Abstract:
Disclosed are various embodiments of a tilting frame for a three-wheeled vehicle with a steerable load-carrying front end. When the vehicle is rolling forward and steered, the wheels and portions of the frame can tilt sideward in a controlled manner to provide turning stability. Further, the frame keeps the load in a substantially-level and fully supported while also causing the vehicle and load center of gravity to shift laterally to enhance vehicle stability. An embodiment of the invention relates to human pedaled and electric-assisted vehicles including cargo bikes and trishaws for carrying passengers.
Abstract:
A wheelchair accessible cycle that can be driven on a surface and operated from a wheelchair. The wheelchair accessible cycle comprising a frame and a platform. The frame has a front portion with a first wheel and a rear portion with second and third wheels. The platform is disposed laterally between the second and the third wheels and longitudinally between the front and rear portions of the frame. The platform is configurable to transport the wheelchair and pivotally moveable between a tilted position, where a free edge of the platform is in contact with the surface for rollably receiving the wheelchair, and a horizontal position, where the platform is generally horizontal and the wheelchair is adjacent to the front portion of the frame when the wheelchair is loaded onto the platform.
Abstract:
A stabilizing device for a handcycle has an axle including an inner shaft and an outer shaft. A first stabilizing component is coupled to the inner shaft. A second stabilizing component is coupled to the outer shaft in proximity to the first stabilizing component. A locking component is configured to engage the first and second stabilizing components to reversibly reduce rotation of the inner shaft with respect to the outer shaft. Alternatively, a stabilizing device for a handcycle has a frame including first and second stabilizing members affixed to the frame. A locking member is configured to engage the first and second stabilizing members to stabilize the frame. The stabilizing components or members include receptacles, teeth, or a friction component. The locking component or member includes a pin or knob configured to adjust the first or second stabilizing member into a locked position.
Abstract:
Knee walker assemblies and methods of manufacturing a knee walker assembly are provided herein. A knee walker assembly is disclosed that includes a frame with a handle mounted to the frame. At least one rear wheel is mounted to the frame proximate the rear end thereof. At least one front wheel is mounted to the frame proximate the front end thereof. The knee walker assembly also includes a support platform configured to support a portion of an appendage. A collapsible stanchion arrangement movably mounts the support platform to the frame. The collapsible stanchion arrangement includes a trolley and a first stanchion attached at a first end thereof to the support platform and attached at a second end thereof to the trolley. The trolley is slidably mounted to the frame such that movement of the trolley relative to the frame operates to adjust the vertical height of the support platform.
Abstract:
The invention is an improvement on a tricycle of the type having a rear drive wheel and a pair of forward steering or guide wheels. The improved tricycle has a rigid frame extending along a central axis. Lateral supports extend from either side of the frame, each such support having a guide wheel mounted on the outer portion. A kingpin arrangement at each outer portion is for steering the front wheels. A linkage extends between the kingpins for maintaining the guide wheels parallel irrespective of steering angle. The lateral supports are retractable with respect to the frame so that the tricycle is collapsible. Such tricycle also includes an adjustable, detachable seat mounted relatively high above the ground so the rider's visibility is improved. Such seat is elevated with respect to the pedal sprocket so that while pedaling, the rider's knees do not interfere with vision.
Abstract:
Apparatus having particular but not limited use for exercise purposes by persons handicapped as to use of their lower limbs or having cardio-pulmonary or ancillary physical problems comprises a body support adapted to maintain the trunk of the body supported thereby in a substantially dynamic balance leaving the lower limbs or limb of the body to depend free of load from the trunk of the body, the support being limited to maintaining the trunk of the body in an attitude which is other than vertical. In a preferred mobile embodiment the body support has a wheel base and provides a cycle structure. An improved braking system used with the cycle structure is simply controlled through grips illustrated in connection with a handlebar, a slight forward rotation of which achieves a safe braking action with great ease and little exertion or coordination being required. Another invention embodiment is a hand operated propulsion system ideal for those severely handicapped, including paraplegics, hand grips rotating on a steering bar of a cycle structure being linked to a drive wheel and simple limited back and forth motion of the hands and arms bending sufficient to achieve a highly effective propulsive effect.
Abstract:
An adjustable coupling device for use with a conventional wheelchair and a conventional vehicle. The wheelchair has a transverse foot support with a length. The vehicle has a support deck with a width. The coupling device is removably secured to the support deck. The coupling device is formed with a rectangular base plate. Upstanding components extending upwardly from the base plate are configured to receive and retain the transverse foot support. The width of the base plate is less than the length of the transverse foot support. The base plate has two spaced holes laterally spaced by a distance greater than the width of the support deck. A mechanism has a central section beneath the support deck and has upstanding ends extendable upwardly through the holes in the base plate. The mechanism is adapted to hold the base plate to the support deck.
Abstract:
A knee walker for use as a walking aid by disabled persons includes multiple wheels operably coupled to a frame and a steering assembly. A knee pad is supported by the frame intermediate front and rear wheels to support a user's bent knee and lower leg thereon. A suspension or shock absorbing assembly is disposed intermediate the knee rest pad and the frame. The knee walker is adjustable to accommodate users of varying sizes.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a reciprocal drive for a hand powered vehicle including a first axle, connected to a propulsion lever that the occupant of the vehicle pushes and pulls in a rowing motion, a first and a second power gear mounted on the first axle, wherein the first and second power gears rotate in opposing directions when the user pushes and pulls the propulsion lever, a first and a second drive belt, wherein the first drive belt delivers propulsive force from the first power gear to a gear wheel when the user pushes the propulsion lever and the second drive belt delivers propulsive force from the second power gear to the gear wheel when the user pulls the propulsion lever, and a second axle, on which the gear wheel is mounted, which rotates a drive wheel of the vehicle.
Abstract:
An active vehicle with variable inclination mechanism is provided. The active vehicle with variable inclination mechanism comprises a linear slide mechanism, two sets of longitudinal interlocking mechanism, a steering control mechanism, and a control unit. The linear slide mechanism comprises a reciprocating action member. A lateral displacement of the reciprocating action member drives the longitudinal interlocking mechanism to produce a displacement along a longitudinal direction while a torque is applied at the steering control mechanism. The wheels are driven to move along an opposite longitudinal direction and to form an inclination. Using the active vehicle with variable inclination mechanism can provide a real-time inclination force while rounding a corner as well as increase the safety. Besides, the driver can easily get on/off the vehicle when the vehicle is stationary and the reciprocating action member is locked at the stationary position of the vehicle.