US4026568A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Triple hinged folding T frame wheelchair
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-02-23
•
Granted: 1977-05-31
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Expires: 1996-02-23
Abstract
Abstract A foldable wheelchair includes a pair of sides each having an upstanding backrest support member, and a soft backrest suspended between both members. Below each member there is mounted a side wheel for propelling the chair. A pair of seat supports interconnect the sides. Each seat support includes two upstanding rectangular panels having inner ends that are hingedly interconnected and outer ends that are hingedly connected to respective sides. A seat is mounted between the sides and is supported by the seat supports when the wheelchair is infolded. The seat includes two rectangular panels having inner ends that are hingedly interconnected and outer ends that are hingedly connected to respective sides. A longitudinal bar interconnects the hinged inner ends of the seat supports and a tee portion at one end of the bar carries a wheeled footrest. When the bar is drawn forwardly, the chair is unfolded to provide an extended wheelbase and the respective parts of the chair are locked in place by the weight of a person on the seat. The wheelbase is shortened and the chair folded for storage by pushing the bar rearwardly between the sides which folds the seat supports rearwardly and the seat upwardly.
Inventors
- 👤 Beverly Grant Rutledge Hallam
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 12:29
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61G; A61G5/00; A61G5/08; A61G5/0808; A61G5/0816; A61G5/0891
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
170 words
A foldable wheelchair frame, comprising: a pair of sides arranged in spaced parallel relation, each having a rearwardly disposed outer portion adapted to carry a wheel spindle; seat support means disposed transversely between the sides, said support means having an upper surface adapted to support a seat, first free ends flexibly connected to opposed first portions of the sides and a first flexible joint intermediate the free ends which permits the support means to fold rearwardly when the sides are drawn together; a seat disposed transversely between the sides above said support means, the seat having second free ends flexibly connected to opposed second portions of the sides and a second flexible joint intermediate the free ends which permits the seat to fold upwardly when the sides are drawn together; and a bar carried by the first flexible joint and adapted to be longitudinally displaceable forwardly out of and rearwardly into the frame, whereby rearward displacement of the bar draws the sides together and folds the support means and seat.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
170 words
A foldable wheelchair frame, comprising: a pair of sides arranged in spaced parallel relation, each having a rearwardly disposed outer portion adapted to carry a wheel spindle; seat support means disposed transversely between the sides, said support means having an upper surface adapted to support a seat, first free ends flexibly connected to opposed first portions of the sides and a first flexible joint intermediate the free ends which permits the support means to fold rearwardly when the sides are drawn together; a seat disposed transversely between the sides above said support means, the seat having second free ends flexibly connected to opposed second portions of the sides and a second flexible joint intermediate the free ends which permits the seat to fold upwardly when the sides are drawn together; and a bar carried by the first flexible joint and adapted to be longitudinally displaceable forwardly out of and rearwardly into the frame, whereby rearward displacement of the bar draws the sides together and folds the support means and seat.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
A wheelchair frame as claimed in claim 1 wherein the support means comprise a pair of longitudinal members, arranged in spaced parallel relation, each member including two first half portions having inner ends connected by the first flexible joint.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
A wheelchair frame as claimed in claim 2 wherein each first half portion comprises an upstanding rectangular panel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A wheelchair frame as claimed in claim 3 wherein the seat comprises two second half portions having inner ends connected by the second flexible joint.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
A wheelchair frame as claimed in claim 4 wherein each second half portion comprises a rectangular panel, a bottom side of which engages the supporting upper surface when the sides are fully spaced apart.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
A wheelchair frame as claimed in claim 5, wherein each flexible joint comprises a hinge.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
A wheelchair frame as claimed in claim 6 wherein the bar includes a tee portion extending forwardly of the frame and downwardly of the first flexible joint.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
A wheelchair frame as claimed in claim 7 further comprising an adjustable footrest secured to the tee portion.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
A wheelchair frame as claimed in claim 8 further comprising a pair of wheel spindles, a rear wheel rotatably fitted on each wheel spindle and wheel means secured to the tee portion.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
A wheelchair frame as claimed in claim 9 wherein said wheel means comprises a castor wheel pivotally mounted at each end of the tee portion.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
A wheelchair frame as claimed in claim 10 wherein the sides each include an upstanding backrest support member rearwardly inclined above the spindles.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
A wheelchair frame as claimed in claim 11 further comprising a flexible backrest carried by the backrest support members.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-05-30 | 1980-11-29 | 1981-05-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-05-30 | 1984-11-29 | 1985-05-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-05-30 | 1988-11-29 | 1989-05-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |