Molded-composite chassis for a wheelchair

Abstract

A chassis is provided having two longitudinal sides, one or more cross-bars between the sides, and two torsion forwardly and downwardly extending arms terminating in sleeves for holding snap-in casters. When attached to the other wheelchair components, the arms create a space therebetween and under the wheelchair seat for storage of optional items. The molded chassis may be tailored to performance specifications and is constructed from composite material, preferably by compression molding using sheet molding compound or by resin transfer molding. Shock and vibration attenuating characteristics are selectable and the chassis sides may be of one or multiple piece construction. Each longitudinal side includes two vertically extending posts for attaching a seat, the posts providing a height, seat pan angle and center of gravity adjustment mechanism for the seating system relative to the chassis. The drive wheels are attached to camber plugs which are secured within recesses in the sides. The camber plugs are interchangeable and include a variety of selected camber angles. In another aspect of the present invention, the cross-bars are of adjustable width thereby permitting the width of the chassis to be adjusted to accommodate users of different sizes, and to accommodate different sized seating systems. In an additional aspect of the invention, the chassis disassembles into two halves, the two halves connected by cross-bars of a preselected length. In one additional aspect, seat mounting rails are attached within an inner surface of the longitudinal sides. The chassis may attach a variety of seating systems, including one piece composite seats.