Wheelchair and power booster wheel assembly for conversion of conventional wheelchairs

摘要

An improved wheelchair and power booster is disclosed. It employs a drive/brake system incorporated in each main wheel connected to lever arms for propelling the wheelchair by engaging the brake and moving the lever arms either forward or rearward to move the associated main wheel forward or backward. Releasing the brakes allows free wheeling. A parking brake lock loop which is located on the lever on the arm locks the brakes. A single front wheel is utilized when pivoted from a leg foot rest. The front wheel may caster freely or may be controlled directly by a manual steering handle. The main wheels are removable for transport and storage and the frame folds to a compact generally rectangular shape for easy carrying along with the wheels in a passenger vehicle. The frame also is designed with a U shaped frame member open at the rear and the seat moves out of place to allow the wheelchair to be backed over a residential or commercial toilet to allow the wheelchair occupant to use such facilities without leaving the wheelchair. A booster assembly including a replacement main wheel with an internal brake and a lever arm rotatably secured to the wheel hub through the brake is provided as a replacement for conventional wheelchair main wheels. The booster assembly includes a brake actuating control and a parking lock located at the hand grip end of the lever arm.