Anti-rollback mechanism for a wheelchair
OwnerThomas E. Hodgesinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An anti-pushback mechanism for a wheelchair provides for a side mounted lever to allow the wheelchair to move in a forward motion only, a rearward motion only, or a neutral position where it can be pushed in any direction. This lever is connected to a ratcheting style gear that stops rollback when engaged. A torsion spring moves the chair forward slightly as the user stands to keep the chair close to the user and prevent falling. The invention may be provided as an add-on kit for existing wheelchairs. The kit would consist of a center axle, the ratchet gear, the torsion spring, the crossbar frame, the actuating lever, a guard for the lever, and any associated clamps and fasteners.
Claims20
An anti-rollback device in an installed state on a wheelchair, comprising:
- a mechanical mechanism preventing unwanted forward movement during usage of the wheelchair by an occupant;
- a retention bracket holding a ratchet arm, the ratchet arm is positioned by an armrest of the wheelchair, the ratchet arm having a lower end provided with a ratchet head that connects to a hub of a main side wheel;
- a three-position ratchet selector switch provided on the ratchet head that is manipulated by the occupant of the wheelchair;
- a deep wall socket attached to a drive square of the ratchet head, the deep wall socket grips a sure grip bushing where it is secured by a setscrew;
- a bearing allowing rotation between the hub and an axle of the wheelchair to allow the sure grip bushing to be affixed to the hub;
- an axle bolt head positioned at an end of the axle of the wheelchair;
- and
- a plurality of spikes attached to the axle bolt head that are contained within the deep wall socket.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.