GB819527A - Improvements in or relating to invalid chairs - Google Patents

Abstract

819,527. Electrically propelled vehicles; motor forecarriages. SLATER, J. A. Jan. 15, 1957 [Jan. 17, 1956], No. 1496/56. Class 79(3) [Also in Groups XXXII and XXXVII] An invalid chair comprises a seatcarrying upright framework, a pair of non-driven spaced wheels 9 supported in the base of the framework at or near to the rearward edge thereof, a single driven wheel 8 supported centrally of the forward region of the framework this wheel being adaped to be rotated by steering means 17, 18 at least through substantially a semicircle, and a front wheel electric driving motor 11 mounted immediately adjacent the wheel 8 in such a manner as to partake in the steering movements thereof, the steering means comprising an upright column 17 adapted to present electrical switch means for controlling operation of the motor. As shown, the motor 11 is connected through a reduction gear box 12, a chain 14 and sprockets 13, 15 to the wheel 8, and is mounted in a housing 7 having an upwardly extending stub 6 rotatably mounted by means of ball races 16 in a collar 5 secured to a transverse tube 3 of the chair framework. The stub 6 is connected by a pin and slot 21 with the steering column 17. An electrical plug 19b within the stub 6 is adapted to engage a socket (not shown) in the column 17 to permit control of the motor 11 by a rotatable portion 18a of the steering' means 18. The portion 18a operates a rotary switch controlling relays 24 (see Group XXXVII) providing reverse and slow and fast forward drive to the wheel 8. Co-operating stop means (not shown) on the stub 6 and collar 5 prevent rotation of the column 17 through more than 190 degrees. Alternatively the housing 7 and driving wheel 8 may be made rotatable through 360 degrees. Storage batteries 22 are mounted on a tray 23 extending between the rear wheels 9.