Patent · US Expired

Oblique angled suspension caster fork for wheelchairs

US6892421B2 · kind B2 · utility

13Cited by
26References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 11, 2002
Grant dateMay 17, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 5, 2023

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60B33/045
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A shock absorption mechanism for a wheelchair includes a caster fork including a first oblique surface and a second horizontally disposed surface, relative to a horizontal plane of travel of the wheelchair. A portion of the second surface includes a curved profile. A joint is mountable adjacent a first section thereof to a frame of the wheelchair and adjacent a second section thereof to the caster fork. The joint includes a first oblique surface and a second surface for guiding reciprocation of the curved profile portion of the caster fork. A shock absorber is disposed in an oblique orientation between the first oblique surface of the caster fork and the first oblique surface of the joint. The caster fork is pivotable adjacent the second section of the joint. The shock absorber is compressable in a direction generally parallel to the oblique orientation thereof during pivoting of the caster fork.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.