustable hook and pile fabric fastener that wraps around the arm of the chair and an adjustable length removable brace extending between the chair and the tray. The brace is removably attached to a swivel on the underside of the tray and fits on a clip removably attached to the chair leg. The tray includes depressions for a plate and silverware and openings for a napkin and beverage container. Upon projections in the silverware depression fit into openings in the silverware to hold the silverware in place. Removable clips fit on the edge of the tray and extend over the plate depression to hold the plate in place. The beverage container opening has removable sleeves for different sized beverage containers.

Abstract: An invalid chair is disclosed which has four legs of tubular material with lockable castors mounted in the bottom of the legs. The two rear legs extend upwardly beyond the seat support area and then backwardly to be interconnected for support of a semi-reclining back which is rotatably mounted at its back on the cross member which connects the tops of the two back legs at the seat support area. Two outwardly swingable arm rests are attached at an appropriate position on the upward extensions of the rear legs. The front ends of the arm rests are detachably latched at the front of the chair. An adjustable leg support is pivotally mounted between the stanchions. An opening is provided with a hingeably mounted trap-door in the middle of the seat for toilet use. The horizontal portions of the arm rests can accommodate a hospital tray. A handlebar may be attached to the back support. All body contact areas are provided with vinyl webbing and appropriate removable and washable cushions.

Abstract: A wheelchair having a backrest assembly that is pivotally connected adjacent the rear end of its seat frame. The back assembly has a rear panel fixedly attached thereto and there is structure on the front surface of the rear panel which connects to structure on the rear surface of the front panel which allows the front panel to reciprocally travel upwardly and downwardly with respect to the rear panel. There is structure for forcing reciprocal movement of the front panel and this is attached to the rear surface of the front panel and this is made possible by the cutout slot in the rear panel. The wheelchair has structure for forcing the back assembly to recline rearwardly and this is coupled together with the structure for forcing the reciprocal movement of the front panel of the back assembly so that their travel is coordinated to operate together.

Abstract: A lightweight wheelchair is provided which includes a frame formed of a plurality of elongated members. The frame includes vertical polygon sides which have a generally triangular configuration. The wheelchair seat is supported above a pair of elongated axle support members which join to the rest of the frame at points near the front and back of the frame. An axle extends between the axle support members and is attached at a medial point on each axle support member. The configuration allows for flexing of the axle support members in response to shocks. The frame effectively handles loads and shock with a minimum of structural mass.

Abstract: Apparatus for manually propelling wheelchairs includes a drive wheel which is mountable to a wheelchair in a manner which allows frictional rolling contact with a wheelchair propulsion wheel; a two-armed hand lever which is pivotally mountable to the wheelchair so as to be manually accessible to the wheelchair occupant; and a drive mechanism, preferably including a reversible-drive ratchet, which is operably connected to the hand lever and operably attached to the drive wheel so that a wheelchair occupant may propel the wheelchair by reciprocally pivoting the hand lever. The apparatus can be supplied in kit form, and the hand lever and the drive wheel may be mounted directly to a side panel so that the apparatus may be substantially installed by securing the side panel to the wheelchair. A method for retrofitting wheelchairs in this manner is also disclosed.

Abstract: A lightweight wheelchair is provided which includes a frame formed of a plurality of elongated members. The frame includes vertical polygon sides which have a generally triangular configuration. The wheelchair seat is supported above a pair of elongated axle support members which join to the rest of the frame at points near the front and back of the frame. An axle extends between the axle support members and is attached at a medial point on each axle support member. The configuration allows for flexing of the axle support members in response to shocks. The frame effectively handles loads and shocks with a minimum of structural mass.

Abstract: A baby carriage has a seat belt with an annular belt section and a flexible belt connecting section. The annular belt section has disengageable buckles at its opposite ends. When the buckles are engaged with each other, the annular belt section surrounds the entire periphery of a baby's torso including his back with the baby placed on the seat of a baby carriage. The flexible belt connecting section connects the annular belt section to the lower end of the backrest of the baby carriage with a fixed spacing between the backrest and the seat belt proper to prevent a child from standing up.

Abstract: An orthopedic chair for a physically impaired person is provided and consists of a seat, backrest, armrests, footrests and a tray that are readily adjustable in various attitudes to conform to the unique requirements of the physically impaired person. The chair also has casters and an adjustable rear handle so that the chair can be portable.

Abstract: A seating orthotic cushion comprised of an elongated wedge of resiliently deformable material having a substantially planar top surface, a front surface meeting the top surface, and a bottom surface comprising a plurality of planar portions extending side-by-side from the front of the cushion to the back, the portions meeting in such a way that the bottom of the cushion slopes progressively upward toward the top of the cushion on either side of a line substantially bisecting the cushion between its sides. This seating orthotic cushion preferably includes a waterproof cover having a high coefficient of friction, and filled with an organic foam material.

Abstract: A mobile chair for the handicapped includes a seat frame, a front support frame and a removable rear support frame. The seal frame is pivotable with respect to the front support frame selectively to vary the position of the seat frame. The rear support frame is releasable from the front support frame and is connected thereto by a toggle mechanism at the rear and a pivotal releasable ball and socket joint at the front. To place the chair in a car or other vehicle, the front of the chair is first placed on the vehicle floor, the rear toggle connection is released and the seat frame and front support frame are placed on the vehicle seat. The ball and socket joint permits the seat frame and front support frame to be pivoted into the car and placed on the seat while the rear support frame remains essentially stationary outside the vehicle. Once the chair is in the vehicle, the ball and socket connection is released and the rear support frame may be removed and stowed elsewhere.

Abstract: A seat system comprised of a base and cushion. The base has a specially contoured support surface including a forward section and a rearward section. The rearward section has a pair of wings surrounding a void over which the user's ischia and coccyx are to be positioned. The void is mushroomed in its cross-sectional shape because the rearmost portion of the wings contain enlargements for providing support to the buttock at the rear. A sloped forward support surface rises forwardly of the void and tapers into a single ridge which continues forwardly to separate a pair of troughs. This forward support surface, together with the wings and rear support surfaces form a "bucket" or bowl-shaped portion of the total seating surface for proper positioning of the ischia and coccyx over the void. The cushion has a peripheral shape matching that of the base, including a void which is mushroomed in cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: An improved wheelchair formed of a frame, two pairs of support wheels for the frame, and a seat portion rockably connected to the frame and normally maintained in a generally horizontal alignment when the chair is unoccupied by bias springs that permit the seat to rock about its rockable connection while the frame and wheels of the chair are completely stationary.

Abstract: The invention concerns improvements in light foldable push chairs.

Abstract: A chair having a seat pivotally connected to a base frame, the seat's pivotal axis being horizontal and parallel to the front of the chair and located intermediate the front and back of the seat proximal its center of gravity. A hydraulic cylinder is attached; between the seat and base frame to dampen pivotal movement of the seat as a person is assisted into or out of the chair.

Abstract: An invalid wheelchair/litter having improvements in the areas of a cushioning cylinder that softens the lowering motion from the chair configuration to the litter configuration to protect the patient, providing removeable upholstery which permits use of slip covers and quick and easy cleaning of the apparatus, and improved foot rest structure having numerous advantageous features.

Abstract: A collapsible wheelchair comprises a pair of interconnected side portions and a seat mounted on the side portions. The seat comprises a rigid base plate which is padded. A plurality of hooks are mounted on the rigid base plate for removably supporting the base plate on the side portions of the wheelchair by loosely hanging the hooks thereon. The hooks are vertically adjustable such that the elevation of the seat may be varied. The seat is removable whenever the wheelchair is collapsed by simply lifting the hooks from the side portions of the wheelchair.

Abstract: A baby carriage has a footrest which extends between and is attached to a pair of front legs. The footrest has first and second foot support surfaces which are adapted to selectively appear in the foot support position.

Abstract: A folding wheelchair comprising first and second side frames which are hingedly secured together to enable the wheelchair to be moved between folded and operative positions. Drive wheels are located at the lower rearward ends of each of the side frames and are driven by hand wheels rotatably mounted on the side frames. A removable seat is positioned between the side frames and when in position, provides a seating area for the user of the wheelchair and also serves to maintain the wheelchair in its operative position. Folding arm supports and foot supports are also provided.

Abstract: A device for holding a wheelchair stationary on a floor has a pair of notched plates at their rearward ends adapted to abut a transverse barrier upstanding from the floor and to be releasably engaged at their forward ends by a bail fastened to and swinging from the floor to engage the forward ends of the notched plates with sufficient resilient force to lock the wheelchair in position.