Heel strap retractor for wheel chair foot rests

Abstract

A heel strap retractor for wheel chair foot rests, in which the familiar foot rest support platform of each of the wheel chair foot rests is equipped with the retractor that comprises a resiliently flexible spring filament device of one piece spring wire construction formed to define a helically contoured annular socket portion that receives the upright pendantly mounted portion of the foot rest support, for seating of the retractor at the level of the foot rest heel strap; the device below the retractor socket portion is shaped to anchor the retractor to the foot rest support by a snap fit connection, and the device adjacent the top of the socket portion is shaped to define a finger projecting radially of the retractor socket portion that is angularly related with respect to the helix axis thereof and proportioned lengthwise thereof so that when the finger is placed in engagement with the rear side of the foot rest heel support, the retractor socket portion is partially wound up to spring bias the finger against the strap from the rear side of same. When the foot rest is moved to its retracted position from its extended position, its heel strap is automatically retracted forwardly of the foot rest to avoid interference with full retraction of the foot rest. When each foot rest of the wheel chair is so equipped, the patient on entering and leaving the chair need not be concerned about having to manipulate the heel strap to have full unimpeded access to and from the chair.