Wheelchairs

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. The brake passes through the well upon movement of the handle to the locking position and the hill holder passes through the well upon movement of the handle to the hill holding position. Side members are mounted on the top of the frame members to extend either upward or outward from each frame member. There is also a foot rest housing, a telescoping section extending downward from the housing and a mounting bracket for mounting a foot rest on the telescoping section. A grip on the top part of the housing is connected to the telescoping section within reach of the user whereby pulling the grip raises the foot rest. A seat supporting the user between the frame members includes a platform mounted below the top of the frame. A pit is provided in the platform, and a cushion on the platform extends into the pit. The cushion is flush with the top of the frame members.