Patent ID: 7520518
Filing Date: 2009-04-21
Classification: A61G,B60B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A wheelchair frame member comprising: a) a first metallic tubular member; b) a second metallic tubular member; and c) a curved composite tubular member including a first end portion that extends into the first metallic tubular member and a second end portion that extends into the second metallic tubular member, wherein the first and second metallic tubular members and the first and second ends of the curved composite tubular portion are joined together by: i) positioning an inflatable mandrel within material that forms the curved composite tubular member; ii) placing a portion of the material that forms the first end portion of the curved composite member into the first metallic tubular member; ii) placing a portion of the material that forms the second end portion of the curved composite portion into the second metallic tubular member; iii) placing the inflatable mandrel, metallic tubular members, and the material that forms the curved composite tubular member into a mold having a curved portion that corresponds to the curved composite tubular member; iv) heating the material that forms the composite tubular portion; and v) inflating the mandrel to force the material that forms the composite tubular member against inner surfaces of the metallic tubular members and against a surface of the mold.