초록

A wheelchair includes an independent suspension system having a spring and a shock absorber located between the chair and the wheel. The load exerted by the spring and the damping provided by the shock absorber are both variable in order to tune the independent suspension to various conditions.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A wheelchair comprising:a rigid frame having a foot rest, a seat supporting section, a backrest supporting section and a pair of handbars;a rear pair of wheels rotatably mounted with respect to said frame;a front pair of wheels rotatably mounted with respect to said frame

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A wheelchair comprising:a rigid frame having a foot rest, a seat supporting section, a backrest supporting section and a pair of handbars;a rear pair of wheels rotatably mounted with respect to said frame;a front pair of wheels rotatably mounted with respect to said frame, said rear pair of wheels being larger in diameter than said front pair of wheels, wherein the wheelchair is propelled by its occupant or by a person holding onto said handbars; anda suspension system disposed between said frame and each of said rear pair of wheels, said suspension system comprising:a suspension arm pivotally supported by said frame, said suspension arm having an axle end for rotatably supporting one of said wheels and a suspension link end remote from said axle end;a suspension link disposed between said suspension link end of said suspension arm and said frame, said suspension link having a biasing member and a damping member, said damping member reducing in length during a compression stroke and increasing in length during a rebound stroke; andan adjustable member for adjusting a compression damping rate during said compression stroke and a rebound damping rate during said rebound stroke.