Wheelchair suspension
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A wheelchair suspension comprising:
- a frame;
a pivot arm pivotally coupled to the frame;
a front caster coupled to the pivot arm;
a drive assembly pivotally coupled directly to the frame;
a rear caster coupled to the frame; and
wherein the pivot arm substantially remains in a first position when the drive assembly moves in a first direction; and
movement of the drive assembly in a second direction urges the pivot arm away from the first position.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides a suspension for a conveyance that is capable of traversing obstacles and rough terrain. The suspension includes a frame, a pivot arm, a front caster, a drive assembly and a rear caster. The pivot arm substantially remains in a first position when the drive assembly moves in a first direction. Movement of the drive assembly in a second direction urges the pivot arm away from the first position.
221 Citations
47 Claims
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1. A wheelchair suspension comprising:
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a frame; a pivot arm pivotally coupled to the frame; a front caster coupled to the pivot arm; a drive assembly pivotally coupled directly to the frame; a rear caster coupled to the frame; and wherein the pivot arm substantially remains in a first position when the drive assembly moves in a first direction; and movement of the drive assembly in a second direction urges the pivot arm away from the first position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A wheelchair suspension comprising:
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a frame; a pivot arm pivotally coupled to the frame; a front caster coupled to the pivot arm; a drive assembly; a rear caster coupled to the frame; and wherein the pivot arm and the drive assembly are coupled such that movement of the drive assembly in a first direction decouples at least a portion of the drive assembly from the pivot arm; and movement of the drive assembly in a second direction causes the pivot arm to move upward. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A wheelchair suspension comprising:
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a frame; a pivot arm pivotally coupled to the frame; a front caster coupled to the pivot arm; a drive assembly; a rear caster coupled to the frame; and wherein the pivot arm and the drive assembly are coupled such that movement of the drive assembly in a first direction disengages the drive assembly from the pivot arm; and movement of the drive assembly in a second direction causes the pivot arm to move upward. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A wheelchair suspension comprising:
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a frame; a pivot arm pivotally coupled to the frame; a front caster coupled to the pivot arm; a drive assembly; a rear caster coupled to the frame; and wherein the pivot arm substantially remains in a first position when the drive assembly moves in a first direction; and movement of the drive assembly in a second direction pulls the pivot arm upward. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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35. A wheelchair suspension comprising:
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a frame; a pivot arm having an engagement surface; a pivot that couples the pivot arm to the frame; a front caster coupled to the pivot arm; a drive assembly; a rear caster coupled to the frame; and wherein the pivot arm substantially remains in a first position when the drive assembly moves in a first direction; and movement of the drive assembly in a second direction transfers force from the drive assembly to the engagement surface of the pivot arm. - View Dependent Claims (36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45)
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46. A method of traversing an obstacle with a wheelchair comprising:
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energizing a drive assembly to cause pivotal movement of the drive assembly relative to a wheelchair frame such that the drive assembly urges a pivot arm upward over the obstacle; engaging the obstacle with a drive wheel; decoupling at least a portion of the drive assembly from the pivot arm; pivoting the drive assembly with respect to the pivot arm upon engagement with the obstacle; wherein the drive assembly transfers force to an engagement surface of the pivot arm that is located on the pivot arm such that a pivot of the pivot arm is disposed between the engagement surface and a front caster supported by the pivot arm.
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47. A wheelchair suspension comprising:
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a frame; a pivot arm pivotally coupled to the frame; a front caster coupled to the pivot arm; a drive assembly pivotally coupled directly to the frame; a rear caster coupled to the frame; and a means for coupling the pivot arm and the drive assembly such that pivotal movement of the drive assembly in a first direction results in independent movement of the drive assembly with respect to the pivot arm; and movement of the drive assembly in a second direction causes the pivot arm to move upward.
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Specification