Foldable wheelchair with extensible link assembly and method

• Main Authors: SLAGERMAN MURRAY G, MUNSEY DOUGLAS H
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 10.06.2008
• Subjects: HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS, PERAMBULATORS; LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; SLEDGES; TRANSPORTING

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. The extensible link assembly ( 61, 161, 261, 361 ) is preferably and over-center linkage that is resiliently biased to the extended position. A method of providing a foldable wheelchair frame assembly ( 26, 126 ) is also disclosed.