Anti-tip system for a power wheelchair
US8181992B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 20, 2011 |
| Grant date | May 22, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 20, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S180/908
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An anti-tip system is provided for improving the stability of a powered vehicle, such as a powered wheelchair. The vehicle includes a drive-train assembly pivotally mounted to a main structural frame. A suspension system biases the drive-train assembly and its connected anti-tip wheel to a predetermined resting position. The drive-train assembly bi-directionally rotates about a pivot in response to torque applied to or acceleration forces on the vehicle. A linkage arrangement is provided and is characterized by a suspension arm pivotally mounting to the main structural frame about a pivot at one end thereof and an anti-tip wheel at the other end. The linkage may further include at least one link operable to transfer the bi-directional displacement of the drive-train assembly to the suspension arm. The link may include a bell crank member and/or may be resiliently compressible.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.