Wheelchair wheel lock

Abstract

A wheelchair wheel locking assembly comprises a first and a second displaceable wheel-engaging member, having a substantially continuously flexible linkage operably connecting the first and second wheel-engaging members. In the event the continuously flexible linkage is severed, the first wheel stop may continue to be operated by the actuating lever. A wheel-contacting surface of the wheel-engaging member may include a recess for engaging a portion of a wheel in an interference fit. A wheelchair comprising the wheel locking mechanism of the invention is also provided.

1 . A wheel locking assembly, comprising: 
 a first and a second displaceable wheel-engaging member;    an actuator operably connected to the first displaceable wheel-engaging member; and    a substantially continuously flexible linkage operably connecting the first and second displaceable wheel-engaging members;    whereby actuating the actuator concurrently displaces the first and second wheel-engaging members.    
   
   
       2 . The wheel locking assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the actuator remains operably connected to the first wheel-engaging member if the continuously flexible linkage connecting the first and second wheel-engaging members is severed.  
   
   
       3 . The wheel locking assembly of  claim 1 , wherein a wheel-contacting surface of the wheel-engaging member includes a recess for engaging a portion of a wheel in an interference fit.  
   
   
       4 . The wheel locking assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the recess is substantially concave.  
   
   
       5 . The wheel locking assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the substantially continuously flexible linkage comprises a flexible member having a first end operably connected to the first wheel-engaging member and a second end operably connected to the second wheel-engaging member.  
   
   
       6 . The wheel locking assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the continuously flexible linkage is a push-pull cable having a substantially flexible outer sheath surrounding a wire.  
   
   
       7 . A wheel locking assembly, comprising: 
 at least one displaceable wheel-engaging member; and    an actuator operably connected to the wheel-engaging member;    wherein the wheel-engaging member includes a wheel-contacting surface having a recess for engaging a portion of a wheel in an interference fit.    
   
   
       8 . The wheel locking assembly of  claim 7 , including a first and a second displaceable wheel-engaging member and a substantially continuously flexible linkage operably connecting the first and second displaceable wheel-engaging members.  
   
   
       9 . The wheel locking assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the recess is substantially concave.  
   
   
       10 . A wheelchair, comprising; 
 a frame;    a seat;    at least two wheels; and    a wheel locking assembly comprising a first and a second displaceable wheel-engaging member, a substantially continuously flexible linkage operably connecting the first and second displaceable wheel-engaging members, and an actuator operably connected to the first displaceable wheel-engaging member;    whereby actuating the actuator concurrently displaces the first and second wheel-engaging members.    
   
   
       11 . The wheelchair of  claim 10 , wherein the actuator remains operably connected to the first wheel-engaging member if the substantially continuously flexible linkage connecting the first and second wheel-engaging members is severed.  
   
   
       12 . The wheelchair of  claim 10 , wherein a wheel-contacting surface of the wheel-engaging member includes a recess for engaging a portion of the wheel in an interference fit.  
   
   
       13 . The wheelchair of  claim 12 , wherein the recess is substantially concave.  
   
   
       14 . The wheelchair of  claim 10 , wherein the substantially continuously flexible linkage comprises a flexible member having a first end operably connected to the first wheel-engaging member and a second end operably connected to the second wheel-engaging member.  
   
   
       15 . The wheelchair of  claim 14 , wherein the continuously flexible linkage is a push-pull cable having a substantially flexible outer sheath surrounding a wire.  
   
   
       16 . A wheel stop, comprising a wheel-engaging member having a wheel-contacting surface, wherein the wheel-contacting surface includes a recess for engaging a portion of a wheel in an interference fit.  
   
   
       17 . The wheel stop of  claim 16 , wherein the recess is substantially concave.