Patent ID: 8152188
Filing Date: 2012-04-10
Classification: A61G

Abstract:
1. A motion control system for a wheelchair having first and second main wheels comprising: a lever connected at a lever pivot to enable forward and rearward strokes, said lever being operatively coupled to said first wheel to drive said first wheel; a brake connected to selectively apply braking force to said first wheel; a hand grip projecting from an end of said lever to extend a length along which force can be applied to initiate and maintain said forward and rearward strokes, said hand grip being pivotally connected to said end and being operatively associated with said brake such that movement of said hand grip relative to said lever controls said brake, said hand grip being biased into a brake release position in which said brake is in a condition to allow rotation of said first wheel, said hand grip and said brake being linked such that pressure applied in a direction to pivot said hand grip from said brake release position induces said brake to apply said braking force; and a direction shifter projecting from an end of said hand grip opposite to said lever, said direction shifter being operatively associated with a transmission for translating motion of said lever to rotational drive of said first wheel, said direction shifter having a forward mode position, a neutral position and a rearward mode position for selecting among forward, neutral and rearward modes of transmission operation, wherein said direction shifter projects from said hand grip such that said direction shifter projects along a longitudinal axis of said hand grip in one of said forward mode position, neutral position or rearward mode position.