Accessory mount, support mount and related accessories and methods for wheeled conveyances

Abstract

A supplemental wheel assembly for a wheeled conveyance has first and second laterally spaced apart positioning plates securable to a camber tube attached to the wheeled conveyance. The first and second positioning plates have a plurality of pairs of positioning apertures defining a plurality of arm positions. The supplemental wheel assembly further has a support arm rotatably mountable between the first and second positioning plates and rotatable between the plurality of arm positions when mounted between the positioning plates. The support arm has an arm length extending from a proximal arm end to a distal arm end, and a telescopic joint at a location between the distal arm end and the proximal arm end. The arm length is continuously adjustable using the telescopic joint. The supplemental wheel assembly further has a stop pin slidably insertable through any of the pairs of positioning apertures to define an arm stop position.

Description

ACCESSORY MOUNT, SUPPORT MOUNT AND RELATED ACCESSORIES AND METHODS FOR WHEELED CONVEYANCESCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 574,090, filed on April 3, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 712,187, filed on October 25, 2024, the entirety of both of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to generally to the field of accessories and accessory mounts for wheeled conveyances and methods of mounting thereto.INTRODUCTION

[0003] Wheeled conveyances, such as wheelchairs, assist individuals, such as individuals with a disability or limited mobility, with moving from one place to another, offering independence and accessibility. Accessories for wheeled conveyances mounted to a portion thereof provide additional functionality to users of such wheeled conveyances. However, such accessories must be mounted in such a way as to maintain or enhance the safety of the users of these wheeled conveyances.SUMMARY OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

[0004] In accordance with a broad aspect of the teachings herein, an accessory mount assembly for a wheeled conveyance having a pair of rear wheels, a conveyance support structure having a rearward support member extending laterally between the pair of rear wheels and a laterally extending forward support member spaced apart from the rearward support member, includes a mounting shaft having a forward shaft end longitudinally spaced apart from a rearward shaft end; a forward bracket proximate the forward shaft end, the forward bracket securable to the forward laterally extending member; and a rearward bracket connected to the mounting shaft proximate the rearward shaft end. The rearward bracket has first and second laterally spaced apart positioning plates, the positioning plates securable to the rearward support member. The accessory mount further has a support arm rotatably mountable between the first and second positioning plates, the support arm rotatable about the rearward support member between a plurality of arm positions when mounted between the positioning plates.

[0005] In at least one embodiment, the forward bracket may extend outwardly from the mounting shaft in one of an upward direction and a downward direction, and the rearward bracket may extend in the other of the upward direction and the downward direction.

[0006] In at least one embodiment, at least one of the forward bracket and the rearward bracket may be extendable from the mounting shaft.

[0007] In at least one embodiment, each of the forward bracket and the rearward bracket may further include a bracket mouth. The bracket mouths may face in opposed directions.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, at least one of the forward bracket and the rearward bracket may further include an inner surface comprising a resiliently compressible material.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, the forward bracket may further include a lower leg connected to a shaft sleeve. The shaft sleeve may have a shaft opening sized to receive the mounting shaft. The shaft sleeve may be movably connected to the mounting shaft.

[0010] In at least one embodiment, the mounting shaft may further include an upper shaft side and a lower shaft side. The support arm may be rotatably mounted in a vertical plane that bisects the mounting shaft through the forward and rearward shaft ends and the upper and lower shaft sides.

[0011] In at least one embodiment, the rearward bracket may further include a drawbar having a proximal drawbar end longitudinally spaced apart from a distal drawbar end. The proximal drawbar end may be secured between the first and second positioning plates. The distal drawbar end may be slidably connected to the mounting shaft.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, the mounting shaft may further include a drawbar opening sized to receive the drawbar. The drawbar opening may extend inwardly into the mounting shaft from the rearward shaft end toward the forward shaft end. The distal drawbar end may be removably insertable into the drawbar opening.

[0013] In at least one embodiment, the drawbar opening may be a first drawbar opening and the mounting shaft may further include a second drawbar opening spaced apart from the first drawbar opening.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, the accessory mount may further include a first drawbar opening and a second drawbar opening. Each of the first and second drawbar openings may be connected to the mounting shaft. At least one of the first and second drawbar openings may be sized to receive the drawbar.

[0015] In at least one embodiment, the support arm may extend from a proximal arm end to a distal arm end. The proximal arm end may have a rearward support member opening sized to receive the rearward member. The proximal arm end may be rotatably supported by the rearward support member.

[0016] In at least one embodiment, the proximal arm end may further include a moveable arm portion. The moveable arm portion may be moveable between a closed position in which the rearward member opening is closed and an open position in which the rearward member opening is open and the rearward support member may be receivable in the rearward member opening.

[0017] In at least one embodiment, the support arm may extend from a proximal arm end to a distal arm end. The proximal arm end may be rotatably supported by the first and second positioning plates.

[0018] In at least one embodiment, the accessory mount may further include an arm accessory removably connected to the distal arm end of the support arm.

[0019] In at least one embodiment, the arm accessory may be a first arm accessory and the accessory mount may further include a second arm accessory removably connectable to the distal arm end. The second arm accessory may be interchangeable with the first arm accessory.

[0020] In at least one embodiment, the support arm may be an anti-tip arm and the arm accessory may be a ground engaging member.

[0021] In at least one embodiment, the support arm may have a telescopic joint at a location between the distal arm end and the proximal arm end. Whereby an arm length extending from the distal arm end to the proximal arm end is continuously adjustable using the telescopic joint.

[0022] In at least one embodiment, each positioning plate may further include a first face and a second face laterally opposed to the first face. At least one of the first and second faces of at least one of the positioning plates may have a curved track. The proximal arm end may be rotatably supported by the curved track.

[0023] In at least one embodiment, the curved track may be recessed into the at least one of the first and second faces of the at least one of the positioning plates. The proximal arm end may include a protruding portion sized to slidably engage the curved track.

[0024] In at least one embodiment, the rearward bracket may further include a plurality of pairs of positioning apertures aligned through the first and second positioning plates. Each pair of positioning apertures may define a corresponding arm position of the plurality of arm positions. Each pair of positioning apertures may have an aperture spacing from at least one adjacent pair of positioning apertures. The rearward bracket may further include at least one stop pin. Each stop pin may be slidably insertable through any of the pairs of positioning apertures.

[0025] In at least one embodiment, the at least one stop pin may include an upper stop pin and a lower stop pin. When the support arm is positioned between the upper and lower stop pins, the support arm may be rotatable between a standby position in which the support arm is in contact with lower stop pin and an operating position in which the support arm is in contact with upper stop pin.

[0026] In at least one embodiment, the support arm may include a pin bore. The pin bore may extend laterally through the support arm and may be positionable in alignment with any of the pairs of positioning apertures. When the pin bore is aligned with one of the pairs of positioning apertures, the at least one stop pin may be slidably insertable through the pin bore whereby the support arm may be fixed in the corresponding arm position of the pairs of positioning aperture.

[0027] In at least one embodiment, a longitudinal axis of the rearward support member may be coaxial with a wheel rotation axis of the pair of rear wheels and the support arm may be rotatable about the wheel rotation axis between the positioning plates.

[0028] In at least one embodiment, the wheeled conveyance may further comprise an electromechanical assembly that is configured to electronically control the arm position of the support arm and a controller that is communicatively coupled to the controller for controlling the operation of the electromechanical assembly.

[0029] In accordance with another broad aspect of the teachings herein, there is provided a method of mounting an accessory mount to a support structure of a wheeled conveyance. The support structure has a rearward support member extending laterally between a pair of rear wheels and a laterally extending forward support member spaced apart from the rearward support member. The method includes positioning a front bracket of a mounting shaft of the accessory mount proximate the forward support member with a mouth of the front bracket facing the forward support member; and positioning a rear bracket of the mounting shaft of the accessory mount proximate the rearward support member with a mouth of the rear bracket facing the rearward support member. The mouths of the front and rear brackets face opposite directions. The method further includes securing one of the front bracket to the forward support member and the rear bracket to the rearward support member; and securing the other of the front bracket to the forward support member and the rear bracket to the rearward support member by slidably adjusting a spacing between the front and rear brackets.

[0030] In at least one embodiment, securing the front bracket to the forward support member may include slidably positioning the front bracket around the forward support member. Securing the rear bracket to the rearward support member may include slidably positioning the rear bracket around the rearward support member.

[0031] In another aspect, there is provided at least one example embodiment in accordance with the teachings herein of a supplemental wheel assembly for use in conjunction with a wheeled conveyance, the supplemental wheel assembly comprising a first positioning plate and a second positioning plate, the second positioning plate being offset laterally from the first positioning plate, the first and second positioning plates securable to a camber tube that is attached to the wheeled conveyance; a support arm rotatably mountable between the first and second positioning plates, the support arm being rotatable between a plurality of arm positions when mounted between the positioning plates; a forward brace having a proximal brace end and a distal brace end. The proximal brace end is secured between the first and secondpositioning plates. The distal brace end has a bracket releasably securable to a forward support member of the wheeled conveyance.

[0032] In at least one embodiment, the forward brace is adapted to extend from the first and second positioning plates in a forward and upward direction.

[0033] In at least one embodiment, the forward brace has a brace axis extending from the proximal brace end to the distal brace end and a brace axis angle that is adjustable relative to the first and second positioning plates.

[0034] In at least one embodiment, the proximal brace end is secured to the first and second positioning plates by at least one pin.

[0035] In at least one embodiment, the forward brace has a brace length extending from the proximal brace end to the distal brace end, and the brace length is adjustable.

[0036] In at least one embodiment, the forward brace comprises a telescopic joint at a location between the proximal brace end and the distal brace end. Whereby the brace length is continuously adjustable using the telescopic joint.

[0037] In at least one embodiment, the forward memberof the wheeled conveyance is a rigidizer bar.

[0038] In at least one embodiment, the wheeled conveyance is foldable, and the forward member of the wheeled conveyance is a cross brace.

[0039] In at least one embodiment, the bracket is an open bracket comprising a pair of protruding members.

[0040] In at least one embodiment, the bracket comprises a clamp.

[0041] In at least one embodiment, the camber tube is integrally formed with the wheeled conveyance support structure.

[0042] In at least one embodiment, the supplemental wheel assembly includes the camber tube, wherein the camber tube is removably mountable to the wheeled conveyance.

[0043] In at least one embodiment, each of the first and second positioning plates comprises: a front positioning plate segment and a rear positioning plate segment. The front and rear positioning plate segments pivotably connected to one another anddefining a central opening such that the first and second positioning plates may removably clamp around the camber tube with the camber tube positioned in the central opening.

[0044] In at least one embodiment, the camber tube comprises first and second camber tube segments, each camber tube segment securable to a respective one of the first and second positioning plates.

[0045]

[0046] In at least one embodiment, the camber the camber tube comprises a first end and a longitudinally opposed second end, and the wheeled conveyance includes a pair of camber tube adapters each sized to removably receive one of the first and second camber tube ends.

[0047] In at least one embodiment, the camber tube adapters include a male or female connector, and the first and second ends of the camber tube include a corresponding female or male connector.

[0048] In at least one embodiment, the camber tube is telescopically adjustable.

[0049] In at least one embodiment, the first and second positioning plates further comprises: a plurality of pairs of positioning apertures aligned through the first and second positioning plates, each pair of positioning apertures defining a corresponding support arm position of the plurality of arm positions, each pair of positioning apertures having an aperture spacing from at least one adjacent pair of positioning apertures; and at least one stop pin, each stop pin being slidably insertable through any of the pairs of positioning apertures.

[0050] In at least one embodiment, the at least one stop pin comprises an upper stop pin and a lower stop pin wherein, when the support arm is positioned between the upper and lower stop pins, the support arm is rotatable between a standby position in which the support arm is in contact with the lower stop pin wheeled conveyance and an operating position in which the support arm is in contact with the upper stop pin.

[0051] In at least one embodiment, the support arm comprises a pin bore, the pin bore extending laterally through the support arm and positionable in alignment with any of the pairs of positioning apertures, and wherein, when the pin bore is aligned with one of the pairs of positioning apertures, the at least one stop pin is slidablyinsertable through the pin bore whereby the support arm is fixed in the corresponding arm position of the pair of positioning apertures.

[0052] In at least one embodiment, the supplemental wheel assembly further comprising: a central bearing having a lateral axis colinear with the camber tube and positioned between the first and second positioning plates; and wherein the support arm extends from a proximal arm end to a distal arm end and the proximal arm end is rotatably supported by the central bearing.

[0053] In at least one embodiment, the support arm further comprises a forward arm extension, the forward arm extension connected to the proximal arm end and extending forward of the camber tube.

[0054] In at least one embodiment, the supplemental wheel assembly further comprises an accessory removably connected to the distal arm end of the support arm.

[0055] In at least one embodiment, the accessory is a first accessory, and the supplemental wheel assembly further comprises a second accessory removably connectable to the distal arm end, the second accessory interchangeable with the first accessory.

[0056] In at least one embodiment, the support arm is an anti-tip arm and the accessory is an anti-tip accessory comprising a ground-engaging member.

[0057] In at least one embodiment, the arm accessory is a power assist device.

[0058] In at least one embodiment, the support arm further includes a telescopic joint at a location between the distal arm end and the proximal arm end, whereby an arm length extending from the distal arm end to the proximal arm end is continuously adjustable using the telescopic joint.

[0059] In at least one embodiment, the supplemental wheel assembly further comprises an electromechanical assembly that is configured to electronically control the arm position of the support arm and a controller that is communicatively coupled to the controller to for controlling the operation of the electromechanical assembly.

[0060] In another aspect, in accordance with the teachings herein, there is provided at least one example embodiment of a wheeled conveyance having a pair of rear wheels and a support structure having a forward member, and a supplemental wheelassembly, wherein the supplemental wheel assembly is mounted to the forward member and is defined according to any one of the embodiments described herein and the supplemental wheel assembly provides an anti-tip function and / or a power assistance.

[0061] In another aspect, in accordance with the teachings herein, there is provided at least one example embodiment of a method of mounting a supplemental wheel assembly to a support structure of a wheeled conveyance having a pair of rear wheels, the support structure having a forward member, wherein the supplemental wheel assembly is defined according to any one of the embodiments described herein, wherein the method comprises: positioning the supplemental wheel assembly between the pair of rear wheels; positioning a bracket mouth of a proximal brace end of a forward brace of the supplemental wheel assembly proximate the forward member; and connecting the bracket mouth to the forward member.

[0062] In another aspect, there is provided at least one example embodiment in accordance with the teachings herein of a supplemental wheel assembly for use in conjunction with a wheeled conveyance, the supplemental wheel assembly comprising a first positioning plate and a second positioning plate laterally spaced from the first positioning plate, the first and second positioning plates securable to a camber tube that is attached to the wheeled conveyance. The first and second positioning plates having a plurality of pairs of positioning apertures defining a plurality of arm positions. Each pair of positioning apertures aligned through the first and second positioning plates and defining an arm position of the plurality of arm positions. The supplemental wheel assembly further comprising a support arm rotatably mountable between the first and second positioning plates. The support arm being rotatable between the plurality of arm positions when mounted between the positioning plates, and having an arm length extending from a proximal arm end to a distal arm end, and a telescopic joint at a location between the distal arm end and the proximal arm end. The arm length of the support arm is continuously adjustable using the telescopic joint. The supplemental wheel assembly further comprising a stop pin, the stop pin being slidably insertable through any of the pairs of positioning apertures to define an arm stop position.

[0063] In at least one embodiment, the stop pin comprises an upper stop pin and the supplemental wheel assembly further comprises a lower stop pin. When the support arm is positioned between the upper and lower stop pins, the support arm is rotatable between a lower stop position in which the support arm is in contact with the lower stop pin and an upper stop position in which the support arm is in contact with the upper stop pin.

[0064] In another aspect, there is provided at least one example embodiment in accordance with the teachings herein of a supplemental wheel assembly for use in conjunction with a wheeled conveyance, the supplemental wheel assembly comprising a first positioning plate and a second positioning plate laterally spaced from the first positioning plate. The first and second positioning plates securable to a camber tube that is attached to the wheeled conveyance and having a plurality of pairs of positioning apertures aligned through the first and second positioning plates, the pairs of positioning apertures at spaced apart increments defining a plurality of arm positions. The supplemental wheel assembly further comprising a stop pin slidably insertable through any of the pairs of positioning apertures, and a support arm rotatably mountable between the first and second positioning plates. The support arm being rotatable between the plurality of arm positions when mounted between the positioning plates, and having an arm length extending from a proximal arm end to a distal arm end, and a tilt angle adjustment bolt proximate the proximal arm end, the tilt angle adjustment bolt continuously adjustable between a retracted position, in which a pin engaging surface of the tilt angle adjustment bolt is flush with an exterior of the support arm, and an extended position, in which the pin engaging surface of the tilt angle adjustment bolt is positioned outwardly of the exterior of the support arm. When the support arm is mounted between the positioning plates and the stop pin is inserted through a pair of positioning apertures, the pin engaging surface of the tilt angle adjustment bolt contacts the stop pin when the support arm rotates toward the stop pin.

[0065] Other features and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the application, are givenby way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the application will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] For a better understanding of the various embodiments described herein, and to show more clearly how these various embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0067] FIG. 1 is a side view of an example accessory mount, in accordance with an embodiment, mounted to a wheeled conveyance;

[0068] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the accessory mount of FIG. 1 ;

[0069] FIG. 2B is a side view of the accessory mount of FIG. 1 ;

[0070] FIG. 2C is a rear cross-sectional view of the accessory mount of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 2B;

[0071] FIG. 3A is a side view of the accessory mount of FIG. 1 mounted to the wheeled conveyance and having two accessories mounted thereto;

[0072] FIG. 3B is a side view of the accessory mount of FIG. 1 mounted to the wheeled conveyance and having another accessory mounted thereto;

[0073] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of another example accessory mount mounted to the wheeled conveyance;

[0074] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a rearward bracket of the accessory mount of FIG. 4 having a single positioning plate;

[0075] FIGS. 5B and 5C are side and rear views, respectively, of the accessory mount of FIG. 1 having the rearward bracket with the single positioning plate;

[0076] FIGS. 6A to 6C are perspective, side and rear views, respectively, of the accessory mount of FIG. 4;

[0077] FIG. 7 is a side view of the accessory mount of FIG. 4 mounted to the wheeled conveyance and having an accessory movably mounted thereto;

[0078] FIG. 8 is a side view of an example positioning plate;

[0079] FIG. 9A is an expanded view of a proximal arm end of an example support arm;

[0080] FIG. 9B is an expanded view of a proximal arm end of another example support arm;

[0081] FIG. 10 is an expanded view of the example support arm rotatably mounted to an example positioning plate;

[0082] FIG. 11 is a side view of the accessory mount of FIG. 4 mounted to the wheeled conveyance and having two accessories mounted thereto;

[0083] FIG. 12 is an expanded side view of the accessory mount of FIG. 4 mounted to the wheeled conveyance and having an accessory movably mounted thereto;

[0084] FIG. 13A is a perspective view of an example anti-tip accessory;

[0085] FIG. 13B is a perspective view of another example anti-tip accessory;

[0086] FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of a supplemental wheel assembly, in accordance with an example embodiment, mounted to a wheeled conveyance and having an example accessory mounted thereto;

[0087] FIG. 15 is a partially exploded view of the supplemental wheel assembly and wheeled conveyance of FIG. 14;

[0088] FIGS. 16A and 16B are side cross-sectional views of the supplemental wheel assembly of FIG. 14 having the forward brace in a retracted position and an extended position, respectively;

[0089] FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of a supplemental wheel assembly, in accordance with an example embodiment, mounted to a foldable wheeled conveyance and having an example accessory mounted thereto;

[0090] FIGS. 18A and 18B are side cross-sectional views of the supplemental wheel assembly of FIG. 17 having the forward brace in a retracted position and an extend position, respectively;

[0091] FIG. 19 is a rear perspective view of an supplemental wheel assembly, in accordance with an example embodiment, having an example accessory mounted thereto;

[0092] FIG. 20 is a side view of a supplemental wheel assembly, in accordance with an example embodiment, having another example accessory mounted thereto;

[0093] FIG. 21A is a side view of a support arm, in accordance with an example embodiment, having an example accessory mounted thereto;

[0094] FIG. 21 B is a side view of a support arm, in accordance with another example embodiment, having a forward arm extension and an example accessory mounted thereto;

[0095] FIG. 22A, 22B, and 22C are side views of forward braces for use with the support arm, in accordance with various example embodiments;

[0096] FIG. 23A, is a perspective view of a supplemental wheel assembly, in accordance with another example embodiment, having an example accessory mounted thereto;

[0097] FIG. 23B, is a side view of a supplemental wheel assembly, in accordance with an another example embodiment;

[0098] FIG. 23C, is a perspective view of a supplemental wheel assembly, in accordance with another example embodiment, having an example accessory mounted thereto;

[0099] FIG. 24A, is a perspective view of a supplemental wheel assembly, in accordance with another example embodiment, having an example accessory mounted thereto;

[0100] FIG. 24B, is a rear perspective view of the supplemental wheel assembly of FIG 24A, proximal to a foldable wheeled conveyance and having an example accessory mounted thereto;

[0101] FIGS. 25A-25E show components of an example embodiment of an electromechanical assembly that may be used to electronically control the rotational angle of the support arm of the various embodiments described herein;

[0102] FIG. 26A is a side view of example positioning plates mounted to a camber tube;

[0103] FIG. 26B is a rear view of the positioning plates of FIG. 26A;

[0104] FIG. 26C is a side view of an example upper attachment component, for use with the positioning plates of FIG. 26A, mounted to the camber tube;

[0105] FIG. 26D is a rear view of the upper attachment component of FIG. 26C;

[0106] FIG. 26E is a side view of the positioning plates of FIG. 26A and the upper attachment component of FIG. 26C used together with an example crank and mounted to the camber tube;

[0107] FIG. 26F is a side perspective view of the example crank of FIG. 26E;

[0108] FIG. 27A is a side perspective wheel of an example support arm with a rack and pinion mechanism and a ground engaging member;

[0109] FIG. 27B is an expanded front view of the rack and pinion mechanism of FIG. 27A;

[0110] FIG. 28 is a side cross-sectional view of an example support arm with a worm gear mechanism;

[0111] FIG. 29 is a side cross-sectional view of an example tilt angle adjustment bolt;

[0112] FIG. 30A is a side view of an example support arm with a castor, the castor including a tilt angle adjustment mechanism that is a cam joint;

[0113] FIG. 30B is a side view of another example castor, the castor including a tilt angle adjustment mechanism that is a wedge; and

[0114] FIG. 30C is a side view of another example castor, the castor including a tilt angle adjustment mechanism that is a Hirth joint.

[0115] The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the teachings described herein. Further aspects and features of the example embodiments described herein will appear from the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

[0116] Various embodiments in accordance with the teachings herein will be described below to provide an example of at least one embodiment of the claimed subject matter. No embodiment described herein limits any claimed subject matter.The claimed subject matter is not limited to devices, systems or methods having all of the features of any one of the devices, systems or methods described below or to features common to multiple or all of the devices, systems or methods described herein. It is possible that there may be a device, system or method described herein that is not an embodiment of any claimed subject matter. Any subject matter that is described herein that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicants, inventors or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such subject matter by its disclosure in this document.

[0117] For the purpose of simplicity and clarity of the illustrations, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements or steps. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the example embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the example embodiments described herein. Furthermore, it should be noted that reference to the figures is only made to provide an example of how various example physical elements and methods operate in accordance with the teachings herein and in no way should be considered as limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. Also, the written description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0118] As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be “coupled”, “connected”, “attached”, “joined”, “affixed”, or “fastened” where the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly (i.e., through one or more intermediate parts), so long as a link occurs. As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be “directly coupled”, “directly connected”, “directly attached”, “directly joined”, “directly affixed”, or “directly fastened” where the parts are connected in physical contact with each other. As used herein, two or more parts are said to be “rigidly coupled”, “rigidly connected”, “rigidly attached”, “rigidly joined”, “rigidly affixed”, or “rigidly fastened” where the parts are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. None of the terms “coupled”,“connected”, “attached”, “joined”, “affixed”, and “fastened” distinguish the manner in which two or more parts are joined together.

[0119] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “including”, “comprises”, and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is, as “including, but not limited to”.

[0120] It should also be noted that, as used herein, the wording “and / or” is intended to represent an inclusive-or. That is, “X and / or Y” is intended to mean X or Y or both, for example. As a further example, “X, Y, and / or Z” or “any combination of X, Y and Z” is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.

[0121] It should also be noted that, as used herein, the phrase “at least one of X, Y and Z” is intended to cover all combinations of X, Y and Z including X, Y, Z, X and Y, X and Z, Y and Y, as well as X, Y and Z.

[0122] It should be noted that terms of degree such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. These terms of degree may also be construed as including a deviation of the modified term, such as by 1 %, 2%, 5% or 10%, for example, if this deviation does not negate the meaning of the term it modifies.

[0123] Furthermore, the recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints herein includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range (e.g., the range 1 to 5 includes 1 , 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.90, 4, and 5). It is also to be understood that all numbers and fractions thereof are presumed to be modified by the term "about" which means a variation of up to a certain amount of the number to which reference is being made if the end result is not significantly changed, such as 1 %, 2%, 5%, or 10%, for example.

[0124] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “at least one embodiment” or “some embodiments” means that one or more particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments, unless otherwise specified to be not combinable or to be alternative options.

[0125] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its broadest sense, that is, as meaning “and / or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0126] Further, although method steps may be described (in the disclosure and I or in the claims) in a sequential order, such methods may be configured to work in alternate orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be described does not necessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order. The steps of methods described herein may be performed in any order that is practical. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneously.

[0127] Some elements herein may be identified by a part number, which is composed of a base number followed by an alphabetical or subscript-numerical suffix (e.g. 112a, or 112i). Multiple elements herein may be identified by part numbers that share a base number in common and that differ by their suffixes (e.g. 112i , 1122, and 112s). All elements with a common base number may be referred to collectively or generically using the base number without a suffix (e.g. 112). For clarity of the drawings, only a first instance or only a few instances of all elements with a common base number may be labelled in each drawing.

[0128] Accessories for wheeled conveyances, such as wheelchairs, are mounted to one or more portions thereof (the “mounting portion(s)”) to provide additional functionality or safety to users of such wheeled conveyances. For example, accessories for wheelchairs often clamp onto the mounting portion or require drilling into the mounting portion. Mounting accessories by clamping or drilling can negatively affect the appearance of the wheelchair when the accessory is removed. For example, the appearance of the wheelchair can be negatively affected by drill holes in the mounting portion, by scraping due to friction from relative movement between a clamp and the mounting portion, and / or by crushing, denting, or cracking due to the clamping force. Such damage can reduce the strength of the component making up the mounting portion. The damage can also lead to rusting or corrosion (e.g., where the mounting portion is metallic), which can further reduce the strength of the component making up the mounting portion. Consequently, the damage caused by mounting accessories tothe wheelchair can lead to failure of the component making up the mounting portion, adversely affecting safety of the wheelchair and necessitating repair or replacement. Further, the damage caused by mounting the accessory may fall beyond the scope of coverage of a warranty of the wheelchair and / or the particular component making up the mounting portion, which can lead to costly out-of-pocket expenses for the repair or replacement. Furthermore, each accessory has its own mount for mounting to a corresponding mounting portion, which can increase the amount of damage sustained by the wheelchair with each additional accessory used. The accessories are also often mounted in a fixed position and orientation to the corresponding mounting portion, which can limit functionality of the accessory and can adversely affect safety of the wheelchair.

[0129] Various of the above-described problems may be exemplified by conventional rear anti-tip devices (“C-RADs”) for wheelchairs. C-RADs include an arm having a first end typically mounted to the frame of the wheelchair and a second end having a wheel. For C-RADs to be mounted in a fixed orientation, the first end is often mounted to the frame by a clamp requiring a high degree of clamping force to fix the orientation or by a receptacle (e.g., a circular tube) provided by the manufacturer. When mounted, C-RADs extend in a fixed orientation downwardly and rearwardly from the frame such that, if the wheelchair begins to tip backwards, the second end of the arm can contact the ground and thereby stop the wheelchair from tipping further. The force of contact between ground and the second end of the arm caused by the tipping motion and the mass of the user and wheelchair is transferred as a torque applied to the frame at the first end of the arm.

[0130] Additionally, while C-RADs can prevent rearward tipping, they can also hinder the wheelchair's maneuverability, such as in scenarios where the user needs to perform advanced skills (e.g., wheelie, stair descent, curb ascent / descent) or navigate challenging terrains (e.g., bumpy, inclines / declines). For example, C-RADs can get stuck on obstacles (e.g., thresholds), interfere with the rear wheels’ contact with the ground (e.g., become caught on an elevated surface such that the wheelchair is supported on the front wheels and the C-RADs and the rear wheels are suspended above the ground; referred to herein as rear-wheel “float”), and prevent or limit intentional, controlled degrees of rear tilt relied upon by advanced users or caregiversof less-advanced users to perform advanced skills. C-RADs used in wheelchairs therefore have limitations, often requiring compromises between safety and maneuverability. Ultimately, wheelchair users often choose to remove the C-RADs from their wheelchairs, favoring maneuverability over safety, such that there is nothing there to prevent the user from tipping backwards by accident or to arrest a fall from an intentionally entered wheelie position. As tips or falls account for over two thirds of wheelchair-related injuries, of which rearward tips or falls account for the majority of significant injuries (since a user is unable to absorb the fall with an outstretched hand, leaving the head unprotected), the described limitations of mounts for C-RADS leading to their frequent removal by wheelchair users produces a significant safety risk.

[0131] Referring to Figures 1 and 4, disclosed therein is an accessory mount, generally referred to as accessory mount 100, which addresses one or more (or all) of the above-described problems in existing accessory mounts for wheeled conveyances such as wheelchairs. For clarity, embodiments of accessory mount 100 may address any one or more of the above-described problems and, as such, some embodiments may yet have one or more of the above-described problems unresolved. In some cases, embodiments of accessory mount 100 may address other problems or have other advantages not described above and all the above-described problems may remain unresolved.

[0132] In the illustrated example, the accessory mount 100 is mounted to a wheeled conveyance 102, shown as a wheelchair. As shown, the wheeled conveyance 102 has a pair of front wheels 104, a pair of rear wheels 106 having a wheel rotation axis 107, and a seat 108. The wheeled conveyance 102 further has a conveyance support structure 110, shown as the wheelchair frame. The support structure 110 has a forward laterally extending support member, referred to generally as forward member 112, spaced apart from a rearward laterally extending support member, referred to generally as rearward member 114. The rearward member 114 extends between the pair of rear wheels 106. In the embodiment shown, the forward member 112 is a seat-rigidizer bar of the wheelchair, and the rearward member 114 is a camber tube 220 of the wheelchair.

[0133] While the accessory mount 100 is described herein and shown in the figures as used with a wheelchair, it will be appreciated that the accessory mount 100 may beused with any other wheeled conveyance such as a bicycle, motorcycle, powered wheelchair, motorized mobility scooter, golf cart, stand-up e-scooter, kick scooter, skateboard, balancing mobility devices, and the like, having spaced apart members to which the accessory mount 100 may be mounted. The spaced apart support members may be spaced apart in any direction, such as in the forward / rearward direction as described herein, in the vertical direction, in the lateral direction (e.g., the fork of a bicycle), or any other direction. The support members may extend in any direction, such as in the lateral direction as described herein, in the vertical direction (e.g., the fork of a bicycle), in the forward / rearward direction, or any other direction. As another example, the accessory mount can be mounted such that it can be used with a forward anti-tip device, with kick scooters or e-scooters, for example. In such embodiments, such anti-tip devices will not increase the overall length of the mobility device at rest, but will self-deploy through an arc when the scooter / e-scooter tips forward sufficiently for the device to contact the ground.

[0134] In some embodiments, two accessory wheels similar to the example shown in FIG. 13B may be used. The accessory wheels may be deployed in a forward manner (e.g., a forward anti-tip device of a scooter) or in a rearward manner (e.g., a rearward anti-tip device of a wheelchair). When used with a scooter, the tipping force will cause the outer left and right ends of the arms 212 at the two wheels to spread such that the base of support will be a triangle with the 3rdcomponent being the front wheel of the scooter. The formation of a triangle (i.e. , three points of ground contact) may mitigate the risk of laterally tipping during a forward tip event. Similarly, when used in a rearward manner, the formation of a triangle (i.e., three points of ground contact) may mitigate the risk of laterally tipping during a rearward tip event.

[0135] In the illustrated example, the accessory mount 100 includes a mounting shaft 116 and a forward bracket 118 and a rearward bracket 120 connected to the mounting shaft 116. As shown, when mounted to the wheeled conveyance 102 (i.e., below the seat 108), the forward bracket 118 is connected to the forward member 112 of the conveyance support structure 110 and the rearward bracket 120 is connected to the rearward member 114 of the conveyance support structure 110. The design of the accessory mount 100 may mitigate or eliminate any one or more (or all) of the issues common to existing accessory mounts described previously.

[0136] For example, the use of the forward and rearward brackets 118, 120 may improve the stability of the accessory mount 100 when mounted to the wheeled conveyance 102 as it provides two points of attachment to the conveyance support structure 110. Due to the two points of attachment, the accessory mount 100 may be used to mount one or more accessories to the wheeled conveyance 102 without requiring forces at either point of connection (i.e. , the forward and rearward members 112, 114) that would damage those parts (e.g., structurally crush / dent / crack, destroy the finish, and lead to corrosion). That is, the clamping force required to mount a traditional accessory to the wheeled conveyance 102 may be substantially reduced or eliminated.

[0137] Further, due to the two points of attachment, the accessory mount 100 may be able to resist large torques around a longitudinal mount axis 122 (also referred to herein as the mount roll axis), a lateral mount axis 124 (out-of-plane of page) (also referred to herein as the mount pitch axis), and a vertical mount axis 126 (also referred to herein as the mount yaw axis), while transmitting a lesser force to the forward and rearward members 112, 114. That is, the clamping force required to positionally fix a traditional accessory to the wheelchair may be substantially reduced or eliminated. For example, in contrast to C-RADs as described previously wherein forces on the arm of the C-RAD generate rotation about the frame to which the C-RAD is mounted, the two points of attachment of the accessory mount 100 may transfer rotational forces about the lateral mount axis 124 into forces generally normal to the surface of the forward and / or rearward members 112, 114.

[0138] An accessory mount in accordance with this disclosure may be understood as a device that permits an accessory to be attached to a wheeled conveyance and positioned at a fixed angle relative to the longitudinal mount axis 122 and / or moveable within a defined arc range of motion. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , accessories can be connected directly to the accessory mount 100 in a fixed orientation. Additionally, or in the alternative, in the example shown in Figure 4, accessories can be movably connected to the accessory mount 100 via the rearward bracket 120. As shown, the rearward bracket 120 can include at least one positioning plate 128 and a support arm 130 rotatably mounted to the at least one positioning plate 128. The support arm 130 can be rotatable between a plurality of arm positions. Accessories150 can be connected to the support arm 130 such that the connected accessory can be movable with the support arm 130 between the plurality of arm positions. This may advantageously enable the accessory to be fixed at a desired orientation or to have a set range of motion spanning two or more arm positions. For example, in contrast to C-RADs as described previously wherein the arm of the C-RAD extends rearwardly and downwardly from the wheelchair frame in a fixed orientation, a rear anti-tip accessory connected to an accessory mount in accordance with this disclosure may be fixed at a desired orientation or movable within a range of motion set by the user or a caregiver. As described in greater detail subsequently, where a rear anti-tip accessory connected to the accessory mount 100 has a range of motion, the range of motion may permit the user to perform advanced skills (e.g., wheelie, stair descent, curb ascent / descent, etc.) by the rear anti-tip accessory passively moving out of the way due to the force of the tipping wheelchair so as not to hinder the performance of those advanced skills. A range of motion of a rear anti-tip device may also permit the rear anti-tip accessory to passively move out of the way due to contact with the ground surface so as not to get caught on an obstruction when the user navigates challenging terrains (e.g., bumpy / uneven surfaces, inclines / declines, curbs, stairs, etc.). Further, a range of motion may permit the described functionality while also preventing complete rearward tipping of the wheeled conveyance 102.

[0139] Accordingly, an accessory mount in accordance with this disclosure may avoid ruining the appearance, reducing the strength, and reducing the service life of the wheeled conveyance and components thereof to which the accessory mount is mounted (i.e. , by eliminating the need for drilling or damaging clamping forces), and may thereby avoid potentially costly repair and / or replacement. An accessory mount in accordance with this disclosure may also obviate the above-described issues with respect to C-RADs and thus achieve both safety and maneuverability rather than necessitating a tradeoff between them. These and other advantages, and various example means by which the advantages may be realized, will now be described in greater detail.

[0140] Referring to Figures 1 to 2, in the illustrated example, the mounting shaft 116 of the accessory mount 100 has a forward shaft end 132 longitudinally spaced apart from a rearward shaft end 134, an upper shaft side 136 vertically spaced apart from alower shaft side 138, and a first lateral side 140i spaced apart from a second lateral side 1402. As used herein, the forward / rearward direction may be understood as the direction defined by the longitudinal mount axis 122, the lateral direction may be understood as the direction defined by the lateral mount axis 124, and the upward / downward direction may be understood as the direction defined by the vertical mount axis 126.

[0141] As shown, the mounting shaft 116 can be a linear member having a shaft length 142 extending from the forward shaft end 132 to the rearward shaft end 134. The shaft length 142 may be at least the length of the distance between the forward and rearward members 112, 114 of the conveyance support structure 110 in the forward / rearward direction. In this way, the shaft length 142 may be sufficient such that the forward and rearward brackets 118, 120 can be connected to the forward and rearward members 112, 114 to mount the accessory mount 100 to the wheeled conveyance 102. The shaft length 142 may also be less than the length of the seat 108 of the wheeled conveyance 102 in the forward / rearward direction such that, when the accessory mount 100 is mounted to the wheeled conveyance 102, the mounting shaft 116 may not forwardly and / or rearwardly protrude beyond the seat 108. In this way, the shaft length 142 may ensure that the mounting shaft 116 remains out of the way from obstructing the user’s legs at the front of the wheeled conveyance 102 (e.g., on the leg rests, during manual foot propulsion, during transfers, etc.) and / or a caregiver’s legs behind the wheeled conveyance 102. The shaft length 142 being less than the length of the seat 108 may also ensure that the mounting shaft 116 does not interfere with folding of the wheeled conveyance 102 (e.g., for transport).

[0142] The mounting shaft 116 can further include at least one opening, referred to herein as a drawbar opening 144 for connecting one or more accessories to the accessory mount 100. The drawbar opening(s) 144 may extend axially inwardly into the mounting shaft 116 from the forward and / or rearward shaft end 132, 134. Accordingly, the drawbar opening(s) 144 may be defined by a shaft sidewall 146 of the mounting shaft 116 on the upper shaft side 136, the lower shaft side 138, and the lateral shaft sides 140. Where the mounting shaft includes more than one drawbar opening 144, the drawbar openings 144 may extend in a direction (e.g., the forward / rearward direction) generally parallel to each other. Any other direction of thedrawbar opening(s) 144 may be possible, which may depend on the orientation in which the accessory mount 100 is to be mounted (e.g., where the mounting shaft 116 extends in the lateral direction, the drawbar opening 144 may face in the forward / rearward direction).

[0143] Referring still to Figures 1 to 2, in the illustrated example, the mounting shaft 116 is hollow for the full shaft length 142 extending from the forward shaft end 132 to the rearward shaft end 134. In this way, the mounting shaft 116 includes drawbar openings 144 at both the forward and rearward shaft ends 132, 134. A hollow mounting shaft 116 may advantageously have a reduced weight. Optionally, the mounting shaft 116 may include a drawbar opening 144 at the rearward shaft end 134 only or, alternatively, at the forward shaft end 132 only, such that the mounting shaft 116 may be hollow for only a portion of the shaft length 142. Optionally, the mounting shaft 116 may include a drawbar opening 144 at both the forward and rearward shaft ends 132, 134 that each extend axially inwardly for a portion of the shaft length 142 such that a middle portion of the shaft length 142 between the drawbar openings 144 is solid.

[0144] Optionally, the mounting shaft 116 may include more than one drawbar opening 144 at the rearward shaft end 134 and / or the forward shaft end 132. In such embodiments, the drawbar openings 144 may be vertically spaced apart, laterally spaced apart or, where there are more than two drawbar openings 144 at the forward and / or rearward shaft ends 132, 134, both vertically and laterally spaced apart. In such embodiments, the drawbar openings 144 may extend in a direction generally parallel to each other. For example, referring briefly to the example shown in Figure 11 , the mounting shaft 116 includes a first drawbar opening 144i and a second drawbar opening 1442 at the rearward shaft end 134. As shown, the first and second drawbar openings 144 extend generally parallel to each other. While the second drawbar opening 1442 is shown in the illustrated example as an extension of the shaft sidewall 146 on the upper shaft side 136 (i.e. , vertically spaced apart from the first drawbar opening 144i ), it may alternatively be formed as an extension on the lower shaft side 138 or either of the lateral sides 140 (i.e., laterally spaced apart from the first drawbar opening 144i). Further, while the second drawbar opening 1442 is shown in the illustrated example as an outwardly protruding extension of the shaft sidewall 146, in alternate embodiments, the first and second drawbar openings 144 may both be boundwithin the shaft sidewall 146 (e.g., subdividing the drawbar opening 144 shown in Figure 2C into two (or more) drawbar openings with a lateral or vertical dividing wall therebetween).

[0145] Optionally, the mounting shaft 116 may be a solid member (e.g., solid bar, solid flat bar of a ratchet-like means, turnbuckle, screw, rack-and-pinion, etc.), and each drawbar opening 144 may be separately connected to the mounting shaft 116. For example, the mounting shaft 116 may include one or more drawbar openings 144 extending from the shaft sidewall 146 (i.e. , laterally, upwardly, or downwardly) such as shown by the second drawbar opening 1442 in the example illustrated in Figure 11. In such embodiments, the extension(s) defining the drawbar opening(s) 144 may be permanently connected (e.g., welded) to the mounting shaft 116, or removably connected to the mounting shaft 116. Whether permanently or removably connected to the mounting shaft 116, the extension(s) defining the drawbar opening(s) 144 may be connected to the mounting shaft 116 via an adjustable connection enabling the drawbar opening(s) 144 to be levelled (e.g., a lockable ball joint, swivel mount, pivot / hinge joint, and the like). An advantage of this design is that the drawbar openings 144 may be individually levelled and / or set at different angles. A further advantage of this design is that the mounting shaft 116 may not be level, and an opening angle between the drawbar openings 144 and the mounting shaft 116 may be individually adjusted (i.e., between a longitudinal axis of the drawbar opening and the longitudinal mount axis 122).

[0146] Optionally, where the drawbar opening(s) 144 are removably connected to the mounting shaft 116, they may be removably connected similar to as described subsequently herein with respect to the forward and rearward brackets 118, 120. Alternately, the drawbar openings 144 may be part of the forward and / or rearward brackets 118, 120 (e.g., spaced along the upper and / or lower legs 164,166 thereof) and separately connected to the mounting shaft 116 with the forward and / or rearward bracket 118, 120.

[0147] The drawbar opening(s) 144 can be any shape and size suitable to receive a connector, referred to herein as an accessory drawbar 148, of an accessory 150 for use with the accessory mount 100. In any embodiment, the drawbar opening(s) 144 (and the drawbars receivable therein) may have a non-circular cross-sectional shape.A non-circular cross-section may assist in preventing rotation of the drawbar 148 of the connected accessory 150 within the drawbar opening 144 about the longitudinal mount axis 122. For example, referring now to Figures 2 to 3, the drawbar opening(s) 144 (and the drawbars receivable therein) in the illustrated example have a square cross- sectional shape. Any other non-circular shape may be used. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape may nonetheless be circular.

[0148] Referring still to Figures 2 to 3, in the illustrated example, the mounting shaft 116 includes a pair of opposed apertures 152 through the shaft sidewall 146 proximate the rearward shaft end 134. As shown, the mounting shaft 116 further includes another pair of opposed apertures 152 through the shaft sidewall 146 proximate the forward shaft end 132. The mounting shaft 152 may include a pair of opposed apertures 152 for each drawbar opening 144 of the mounting shaft 116, with the opposed apertures 152 aligned in the forward / rearward and vertical directions through the corresponding drawbar opening 144. Although the apertures 152 are shown as laterally opposed (i.e. , through the lateral shaft sides 140), in alternate embodiments, the apertures 152 may be vertically opposed (i.e., through the upper and lower shaft sides 136, 138). As described in greater detail subsequently, the mounting shaft 116 may further include a plurality of pairs of opposed apertures 152 spaced apart in the forward / rearward direction.

[0149] In any embodiment, when the accessory drawbar 148 of an accessory 150 is inserted into the drawbar opening 144, a securement pin 154 (e.g., a cotter pin) may be inserted through the opposed apertures 152 corresponding to the drawbar opening 144 to secure the accessory drawbar 148 within the drawbar opening 144. This may thereby connect the accessory 150 to the accessory mount 100. In such embodiments, the accessory drawbar 148 may include at least one bore 156 extending through the accessory drawbar 148 through which, when aligned with the pair of opposed apertures 152, the securement pin 154 may be inserted to secure the accessory drawbar 148 within the drawbar opening 144. In this way, the accessory drawbar 148 may be removably rigidly connected to the mounting shaft 116. Accordingly, the accessory 150 may be removably rigidly connected to the accessory mount 100 and thereby the wheeled conveyance 102. For example, in the examples shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the accessory drawbar 148 of each accessory 150 includes a plurality ofspaced apart bores 156. The plurality of spaced apart bores 156 advantageously enable positional adjustment of the mounted accessory 150 in the forward / rearward direction along the longitudinal mount axis 122 between a plurality of positions corresponding to the plurality of bores 156. Any other means suitable for securing the accessory drawbar 148 within the drawbar opening 144 may be used such as, for example, set screws, clamps, or the accessory drawbar 148 having outwardly biased pins that may be retracted when inserted into the drawbar opening 144 and move outwardly upon alignment with the opposed apertures 152.

[0150] The accessory mount 100 may be secured to the conveyance support structure 110 by any suitable means such as permanently (e.g., by welding the shaft sidewall 146 or brackets 118, 120 to the forward and rearward members 112, 114) or removably (e.g., by clamps or brackets onto the forward and rearward members 112, 114). For example, the accessory mount 100 may be permanently connected to the conveyance support structure 110 (e.g., by the manufacturer) by welding or integrally forming the accessory mount 100 with parts of the conveyance support structure 110 (e.g., the rearward member 114 and / or the forward member 112). As another example, the accessory mount 100 may be removably secured to the conveyance support structure 110 (e.g., by the manufacturerof the wheeled conveyance 102 or subsequent to purchase by the wheelchair user or a caregiver thereof). Removably securing the accessory mount 100 to the conveyance support structure 110 may advantageously enable, for example, removal for maintenance (e.g., cleaning, inspection), storage, transfer to another wheeled conveyance, or to reduce the wheelchair weight or dimensions of the wheelchair for storage or transportation.

[0151] In some examples, the accessory mount 100 may be rigidly connected to the rearward member 114. For example, the accessory mount 100 may be rigidly connected to the conveyance support structure 110 (e.g., by the manufacturer) by welding, clamping, or integrally forming the accessory mount 100 with the rearward member 114. Optionally, the accessory mount 100 may also be rigidly connected to the forward member 112. An advantage of rigidly connecting to the rearward member 114 is that the accessory mount 100 may better fix the orientation of the rearward member 114 such that the rearward member 114 may not rotate about the wheel rotation axis 107 with the axle of the rear wheels 106 (which may extend through therearward member 114). Additionally, or in alternate embodiments, the rearward member 114 may be itself rigidly connected to the rest of the conveyance support structure 110 (e.g., welded, using set screws, etc.) such that the rearward member 114 may not rotate about the wheel rotation axis 107 with the axle of the rear wheels 106.

[0152] Referring to Figures 1 to 2, in the illustrated example, the accessory mount 100 is removably secured to the conveyance support structure 110 by means of the forward and rearward brackets 118, 120. As shown, the forward bracket 118 may be connected to the mounting shaft 116 proximate the forward shaft end 132 and the rearward bracket 120 may be connected to the mounting shaft 116 proximate the rearward shaft end 134. As shown, the forward bracket 118 may be removably connected to the forward member 112 of the conveyance support structure 110 and the rearward bracket 120 may be removably connected to the rearward member 114 of the conveyance support structure 110.

[0153] In the illustrated example, each of the forward bracket 118 and the rearward bracket 120 generally have an open-mounted ‘LT shaped cross-section (i.e., a sideways ‘LT). In other embodiments, each of the forward bracket 118 and the rearward bracket 120 may have a different open-mouthed shape such as, for example, a generally ‘Y’ or ‘V’ shaped cross-section. Open-mouth shaped cross-sections may advantageously simplify and accelerate installation and removal of the accessory mount 100 by permitting the forward and rearward brackets 118, 120 to slidably engage the forward and rearward members 112, 114 of the conveyance support structure 110 without additional steps or requiring the use of tools. Open-mouth shaped cross-sections may also advantageously accommodate forward and rearward members 112,114 of varying diameters. In alternate embodiments, the forward bracket 118 and / or the rearward bracket 120 may be an encircling clamp that may be opened to slidably engage the forward or rearward members 112, 114 and subsequently closed to enclose the forward or rearward member 112, 114 therein.

[0154] In the illustrated example, each of the forward bracket 118 and the rearward bracket 120 have a bracket mouth 158 (i.e., the opening of the concave ‘LT shape), and the bracket mouths 158 face in opposite directions. The bracket mouths 158 may face each other, as shown, or away from each other. In embodiments where the bracket mouths 158 face each other, when mounted to the wheeled conveyance 102,the accessory mount 100 may be conceptually understood as a clamp under tension whereby the forward and rearward members 112, 114 of the conveyance support structure 110 may be “pulled” together by the forward and rearward brackets (i.e., a “tie”) 118, 120. Conversely, in embodiments where the bracket mouths 158 face away from each other, when mounted to the wheeled conveyance 102, the accessory mount 100 may be conceptually understood as a clamp under compression whereby the forward and rearward members 112, 114 of the conveyance support structure 110 may be “pushed” apart by the forward and rearward brackets (i.e., a “strut”) 118, 120. The “compressive” or “tensile” forces may be generated by the forward and rearward members 112, 114 being positioned within the forward and rearward brackets 118, 120 against an inner surface 160 thereof at the back of the bracket mouths 158. Optionally, the forward and rearward brackets 118, 120 may be biased together (i.e., where the bracket mouths 158 face each other) or biased apart (i.e., where the bracket mouths 158 face away from each other) to increase the “compressive” or “tensile” forces and thereby improve the securement of the accessory mount 100 to the conveyance support structure 110. Such “compressive” or “tensile” forces, whether the forward and rearward brackets 118, 120 are biased together or unbiased, may be less than the force required to bend / deflect the forward and rearward members 112, 114.

[0155] Optionally, at least one of the forward bracket 118 and the rearward bracket 120 may further include a resiliently compressible material 162 (e.g., rubber) on the inner surface 160 thereof. Including the resiliently compressible material 162 may advantageously provide a snug fit of the inner surface 160 of the forward and rearward brackets 118, 120 around a portion (e.g., about half) of the forward and rearward members 112, 114 within the bracket mouths 158. That is, the resiliently compressible material 162 may deform as the forward or rearward member 112, 114 is inserted into the bracket mouth 158 of the forward or rearward bracket 118, 120, which may generate a compressive holding force between the forward or rearward member 112, 114 and the corresponding bracket 118, 120. Further, the resiliently compressible material 162 may provide frictional resistance to the forward or rearward bracket 118, 120 shifting on the forward or rearward member 112, 114. Furthermore, the resiliently compressible material 162 may be softer than the material of the forward and rearward members 112, 114, which may protect the finish of the forward and rearward members 112, 114 from becoming damaged by any movement of the forward or rearwardbracket 118, 120 while slidably engaging the forward and rearward members 112, 114 or during use. The resiliently compressible material 162 may also advantageously permit use of the accessory mount 100 with differently shaped forward and rearward members 112, 114 (e.g., circle, oval) and with a wider range of outer diameters of the forward member and rearward members 112, 114. It will be appreciated that the inner surface 160 may have any suitable material for realizing one or more of the described advantages (i.e. , the improved holding force, frictional resistance to shifting, protecting the forward and rearward members 112, 114 from damage, and / orwider range of use).

[0156] Optionally, at least one of the forward bracket 118 and the rearward bracket 120 may further be resiliently deformable. Similar to the resiliently compressible material 162, the forward and / or rearward bracket 118, 120 may deform as the forward or rearward member 112, 114 is inserted into the bracket mouth 158 thereof, which may generate a compressive holding force between the forward or rearward member 112, 114 and the corresponding bracket 118, 120. In such embodiments, an inner diameter of the forward bracket 118 may be less than an outer diameter of the forward member 112 and / or an inner diameter of the rearward bracket 120 may be less than an outer diameter of the rearward member 114. The forward and / or rearward brackets 118, 120 being resiliently deformable may also advantageously permit use of the accessory mount 100 with differently shaped forward and rearward members 112, 114 (e.g., circle, oval) and with a wider range of outer diameters of the forward member and rearward members 112, 114.

[0157] It will be appreciated, however, that having the bracket mouths 158 of the forward and rearward brackets 118, 120 facing in opposite directions may reduce or eliminate the need for clamping force of the forward and rearward brackets 118, 120 onto the forward and rearward members 112, 114 as the design may inherently substantially positionally fix the accessory mount 100 to the conveyance support structure 110.

[0158] Accordingly, in alternate embodiments, the inner diameter of the forward bracket 118 may be more than the outer diameter of the forward member 112 and / or the inner diameter of the rearward bracket 120 may be more than the outer diameter of the rearward member 114. A benefit of this design is that the forward bracket 118 may be able to accommodate a wider range of outer diameters and shapes (e.g.,circular, oval) of the forward member 112 and / or the rearward bracket 120 may be able to accommodate a wider range of outer diameters of the rearward member 114. For example, the inner diameter of the forward bracket 118 may be between 20mm to 40mm, between 23mm to 37mm, or between 26mm to 33mm, and thus be able to accommodate forward members 112 having an outer diameter within these ranges. As another example, the inner diameter of the rearward bracket 120 may be between 25mm to 40mm, or between 30mm to 35mm, or between 32mm to 33mm and thus be able to accommodate rearward members 114 having an outer diameter within these ranges. In this way, the accessory mount 100 may be more universally usable across various manufacturers and models of wheeled conveyances.

[0159] Optionally, as shown in Figures 1 to 2, an upper leg 164 and a lower leg 166 of one or both of the forward and rearward brackets 118, 120 (shown as both) may extend laterally outwardly beyond the lateral sides 140 of the mounting shaft 116. The lateral extensions of the upper and lower legs 164, 166 of the forward and / or rearward brackets 118, 120 along the forward and / or rearward members 112, 114 may advantageously help resist roll (rotation of the accessory mount 100 about the longitudinal mount axis 122), pitch (rotation of the accessory mount 100 about the lateral mount axis 124), and yaw (i.e. , rotation of the accessory mount 100 about the vertical mount axis 126).

[0160] In any accessory mount embodiment, the forward bracket 118 and the rearward bracket 120 may extend outwardly from the mounting shaft 116 in one of the upward direction (i.e., from the upper shaft side 136) and the downward direction (i.e., from the lower shaft side 138). In any embodiment, the forward bracket 118 may extend outwardly from the mounting shaft 116 in one of the upward direction and the downward direction, and the rearward bracket 118 may extend in the other of the upward direction and the downward direction. For example, in the example shown in Figures 1 to 2, the forward bracket 118 extends upwardly from the upper shaft side 136 and the rearward bracket 118 extends downwardly from the lower shaft side 138. As the forward and rearward members 112, 114 of the conveyance support structures 110 of wheeled conveyances are often positioned at different elevations in the vertical direction, the forward and rearward brackets 118, 120 extending in opposite directions may advantageously enable the mounting shaft 116, and thus the drawbar opening(s)144 thereof, to be level or substantially level when the accessory mount 100 is mounted to wheeled conveyances of various manufacturers and models.

[0161] In any accessory mount embodiment, at least one of the forward bracket 118 and the rearward bracket 120 may be extendable from the mounting shaft 116 in the corresponding one of the upward and downward directions. This design may advantageously provide means of leveling the mounting shaft 116 by extending or retracting the extendable one(s) of the forward bracket 118 and the rearward bracket 120. Accordingly, this may enable use of the accessory mount 100 with wheeled conveyances of various manufacturers and models having different relative vertical positioning of the forward and rearward members 112, 114. Any means suitable for adjusting the vertical position of the forward and / or rearward bracket 118, 120 relative to the mounting shaft 116 may be used. For example, in the example shown in Figures 1 to 2, the lower leg 166 of the forward bracket 118 and / or the upper leg 164 of the rearward bracket 120 may be connected to the mounting shaft 116 or another intervening component (e.g., a shaft sleeve 168, described subsequently) via an extendable (e.g., telescopic) member.

[0162] In any accessory mount embodiment, at least one of the forward bracket 118 and the rearward bracket 120 may be movably connected to the mounting shaft 116. In some embodiments, one of the forward bracket 118 and the rearward bracket 120 may be movably connected to the mounting shaft 116 and the other of the forward bracket 118 and the rearward bracket 120 may be permanently connected to the mounting shaft 116. For example, in the example shown in Figures 1 to 2, both of the forward and rearward brackets 118, 120 are movably connected to the mounting shaft 116.

[0163] The forward and rearward brackets 118, 120 may be connected to the mounting shaft 116 by any suitable means. For example, where one of the forward bracket 118 and the rearward bracket 120 is permanently connected to the mounting shaft 116, that bracket may be welded to the mounting shaft 116. As another example, as shown in Figures 1 to 2, where the forward bracket 118 and / or the rearward bracket 120 is / are movably connected to the mounting shaft 116, the forward bracket 118 and / or the rearward bracket 120 may include a shaft sleeve 168 having a shaft opening 170 sized to receive the mounting shaft 116. In such examples, the shaft sleeve 168may be positioned around the mounting shaft 116 and slidable along the shaft sidewall 146 in the forward / rearward direction.

[0164] In any accessory mount embodiment, the shaft opening 170 (and the mounting shaft receivable therein) may have a non-circular cross-sectional shape. A non-circular cross-section may assist in preventing rotation of the mounting shaft 116 within the shaft opening 170 about the longitudinal mount axis 122. For example, the shaft opening 170 (and the mounting shaft receivable therein) of the shaft sleeves 168 in the illustrated example has a square cross-sectional shape. Any other non-circular shape may be used. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape may nonetheless be circular.

[0165] In the illustrated example, the lower leg 166 of the forward bracket 118 is connected to the shaft sleeve 168 of the forward bracket such that the forward bracket 118 extends upwardly from the mounting shaft 116. Similarly, in the illustrated example, the upper leg 164 of the rearward bracket 120 is connected to the shaft sleeve 168 of the rearward bracket such that the rearward bracket 120 extends downwardly from the mounting shaft 116. The shaft sleeves 168 may also advantageously permit inversion of one or both of the forward and rearward brackets 118, 120 (i.e., by slidably removing from the mounting shaft, inverting, and slidably reengaging the mounting shaft), which may further enable use with wheeled conveyances of various manufacturers and models having different relative vertical positioning of the forward and rearward members 112, 114.

[0166] The shaft sleeves 168 of the forward and rearward brackets 118, 120 may be positionally fixed to the mounting shaft 116 by and suitable means. For example, as shown by the shaft sleeve 168 of the forward bracket 118 in Figures 2A to 2B, the shaft sleeve 168 may clamp onto the mounting shaft 116. As shown, the shaft sleeve 168 of the forward bracket 118 partially surrounds the mounting shaft 116 and includes a pair of spaced apart flanges 172 extending outwardly in generally the same direction from the shaft sleeve 168. To positionally fix the shaft sleeve 168 of the forward bracket 118, the flanges 172 may be drawn together by any suitable means such that the shaft sleeve 168 may be tightened onto the mounting shaft 116 at the desired position. In the illustrated example, the shaft sleeve 168 includes a bolt (not shown) extending through the flanges 172, which may be tightened or loosened by twisting a knob 174at an end thereof to thereby clamp the shaft sleeve 168 onto the mounting shaft 116 or release the shaft sleeve 168 from the mounting shaft 116. The use of the knob 174 may advantageously enable positional adjustment of the shaft sleeve 168 without the use of tools. The use of a clamping shaft sleeve 168 may advantageously enable infinite positioning of the bracket (the forward bracket, in the illustrated example) along the mounting shaft 116.

[0167] Optionally, the shaft sleeve 168 of the forward bracket 118 may include a resiliently compressible material on the inner surface thereof, which may improve the clamping force, provide frictional resistance to the mounting shaft 116 shifting, and / or protect the mounting shaft 116 from damage as described previously with respect to the resiliently compressible material 162 of the brackets 118, 120.

[0168] As another example, as shown by the shaft sleeve 168 of the rearward bracket 120 in Figures 2A to 2C, the shaft sleeve 168 can include a pair of laterally opposed sleeve apertures 176 and the mounting shaft 116 may include a plurality of the pairs of apertures 152 spaced along the longitudinal mount axis 122. In this way, the sleeve apertures 176 of the shaft sleeve 168 of the rearward bracket 120 may be aligned with any of the pairs of apertures 152 of the mounting shaft 116 such that a securement pin 154 may be inserted through the sleeve apertures 176 of the shaft sleeve 168 and the aligned apertures 152 of the mounting shaft 116 to positionally fix the shaft sleeve 168. In such examples, the shaft sleeve 168 may be movable between a plurality of sleeve positions corresponding to the plurality of the pairs of apertures 152 of the mounting shaft 116.

[0169] As yet another example, as shown in Figures 4, 5A, and 6A, the rearward bracket 120 can itself be movably connected to the mounting shaft 116 via a drawbar similar to the accessory drawbar 148. In the examples shown, the rearward bracket 120 includes a bracket drawbar 178 having a proximal drawbar end 180 longitudinally spaced apart from a distal drawbar end 182. As shown, the upper leg 164 of the rearward bracket 120 is connected to the proximal drawbar end 180 of the bracket drawbar 178. The distal drawbar end 182 may be slidably removably inserted into the drawbar opening 144 at the rearward shaft end 134. The bracket drawbar 178 may include at least one bore 156 extending through the bracket drawbar 178 as described previously with respect to the accessory drawbar 148. Accordingly, the bracketdrawbar 178 of the rearward bracket 120 may be connected to the mounting shaft 116 and, optionally, adjustable in the forward / rearward direction as described previously with respect to the accessory drawbar 148.

[0170] To mount the accessory mount 100 to the conveyance support structure 110 of the wheelchair, the forward bracket 118 can be positioned proximate the forward laterally extending member 112 (i.e., forward thereof, in the illustrated example) with the bracket mouth 158 thereof facing the forward member, and the rearward bracket 120 can be positioned proximate the rearward laterally extending member 114 (i.e., rearward thereof, in the illustrated example) with the bracket mouth 158 thereof facing the rearward member 112. One of the forward member 112 and the rearward member 114 may then be slidably engaged in the bracket mouth 158 of the corresponding one of the forward bracket 118 and the rearward bracket 120 (e.g., starting with the bracket that is permanently fixed to the mounting shaft 116, if any), and the other of the forward member 112 and the rearward member 114 may then be slidably engaged in the bracket mouth 158 of the corresponding one of the forward bracket 118 and the rearward bracket 120 by slidably adjusting a spacing between the forward and rearward brackets 118, 120 (e.g., by moving the bracket using a shaft sleeve 168 as described previously). Alternatively, the forward member 112 and the rearward member 114 may be simultaneously slidably engaged in the bracket mouth 158 of the corresponding one of the forward bracket 118 and the rearward bracket 120.

[0171] In alternate examples, the spacing between the forward and rearward brackets 118, 120 may be adjusted by any other suitable means, such as by a length- adjustable mounting shaft 116 or ratchet-like means (e.g., similar to an F-clamp), threaded means (e.g., similar to a jack hoist or a turnbuckle), rack and pinion means 276 (see e.g., Figures 27A and 27B), or biasing means (e.g., a tension or compression spring), referred to generally herein as a force-generating connector. The forcegenerating connector may be provided in the mounting shaft 116, external to the mounting shaft 116, or in place of the mounting shaft 116 (i.e., the force-generating connector may be the mounting shaft 116). Where the mounting shaft 116 is length- adjustable, or where the force-generating connector is used in place of the mounting shaft 116, the mounting shaft 116 or force-generating connector may be positioned between the forward and rearward brackets 118, 120 and connected to the upper legs164, lower legs 166, or one of the upper and one of the lower legs 164, 166, or to the middle portion of the brackets 118, 120 between the upper and lower legs 164, 166 (i.e. , where the bracket mouths 158 face away from each other). The force-generating connector may permit bi-directional (e.g., expanding and contracting) adjustment of the spacing between the forward and rearward brackets 118, 120.

[0172] In such alternate examples, the forward and rearward brackets 118, 120 may be drawn together (i.e., a “tie” where the bracket mouths 158 face each other) or pushed apart (i.e., a “strut” where the bracket mouths 158 face away from each other) to connect to the support member(s) 112, 114. For example, where the spacing between the forward and rearward brackets 118, 120 is adjustable in an incremental manner via ratchet-like means, any known mechanism may be provided to selectively adjust their relative spacing to slidably engage the corresponding support member(s) 112, 114. As another example, where the spacing between the forward and rearward brackets 118, 120 is adjustable via threaded means, the relative spacing of the forward and rearward brackets 118, 120 can be adjusted in a continuous manner by rotation using the threads to drive the brackets apart or draw them together. As another example, where the spacing between the forward and rearward brackets 118, 120 is adjustable in a continuous manner via rack and pinion means, the relative spacing of the forward and rearward brackets 118, 120 can be adjusted by rotation of a pinion gear to moves a rack and thereby drive the brackets apart or draw them together. In further examples, where the spacing between the forward and rearward brackets 118, 120 is adjustable via biasing means, the spacing between the forward and rearward brackets 118, 120 may be adjusted by moving one or both of the forward and rearward brackets 118, 120 in the direction opposite the direction of the biasing force and subsequently releasing the bracket(s) 118, 120 when aligned with the corresponding support member(s) 112, 114 to allow the biasing force to automatically move one or both of the forward and rearward brackets 118, 120 to slidably engage the corresponding support member(s) 112, 114. Similar to the slidably movable brackets 118, 120, where the mounting shaft 116 is length-adjustable or where the mounting shaft 116 is a force-generating connector, the accessory mount 100 may advantageously be used with wheeled conveyances of various manufacturers and models having different relative positioning of the forward and rearward members 112, 114.

[0173] For some accessories 150 for use with the accessory mount 100, it may be desirable to provide multiple positioning options and / or range of motion when connected to the accessory mount 100. In such examples the rearward bracket 120 (and, optionally, the forward bracket 118) can include at least one positioning plate 128 and a support arm 130 rotatably mounted to the at least one positioning plate 126 to which the accessories 150 may be connected. The support arm 130 can be rotatable between a plurality of arm positions, such that the connected accessory 150 is moveable with the support arm 130.

[0174] For example, in the example illustrated in Figures 5A to 5C, the rearward bracket 120 has one positioning plate 128. In the example illustrated in Figures 6A to 6C, the rearward bracket 120 has a first positioning plate 128i laterally spaced apart from a second positioning plate 1282. In the examples shown in Figures 5 and 6, each positioning plate 128 has a first face 184i and a second face 1842 laterally opposed to the first face 184i. Where the rearward bracket 120 includes two positioning plates 128 as shown in Figures 6A to 6C, the first face 184i of the first positioning plate 128i may be spaced apart from and facing the first face 184i of the second positioning plate 1282 such that the first face 184i of the first and second positioning plates 128 may also be referred to as the inner face and the second face 1842 of the first and second positioning plates 128 may also be referred to as the outer face.

[0175] The positioning plate(s) 128 may rotatably support the support arm 130 by any suitable means. For example, at least one of the first and second faces 184 of at least one of the positioning plates 128 may have a curved track 186 for rotatably guiding and supporting the support arm 130. The curved track 186 may extend outwardly from, or be recessed inwardly into, the at least one of the first and second faces 184 of the at least one of the positioning plates 128. Optionally, as shown in Figures 5A to 5C and 6A to 6C, where the curved track 186 is recessed inwardly into both of the first and second faces 184 of the positioning plate(s) 128, the curved track 186 may extend through the full thickness of each positioning plate from the first face 184i to the second face 1842 thereof.

[0176] As shown in the illustrated examples, the curved track 186 may have a constant track radius 188 centered within the bracket mouth 158. Optionally, the track radius 188 may be centered at a location coincident with the center of the radius of theinner surface 160 of the bracket mouth 158. Accordingly, as best shown in Figure 4, when the rearward member 114 of the conveyance support structure 110 (i.e., the camber tube) is slidably engaged within the bracket mouth 158 of the rearward bracket 120, the track radius 188 may be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the rearward member 114. As shown, the longitudinal axis of the rearward member 114 may be coaxial with the wheel axis of rotation 107 of the rear wheels 106. In this way, the support arm 130 rotatably supported and guided by the curved track 186 may similarly have a center of rotation that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the rearward member 114 and, therefore, that is coaxial with the wheel axis of rotation 107.

[0177] In any accessory mount embodiment, such as shown in Figures 5A to 5C, the rearward bracket 120 may further include a plurality of positioning apertures 190 extending through the thickness of each positioning plate 128 from the first side 184i to the second side 1842 thereof. Where the rearward bracket 120 includes first and second laterally spaced apart positioning plates 128, as shown in Figures 6A to 6C, the plurality of positioning apertures 190 may include a plurality of pairs of positioning apertures 190. As shown, each pair of positioning apertures 190 may have a first positioning aperture 190i in the first positioning plate 128i and a second positioning aperture 1902 in the second positioning plate 1282 aligned with the first positioning aperture 190i.

[0178] In such embodiments, each positioning aperture 190, or each pair of positioning apertures 190, may define a corresponding arm position of the plurality of arm positions of the support arm 130. Accordingly, each positioning aperture 190, or each pair of positioning apertures 190, may have an aperture spacing 192 from at least one adjacent positioning aperture 190 or pair of positioning apertures 190. The aperture spacing 192 may be represented by the angle between the center of adjacent positioning apertures 190 measured from the center of the track radius 188. Any aperture spacing 192 may be used to provide any desired number of different arm positions. For example, in the example shown in Figures 5 and 6, the aperture spacing 192 is about 9-degrees. The apertures 190 may be arranged in a curved row as shown, in a straight row, or in any other suitable pattern.

[0179] The rearward bracket 120 may include at least one row of positioning apertures 190. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to provide a greater numberof arm positions with a narrower aperture spacing 192 (i.e., for a finer degree of control between the arm positions) beyond that possible at a minimum aperture spacing 192 (i.e., without having the apertures 190 physically overlapping). In such embodiments, the rearward bracket 120 may include more than one row of apertures 190 (e.g., two, three, or more than three rows). Each row of apertures may be offset from each adjacent row of apertures 190. In this way, the apertures 190 may be able to overlap without physically overlapping, such that a narrower aperture spacing 192 may be possible. For example, the example positioning plate 128 shown in Figure 8 includes three rows of positioning apertures 190, providing a narrower aperture spacing 192 between adjacent apertures 190. In the illustrated example, the aperture spacing 192 is about 3-degrees. It will be appreciated that the number of apertures 190 and the aperture spacings 192 therebetween as shown herein are examples and any aperture spacing 192, achieved with any number of apertures 190, may be possible. It may be desirable to increase the aperture spacing 192 and decrease the total amount of apertures 190 in order to reduce manufacturing costs and size of the rearward bracket 120. This may also make it easier for the wheelchair user or caregiver to reproducibly position the stop pins. Conversely, it may be desirable to increase the total amount of apertures 190 in order to reduce the overall weight of the rearward bracket 120 (due to less material forming the bracket) while also increasing adjustability.

[0180] The rearward bracket 120 may include at least one stop pin 194 (e.g., cotter pin, thumb pin, clevis pin). Each stop pin 194 may be slidably insertable through any of the positioning apertures 190, or pair thereof, to fix the position of the support arm 130. One or two stop pins 194 may be used to fix the support arm 130 at one arm position. For example, as shown in Figure 5B, one stop pin 194 may be used to fix the position of the support arm 130. In such examples, the stop pin 194 may extend through the support arm 130 to fix the position thereof. As shown in Figure 6B, two stop pins 194 including an upper stop pin 194i and a lower stop pin 1942 may be used to fix the position of the support arm 130. In such examples, the upper and lower stop pins 194 may be positioned against opposed upper and lower sides of the support arm 130, which may prevent upward or downward rotation thereof.

[0181] One or two stop pins 194 may also be used to fix the support arm 130 within a range of arm positions. Where two stop pins 194 are used, as shown in Figure 7, thesupport arm 130 may be positioned between an upper stop pin 194i and a lower stop pin 1942. In such examples, the support arm 130 may be rotatable between contact with the lower stop pin 1942 (also referred to herein as a standby position or resting position for various accessories 150) and contact with the upper stop pin 194i (also referred to herein as an operating position or deployed position for various accessories 150). For example, the accessory 150 in Figure 7 is shown as a rear anti-tip accessory in the standby position, with the operating position is shown in stippled lines. In this way, the support arm 130 may have a range of motion within upper and lower stop limits defined by the upper and lower stop pins 194. In embodiments where the support arm 130 is used with positioning plate(s) 128 having more than one row of positioning apertures 190, the upper and lower stop pins 194 may each be positioned in any positioning aperture 190 in any of the rows of positioning apertures.

[0182] Optionally, the positioning plate(s) 128 may have an upper stop and / or a lower stop (not shown) integrally formed therewith and respectively positioned on the upper leg 164 and lower leg 166. The upper and / or lower stops may prevent rotation of the support arm 130 upwardly beyond the upper stop and / or downwardly beyond the lower stop. That is, if no stop pins 194 are present (e.g., forgotten or failed), the upper and / or lower stops may advantageously provide a failsafe stop limit. Additionally, either of the upper and lower stops may be used in lieu of a stop pin 194. That is, only one of the upper stop pin 194i and the lower stop pin 1942 may be used, and the upper or lower stop of the positioning plate(s) 128 may serve as the other of the upper stop pin 194i or the lower stop pin 1942.

[0183] It will be appreciated that, while the support arm 130 shown herein can be incrementally adjustable between the plurality of arm positions corresponding to the plurality of apertures, for example through the use of a tilt angle adjustment bolt 268 discussed below, any other means suitable for providing similar adjustment capabilities (i.e., fixed position, fixed range of motion) may be used (e.g., a turnbuckle or set screws). In some embodiments, the support arm 130 may be rendered continuously adjustable between the plurality of arm positions corresponding to the plurality of apertures by a supplementary mechanism. For example, as described in greater detail subsequently herein, a mechanism such as a tilt angle adjustment bolt 268 may beused to finely adjust of the angle at which the support arm 130 contacts a stop pin 194 and thereby offset the stop position of the support arm 130 from the aperture.

[0184] Referring to Figures 5 to 6, as shown, the support arm 130 may extend from a proximal arm end 196 to a distal arm end 198. As shown, the proximal arm end 196 may be rotatably mounted to the positioning plate(s) 128 and the distal arm end 198 may be configured to connect to any accessory 150 for use with the accessory mount 100. The distal arm end 198 may be configured as described previously with respect to the rearward shaft end 134 of the mounting shaft 116 such that the accessory drawbar 148 of any accessory 150 for use with the accessory mount 100 may be removably connected to the distal arm end 198.

[0185] In any accessory mount embodiment, the support arm 130 may include at least one pin bore 200 extending laterally through the support arm 130 at the proximal arm end 196 (see e.g., Figures 5A and 9A). In the examples illustrated, the pin bore 200 is cylindrical in shape. In other examples, the pin bore 200 may be rectangular slot or hexagonal slot. The pin bore 200 may be positionable in alignment with any of the positioning apertures 190 of the positioning plate(s) 128. When the pin bore 200 is aligned with one of the positioning apertures 190, or a pair thereof, a stop pin 194 may be slidably insertable through the positioning aperture(s) 190 and the pin bore 200 to thereby fix the support arm 130 in the arm position corresponding to the positioning aperture(s) 190.

[0186] In some embodiments, the support arm 130 may include a vertically oriented pin bore 200 on its upper or lower surface. In some embodiments the vertically oriented pin bore 200 may align with a fastener mounted to the wheeled conveyance frame to hold support arm 130 in a storage configuration.

[0187] In some embodiments, such as where the support arm 130 is used with positioning plate(s) 128 having more than one row of positioning apertures 190, the support arm 130 may include more than one pin bore 200 (see e.g., Figure 9B). In such embodiments, the pin bores 200 may be spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the support arm 130. In such embodiments, each pin bore 200 may correspond to one of the rows of positioning apertures 190 and may be positionable in alignment with any of the positioning apertures 190 of the corresponding row of positioning apertures 190. In this way, the support arm 130 may be fixed at any armposition defined by any positioning aperture 190 of any of the rows of positioning apertures 190. Alternately, the support arm 130 may have one pin bore 200 formed as a slot extending along the longitudinal direction of the support arm 130 (see e.g., stippled lines in Figure 9B). In such embodiments, the slot pin bore 200 may extend across each row of positioning apertures 190 and function similar to as described with respect to embodiments having multiple pin bores 200 (i.e. , to use the same slot pin bore for each row of positioning apertures 190).

[0188] The proximal arm end 196 may be configured to be rotatably mounted to any number of positioning plate(s) 128. For example, as shown in Figures 5A to 5C, where the support arm 130 is used with a single positioning plate 128, the proximal arm end 196 may be divided into a pair of laterally opposed arm prongs 202. The positioning plate 128 may be positioned between the arm prongs 202 such that a first arm prong 202i is positioned proximate the first face 184i of the positioning plate 128 and a second arm prong 2022 is positioned proximate the second face 1842 of the positioning plate 128. Conversely, as shown in Figures 6A to 6C, where the support arm 130 is used with two positioning plates 128, the proximal arm end 196 may be positioned between the first and second positioning plates 128 such that the proximal arm end 196 is positioned proximate the first face 184i of each positioning plate 128.

[0189] The proximal arm end 196 may be rotatably supported by the curved track(s) 186 of the positioning plate(s) 128 by any suitable means. For example, the proximal arm end 196 may include at least one protruding portion 204. Each protruding portion 204 may be shaped and sized to slidably engage the curved track 186 recessed into the face 184 of the positioning plate 128 proximate which the proximal arm end 196 is positioned.

[0190] For example, in the example illustrated in Figure 9A, the support arm 130 is configured for use with two positioning plates 128. The proximal arm end 196 includes two protruding portions 204 extending laterally outwardly from the proximal arm end 196. As shown, each protruding portion 204 may be shaped to match the curvature of the curved track 186. In this way, the shape of the protruding portion 204 corresponding to the curved track 186 may enable the protruding portion 204 to be slidably inserted into the curved track 186 and slidably guided within the curved track 186 during rotation of the support arm 130. In the example configuration shown, a first protruding portion204i may slidably engage the curved track 183 in the first face 184i of the first positioning plate 128i and a second protruding portion 2042 may slidably engage the curved track 186 in the first face 184i of the second positioning plate 1282. In this way, the support arm 130 may be rotatably mounted between the first and second positioning plates 128.

[0191] As another example, where the support arm 130 is configured for use with a single positioning plate 128, the proximal arm end 196 may include two protruding portions 204 extending laterally inwardly from the arm prongs 202. Each protruding portion 204 may be configured similarly to as described with respect to Figure 9A. In such examples, a first protruding portion 204i extending from the first arm prong 202i may slidably engage the curved track 186 in the first face 184i of the positioning plate 128 and a second protruding portion 2042 may slidably engage the curved track 186 in the second face 1842 of the positioning plate 128. In this way, the support arm 130 may be rotatably mounted to the positioning plate 128.

[0192] The protruding potion(s) 204 may be further configured to be slidable within the curved track(s) 186. For example, in some embodiments, each protruding portion 204 may be made of a low-friction material and / or have a low-friction coating to reduce sliding friction between the protruding portion 204 and the curved track 186. Additionally, or alternatively, each curved track 186 may be made of a low-friction material and / or have a low-friction coating. As another example, in some embodiments, each protruding portion 204 may have a plurality of bearings 206 rotatably connected to the protruding portion 204. In such embodiments, the bearings 206 may engage the curved track 186 when the protruding portion 204 is slidably engaged therein, which may reduce sliding friction between the protruding portion 204 and the curved track 186.

[0193] Additionally, or in the alternative to the protruding portions 204 and curved tracks 186, the support arm 130 may be rotatably connected directly to the rearward member 114 (as opposed to connected via the positioning plate(s) 128). For example, referring to Figure 9B, in the illustrated example the proximal arm end 196 may include a rearward member opening 208 sized to receive the rearward member 114. In such examples, the rearward member opening 208 may be openable to insert the rearward member 114 therein and subsequently closed to connect the support arm 130 to therearward member 114. For example, as shown in Figure 9B, the proximal arm end 196 includes a movable arm portion 210 that forms part of the rearward member opening 208. The moveable arm portion 210 may be connected to the support arm 130 via a hinge / pivot or other suitable moveable connection means or, as shown, removably connected. In any such embodiment, the movable arm portion 210 may be moveable between an open position, in which the rearward member opening 208 is open and the rearward member 114 may be positionable in the rearward member opening 208, and a closed position, in which the rearward member opening 208 is closed and, if the rearward member 114 is positioned in the rearward member opening 208, in which the support arm 130 is connected to the rearward member 114. Optionally, an inner surface of the support arm 130 and the moveable arm portion 210 within the rearward member opening 208 may include a plurality of bearings (not shown). In such embodiments, the bearings may permit the support arm 130 to rotate about the rearward member 114 with reduced friction and thus reduced rate of wear on the rearward member 114 and / or support arm 130.

[0194] When rotatably mounted to the positioning plate(s) 128 as shown in Figures 5 to 6, the support arm 130 may be rotatable in a vertical plane that bisects the mounting shaft 116 through the forward and rearward shaft ends 132, 134 and the upper and lower shaft sides 136, 138. That is, a longitudinal axis of the support arm 130 may be co-planar with the longitudinal mounting axis 122 of the mounting shaft 116. In other embodiments, a longitudinal axis of the support arm 130 may not be coplanar with the longitudinal mounting axis 122 of the mounting shaft 116.

[0195] Referring again to Figure 4, as shown the illustrated example, when the rearward member 114 of the conveyance support structure 110 is slidably engaged within the bracket mount 158 of the rearward bracket 120, the track radius 188 may be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the rearward member 114 such that the support arm 130 rotatably mounted to the positioning plate(s) 128 may similarly have a center of rotation that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the rearward member 114. As described previously, the longitudinal axis of the rearward member 114 may be coaxial with the wheel rotation axis 107 of the rear wheels 106 of the wheeled conveyance 102. Accordingly, in such embodiments, the support arm 130 may be rotatably mounted to the at least one positioning plate 128 about the wheel rotation axis 107.

[0196] In any accessory mount embodiment, the center of the track radius 188 of the curved track 186 may be adjusted by levelling the mounting shaft 116 (e.g., by extending / retracting the forward bracket 118 as described previously herein) to ensure that it aligns with rotation axis 107 of the rear wheels 106 and, thereby, to ensure so that the support arm 130 (and any accessory 150 connected thereto) rotates about the rotation axis 107.

[0197] It may be desirable to have the support arm 130 rotatable about the wheel rotation axis 107. For example, this may be the case when the accessory mount 100 is used with certain accessories 150 (e.g., a rear anti-tip accessory). In particular, where the support arm 130 rotates about the wheel rotation axis 107, it may ensure that the distal arm end 198 (and any accessory 150 connected thereto) remains generally the same distance from the outer circumference of the rear wheels 106 at each arm position of the plurality of arm positions. For example, when the accessory 150 is a rear anti-tip accessory, rotation of the support arm 130 about the wheel rotation axis 107 may ensure that a distal end (e.g., a ground-engaging portion) of the accessory 150 does not move from outside the radius of the rear wheels 106 to inside the radius of the rear wheels 106, which would render the accessory 150 ineffective in preventing rear tips. In some embodiments, the support arm 130 be rotatable about an axis offset from the wheel rotation axis 107 and alternate means of ensuring that the distal end of the accessory 150 remains beyond the radius of the rear wheels 106 at any arm position may be provided (e.g., a linkage mechanism extending the support arm 130 outwardly as it rotates, by the support arm 130 lengthening as it rotates, or by a curved path with an effective center of rotation above the rearward member 114). In some embodiments, the distal end of the accessory 150 may extend beyond the radius of the rear wheels 106 at any arm position, and the distance of the distal end of the accessory 150 from the rear wheels 106 may vary between positions (e.g., where the support arm 130 rotates about an axis offset from the wheel rotation axis 107). For example, referring briefly to Figure 12, the distance that the distal end of the accessory 150 extends beyond the radius of the rear wheels 106 may increase from position H to position C.

[0198] In any accessory mount embodiment, the support arm 130 may have an arm length extending from the distal arm end 198 to the proximal arm end 196. In someembodiments, the arm length may be adjustable (e.g., telescopic). In this way, the support arm 130 may advantageously be useable with wheelchairs of various manufacturers and models and a range of rear wheel diameters. Further, an adjustable arm length may advantageously enable selection of the distance of the distal arm end 198 (and any accessory 150 connected thereto) from the outer circumference of the rear wheels 106. Alternatively, one or more additional support arms 130 may be provided to correspond to rear wheels of different diameters, and each support arm 130 may have a different arm length. Selection of the length of the support arm 130 in conjunction with selecting the position of the stop pin 194 may permit a user to finetune (i.e. , in a continuous manner between the incremental adjustments enabled by the positioning apertures) the tilt angle of the support arm 130 and the wheeled conveyance 102 when the support arm 130 is in the operating position.

[0199] In any accessory mount embodiment, the accessory mount 100 may further include an accessory 150 removably connected to the mounting shaft 116. In any embodiment, the accessory 150 may be removably connected to the mounting shaft 116 via the support arm 130 of the rearward bracket 120. In such embodiments, the accessory 150 may also be referred to as an arm accessory.

[0200] In any accessory mount embodiment, the accessory 150 may be a first accessory 150i and the accessory mount 100 may further include a second accessory 1502. For example, referring to Figure 3A, the accessory mount 100 includes a first accessory 150i removably connected to the forward shaft end 132 of the mounting shaft 116 and a second accessory 1502 removably connected to the rearward shaft end 134 of the mounting shaft 116. As another example, referring to Figure 11 , the accessory mount 100 includes a first accessory 150i removably connected to the distal arm end 198 of the support arm 130 and a second accessory 1502 removably connected to the rearward shaft end 134 of the mounting shaft 116. Any number of accessories 150 may be possible, which may be limited by the number of points of connection (e.g., drawbar openings 144) of the mounting shaft 116 and / or support arm 130. Every drawbar opening 144 need not be used.

[0201] Any accessory 150 that may be desirable for use with the wheeled conveyance may be used. For example, the accessory 150 connected to the forward shaft end 132 of the mounting shaft 116 may be a table / desk / tray (see e.g., Figure 3A),a holder (e.g., cup, electronic device, etc.), a postural support (e.g., posterior calf, elevating leg, residual-limb, medial thigh, or lateral thigh support), an extra front wheel, a tow rope, a shopping cart, a front power assist, a vehicle tie-down, or lights / reflectors. The accessory 150 connected to the rearward shaft end 134 of the mounting shaft 116 may be a carrying device such as a basket (see e.g., Figure 3A), a push-handle (see e.g., Figure 3B), a flag, an umbrella, a rear power assist, a RAD, an omni-wheel (see e.g., Figure 7), a ski, a captured ball, a push-handle, a foot / leg rest (e.g., for a caregiver), a trailer, rear wheel locks, a spotter strap, a seatbelt, a postural support (e.g., trunk or head support), transport wheels, a vehicle tie-down, or lights / reflectors, for example.

[0202] In any accessory mount embodiment, the support arm 130 may be an antitip arm (forward or rearward) and the arm accessory 150 may be a ground engaging rear anti-tip accessory (e.g., a ski, wheel, rubber stopper, swivel caster with adjustable stem angle). An advantage of using an omni wheel, captured ball, or castor as the rear anti-tip accessory is that it may allow the wheelchair to easily move with minimum resistance in each of the forward / rearward and lateral directions while loaded (e.g., when the wheelchair is tipped back and the support arm 130 and accessory 150 are driven to any of positions H to C of Figure 12), which may provide a greater degree of maneuverability of the wheelchair. Referring briefly to Figures 13A and 13B, when the accessory 150 is a rear anti-tip accessory, the accessory 150 may have a single accessory arm 212 extending coaxially with the support arm 130 (see e.g., Figure 13A) or, alternatively, may be split into two accessory arms 212 spaced from the support arm 130 (see e.g., Figure 13B). An advantage of the two accessory arm design is that it may create minimal interference with a caregiver’s legs if he / she is positioned behind the wheelchair. Additionally, a two accessory arm design may provide greater lateral stability when in use. The two accessory arm design may also advantageously more evenly transfer load to the support arm 130 and thus the conveyance support structure 110 (i.e., without twisting). In an alternative embodiment, the two accessory wheels, e.g., such as two Omni-wheels, may be “spreadable” or extend in a flared configuration when deployed to provide for more stability. In such embodiments, the two accessory wheels may be coupled together by an extendable member or biasing member such as by a spring for example such that when the wheels transition from the resting undeployed position, they spread apart or move away from one another laterally whendeployed (e.g., when loaded). Such embodiments may also be used with the accessory mount embodiments described with respect to FIGS. 14 to 24B.

[0203] In any accessory mount embodiment, the first accessory 150i and the second accessory 1502 may be interchangeable such that only one of the first accessory 150i and the second accessory 1502 may be connected to the mounting shaft 116 at the same time. For example, where the first and second accessories 150 are both rear anti-tip accessories for connection to the support arm 130 (e.g., the first accessory 150i is an omni-wheel and the second accessory 1502 is a ski), the first and second accessories 150 may be interchangeable such that, for example, the first accessory 150i may be connected to the support arm 130 during a first use (e.g., indoor use) and the second accessory 1502 may be connected to the support arm 130 during a second use (e.g., outdoor use).

[0204] The plurality of arm positions of the support arm may enable use of the accessory mount 100 with a range of accessories 150, some examples of which are described herein. Referring to Figure 12, a plurality of example arm positions (A to H) are shown. Other embodiments may have different arm positions or not all of the arm positions (A to H). The support arm 130 may be fixed at any one of the example arm positions or moveable within a fixed range of arm positions. It will be appreciated that the arm positions as subsequently described are example use-cases and not intended to limit the arm positions possible in accordance with this disclosure. The example arm angles 214 provided in Figure 12 are measured counter-clockwise from the vertical axis 216, which intersects the wheel axis of rotation 107 of the rear wheels 106. It will be appreciated that the example angles and the example ranges of angles may be fixed using one or two stop pins 194 as described previously herein.

[0205] Positions C to H may be suitable for use with any rear anti-tip accessory such as those described herein. In the illustrated example, the accessory 150 is a rear anti-tip accessory, shown as having an omni-wheel at the distal end thereof. It will be appreciated that, where an example range of angles is provided, the support arm 130 may be fixed within the provided range or, alternatively, the provided range may be the range of the upper stop limit (i.e., the position of a stop pin 194). For example, referring briefly to Figure 7, the support arm 130 may be rotatable within the example range between the standby position, in which the support arm 130 is in contact with a lowerstop pin 194i (or the ground, if no lower stop pin is used), and the operating position, in which the support arm 130 is in contact with upper stop pin 1942 (shown in stippled lines). In such examples, under influence of gravity the support arm 130 may extend downwardly and rearwardly and rest in the standby position and, when the wheelchair tips backwards, the support arm 130 may automatically (i.e., without any action from the user or caregiver) move through an arc guided by the curved track 186 of the positioning plate(s) 128 to contact the operating position. That is, when the wheeled conveyance tips backwards and the rear anti-tip accessory contacts the ground, the force of the tipping wheeled conveyance may automatically drive the support arm 130 from the standby position to the operating position (i.e., a closed kinetic chain). In this way, due to the support arm 130 and accessory 150 extending at an angle downwardly and rearwardly in the standby position, the support arm 130 and accessory 150 may advantageously move to the operating position as soon as, the wheeled conveyance starts to tip and the outer component strikes the ground.

[0206] Referring again to Figure 12, in the illustrated example, position A may be a general accessory position, which may be used for accessories 150, such as a flag or umbrella, to be fixed at an elevated position. As shown, the arm angle 214 at position A may be more than about 140-degrees.

[0207] In the illustrated example, position B may be caregiver / spotter position, which may be used for accessories, such as a push-handle or a spotter handle. As shown, the arm angle 214 at position B may be fixed at about 140-degrees. The arm angle 214 at position B may advantageously enable the caregiver to generate greater torque using the push handle, which may improve that ability to maneuver the wheeled conveyance.

[0208] In the illustrated example, position C may be a tilt / rest position. As shown, the arm angle 214 at position C may be fixed at about 90-degrees or moveable within a range having an upper stop limit of about 90-degrees. The tilt / rest position may enable the user or caregiver to tilt the wheeled conveyance backwards to shift the wheelchair user’s weight to the back rest and off of the seat 108 in proportion to the degree of tilt with the wheeled conveyance supported on the accessory 150. This may help to prevent pressure injury due to prolonged seating.

[0209] In the illustrated example, position D may be a wheelie-aided incline / stair / curb descent position. As shown, the arm angle 214 at position D may be moveable within a range from about 50-degrees to 70-degrees or within a range having an upper stop limit of about 50-degrees to 70-degrees. The wheelie-aided incline / stair / curb descent position may enable the user to intentionally enter a wheelie to remain level while descending an incline, stairs, or a curb, without risk of injury due to tipping backwards. That is, in these situations the world external to the wheeled conveyance can be visualized as becoming “higher” or “raised” and, therefore, this range of motion of the support arm 130 (and accessory 150 connected thereto) may account for the “raised” external world to advantageously allow the user to maintain the aided-wheelie during descent. The aided-wheelie incline / stair / curb descent position may thus enable the user to descend an incline up to 10-degrees or more without interference from the accessory 150. The aided-wheelie incline / stair descent position may also enable the user to descend stairs or a curb up to 15cm or more in height without the accessory 150 becoming stuck on the stair / curb or suspending the rear wheels 106 above the ground as described previously herein.

[0210] In the illustrated example, position E may be an aided-wheelie on a level surface. As shown, the arm angle 214 at position E may be moveable within a range from about 50-degrees to 60-degrees or within a range having an upper stop limit of about 50-degrees to 60-degrees. The aided-wheelie level surface position may enable the user to intentionally enter an aided-wheelie on a level surface without risk of injury due to tipping backwards.

[0211] When the support arm 130 is to be used in an aided wheelie position, it may be desirable to finely adjust the upper stop limit that defines the arm angle 214 (i.e., the operating / deployed position at position D or E), such as by adjusting the length of the support arm 130 or other suitable fine adjustment means described herein. In particular, it may be desirable to adjust the arm angle 214 such that the center of gravity of the user and the wheeled conveyance 102 is about 5-10 degrees rearward of the rear wheel axle (in-line with the rearward member 114 in the illustrated embodiment) when in position D or E. Adjusting the center of gravity in this way may advantageously enable the user to comfortably maintain an aided-wheelie. Additionally, users with different centers of gravity or the same user with changing body characteristics maybe able to adjust the location of the center of gravity to suit their different or changing needs.

[0212] In the illustrated example, position F may be a fixed rear-anti tip position. As shown, the arm angle 214 at position F may be fixed at about 50-degrees. The fixed rear-anti tip position may position the omni-wheel of the accessory 150 within the “golden triangle” (i.e. , suspended about 5cm off the ground and not extending beyond the rear-most position of the rear wheels 106). This position may maintain obstacleclearance ability and may avoid any increase in the overall dimensions of the wheeled conveyance 102. Position F may also be an aided-wheelie incline / stair / curb ascent position when the world external to the wheeled conveyance can be visualized as becoming “lower”. Accordingly, the user may ascend an incline in the forward direction up to 10-degrees or more, and the fixed angle of the support arm 130 (and accessory 150 connected thereto) may account for the “lowered” external world (i.e., by permitting a lesser degree of rearward tip to account for the angle of the incline being ascended). Additionally, the aided-wheelie incline / stair / curb ascent position may be used to allow aided-wheelie-like functions when the outer end of the support arm becomes unsupported (e.g., when backing off a curb or when the outer end sinks into a soft surface).

[0213] In the illustrated example, position G may be a “dragster” position. As shown, the arm angle 214 at position G may be fixed at about 40-degrees. The dragster position may permit rapid acceleration of the wheeled conveyance on smooth level surfaces (e.g., during activities such as sports and exercise). In this position, the omni- wheel of the accessory 150 may remain in contact with the ground, which may prevent backward tipping during such rapid acceleration. This fixed lowered position may also be useful for wheeled conveyance users who have movement or behavioral disorders that cause them to rock their wheeled conveyances and tip over.

[0214] In the illustrated example, position H may be a transport position. As shown, the arm angle 214 at position H may be fixed at about 30-degrees. In the transport position, the wheeled conveyance 102 may be supported on the front wheels 104 and the wheels of the accessory 150. This may enable the user to remove the rear wheels 106 such as, for example, to gain access to narrow spaces (e.g., down the aisle of an airplane, through a narrow doorway), to replace dirty outdoor wheels with cleanwheels, and if the accessory is an omni-wheel, castor, captured ball, or the like, the wheeled conveyance 102 may be more flexibly moveable in the forward / rearward and lateral directions, as well as within a tighter turn radius, which may allow the wheeled conveyance to be maneuvered into tight spaces (e.g., using hands on surrounding objects or a caregiver for propulsion).

[0215] In the illustrated example, position I may be a storage position. As shown, the storage position may be provided about 80-degrees clockwise from the vertical axis 216. In the storage position, the support arm 130 may be tucked under the seat 108 so as not to interfere with folding, storage, and transport of the wheeled conveyance 102. Optionally, the support arm 130 may be rotatable about its longitudinal axis to prevent the accessory 150 from contacting the mounting shaft 116 and thus permit the support arm 130 to be closer to 90-degrees from the vertical axis 216 in the storage position. Alternatively, the accessory mount 100 optionally may be removed for storage.

[0216] In accordance with another broad aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a method of mounting an accessory mount 100 to a support structure 110 of a wheeled conveyance 102. The method includes positioning a front bracket 118 of a mounting shaft 116 of the accessory mount 100 proximate a forward laterally extending member 112 of the support structure 110 with a bracket mouth 158 of the front bracket 118 facing the forward laterally extending member 112, and positioning a rear bracket 120 of the mounting shaft 116 of the accessory mount 100 proximate a rearward laterally extending member 114 of the support structure 110 with a bracket mouth 158 of the rear bracket 120 facing the rearward laterally extending member 114. The bracket mouth 158 of the front and rear brackets 118, 120 may face opposite directions.

[0217] The method further includes connecting one of the front bracket 118 to the forward laterally extending member 112 and the rear bracket 120 to the rearward laterally extending member 114, and connecting the other of the front bracket 118 to the forward laterally extending member 112 and the rear bracket 120 to the rearward laterally extending member 114 by slidably adjusting a spacing between the front and rear brackets 118, 120.

[0218] In any accessory mount embodiment, connecting the front bracket 118 to the forward laterally extending member 112 may include slidably positioning the frontbracket 118 around the forward laterally extending member 112. Similarly, in any embodiment, connecting the rear bracket 120 to the rearward laterally extending member 114 may include slidably positioning the rear bracket 120 around the rearward laterally extending member 114.

[0219] In any accessory mount embodiment, slidably positioning the rear bracket 120 around the rearward laterally extending member 114 may include aligning a center of rotation of a support arm 130 rotatably mounted to the rear bracket 120 with a wheel rotation axis 107 of the pair of rear wheels 106.

[0220] In any accessory mount embodiment, the method may further include positioning the mounting shaft 116 below the forward laterally extending member 112 and above the rearward laterally extending member 114.

[0221] Reference will now be made to Figures 14 through 24B, which show various example embodiments of a supplemental wheel assembly 218. The supplemental wheel assembly 218 may address one or more (or all) of the problems in existing accessory mounts for wheeled conveyances described previously herein. For clarity, embodiments of supplemental wheel assembly 218 may address any one or more of the previously described problems and, as such, some embodiments may yet have one or more of the above-described problems unresolved. In some cases, embodiments of supplemental wheel assembly 218 may address other problems or have other advantages not described above and have all the above-described problems may remain unresolved.

[0222] While the supplemental wheel assembly 218 is described herein and shown in the figures as used with a wheelchair, it will be appreciated that the supplemental wheel assembly 218 may be used with any other wheeled conveyance as described previously herein with respect to accessory mount 100.

[0223] Referring to Figures 14 to 16B, in the illustrated example, the supplemental wheel assembly 218 is mounted to a wheeled conveyance 102, shown as a wheelchair. The wheeled conveyance 102 is configured similar to as previously described herein. As shown, support structure 110 of the wheeled conveyance 102 may be a rigid support structure 110. That is, as shown, the rigid support structure 110 may include the forward member 112, shown as a seat-rigidizer bar, and the rearward member 114,shown as a camber tube 220, both of which may be integrated with the rigid support structure 110.

[0224] Alternatively, referring to the example illustrated in Figures 17 to 18B, the support structure 110 may be foldable. In such embodiments, the forward member 112 and the rearward member 114 may be foldable / collapsable members and / or removable members. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the forward member 112 is a foldable cross brace 236 and the rearward member 114 is a removable camber tube 220.

[0225] In either a rigid or foldable support structure 110, the camber tube 220 may be integrated with the support structure 110 orthe camber tube 220 may be removably mounted to the support structure 110. For example, referring Figures 24A and 24B, the removable camber tube 220 may have one or more ends 254 adapted to fit within one or more camber tube adapters 252 that are attached to the support structure 110 of the wheeled conveyance. In some embodiments, the camber tube adapters 252 may be positioned colinearly with the axis of rotation of the rear wheels 106 of the wheeled conveyance 102. In alternate embodiments, the position of the camber tube adapters 252 may be adjustable relative to the support structure 110.

[0226] The camber tube ends 254 may be male connectors, female connectors, or one male and one female connector. The camber tube adapters 252 may similarly be male connectors, female connectors, or one male and one female connector. The connector types(s) of the camber tube ends 254 may correspond to those of the camber tube adapters 252, where a male connector corresponds to a female connector. In “corresponding” connectors, the male connector may be designed to fit or mate with the female connector, allowing for proper alignment, secure connection, and functional interaction between the two components. The male connector may have protrusions or pins that insert into the female connector, which may have corresponding holes or sockets to receive them. In this way, the male connector can releasably engage the female connector, such as by a friction fit, for example, that is reversible so that the camber tube 220 can be detached from the support structure 110.

[0227] When mounted to the support structure, the removable camber tube 220 may be rotationally fixed to the support structure 110 by the male connectors 256 andfemale connectors 258. For example, the male and female connectors 256, 258 may be angular (e.g., square, hexagonal) or ellipsoidal in shape such that rotation of the camber tube 220 about its longitudinal axis may be prevented. In another example embodiment, the removably mounted camber tube 220 may be free to rotate in relation to the support structure 110, and the forward brace 22 alone may withstand the rotational forces applied to the positioning plates 120 and camber tube 220 from the support arm 130. In alternate embodiments, means such as a clamp, set-screw, or nut and bolt fastener may be used to rotationally fix the removable camber tube 220 to the support structure 110.

[0228] In at least one example embodiment of the supplementary wheel assembly 128, the camber tube 220 may also have a continuously adjustable length such that it can be telescopically extended or retracted to fit various widths of wheeled conveyances. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, a jack screw may be used to expand or retract the camber tube 220. The continuous adjustability of the camber tube 220 may permit separation of the male connector 256 and female connector 258 when the camber tube 220 is removed from support structure 110. The jack screw may also provide a biasing force to maintain contact between the camber tube ends 254 of the camber tube 220 and the camber tube adapters 252 of the support structure 110. In at least one alternative embodiment, a spring may be used that may be compressed to allow the camber tube to be put in position and hold the camber tube in position. In at least one alternative embodiment, a spring and a jack screw may be used together.

[0229] Referring to Figure 23C, in the embodiment shown, the supplemental wheel assembly 218 includes a first positioning plate 128i and a second positioning plate 1282 laterally offset from the first positioning plate 128i . As shown, the first and second positioning plates 128 are mountable to the camber tube 220 of the support structure 110. The supplemental wheel assembly 218 further includes a support arm 130 rotatably positioned between the first positioning plate 128i and the second positioning plate 1282, and a forward brace 222 fixed to the first positioning plate 128i and second positioning plate 1282.

[0230] The first positioning plate 128i and the second positioning plate 1282 may mount to the camber tube 220 in various ways. For example, as shown, the cambertube 220 may be discontinuous such that there is a first camber tube 220i and a second camber tube 2202 that, when assembled with the positioning plates 128, are coaxial with one another but spaced apart such that there is an opening between them. In such an embodiment, the supplementary wheel assembly 218 may further include a pair of sleeves 250 which are mounted to the outwardly pointing faces (e.g., outwardly facing surfaces) of the positioning plates 128 and slidably engage the first camber tube 220i and the second camber tube 2202. In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeves 250 may internally engage the camber tube 220 to reduce the overall dimensions of the supplementary wheel assembly 218 when mounted to a wheeled conveyance 102. Internal mounting, such as in the manner described, may allow reaction forces imparted by the positioning plates 128 to be transmitted to the camber tube 220 at a point closer to the longitudinal axis of the camber tube 220.

[0231] In any supplementary wheel assembly embodiment, the positioning plates 128 may be rotationally fixed in relation to the camber tube 220. Any means may be used to rotationally fix the positioning plates 128 in relation to the camber tube such as, but not limited to, epoxy, clamping, set screws, nut and bolt fasteners, or locking pins. For example, in the internally mounted embodiment shown, keys may be inserted through corresponding slots in the positioning plates 128, sleeves 250, and camber tube 220, which may rotationally lock the components together.

[0232] In another embodiment of the supplementary wheel assembly 218, the camber tube 220 may be a continuous tube. In such an embodiment the positioning plates 128 may define a central opening 248 that slidably engages the continuous camber tube 220. In this way the positioning plates 128 may engage a removable continuous camber tube 220 as shown in FIG. 23A.

[0233] Referring to Figures 26A and 26B, in some embodiments the camber tube 220 may be a continuous tube and the positioning plates 128 may take the form of semi-circles surrounding the lower hemisphere of the camber tube 220. In any embodiment of the supplementary wheel assembly 218 a series of notches 278 may be formed around the outer edge of the positioning plates 128. The notches 278 may serve as a means of visually and physically identifying the position of one or more positioning apertures 190 within the positioning plates 128.

[0234] Referring to Figures 26C and 26D, in some embodiments, the supplementary wheel assembly 218 may further include an upper attachment component 280 adapted to surround the upper hemisphere of the camber tube 220 and couple to the positioning plates 128. The upper attachment component 280 may have an internal cavity 326 adapted to provide space within the upper attachment component 280 for receiving a crank 328, described below, on the proximal arm end 196 of the support arm 130.

[0235] The upper attachment component 280 may further include one or more flanges 282 protruding laterally away from the camber tube 220 and having a series of upper bore holes 284 formed within. Referring to Figures 26A through 26E, the upper bore holes 284 may be adapted to align with a series of corresponding lower bore holes 286 formed within flanged portions 324 of the positioning plates 128 such that the upper attachment component 280 may be coupled with fasteners to the positioning plates 128. In such embodiments, coupling the upper attachment component 280 to the positioning plates 128 around the camber tube 220 fixes the positioning plates 128 to the camber tube 220. Optionally, the upper attachment component 280 may have a leveling means (e.g., a bubble level) to assist in orienting the upper attachment component 280 and the positioning plates 128 about the upper and lower hemispheres of the camber tube 220, respectively.

[0236] In at least another example embodiment of the supplementary wheel assembly 218, the camber tube 220 may be integrally formed with the support structure 110 and the positioning plates 128 may further comprise a front positioning plate segment 244 that is pivotably, or otherwise, connected to a rear positioning plate segment 246. As illustrated in Figure 23B, the front positioning plate segment 244 and rear positioning plate segment 246 may form a clamp defining a central opening 248 for removably mounting the positioning plates 128 to camber tube 220. In such embodiments, an existing wheeled conveyance 102 can be retrofitted by mounting the supplementary wheel assembly 218 to an existing camber tube 220 integrally formed to the support structure 110.

[0237] In any embodiment of the supplementary wheel assembly, the first positioning plate 128i and the second positioning plate 1282 may include a plurality of positioning apertures 190 extending through each positioning plate. The plurality ofpositioning apertures 190 may include a plurality of pairs of positioning apertures 190. As shown, each pair of positioning apertures 190 may have a first positioning aperture 190i in the first positioning plate 128i and a second positioning aperture 1902 in the second positioning plate 1282 aligned with the first positioning aperture 190i .

[0238] In such embodiments, each positioning aperture 190, or each pair of positioning apertures 190 from both positioning plates 128i and 1282, may define a corresponding arm position from a plurality of arm positions of the support arm 130. The plurality of arm positions are at different angles with respect to the positioning plates 128i and 1282. Accordingly, each positioning aperture 190, or each pair of positioning apertures 190, may have an aperture spacing 192 from at least one adjacent positioning aperture 190 or pair of positioning apertures 190. The aperture spacing 192 may be represented by the angle between the center of adjacent positioning apertures 190 measured from the center of the track radius 188. Any aperture spacing 192 may be used to provide any desired number of different arm positions. For example, in the example shown in Figures 5 and 6, the aperture spacing 192 is about 9-degrees. The apertures 190 may be arranged in a curved row as shown, in a straight row, or in any other suitable pattern. Referring to Figures 19, 23A, and 26A, the positioning plates 128 may have a series of markings or indications (e.g., position numbers, angles, notches 278) formed on them corresponding with each of the positioning apertures 190. Alternatively, or additionally, aids may be used to identify aperture location (e.g., hole-locator plugs placed in positioning apertures adjacent a preferred positioning aperture).

[0239] The first positioning plate 128i and the second positioning plate 1282 may include at least one row of positioning apertures 190. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to provide a greater number of arm positions with a narrower aperture spacing 192 (i.e. , for a finer degree of control between the arm positions) beyond that possible at a minimum aperture spacing 192 (i.e., without having the apertures 190 physically overlapping). In such embodiments, the first positioning plate 128i and the second positioning plate 1282 may include more than one row of apertures 190 (e.g., two, three, or more than three rows). Each row of apertures may be offset from each adjacent row of apertures 190. In this way, the apertures 190 may be able to overlap without physically overlapping, such that a narrower aperture spacing 192 may bepossible. For example, the example positioning plate 128 shown in Figure 8 includes three rows of positioning apertures 190, providing a narrower aperture spacing 192 between adjacent apertures 190. In the illustrated example, the aperture spacing 192 is about 3-degrees. It will be appreciated that the number of apertures 190 and the aperture spacings 192 therebetween as shown herein are examples and any aperture spacing 192, achieved with any number of apertures 190, may be possible. The apertures 190 may enable adjustment of the stop position in larger increments (also referred to as macro adjustments), which are dictated by the aperture spacing 192. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the apertures 190 allow adjustment of the stop position in 3-degree increments. In some embodiments, the support arm 130 may also be continuously adjustable in length and / or have other continuously adjustable feature(s) that enable adjustment of the stop position is smaller increments (also referred to as micro adjustments) between those positions defined by the apertures 190. In this way, such macro and micro adjustments may render the stop position / arm angle 214 of the support arm 130 continuously adjustable.

[0240] The first positioning plate 128i and the second positioning plate 1282 may include at least one stop pin 194 (e.g., cotter pin, thumb pin, clevis pin). Each stop pin 194 may be slidably insertable through any of the positioning apertures 190, or pair thereof, to fix the position of the support arm 130. One or two stop pins 194 may be used to fix the support arm 130 at one arm position. For example, as shown in Figure 5B, one stop pin 194 may be used to fix the position of the support arm 130. In such examples, the stop pin 194 may extend through the proximal arm end 196 of the support arm 130 to fix the position thereof with respect to the positioning plates 128i and 1282. As shown in Figure 6B, two stop pins 194 including an upper stop pin 194i and a lower stop pin 1942 may be used to fix the position of the support arm 130. In such examples, the upper and lower stop pins 194 may be positioned against opposed upper and lower sides of the proximal arm end 196 of the support arm 130, which may prevent upward or downward rotation of the support arm past the upper and lower stop pins, respectively, which provides a safety feature.

[0241] In some embodiments, the supplemental wheel assembly 218 may include one or more washers aligned with one or more of the positioning apertures 190 between the positioning plates 128. In such an embodiment, one or more of the stoppins 194 may be slidably inserted through any one of the positioning apertures 190 and through one or more of the washers. Each washer may be held in position between the positioning plates 128 by the stop pins 194 and may engage the upper and lower sides of the proximal arm end 196 of the support arm 130, which may prevent upward or downward rotation of the support arm past the upper and lower stop pins and washers. The washers may have various diameters and selection of a washers diameter may provide an additional means of adjusting the support arm’s position relative to the positioning plates 128.

[0242] One or two stop pins 194 may also be used to fix the support arm 130 within a range of arm positions. Where two stop pins 194 are used, as shown in Figure 19, the support arm 130 may be positioned between an upper stop pin 194i and a lower stop pin 1942. In such examples, the support arm 130 may be rotatable between contact with the lower stop pin 1942 (also referred to herein as a standby position for various accessories 150) and contact with the upper stop pin 194i (also referred to herein as an operating position for various accessories 150). In embodiments where the support arm 130 is used with positioning plate(s) 128 having more than one row of positioning apertures 190, the upper and lower stop pins 194 may each be positioned in any positioning aperture 190 in any of the rows of positioning apertures.

[0243] Referring to Figure 29, in some examples, one or more tilt angle adjustment bolts 268 may extend outwardly from the upper or lower sides of the proximal arm end 196 of the support arm 130. The tilt angle adjustment bolt 268 may be positioned on the support arm 130 such that the tilt angle adjustment bolt 268 aligns with the positioning apertures 190, or rows thereof, at any position within the arc range of motion of the support arm 130. In this way, the tilt angle adjustment bolt 268 may be the point of contact between the support arm 130 and any stop pin 194 positioned in the positioning apertures 190. In the example illustrated, the tilt angle adjustment bolt 268 has a sufficiently wide diameter to engage a stop pin 194 placed in any one of three rows of apertures 190. The tilt angle adjustment bolt 268 may enable finely tuned selection of the support arm angle at which the support arm 130 contacts the stop pin 194 (i.e. , micro adjustments) between the incremental angle changes of the positioning apertures 190 (i.e., macro adjustments). In this way, the tilt angle adjustment bolt 268 may render the support arm angle continuously adjustable. The tilt angle adjustmentbolt 268 may have a threaded shaft 270 which threadably engages the proximal arm end 196. In some examples, a user may adjust the distance the tilt angle adjustment bolt 268 projects from the proximal arm end 196 by rotating the threaded shaft 270 with a tool 272 such as an Allen key.

[0244] Optionally, the positioning plate(s) 128 may have an upper stop and / or a lower stop (not shown) integrally formed therewith. The upper and / or lower stops may prevent rotation of the support arm 130 upwardly beyond the upper stop and / or downwardly beyond the lower stop. That is, if no stop pins 194 are present (e.g., forgotten or failed), the upper and / or lower stops may advantageously provide a failsafe stop limit. The upper and / or lower stops may be at any desired location, and the positioning apertures 190 may be formed on only a positioning segment of the positioning plates 128 between the upper and lower stops. For example, the upper stop may be positioned to prevent rotation of the support arm 130 beyond 90-degrees from vertical. In such embodiments, only a 90-degree segment of each positioning plate 128 may have positioning apertures 190 formed therewith. Additionally, either of the upper and lower stops may be used in lieu of a stop pin 194. That is, only one of the upper stop pin 194i and the lower stop pin 1942 may be used, and the upper or lower stop of the positioning plate(s) 128 may serve as the other of the upper stop pin 194i or the lower stop pin 1942.

[0245] In any embodiment, the positioning plates 128 may take the form of semicircles biased forward of the camber tube 220 (not shown). In such an embodiment, there may be less interference between the support arm 130 and the positioning plates 128, allowing for a support arm 130 that is shorter in length, and an accessory 150 (e.g., a power assist) to be mounted closer to the camber tube 220. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 26A and 26B, the positioning plates 128 may take the form of semi-circles biased below the camber tube 220. Such an embodiment may allow the supplemental wheel assembly 218 to mount to a wheeled conveyance 102 with less vertical clearance above the camber tube 220 and reduce the mass of the device by removing material not needed for the function of the device.

[0246] The forward brace 222 has a proximal brace end 224 nearest the camber tube 220 and the positioning plates 128, and a distal brace end 226 extending forward of the camber tube 220 and proximate the forward member 112 of the support structure110. The distal brace end 226 has a bracket mouth 158 that is adapted to releasably engage the forward member 112 of the support structure 110 when the supplementary wheel assembly 218 is mounted to the support structure 110.

[0247] As illustrated in Figures 14 through 24B, the forward brace 222 may telescopically extend and retract such that a brace length, which is the length of the forward brace 222 extending between the proximal brace end 224 and distal brace end 226, is continuously bi-directionally adjustable. In at least one embodiment, the proximal brace end may be telescopically connected to the distal brace end through a telescopic joint and optionally a biasing resilient member.

[0248] Any telescopic joint may be used. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 22A to 22B, the telescopic joint is a jack screw 234 and the brace length is adjustable by rotating the jack screw 234 relative to the proximal brace end and the distal brace end. As another example, the telescopic joint may be a worm gear mechanism 274 similar to that shown in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 28. Worm gears may provide for dual direction-controlled extension and retraction. As yet another example, the telescopic joint may be a rack and pinion mechanism 276 telescopically connecting the proximal brace end 224 to the distal brace end 226 similar to that shown in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 27A and 27B. Other suitable telescopic joints include, for example, a continuous slot and a fastener, non-continuous (i.e. , discrete) bores and a fastener, or a bevel-gear arrangement. It will be appreciated that any such telescopic joints may be employed in the support arm 130, the forward brace 222, and / or a telescoping camber tube, to provide length adjustability.

[0249] Referring to Figures 16A to 16B and 19, in the illustrated embodiment, the proximal brace end 224 of the forward brace 222 is fixed to the first positioning plate 128i and the second positioning plate 1282 by at least one pin 232. The forward brace 222 may have a brace axis 228 extending between the proximal brace end 224 to the distal brace end 226 and a brace axis angle 230 defined by the angle of the brace axis 228 in relation to horizontal in a plane. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal brace end 224 is positioned between the positioning plates 128. As shown, the proximal brace end 224 may be fixed to the positioning plates 128 at a point offset from the longitudinal axis of the camber tube 220. The proximal brace end 224 may be fixed by at least one pin 232 extending through the positioning plates 128 and the proximalbrace end 224. The pin 232 may selectively fix the forward brace 222 at a plurality of brace axis angles 230, allowing the forward brace 222 to have a continuously adjustable brace axis angle 230. In one example, the proximal brace end 224 may be fixed to an upper portion of the positioning plates 128. In another example, the proximal brace end 224 may be fixed to a lower portion of the positioning plates 128.

[0250] In alternate embodiments, two pins 232 may be used to rotationally fix the proximal brace end 224 to the positioning plates. In such embodiments, one of the pins 232 may act as a pivot point and the other one of the pins 232 may fix the forward brace 222 at a desired brace axis angle 230 (i.e., prevent rotation beyond a fixed angle). Other means of fixing the proximal brace end 224 to the positioning plates 128 may also be used such as fasteners, epoxy, hinges, or integrally forming the proximal brace end 224 with one or more of the positioning plates 128.

[0251] In further alternate embodiments, the proximal brace end 224 may be fixed directly to the camber tube 220. Fixing of the proximal brace end 224 to the camber tube 220 may be achieved through epoxy, a set screw, a clamp on the end of the proximal brace end 224, or integrally forming the proximal brace end 224 with the camber tube 220. A forward brace 222 that is continuously adjustable in length and brace axis angle 230 as described may allow the supplementary wheel assembly 218 to mount to different support structures 110 of different wheeled conveyances 102 having a variety of dimensions. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 14 to 16B, the supplementary wheel assembly 218 is mounted to the rigid support structure 110. As shown, the supplementary wheel assembly 218 is connected to the camber tube 220, and the forward brace 222 extends from the supplementary wheel assembly 218 and the bracket mount 158 engages the forward member 112. In this way, the forward brace 222 braces the supplementary wheel assembly 218 against the forward member 112. The supplementary wheel assembly 218 may also be mounted to the foldable support structure 110 as illustrated in Figures 17 to 18B. As shown, the supplementary wheel assembly 218 is connected to the camber tube 220, and the forward brace 222 extends from the supplementary wheel assembly 218 and the bracket mount 158 engages the cross brace 236. In this way, the forward brace 222 braces the supplementary wheel assembly 218 against the cross brace 236.

[0252] The forward member 112 and camber tube 220 of Figures 14 to 16B may have a different spacing in the forward / rearward and / or vertical directions than the camber tube 220 and the cross brace 236 of Figures 17 to 18B. The adjustable in length and brace axis angle 230 of the forward brace 222 as described above may allow the forward brace 222 to be engaged with the forward member 112 in either support structure 110 by angling the forward brace 222 toward the forward member 112 and extending the forward brace 222, or to be disengaged by subsequently retracting the forward brace 222. In addition, the jack screw 234 (or other telescopic joint) may create a biasing force between the bracket mouth 158 and the forward member 112 to maintain contact between the two during operation of the supplementary wheel assembly 218. In addition, or alternatively, the forward brace 222 may further comprise a resilient member such as a spring. The spring may create a biasing force between the bracket mouth 158 and the forward member 112 to maintain contact between the two during operation of the supplementary wheel assembly 218.

[0253] In any supplemental wheel assembly embodiments described above, the forward brace 222 may provide a resistance to rotational forces applied to the positioning plates 128 and the camber tube 220 while the supplementary wheel assembly 218 is in operation. When force is applied to the support arm 130 such that the support arm 130 contacts a stop pin 194, a torque may be applied to the support arm 130 and transmitted through the stop pin 194 to the positioning plate(s) 128. As a result, the positioning plates 128 may be encouraged to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the camber tube 220. However, the forward brace 222 may be mounted to the positioning plates 128 at a point offset from the longitudinal axis of the camber tube 220 such that rotational force of the positioning plates 128 about the camber tube 220 may be transferred by the forward brace 222 to a linear push / pull force applied to the forward member 112. In this way, rotation of the positioning plates 128 about the camber tube 220 may be prevented, at least in part, by the forward brace 222.

[0254] For example, an upward torque applied to the positioning plates 128 about the camber tube 220 from the support arm 130 (e.g., in a rearward tip) would act to compress the forward brace 222 against the forward member 112 of the support structure 110, thereby resisting rotation of the positioning plates 128. Similarly, in examples where the bracket mouth 158 is fixed to the forward member 112 (see e.g.,FIG. 22C), a downward torque applied to the positioning plate 128 about the camber tube 220 from the support arm 130 (e.g., when the wheeled conveyance is backed up into an obstacle) would act to place the forward brace 222 in tension by pulling against the forward member 112.

[0255] In any supplemental wheel assembly embodiments described herein where the positioning plates 128 are fixed to the camber tube 220 and the camber tube 220 is rotationally fixed to the support structure 110, the torque applied by the support arm 130 may be resisted by the fixed connections between the positioning plates 128 and the camber tube 220 (e.g., by the keyed slots, or epoxy) and between the camber tube 220 and the support structure 110 (e.g., by the male-female connectors). In those embodiments, the forward brace 222 may provide additional resistance to torque applied to the positioning plates 128. That is, the forward brace 222 may provide supplemental resistance for the fixed connections or fail-safe resistance should the fixed connections fail.

[0256] In any supplemental wheel assembly embodiments described above where the positioning plates 128 are not rotatably fixed in relation to the camber tube 220 or where the camber tube 220 is not rotationally fixed in relation to the support structure 110, the forward brace 222 may be the primary means of resisting torque applied to the positioning plates 128 by the support arm 130 and thereby transferring forces applied to the supplemental wheel assembly 218 to the support structure 110.

[0257] The additional resistance to support arm 130 torque provided by the forward brace 222 gives the supplemental wheel assembly 218 unique advantages. For example, an existing wheelchair may have an integrated camber tube 220 with weak attachment points to the surrounding support structure 110. The inclusion of the forward brace 222 may allow the supplementary wheel assembly 218 to be mounted to the existing camber tube 220 without further strengthening its connection to the support structure 110 as some of the torque created by the supplementary wheel assembly 218 in operation can be transferred by the forward brace 222 to the forward member 112 of the support structure 110.

[0258] In another example, the supplementary wheel assembly 218 may optionally be mounted to a wheeled conveyance 102 with a foldable support structure 110 through a removable camber tube 220. In such an example, the removable cambertube 220 may not be rotatably fixed with respect to the support structure 110 and may rely on the forward brace 222 to provide torsional strength.

[0259] Referring now to Figure 22A, the bracket mouth 158 may take the form of a U-shaped, C-shaped, or V-shaped open bracket 238 for releasably engaging a forward member 112 such as a rigidizer bar. Referring now to Figures 18A, 18B, 22B, and 24A, the open bracket may also have a pair of protruding members 240 which are adapted to extend between the cross braces 236 of a foldable support structure. In either of such embodiments, contact between the open bracket 238 and the forward member 112 may be maintained through a biasing force created by the forward brace 222 jack screw 234 or other suitable telescopic joint.

[0260] Referring now to Figure 22C, in at least one example embodiment, the bracket mouth 158 may take the form of a clamp 242 which releasably engages the forward member 112. The clamp 242 removes the need for a biasing force between the open bracket mouth 158 and the forward member 112 and prevents the bracket mouth 158 from pulling away from the forward member 112 during operation of the supplemental wheel assembly 218.

[0261] As illustrated in Figure 23C, the support arm 130 of the supplemental wheel assembly 218 has a proximal arm end 196 rotatably mounted to a central bearing 260 positioned between the first positioning plate 128i and the second positioning plate 1282. The central bearing 260 may be fixed or removably mounted to the discontinuous camber tube 220 through attachment to the inward faces of the positioning plates 128 and to the sleeves 250. In an alternative embodiment of the supplemental wheel assembly 218 as illustrated in Figure 23A, the central bearing 260 may have a central opening 248 to slidably engage a continuous camber tube 220. In either case, the central bearing allows for the support arm 130 to move with minimal friction around an axis that is co-linear with the rear-wheel axles.

[0262] In another alternative embodiment of the supplemental wheel assembly 218, as illustrated in Figure 23B, at least one of the positioning plates 128 may have a curved track 186 for rotatably guiding and supporting the support arm 130. As shown in the illustrated examples, the curved track 186 may have a constant track radius 188 centered within the bracket mouth 158. Optionally, the track radius 188 may be centered at a location coincident with the center of the radius of the central opening248 and, when the supplemental wheel assembly 218 is mounted to the support structure 110, the track radius 188 may be centered at a location coincident with the centered with the rear wheels 106. In this way, the support arm 130 rotatably supported and guided by the curved track 186 may similarly have a center of rotation that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the camber tube 220 and, therefore, that is coaxial with the rear wheels 106.

[0263] Referring to Figure 26F, in some embodiments, the support arm 130 may further include a crank 328 extending from the proximal arm end 196 and adapted to pivotably connect the support arm 130 to the camber tube 220. The crank 328 includes a curved mouth portion 330 adapted to wrap around a first portion of the camber tube 220, and a latch 332 pivotably connected to the crank 328 and adapted to wrap around a second portion of the camber tube 220 when in a closed position, as illustrated in Figure 26F. The crank 328 may further include a fastener 334 to lock the latch 332 in the closed position around the camber tube 220. In some embodiments, the inner surface 336 of the curved mouth portion 330 and the latch 332 may comprise a low friction material such as Teflon to permit pivoting of the crank 328 in relation to the camber tube 220. Alternatively, or additionally, a low-friction collar (e.g., a split one to ease installation) may be placed around the camber tube. Such a collar may advantageously protect the camber tube and may allow camber tubes of different diameter to be accommodated. Referring to Figure 26E, in some embodiments the crank 328 may be adapted to connect to the camber tube 220 within the internal cavity 326 of the upper attachment component 280 and extend between the positioning plates 128. In such embodiments, as shown, one or both of the flanges 282 of the upper attachment component 280 may function as a stop limit when contacted by the crank 328.

[0264] It may be desirable to have the support arm 130 rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the camber tube 220. For example, this may be the case when the supplemental wheel assembly 218 further includes certain accessories 150 (e.g., a rear anti-tip accessory). In particular, where the support arm 130 rotates about the longitudinal axis of the camber tube 220, it may ensure that the distal arm end 198 (and any accessory 150 connected thereto) remains generally the same distance from the outer circumference of the rear wheels 106 at each arm position of the plurality ofarm positions. For example, when the accessory 150 is a rear anti-tip accessory, rotation of the support arm 130 about longitudinal axis of the camber tube 220 may ensure that a distal end (e.g., a ground-engaging portion) of the accessory 150 does not move from outside the radius of the rear wheels 106 to inside the radius of the rear wheels 106, which may render the accessory 150 ineffective in preventing rear tips. In some embodiments, the distal end of the accessory 150 may extend beyond the radius of the rear wheels 106 at any arm position, and the distance of the distal end of the accessory 150 from the rear wheels 106 may vary between positions.

[0265] In any supplementary wheel assembly embodiment, the support arm 130 may include at least one pin bore 200 extending laterally through the support arm 130 at the proximal arm end 196 (see e.g., Figures 21 A and 21 B). The pin bore 200 may be positionable in alignment with any of the positioning apertures 190 of the positioning plate(s) 128. When the pin bore 200 is aligned with one of the positioning apertures 190, or a pair thereof, a stop pin 194 may be slidably insertable through the positioning aperture(s) 190 and the pin bore 200 to thereby fix the support arm 130 in the arm position corresponding to the positioning aperture(s) 190.

[0266] In any supplementary wheel assembly embodiment, the support arm 130 may further include a forward arm extension 262 which may extend forward of the proximal arm end 196 (see e.g., Figure 21 B). In such examples the positioning plates 128 may have positioning apertures 190 formed in a front portion forward of the camber tube 220. The forward arm extension 262 may engage an upper stop pin 194i or lower stop pin 1942 as described previously with respect to the support arm 130. Additionally, the forward arm extension 262 may have a pin bore 200 for fixing the support arm 130 at an arm position as described above. Embodiments which use a support arm with the forward arm extension 262 may permit the attachment of a device such as a power assist in close proximity to the camber tube 220. By connecting an accessory 150 closer to the camber tube 220, the forward arm extension 262 may provide more space for larger devices while providing a more stable means of transmitting force to the camber tube.

[0267] In any supplementary wheel assembly embodiment, the supplementary wheel assembly 218 may further include an accessory 150 removably connected to distal arm end 198 of the support arm 130. In such embodiments, the accessory 150may also be referred to as an arm accessory. In any accessory mount embodiment, the accessory 150 may be a first accessory 150i and the accessory mount 100 may further include a second accessory 1502.

[0268] The accessory 150 connected to the distal arm end 198 of the support arm 130 may be any wheeled accessory. For example, the accessory 150 may be a rear power assist (see e.g., Figure 20), a RAD, or an omni-wheel. In any supplementary wheel embodiment, the support arm 130 may be an anti-tip arm (forward or rearward) and the arm accessory 150 may be a rear anti-tip accessory having a ground-engaging member 264. An advantage of using an omni wheel, captured ball, or castor with adjustable stem angle as the ground-engaging member 264 of the rear anti-tip accessory is that it may allow the wheeled conveyance to easily move with minimum resistance in each of the forward / rearward and lateral directions while loaded, which may provide a greater degree of maneuverability of the wheeled conveyance.

[0269] Referring to the embodiments illustrated in Figures 30A, 30B, and 30C, the arm accessory 150 includes a ground engaging member 264 that is a castor with a vertically oriented stem 288 and a castor wheel 290. The castor wheel 290 is pivotably mounted to the stem such that the castor wheel 290 is free to pivot about a vertical axis and change orientation about the stem to accommodate various movement directions of the wheeled conveyance 102. For example, the castor wheel 290 may be oriented directly rearward of the support arm 130 to permit forward and backward of the movement of the wheeled conveyance 102, or perpendicular to the support arm 130 to permit the wheeled conveyance 102 to pivot horizontally without any forward or backward movement.

[0270] In some embodiments, the stem 288 of the arm accessory has an angle adjustment mechanism 292 to calibrate the orientation of the stem 288 with respect to the support arm 130 when the castor wheel 290 is resting on the ground. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 30A, the angle adjustment mechanism 292 is a cam joint 294. The cam joint 294 has a cam 296 which pivots about an offset cam pin 298 between various fixed positions. As the cam 296 pivots about the cam pin 298 the orientation of the castor stem 288 is adjusted relative to the support arm 130.

[0271] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 30B, the angle adjustment mechanism 292 is an adjustable wedge 300 placed between the support arm 130 andthe castor stem 288. The wedge 300 may be fixed in any position between a fully inserted and a fully removed position. The user may adjust the position of the wedge to adjust the resting orientation of the castor stem 288.

[0272] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 30C, the angle adjustment mechanism 292 is a Hirth joint 302. The Hirth joint 302 includes a central pivot 304 that connects the castor stem 288 to the support arm 130, a first circular face with a first set of tapered teeth, and a second circular face with a second set of corresponding tapered teeth. The two faces share a common axis of rotation that is parallel with the camber tube 220 and coaxial with the central pivot 304. The two faces may be biased towards one another such that the first and second set of tapered teeth are typically enmeshed. T o adjust the orientation of the castor stem 288, the first and second faces are pulled away from each other and the stem 288 rotated. Once at the desired orientation the first and second set of teeth 306 are allowed to enmesh, locking the Hirth joint 302 and preventing further adjustment.

[0273] As the castor wheel 290 freely pivots about the stem 288 maintaining a generally vertical orientation of the stem 288 prevents a gravity based bias force which may cause the castor wheel 290 to consistently settle in an undesirable orientation. As an example, the stem 288 may be accidentally oriented at a slight rearward slant which causes the castor wheel 290 to settle in a forward orientation. As the wheeled conveyance moves forward the unaligned settled orientation of the castor wheel 290 creates a drag force.

[0274] In some embodiments, the first accessory 150i and the second accessory 1502 may be interchangeable such that only one of the first accessory 150i and the second accessory 1502 may be connected to the distal arm end 198 at the same time. For example, where the first and second accessories 150 are both rear anti-tip accessories for connection to the support arm 130 (e.g., the first accessory 150i is an omni-wheel and the second accessory 1502 is a ski), the first and second accessories 150 may be interchangeable such that, for example, the first accessory 150i may be connected to the support arm 130 during a first use (e.g., indoor use) and the second accessory 1502 may be connected to the support arm 130 during a second use (e.g., outdoor use).

[0275] In any supplementary wheel assembly embodiment, the support arm 130 may have an arm length extending from the distal arm end 198 to the proximal arm end 196. In some embodiments a telescopic joint may connect the proximal arm end 196 to the distal arm end 198 such that the arm length is adjustable. An adjustable arm length may advantageously allow the support arm 130 to be used with rear wheels 106 of a range of diameters and tire types by extending / retracting the arm length to suit the particular rear wheels 106 used. In the examples illustrated in Figures 14 through 19 the telescopic joint is a jack screw 234 and the arm length is continuously adjustable (e.g., telescopic). In such embodiments, a means of preventing rotation of the proximal arm end 196 relative to the distal arm end 198 may include a longitudinally extending groove formed within the distal arm end 198 and a corresponding key formed within the proximal arm end 196. In other embodiments, a non-rounded shape of the proximal arm end 196 and distal arm end 198 may prevent relative rotation.

[0276] In some embodiments, the telescopic joint may be a continuous slot and fastener (not shown). In yet other examples, the length of the support arm 130 extending between the proximal arm end 196 and distal arm end 198 is non- continuously adjustable. In one example, the telescopic joint may be a set of corresponding apertures formed on both of the proximal arm end 196 and distal arm end 198 and a pin used to selectively fix the length of the support arm 130.

[0277] Referring to the example supplementary wheel assembly illustrated in Figures 27A and 27B, the telescopic joint may be a rack and pinion mechanism 276. A rack 308 may extend from the end of the distal arm end 198 and interface with an adjustable pinion 310 mounted within the proximal arm end 196. The user may rotate the pinion 310 (e.g., with an Allen hex key) to move the rack 308 within the proximal arm end 196 and adjust the length of the support arm 130.

[0278] Referring to the example supplementary wheel assembly illustrated in Figure 28, the telescopic joint may be a worm gear mechanism 274. Worm gears provide for dual direction-controlled extension and retraction in such embodiments and may be used for the support arm 130, the forward brace 222 and / or a telescoping camber tube 220. The worm gear mechanism 274 includes an internally threaded worm wheel 312 rotatably mounted to the proximal arm end 196 and a threaded shaft 314 extending from the distal arm end 198 into the proximal arm end 196 and threadably engaged bythe worm wheel 312. To adjust the support arm length, a user may rotate the worm wheel 312 to move threaded shaft 314 and distal arm end 198 in relation to the proximal arm end 196. In some examples, the worm wheel 312 is rotated by a user rotating a worm gear 320 which enmeshes with a set of outer threads 322 on the worm wheel 312.

[0279] In some examples a vertical groove 316 is formed along the length of the threaded shaft 314 and a corresponding key 318 extends inwardly from the proximal arm end 196 into the groove 316. The groove 316 and key 318 may be adapted to prevent rotation of the distal arm end 198 in relation to the proximal arm end 196 while the threaded shaft 314 is moved into or out of the proximal arm end 196. Alternatively, in at least one example the telescoping joint may be a bevel-gear arrangement (not shown).

[0280] In this way, the support arm 130 may advantageously be useable with wheelchairs of various manufacturers and models and a range of rear wheel 106 diameters. Further, a continuously adjustable arm length may advantageously enable selection of the distance of the distal arm end 198 (and any accessory 150 connected thereto) from the outer circumference of the rear wheels 106 and thereby allow titration of the amount of rear tilt permitted in the deployed position.

[0281] In accordance with another broad aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a method of mounting a supplemental wheel assembly 218 to the support structure 110 of a wheeled conveyance 102. The method includes positioning the supplemental wheel assembly 218 between the rear wheels 106 of the wheeled conveyance 102.

[0282] In one example embodiment, positioning the supplemental wheel assembly 218 between the rear wheels 106 involves mounting the positioning plates 128 to a camber tube 220 that is integrally formed with the support structure 110. In another embodiment, the supplemental wheel assembly 218 may include a removable camber tube 220 and positioning the supplemental wheel assembly 218 between the rear wheels 106 may include mounting the ends 254 of the removable camber tube 220 to camber tube adapters 252 connected to the support structure 110.

[0283] The method of mounting the supplemental wheel assembly 218 further includes positioning the bracket mouth 158 of the forward brace 222 proximate forward member 112 and connecting the bracket mouth 158 to the forward member 112.

[0284] In any supplemental wheel assembly embodiment, positioning the bracket mouth 158 of the forward brace 222 proximate the forward member 112 and connecting the bracket mouth 158 to the forward member 112 may include adjusting the brace axis angle 230 of the forward brace 222 to align the bracket mouth 158 with the forward member 112, and operating the jack screw 234, or other telescoping mechanism such as those described herein, to extend the distal brace end 226 from a retracted position (see e.g., Figures 16A and 18A) to an extended position (see e.g., Figures 16B and 18B) to make contact between the bracket mouth 158 and the forward member 112.

[0285] In any of the embodiments described herein, an electromechanical assembly may be used to adjust the positions of the stop pins. In such embodiments, the electromechanical assembly comprises a linear actuator and / or servo-motor or stepper motor along with a battery. For example, a drive shaft, a worm gear motor, a motor controller and an H-Bridge may be used with the battery. The electromechanical assembly can be controlled using a user input device, such as a knob or a slide switch, that is wired to the linear actuator / motor to control its operation thereby controlling the position of the stop pin. Alternatively, the electromechanical assembly may include a radio, such as a BlueTooth radio and a controller / microprocessor, allowing a user to wirelessly control the linear actuator / motor and therefore the position of the stop pin. For example, an Arduino Nano and an HC-05 BT unit may be used. Accordingly, in such embodiments, an electromechanical assembly is configured to electronically control the arm position of the support arm and a controller is communicatively coupled (e.g., wired or wirelessly) to the controller and used for controlling the operation of the electromechanical assembly. For example, a remote control device (in a wireless embodiment) or other control unit (in a wired embodiment) may have pre-set positions with fine resolution (e.g., 3 to 5 degrees) to electronically control the adjustment of the position of the stop pin and therefore control the positions of the rotatable support arm. In alternate embodiments, the position of the stop pin and therefore control the positions of the rotatable support arm may be continuously adjustable (e.g., in theabsence of positioning apertures and using non-back drivable gears) using the control device. For the wireless embodiments, a smart phone with a software application may be used to provide this electronic control instead of a remote control device.

[0286] Referring now to FIGS. 25A to 25E, shown therein is an example embodiment of an electromechanical assembly along with the electronic schematics, battery and example housing. FIGS. 25A to 25B show exploded and assembled perspective views of the electromechanical assembly which includes a Support Piece 1 , a Support Piece / Connector 2, a Stepper Motor Housing 3, a Stepper Motor 4, a Helical Drive Gear 5, a Driven Gear & Socket 6, a Linear Actuator 7, a Fastening Bracket 9, a Linear Actuator Platform 10, Linear Actuator Pin 11 , Position Circle 12, and a Support Piece / PCB Housing. FIG. 25A shows how some components of the mechanical assembly engage with an example camber tube 8. FIG. 25C shows the electronic schematics which include Stepper Motor and Linear Control, Linear Actuator and Actuation Control, Bluetooth Communication, Battery and Voltage Regulation Circuit as well as a Gyroscope and Accelerometer. FIG. 25D shows a schematic of the connections of the battery to various electrical components as well as example voltage and current settings. The battery may be a 12V / 10A, 18000mAh GooLoo, Lithium-Ion battery. FIG. 25E an example of the housing and connections for a housing for the battery.

[0287] While the above description provides examples of the embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and / or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. Accordingly, what has been described above has been intended to be illustrative of the invention and non-limiting and it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An accessory mount assembly for a wheeled conveyance having a pair of rear wheels, a conveyance support structure having a rearward support member extending laterally between the pair of rear wheels and a laterally extending forward support member spaced apart from the rearward support member, the accessory mount comprising: a mounting shaft having a forward shaft end longitudinally spaced apart from a rearward shaft end, a forward bracket proximate the forward shaft end, the forward bracket securable to the forward laterally extending member, a rearward bracket proximate the rearward shaft end, the rearward bracket having first and second laterally spaced apart positioning plates, the positioning plates securable to the rearward support member, and a support arm rotatably mountable between the first and second positioning plates, the support arm rotatable about the rearward support member between a plurality of arm positions when mounted between the positioning plates.

2. The accessory mount assembly of claim 1 , wherein the forward bracket extends outwardly from the mounting shaft in one of an upward direction and a downward direction, and the rearward bracket extends in the other of the upward direction and the downward direction.

3. The accessory mount assembly any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein each of the forward bracket and the rearward bracket further include a bracket mouth, the bracket mouths facing in opposed directions.

4. The accessory mount assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the forward bracket and the rearward bracket further include an inner surface comprising a resiliently compressible material.

5. The accessory mount assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the forward bracket further comprises a lower leg connected to a shaft sleeve having a shaftopening sized to receive the mounting shaft, the shaft sleeve being movably connected to the mounting shaft.

6. The accessory mount assembly of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the mounting shaft further comprises an upper shaft side and a lower shaft side, and the support arm is rotatably mounted in a vertical plane that bisects the mounting shaft through the forward and rearward shaft ends and the upper and lower shaft sides.

7. The accessory mount assembly of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rearward bracket further comprises a drawbar having a proximal drawbar end longitudinally spaced apart from a distal drawbar end, the proximal drawbar end secured between the first and second positioning plates, the distal drawbar end being slidably connected to the mounting shaft.

8. The accessory mount assembly of claim 7, wherein the mounting shaft further comprises a drawbar opening sized to receive the drawbar, the drawbar opening extending inwardly into the mounting shaft from the rearward shaft end toward the forward shaft end, the distal drawbar end being removably insertable into the drawbar opening.

9. The accessory mount assembly of claim 8, wherein the drawbar opening is a first drawbar opening and the mounting shaft further comprises a second drawbar opening spaced apart from the first drawbar opening.

10. The accessory mount assembly of claim 7, further comprising a first drawbar opening and a second drawbar opening, each of the first and second drawbar openings connected to the mounting shaft, at least one of the first and second drawbar openings sized to receive the drawbar.

11. The accessory mount assembly of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the support arm extends from a proximal arm end to a distal arm end, the proximal arm end having a rearward member opening sized to receive the rearward support member whereby the proximal arm end is rotatably supported by the rearward support member.

12. The accessory mount assembly of claim 11 , wherein the proximal arm end further comprises a moveable arm portion, the moveable arm portion moveablebetween a closed position in which the rearward member opening is closed and an open position in which the rearward member opening is open, and the rearward support member is receivable in the rearward member opening.

13. The accessory mount assembly of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the support arm extends from a proximal arm end to a distal arm end, the proximal arm end rotatably supported by the first and second positioning plates.

14. The accessory mount assembly of any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising an arm accessory removably connected to the distal arm end of the support arm.

15. The accessory mount assembly of claim 14, wherein the arm accessory is a first arm accessory and the accessory mount further comprises a second arm accessory removably connectable to the distal arm end, the second arm accessory interchangeable with the first arm accessory.

16. The accessory mount assembly of claim 14, wherein the support arm is an antitip arm and the arm accessory is an anti-tip accessory comprising a ground-engaging member.

17. The accessory mount assembly of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the support arm further comprises a telescopic joint at a location between the distal arm end and the proximal arm end, whereby an arm length extending from the distal arm end to the proximal arm end is continuously adjustable using the telescopic joint.

18. The accessory mount assembly of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein each positioning plate further comprises a first face and a second face laterally opposed to the first face, at least one of the first and second faces of at least one of the positioning plates having a curved track, wherein the proximal arm end is rotatably supported by the curved track.

19. The accessory mount assembly of claim 18, wherein the curved track is recessed into the at least one of the first and second faces of the at least one of the positioning plates and the proximal arm end comprises a protruding portion sized to slidably engage the curved track.

20. The accessory mount assembly of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the rearward bracket further comprises: a plurality of pairs of positioning apertures aligned through the first and second positioning plates, each pair of positioning apertures defining a corresponding arm position of the plurality of arm positions, each pair of positioning apertures having an aperture spacing from at least one adjacent pair of positioning apertures; and at least one stop pin, each stop pin being slidably insertable through any of the pairs of positioning apertures.21 . The accessory mount assembly of claim 20, wherein the at least one stop pin comprises an upper stop pin and a lower stop pin wherein, when the support arm is positioned between the upper and lower stop pins, the support arm is rotatable between a standby position in which the support arm is in contact with lower stop pin and an operating position in which the support arm is in contact with upper stop pin.

22. The accessory mount assembly of claim 20, wherein the support arm comprises at least one pin bore, the pin bore extending laterally through the support arm and positionable in alignment with any of the pairs of positioning apertures, wherein, when the pin bore is aligned with one of the pairs of positioning apertures, the at least one stop pin is slidably insertable through the pin bore whereby the support arm is fixed in the corresponding arm position of the pair of positioning apertures.

23. The wheeled conveyance of claim 1 , wherein a longitudinal axis of the rearward support member is coaxial with a wheel rotation axis of the pair of rear wheels and the support arm is rotatable about the wheel rotation axis between the plurality of arm positions when mounted between the positioning plates.

24. The wheeled conveyance of any one of claims 1 to 24, further comprising an electromechanical assembly that is configured to electronically control the arm position of the support arm and a controller that is communicatively coupled to the controller to for controlling the operation of the electromechanical assembly.

25. A method of mounting an accessory mount to a support structure of a wheeled conveyance, the support structure having a rearward support member extending laterally between a pair of rear wheels and a laterally extending forward support member spaced apart from the rearward support member, the method comprising: positioning a front bracket of a mounting shaft of the accessory mount proximate the forward support member with a mouth of the front bracket facing the forward support member; positioning a rear bracket of the mounting shaft of the accessory mount proximate the rearward support member with a mouth of the rear bracket facing the rearward support member, the mouths of the front and rear brackets facing opposite directions; securing one of the front bracket to the forward support member and the rear bracket to the rearward support member; and securing the other of the front bracket to the forward support member and the rear bracket to the rearward support member by slidably adjusting a spacing between the front and rear brackets.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein: securing the front bracket to the forward support member comprises slidably positioning the front bracket around the forward support member; and securing the rear bracket to the rearward support member comprises slidably positioning the rear bracket around the rearward support member.

27. A supplemental wheel assembly for use in conjunction with a wheeled conveyance, the supplemental wheel assembly comprising: a first positioning plate and a second positioning plate, the second positioning plate being offset laterally from the first positioning plate, the first and second positioning plates securable to a camber tube that is attached to the wheeled conveyance; a support arm rotatably mountable between the first and second positioning plates, the support arm being rotatable between a plurality of arm positions when mounted between the positioning plates; a forward brace having a proximal brace end and a distal brace end, the proximal brace end secured between the first and second positioning plates,the distal brace end having a bracket releasably securable to a forward support member of the wheeled conveyance.

28. The supplemental wheel assembly of claim 27, wherein the forward brace extends from the first and second positioning plates in a forward and upward direction.

29. The supplemental wheel assembly of any one of claims 27 to 28, wherein the forward brace has a brace axis extending from the proximal brace end to the distal brace end and a brace axis angle that is adjustable relative to the first and second positioning plates.

30. The supplemental wheel assembly of any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the proximal brace end is secured to the first and second positioning plates by at least one pin.31 . The supplemental wheel assembly of any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein the forward brace has a brace length extending from the proximal brace end to the distal brace end, and the brace length is adjustable.

32. The supplemental wheel assembly of claim 31 , wherein the forward brace comprises a telescopic joint at a location between the proximal brace end and the distal brace end, whereby the brace length length is continuously adjustable using the telescopic joint.

33. The supplemental wheel assembly of any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein the forward member of the wheeled conveyance is a rigidizer bar.

34. The supplemental wheel assembly of any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein the wheeled conveyance is foldable, and the forward member of the wheeled conveyance is a cross brace.

35. The supplemental wheel assembly of any one of claims 27 to 34, wherein the bracket is an open bracket comprising a pair of protruding members.

36. The supplemental wheel assembly of any one of claims 27 to 34, wherein the bracket comprises a clamp.

37. The supplemental wheel assembly of any one of claims 27 to 36, wherein the camber tube is integrally formed with the wheeled conveyance.

38. The supplemental wheel assembly of any one of claims 27 to 36, wherein the camber tube is removably mountable to the wheeled conveyance.

39. The supplemental wheel assembly of any one of claims 27 to 38, wherein each of the first and second positioning plates comprises a front positioning plate segment and a rear positioning plate segment, the front and rear positioning plate segments pivotably connected to one another and defining a central opening whereby the first and second positioning plates are removably clampable around the camber tube with the camber tube positioned in the central opening.

40. The supplemental wheel assembly of any one of claims 27 to 38, wherein the camber tube comprises first and second camber tube segments, each camber tube segment securable to a respective one of the first and second positioning plates.

41. The supplemental wheel assembly of claim 38, wherein the camber tube comprises a first end and a longitudinally opposed second end, and the wheeled conveyance comprises a pair of camber tube adapters each sized to removably receive one of the first and second camber tube ends.

42. The supplemental wheel assembly of claim 41 , wherein the camber tube adapters comprise a male or female connector, and the first and second ends of the camber tube comprise a corresponding female or male connector.

43. The supplemental wheel assembly of any one of claims 38, 41 and 42, wherein the camber tube is telescopically adjustable.

44. The supplemental wheel assembly of any one of claim 27 to 43, wherein the first and second positioning plates further comprises: a plurality of pairs of positioning apertures aligned through the first and second positioning plates, each pair of positioning apertures defining a corresponding support arm position of the plurality of arm positions, each pair of positioning apertures having an aperture spacing from at least one adjacent pair of positioning apertures; andat least one stop pin, each stop pin being slidably insertable through any of the pairs of positioning apertures.

45. The supplemental wheel assembly of claim 44, wherein the at least one stop pin comprises an upper stop pin and a lower stop pin wherein, when the support arm is positioned between the upper and lower stop pins, the support arm is rotatable between a standby position in which the support arm is in contact with the lower stop pin and an operating position in which the support arm is in contact with the upper stop pin.

46. The supplemental wheel assembly of any one of claims 44 to 45, wherein the support arm comprises a pin bore, the pin bore extending laterally through the support arm and positionable in alignment with any of the pairs of positioning apertures, and wherein, when the pin bore is aligned with one of the pair of positioning apertures, the at least one stop pin is slidably insertable through the pin bore whereby the support arm is fixed in the corresponding arm position of the pair of positioning apertures.

47. The supplemental wheel assembly of any one of claims 27 to 46, further comprising a central bearing having a lateral axis colinear with the camber tube and positioned between the first and second positioning plates, wherein the support arm extends from a proximal arm end to a distal arm end and the proximal arm end is rotatably supported by the central bearing.

48. The supplemental wheel assembly of claim 47, when claim 47 is dependent on claim 44, wherein the support arm further comprises a forward arm extension, the forward arm extension connected to the proximal arm end and extending forward of the camber tube.

49. The supplemental wheel assembly of any one of claims 47 to 52, further comprising an accessory removably connected to the distal arm end of the support arm.

50. The supplemental wheel assembly of claim 49, wherein the accessory is a first accessory, and the supplemental wheel assembly further comprises a secondaccessory removably connectable to the distal arm end, the second accessory interchangeable with the first accessory.51 . The supplemental wheel assembly of claim 49, wherein the support arm is an anti-tip arm and the accessory is an anti-tip accessory comprising a ground-engaging member.

52. The supplemental wheel assembly of claim 49, wherein the arm accessory is a power assist device.

53. The supplemental wheel assembly of any one of claims 47 to 52, wherein the support arm further comprises a telescopic joint at a location between the distal arm end and the proximal arm end, whereby an arm length extending from the distal arm end to the proximal arm end is continuously adjustable using the telescopic joint.

54. The supplemental wheel assembly of any one of claims 46 to 53, further comprising an electromechanical assembly that is configured to electronically control the arm position of the support arm and a controller that is communicatively coupled to the controller to for controlling the operation of the electromechanical assembly.

55. A wheeled conveyance comprising a pair of rear wheels, a support structure having a forward member, and a supplemental wheel assembly, wherein the supplemental wheel assembly is mounted to the forward member and is defined according to any one of claims 27 to 54 and the supplemental wheel assembly provides an anti-tip function and / or a power assistance.

56. A method of mounting a supplemental wheel assembly to a support structure of a wheeled conveyance having a pair of rear wheels, the support structure having a forward member, wherein the supplemental wheel assembly is defined according to any one of claims 27 to 55, wherein the method comprises: positioning the supplemental wheel assembly between the pair of rear wheels; positioning a bracket mouth of a proximal brace end of a forward brace of the supplemental wheel assembly proximate the forward member; and connecting the bracket mouth to the forward member.

57. A supplemental wheel assembly for use in conjunction with a wheeled conveyance, the supplemental wheel assembly comprising: a first positioning plate and a second positioning plate laterally spaced from the first positioning plate, the first and second positioning plates securable to a camber tube that is attached to the wheeled conveyance, the first and second positioning plates having a plurality of pairs of positioning apertures defining a plurality of arm positions, each pair of positioning apertures aligned through the first and second positioning plates and defining an arm position of the plurality of arm positions, a support arm rotatably mountable between the first and second positioning plates, the support arm being rotatable between the plurality of arm positions when mounted between the positioning plates, the support arm having an arm length extending from a proximal arm end to a distal arm end, and a telescopic joint at a location between the distal arm end and the proximal arm end, the arm length continuously adjustable using the telescopic joint, and a stop pin, the stop pin being slidably insertable through any of the pairs of positioning apertures to define an arm stop position.

58. The supplemental wheel assembly of claim 57, wherein the stop pin comprises an upper stop pin and the supplemental wheel assembly further comprises a lower stop pin wherein, when the support arm is positioned between the upper and lower stop pins, the support arm is rotatable between a lower stop position in which the support arm is in contact with the lower stop pin and an upper stop position in which the support arm is in contact with the upper stop pin.

59. A supplemental wheel assembly for use in conjunction with a wheeled conveyance, the supplemental wheel assembly comprising: a first positioning plate and a second positioning plate laterally spaced from the first positioning plate, the first and second positioning plates securable to a camber tube that is attached to the wheeled conveyance, the first and second positioning plates havinga plurality of pairs of positioning apertures aligned through the first and second positioning plates, the pairs of positioning apertures at spaced apart increments defining a plurality of arm positions, a stop pin slidably insertable through any of the pairs of positioning apertures, and a support arm rotatably mountable between the first and second positioning plates, the support arm being rotatable between the plurality of arm positions when mounted between the positioning plates, the support arm having an arm length extending from a proximal arm end to a distal arm end, and a tilt angle adjustment bolt proximate the proximal arm end, the tilt angle adjustment bolt continuously adjustable between a retracted position, in which a pin engaging surface of the tilt angle adjustment bolt is flush with an exterior of the support arm, and an extended position, in which the pin engaging surface of the tilt angle adjustment bolt is positioned outwardly of the exterior of the support arm, wherein, when the support arm is mounted between the positioning plates and the stop pin is inserted through a pair of positioning apertures, the pin engaging surface of the tilt angle adjustment bolt contacts the stop pin when the support arm rotates toward the stop pin.

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