The present invention relates to wheelchairs and, more particularly, to battery powered all terrain wheelchairs.
The inability for the disabled or mobility challenged to traverse the same terrain as able bodied persons is a problem that many must face. Currently, items have limited ground clearance, do not have four wheel independent suspensions, or use tracks instead of tires. These items cannot traverse all terrains. Other items may be loud in volume.
As can be seen, there is a need for a battery powered all terrain wheelchair with independent suspension and individual motors controlling each rear wheel.
In one aspect of the present invention, a battery powered all terrain wheelchair comprises: a frame comprising a front portion, a rear portion, sides, a top portion and a bottom portion; a seat attached to the top portion of the frame; at least one battery attached to the frame; at least one motor attached to the frame, wherein the at least one motor is powered by the at least one battery; a controller connected to the at least one motor, wherein the controller is powered by the at least one battery; a plurality of caster assemblies attached to the bottom portion of the frame; and a plurality of wheels attached to the plurality of caster assemblies, wherein the plurality of wheels are connected to the at least one motor.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.
The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a battery powered all terrain wheelchair that includes a frame comprising a front portion, a rear portion, sides, a top portion and a bottom portion. A seat attaches to the top portion of the frame. At least one battery attaches to the frame. At least one motor attaches to the frame. The at least one motor is powered by the at least one battery. A controller, powered by the at least one battery, connects to the at least one motor. A plurality of caster assemblies attaches to the bottom portion of the frame. A plurality of wheels attaches to the plurality of caster assemblies including a set of rear wheels that are independently connected to the at least one motor. The present invention may allow wheelchair users to be able to travel over various terrains such as sand, trail riding, and the like.
As illustrated in
In certain embodiments, a battery charger 40 may be attached to the frame 12. A gearbox 44 may be attached to the plurality of wheels. In certain embodiments, the battery charger 40 and the at least one battery 38 may be placed on the top portion 29 of the frame 12 behind the seat 14. The location of the battery charger 40 and the at least one battery 38 on the top portion 29 of the frame 12 may allow for ground clearance. The front stabilizers 24 and the rear stabilizers 28 may provide stability through independent suspension. The at least one motor 32 may operate each rear wheel 34 independently which may allow for mobility and zero radius turning. The front swing arms 22 and caster assemblies 18 may also allow for stability and zero radius turning.
A method of using the wheelchair 10 may include turning on the joystick that may be powered by the at least one battery 38. The joystick may control the power sent to each motor 32 that may move each rear wheel 34 to propel the wheelchair 10 in whatever direction the user may choose to go. The wheelchair 10 may then go over various terrains such as sand, trail riding, gravel, off road, natural area and the like.
In certain embodiments, additional items may be attached to the wheelchair 10 to increase comfort such as a dry storage box, a gun rack, a cup holder, a sound system, a lighting system.
It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application number 61/869,725, filed Aug. 25, 2013, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61869725 | Aug 2013 | US |