DESC:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
AND
The Patents Rules, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(Section 10 and Rule 13)

TITLE
A Portable Wheelchair Driving Apparatus

APPLICANT
(a) Beable Technology Pvt Ltd,
(b) An Indian Start-up Company,
(c) Haribansh Mishra, Road No.1, Ara Sankat Mochan Nagar, New Police Line Area, BHOJPUR, BIHAR – 802163, INDIA

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a portable wheelchair driving apparatus. Particularly this invention relates to a portable wheelchair driving apparatus for use in a wheelchair which allows the user to transform their conventional wheelchair into a tricycle to make it to ride.
STATE OF THE ART IN THE FIELD
Wheelchairs are excellent devices to provide mobility to handicapped people worldwide. But the same get frequently stuck or tip over on rough terrains of our roads and pavements. On the other hand, traditional tricycles which are suitable to ride on rough terrains are too bulky for indoor use. So, currently, wheelchair users in India have to be dependent on two different mobility solutions i.e. tricycle for outdoor and wheelchair for indoor mobility.
In the United States Patent, publication no US6669222B1, discloses a hand-driven unicycle having attachment means for attaching said unicycle to hitch means located on a wheelchair to thereby form a hand-driven tricycle, the improvement comprising: a positioning stand attached to said unicycle, said positioning stand adapted to hold said unicycle in a position to allow said hitch means of said wheelchair to be moved into latching engagement with said attachment means of said unicycle; and latching means for releasably latching said attachment means to said hitch means.
In the United States Patent, publication no US7735847B2, discloses an all-terrain adapter for a wheelchair of the type having a seat frame, including a foot support, and large rear wheels and smaller front wheels mounted to the seat frame for allowing the wheelchair to be rolled over a surface, the adapter comprising: a strut for removable attachment at one end to the foot support; a single nose gear wheel having a diameter that is at least ten inches; a swivel mount for attaching the nose gear wheel to another end of the strut so that the nose gear wheel swivels about an axis that is slightly inclined from the vertical; attachment means for attaching and detaching the one end of the strut to the foot support; and wherein the front wheels of the wheelchair are lifted from the ground and remain suspended above the ground by the action of propelling the wheelchair in the forward direction to cause the nose gear wheel to swivel in a direction that shortens the wheelbase of the wheelchair between the nose gear wheel and the rear wheels.
In the United States Patent, publication no US8585071B2, discloses a forward wheel apparatus for a wheelchair, the wheelchair comprising rear wheels, forward wheels, a primary frame having a first side and a second side, the primary frame connected to the rear wheels and the forward wheels, a seat attached to the primary frame and disposed between the first and second sides, the first side comprising a portion to which the forward wheel apparatus is releasably securable, the forward wheel apparatus comprising: a. a caster having a pivot axis; b. a forward wheel support attached to the caster; c. a mounting member comprising a first opening to receive the forward wheel support, the mounting member further comprising a second opening to receive a pin for aligning the forward wheel support in an orientation relative to the mounting member, and the mounting member further comprising a clamp to facilitate releasable securing of the forward wheel apparatus to the portion; wherein the pivot axis of the caster is securable in a desired orientation relative to the wheelchair, and wherein attaching the forward wheel apparatus to the portion leaves a substantially unobstructed opening for a user to pass through while transferring into or out of the wheelchair.
There are disadvantages associated with the conventional devices used for converting a wheelchair into a tricycle. One of the disadvantages is that conventional devices do not provide mobility to the wheelchair on move-in uneven terrains.
Another disadvantage associated with conventional devices is that people use tricycles outdoor and wheelchairs for indoor mobility.
Yet another disadvantage associated with the conventional device is that the attachments used in converting a wheelchair are not detachable in some cases.
Still another disadvantage associated with the conventional device is that attachments used in converting a wheelchair are detachable but cant be carried easily.
A further disadvantage associated with the conventional device is that attachments used in converting a wheelchair are not universal and thus require a special type of wheelchair.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a portable wheelchair driving apparatus that obviates the disadvantages associated with conventional devices.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which provides mobility to the wheelchair even on uneven terrains while traveling.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which can be connected to the wheelchair when the person travels outside the home, thus tricycles for outdoors are not necessary.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which can be attached and detached according to the necessity.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which can be connected to the wheelchair, thus easy to stow and carry with the wheelchair.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which can be connected to any wheelchair present in the market.
STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, there is provided a portable wheelchair driving apparatus comprising a wheel hub motor adapted to be secured with at least one vertical holding arm such that to rotate a wheel secured therewith, a body frame secure with upper end of the holding arm being provided to hold a connecting arm provided to secure the body frame with mainframe of the wheelchair by means of a wheelchair attachment such that to convert a wheelchair to a self-driven tricycle, a foldable handle being secured with the body frame to facilitate steering of the wheelchair (self-driven tricycle), a control and power unit being provided in the body frame such that to control the speed of the wheel hub motor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A portable wheelchair driving apparatus, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is herein described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein;
FIG. 1 (A & B) - illustrates a perspective view of the portable wheelchair driving apparatus,
FIG. 2 - illustrates a perspective view of the portable wheelchair driving apparatus in a folding state,
FIG. 3 - illustrates an exploded view of the vertical holding arm, body frame, and foldable handle,
FIG. 4 - illustrates an exploded view of the wheelchair attachment and connecting arm, and
FIG. 5 - illustrates a perspective view of the portable wheelchair driving apparatus attached with a wheelchair.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A portable wheelchair driving apparatus of the present invention is described with numerous specific details so as to provide a complete understanding of the invention. However, these specific details are exemplary details and should not be treated as the limitation to the scope of the invention. Throughout this specification the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises or comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusions of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusions of any other element, integer or step or group of elements, integers or steps.
Referring to the drawing, particularly figure 1(A & B) perspective view of the portable wheelchair driving apparatus is shown. The portable wheelchair driving apparatus to convert a conventional wheelchair into a self-driven tricycle comprises a wheel hub motor (1) adapted to be secured with at least one vertical holding arm (2) at the lower end such that to rotate a wheel (3) secured therewith. A body frame (4) secure with upper end of the holding arm (2) is provided to hold a connecting arm (5) which is provided to secure the body frame (4) with the mainframe of the wheelchair by means of a wheelchair attachment (6) (shown in fig. 1(B)) such that to convert a wheelchair to a self-driven tricycle. A foldable handle (7) is secured at upper end of the body frame (4) to facilitate steering of the wheelchair (self-driven tricycle). A control and power unit (not shown in fig.) are provided in the body frame (4) such that to control the speed of the wheel hub motor (1). Multiple switches (8) are provided at the top surface of the body frame and are connected to the control and power unit to control, for example, on/off, power status, speed, etc. of the wheel hub motor or self-driven tricycle as and when required.
Referring to figure 2, perspective view of the portable wheelchair driving apparatus in a folding state. In the folding state, the connecting arm (5) and foldable handle (7) are folded as shown in the figure. A chamber (9) is provided in the body frame (4) to accommodate / fold or to conceal the connecting arm (5) therein in the storage position. A pair of other chambers (10) is provided in the body frame (4) at both sides of the body frame (4) to accommodate / fold or to conceal the foldable handle (7) therein in storage position or as and when required.
Referring to figure 3, an exploded view of the vertical holding arm, body frame, and foldable handle of the portable wheelchair driving apparatus are shown. The motor hub of the wheel hub motor (1) is secured with the vertical holding arm (2) at one side with the help of a clamp (11) or a joint means (11). In other embodiment, the motor hub of the wheel hub motor (1) is secured with the two vertical holding arms (2) at both sides of the wheel hub motor (1) with help of the clamps (11) or a joint means (11). Multiple holes (12) are provided in the body frame (4) to hold and secure the vertical holding arm (2) at a required height by means of a pin (13) so as to adjust the ground clearance. Another multiples holes (14) are provided to attach the connecting arm (5) with the help of the pin at a suitable height to the body frame (4). A joint means (15) is provided to secure the rod (16) of the foldable handle (7) with the upper end of the body frame (4). A lock and foldable joint (17) is provided to secure the rod (16) and foldable handle (7) to lock and fold the foldable handle (7) as and when required.
Referring to the fig. 4, an exploded view of the wheelchair attachment and connecting arm are shown. In the exploded view of the connecting arm, a bush (18) is provided to be secure at one end of the connecting arm (5). A clamp (not shown in fig.), for example, a U-shaped clamp is clamped with the bush such that the clamp or the body frame (4) is movable in the left / right direction. The clamp is secured with the body frame (4) rotatably such that to hold one end of the connecting arm (5) therewith by means of the holes (14) and another pin (not shown in the figure). The connecting arm (5) is secured with the body frame (4) with the help of the clamp such that left and right movement of the connecting arm (5) is allowed, up and down movement of the connecting arm (5) is locked by inserting another pin in a hole (14) provided with the body frame wherever the connecting arm (5) is attached with the wheelchair attachment. Angular movement of the connecting arm (5) is allowed to fold the connecting arm (5) in the chamber (9) provided in the body frame to hold the connecting arm whenever require. Multiple holes (19) are provided in the connecting arm (5) to adjust the length between the mainframe of the wheelchair and the body frame. In the exploded view of the wheelchair attachment, the wheelchair attachment (6) comprises a hollow connector (20) secured at both sides of a locking means (21). The connecting rod (22) adapted to be secured with the said hollow connectors (20) telescopically is provided such that to connect the attachment with the mainframe of the wheelchair. Multiple’s pins (23) are provided to lock the connecting rod (22) with the hollow connectors (20). The connecting rods (22) have a mounting clamp (24) provided at free ends of the connecting rods (22) such that to secure the connecting arm with the mainframe of the wheelchair.
In another embodiment, wheelchair attachment (6) is replaced with a single joint to attached the connecting arm to the wheelchair frame.
Referring to figure 5, a perspective view of the portable wheelchair driving apparatus attached with a wheelchair is shown. The portable wheelchair driving apparatus is attached with a wheelchair and the wheelchair is converted into a self-driven tricycle. When the portable wheelchair driving apparatus is attached to the wheelchair, the front wheels of the wheelchair are lifted up from the ground to make a tricycle.
The portable wheelchair driving apparatus is stored / or attached to the wheelchair. The driving part of the portable wheelchair driving apparatus is attached/hold at the back frame of the wheelchair. Wheelchair attachment (6) is attached with the front frame of the wheelchair. When the wheelchair user needs to drive the wheelchair by the portable wheelchair driving apparatus then the user takes the portable wheelchair driving apparatus from the back frame of the wheelchair and attached the same with the wheelchair with the help of the locking means (21) provided in the wheelchair attachment (6). Once the user attaches the portable wheelchair driving apparatus the user can drive the wheelchair as a tricycle.
Certain features of the invention have been described with reference to the example embodiments. However, the description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the example embodiments as well as other embodiments of the invention, which are apparent to the persons skilled in the art to which the invention pertains, are deemed to lie within the spirit and scope of the invention. ,CLAIMS:We Claim
1. A portable wheelchair driving apparatus comprising a wheel hub motor (1) adapted to be secured with at least one vertical holding arm (2) such that to rotate a wheel (3) secured therewith, a body frame (4) secure with upper end of the holding arm (2) being provided to hold a connecting arm (5) provided to secure the body frame (4) with mainframe of the wheelchair by means of a wheelchair attachment (6) such that to convert a wheelchair to a self-driven tricycle, a foldable handle (7) being secured with the body frame (4) to facilitate steering of the wheelchair (self-driven tricycle), a control and power unit being provided in the body frame (4) such that to control speed of the wheel hub motor (1).
2. The portable wheelchair driving apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wheel hub motor (1) is secured at the lower end of the vertical holding arm (2).
3. The portable wheelchair driving apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body frame has multiple holes (12) such to hold the vertical holding arm (2) at a required height by means of a pin so as to adjust the ground clearance.
4. The portable wheelchair driving apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body frame (4) has clamp provided therewith rotatably such that to hold an end of the connecting arm (5) therewith by means of another pin.
5. The portable wheelchair driving apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein multiple holes (19) are provided in the connecting arm (5) to adjust the length between the mainframe of the wheelchair and the body frame.
6. The portable wheelchair driving apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein body frame (4) has a chamber (9) to accommodate the connecting arm (5) therein whenever required.
7. The portable wheelchair driving apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wheelchair attachment (6) comprises a hollow connector (20) secured at either side of a locking means (21), a connecting rod (22) adapted to be secured with the said hollow connectors telescopically being provided such that to connect the attachment with the mainframe of the wheelchair.
8. The portable wheelchair driving apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting rods (22) has a mounting clamp (24) provided at free ends of the connecting rods such that to secure the connecting arm with the mainframe of the wheelchair.
9. The portable wheelchair driving apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a switch (8) is provided at top surface of the body frame to switch on the wheel hub motor as and when required.
Dated this 9th day of September 2020.

R. P. Yadav
IN/PA - 954
of sr4ipr Partners
Applicant’s Attorney