Patent ID: 7434824

Claim:
An automatically engageable and releasable brake apparatus adaptable to be attached to a wheelchair, said brake apparatus comprising: a connection mechanism adapted to be positioned on a portion of the wheelchair frame; a seat actuation member adapted to be positioned in communication with a seat of the wheelchair, said seat actuation member comprising a first fluid cell having a first volume and including a plurality of fluid chambers in fluid communication with one another; a brake actuating member in fluid communication with said seat actuation member defining a closed fluid system therewith, said brake actuating member being positioned within said connection mechanism, said brake actuating member comprising a second fluid cell having a second volume, wherein said first fluid cell is in fluid communication with said second fluid cell via a conduit having a third volume, and wherein said first fluid cell, said second fluid cell and said conduit define said closed fluid system; and a brake member adapted to contact a ground surface on which the wheelchair is located, said brake member being coupled to said connection mechanism, wherein a volume of fluid in said closed fluid system is less than a total volume of said closed fluid system, and wherein occupational ingress into the wheelchair actuates said seat actuation member to cause fluid flow from said seat actuation member to said brake actuating member, which actuates said brake actuating member and causes said brake member to move from a first position in substantial contact with the ground surface on which the wheelchair is located to a second position spaced a distance above the ground surface.