Patent ID: 8585071

Claim:
A forward wheel apparatus for a wheelchair, the wheelchair comprising rear wheels, forward wheels, a primary frame having a first side and a second side, the primary frame connected to the rear wheels and the forward wheels, a seat attached to the primary frame and disposed between the first and second sides, the first side comprising a portion to which the forward wheel apparatus is releasably securable, the forward wheel apparatus comprising: a. a caster having a pivot axis; b. a forward wheel support attached to the caster; c. a mounting member comprising a first opening to receive the forward wheel support, the mounting member further comprising a second opening to receive a pin for aligning the forward wheel support in an orientation relative to the mounting member, and the mounting member further comprising a clamp to facilitate releasable securing of the forward wheel apparatus to the portion; wherein the pivot axis of the caster is securable in a desired orientation relative to the wheelchair, and wherein attaching the forward wheel apparatus to the portion leaves a substantially unobstructed opening for a user to pass through while transferring into or out of the wheelchair.