Self-Locking Wheelchair Attachment Device

A self-locking wheelchair device that automatically locks a wheelchair when a user attempts to stand up, the self-locking wheelchair device comprising:

• a pressure sensitive pad configured to fit within the seat of a wheelchair to sense when a user is entering or leaving the wheelchair;
• a control box comprising a controller and a battery, as well as a power button and charging port;
• and
• a brake assembly;
• and
• wherein the self-locking wheelchair device is movable between a first position when the wheelchair is occupied and a second position when the wheelchair is unoccupied;
• wherein the pressure sensitive pad detects when pressure is applied and removed from the pressure sensitive pad;
• wherein downward movement of the pressure sensitive pad causes the control box to communicate with the brake assembly to engage the drive wheels and when user is seated, the brake assembly is disengaged;
• wherein the pressure sensitive pad communicates with the controller, which in turn communicates with a motor and the brake assembly;
• wherein the motor is coupled to the brake assembly and the brake assembly comprises a shaft and a lever which engages the drive wheels;
• wherein when the pressure sensitive pad is activated, the control box acts to engage and disengage the brake assembly, such that when a user attempts to stand from a wheelchair, the brake assembly is automatically engaged to lock wheels of the wheelchair in place;
• and
• further wherein a handle of the wheelchair comprises at least one lock/release lever in communication with the control box to enable the brake assembly to be disengaged or engaged with the drive wheels.

A method of automatically locking a wheelchair when a user attempts to stand, the method comprising the following steps:

• providing a self-locking wheelchair device comprising a pressure sensitive pad in communication with a control box and brake assemblies;
• positioning the pressure sensitive pad on a wheelchair seat and securing the control box and brake assemblies to the wheelchair;
• sitting a user within the wheelchair on the pressure sensitive pad;
• automatically engaging the brake assemblies when the user attempts to stand up from the wheelchair;
• and
• disengaging the brake assemblies when the user sits back down via the lock/release lever on the handle.