摘要 |
An upright bicycle for supporting a handicapped or infirm person in a generally vertical position while providing a self-propelled ambulatory capability is disclosed. A pyramidal-shaped frame is comprised of a plurality of generally vertical telescoping members mounted on a flat, generally horizontal platform. Two large side wheels are rotationally mounted to the frame and easily rotated by a person positioned on an aft portion of the platform. The platform is provided with foot pads on the upper surface thereof for enhanced user support, with rollers/casters provided on the lower side thereof for increased platform stability. A sternal support in combination with a removable tray is mounted to an upper portion of the frame, while to an intermediate portion thereof is mounted a strap/buttocks support adapted to extend around and encompass the lower, rear portion of the torso of the person. Positioned beneath the strap/buttocks support on the frame are a pair of concave pads for engaging and providing support for the lower legs of the person. Hand-operated, positive locking brakes are mounted on each side of the frame for firmly engaging a respective one of the two large side wheels with a minimal amount of effort. All of the aforementioned support elements are adjustable, as is the telescoping frame itself, to accommodate user growth or a number of different persons of various sizes. In addition, side wheel size may be changed by changing only a minimal number of frame components.
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