Patent ID: 8684113

Claim:
A propulsion apparatus attachable to an unpowered wheelchair enabling powered or manual operation of the wheelchair comprising: (a) a crossbar adjustably extending across the wheelchair and affixable to frame members on the sides of the wheelchair; (b) a steering column capable of first and second telescoping adjustments, pivotally connectable to the crossbar and rotatable in a vertical plane further comprising: (i) steering means at the upper end of the steering column to control the direction of a powered wheel rotatably placed at the lower end of the steering column, the steering means connected to a locked steering extension shaft; with the capability when unlocked of folding and rotating toward the wheelchair user and further comprising; (ii) a hinged and lockable upper tilt assembly telescopically connected to the steering extension shaft and enabling the rotation of the steering extension shaft when unlocked; (c) a battery supplying power to operate the apparatus; (d) a controlling means attached to the steering means and enabling distribution of power from the battery and routing electrical signals to and from command devices further comprising; (i) a battery power life indicator integrated with the controller; (ii) a throttle acting as first command means providing regulation of electrical power transmitted to the electrically powered wheel to control wheel rotational direction and speed; (iii) a signaler capable of providing a first signal to a power source driving the powered wheel attached to the lower end of the steering column where the first signal causes the wheel to rotate forward and providing a second signal to the power source causing the wheel to rotate in the reverse direction; (e) a braking means configured as part of the steering mechanism to control the speed of the powered wheel; (f) a header tube clamp assembly concentrically configured around the lower portion of the steering column and telescopically affixable to the header tube located at the lower end of the steering column and pivotally connectable to the crossbar and enabling rotation of the steering column in a vertical plane; (g) an electrically powered wheel rotatable around a central axle with the ends of the axel fixed at the ends of the steering fork branches on the lower portion of the steering column.