Suspension system for a wheelchair

A suspension system for mounting a pair of wheels to a main frame of a wheelchair, the wheelchair having a longitudinal axis, the system comprising:

• a crossbar pivotally mounted to the frame about a first axis which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wheelchair, the crossbar having ends located on opposite sides of the pivotal mounting point;
• at least one spring disposed between the crossbar and the frame for biasing the crossbar against pivoting about the first axis;
• a hinge assembly mounted on each end of the crossbar, each hinge assembly including a first hinge component attached to the crossbar so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis, and a second hinge component resiliently connected to the first hinge component, the resilient connection biasing the second hinge component against rotation with respect to the first hinge component;
• and
• a wheel yoke engaged with each second hinge component, the wheel yoke rotatably supporting a wheel.

A wheel assembly for a wheelchair comprising:

• a first hinge component including a hinge plate having an attachment rod extending upward from one end of the hinge plate and adapted to rotatably mount to a crossbar, and an outer housing mounted to the hinge plate at the opposite end from the attachment rod;
• a second hinge component including a shaft extending through the outer housing, and a resilient member located between the outer housing and the shaft, the resilient member biasing the second hinge connection against rotation with respect to the first hinge component, the second hinge component;
• and
• a wheel yoke engaged with the shaft, the wheel yoke rotatably supporting a wheel.