There is described a wheelchair comprising a wheelchair frame, a pair of drive wheels configured to contact a ground surface when the wheelchair is in use, each drive wheel rotating about an axis of rotation, at least one front wheel mounted to a front-end portion of the wheelchair frame, and an anti-tip assembly mounted to a rear-end portion of the wheelchair frame, which anti-tip assembly includes at least one pivot arm that is supported onto the rear-end portion of the wheelchair frame so as to be pivotable with respect to the wheelchair frame about a pivot axis. The pivot arm includes a drive wheel attachment point coinciding with the axis of rotation and providing attachment of at least one of the drive wheels and a wheelchair frame attachment point coinciding with the pivot axis and providing attachment of the pivot arm to the rear-end portion of the wheelchair frame. The anti-tip assembly further comprises a rear wheel that is provided at a distal end of the pivot arm, rearward of the drive wheels, and that is configured to contact the ground surface when the wheelchair is in use. The anti-tip assembly is configured to allow the wheelchair frame to tilt backwards into a predetermined stable titled position with the at least one front wheel in a raised position above the ground surface, while the drive wheels and the rear wheel remain in contact with the ground surface. In one embodiment, the pivot arm is attached, via the wheelchair frame attachment point, to a bracket of the wheelchair frame, which bracket is provided with an arcuate opening configured to allow passage of a drive wheel axis of the drive wheel, which drive wheel axis is coupled to the pivot arm, via the drive wheel attachment point, the arcuate opening defining a predetermined range of pivoting movement of the pivot arm with respect to the wheelchair frame.

There is described a wheelchair comprising a wheelchair frame, a pair of drive wheels configured to contact a ground surface when the wheelchair is in use, each drive wheel rotating about an axis of rotation, at least one front wheel mounted to a front-end portion of the wheelchair frame, and an anti-tip assembly mounted to a rear-end portion of the wheelchair frame, which anti-tip assembly includes at least one pivot arm that is supported onto the rear-end portion of the wheelchair frame so as to be pivotable with respect to the wheelchair frame about a pivot axis. The pivot arm includes a drive wheel attachment point coinciding with the axis of rotation and providing attachment of at least one of the drive wheels and a wheelchair frame attachment point coinciding with the pivot axis and providing attachment of the pivot arm to the rear-end portion of the wheelchair frame. The anti-tip assembly further comprises a rear wheel that is provided at a distal end of the pivot arm, rearward of the drive wheels, and that is configured to contact the ground surface when the wheelchair is in use. The anti-tip assembly is configured to allow the wheelchair frame to tilt backwards into a predetermined stable titled position with the at least one front wheel in a raised position above the ground surface, while the drive wheels and the rear wheel remain in contact with the ground surface. In one embodiment, the pivot arm is attached, via the wheelchair frame attachment point, to a bracket of the wheelchair frame, which bracket is provided with an arcuate opening configured to allow passage of a drive wheel axis of the drive wheel, which drive wheel axis is coupled to the pivot arm, via the drive wheel attachment point, the arcuate opening defining a predetermined range of pivoting movement of the pivot arm with respect to the wheelchair frame.

A power assist wheelchair includes a wheel, an electric motor that drives the wheel, an encoder that detects rotation of the electric motor, and a control device that controls the electric motor. The control device includes a total torque value calculator that calculates a total torque value based upon only a detection signal of the encoder, an assist torque value calculator that calculates an assist torque value based upon an output current of the electric motor, a manual torque value calculator that calculates a manual torque value based upon a difference obtained by subtracting the assist torque value from the total torque value, and a target current determiner that determines a target current of the electric motor based upon the manual torque value.

A power assist wheelchair includes a wheel, an electric motor that drives the wheel, an encoder that detects rotation of the electric motor, and a control device that controls the electric motor. The control device includes a total torque value calculator that calculates a total torque value based upon only a detection signal of the encoder, an assist torque value calculator that calculates an assist torque value based upon an output current of the electric motor, a manual torque value calculator that calculates a manual torque value based upon a difference obtained by subtracting the assist torque value from the total torque value, and a target current determiner that determines a target current of the electric motor based upon the manual torque value.

A system and method for improving stability of a wheelchair user includes a wheelchair having sensors measuring motion parameters to sense collisions and sharp turns which may unseat the user. Neuromuscular stimulating electrodes attached to extensor and flexor muscles of the user's trunk and under the command of a controller in communication with the sensors activate the muscles during turns and collisions to counteract the forces induced. A system and method for increasing manual propulsion efficiency includes sensors for sensing motion parameters indicating completion of a manual push of the wheelchair wheels and recovery from the push. Neuromuscular stimulating electrodes attached to extensor and flexor muscles of the user's trunk and under the command of a controller in communication with the sensors activate the muscles at the appropriate time in the cycle of push and recovery.

A system and method for improving stability of a wheelchair user includes a wheelchair having sensors measuring motion parameters to sense collisions and sharp turns which may unseat the user. Neuromuscular stimulating electrodes attached to extensor and flexor muscles of the user's trunk and under the command of a controller in communication with the sensors activate the muscles during turns and collisions to counteract the forces induced. A system and method for increasing manual propulsion efficiency includes sensors for sensing motion parameters indicating completion of a manual push of the wheelchair wheels and recovery from the push. Neuromuscular stimulating electrodes attached to extensor and flexor muscles of the user's trunk and under the command of a controller in communication with the sensors activate the muscles at the appropriate time in the cycle of push and recovery.

A brake assembly has a wheel body, a first stopping device, and a second stopping device. The wheel body has a central axle and two engaging portions formed respectively on two ends of the central axle. The first stopping device is connected with the engaging portions of the wheel body and has a resilient member and a magnetic unit. The resilient member is C-shaped and has a lateral rod and an inclined rod connected integrally with an end of the lateral rod. The magnetic unit is mounted on the lateral rod of the resilient member and has a sleeve having a bottom opening and a magnetic element mounted in the sleeve and selectively abutting the wheel body. The second stopping device is connected securely with the lateral rod of the resilient member and is engaged selectively with the engaging portions of the wheel body.

A physiotherapeutic conveyance with a forwardly mounted wheel, a chassis relative to which said forwardly mounted wheel is mounted, a seat mounted relative to said chassis on a seating mount, a rear axle associated with a pair of outwardly disposed first and second rear wheels, and a steering assembly associated with said pair of outwardly disposed rear wheels, wherein said steering assembly comprises a steering mechanism operable to adjust the orientation of the rear wheels.

A mobility assistance apparatus includes first and second frames positioned on left and right sides of a user; a hinge arm mechanism coupled to the first and second frames; and a securing unit or a walking seat coupled to the frames to transfer at least a portion of the user's body weight from the legs and to transfer weight through the user's hip or pelvis to the first and second frame enabling the user to stand or work for an extended period without requiring the user's arms to hold the frame.

A mobility assistance apparatus includes first and second frames positioned on left and right sides of a user; a hinge arm mechanism coupled to the first and second frames; and a securing unit or a walking seat coupled to the frames to transfer at least a portion of the user's body weight from the legs and to transfer weight through the user's hip or pelvis to the first and second frame enabling the user to stand or work for an extended period without requiring the user's arms to hold the frame.