公开(公告)号：US3912032A

公开(公告)日：1975-10-14

申请号：US41909473

申请日：1973-11-26

Applicant: BENZ VEHICLE CORP

Inventor： BENZ WILLIAM G ,  REYNOLDS GLENN G ,  RICKETTS CHARLES W

IPC: A61G5/04 ,  B60K1/00

CPC classification number: A61G5/047 ,  A61G5/1016 ,  A61G5/1051 ,  Y10S180/907

Abstract: A powered unit is selectively attachable to a wheelchair to convert the wheelchair into a three-wheeled vehicle of considerable stability and capable of operating at relatively high speeds. The powered unit includes a frame structure coupled to a cylindrical member for pivotably receiving a fork assembly including a wheel and steering means in the form of a handle bar assembly. A gasoline powered engine is mounted on the frame structure so as to frictionally engage and drive the wheel. A pair of support legs of adjustable length extended downwardly from the frame structure so as to function together with the wheel to support the powered unit in an upright position when the powered unit is not attached to a wheelchair. Coupling of the powered unit to a wheelchair is accomplished by inserting and locking tubular members of the frame structure within mating tubular members fastened to the frame of the wheelchair, raising the front end of the wheelchair so as to elevate the front wheels thereof above the ground, and pinning the tubular members to hold the wheelchair in the raised position. With the support legs shortened so as to clear the ground, the resulting three-wheeled vehicle can be driven under the power of gasoline engine and steered by the handlebar, with one-handed control of the vehicle being made possible by a pair of handlebar mounted controls which respectively control engine speed and braking of the front wheel.

Abstract translation: 动力单元可选择性地附接到轮椅上，以将轮椅转换成具有相当稳定性并能够以相对较高速度操作的三轮车。 动力单元包括联接到圆柱形构件的框架结构，用于可枢转地接收叉组件，叉组件包括车轮和处理杆组件形式的转向装置。 汽油发动机安装在框架结构上，以摩擦接合和驱动车轮。 可调长度的一对支撑腿从框架结构向下延伸，以便与动力单元一起工作，以在动力单元未被附接到轮椅时将动力单元支撑在直立位置。 动力单元与轮椅的耦合通过将框架结构的管状构件插入并锁定在固定到轮椅的框架的配合管状构件内来实现，提升轮椅的前端以便将其前轮升高到地面之上 并且固定管状构件以将轮椅保持在升高位置。 在支撑腿缩短以便将地面清除的情况下，所得到的三轮车辆可以在汽油发动机的动力下由车把驱动并由车把引导，单手控制车辆可由一对车把安装 分别控制前轮的发动机转速和制动的控制。