초록 ▼

A self-powered, all terrain vehicle designed for self-assisted transfers of a paraplegic, or other disabled person, between the vehicle and a wheelchair. A longitudinally extended vehicle underframe is carried between two track mechanisms. Each track mechanism has an endless belt about the same and

A self-powered, all terrain vehicle designed for self-assisted transfers of a paraplegic, or other disabled person, between the vehicle and a wheelchair. A longitudinally extended vehicle underframe is carried between two track mechanisms. Each track mechanism has an endless belt about the same and about pivotally mounted idler wheels and a rear drive sprocket in driving engagement with the belt. Each drive sprocket is driven by a hydraulic motor powered by a hydraulic pump coupled to an internal combustion engine. Height adjustable motor mounts permit adjusting the tension in each belt. A seat assembly carried by the underframe provides a passenger seating surface that extends laterally outward over the track mechanisms to minimize the lateral distance a wheelchair-bound passenger must heave his body to mount and dismount the vehicle. To achieve a narrow vehicle profile for ease of passenger entry and exit, the engine and hydraulic drive system components are disposed longitudinally, and the hydraulic fluid tank comprises two wing tank portions disposed under side portions of the seating surface and joined by a rear tank portion mounted behind the seating assembly. An air bladder seat suspension system aids passenger comfort and permits adjusting the longitudinal attitude of the seating surface. Passenger safety restraints include a pair of leg rests, and seat and shoulder belts. A steerable auxiliary wheel system is provided for rolling the vehicle on auxiliary wheels in the event the vehicle becomes inoperable.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] An all terrain vehicle for self-assisted transfers of a disabled passenger between said vehicle and a wheelchair, and for transporting the passenger over a ground surface, comprising:a longitudinally elongated underframe carried between two track mechanisms, each of said track mecha

[ I claim:] [1.] An all terrain vehicle for self-assisted transfers of a disabled passenger between said vehicle and a wheelchair, and for transporting the passenger over a ground surface, comprising:a longitudinally elongated underframe carried between two track mechanisms, each of said track mechanisms having an endless belt about the same and pivotally mounted idler wheels and a rear drive sprocket in driving engagement with the belt;a seat assembly centrally disposed above and carried by the underframe and providing a passenger seating surface that extends laterally outward over the track mechanisms wherein the passenger seating surface is at least 20 inches and not more than 27 inches above the ground surface;hydraulic drive means mounted on the vehicle, said hydraulic drive means including hydraulic motors coupled to said drive sprockets, each motor supported by a motor mount assembly attached to the underframe;an internal combustion engine mounted on the vehicle and coupled to the hydraulic drive means for powering the vehicle; andhydraulic drive control means mounted on the vehicle for initiating and controlling forward, reverse, and turning movements of the vehicle over said ground surface.