Patent ID: 6371502
Filing Date: 2002-04-16
Classification: A61G

Abstract:
In a wheelchair having a frame, a seat on the frame, two rear wheels attached to the frame, and two pivoting front wheels attached to the frame, the improvement which comprises:(a) a pair of rear wheel gears, each gear being attached to, and axially aligned with, one of the wheelchair rear wheels; (b) a pair of housings, each housing being attached to the wheelchair frame; (c) a pair of axles, each axle rotatably attached to one of the housings; (d) a pair of reversible ratchet mechanisms, each ratchet mechanism attached to one of the axles; (e) a pair of handles, each handle positioned for ratcheting one of the ratchet mechanisms, such ratcheting rotating the axles; and (f) a pair of drive gears, each drive gear attached to one of the axles for rotation with the axles, each drive gear meshing with one of the rear wheel gears, such rear wheel rotating when the drive gear rotates; and (g) a pair of adjustable tension members, each tension member being attached to one of the housings and adjustable such that the tension member contacts the axle, such contact creating resistance to the rotation of the axle.