GB2442462A

GB2442462A - A hoist system for stowing a wheelchair on a vehicle roof

Info

Publication number: GB2442462A
Application number: GB0619895A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Barry Alfred Morgan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-10-07
Filing date: 2006-10-07
Publication date: 2008-04-09
Anticipated expiration: 2026-10-07
Also published as: EP2083783A2; GB2442462B; WO2008041015A3; GB0619895D0; WO2008041015A2

Abstract

To move a wheelchair from a position adjacent a seat of a vehicle 202 to a stowed position on the roof, a hoist system clamped to the car root comprises a lifting member 206, a winch cable 212 and an actuating means 210. Attachment means for attaching the winch cable to the wheelchair is arranged such that when the wheelchair is raised the wheelchair is caused to rotate about a longitudinal axis. The wheelchair is electrically-powered and has three wheels. It has a central longitudinal frame member which contains the battery.

Description

WHEEL CHAIR AND TRANSPORT SYSTEM FOR THE SAME

The present invention is directed towards an apparatus for stowing a wheelchair or the like on a vehicle, in particular a domestic vehicle such as a car, and to an improved powered wheelchair suitable for being stowed by the apparatus.

It is to be understood that in the present specification, reference to a powered wheelchair includes any equivalent to a wheelchair used by a disabled person.

It is estimated that 80% of disabled people in the United Kingdom are unable to load an electric powered wheelchair into a vehicle without assistance. The prior art describes many hoists designed to lift such wheelchairs into a vehicle, but all require the user to at least be able to stand whilst the wheel chair is being loaded into the vehicle. Where this is not possible, a disabled user would require assistance from an able bodied person, thus limiting their independence.

US patents 4,991,821 and 7,070,059 both describe hoist systems designed to lift electric or manual wheelchairs from the rear of the vehicle into the rear compartment of the vehicle, i.e. the boot or trunk. This would be unsuitable for use by a disabled person alone as they would be unable to get from the rear of the vehicle to the front seat of the vehicle. To use such devices, a disabled person would require assistance from another person, typically an able bodied person. This severely limits the freedom and mobility of the disabled person.

In order to partially overcome this problem, document WO 83/02430 describes a hoist system that is fitted onto the roof of a vehicle and allows a foldable manual wheelchair to be lifted to the roof of the vehicle from a position adjacent to the seat of a vehicle the disabled person wishes to occupy. This system is, however, only suitable for lightweight, collapsible manual wheelchairs as conventional powered wheelchairs are too heavy for the hoist mechanism, and do not collapse down so as to be stowed on the roof of the vehicle. Therefore this system is unsuitable for disabled persons who require the use of a powered wheelchair.

As a result, the only option for a person using a powered wheelchair is to store the wheelchair in the car, such as the boot or trunk, as described above, or to have the wheelchair stowed inside the passenger compartment. The latter option raises the problem of manoeuvring the wheelchair into the interior of the vehicle. To overcome this problem, there are systems available designed to enable ramp loading of an electric powered wheel chair.

However, such modifications are extremely expensive, making them unavailable to many people, and can only be fitted to certain vehicles, limiting choice.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved system to allow a disabled person requiring the use of a wheelchair or the like, to easily and securely stow and deploy a powered wheelchair from a vehicle, such as an automobile, without requiring the aid of a second or more able bodied person.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a vehicle having a seat to be occupied by a disabled person, the vehicle comprising: a hoist system disposed on the roof of the vehicle and operable by a person located in the seat, the hoist system being adapted to move a powered wheelchair between a first position and a second position; wherein in the first position the wheelchair is within reach of a person located in the seat; and in the second position the wheelchair is securely stowed overlying the roof of the vehicle.

The hoist system is designed to lift the powered wheelchair from a first position where the wheelchair is within reach of a person located in a seat of a vehicle to a second position where the wheelchair is securely stowed overlying the roof of the vehicle. Preferably, the hoist is simple to operate from either of the front seats of a vehicle, so that the user is able to attach the hoist to the powered wheelchair from inside the vehicle and hoist it onto the roof of the vehicle without the need for assistance from a second person.

The hoist system preferably comprises a motor. The motor of the hoist is preferably powered by the electrical system of the vehicle to which it is attached. Alternatively, the hoist system may include an independent power storage means, such as one or more batteries. In a further alternative, the hoist system may draw power from the powered wheelchair being lifted. In such a case, a connection between the hoist system and the wheelchair is made before or at the same time the cable from the hoist system is connected to the wheelchair.

The motor may be started, stopped or reversed by any suitable control means located within reach of the person when positioned on the seat in the vehicle.

One convenient location is on or near the dashboard of the vehicle so as to be in easy reach of the user.

The hoist is fixed securely to the roof of the vehicle, for example by means of suitable clamps. Other means for mounting the hoist to or in the roof of the vehicle will be known to the person skilled in the art.

The hoisting means is a cable or the like made of a suitably strong material on the end of which there features a lifting hook or other means to attach to a powered wheelchair.

The hoist system preferably further comprises a lifting member for movement between a lifting position extending from a side of the vehicle, and a travelling position overlying the roof of the vehicle. The lifting member may be any suitable configuration capable of lifting the powered wheelchair from the ground to overly the roof of the vehicle. The lifting member may be a single component, such as a strut or the like. More preferably, the lifting member comprises a frame that overlies the roof of the vehicle when in the travelling position. In this way, the frame provides a base for supporting the wheelchair when in the second position above and clear of the roof of the vehicle.

In one preferred embodiment, the hoist system further comprises a means for biasing the lifting member into the lifting position. One preferred biasing means is a gas strut. Suitable gas struts are known in the art and commercially available. Alternatively, the biasing means may comprise one or more springs, including compression springs or torsion springs, or other resilient means. The biasing means serves to move the lifting member from its travelling position to the lifting position. In a preferred arrangement, the motor of the hoist system acts against the biasing means, such that deploying the lifting member and the wheelchair, if present, may be controlled by the speed of the motor. In such a case, it is preferred that the motor is of the lockable variety, to avoid inadvertent deployment of the lifting member.

The hoist system preferably further comprises a means for engaging with the wheelchair, such as one or more hooks, in order to lock the powered wheelchair into the travelling position. The wheelchair preferably automatically engages with the said means when being lifted and is automatically released when being returned to the ground. In this way, the user is not required to perform any actions apart from operating the control mechanism from within the vehicle.

The hoist system is preferably provided with means for charging the battery of the powered wheelchair while it is retained in position above the roof of the vehicle. Suitable charging means are known in the art and available commercially.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a hoist system adapted to be fitted to the roof of a vehicle, the vehicle having a seat to be occupied by a passenger or an operator, the hoist system comprising a hoist operable by a person located in the seat, the hoist system being adapted, when mounted on the vehicle to move a powered wheelchair between a first position and a second position; wherein in the first position the wheelchair is within reach of a person located in the seat; and in the second position the wheelchair is securely stowed overlying the roof of the vehicle.

The hoist system is substantially as hereinbefore described.

The hoist system as substantially described hereinbefore is designed to lift an improved powered wheelchair suitable for being stowed by the apparatus.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a powered wheelchair comprising attachment means for attaching to a winch cable, the attachment means being disposed on the wheelchair laterally to the centre of gravity of the wheelchair, such that when the wheelchair is raised by the attachment means the wheelchair is caused to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the wheelchair extending through the attachment means.

In general, powered wheelchairs are not foldable to a sufficient or significant extent, for example to the extent of manual wheelchairs, such as the wheelchair disclosed and shown in WO 83/02430. Accordingly, this mitigates against lifting the wheelchair onto and retaining it above the roof of a vehicle.

The powered wheelchair of the present invention, by being rotated as it is lifted from the ground, is properly oriented for safe and secure storage on the roof of the vehicle.

In a preferred arrangement, the wheelchair rotates about its longitudinal axis during lifting so as to present its wheels to the bodywork of the vehicle. In this way, should the wheelchair swing into contact with the vehicle the tyres of the wheelchair will prevent significant damage to the vehicle. In addition, this arrangement ensures that the wheelchair may be retained in its normal horizontal operating position when secured to the hoist system above the roof of the vehicle.

The powered wheelchair is preferably designed to be lightweight and for use by a disabled person and is preferably in the form of a trike comprising three wheels of the design commonly known.

The vehicle is preferably powered by at least one battery. The at least one battery is preferably of the rechargeable variety. Particularly preferred batteries for use in the present invention are of the nickel metal hydride variety or lithium-ion variety, allowing up to an 18 mile range of the powered wheelchair under normal loading and weather conditions. Nickel metal hydride batteries are especially preferred.

In one preferred embodiment, the powered wheelchair further comprises a central frame member extending in the same plane as the central longitudinal axis of the wheelchair. The at least one battery is preferably situated inside the central frame member. The powered wheelchair preferably also has means to be charged using the electrical system of the vehicle whilst it is being transported on the roof of said vehicle, using means known by those skilled in the art.

The motor of the powered wheelchair is preferably powered by the at least one battery. In one embodiment the motor is preferably of the brushless, gearless variety. Alternatively, a brushed and geared motor may be used.

The motor preferably drives the front wheel of the powered wheelchair of the design described above. The powered wheelchair is preferably a front wheel drive. This has the benefit of enhancing the safe climbing angle of the powered wheelchair and makes it less likely to topple backwards or sideways, when negotiating a steep incline. The motor is most preferably situated in the front wheel of the powered wheelchair.

A further preferred embodiment of the powered wheelchair of the design above comprises a seat upon which the user will sit in order to be able to use and operate the powered wheelchair. The seat is preferably adjustable between a higher and lower position so as to make it suitable for use in a variety of social situations such as when eating in a restaurant or socialising in a public house and also for work purposes. In such a case, the seat is preferably provided with two operating positions, a first lowered position and a second raised position. In the first lowered position, the drive system of the wheelchair is activated, to enable the user to drive the vehicle. With the seat in the second raised position, it is preferred that the drive system is isolated or disabled, to prevent the wheelchair being driven with the user in an elevated position.

When the seat is not in the lower "drive" position the motor is preferably disabled by means of a micro switch, commonly known in the art, in order to prevent the powered wheelchair moving accidentally whilst the user is in an elevated position.

The seat is also preferably able to swivel or rotate through an angle of about 1800 as long as it is not in the lowered "drive" position.

The height of the seat may be adjusted using any suitable means known in the art. The height of the seat is preferably adjusted by means of a gas strut preferably controlled by a handle to the side of the seat, easily reachable when sat upon the seat of the powered wheelchair.

The seat is also preferably removable from the powered wheelchair, so that the wheelchair will fit onto the roof of a vehicle without creating too much wind resistance, and also to help keep the seat clean and dry whilst the powered wheelchair is not in use.

The powered wheelchair preferably further comprises a steering column situated so as to be in easy reach of a person when sat upon the seat of the powered wheelchair as hereinbefore described.

The steering column is preferably connected to, and controls the position of the front wheel, so as to make steering and turning easier for the user. The trike design as hereinbefore described allows a user to manoeuvre easily in shops, offices and other such confined places that a conventional wheelchair or the like could not enter or only enter with difficulty.

The steering column preferably retracts or folds down so as to allow the powered wheeJchair to easily fit onto the roof of a vehicle, and make it more adaptable for social situations as hereinbefore described.

Preferably attached to the upper part of the steering column is a pair of handlebars. Preferably, at least one of the handlebars features a means for controlling the speed of the powered wheelchair. This is preferably of the type commonly found on motorcycles and the like and has the form of a twist-grip The powered wheelchair preferably further comprises a brake. The brake will preferably be of the manual variety, suitable for users who are in possession of a valid driving licence. The brake will preferably be activated by means of at least one lever preferably featuring on the handlebars of the wheelchair which, when pulled, activates the brake of the powered wheelchair, as are also commonly found on motorcycles and the like.

The powered wheelchair may alternatively be fitted with a brake of the automatic variety for users who do not hold a valid driving licence. Suitable automatic braking devices are also known in the art and commercially available.

In a further preferred embodiment, the powered wheelchair comprises a speed limiting safety feature which can be used to limit the speed of the vehicle where appropriate for road safety, and also when an inexperienced user is becoming familiarised with the powered wheelchair. The speed limit can preferably be increased when a user becomes more experienced in handling the powered wheelchair.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a powered wheelchair comprising a central frame member extending in the same plane as the central longitudinal axis of the wheelchair; and at least one battery for powering the wheelchair; wherein the at least one battery is situated inside the central frame member.

The powered wheelchair is substantially as hereinbefore described.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, having reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a view of a preferred embodiment of the powered wheelchair from the right hand side.

Figure 2 a view of a preferred embodiment of the powered wheelchair from above.

Figure 3 shows a view from the right hand side of the hoist mounted onto a vehicle.

Figures 4, 5 and 6 show front elevations of the hoist mounted onto a vehicle at successive stages of loading the powered wheelchair onto the roof of the vehicle.

The hoist system and powered wheelchair shown are suitable for use on the driver's side of a right hand drive vehicle. However, it is to be understood that the powered wheelchair and hoist can also be manufactured for use on the passenger side of a right hand drive vehicle, or for use on either side of a left hand drive vehicle.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a preferred embodiment of the powered wheelchair as viewed from the side designed for use on the drivers side of a right hand drive vehicle, generally indicated as 2. The powered wheelchair 2 comprises a main central frame member 4 where the at least one battery is located, a front wheel 6, within which is the motor, and two back wheels (one not shown for clarity) 8. Connected to, and extending from the front wheel 6 is the steering column 10. Seat 12 is located towards the back of the powered wheelchair and is adjustable in height by means of handle 14. Attachment means 16, for attachment to a winch cable, is shown on the side of the main central frame member 4, located laterally to the centre of gravity of the wheelchair.

Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a preferred embodiment of the powered wheelchair as viewed from above, designed for use on the driver's side of a right hand drive vehicle, generally indicated as 2. The powered wheelchair 2 comprises a central frame member 4, a front wheel 6 and two back wheels parallel to each other 8. Connected to the front wheel 6 is steering column 10 onto which are attached handle bars 20, brake levers 22 and speed controlling means (not shown for clarity). Seat 12 is located towards the back of the powered wheelchair. Attachment means 16, for attachment to a winch cable, is shown on the side of main frame 4, located laterally to the centre of gravity of the wheelchair.

Referring to Figure 3 there is shown a side view of a hoist system mounted to a vehicle suitable for use from the driver's side of a right hand drive vehicle, generally indicated as 202. Clamps 204 secure the hoist to the roof of the vehicle. A lifting member 206 is shown in an intermediate position and is pivoted by means of hinges 208. Actuating means 210 is shown connected to the hoist system. A hoisting cable 212 is shown in an extended position, ready to attach to a powered wheelchair by winch attachment means 214.

Referring to Figures 4, 5 and 6 there is shown front elevations of the hoist system mounted onto a vehicle at successive stages of loading the powered wheelchair onto the roof of the vehicle, generally indicated as 202. Figure 4 shows the device just as the powered wheelchair 216 has been lifted from the ground. Clamps 204 are shown securing the hoist to the vehicle. Lifting member 206 is pivoted by means of hinges 208. The powered wheelchair is being hoisted by means of cable 212 and winch attachment means 214.

Actuating means 210 is moving the cable 212. The lifting member 206 is being held in the outward, lifting position by means of gas strut 218. Hooks 220 located on the lifting member are in place to secure the powered wheelchair in the travelling position.

Figure 5 shows the hoist system and powered wheelchair at a later stage in the process of lifting the wheelchair. Powered wheelchair 216 is shown to be nesting with lifting member 206. Cable 212 has now been reeled in by actuating means 210 to hold the powered wheelchair 216 in place. Clamps 204 secure the hoist system to the vehicle. Hooks 220 are shown to be securing the powered wheelchair in place on lifting member 206.

Figure 6 shows the powered wheelchair 216 in the travelling position. The powered wheelchair is held in place my means of the hoisting cable 212 and hooks 220. The hoist system is held in place on the roof of the vehicle by clamps 204.

In use, the hoist system is first fitted onto the vehicle. This can be done at home or by a mechanic at a garage or dealership. The user mounts the powered wheelchair at location, most probably the user's home, and drives the powered wheelchair to the vehicle onto which the hoist system has been previously fitted. The user then adjusts the seat to a position so that they are able to transfer from the wheelchair to a seat of the vehicle. Once transferred to the vehicle seat, the user removes the seat of the powered wheelchair and places it inside the vehicle. The lifting member is released by the user by pressing the appropriate button on the control panel. The lifting member is deployed over the side of the vehicle by means of the gas strut. The motor acts against the action of the gas strut to control the speed of deployment of the lifting member. When the lifting member is fully extended, the hook is lowered to the level of the powered wheelchair. The hook is then attached to the winch aUachment means of the powered wheelchair by the user. The control panel is used to control the hoist as the powered wheelchair is lifted.

As the powered wheelchair is lifted it rotates about a longitudinal axis of the wheelchair so that the wheels of the wheelchair face the bodywork of the vehicle. The hoist lifts the powered vehicle vertically to the lifting boom until the powered wheelchair nests onto the lifting member retaining position. The gas strut is compressed by means of the motor powered winch to pull the lifting boom over the roof of the car. As the lifting member is pulled into its travelling position, a locking mechanism is automatically activated to secure the powered wheelchair to the vehicle.

The powered wheelchair is deployed at the destination by simple reversal of the above process.

No permanent changes to the vehicle are required. If the vehicle is to be changed, it is easy to remove the hoist system and fit it to a different vehicle.

It has been found that the combination of the hoist system and powered wheelchair provides users with restricted physical mobility the freedom to go about their lives without the need for an able bodied assistant. The hoist system and powered wheelchair are suitable for paraplegics, and also people without the stamina or strength to use other mobility carts which need to be dismantled prior to transportation in a car.

Claims

1. A vehicle having a seat to be occupied by a passenger or an operator, the vehicle comprising: a hoist system disposed on the roof of the vehicle and operable by a person located in the seat, the hoist system being adapted to move a powered wheelchair between a first position and a second position; wherein in the first position the wheelchair is within reach of a person located in the seat; and in the second position the wheelchair is securely stowed overlying the roof of the vehicle.

2. A vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the hoist system comprises a motor.

3. A vehicle according claim 2, wherein the motor is powered by the electrical system of the vehicle to which the hoist system is attached.

4. A vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein the control panel for the hoist is situated within easy reach of the person when positioned on the seat of the vehicle.

5. A vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein the hoist system is fixed securely to the roof of the vehicle by means of suitable clamps.

6. A vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein the hoisting means is a cable or the like made of a suitably strong material.

7. A vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the free end of the cable comprises a lifting hook or the like to attach to a powered wheelchair.

8. A vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein the hoist system comprises a lifting member for movement between a lifting position extending from a side of the vehicle, and a travelling position overlying the roof of the vehicle.

9. A vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the lifting member is a single component, such as a strut or the like.

10.A vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the lifting member is a frame.

11.A vehicle according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the hoist system further comprises a means for biasing the lifting member into the lifting position.

12.A vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the biasing means is a gas strut.

13.A vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the biasing means is one or more springs.

14.A vehicle according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the motor of the hoist system acts against the biasing means, such that deploying the lifting member may be controlled by the speed of the motor.

1 5.A vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein the hoist system comprises a means for engaging with the wheelchair.

16.A vehicle according to claim 15, wherein the engaging means is one or more hooks, designed to lock the powered wheelchair into the travelling position.

17.A vehicle according to claims 15 or 16, wherein the wheelchair automatically engages with the said means when being lifted and is automatically released when being returned to the ground.

18.A hoist system adapted to be fitted to the roof of a vehicle, the vehicle having a seat to be occupied by a passenger or an operator, the hoist system comprising a hoist operable by a person located in the seat, the hoist system being adapted, when mounted on the vehicle to move a powered wheelchair between a first position and a second position; wherein in the first position the wheelchair is within reach of a person located in the seat; and in the second position the wheelchair is securely stowed overlying the roof of the vehicle.

19.A hoist system according to claim 18, comprising a motor.

20.A hoist system according to claim 19, wherein the motor is powered by the electrical system of the vehicle to which the hoist system is attached.

21.A hoist system according to any of claims 18 to 20, wherein the control panel for the hoist is situated within easy reach of the person when positioned on the seat of the vehicle.

22.A hoist system according to any of claims 18 to 21, wherein the hoist system is fixed securely to the roof of the vehicle by means of suitable clamps.

23.A hoist system according to any of claims 18 to 22, wherein the hoisting means is a cable or the like made of a suitably strong material.

24.A hoist system according to claim 23, wherein the free end of the cable comprises a lifting hook or the like to attach to a powered wheelchair.

25.A hoist system according to any of claims 18 to 24, wherein the hoist system comprises a lifting member for movement between a lifting position extending from a side of the vehicle, and a travelling means overlying the roof of the vehicle.

26.A hoist system according to claim 25, wherein the lifting member is a single component, such as a strut or the like.

27.A hoist system according to claim 25, wherein the lifting member is a frame.

28.A hoist system according to any of claims 18 to 27, wherein the hoist system further comprises a means for biasing the lifting member into the lifting position.

29.A hoist system according to claim 28, wherein the biasing means is a gas strut.

30.A hoist system according to claim 28, wherein the biasing means is one or more springs.

31.A hoist system according to any of claims 28 to 30, wherein the motor of the hoist system acts against the biasing means, such that deploying the lifting member may be controlled by the speed of the motor.

32.A hoist system according to any of claims 18 to 31, wherein the hoist system comprises a means for engaging with the wheelchair.

33.A hoist system according to claim 32, wherein the engaging means is one or more hooks, designed to lock the powered wheelchair into the travelling position.

34.A hoist system according to claims 32 or 33, wherein the wheelchair automatically engages with the said means when being lifted and is automatically released when being returned to the ground.

35.A powered wheelchair comprising attachment means for attaching to a winch cable, the attachment means being disposed on the wheelchair such that when the wheelchair is raised by the attachment means causing the wheelchair to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the wheelchair.

36.A powered wheelchair according to claim 35, wherein the wheelchair is in the form of a trike having three wheels.

37.A powered wheelchair according to either of claims 35 or 36, wherein the wheelchair is powered by at least one battery.

38.A powered wheelchair according to claim 37, wherein the at least one battery is rechargeable.

39.A powered wheelchair according to claim 38, wherein the at least one battery is of the lithium-ion or nickel metal hydride variety.

40.A powered wheelchair according to any of claims 38 to 39, wherein the at least one battery powers a motor.

41.A powered wheelchair according to claim 40, wherein the motor is brushless.

42.A powered wheelchair according to claims 40 or 41, wherein the motor is gearless.

43.A powered wheelchair according to any of claims 35 to 42, wherein the motor is within, and powers, the front wheel.

44.A powered wheelchair according to any of claims 35 to 43, further comprising a seat.

45.A powered wheelchair according to claim 44, wherein the seat is able to move between a raised and lowered position.

46.A powered wheelchair according to claim 45, wherein the seat is able to move between a raised and lowered position by means of a gas strut.

47.A powered wheelchair according to claim 46, wherein the gas strut is controlled by means of a handle.

48.A powered wheelchair according to claim 47, wherein the handle is located so as to be easily reachable by the user when seated upon the wheelchair.

49. A powered wheelchair according to any of claims 44 to 48, wherein the seat is removable from the body of the wheelchair.

50.A powered wheelchair according to any of claims 44 to 49, wherein the drive system of the wheelchair is disabled when the seat is not in the lowered position.

51. A powered wheelchair according to claim 50, wherein the wheelchair is disabled my means of a micro switch.

52.A powered wheelchair according to any of claims 35 to 51, further comprising a steering column.

53.A powered wheelchair according to claim 52, wherein the steering column is connected to, and controls the position of the front wheel of the vehicle.

54.A powered wheelchair according to any of claims 35 to 53, further comprising a speed controlling means.

55.A powered wheelchair according to claim 54, wherein the speed controlling means features on the handlebars of a steering column.

56.A powered wheelchair according to any of claims 35 to 55, further comprising a brake.

57.A powered wheelchair according to claim 56, wherein the brake is of the manual variety.

58 A powered wheelchair according to claim 56, wherein the brake is of the automatic variety.

59.A powered wheelchair according to any of claims 35 to 58, wherein the frame of the powered vehicle comprises a winch attachment means.

60.A powered wheelchair according to any of claims 35 to 59, wherein the speed of the wheelchair may be limited.

61. A powered wheelchair comprising a central frame member extending in the same plane as the central longitudinal axis of the wheelchair; and at least one battery for powering the wheelchair; wherein the at least one battery is situated inside the central frame member.

62.A powered wheelchair according to claim 61, wherein the wheelchair is in the form of a trike having three wheels.

63.A powered wheelchair according to either of claims 61 or 62, wherein the wheelchair is powered by at least one battery.

64.A powered wheelchair according to claim 63, wherein the at least one battery is rechargeable.

65.A powered wheelchair according to claim 64, wherein the at least one battery is of the lithium-ion or nickel metal hydride variety.

66.A powered wheelchair according to any of claims 61 to 65, wherein the at least one battery powers a motor.

67.A powered wheelchair according to claim 66, wherein the motor is brushless.

68.A powered wheelchair according to claims 66 or 67, wherein the motor is gearless.

69.A powered wheelchair according to any of claims 61 to 68, wherein the motor is within, and powers, the front wheel.

70.A powered wheelchair according to any of claims 61 to 69, further comprising a seat.

71.A powered wheelchair according to claim 70, wherein the seat is able to move between a raised and a lowered position.

72.A powered wheelchair according to claim 71, wherein the seat is able to move between a raised and a lowered position by means of a gas strut.

73.A powered wheelchair according to claim 72, wherein the gas strut is controlled by means of a handle.

74.A powered wheelchair according to claim 73, wherein the handle is located so as to be easily reachable when seated upon the wheelchair.

75. A powered wheelchair according to any of claims 70 to 74, wherein the seat is removable from the body of the wheelchair.

76.A powered wheelchair according to any of claims 61 to 75, wherein the powered vehicle is disabled when the seat is not in the lowered position.

77.A powered wheelchair according to claim 76, wherein the wheelchair is disabled my means of a micro switch.

78.A powered wheelchair according to any of claims 61 to 77, further comprising a steering column.

79.A powered wheelchair according to claim 78, wherein the steering column is connected to, and controls the position of the front wheel of the vehicle.

80.A powered wheelchair according to any of claims 61 to 79, further comprising a speed controlling means.

81.A powered wheelchair according to claim 80, wherein the speed controlling means features on the handlebars of a steering column.

82.A powered wheelchair according to any of claims 61 to 51, further comprising a brake.

83.A powered wheelchair according to claim 82, wherein the brake is of the manual variety.

84.A powered wheelchair according to claim 82, wherein the brake is of the automatic variety.

85.A powered wheelchair according to any of claims 61 to 84, wherein the frame of the powered vehicle comprises a winch attachment means.

86.A powered wheelchair according to any of claims 61 to 85, wherein the speed of the wheelchair may be limited.

87.A powered wheelchair substantially as hereinbefore described having reference to Figures 1 and 2.

88.A hoist system substantially as hereinbefore described having reference to any of Figures 3 to 6.

89. A combined wheelchair and hoist assembly comprising a hoist system according to any of claims 18 to 34 or 88 and a wheelchair according to any of claims 35 to 87.