Dynamic Brake For Manual Wheelchair

Abstract

To substantially reduce the physical effort required to slow or stop a manually propelled wheelchair, the customary propulsion ring attached to the outer side of each main chair wheel is mounted on the wheel for limited inward axial movement under manual pressure and is biased outwardly by spring force. A brake ring of similar diameter near the interior side of each wheel in a plane parallel to the plane occupied by the propulsion ring is connected directly with the propulsion ring. An opposing friction brake shoe attached to the chair frame is engaged by the brake ring to slow or stop the chair whenever the chair occupant pushes the propulsion ring axially inwardly.