Abstract: A latching mechanism permits a swing-away foot rest assembly on a wheelchair to be selectively latched into a use position extending forwardly from the wheelchair. Mating connectors are provided on the foot rest assembly and the frame of the wheelchair which are movable relative to one another by a transverse rocking pin which rocks about an upright lever axis in two directions to permit the latching mechanism to be released by deflecting a release lever coupled to the rocking pin in either one of two opposing directions. The release lever can be coupled to the rocking pin in a plurality of different orientations in the use position to suit the user. Camming faces on the connectors automatically align and load the mating connectors into an engaged position when the foot rest assembly approaches the use position from any one of multiple different directions.

Abstract: A foldable wheelchair (21) and foldable wheelchair frame assembly (26, 126) including a pair of side frames (24, 124, 224, 324), a cross-bracing frame assembly (36, 136) coupling the side frames (24, 124, 224, 324) together for movement transversely between a spaced apart deployed position and a proximate folded position. A variable length link assembly (61, 161, 261, 361) is mounted into and forms a part of the cross-bracing frame assembly (36, 136) in a position between at least one of the side frames (24, 124, 224, 324) and a remainder of the cross-bracing frame assembly. The extensible link assembly (61, 161, 261, 361) being formed for variation of the overall length in a direction extending transversely between the side frames (24, 124, 224, 324) during movement of the side frames (24, 124, 224, 324) between the deployed and the folded positions so as not to force the side frames (24, 124, 224, 324) into unparallel motion which causes the upholstery to bind the folding mechanism.