Burke, Inc.

Burke Mobility Products, Inc.

James E Ernst

DuWayne E Kramer, Jr

Jerry L Traylor

Brian W Mellies

Timothy F Dunfee

DuWayne E Karmer, Jr

John T Langaker

James C Hile

A bariatric transport is provided. The transport includes a bed area for use by a bariatric patient. The transport further includes a drive assembly that is operable to selectively drive the transport in forward and rearward directions and permit turning of the transport with little or no lateral movement of the transport. Leading and trailing stabilizing wheel assemblies are provided that are selectively moveable into and out of engagement with a supporting floor. Drive devices are also provided to provide selective elevating and lowering of various components of bariatric patient supports.

Bariatric transport with improved maneuverability

A powered wheelchair for disabled persons is provided that has a frame that has a first end and a second end. A seat support is coupled to the frame between the first and second ends. A pair of swivel wheels is coupled to the frame proximate the first end and a pair of motor driven wheels is connected to the frame proximate the second end. A motor is coupled to each of the driven wheels. The motors are adapted to allow a change in the rotational direction of the driven wheel to which it is coupled, wherein the rotational direction of the motors may be changed when the wheelchair is converted from a rear wheel drive wheelchair to a front wheel drive wheelchair. At least one battery is coupled to the motors, the battery providing power to the motors. An electronic controller is coupled to the motors and the battery. The controller has a user interface that is used to direct the speed and direction of the wheelchair. A seat assembly is reversibly coupled to the seat support and extends upwardly above the frame. The seat assembly has an extension member coupled thereto that is adapted to be reversed in direction relative to the seat support. The seat assembly further includes a seat base having a front edge. The seat base may thus be located so that the front edge is located generally over the swivel wheels to provide a rear wheel drive wheelchair and may be reversed so that the front edge is located generally over the driven wheels to provide a front wheel drive wheelchair. The rotational direction of the driven wheels may be reversed so that a forward command from the controller results in a different rotation when the wheelchair is in a rear wheel drive configuration as compared to a forward command when the wheelchair is in a front wheel drive configuration.

Front wheel/rear wheel drive convertible wheelchair

A powered wheelchair for disabled persons is provided that has a center frame that has a first end and a second end. The wheelchair further has a seat support coupled to the center frame between the first and second ends. A pair of rear stabilizing wheels is connected to the center frame near the first end. The wheelchair further includes a drive assembly that is removably coupled to the center frame near the second end. The drive assembly has a pair of drive wheels that each have a motor operably connected thereto. A coupling mechanism is associated with the frame and the drive assembly that removably couples the frame to the drive assembly. The coupling mechanism is applicable and releasable by hand without the use of any tools. A power source is removably held on the center frame generally between the first and second ends, and is electrically connected to each of the motors. A seat assembly is removably coupled to the seat support that extends upwardly above the center frame. Finally, a controller is provided that allows operation of the drive assembly to be controlled. The controller is removably coupled to the seat assembly.

Powered wheelchair with separating frame

A tiller assembly for steering a personal mobility vehicle. A knuckle joint for the tiller includes a base secured on the front wheel steering spindle and a knuckle element connected for limited pivotal movement on the base. A bolt connects the knuckle element to the base and also connects the tiller to the knuckle joint. A spring loaded pin on the tiller enters spaced apart openings in the knuckle element to lock the tiller to the knuckle element in any one of various positions, including an operating position and a collapsed position. Adjustment screws on the base are contacted by stop surfaces on the knuckle element to limit in both directions the pivoting of the knuckle element. This allows the tiller to float to a limited extent and also to act rigidly when the vehicle user needs to pull himself up by using the tiller. Spacer sleeves on the pivot bolt allow adjustment of the friction between the knuckle element and base without affecting the tiller.

Growing community of inventors

Kansas City, KS, United States of America

James E Ernst