Motor vehicles – Power – Electric
Patent
1993-04-08
1994-09-27
Focarino, Margaret A.
Motor vehicles
Power
Electric
180 65, 180907, 2803041, B60K 102
Patent
active
053500326
ABSTRACT:
A kit for power conversion of a manually powered wheelchair is provided wherein one or more power hubs are integrated into the rear drive wheels of such chair to effect propulsion thereof by means of a simple controller mounted to the armrest of the chair. This power conversion kit is unique in several respects in that it mounts to the existing frame of a wheelchair of "standard" design at the same location and through the same holes provided for mounting of the original rear wheels. Moreover, the conversion kit is further provided with a supporting fixture for the powered rear wheels which is designed to both (a) maintain the original clearances of the manually powered chair (so as not to subject the occupant to any inconvenience or distress in its operation) and (b) effectively shift the center of balance of the chair to enhance its stability during powered operation. This fixture has three defined area or segments; a first (coupling) segment which mounts directly to the chair frame at the same location and through the same holes of the support for the rear wheels which it replaces; a second (offsetting) segment which connects the first segment to the third segment (motor support); and, the third segment provides a stator for the power drive assembly to which the rear wheel is supported and driven. The second or transitional segment is unique by design in that it effectively positions the power drive assembly inboard so as to maintain the width of the chair, as thus modified, essentially the same as the manually powered chair, while insuring enhanced stability by increasing the chairs forward weight distribution during powered operation.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3930551 (1976-01-01), Cragg
patent: 4436320 (1984-03-01), Brudermann et al.
patent: 4960287 (1990-10-01), Lautzenhiser et al.
patent: 4961473 (1990-10-01), Jones
patent: 5161630 (1992-11-01), Garin, III et al.
patent: 5186269 (1993-02-01), Avakian et al.
patent: 5199520 (1993-04-01), Chen
patent: 5234066 (1993-08-01), Ahsing et al.
Focarino Margaret A.
Mar Michael
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