Four-wheeled T-handlebar invalid carriage

• US 4,798,255 A
• Filed: 10/29/1987
• Issued: 01/17/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 10/29/1987
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Donald P.H. Wu
• Original Assignee: Donald P.H. Wu
• Inventors: Wu, Donald P. H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Mitchell, David M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): CAMBY, RICHARD M
• Application Number:
  US07/113,983
• Time in Patent Office: 446 Days
• Field of Search: 180/65.1, 180/65.6, 280/DIG. 5, 280/95 R, 280/95 A, 280/111, 280/112 R, 280/112 A, 280/772
• US Class Current: 180/65.1
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2200/24 Personal mobility vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/52 characterised by DC-motors
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/66 Arrangements of batteries
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/21 having the same nominal voltage
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 5/007 power-driven
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 180/907 Motorized wheelchairs

Abstract

The four-wheeled T-handlebar carriage is deliberately designed for the senile and the invalid. The rider can easily operate the carriage with the aid of the T-shaped steering handlebar and drive safely without fear of overbalancing while the provision of four wheels ensures extraordinary stability for the carriage body. A safe and pleasant drive on the carriage is therefore attainable to all the senile and invalid population.

Claims

1. An invalid carriage comprising:

a rigid seat support frame for supporting a seat for rotation about a substantially vertical axis;

a seat, rotatable about a substantially vertical axis, supported on said seat support frame;

locking means for releasably locking said seat supported on said seat support frame in a predetermined rotational position;

a laterally extending rotatable rear axle journally supported on said seat support frame for rotation about a substantially horizontal lateral axis, said rotatable rear axle having a first end and a second end;

a pair of rear wheels, each of said rear wheels fixed to a respective end of said rotatable rear axle for rotation therewith;

power supply means mounted on said seat support frame for providing motive power for rotation of said rear axle about said substantially horizontal lateral axis;

transmission means, interconnecting said power supply means and said rotatable rear axle, for rotating said rear axle about said substantially horizontal lateral axis upon provision of motive power from said power supply means;

a laterally extending rod pivotally mounted on said seat support frame for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal longitudinal axis, said laterally extending rod having a first end and a second end, said laterally extending rod being spaced longitudinally forwardly of said rear axle;

a pair of front wheels, each rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis;

mounting means for fixing said pair of front wheels to respective ends of said laterally extending rod for rotation about said substantially horizontal axis, said mounting means being pivotally connected to said laterally extending rod for pivotal movement about a substantially vertical axis;

steering means, for causing pivotal movement of said mounting means about said substantially vertical axis said steering means including a T-handlebar mounted on said seat supports frame by a sleeve member;

front wheel oscillation restriction means, mounted on said sleeve member, for yieldably resisting pivotal movement of said laterally extending rod about said substantially horizontal longitudinal axis beyond a predetermined extent.

2. The invalid carriage according to claim 1, wherein said power supply means comprises an electric motor and a storage battery electrically connectable to said electric motor.