Patent ID: 6655503
Filing Date: 2003-12-02
Classification: A61G,B60T

Abstract:
In combination with a wheelchair brake assembly having a wheelchair frame mounting bracket, a brake handle pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket, at least one link pivotally mounted to a distal end of the brake handle, and a brake lever arm pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and the link, thereby providing a movement of the brake lever arm toward a wheelchair tire when the brake handle is moved forward, wherein a stop on the link abuts the brake handle to stop a motion of the brake lever arm at a point closest to a wheelchair tire, said stop also preventing the motion of the brake lever arm away from the wheelchair tire at a preset distance when the brake handle is moved rearward, the improvement comprising:said brake lever arm having an elongate shape and having an axle mount at a distal end; an axle mounted on said axle mount; a round brake wheel having an off center axle hole mounted to the axle; and a return spring mounted to the link and to the brake lever arm, thereby causing an automatic return of the link and the brake handle to the forward and engaged position so that the wheelchair tire can roll forward freely; wherein the wheelchair tire is braked from rolling backwards due to the round brake wheel and the off center axle hole which causes a larger radius of the round brake wheel to engage the wheelchair tire.