WHEEL-CHAIR FOR TRANSPORTING OR ASSISTING THE DISPLACEMENT OF AT LEAST ONE USER, PARTICULARLY FOR A HANDICAPED PERSON

PCT No. PCT/CH95/00270 Sec. 371 Date Jul. 17, 1996 Sec. 102(e) Date Jul. 17, 1996 PCT Filed Nov. 17, 1995 PCT Pub. No. WO96/15752 PCT Pub. Date May 30, 1996The chair according to the invention comprises a chassis (60) with a support for the user, specifically a seat, a cab for a stroller, or handles for pushing the device. The chassis consists of two portions (61, 62) connected by an articulation (63) with a transverse axle. The first chassis portion (61) is equipped with two main wheels (66) whose common axle (67) is near the line of action (p) of the user's weight, and at least one front or rear contact wheel (68). The second chassis portion (62) uses at least one contact wheel (69) to contact the ground at the other end of the chair. The wheels may be arranged in a diamond shape, and the contact wheels (68, 69) turn freely. There is preferably a spring device (72) connecting the two chassis portions to store and release energy when clearing obstacles. In the case of a wheelchair, the main wheels (66) are either manually driven or controlled by separate motors. The distinctive features of such a device are ease of manipulation and ability to clear obstacles.