Ergonomically improved rowing motion-propelled convertible wheelchair using retractible fifth wheel
First Claim
1. A hand-propelled vehicle comprising:
- a frame with a telescoping support bar, said bar supporting a rider seat and wheel supports for five wheels, including two front jockey wheels, two rear wheels and a retractable front wheel;
a rowing-motion propulsion system including a t-bar lever connected to an elbow, said t-bar moving in forward and reverse direction, said elbow driving a gear wheel when said t-bar is moved either forward or backward;
said t-bar lever pivoting at a point on said telescoping support bar;
said gear wheel driving said two back wheels;
said t-bar being rotatable;
wherein when said telescoping support bar is extended, said retractable front wheel is touching a road surface, and two front jockey wheels are lifted off of said surface.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention solves many of the problems for the wheelchair bound individual who wants an ergonomically sensible, convenient, yet powerful and stable wheelchair. The Trike'"'"'s unique power source is provided by a rowing-type motion of the user rather than the less efficient “hand rim” grip or wrist propulsion. The rowing motion significantly reduces the chances for repetitive stress injuries, like carpal tunnel. Furthermore, the rowing motion and movements, are designed to facilitate efficient propulsion and steering in combination, to be effected simultaneously. The rowing motion allows the user'"'"'s full arm strength and full range of motion to assist in the powering of the vehicle. The wheelchair also has a retractable fifth or propulsion wheel that allows the chair to be used in a confined space without sacrificing performance.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A hand-propelled vehicle comprising:
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a frame with a telescoping support bar, said bar supporting a rider seat and wheel supports for five wheels, including two front jockey wheels, two rear wheels and a retractable front wheel;
a rowing-motion propulsion system including a t-bar lever connected to an elbow, said t-bar moving in forward and reverse direction, said elbow driving a gear wheel when said t-bar is moved either forward or backward;
said t-bar lever pivoting at a point on said telescoping support bar;
said gear wheel driving said two back wheels;
said t-bar being rotatable;
wherein when said telescoping support bar is extended, said retractable front wheel is touching a road surface, and two front jockey wheels are lifted off of said surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A hand-propelled vehicle, including:
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a frame supporting a front wheel and two rear wheels;
a drive propulsion system in which a lever configured to move front to back to front driving an elbow across a fulcrum, said elbow moving a first gear that moves in rotation in only one direction and drives a second gear in one direction when lever is either moved forward or backward;
said second gear connected to a drive gear;
said drive gear propelling said vehicle forward. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 12)
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11. The hand-propelled vehicle further including a fork supporting said front wheel, the top of said fork ending in a steering knuckle, said front wheel rotated by a steering said rotatable lever, said lever connected to a cable that rotates said front wheel in order to steer said hand-propelled vehicle.
Specification