Retainer assembly

Abstract

Embodiments of a retainer assembly are provided. The retainer assembly includes, for example, a bracket that partially surrounds a part or component and a latching component pivotally attached to the bracket. The latching component and frame bracket retain the part or component to a portion of the wheelchair frame when the latching component is located in the closed position.

1 . A wheelchair comprising: 
 a frame;    a plurality of wheels that are adapted to support the frame relative to a supporting surface;    a seating component, the seating component including at least one of a seat bottom and a backrest; and    a retainer assembly attached to a portion of the seating component, the retainer assembly comprising: 
 a bracket that is disposed against a portion of the frame; and  
 a latching component pivotally attached to the bracket, the latching component pivoting between an open position and a closed position, the latching component and bracket coupling to retain the seating component to the portion of the frame when the latching component is in the closed position.  
   
     
     
         2 . The wheelchair of  claim 1 , wherein the latching component has a generally arcuate shape.  
     
     
         3 . The wheelchair of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a locating mechanism, the locating mechanism being engageable with the latching component to retain the latching component in a predetermined position.    
     
     
         4 . The wheelchair of  claim 3  wherein the locating mechanism is mounted on the bracket.  
     
     
         5 . The wheelchair of  claim 3  wherein the locating mechanism is mounted on the latching component.  
     
     
         6 . The wheelchair of  claim 3  wherein a detent notch is defined within the latching component, the detent notch receiving the locating mechanism to retain the latching component in a predetermined position.  
     
     
         7 . The wheelchair of  claim 4  wherein the locating mechanism is a set screw.  
     
     
         8 . The wheelchair of  claim 4  wherein the locating mechanism is a spring biased plunger.  
     
     
         9 . The wheelchair of  claim 1  wherein the latching component includes a positioning member.  
     
     
         10 . A seating assembly for use with a wheelchair comprising: 
 a seating component, the seating component including at least one of a seat bottom and a backrest;    a frame member; and    a retainer assembly, the retainer assembly comprising: 
 a seat bracket mounted to a portion of the seating component;  
 a frame bracket that is disposed against the frame member, the frame bracket including a locating mechanism;  
 a latching component pivotally attached to the bracket, the latching component pivoting between an open and a closed position, a detent notch being defined within the surface of the latching component; and  
 wherein the locating mechanism is adapted for engagement with the detent notch of the latching component when the latching component is in the closed position.  
   
     
     
         11 . The seating assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the latching component and frame bracket attach the seating component to the frame member when the latching component is located in the closed position, the locating mechanism retaining the latching component in the closed position until an opening force is exerted upon the latching component.  
     
     
         12 . The seating assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the latching component has a generally arcuate shape.  
     
     
         13 . The seating assembly of  claim 10  wherein the locating mechanism is a set screw.  
     
     
         14 . The seating assembly of  claim 10  wherein the locating mechanism is a spring biased plunger.  
     
     
         15 . The seating assembly of  claim 10  wherein the latching component includes a positioning member.  
     
     
         16 . A retainer assembly, the retainer assembly comprising: 
 a bracket disposed against a member, the bracket including a locating mechanism;    a latching component pivotally attached to the bracket, the latching component pivoting between an open and a closed position, a detent notch being defined within the surface of the latching component; and    wherein the locating mechanism is adapted for engagement with the detent notch of the latching component when the latching component is in the closed position, the latching component and bracket clamping the member when the latching component is located in the closed position, the locating mechanism retaining the latching component in the closed position until an opening force is exerted upon the latching component.    
     
     
         17 . The retainer assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the latching component has a generally arcuate shape.  
     
     
         18 . The retainer assembly of  claim 16  wherein the locating mechanism is a set screw.  
     
     
         19 . The retainer assembly of  claim 16  wherein the locating mechanism is a spring biased plunger.  
     
     
         20 . The retainer assembly of  claim 16  wherein the latching component includes a positioning member.  
     
     
         21 . Method of securing a seat component which includes at least one of a seat bottom and a backrest to a wheelchair frame member comprising: 
 positioning a bracket, which is attached to the seat component, such that a portion of the bracket is disposed against the frame member;    pivotally moving a latching component attached to the bracket to couple with the bracket such that the latching component and bracket encircle a portion of the frame member, the coupling of the latching component and bracket thereby retaining the seat component onto the frame member.    
     
     
         22 . A seating assembly for use with a wheelchair comprising: 
 a seating component, the seating component including at least one of a seat bottom and a backrest;    a frame member;    a bracket that is disposed against a portion of the frame member, the bracket being attached to the seating component; and    a latching means for coupling with the bracket to mount the seating component onto the frame member, the latching means being pivotally attached to the bracket.    
     
     
         23 . The seating assembly of  claim 22  further comprising: 
 a locating means for retaining the latching means in a predetermined position with respect to the bracket means.