Abstract: This brake assembly can be readily adapted for use with a conventional wheelchair. It provides a hand brake assembly adjacent each side frame including first and second links pivoted to the side frame and a third link connected between said first and second link. An arm rest is pivotally connected to the upper portion of each side frame and is connected at its front end by a link assembly to the hand brake assembly so that downward movement of the front of the arm rest actuates the hand brake assembly into engagement with the wheel.

Abstract: This brake assembly, for use with a conventional foldable wheelchair, provides a pair of rearwardly extending brake arms connected to adjacent side frames underneath the seat. Each brake arm includes a transverse forward portion pivoted to the side frame and having a brake shoe biased into engagement with a drive wheel. The rearward portion of each brake arm is provided with a post engageable by the wheelchair seat to pivot the brake shoe out of engagement with the wheel when the seat is depressed and moved downwardly by the weight of an occupant. The wheelchair side frames are connected by a tension spring to ensure that the brake is engaged when the wheelchair is unoccupied.