US2847058A

US2847058A - Folding wheel chair

Info

Publication number: US2847058A
Application number: US379361A
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert E Lee
Original assignee: ANTHONY G ALLISON
Current assignee: ANTHONY G ALLISON
Priority date: 1953-09-10
Filing date: 1953-09-10
Publication date: 1958-08-12
Anticipated expiration: 1975-08-12

Description

8- 1,958 R. E. LEE 2,847,058

' FOLDING WHEEL CHAIR Filed Sept. 10, 1953 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN V EN TOR.

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' FOLDING WHEEL CHAIR Filed Sept. 10, 1953 1 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VEN TOR.

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FOLDING WHEEL CHAIR Filed Sept. 10, 1953 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 l- III II Illl INVENTOR. FOMLEZQQ BY 7 haw/Minna.

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Flled Sept 10, 1953 R. E. LEE

FOLDING WHEEL CHAIR Filed Sept. 10'. 1953 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR. flee United States Patent FOLDING WHEEL CHAIR Robert E. Lee, Alexandria,a., assignor to Anthony G. Allison, Chicago, Ill.

Application September 10, 1953-, Serial No. 379,361

Claims- CCI..15530).

The present invention relates to wheel chairs and, partiltltularly, to improvements in folding or collapsible wheel c airs.

Various devices have been-proposed'for centuriespast to provide a conveyance for the physically disabled; which devices have evolved into the relatively modern wheel chair. Wheel chairs may be classified intotW-o broad categories', namely, rigid andfolding. Generally, however, both types comprise a chair including a pair of side frames, a seat and a back rest extending between the side frames, and a plurality of ground engaging Wheels movably'support-ing the chair, at least some of the wheels being adapted to be motivated by the chair occupant to effect propulsion of the chair. in the rigid type, the side frames are perma nently disposed in spaced parallel relation and the seat and back rest are usually rigid-..mernbers. In the folding or collapsible type, a collapsible linkage is utiliz'ed to connect the side frames, and the seat and back rest are formed of flexible material or'the like, whereby the side frames are adaptedto be moved'from a foldedposition adjacent. one another to a normal position in spaced parallel relation'with the seat and back rest extending sub stantially tautly therebetw'een.

Despite the long history and high'degree' of activity in the wheel chair art, conventional wheel chairs, both of the-rigid and folding typ'e's,suifer a great many disadvantages.

While wheelchairs of the r-igidtype have performed an invaluable service in the past, particularly in hospitals and the like wherethe building Wasde's'igned to accommodate wheel chairs, wheeled. emergency tables and the like, and Where the chairs were usedo'nlyin the; hospital, the same are rapidly falling out of demand-due to their lack of adaptability to varying environs, their bulk; the extreme inconvenience of transporting the same, and-so on. Folding or collapsible wheel chairs are taking over the market due to their relatively light weight, relatively less bulk, and their ability to be transported ina folded position and set up for use wherever desired; However, even the most recent develc a'pments in folding wheel chairs suffer many disadvantages, especially with respect .to'the collapsible linkage. Two general-types. are employed commercially. With one, the chair is adapted to be col-- lapsed to a position wherein the side frames are closely adjacent one another, but whereinv the seat portion of the chair is elevated a substantial extent to increase the overall height of-t-he chair. With the other, the height of the chair is not increased, but then the side frames cannot be moved closely adjacent one another. Accord ingly, conventional-wheel chairs in their collapsed posi tion comprise a bulky and unwieldy package.

It is an object of the present invention to provide improved collapsible linkage mean an folding wheel chairs accommodating collapsing-or folding of the chair to acompact package wherein the height of .the chair. is not increased over that of the chair in its extended position and wherein the side frames are disposed'closelyv adjacent one another. V

One particular advantage of folding wheel chairs is 2,847,058 Patented Aug. 12, 1958 ice that the same are adapted to be moved or propelled from indoors to outdoor whereby a disabled person using the chair is not confined to a restricted orbit of activity. However, when in use outdoors, the wheel chair is required to travel over bumpy sidewalks and the like, the bumps in which impart undesirable shock to the person usingthe chair. Certain collapsible" linkages which have been proposed heretofore for wheelchairs allegedly provide a knee action support for the chair seat to absorb such shock. However, such linkages do not providetrue knee actionbut only a degree of flexibility that is accomplished by a sacrifice of adequate support forthe seat.

An object of the present invention is to'pr ovision of an improved collapsible linkage for folding wheel chairs adapted to connect' the side frames of. the chair and:to support the side frames in such manner as to'accommo date independent movement of each frame in a vertical pl-ane whereby each ground engaging wheelof the chair, impractical effect, is independently suspended.

A- further object of the invention is .the provision of improved seat means for folding wheel chairs comprising a pair of rigid seat parts pivotally connected together at their inner longitudinal edges, centrally of the chair, to provide a rigid, substantially horizontal seat in the extended position of the chair, whereby the, chair occupant is-firmlyand comfortably supported.

Astill further object of the invention is the'provision of the improved linkage means and the improved seat means above referred to in combination, wherein the seat haslimited connection to theside frames and is otherwise supportedsby thelinkage, and wherein the linkage accommodates independent movement of the side frames, the structurebcin-g such thatthe two seat portions or parts, in the extended position of use of the chair, are constantlyi maintained in a common substantially horizontal plane, despite independent movement of the side frames, whereby the chair occupant is supported on the stabilized seatand shock is absorbed by the knee action of the sideframes to provide an easy and comfortable ride for the chair. occupant despite irregularities and bumps in the surface traversed.

To provide for the comfort of the physically disabled and, particularly, to provide supporting surfaces for the legs. of-persons afflicted with disability of the leg, wheelchairs should be equipped with leg rests.- Leg rests are readily provided in rigid wheel chairs, but such rests have conventionally taken the form of board-like. members affording little if any comfort. The-provisionof adequate leg rests in folding wheel chairs is somewhat diflicult of. accomplishment since the rests normally would interfere with folding of the chair. It is an object of the present invention to provide improved leg rests for wheel chairs that firmly support and comfortably rest the legs of. the chair occupant and that readily accommodatecolla-psing or folding of the chair.

In accordance with the above object, and as further objects of the invention, I provide improved leg rests comprising side frames over which a flexible fabric is tautly stretched to provide a firm yet comfortable support for the legs. Each rest is adapted to support one leg and comprises: a pair of similar sections formed as described and telescopically associated with one another to provide an extensible leg rest adjustable to the particular requirements of the user. The leg restis adapted to be supported atone end of one section thereof adjacent the front thereof adjacent the front end of the seat, each leg rest is associated with one of the two parts of the seat and is releasably supported with respect to the front edge of the seat part. In its collapsed or non-extended position, the leg rest is substantially rectangular and of dimensions less than those of the seat part, whereby the leg rest is adapted to be stored beneath the seat part. To store the leg rest, the same is detached from the foot rest, collapsed and moved to a position beneath the seat. In such position, the leg rest, which is relatively thin, in no way interferes with folding and unfolding of the chair, and yet is readily accessible by the chair occupant for use when desired.

It is also an object of the invention to provide novel support and guide means disposed beneath each seat part or portion of the wheel chair to support each leg rest in its stored position, to guide the leg rest to its in-use position, and to support one end of the leg rest in its in-use position. As to other support means for the leg rest, it is an object to provide cooperable means at the outer or lower end of the leg rest and the rearward edge of the foot rest comprising a readily attachable and detachable connection adapted to be effected conveniently by the occupant of the wheel chair and adapted to afford a firm support for the leg rest regardless of the position of the foot rest, which connection will not inadvertently or accidentally become detached.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved folding wheel chair comprising a pair of side frames, a pair of seat parts hingedly connected at their inner sides to one another and at their outer sides to the side frames, collapsible linkage means extending between the side frames and associated with the seat parts, the linkage and seat parts accommodating movement of the side frames toward one another to a folded position, wherein the seat parts are disposed substantially vertical with their lower surfaces facing one another, and away from one another to an extended position, wherein the seat parts are disposed in a common horizontal plane, and an extensible leg rest associated with each seat part, each leg rest in its non-extended position being of a size less than that of the respective seat part and being adapted to be stored closely adjacent the lower surface of the seat part, whereby the seat parts may be moved to the said folded position without detachment of the leg rests from the chair.

A further object of the invention is the provision of an improved folding wheel chair of economical manufacture and assembly, that is highly efiicient and practical in use, comfortable, easily operated, light in weight, readily trans ported from place to place, and that affords the physically disabled user the opportunity of escaping the confining orbit of activity customarily associated with physical disability.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Now, in order to acquaint those skilled in the art with the manner of making and using the wheel chair of my invention, I shall describe, in connection with the accompanying drawings, a preferred embodiment of my invention, and a preferred manner of making the same.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the folding wheel chair of my invention, the view showing the chair in its extended position and showing one leg rest of the chair in its in-use position;

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the embodiment of the wheel chair shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a generally frontal view of the wheel chair, with the leg rests and foot rests removed, disclosing the collapsible linkage at the front of the chair only, the view showing the extended position of the chair in solid lines, and the folded position thereof in dotted lines;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary frontal view of the chair showing a modification of the seat hanging;

Figure 5 is a view somewhat similar to Figure 3 taken from the rear of the wheel chair, with the back rest removed, showing the collapsible linkage at the rear of the chair only, the view showing the extended position of the chair in solid lines and the folded position thereof in dotted lines;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary vertical cross sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken inwardly of one side frame of the Wheel chair, as is indicated by the line 6-6 in Figure 3, showing a foot rest, a foot rest support and a leg rest, the foot rest, foot rest support and leg rest being shown in solid lines in one position of use and in dotted lines in a second position of use, and the leg rest being shown in dotted lines in its stored position;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the chair showing, particularly, one leg rest, one foot rest and the associated foot rest support;

Figure 8 is a rear elevation, on an enlarged scale, of one leg rest, one foot rest and one foot rest support, the view being taken substantially on line 8-8 of Figure 6;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of one leg rest, the view being taken on an enlarged scale and substantially on line 9-9 of Figure 7 (and similar to dotted line 9-9 in Figure 8); and

Figure 10 is a cross sectional view of one foot rest support showing the locking means associated therewith for adjusting the length of the support, the view being taken on an enlarged scale and substantially on line 10-10 of Figure 7 (and similar to dotted line 10-10 in Figure 8).

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to Figure 1, I have shown a preferred embodiment of the wheel chair of my invention as comprising a pair of side frames 20, each providing a mounting for a ground engaging traction wheel 22, a ground engaging caster wheel 24 and a hand wheel 26. The two side frames 20 are disposed in spaced parallel relation in all positions thereof and are connected together by collapsible linkage means, namely, a front linkage 28 and a rear linkage 30, whereby the side frames are movable from the extended position shown in Figure 1, wherein the same are disposed in substantially spaced relation, to a collapsed position wherein the same are disposed adjacent one another, as is shown in dotted lines in Figures 3 and 5. A two part seat 32 is disposed between the side frames, as is a back rest 34, the back rest 34 extending between a pair of supports 36, each of which is mounted on one of the side frames 20. At the front of the chair, a foot rest support 38 is pivoted to each of the side frames and each support 38 carries a foot rest 40, which in turn is adapted to provide support for a leg rest 42.

The side frames 20 are the same as one another, with the exception that the same are of opposite hands, and each comprise a pair of generally vertical beams 44 and a pair of generally horizontal beams 46.

The rear vertical beam 44 and the lower horizontal beam 46 are preferably formed of tubular stock, with the beams being curved at the lower and forward ends thereof, respectively, to provide a stable support and to accommodate the traction wheel 22, respectively. At the rearward end thereof, the lower horizontal beam 46 extends beyond the rear vertical beam 44 to provide a mounting for a tubular bearing portion 48 within which the mounting means 50 of the caster wheel 24 is journaled. The upper generally horizontal beam 46 includes a horizontal arm rest portion 52 formed of tubular stock that is secured to the top of the rear vertical beam 44 and extends forwardly therefrom to terminate short of the front vertical beam 44. Forwardly of the arm rest portion 52 thereof, the upper generally horizontal beam 46 includes a fork portion 54 extending forwardly and downwardly of the arm rest portion 52. The fork portion 54 may suitably comprise a tube fiattened at its ends and welded or otherwise secured to the outer side of the arm rest 52 at one end thereof, and a bar of generally channel form disposed to the inner side of the frame in the samemanner as the tube of the fork is secured to the outer side of the frame. Preferably, the channel-shaped inner bar of the fork is a planar member and extends forwardly from the arm rest portion 52 in parallel relation thereto, while the outer tubular member of the fork first extends outwardly of the arm rest tube 52 and then forwardly therefrom in slightly spaced relation to the vertical plane of the tube 52 to provide the said fork portion 54. At the outer or forward end thereof, the bar and tube of the fork portion 54 each carry a wheel mount 56 for the hand wheel 24, each wheel mount comprising a member formed of sheet stock and including a circular central portion and a pair of radially extending legs 58. As will be appreciated from Figure 2, one leg 58 of each mount 56 enters into and is secured within the flattened end portion of the outside tube of the fork and the channel of the inside bar of the fork, respectively. The other leg 58 of each mount; 56 extends in the direction of the front generally vertical beam 44.

The front vertical beam of each side frame includes a relatively short central section 60 of tubular form to which the forward end of the lower horizontal beam 46 is secured, as by welding. To the upper side of the section 60 thereof, the front vertical beam 44 includes a fork portion 62 of the same general character as the fork portion 54, the members of which are secured at the upper end thereof to the said other leg 58 of the respective wheel mounts 56 and at the lower end thereof to opposite sides of the central section 60. Below the central section 60,- the front vertical beam includes a second fork portion 64 comprising a first. tubular member 66 disposed to the outside of the frame and a second tubular member 68 secured to the inside of the frame. Preferably, the tubular member 66 comprises an integral continuation of the outer member of the forkportion 62, and the second tubular member 68 is preferably a separate member fixedly secured to the inside of the central section 60 on top of the inside channel bar of the. fork portion 62, the member 68 at its upper end defining an abutment adjacent the level of the lower surface of the seat 32 for a purpose to bedescribed. At the lower end thereof, eachof the tubular members 66 and 68 is flattened forthe conformable reception and securement therein of the single leg of a mounting member 70 for the traction wheel 22.

In construction, all of the-members of each side frame 20 arepreferably formed of light weight yet sturdy stock, such as aluminum, and are rigidly secured together to provide a frame affording a first fork. 64, comprising the members66, 68 and 70, opening to the bottom of the frame for the reception of the traction wheel- 22, a second fork, comprising. thefork portions 54 and 62 and the wheel mounts 56, opening. to the top and front of the-frame for. the reception of the hand wheel 26, and a bearing portion 48 for the receptionof the caster wheel.24. In such construction, as will be apparent, the three wheels 22, 24 and 26 are disposed in alignment with the frame, particularly the rear vertical beam 44, the lower horizontal beam 46 and the arm rest portion 52 thereof, whereby the complete assembly of wheels and frame is not-of substantially greater width than the frame alone of a conventional wheel chair; In such assembly, the three wheels are disposed in spaced relation in a common vertical plane.

The traction wheel 22preferably comprises a pair of spun metal discs 72 which are dished oppositely of each other adjacentthe center of the wheel and are broughtand secured-together along a circular line spaced inwardly of the periphery of the wheel, the portions of the disc outwardly ofthe circ ular line of securement thereoftbeing oppositelycurved to define a substantially semicylindrical' recess for the reception of a conventional rubber tile 74. Adjacent thecenter thereof, the discs 6 are turned inwardly to define a hub mounted by means of hearings on an axle comprising a boltextending through the two Wheel mounting members 70 and the bearings, the assembly being secured together by a nut threaded to one end of the bolt.

The hand wheel 26 is preferably formed and mounted in much the same manner as the traction wheel 22. However, to provide a wheel optimumly gripped and manipulated by the chair occupant, the inner disc of the wheel, as indicated at 72h, preferably is a planar member, only the outer disc being dished, and the two discs themselves provide a generally cylindrical rim portion for engagement by the chair occupant. Preferably, the radially inward surface of the said rim' portion to the outside of the wheel is provided with finger indentations, and a rubber sheath 86 is provided on the said rim portion to afford an optimum hand gripping. surface;

As will be appreciated,..the handwheel 26 isdisposed immediately forward of the arm rest portion 52 of the side frame whereby the same is adapted readily tobe manipulated by the chair occupant for the purpose of motivating the ground engaging traction wheel 22 to propel the chair. To establish driving connection be tween the wheels 22 and 26, a toothed sprocket 88 is secured to the exterior surface of each wheel, and a drive chain 92 is trained over the two sprockets. The chain drive is positive and thus preferred. However,- other conventional drives may be employed. If desired, the sprockets 88 may be of different sizes, as may the wheels 22 and 26, to provide various speed ratios. However, I have found it preferable to provide sprock ets- 88 of the same size and wheels 22 and 26' of the same size. A suitable wheel size is 10 inches in diam eter, while a suitable sprocket is 3% inches in diameterand provided with 22 teeth. With wheels of the size stated, asuitable caster wheel sizeis- 6 inches in diam eter, the assembly thus formed providing a stable sup-- port for the chair occupant. As will be appreciated, the sprockets 88 are disposed inwardly of the adjacent fork member whereby the sprockets, the chain and the two wheels of the drive mechanism are disposed en-' tirely within the lateral limits of the side frame. Preferably, the sprockets 88 and chain 92 are shielded, foresthetic purposes as well as to prevent injury as a result of entanglement in the chain, by a guard 93 which may suitably be secured to the frame by screws passed through the guard and threaded into a tapped portion of the axial bore in each of theaxle boltsof thetwo wheels.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 5, the linkage means connecting the two side frames 20 is shown as comprising the front linkage 28 (Figure 3), the rear linkage 30 (Figure 5) and the seat 32. As shown, the seat 32 com prises two parts each including a generally rectangular base 94 formed of angle members, a seat board restedupon and secured to the horizontal legs of the angle members, with the vertical legs of the angle membersextending downwardly from the seat board, a cushion for the seat board and a long wearing cover for the cushion, such as leather or the like. At the rear of the wheel chair, each seat part carries a tab 96, secured to the vertical leg of one of the angle members of the' base 94', adapted for the reception of a pivot pin by meansof which each seat part is pivotally connected to a lug- 98 secured to one of the side frames, whereby each seat part is pivoted at the rearward edge thereof toa side frame.

As shown, the tabs 96 and lugs 98 are soconstructed and: arranged as to disposethe pivotal axis of the seat inv spaced parallel relation to the respective side frame to accommodate movement of the seat cushion and cover into the space between the pivot and the side frame. Preferably the seats are supported by the side framesonly at the rearward portion thereof, as thus far described. However, if" desired andfor a purpose to be described,

a similar pivot mounting may be provided adjacent the front of the seat as is indicated at 96 and 98f in the Figure 4 showing of the thus modified form of the chair.

The two parts of the seat 32 are pivotally connected at the inner side thereof, centrally of the side frames 20, by means of arms 100 secured to the vertical leg of the end angle members of the respective seat base 94 at the front and rear of each part of the seat, the arms being curved downwardly to provide a pivot spaced below the level of the seat and being there connected by a pin or bolt 102. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the two seat parts are pivotally associated for movement from a horizontal in line position, as shown in solid lines in Figures 3 and 5, toa vertical position wherein the bottom surfaces of the two seat parts are substantially in engagement, as is shown in dotted lines in Figures 3 and 5.

The front collapsible linkage 28 of the chair is disposed adjacent the front of the seat 32, forwardly of the front vertical beams 44 of the side frames and rearwardly of the front of the seat, and comprises a vertical link 104 pivotally mounted at its upper end on the central pivot 102 of the seat parts and pivotally connected at its lower end centrally of the side frames to a pair of pivotally connected horizontal links 106 and 108, the pivotal connection of the three links being accomplished by means of a pivot pin or bolt 110. One of the horizontal links, the link 106, is preferably a strap-like member of a length only slightly greater than one-half the spacing between the side frames in the extended position thereof, whereas the other horizontal link 108 is of channel form, with the channel opening downwardly, and of a length substantially greater than one-half the spacing between side frames. In assembly, the vertical link 104 is pivoted to the outside of the channel link 108 while the horizontal link 106 is received within the channel link 108 and is adapted to abut against the base wall of the portion, indicated at 109, of the channel 108 extending beyond the pivot 110 in the horizontal position of the links 106 and 108, whereby a stop is provided to prevent collapsing of the linkage in a downward direction. Each of the links 106 and 108 is pivotally connected at the outer end thereof, with respect to the side frames 20, by means of a pivot pin or bolt 112 to a suitable strap or bracket 114 secured to the front vertical beam 44 of the respective side frame. In use, as will be apparent, the linkage 28 is movable, with the two parts of the seat 32, from the extended position shown in solid lines to the collapsed position shown in dotted lines to accommodate collapsing of the cart. the linkage 28 provides a firm support for the seat and side frames and the extending portion 109 of the link 108 affords a stop defining a limit of downward movement, in a manner to be described more fully hereinafter,

whereby collapsing of the linkage in a downward direction is prevented.

The rear collapsible linkage 30, as shown in Figure 5, is disposed approximately in alignment with the rear vertical beams 44 of the side frames 20 and comprises a vertical link 116, a pair of horizontal links 118, a pair of diagonal links 120 and a guide block 122. As shown, the vertical link 116 is pivotally mounted at the upper end thereof on the central pivot 102 of the seat parts at the rear of the chair. At the lower end of the vertical link, the vertical link 116 and the horizontal links 118, which are identical, are pivotally connected together centrally of the side frames. At the outer end thereof, each of the horizontal links 118 is pivotally connected, with respect to the side frames, to a bracket 124 secured to the respective side frame by means of a pivot pin or In the extended position thereof,

passage therein adapted for the comformable reception of the vertical link 116 whereby the block is slidably mounted on the link 116 for movement with respect thereto. The block also includes a pair of pivot pins or bolts 128 disposed to opposite sides of the link 116, upon each of which the inner end of one of the diagonal links 120 is mounted. Preferably, the diagonal links 120 are of downwardly open channel form and the block 120 and horizontal links 118 are received within the channel. As will be appreciated from a consideration of Figure 5, the rear linkage 30 is movable from an extended position, as shown in solid lines, to a collapsed position, as is shown in dotted lines, wherein the vertical link 1116 is moved upwardly through the block 122 to elevate the central pivot of the two seat parts and accommodate collapsing of the chair. In addition, the vertical link, at its upper end, is enlarged to present an abutment engageable with the block 22 to prevent downward collapsing of the linkage.

The assembly of the two collapsible linkages 28 and 30, the two parts of the seat 32 and the two side frames 20 affords a particularly advantageous collapsible or folding chair assembly in that the two side frames are adapted to be moved from an extended position in spaced parallel relation, in which the same are firmly braced by the linkages, to a collapsed position, as shown in dotted lines in Figures 3 and 5, wherein the side frames are disposed closely adjacent one another and the seat parts are folded to a position wherein the same do not increase the overall height of the chair, that is, the same are disposed below the arm rest portions 52 of the side frames. In the collapsed position, the chair is a very compact and readily handled package adapted for convenient transportation from place to place. The linkage means facilitates an extremely simple and convenient folding and unfolding of the chair. For example, when extending the chair from the collapsed position thereof, it is merely necessary that a slight separating force be exerted on the side frames, whereupon the side frames are readily moved apart to their fully extended position. To collapse the chair, it is merely necessary to exert a slight upward pull at the central connection of the two seat parts, whereby the linkage means and seat parts are conditioned to accommodate ready movement of the side frames into a position closely adjacent one another. In either position thereof, however, the linkage means retains the side frames in the intended disposition in parallel relation until force is exerted thereon in a given direction to change the spacing between the side frames. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the present invention provides an improved and readily manipulated folding or collapsible wheel chair as has been pointed out hereinbefore.

In addition to the foregoing, the said assembly affords a highly efficient and practical knee action shock absorbing function, particularly when the seat is connected to the side frames only at the rear thereof. In such assembly, the two collapsible linkages, and especially the rear linkage, accommodate relative m0vement in vertical planes of the two side frames, and the seat mounting accommodates pivotal movement in a vertical plane of each side frame with respect to the seat. In view of the accommodation afforded by the assembly for the defined relative movements, it will be appreciated that to a practical effect each of the ground engaging wheels 22 and 24 is independently suspended, thus to afford true shock absorbing characteristics. Obviously, some limit of relative movement must be afforded to prevent complete collapse of the chair. These limits comprise the stop portion 109 of the front linkage 28, the provision of the abutment portion at the upper end of the tubular member 68 of the traction wheel fork portion 64 of each side frame, which abutment is adapted to be engaged by the lower surface of the seat at the front thereof, and the disposition of the position of the links, seat parts, and so on.

guide block 122 for. engagement with an enlarged portion atthe top. of thevertical link 116 of the rearv linkage 30. These limit stops,. however, are not normally engaged when the chair is in use because of the particular dis- Accordingly, the relative movements defined above. will be accommodated, to the limits defined by the above stop means, to afford a true. kneeaction and shock absorbing function. In view of this-fact, each ground engaging wheelofthe chair, irr use of the chair, effectively is movable in a substantially vertical plane itself to absorb any shockoccasioned in traversing an irregular or bumpy surface. The accommodation of the relative movements as. defined prevents transmission of shock or wheel movement to theseat. of the chair, thus to provide. a stabilized, comfortable ride for the person occupying the seat 32.

Whenthe seat hanging is. rigidified, as shownv in Figure. 4, by the addition of pivotal mountings for the seatpartsto the side frames at the front as well as at the rear, the shock absorbing function. is diminished. However, such modified seat hanging may prove advantageous for very heavy persons to afford greater seat support. In: particular, the rigidifiedseat hanging will assure uniformity of collapsing of the chair and, in cases of failure of properside frame alignment, will prevent toeing in or out of the front wheels whenv the chair is wheeled about in its collapsed position. As shown, the seat hangingv at the front issubstantially the same as that at the rear, except that the tab 96 and lug 93) arespaced reanwardly of the front of theseat, to avoid obstruction of the seat, and are disposed in the region of the seat cushion, the lug 98 being turned downwardly and secured to the central section 60 of the? front vertical beam 44 of the respective side frame.

I have shown. the back rest 34 of the wheel chairv of my invention as comprising a sheet of flexible material 13!), preferably the same material. as employed for the cushion cover of the seat, extendingbetween the back rest supports;36. Preferably, the sheet of material 130 is doubledover, or is hemmed at the longitudinal edges thereof, whereby a mounting bar is adapted to be inserted between the. two layers' of material at each edge of the back rest. As thus assembled, the material 130 and the respective bar are secured. to the respective back rest: support 36 by screws'134.-passing through bothlayers. of the material at the edge and the bar and threaded into the respective support 36. As willbe.

appreciated, the material is: thus firmly and securely attached to each of: the supports 36' to prevent tearing and rupture of the material.

Each-of the supports 36 preferably comprises a tube of'the same character as employed in the side frames.

Adjacent the lower end thereof, each support 36 is adapted for the passage therethrough of a bolt 136, which bolt also passes through. a vertical slot provided in a bracket 138'. The bracket'138 isrigidly secured, as by welding, to the rear vertical beam 44 of therespective side frame 20'adjacent the lower surface'of the seat 32, as is shown in Figure 2. Thebolt 136.and the bracket 138 serve to connect the support 36'tothe respective side frame for pivotal and vertical sliding movement with respect to the side frame. substantial vertical alignment'between the rear beam 44 of the side frame and the support 36, whereby the axis of the support intersects the axis of thetubula-r armrest portion 52 of the respective side frame. The arm rest portion 52 of each side frame is adapted for the slidable reception of a tubular rod 140 or the like, which ro'd extends through the rearward open end of theportion-52 and at its outer end carries a clevis 142 adapted for'the reception of the backrest support; the cl'evis and the support being pivotally connected by means of a bolt or pin 144. The rod 140 is guided for movement in a given path by the arm rest portion 52 of the side frame to ac The bracket 138 is so disposed as to effect 10 commodate angular variation inv the disposition of:the back rest support with respect to-the seat 3i2 andthe side frames 20,. which variation is accommodated by the pivotal and sliding connection at the bracket 138 and the pivotal connection at the clevis 142. To retain the back rest supports38 and thus the back rest material in a desired position, a detent or latch 146 ismounted on the arm rest portion 52; to the lower side thereof, of each side frame. In particular, the latch 146-is pivotally mounted intermediate its. ends on the portion 52 and to one side of the pivot presents a handle portion and to the opposite side of: the pivot presents a finger portion 148 adapted to pass through a hole provided in the tube 52 and into any one of a plurality'of longitudinally spaced holes150'provided-in the'rod 140. To afford automatic adjustment of the-back rest, .at least to the extent that adjustment is entirely under the control of the chair occupant, a coiled tension spring 152-is disposed within the rod and attached to the clevis 1-42at' one end thereof and to the armrest portion 52- at the other end thereof normallyto bias the back rest support to a substantially vertical position, as is shown in solid lines in Figure 2. As will bev appreciated, each side'frame is-equipped with the back rest support assembly described, whereby the back rest 34 is readily moved to any one of a plurality of inclined positions, as definedby the holes in the rod 140, bythe occupant of the chair. Real-ward inclination of the back rest is accomplished by the chair occupant merely byreleasing the'latches 146, leaning against the material 130 and releasing the latches, which are spring biased tolatched position, when the .back rest is inv a comfortable position. To returnthe back rest to. its substantially vertical: position, it is merely necessary that the latches be released and that pressure on the back rest be1removed,- by leaning forwardly in the chair, whereupon the springs 152 effect the return. Preferably, a maximum degree of inclination of approximately 28 degrees, as indicated in dotted lines in Figure 2, is defined by the length. of the slot-in the bracket 138. From theforegoing, it will-be appreciated that the improved back rest assembly provided by the present invention accom-- modates complete adjustment of the back rest by. the

chair occupant, whereby the occupantcan attend to hisown comfort without assistance.

As will be appreciated, the .fiexible sheetof material 130 extends freely between-the back rest supports36, and thus between the side frames .20, wherebythe same does not inany way interfere with ready collapsing of the chair. Also, the back rest supports 36 extend upwardly abovethe-material 130'and are turned rearwardly at the upperends thereof to provide hand grips 153. The hand grips 153 facilitate pushing of the chair by anurse, and,v due to the connection of the supports 36 to the side frames, .such pushing will in no way result in discomfort to the chair occupant, since the. force is transmitted directly to theside frames rather than to the backrest itself.

To' complete theupholstery of the chair proper, a-

cushioned arm rest 154 is disposed on the upper surface of thearm rest portion 52 of each side frame, the samebeing? suitably secured to the tubular portion 52 by brackets'156.- As shown in Figure 2, eacharm rest 154 extends-forwardly of the arm rest portion 52-to overlie a portion of the handwheel fork 54. Preferably, each arm rest 154 is provided with an inclined front edge. to accommodatedisposition of the arm restimmediately adjacent the rim. 84' of. the handwheel, whereby, the chair occupant mayrestihisarrns on the arm rests even;when" effecting propulsion ofthe chair. Inaddition to the up-.- holsteredportionsthereof, each side frame preferably is provided with. an ornamental metallic shield 158 extendmg along the inside'of each side frame from a level be-:

low the upper surface of the seat 32 and extending upwardly therefrom and forwardly. of the hand wheel 26 to provide an enclosed-seat" portion and to protect. the chair l 1 occupant from any possible entanglement in the hand wheel or associated apparatus.

To insure perfect safety of operation of the chair, and thus to induce a sense of complete self-reliance on the part of the chair occupant, a brake mechanism is preferably provided for each of the traction wheels whereby the chair may be parked by its occupant without concern. Asshown in Figure 2, each side frame 20, at the lower horizontal beam 46 thereof, provides a pivotal mounting, as indicated at 160, adjacent the periphery of the traction wheel 22, for a brake shoe 162. The brake shoe 162 is preferably of channel form in cross section and includes a bifurcated end portion adapted for association with the pivot 160, the bifurcated portion engaging opposite sides of the beam 46, whereby the brake shoe is disposed in vertical alignment with the beam 46 and the traction wheel 22. As will be appreciated, the base wall of the channel shaped brake shoe is adapted for engagement with the periphery of the wheel 22 to effect a braking action. To insure long wear and a firm braking action, the brake shoe may suitably be provided, on the external surface of the base wall thereof, with a friction plate having a roughened surface or the like, for engagement with the periphery of the rubber tire 74 provided on the traction wheel. Adjacent the end of the brake shoe opposite the pivotal mounting thereof, the shoe includes a stud projecting laterally from the base wall thereof and adapted for the reception of one end of a coiled compression spring 164. The other end of the spring may suitably engage about a similar stud provided on the lower surface of the beam 46, whereby the same is confined between the beam 46 and the brake shoe to bias the shoe into engagement with the periphery of the wheel 22. The spring 164 according to the present invention is especially strong to insure forcible braking engagement of the brake shoe and the wheel tire. To actuate the brake shoe, a brake lever 166 is provided, the same being pivoted to the beam 46 and extending upwardly toward the seat 32 of the chair. The lever 166 is mounted to provide a long lever arm to the handle side of the pivot thereof, and a short lever arm to the brake shoe side of the pivot thereof, whereby the brake is readily actuated despite the particular strength of the spring 164 by the lever advantage afforded at the handle end of the lever. The lever 166 is preferably mounted to the inside of the beam 46 and is offset laterally above the beam to dispose the handle immediately outside of the seat 32. At the lower end thereof, the brake lever 166 includes a cam portion comprising a cam surface 168 leading from the edge of the lever to the locking recess. The brake shoe, at the free end thereof, carries a pin 172 extending laterally inwardly of the side frame into the path of the cam portion of the lever 166, whereby the said pin is adapted to be engaged by the cam surface 168 to cam the brake shoe out of engagement with the tire of the wheel 22, and thereafter to move the pin into the said recess to lock the brake in its released position. To reengage the brake, it is merely necessary for the chair occupant to move the handle of the lever 166 rearwardly to move the cam 168 away from the pin 172, whereupon the spring 164 forces the brake shoe against the wheel tire. As will be appreciated, each brake is thus adapted for independent actuation, not only to accommodate parking of the chair in a stationary position, but also to assist in negotiating turns if so desired by the chair occupant.

With reference to Figures 2 and 6 to 10, the foot rests and leg rests provided according to the present invention for the wheel chair first include a support bracket 174 secured to each side frame 20 and extending forwardly thereof. Preferably, each bracket 174 is of generally U-shape in cross section adjacent the front vertical beam 44 of the respective side frame and is secured, as by welding, to the upper portion of the central section 60 of the said beam. The bracket, in side elevation, is of a configuration corresponding to the periphery of the hand wheel 26 and closely circumscribes the lower forward portion of the periphery of the hand wheel, as is seen in Figure 2. At the outer end thereof, the bracket 174 is bifurcated, as by removal of the base wall of the U, and the said bifurcated portion is preferably reinforced by extending a portion of the base wall of the bracket diagonally across the legs of the U, as is indicated at 176 in Figure 2. The said bifurcated portion of each bracket 174 is adapted for the reception therein of one foot rest support 38, the foot rest support being pivoted to the bracket 174 by means of a pivot pin or bolt 178. As will be appreciated, each bracket 174 is disposed in the vertical plane defined by the hand and traction wheels on the respective side frame, whereby the bracket and foot rest support in no Way obstruct the seat of the chair. From the pivot mounting 1.78 thereof, the foot rest support 38, as is shown in Figure 2 and as is shown in solid lines in Figure 6, extends rearwardly and downwardly toward the peripheral surface of the traction wheel 22 on the respective side frame. Just above the wheel 22, the support 38 is curved laterally inwardly of the chair, as is shown in Figure 7, to clear the wheel, and then extends downwardly to a point below the axle of the wheel.

The mounting provided at 178 for the foot rest support 38 accommodates swinging or pivotal movement of the support from the position shown in solid lines in Figure 6 to the position shown in dotted lines in that figure. To effect control of such movement, an actuating rod 180 is pivotally connected to the support 38 adjacent the lateral bend or curve therein. Preferably, the pivotal connection is accomplished merely by providing a lateral extension on the rod 180 and extending the same freely through a diamctrical hole provided in the support 38. The rod 188 extends rearwardly and slightly downwardly from i the support 38 and passes slidably through the central section 66 of the front vertical beam 44 of the respective side frame. A guide for the rod 180 is provided rearwardly of the front vertical beam on the lower horizontal beam 46 of the respective side frame. Specifically, a guide tube 182 is secured to a mounting bracket 184, which in turn is attached to the beam 46, preferably by the pivot for the brake shoe 162. The bracket 184 also provides and comprises part of a lock for the actuating rod 180, the lock preferably being in the form of a transom lock and including a movable lock plate 186 disposed within a channel portion of the bracket 184 and confined therein by a pin 188 and passage of the rod through the lock plate. The lock plate 186 is movable from the piston shown in Figure 2 to a position wherein the hole therein, through which the rod 180 passes, is aligned with the guide tube 182 to accommodate free sliding movement of the rod therethrough. Upon release of the lock plate 186, the same returns to the canted position shown, in which position the portions of the plate defining the boundary of the hole therein grasp the rod to lock the same in adjusted position. If desired, a spring 187 may be confined between the bracket 184 and the plate 186 to bias the plate to locking position.

Preferably, the arrangement of the transom lock, and particularly the lock plate 186, is such, due to the angular positioning of the lock plate, that the lock provided thereby only prevents movement of the rod 180 in one direction, namely rearwardly of the chair. Due to such arrangement, the rod 180 may be moved forwardly of the lock without necessity for releasing the lock plate 186 to increase the inclination of the foot rest support to the vertical. Upon manual actuation of the lock plate, by moving the upper edge thereof toward the guide tube 182, the rod 180 is released whereupon return of the support 38 is automatically effected due to its own weight. To insure positive locking of the rod 180, the same is preferably provided with a roughened surface, suitably a screw thread as is shown. At the inner end thereof, the rod 180 carries a pair of nuts 190, adapted to lock against one another, to prevent inadvertent disassembly of the rod and guide tube.

r 13 Also, the nuts 190 serve to definea maximum angle of inclinationfor the foot rest suppor 38, the limits of movement of the support 38 as thus defined suitably comprising an angular path of 75 degrees, within which path the foot rest support maybe locked at any desired position.

Due to the disposition of the actuating rod 180 and transom lock 184-186 above the lower horizontal beam 46 of each side frame, the foot rest supports 38 are readily adjustable by the chair occupant himself without having to call upon someone to assist him. To move the supports forwardly, the chair occupant need only move the rod 180 forwardly, and to'move the supports rearwardly, he need only release the transom lock. Also, aswill be appreciated, each support is individually adjustable to afiord various occupants of the chair'a variety of" adjustments for each foot rest support to afford complete comfort.

To insure proper positioning of the foot rest supports when the same are disposed in the vertical or down position thereof, each support may suitably carry a cam lug extending rearwardly thereof and adapted to engage the tubular member 68 of the fork portion 64 of the respective side frame. The cam lug would normally engage the member 68 in such manner that a slight amount of 'force would have to be exerted to cam the support 38 inwardly of the frame to space the same an adequate distance. from the, traction wheel. Such camming action also affords a detent lock between the support 38 and the member 68 whereby the support is retained in a desired position adjacent the side. frame. Such lock is particularly advantageous in maintaining the foot rest supports in proper positionwhen the chair is collapsed;

Each foot rest support 38 is hollow, and preferably formed of tubular stock, and at the lower end'thereof defines a socket accommodatingmounting of onefoot rest 40 thereon. In particular, each foot .rest 40 includes an L-shaped rod 194 including a vertical leg and a substantially horizontal leg defining a pintle 196 as will be described. The. vertical leg of the foot rest rod194 is. of a size to be conformably received within the tubular, foot rest support 38, the rod 194 being adjustable longitudinally of the support 38 to vary the length of the foot rest according to the needs of various users of the chair. To lock the rod 194 in an adjusted position in the .tube 38, the tube is provided with a peripheral opening which isbridged by a mounting bar 198, see FigurelO, adapted for the, passage of a bolt carrying a pair of locking lugs 200, which lugs are adapted forcibly to engage opposite sides of a radiallyraised longitudinally extending rib 202 provided on the vertical leg 194. The lock thus provided is positive in action and assures proper positioning of the rod in the tube, particularly with respect to proper disposition of the pintle pin 196in forwardly extending relation. Such. disposition of the pintle pin 196 is insured as aresult of a predetermined relation between:

The pintle 196 defined by the horizontalleg of the rod 194 preferably comprises a tapered pintle pin, as shown in Figure 9, adapted to provide a pivotal mounting for a platform portion 204 of the foot rest 40. In particular, the platform portion or member 204 includes a planar platform surface and an enlarged tubular housing 206 provided at the outer side edge of the platform surface. The housing 206 is of a lengthless than the corresponding dimension of the platform surface and is disposed in termediately thereof. The housing 206 is provided with a tapered bore therein to receive the. pintle pin 196, the rearward edge of the housing rotatably abutting an enlarged portion of the horizontal leg of the rod 194. Due to-thedisposition of the housing 206, the platform surface of'the foot rest normally extends in a.horizontal plane coextensive with the full horizontal dimensionof the rod 194. As shown in Figure 6, the pintle 19.6v is of a length greater than the housing 206 and extends beyond the same to the forward side of the platform surface. This freely-extending portion of the pintle serves as a guide for a coiled compression spring 208; whichin effect is compressed between the outer end of'the pintle 196 and the front edge of the. housing 206 to exert a friction load on the pivotal mounting of'the housing on the pintle. Specifically, the spring 208 is disposed within a cup.- shaped housing 210 which is secured, at the bottom wall thereof, to the end'of the pintle 19.6 by a screw. or the like. As will be appreciated, the spring 208.cxerts a friction load on the housing206, at the abutting edges of the housing 206 'and'the rod'194, to retain the platform member 204 in adjustedposition. However, such'friction load alone would not beadequ-ate to, support the weight of the footof theoccupant of the chair and for this reason a positive stop is provided to maintain the platform surface in its horizontal foot supportingposb tion. In, particular, an integral stop member 212v is formed on the exterior of the pintle housing 206 of the foot rest, the stop member including a finger engageable with the vertical leg of the foot rest rod 194 when the platform surface is in its horizontal position. From such horizontal position, the platform is adapted to be pivoted on the pintle 196 to a substantially vertical out-of-theway position wherein the rearwardportions of the plat: form engage the foot'rest support 38, the platform being retained in such position by the friction load ofthe spring 208. As will be appreciated, movement ofthe two foot rests to the vertical position thereof accom: modates collapsing of the chair in the manner describedv hereinbefore.

To prevent damage to furniture and thelike which may inadvertently be bumped by the chair occupant, the. foot rests 40 are each preferably provided in thefront and side edges thereof with a rubber bumper 214, Figure 7, which may suitably be set in a recess or groove provided. inthe said edges of the foot rest.

Adapted for use with the foot rest supports 38 and. the foot rests 40, as thus described, are a pair of leg rests 42. Considering first the structure of each legrest,

reference is made to Figures 7, 8 and 9, wherein each.

leg rest is shown as comprising, with respect to the seat 32 of thechair, an inner section 216 and an outer section 218, the two sections being telescopically associated with.

one anotherfor relative longitudinal movement. The

inner section 216 comprises a pair of. spaced, parallel.

longitudinal frame members orsidev rails 220-formed of angle members, which angle members each include an upstanding vertical leg having a portion thereof bent backv upon. itself. The two side rails are joined at one end thereof, the end thereof adjacent the seat 32, by a frame.

member or cross rail 222 to maintain the same in spaced parallel relation, the generally rectangular frame defined.

by the members 220 and,222.being of a size smaller than the interior dimensions of the rectangular seat base.

for theseat cushion cover and the back rest, is stretched.

tautly between the side rails 220, they same extending from the upper edges of the vertical legsof the, rails 220.in

spaced relation to the horizontal legs thereof, and being secured to thevertical legs by bringing the edges of the sheet of the materialover theedges of the side rails andconfining the same between the bent portions of the.

vertical legs of the side rails, as by clipping, the said portions together. The inner leg rest section also includes an integral U-shaped member 226 formed of cylindrical stock that is secured at the bight portion thereof to thecross rail 222 of the rectangular frame. The two legs; of

15 the member 226 extend in inwardly spaced parallel relation to the side rails 220 adjacent and substantially in the plane of the horizontal legs thereof to define a pair of guide rails 228. At the bight portion thereof, the member 226 includes a secondary portion of U-shape, indicated at 230, for a purpose to be described.

The outer section 218 of each leg rest comprises a generally rectangular metallic plate of a size slightly smaller than that of the inner section 216. The metallic plate is formed at the side edges thereof to provide a pair of spaced parallel upstanding side rails 232 of gen erally inverted U-shape in cross section, the outer vertical legs of the side rails being bent upon themselves in somewhat the same manner and for the same purpose as the vertical legs of the side rails 220 of the inner section 216. Specifically, a sheet of material 234 is caught at its edges by the bent portions of the side rails 232 and is stretched tautly between the rails 232 in spaced relation to the plate portion of the outer leg rest frame. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the side rails 232 of the outer section 218 are each formed to comprise, for a distance adjacent the inner end thereof, a regular inverted U, but throughout the major portion of the length thereof present a distorted inside leg of the U which is first bent laterally toward the center of the frame and then downwardly to the base wall of the frame, as is indicated at 236.

In assembly, the outer section 218 of the leg rest is telescopically received within the inner section 216, with the side rails 232 of the outer section being confined between the sheet of material 224 and the horizontal legs of the side rails 220 of the inner frame or section. In effecting such assembly, the guide rails 228 of the inner section are disposed against the inner surface of the inner leg of the regular U portion of the side rails of the outer section 218 and against the outer surface of the inner leg of the irregular portion 236 of that section, said guide rails at the free end thereof being connected to the side rails 220 of the inner section 216 by suitable clamps 238 and bolts 240. As will be appreciated from such assembly, the guide rails 228 and the side rails 226 and 232 of the two sections effect a slidable association of the two sections whereby the assembly is extensible and contractible to the various requirements of users of the wheel chair of the present invention. In the assembly, the side rails of the two sections comprise longitudinal guide means, and the side rails 232 of the outer section comprise guide tracks for the guide rails 228. A limit to collapsing movement is provided by the cross rail 222 of the inner section and a limit of extending movement is provided by the clamps 238 when engaged by the wall portion of the side rails of the outer section at the separation of the two inner leg portions of that section.

In use, the tautly stretched sheets of leg rest material 224 and 234 will provide a firm yet cushiony support for the legs of the occupant of the chair. Since the sheets of material are spaced from the base portions of the frames 216 and 218, comfort of the user is insured. Each leg rest 42, when in the position of use thereof, is pivotally supported at the inner or upper end thereof, the inner end of the inner section 216, adjacent the front edge of the seat 32 by a relatively narrow ledge member or support 242 secured to the lower surface of the respective seat part. The ledge 242 is curved slightly upwardly at the front thereof partially to define a cylindrical recess adapted for the reception of the U or handle portion 230 of the guide rail member 226, whereby each leg rest is pivotally mounted at the front central portion of a part of the seat 32. At the lower or outer end thereof, the outer end of the outer section 218, the leg rest is attached to and supported by the foot rest 40 for movement with the foot rest and support both as to longitudinal and pivotal adjustment. To accommodate attachment, the outer section of the leg rest at each side rail 232 thereof is provided with a hook or hooked finger portion 244 adapted to be fitted into a suitable hole provided in an angle bracket 246 secured to the respective foot rest. As shown, the hook 244 extends laterally rearwardly of the leg rest to fit in and rest upon the bracket 246. Thus, in all positions of inclination of the foot rest supports, the leg rest is firmly supported by the brackets 246 against inadvertent disassociation of the leg rest and foot rest.

As will be appreciated, the leg rest 42 need not be in constant use for many chair occupants, and also in their in-use position, will prevent collapsing of the chair. In view of these factors, I provide means for storing the leg rests in an out-of-the-way position on the chair when the same are not in use and when the chair is to be collapsed. As pointed out hereinbefore, the outer leg rest section 218 is of a size smaller than the inner leg rest section 216 and is adapted to be received within the confines of the same, while the inner leg rest section 216 is of a size smaller than the base 94 of each part of the seat 32. Due to such arrangement, each leg rest 4-2 is adapted to be collapsed and stored under one part of the seat 32, and due to the telescopic association of the two sections thereof, each leg rest is of a minimum thickness so as to be storable substantially within the confines of a seat base 94, in which position the same will not obstruct or interfere with collapsing of the chair. To mount each leg rest for movement to and from the stored and in-use positions thereof, I provide an elongate strap or leaf spring 248 beneath each seat part, the spring being secured to the lower surface of the seat at the rear base member of the seat part and being slidably mounted at the front of the seat At the rearward end thereof, the spring is bent downwardly to define a recess 250, but throughout the major portion of its length, the same engages the lower surface of the seat. Adjacent the forward end of the seat, the spring is bent downwardly to clear the front base member of the seat part, and then is bent upwardly toward the ledge member or support 242. The spring extends upwardly in front of the ledge member and then extends rearwardly over the ledge member and is slidably mounted against the lower surface of the seat. The spring or strap 248 is of a width slightly less than that of the handle portion 230 of the guide rail member and in the path of extension thereof passes freely through the said portion 230 whereby the portion 230 is slidably mounted on the spring.

To move the leg rest from its in use position, as shown in solid lines in Figure 6, to the stored position thereof, as shown in dotted lines, the lower end of the leg rest is disassociated from the foot rest by swinging the same forwardly of the foot rest, after which the leg rest is collapsed. Then, a slight forward pull on both sections of the leg rest will move the handle portion 230 of the inner section otf of the ledge 242, which movement is accommodated by the resiliency and slidable mounting of the spring 248. Thereafter, the handle portion may be moved rearwardly along the spring 248 until the same enters the recess 250, at which point the leg rest may be pivoted about the handle portion 230 thereof into a position engaging the lower surface of the seat within the confines of the base 94. Since the spring 248 rests fiat against the bottom of the seat part, the spring will not interfere with movement of the sheet 224 of the leg rest material into engagement with the lower surface of the seat. To retain the leg rest in its stored position, lock means, such as spring clips 252, may be provided adjacent the front of the seat on each side of the leg rest. In either position thereof, the leg rests are disposed to be manipulated by the chair occupant, whereby the occupant himself may attend to his own comfort.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that each of the component parts of the Wheel chair of my invention is formed in a highly efficient, practical and economical manner. Also, the assembly of the various components into the completed wheel chair, as shown in Figure 1, is readily effected to provide an improved wheel chair 17 that has a very pleasing appearance, and that is sturdy and reliable in use.

A particular advantage of the wheel chair of the present invention resides in the collapsible linkage means incorporated therein accommodating folding of the chair to a collapsed position wherein the same comprises a very compact and easily handled package. The linkage means is extremely easy to operate and readily accommodates folding of the chair to and from its collapsed and extended positions. In the extended position of use, the collapsible linkage means affords a very firm and reliable support for the side frames and the seat of the chair. Also, the said collapsible linkage leads to the provision of knee action and shock absorbing functions, wherein the support is such that each wheel in practical effect is individually suspended to insure optimum shock absorbing characteristics, while the seat of the chair is constantly maintained in a given substantially horizontal plane to insure the complete comfort of the chair occupant.

Other features leading to the complete comfort of the chair occupant are the provision of the improved back rest, foot rests and leg rests of the present invention. These features also lead to the accomplishment of substantially complete self-reliance on the part of the chair occupant for the reason that all chair adjustments affecting the comfort and motivation of the chair occupant are within his ready reach and are conveniently actuated by him. Contributing to the spirit of self-reliance is the provision of the improved brake means of the present invention whereby the chair occupant is always assured of perfect control of the chair.

In view of the above, it will be appreciated that the present invention provides an improved wheel chair that not only exhibits advantageous structural qualities over prior developments in the art, but that also provides the further advantage that all components thereof are readily operated and used by the chair occupant himself, whereby his feeling of self-reliance and independence is appreciably enhanced, thus rendering his life and the lives of those about him more enjoyable. Also, the wheel chair of the present invention accommodates convenient travel in a substantially non-restricted orbit, whereby the mental anguish heretofore caused by the confining restrictions of invalidity is at least substantially reduced if not entirely eliminated.

The described collapsible linkage and improved foot and leg rest means are also directly adapted to folding wheel chairs of modified form, such as one having its traction wheels at the rear of the chair (which would be particularly advantageous for outdoor use), and to folding wheel chairs having different forms of side frames, traction means, etc., without diminution of the advantages above observed.

Thus, while I have described what I regard to be preferred embodiment of my invention, it will be appreciated that various changes, rearrangements and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A wheel chair comprising a pair of spaced parallel side frames, a seat extending between said side frames,

and a linkage extending between said side frames, said seat comprising two parts pivotally connected together centrally between said side frames and each pivotally connected adjacent its outer side to one of said side frames, said linkage comprising a pair of horizontal links each pivotally connected adjacent its outer end to one of said side frames, said links being pivotally connected to one another centrally between said side frames, a vertical link pivotally connected at its lower end to the central connection of said horizontal links and pivotally connected at its upper end to said seat parts centrally be tween said side frames, a block slidably mounted on said vertical link, and a pair of diagonal links each pivotally connected at its inner end to said block and at its outer end adjacent the outer end of one of said horizontal links.

2. A wheel chair comprising a pair of spaced parallel side frames, a seat extending between said side frames, said seat comprising two parts pivotally connected together centrally between said side frames and each pivotally connected adjacent its outer side to one of said side frames, and linkage means extending between said side frames, said linkage means including a front linkage and a rear linkage, each comprising a pair of horizontal links each pivotally connected to one of said side frames, said links being pivotally connected to one another centrally between said frames, and a vertical link pivotally connected at its lower end to the central connection of said horizontal links and pivotally supported at its upper end by said seat parts centrally between said side frames, the horizontal links of one of said linkages including cooperable portions preventing movement thereof downwardly beyond a substantially horizontal position, the other of said linkages including a block slidably mounted on the vertical link thereof and a pair of diagonal links each pivotally connected at its inner end to said block and at its outer end adjacent the outer end of one of the horizontal links of said other linkage.

3. A folding wheel chair comprising a pair of spaced substantially parallel side frames, a seat extending between said side frames, said seat comprising a pair of similar rigid .parts pivotally connected together centrally between said side frames and each being pivotally connected adjacent its outer side and adjacent one end thereof to one of said side frames, and a collapsible linkage extending between said side frames, said linkage comprising a pair of horizontal links each pivotally connected at its outer end to one of said side frames beneath said seat parts, said links being pivotally connected to one another at the inner ends thereof centrally between said side frames, a vertical link pivotally connected at its lower end to the central connection of said horizontal links and at its upper end to the central connection of said seat parts, a block slidably mounted on said vertical link normally adjacent the upper end thereof, and a pair of diagonal links of a length greater than said horizontal links each pivotally connected at its outer end to the outer end of one of said horizontal links and edits inner end to said block.

4. A folding wheel chair comprising a pair of spaced substantially parallel side frames, a seat extending between said side frames, said seat comprising a pair of similar parts pivotally connected together centrally between said side frames and each being pivotally connected adjacent its outer side and at least one end thereof to one of said side frames, and a pair of collapsible linkages extending between said side frames, one adjacent the front and one adjacent the rear thereof, said front link-age comprising a first horizontal link of a length equal approximately to one-half the spacing between said side frames pivotally connected at the outer end thereof to one of said side frames, a second horizontal link comprising a downwardly open channel of a length greater than that of said first link pivotally connected at the outer end thereof to the other of said side frames, said first link being positioned within said second link and being pivotally connected to said second link centrally between said side frames, and a vertical link pivotally connected at its lower end to the central connection of said horizontal links and at its upper end to the central connection of said seat parts, said rear linkage comprising a pair of horizontal links pivotally connected to one another at the inner ends thereof centrally between said side frames and each pivotally connected at its outer end to one of said side frames, a vertical link pivotally connected at its lower end to the central connection of said horizontal links of said rear linkage and at its. upper end to the central connection of saidseatpartaa blockslidably mounted on said vertical link of said rear linkage, and apair-of diagonal links of a length greater than said horizontal links of said rear linkage. eachpivotally connected at its outer end to the outer end of one of said horizontal links of said rear linkage. and. at its inner end to. said block.

5. A wheelchair comprising a pair of spaced parallel side frames, a seat extending between said side frames, a relatively narrow elongate leaf type spring attached tothe lower surface of said seat and extending from adjacent. the front ofsaid seat rearwardly beneath said seat, an extensible leg rest including a pairof telescopically associated frame members, one of said frame members including a U-shaped portion at the outer end thereof definingan opening adapted for the reception and passage of saidspring, said U-shaped portion being slidably mounted-on. said springto support the-outer end-of said one frame member, and a support secured to said. seat adjacent the. front thereof within the confines of said spring, said spring accommodating positioning of said U-shaped portion of said one frame on said support to dispose said leg rest in an in-use position, said spring accommodating disassociation of said U-shaped portion and. said support and sliding of said U-shaped' portion toward the rear of said seat, said frame members of said leg rest being movable to a position defining a width and length less than the corresponding dimensions of said seat, whereby said leg rest is adapted to be stored in an out-ofithe-way position beneath said seat.

6. A wheel chair comprising apair of spacedparallel side frames, a seat extending between said side frames, a relatively narrow elongate leaf type spring secured to the lower surface of said seat adjacent the front and rear thereof and extending beneath said seat, a leg rest comprising a pair'of generally rectangular frames each including side rails and a sheet of horrible material stretched'tautly between and connected to said side rails, one of said frames being of a width greater than the otherframeand telescopically receiving said other frame, said side rails of both frames defining. cooperating longitudinal guide-means accommodating telescopic association of said frames and relative longitudinal movement of saidframes, one of said frames 'at the outer'end thereof defining an opening adapted for the reception and passage-of said spring, said-spring being received within said opening slidably to support said one frame on said seat, said one frame'beingmovable to an in-use'position adjacent the front of said seat and being slidable on said spring to a position adjacent therear of said seat,.said frames of said leg rest being movable to a collapsed position wherein said leg rest is ofa size smaller than said seat, whereby said leg rest isadapted to be stored immediately beneath said seat, and means for retaining said legrest inits stored position.

7. A wheel chair-comprising a pair. of side frames, a seat extending between'said side frame, a foot rest support-pivotally mounted on one of said-frames at the frontof the chair, means foradjustably positioning said support with respect to said seat, a foot restmounted on said support-for adjustment longitudinally of said support, a strap positioned beneath said seat and extending from adjacent the frontof said seat rearwardlybeneath said seat, and an extensible leg rest slidably-supported atone end-thereof onsaid strap and adapted-at the other endthereofto be detachably connected to said foot rest,

said leg-rest being slidable=on said strap to an in-use position wherein said one end thereof is supported by said strap adjacentthefront of said seat and said other end thereof is detachably connected to said foot rest,

similar parts pivotally connected together centrally between said side frames and each being pivotally connected adjacent its outer end with respect. to one of said side frames, a collapsiblelinkage extending between said side frames, said linkage comprising a pain of horizontal links each pivotally connected to one of said side frames, said links being pivotally connected to one another centrally between said frames, a vertical link pivotally connected at its lower end to the centralconnection of said horizontal links and pivotally connected at its upper end to the central connection of-said seat parts, a relatively narrow elongate strap positioned closely beneath each of said seat parts and extending from adjacent the front of the respective seat part rearwardly beneath said seat part, a pair of leg rests-each associated with one of said seat parts and including a frame of a width less than that of each seat part having an opening in the inner end thereof complementary to the respective strap, said strap being received Within the said opening in said frame of the respective leg rest slidably to support said inner end of the leg rest, each of said frames being slidably mounted on the respective strap whereby said inner end of each leg rest is movable on the respective strap from an in-use position of 'the leg rest wherein said inner end is supported on said strap adjacent the front of said seat and the leg rest depends therefrom, to a stored position of the leg rest, wherein said inner end is supported on said strap adjacent the rear of said seat and the leg rest is adapted to be disposed beneath the respective seat part closely adjacent thereto, and means for retaining the outer end of each leg rest-closely adjacent the respective seat part in said stored position, said leg rests when in their storedposition accommodating collapsing of said linkage and folding of said seat parts to accommodate movement of said side frames into closely adjacent relation.

9. A folding wheel chair comprising a pair of spaced substantially parallel side frames, a-seat extending between said side frames, said seat comprising a .pair of similar parts pivotally connected together centrally between said side frames and each being pivotally connected adjacent its outer side with respect to one of said side frames, collapsible linkage means extending between said side frames, said link-age means including a front'linkage and a rear linkage each comprising a pair of horizontal links each pivotally connected to one of said side frames, said links being pivotally connected to one another centrally between said side frames, a vertical link pivotally connected at its lower end to the central connection of said horizontal link and pivotally conpart rearwardly beneath said seat-part. and a pair of extensible legrests each-associated with one of said seat parts, each ofsaid legrests being slidably supported-at one end thereof on the respective strap andv being adapted at the other end thereof to be detachably connected to the foot .rest on the respective side of the chair, each of said leg rests being slidable. on the respective strap to an in-use position wherein said one end thereof is supported by said strapadjacenttthe front of said seat part and said other end thereof is detachably connected to the respective foot rest, each of said leg rests being detachable from the respective foot rest and slidable on the respective strap to a stored position beneath said seat, said leg rests in the stored position thereof accommodating collapsing of said linkage means and folding of said seat parts to move said side frames closely adjacent one another.

10. A foldin'g'wheel chair comprising a pair of spaced substantially parallel side frames, a seat exten'din'g bc- 21 tween said side frames, said seat comprising a pair of similar parts pivotally connected together centrally between said side frames and each being pivotally connected adjacent its outer side and at at least one end thereof with respect to one of said side frames, a pair of collapsible linkages extending between said side frames, one adjacent the front and one adjacent the rear thereof, said front linkage comprising a pair of horizontal links each pivotally connected to one of said side frames, said links being pivotally connected to one another centrally between said frames, and a vertical link pivotally connected at its lower end to the central connection of said horizontal links and pivotally connected at its upper end to the central connection of said seat parts, said rear linkage comprising a pair of horizontal links, each pivotally connected to one of said side frames, said links being pivotally connected to one another centrally between said side frames, a vertical link pivotally connected at its lower end to the central connection of said horizontal links of said rear linkage and pivotally connected at its upper end to the central connection of said seat parts, a block slidably mounted on said vertical link of said rear linkage, and a pair of diagonal links each pivotally connected at its inner end to said block and at its outer end adjacent the outer end of one of said horizontal links of said rear linkage, a foot rest support pivotally mounted on each of said side frames at the front of the chair, means for adjustably positioning each of said supports with respect to the respective side frame, a foot rest mounted on each of said supports for adjustment longitudinally of the respective support, each of said foot rests being pivotally supported for movement from a horizontal in-use position to a vertical position, a relatively narrow elongate leaf type spring secured to the lower surface of each of said seat parts adjacent the front and rear thereof and extending beneath the respective seat part, a pair of leg rests each associated with one of said seat parts, each leg rest comprising a pair of generally rectangular frames each including side rails and a sheet of flexible material stretched between and connected to said side rails, one of said frames being of a width greater than the other frame and telescopically receiving said other frame, said side rails of both frames defining cooperating longitudinal guide means accommodating telescopic association and relative longitudinal movement of said frames, one of the frames of each of said leg rests at the outer end thereof defining an opening adapted for the reception and passage of the respective spring, each of said springs being received within the opening in the respective frame slidably to support the respective frame on the respective seat part, said one frame of each of said leg rests being movable on the respective spring to an in-use position adjacent the front of the respective seat part, the other frame of each ofsaid leg rests at the outer end thereof having means adapted for detachable connection to the respective foot rest, each of said leg rests being detachable from the respective foot rest and slidable on the respective spring to a stored position beneath the respective seat part, the frames of each of said leg rests being movable to a collapsed position wherein the respective leg rest is of a size smaller than the respective seat part, and means for retaining each of said leg rests in its stored position beneath the respective seat part, said foot rests in the vertical position thereof and said leg rests in the stored position thereof accommodating collapsing of said linkages and folding of said seat parts, whereby the wheel chair may be moved to a collapsed position wherein said side frames are disposed closely adjacent one another.

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