Abstract: A wheel locking device for use on a wheelchair, including a locking bar connected to a shaft that is movably axially and rotationally within a fixed tube, by a single operating handle. As the operating handle is moved from a release position to a locking position, the shaft is first axially translated by means of a cam on the handle, and simultaneously rotated by means of a guide pin extending radially from the shaft and engaging a slot in the tube, to move the locking bar from a retracted position well clear of a wheel of the chair to an operative position located transversely with respect to the wheel circumference. Further movement of the operating handle translates the locking bar transversely into locking engagement with the wheel.

Abstract: An automatic wheelchair brake is provided which automatically locks both wheels when a patient attempts to rise from the wheelchair. While seated the patient manually operates a three-way lever brake with manually locked, manually unlocked and automatic positions. If the patient attempts to rise while the brake lever is in the manually unlocked position, the lever automatically returns to the automatic position and both wheels still lock automatically. After the patient has exited, the wheelchair may easily be moved by shifting the operating lever to the manual unlock position.

Abstract: A collapsible lightweight chair for handicapped individuals that is easily removable from an automobile and can be unfolded without requiring adjustment for the user. The travel chair comprises a lightweight wheeled base having a folding chair pivotally attached thereto. A pivoting front rail is located in front of the folding chair and extends upward from the base. Pivoting side rails extend from the chair to latching engagement with the front rail. The front rail can be pivoted to a vertical position and the side rails can be pivoted away from the front rail to allow the user to enter and exit the chair from either side, the front rail being linked to a brake mechanism for preventing rotation of the rear wheels and turning of the front wheels when it is vertically upright, the wheels being freed for turning and rotating when the front rail is angled back so that the side rails can be latched in place.

Abstract: A braking apparatus particularly useful on wheelchair tires, baby carriages, handcarts or the like comprises a main body member mounted on or integral with a frame of an associated vehicle, a lever arm pivoted on the main body, a cam having two operative lobes pivotally mounted on the lever arm, the cam being pivotal over an arc of predetermined length relative to the lever arm and an operating member for pivoting the lever arm. In use, when the lever arm is inoperative the cam is out of contact with its associated tire and when the lever arm is in its operative position a cam lobe surface contacts the tire and is pivoted to apply a braking force, the particular lobe producing the braking when the tire is rotated depending upon the direction of rotation of the tire.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing conventional and small-wheel, carriage-type wheelchairs comprising an interconnected structure which in a single motion can simultaneously be released and/or engaged by exerting force on an interconnecting member, the apparatus including a handle locking mechanism attached to one end of the interconnecting member and a wheel locking mechanism attached to an actuating mechanism attached to the other end of the interconnecting member.

Abstract: A brake device for use with wheelchairs of the type having a main frame and a pair of spaced apart large diameter driving wheels, such as rear wheels. The brake device comprises a bracket or other mounting element for mounting to the wheelchair frame and a lever arm which is shiftable to a wheel locking position to move a brake tab into engagement with the rear wheel of a wheelchair to lock the wheel against further rotation. The lever arm is also capable of being shifted to a reverse or non-locking position so that it moves the tab out of engagement with the wheelchair driving wheel and to a position where it cannot be engaged with the driving wheel to permit free-wheeling movement thereof. The brake device is constructed so that the tab is moveable to a non-interfering position where it is generally parallel to the plane of rotation of the wheel and is not likely to be contacted by the hand of a user. In one embodiment, the tab is manually moveable to the non-interfering position.

Abstract: A multiposition handbrake for a wheelchair or the like is provided in accordance with this invention, which involves a housing in which an elongate handle is pivotally disposed. A portion adapted to be grasped by the user of the wheelchair is provided above the pivot point of the handle, and a wheel-contacting braking assembly is provided below the pivot point. The housing is provided with a plurality of notches in which a midportion of the handle may be placed. With the notch in which the handle is residing at a given moment determining the relationship of the braking assembly to a wheel of the wheelchair. The wheel-contacting portion includes a toothed pad which may be slidably mounted such that on occasion, a brake-intensification action occurs. When the handle is in the first notch, the teeth are spaced away from the tread portion of the wheel, whereas when the handle is in the second notch, the teeth of the pad have light contact with the tread of the wheel.

Abstract: To substantially reduce the physical effort required to slow or stop a manually propelled wheelchair, the customary propulsion ring attached to the outer side of each main chair wheel is mounted on the wheel for limited inward axial movement under manual pressure and is biased outwardly by spring force. A brake ring of similar diameter near the interior side of each wheel in a plane parallel to the plane occupied by the propulsion ring is connected directly with the propulsion ring. An opposing friction brake shoe attached to the chair frame is engaged by the brake ring to slow or stop the chair whenever the chair occupant pushes the propulsion ring axially inwardly.

Abstract: An apparatus for restraining a wheelchair in a transit vehicle utilizes a fixed bumper that is adapted to engage the rear portion of a wheelchair wheel in which a movable restraining bumber is adapted to hold the wheelchair wheel in compression between the fixed and movable restraining bumpers. The movable restraining bumper is adapted to move toward and away from the wheelchair and to rotate out of the way when the wheelchair restraint is not in use. A passenger barrier is also adapted to move toward and away from the wheelchair and rotate out of the way when the wheelchair restraint is not in use.

Abstract: A hand-propelled chariot or vehicle is shown which is particularly useful for crippled individuals. The chariot has a frame having a seat portion, a seat back and left and right side arms, and an extended front foot platform. Rear wheels support the seat portion relatively close to the ground, and the height of the front foot platform is about half the height of the seat portion giving the chariot a low profile to facilitate mounting and dismounting by a crippled person. Hand crank operated, chain and sprocket, direct drives are connected to each rear wheel to turn same in either direction. Castors are mounted to support the front foot platform and permit the chariot to turn. A friction brake is connected to the rear wheels to hold the chariot steady during mounting and dismounting.

Abstract: A wheelchair, for either street or sports (e.g. racing) use, is comfortable and easy-to-use, lightweight, and may be folded compactly for transportation. A plastic pallet supports a collapsible chair frame, and is mounted to a base frame for adjustment along the base frame to thereby adjust the center of gravity of the wheelchair. The rear drive wheels and the caster-type front wheels are both mounted to the frame for easy removal, utilizing a split-block receiving the spindle or shaft from the wheels. The blocks may be pivoted about axes perpendicular to the axes of rotation of the rear wheels to adjust the camber of the wheels, and--by effecting flexing of a leaf spring to which the blocks are mounted--the toe of the rear wheels may be adjusted.

Abstract: An improved wheelchair lock for receiving a ground wheel of a wheelchair and securing the wheelchair in place. The improved wheelchair lock aids the user of the wheelchair in guiding the wheel into the lock with the lock designed to substantially, if not, eliminate the problem of the lock contacting the spokes of the ground wheel which heretofore prevented the locking of the ground wheel.

Abstract: A braking system for a powered wheelchair is disclosed which provides means for the brakes to be activated by a quadraplegic operator. The system provides the operator with the ability to apply the brakes either fully or partially, or to apply the brakes intermittently without completely stopping the chair. When power to the system is turned off, the brakes remain in the state of activation which they were in prior to the interruption.

Abstract: This invention relates to walking aids in general, and more specifically to a wheelchair structure, which is adapted to be used in the normal manner, but which is modified in such a way that it will serve the dual function of walking aid, by incorporation into the standard wheelchair design, of a braking mechanism mounted on a support surface of the wheelchair, which is normally gripped by someone other than the occupant of the chair, and further by the provision of a weighted element which changes the normal center of gravity of the wheel chair to improve its stability in the walking aid mode.

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: A wheeled frame is provided including a lower horizontal main portion having a pair of opposite side rear wheels journalled therefrom and a pair of opposite side front caster wheels. The frame includes an upstanding handle assembly supported from the rear of the lower horizontal main frame portion and the upper end of the handle assembly includes a horizontal transverse handle portion. A horizontal transverse brake bar generally parallels and is supported from the handle portion beneath the latter and is guidingly shiftable toward and away from the handle portion. A brake member is shiftably supported from the frame for movement between applied and released positions and the brake member includes wheel braking portions engageable with the rear wheels to frictionally brake the latter when the brake member is in the applied position.

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.

Abstract: A wheelchair with two large rear wheels, two swiveling front wheels and an open front has handgrips located vertically above the two rear wheels. A connecting rod pivoted to a handle attached to each of the handgrips extends downward to a plunger slidably located within a sleeve removably connected to the frame. An adjustable arm extends from the plunger through a slot in the sleeve to a position proximate yet not contacting each of the rear wheels. When a lever on the handle and each handgrip are squeezed the lever pivots and forces the rod and plunger downward within the sleeve. The arm on the plunger contacts each wheel and brakes the wheelchair.

Abstract: A wheeled transport vehicle for providing mobility to a handicapped child preferably consisting of a one-piece contoured plastic seat that is secured between side frame sections that rise and join in a high arc above a seat back portion as a hand grip area, the frame sections including arm and headrest members, with an axle member secured thereacross below the seat with ends thereof extending beyond the seat-sides that have large air inflated tires mounted on wheels journaled thereon, the frame further including a curved arm that mounts a caster thereon to provide a third point of ground contact. The present invention, in one embodiment, provides vehicle braking by appropriate movement of the pivoting handle or by stepping onto a vehicle step that is pivotally connected across the frame and connects to, pivot with, the pivoting handle, thereby moving the bar locks against both inflated tires.

Abstract: A safety apparatus that holds wheelchairs in place as they are being transported in a motorized vehicle such as a van. The apparatus includes a rigid shaft that extends from the floor of the vehicle to several inches above one wheel of the wheelchair. A frame attaches to the shaft and holds it perpendicular to the floor of the vehicle. Also, a collar is provided which slides on the shaft. A yoke, having a rectangular opening that faces the floor of the vehicle, is attached to this collar. In operation, the top portion of one wheel on the wheelchair is placed within the opening of the yoke. A manually operated clamping mechanism stops the collar from sliding on the shaft during transportation of the wheelchair.

Abstract: A wheelchair wheel is received and restrained in a device mounted on the support for a folding seat in a mass transit vehicle. The wheel is held in a restrained position by a pair of pivotal jaws normally urged to an open position but actuated to a closed position in response to the entry of a wheelchair wheel into the space between the open jaws. The jaws are opened to face the wheel by manipulation of a manually operated handle.

Abstract: An auxiliary wheelchair braking apparatus includes a bracket adapted to be affixed to the frame of the wheelchair proximate each primary wheel thereof and utilizes caliper type braking device disposed on the bracket, one arm of the calipers being disposed on either side of the primary wheel. Activating levers are disposed proximate the backrest of the wheelchair for easy access by the elbows of the person making use thereof. Each of the activating levers are operatively coupled to the braking device for activation thereof. Pressure exerted on the activating levers forces the braking device to come into contact with the primary wheels responsive to the amount of pressure exerted on the activating lever.

Abstract: A recliner-rocker geriatric wheel chair having a unitary member movable between a first position wherein the chair is allowed to rock and a second position wherein the chair is prevented from rocking motion. In the first position the unitary member functions to both stabilize the chair against rearward tilt and to brake the ground engaging wheel against movement. In the second position the unitary member engages the seat portion of the chair and prevents it from rocking.

Abstract: A wheelchair retainer mechanism as disclosed including a housing having an outwardly opening mouth dimensioned to receive a wheelchair wheel. The mouth is formed by a pair of jaws, each pivotally mounted to the housing for movement from a first position permitting entrance of the rim of a wheelchair wheel into the housing to a second position closing off the mouth of the housing to thereby lock the wheelchair in place. A shiftable jaw closure is slidably supported on the housing and is engaged by an entering wheelchair wheel and pivots the jaws from the first position to the second, locked position. A plunger lock, mounted to the housing, automatically shifts to a position locking the jaws in their second, closed position.

Abstract: A wheelchair comprises a pair of frame members of one piece of solid material. A well indented into each frame member accommodates an axle for mounting a wheel therein. A pair of braces supports the frame members in a spaced-apart position and allows the frame members to be brought together. A vertical pivot pivotally mounts the brace members with respect to each other at a central portion of each brace member. Each brace member pivots with respect to a frame member about a vertical axis on an anchor. The other end of each brace member is releasably anchored to the frame member opposite the one to which the one end of the brace member is anchored. A brake on the frame moves against the wheels to lock them, and a hill holder connected to the brake prevents movement of the wheels in one direction. A brake handle is movable between at least two positions, a locking one and a hill holder one. The handle is mounted in an indentation on each frame member adjacent the well.

Abstract: A fixture attached to the floor of a vehicle for restraining and securely holding a wheelchair and its occupant while the vehicle is in motion. The fixture comprises a framework to which is secured upper and lower clamping jaws which act to grip the propulsion wheels of the wheelchair and which are actuated by a manually controlled air cylinder or equivalent vacuum or hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A restraint device which can be quickly and easily installed in a vehicle to restrain wheelchairs from moving in any direction. A base of the device bolts to the floor of a vehicle used to transport the physically handicapped. A pair of vertically inclined rods connected to the base are positioned on either side of a space for a wheelchair. A clamping member slidably mounted on each of the inclined rods rests against the top of a large wheel of the wheelchair to clamp the wheel between the clamping member and a horizontal rod connected to the base of the restraint device. The clamping members can be easily locked in position and unlocked by a patient in the wheelchair using very little pressure and requiring very little dexterity. The device prevents forward, backward, upward and sideways movement of a wheelchair which has thus been locked in position.

Abstract: The present wheel chair has a hydraulic jack for raising and lowering a seat. The frame of the chair has spaced opposite sides and a jack-supporting horizontal platform at the bottom. At the back, the frame of the chair is open above this platform so that the user enters and leaves the chair (getting on and off the seat) from the back.