Patent ID: 6766871
Filing Date: 2004-07-27
Classification: A61G

Abstract:
A powered drive apparatus, connectable to a wheelchair, comprising:a first wheel securing assembly carried by said powered drive apparatus for securing a first front wheel of a wheelchair to secure said powered drive apparatus to said wheelchair whereby said wheelchair may be propelled by said powered drive apparatus, a second wheel securing assembly carried by said powered drive apparatus for securing a second front wheel of said wheelchair to secure said powered drive apparatus to said wheelchair, an adjustable mechanism carried by said drive apparatus for spacing said first securing assembly relative to said second securing assembly at a spacing that will accommodate a fixed spacing between said first front wheel and said second front wheel of said wheelchair and wherein said first and second securing assemblies are movable relative to each other and relative to said towered drive apparatus as required to be properly positioned relative to said spaced front wheels of said wheelchair and to secure said front wheels when properly positioned relative to said spaced front wheels, a first access ramp for providing an access to said first front wheel of said wheelchair between a floor and a first raised wheel space on said powered drive apparatus, a second access ramp for providing an access to said second front wheel of said wheelchair between said floor and a second raised wheel space on said powered drive apparatus, a ramp retraction mechanism for retracting said first and second access ramps away from said floor when said first and second front wheels of said wheelchair are respectably in said first and second raised wheel spaces, a self-contained power supply, a steering mechanism and a wheel securing control, and wherein said adjustable spacing mechanism is actuated by power provided from said self-contained power supply.