Abstract: A footrest assembly for wheelchair of the type having a structure expandable from a contracted condition to an expanded position comprises a beam assembly having a structural member having a first end and a second end. A first joint one or more rotational degrees of freedom is adapted to interface the first end of the structural member to a first side of a frame of the wheelchair. A linkage assembly is connected to the structural member by a central joint with one or more rotational degrees of freedom and a lockable translational degree of freedom joint. A second joint with one or more rotational degrees of freedom is adapted to interface the linkage assembly to a second side of the frame of the wheelchair. A connector interface releasably engages the beam assembly to the linkage assembly and/or to the second joint when the wheelchair is deployed for use.

Abstract: A spacing bar of a wheelchair frame comprising an elongated structural body having a pair of opposite ends, each of the opposite ends having a C-shaped clamp configured for being clamped to respective lateral frame members of the wheelchair frame, wherein the elongated structural body and the C-shaped clamps are integrally made of a monocoque composite construction, and a tightening assembly for each of the C-shaped clamps, the tightening assemblies being arranged in the spacing bar to loosen and tighten the C-shaped clamps to the respective lateral frame members.

Abstract: A system of bracket assemblies for a wheelchair comprises a pair of bracket assemblies adapted to be connected to respective sides of a seat frame of the wheelchair. Each of the bracket assemblies has a base adapted to be secured to a seat frame member of the seat frame, an arm adapted to be secured to a backrest frame member of a backrest frame, and a pivot pivotally connecting the base to the arm for rotational movement of the arm relative to the base. One or more blocking mechanism blocks the rotational movement of the arm relative to the base in a use orientation of the backrest frame. A rod having opposed ends connected to the base of the pair of the bracket assemblies for spacing the bracket assemblies away from one another. A rear wheel unit is also provided.

Abstract: A tube assembly for a wheelchair frame comprises a tubular member having at least a first portion and a second portion angled relative to the first portion, the first portion configured to be in a seating zone of the wheelchair frame. The second portion is configured to be in a bottom front zone of the wheelchair frame, the tubular member defining a surface concavity in its peripheral surface delimited by a peripheral step, the surface concavity located at a junction between the first portion and the second portion of the tubular member. An interface member has a peripheral contour shaped and sized for the interface member to be received in the surface concavity and contoured at least partially by the peripheral step.

Abstract: A footrest assembly for wheelchair of the type having a structure expandable from a contracted condition to an expanded position comprises a beam assembly having a structural member having a first end and a second end. A first joint one or more rotational degrees of freedom is adapted to interface the first end of the structural member to a first side of a frame of the wheelchair. A linkage assembly is connected to the structural member by a central joint with one or more rotational degrees of freedom and a lockable translational degree of freedom joint. A second joint with one or more rotational degrees of freedom is adapted to interface the linkage assembly to a second side of the frame of the wheelchair. A connector interface releasably engages the beam assembly to the linkage assembly and/or to the second joint when the wheelchair is deployed for use.

Abstract: A system of bracket assemblies for a wheelchair comprises a pair of bracket assemblies adapted to be connected to respective sides of a seat frame of the wheelchair. Each of the bracket assemblies has a base adapted to be secured to a seat frame member of the seat frame, an arm adapted to be secured to a backrest frame member of a backrest frame, and a pivot pivotally connecting the base to the arm for rotational movement of the arm relative to the base. One or more blocking mechanism blocks the rotational movement of the arm relative to the base in a use orientation of the backrest frame. A rod having opposed ends connected to the base of the pair of the bracket assemblies for spacing the bracket assemblies away from one another. A rear wheel unit is also provided.

Abstract: A tube assembly for a wheelchair frame comprises a tubular member having at least a first portion and a second portion angled relative to the first portion, the first portion configured to be in a seating zone of the wheelchair frame. The second portion is configured to be in a bottom front zone of the wheelchair frame, the tubular member defining a surface concavity in its peripheral surface delimited by a peripheral step, the surface concavity located at a junction between the first portion and the second portion of the tubular member. An interface member has a peripheral contour shaped and sized for the interface member to be received in the surface concavity and contoured at least partially by the peripheral step.

Abstract: A spacing bar of a wheelchair frame comprising an elongated structural body having a pair of opposite ends, each of the opposite ends having a C-shaped clamp configured for being clamped to respective lateral frame members of the wheelchair frame, wherein the elongated structural body and the C-shaped clamps are integrally made of a monocoque composite construction, and a tightening assembly for each of the C-shaped clamps, the tightening assemblies being arranged in the spacing bar to loosen and tighten the C- shaped clamps to the respective lateral frame members.

Abstract: A caster assembly for a wheelchair comprises a stem having a frame clamp at a first end and a fork clamp at a second end, the frame clamp configured to form a frame joint with at least one rotational degree of freedom with a frame portion of the wheelchair, a tightening of the frame clamp securing the stem to the frame portion, the frame joint having a frame rotational axis. A fork unit has a fork portion and a caster rotatably supported by the fork portion, the fork unit having swivel mechanism, and a joint portion forming a rotational joint with the fork clamp of the stem, a tightening of the fork clamp blocking rotation of the rotational joint, the rotational joint having a fork rotational axis. A vector of the fork rotational axis is normal to a fork rotational plane in which the fork rotates relative to the stem, and further wherein the frame rotational axis is not parallel to the fork rotational plane.

Abstract: A caster assembly for a wheelchair comprises a stem having a frame clamp at a first end and a fork clamp at a second end, the frame clamp configured to form a frame joint with at least one rotational degree of freedom with a frame portion of the wheelchair, a tightening of the frame clamp securing the stem to the frame portion, the frame joint having a frame rotational axis. A fork unit has a fork portion and a caster rotatably supported by the fork portion, the fork unit having swivel mechanism, and a joint portion forming a rotational joint with the fork clamp of the stem, a tightening of the fork clamp blocking rotation of the rotational joint, the rotational joint having a fork rotational axis. A vector of the fork rotational axis is normal to a fork rotational plane in which the fork rotates relative to the stem, and further wherein the frame rotational axis is not parallel to the fork rotational plane.

Abstract: Improved hinge members, and hinges employing the improved hinge members, particularly in folding panel closures. Each hinge member has an elongated main body, and an opening in the main body for receiving a hinge pin. Each hinge member also has a facing wall spaced from, and substantially parallel to, the main body. The facing wall is joined to the main body by a radial extending web. A plurality of the hinge members are arranged end to end in a straight row, with the facing members abutting, in forming a hinge between two panels. The panels are joined to the web of the hinge members.