The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 17, 1998
Filed:
Sep. 03, 1996
Douglas M Garven, Jr, Santa Cruz, CA (US);
Kevan L Chu, Santa Cruz, CA (US);
Everest & Jennings International Ltd., Earth City, MO (US);
Abstract
A wheelchair frame includes a pair of side frame assemblies, a connector connecting the two side frame assemblies, a seat, caster wheel mountings, drive wheel mountings, and a leg rest mounting. Each of the side frame assemblies have an upper frame member and a lower frame member. The upper frame member is pivotally connected at its forward end to the forward portion of the lower frame member and supported at its rearward end by a suspension support member (i.e., shock absorber) connected to the rearward end of the lower frame member. The seat is attached between the upper frame members of each side frame assembly. With this configuration, the upper frame members and the seat are free to pivot about the pivotal connection between the upper frame member and the lower frame member. In operation, the upper frame members and seat 'float' up and down on the shock absorber to provide cushioning to the user. With this novel configuration, the drive wheels, caster wheels and the lower frame members remain relatively rigid and therefore maintain stability, wheel alignment and maneuverability of the wheelchair. The invention also includes a foldable embodiment of the suspension wheelchair.