Anti-rollback braking system for wheelchairs

Abstract

A wheelchair comprising a seat back, a seat bottom, a frame, two front wheel assemblies, two drive wheels, two wheelchair wheels, and an anti-rollback wheelchair braking system consisting of two braking units, each unit comprising a housing cylinder body cap, a housing cylinder body, a housing cylinder mounting assembly, a wheelchair mounting assembly, rotatable toggle clamp direction selection lever, an anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly, and a toggle clamp assembly for engaging the said anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly with a wheelchair wheel. A parking brake assembly may also be included. The invention may be manufactured and sold as a whole wheelchair assembly or a retrofit kit for standard wheelchairs.

Claims

1. A wheelchair comprising: a seat back; a seat bottom; a frame; two front wheel assemblies; two drive wheels; two wheelchair wheels; and an anti-rollback wheelchair braking system consisting of two braking units, each unit comprising: a housing cylinder body cap; a housing cylinder body; a wheelchair mounting assembly; an anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly, the anti-rollback, one-way brake assembly consists of a pawl mechanism which allows for one-way travel of the wheelchair wheel; and a means for engaging, disengaging and rotating the said anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly with the wheelchair wheel, the means for engaging, disengaging and rotating the anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly with the wheelchair wheel of the anti-rollback wheelchair braking system consists of a push-pull toggle clamp, the push-pull toggle clamp drives a toggle mount sleeve which is slidingly positioned inside the housing cylinder body and connected to the anti-rollback, one-way brake assembly.

2. The wheelchair of claim 1 wherein the wheelchair mounting assembly connects each of the braking units to the frame.

3. The wheelchair of claim 1 wherein the anti-rollback, one-way brake assembly consists of a one-way wheel and bearing mechanism which allows for one-way travel of the wheelchair wheel.

4. The wheelchair of claim 1 wherein the means for engaging, disengaging and rotating the said anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly controls the position of the anti-rollback, one-way brake assembly so as to prevent the wheelchair from moving forward, backwards or in either direction.

5. The wheelchair of claim 1 wherein the means for engaging, disengaging and rotating the anti-rollback, one-way brake assembly extends from the housing cylinder body cap in an ergonomic manner where a wheelchair user may easily engage, disengage and rotate the said anti-rollback, one-way brake assembly.

6. The wheelchair of claim 1 wherein a parking brake assembly is attached to at least one of the braking units.

7. The wheelchair of claim 6 wherein the parking brake assembly consists of a lever assembly, a toggle clamp assembly, a mounting assembly and a braking surface capable of engaging with a wheelchair wheel.

8. An anti-rollback wheelchair brake kit consisting of two mirror image brake units, each unit comprising: a housing cylinder body cap; A housing cylinder body; a wheelchair mounting assembly; a rotatable toggle clamp direction selection lever; an anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly, the anti-rollback, one-way brake assembly consisting of a pawl mechanism which allows for one-way travel of a wheelchair wheel; and a toggle clamp assembly for engaging the anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly with the wheelchair wheel, the toggle clamp assembly for engaging the anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly with a wheelchair wheel drives a toggle mount sleeve which is slidingly positioned inside the housing cylinder body and connected to the anti-rollback, one-way brake assembly.

9. The anti-rollback wheelchair brake kit of claim 8 wherein the wheelchair mounting assembly connects each brake unit to a wheelchair frame.

10. The anti-rollback wheelchair brake kit of claim 8 wherein the anti-rollback, one-way brake assembly consists of a one-way wheel and bearing mechanism which allows for one-way travel of the wheelchair wheel.

11. The anti-rollback wheelchair brake kit of claim 8 wherein the means for engaging, disengaging and rotating the said anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly is a toggle clamp lever assembly and extends from the housing cylinder body cap in an ergonomic manner and controls the position of the anti-rollback, one-way brake assembly so as to prevent the wheelchair from moving forward, backwards or in either direction.

12. The anti-rollback wheelchair brake kit of claim 8 wherein a parking brake assembly is attached to at least one of the braking units.

13. The anti-rollback wheelchair brake kit of claim 12 wherein the parking brake assembly consists of a lever assembly, a toggle clamp assembly, a mounting assembly and a braking surface capable of engaging with a wheelchair wheel.

14. An improved anti-rollback wheelchair consisting of two mirror image brake units, each unit comprising: a housing cylinder body cap; a housing cylinder body; a housing cylinder mounting assembly which is connected to the housing cylinder body; a wheelchair mounting assembly which connects the housing cylinder mounting assembly to a wheelchair frame; an anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly; a rotatable toggle clamp lever assembly which extends from the housing cylinder body cap in an ergonomic manner and controls the position of the anti-rollback, one-way brake assembly so as to prevent the wheelchair from moving forward, backwards or in either direction; and a toggle clamp assembly for engaging the anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly with a wheelchair wheel wherein the toggle clam direction selection lever drives a toggle mount sleeve which is slidingly positioned inside the housing cylinder body and connected to the anti-rollback, one-way brake assembly to engage the anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly with a wheelchair wheel.

15. The wheelchair of claim 14 wherein a parking brake assembly consisting of a lever assembly, the toggle clamp assembly, a mounting assembly and a braking surface capable of engaging with the wheelchair wheel is attached to at least one of the brake units.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention directed by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a side view of a standard wheelchair employing the anti-rollback braking system for wheelchairs.

(3) FIG. 2 is an exploded side view of an anti-rollback braking system for wheelchairs in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

(4) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a braking unit and a wheelchair wheel in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

(5) FIG. 4A is a side view of the brake unit and a wheelchair wheel of an anti-rollback braking system for wheelchairs in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

(6) FIG. 4B is a side view of the brake unit and a wheelchair wheel of a n anti-rollback braking system for wheelchairs in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

(7) FIG. 5 is an exploded side view of an anti-rollback braking system for wheelchairs in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.

(8) FIG. 6A is a side view of the brake unit and a wheelchair wheel of a n anti-rollback braking system for wheelchairs in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.

(9) FIG. 6B is a side view of the brake unit and a wheelchair wheel of a n anti-rollback braking system for wheelchairs in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.

(10) FIG. 7 is a side view the braking unit and a parking brake of an anti-rollback braking system for wheelchairs in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

(11) Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(12) Terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be understood that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes all equivalents known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

(13) Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described. But any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein should also be understood to refer to functional equivalents of such structures.

(14) References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include particular features, structures, or characteristics. However, not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular features, structures, or characteristics. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment although they may. A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present invention.

(15) As is well known to those skilled in the art, many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation of such an anti-rollback braking system for wheelchairs. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the invention may be configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art.

(16) The exemplary anti-rollback braking system for wheelchairs will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

(17) FIG. 1 is a side view of a standard wheelchair employing the anti-rollback braking system for wheelchairs. Persons having skill in the art will readily appreciate that a wheelchair consists of two mirror image sides which comprise a whole unit. Embodiments of the present invention may comprise a wheelchair 102 consisting of a seat back 104, a seat bottom 106, a frame 108, two front wheel assemblies 110, two drive wheels 112, two wheelchair wheels 114, and an anti-rollback wheelchair braking system consisting of two braking units 116. The two braking units 116 are positioned in an ergonomic manner where a user may easily engage and disengage the brakes with minimal effort. Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that a cylinder mounting assembly may consist of, but is not limited to, a cylinder mounting plate 118 which attaches to a chair mounting plate 120 which may attach to the frame of a standard wheelchair through various means known and appreciated in the art. Such mounting plates may assume numerous shapes and conformations to accommodate for wheelchair frames of varying makes and models.

(18) FIG. 2 is an exploded side view of a braking unit an anti-rollback braking system for wheelchairs in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Each braking unit comprises a housing cylinder body cap 202, a housing cylinder body 204, rotatable toggle clamp direction selection lever 206, an anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly, and a toggle clamp assembly 208 for engaging the said anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly 216 with a wheelchair wheel. The housing cylinder body cap 202 may be made of a rigid material such as a plastic or metal and may attach to the cylinder body 204 by numerous means known and appreciated in the art. Likewise, the housing cylinder body 204 may be made of a rigid material such as a plastic or metal. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the general shape of the housing cylinder body 204 is that of a truncated cylinder with the truncated surface used to accommodate a cylinder mounting plate which may be used to connect to a chair mounting plate. The truncated surface, or another truncated surface, may also be used to accommodate a parking brake assembly as well. Persons having skill in the art will readily appreciate that there are numerous ways to assemble the components.

(19) The housing cylinder body cap 202 is shaped in such a manner so as to accommodate a rotatable toggle clamp direction selection lever 206. An orientation washer 210 may be used to secure the assembly in place and insure proper orientation of the toggle clamp assembly 208, toggle clamp selection lever 206 and the and anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly 216. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a general slot shape allows for a user to push the rotatable toggle clamp direction selection lever 206 forwards, rearwards or from one side to another. In the middle of the general cross shape is a middle position where the toggle clamp assembly for engaging the said anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly 216 does not engage the anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly with a wheelchair wheel. In this position, a user may rotate the selection lever 206 so as to rotate the anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly one hundred and eighty degrees. If the user pushes the rotatable toggle clamp direction selection lever 206 forward, the lever 206 will lock into place, the anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly 216 will engage with a wheelchair wheel thus preventing the wheelchair wheel from rolling backwards. Likewise, if a user pushes the rotatable toggle clamp direction selection lever 206 rearward, the lever will lock into place, the anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly 216 will engage with a wheelchair wheel thus preventing the wheelchair wheel from rolling forwards. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the cap assembly 202 may be modified to allow for more functionality. For example, but not by way of limitation, a user may be able to push the rotatable toggle clamp direction selection lever 206 to either side, which will cause the lever to lock into place, and the anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly 216 may fully engage with a wheelchair wheel thus preventing the wheelchair wheel from rolling either forwards or rearwards depending on the direction and/or position of the anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly 216.

(20) In one embodiment of the invention, the anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly 216 employs a pawl mechanism which allows for one-way travel of the wheelchair wheel. The rotatable toggle clamp selection lever 206 is used to axially drive the toggle clamp assembly 208 which is connected to a toggle mount sleeve 212 which is slidingly positioned inside the housing cylinder body 204 which may connect to a mounting shaft 214 and connected to the anti-rollback, one-way brake assembly 216. Persons having skill in the art will understand that a push-pull toggle clamp may be used as the toggle clamp assembly 208. Persons having skill in the art will further appreciate that numerous push-pull toggle clamp assemblies may be fashioned, purchased on the secondary market, or employed in the making of each braking unit. In embodiments of the invention, the anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly 216 may consist of a pawl 220 and a torsion spring assembly 218. Persons skilled in the art will readily understand that a pawl 220 may allow for one-way travel of a wheelchair wheel by engaging with the treads of a wheelchair wheel tire when the wheelchair wheel rotates in a direction opposite of the direction of the pawl 220. The pawl 220 may be shaped in numerous ways so as to optimally engage with a wheelchair wheel, and the pawl 220 may be made from numerous materials known and understood in the art. A torsion spring assembly 218 may be used to position the pawl end of the anti-rollback, one-way brake assembly 216 in such a manner where the pawl slides along the wheelchair wheel when the wheel rotates in one direction and prevents the wheel from rotating in the opposite direction. It is to be understood that other mechanisms and methods may be used to engage an anti-rollback, one-way brake assembly 216 with a wheelchair wheel. Persons having skill in the art will readily appreciate that there are numerous alternative means of connecting a toggle clamp assembly for engaging the anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly 216 with a wheelchair wheel.

(21) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a braking unit and a wheelchair wheel in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment of the invention, the housing cylinder body cap 202 is shaped in such a manner so as to accommodate a rotatable toggle clamp direction selection lever 206. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a general slot shape in the housing cylinder body cap 202 allows for a user to push the rotatable toggle clamp direction selection lever 206 forwards or rearwards. In the middle of the general cross shape is a middle position where the toggle clamp assembly for engaging the said anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly 216 does not engage the anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly with a wheelchair wheel. If the user pushes the rotatable toggle clamp direction selection lever 206 forward, the lever will lock into place, the anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly 216 will engage with a wheelchair wheel thus preventing the wheelchair wheel from rolling backwards. Likewise, if a user pushes the rotatable toggle clamp direction selection lever 206 rearward, the lever will lock into place, the anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly 216 will engage with a wheelchair wheel thus preventing the wheelchair wheel from rolling forwards.

(22) FIG. 4A is a side view of an anti-rollback braking system for wheelchairs in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Persons having skill in the art will readily appreciate that this view only includes the braking unit and a wheelchair wheel 114 for ease of understanding. Each braking unit 116 attaches to the frame of a standard wheelchair. Each braking unit 116 may be positioned in such a manner so as to create an ergonomically friendly configuration. The exemplary anti-rollback braking system for wheelchairs may comprise a housing cylinder body cap 202, a housing cylinder body 204, a rotatable toggle clamp direction selection lever 206, and an anti-rollback one-way brake assembly 216 for engaging the said anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly with the tread of a tire of a wheelchair wheel. In this view, the rotatable toggle clamp direction selection lever 206 is in an up position, and an anti-rollback one-way brake assembly 216 for engaging the said anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly with the tread of a tire of a wheelchair wheel 114 is disengaged from a wheelchair wheel. As indicated by arrows, the wheelchair wheel 114 can rotate in either direction.

(23) FIG. 4B is a side view of an anti-rollback braking system for wheelchairs in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Persons having skill in the art will readily appreciate that this view only includes the braking unit and a wheelchair wheel for ease of understanding. Each braking unit 116 attaches to the frame of a standard wheelchair. Each braking unit 116 may be positioned in such a manner so as to create an ergonomically friendly configuration. The exemplary anti-rollback braking system for wheelchairs may comprise a housing cylinder body cap 202, a housing cylinder body 204, a rotatable toggle clamp direction selection lever 206, and an anti-rollback one-way brake assembly 216 for engaging the said anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly with the tread of a tire of a wheelchair wheel. In this view, the rotatable toggle clamp direction selection lever 206 is in a downward position, and an anti-rollback one-way brake assembly 216 for engaging the said anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly with the tread of a tire of a wheelchair wheel 114 is engaged with a wheelchair wheel. As indicated by the arrow, the wheelchair wheel 114 can rotate in only one direction.

(24) FIG. 5 is an exploded side view of a braking unit an anti-rollback braking system for wheelchairs in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Each braking unit comprises a housing cylinder body cap 502, a housing cylinder body 504, rotatable toggle clamp direction selection lever 506, an anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly, and a toggle clamp assembly 508 for engaging the said anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly 516 with a wheelchair wheel. The housing cylinder body cap 502 may be made of a rigid material such as a plastic or metal and may attach to the cylinder body 504 by numerous means known and appreciated in the art. Likewise, the housing cylinder body 504 may be made of a rigid material such as a plastic or metal. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the general shape of the housing cylinder body 504 is that of a truncated cylinder with the truncated surface used to accommodate a cylinder mounting plate which may be used to connect to a chair mounting plate. The truncated surface, or another truncated surface, may also be used to accommodate a parking brake assembly as well. Persons having skill in the art will readily appreciate that there are numerous ways to assemble the components.

(25) The housing cylinder body cap 502 is shaped in such a manner so as to accommodate a rotatable toggle clamp direction selection lever 506. An orientation washer 510 may be used to secure the assembly in place and insure proper orientation of the toggle clamp assembly 508, toggle clamp selection lever 506 and the and anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly 516. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a general slot shape allows for a user to push the rotatable toggle clamp direction selection lever 506 forwards or rearwards. In the middle of the general slot shape is a middle position where the toggle clamp assembly for engaging the said anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly 516 does not engage the anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly with a wheelchair wheel. In this position, a user may rotate the selection lever 506 so as to rotate the anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly 516 one hundred and eighty degrees. If the user pushes the rotatable toggle clamp direction selection lever 506 forward, the lever will lock into place, the anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly 516 will engage with a wheelchair wheel thus preventing the wheelchair wheel from rolling backwards. Likewise, if a user pushes the rotatable toggle clamp direction selection lever 506 rearward, the lever will lock into place, the anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly 516 will engage with a wheelchair wheel thus preventing the wheelchair wheel from rolling forwards. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the cap assembly 202 may be modified to allow for more functionality. For example, but not by way of limitation, a user may be able to push the rotatable toggle clamp direction selection lever 506 to either side, which will cause the lever to lock into place, and the anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly 516 may fully engage with a wheelchair wheel thus preventing the wheelchair wheel from rolling either forwards or rearwards depending on the direction and/or position of the anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly 516.

(26) In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly 516 employs a one-way wheel and bearing mechanism which, when engaged, allows for one-way travel of the wheelchair wheel. The wheel has a frictional surface which may engage with a wheelchair wheel. Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that such a one-way wheel and bearing mechanism may be fashioned, purchased on the secondary market, or employed in the making of each braking unit. The rotatable toggle clamp selection lever 506 is used to drive the toggle clamp assembly 508 which drives a toggle mount sleeve 512 which is slidingly positioned inside the housing cylinder body 504 and connects to a bearing housing 514 which connects the anti-rollback, one-way brake assembly 516. Persons having skill in the art will further appreciate that numerous push-pull toggle clamp assemblies may be fashioned, purchased on the secondary market, or employed in the making of each braking unit. It is to be understood that other mechanisms and methods may be used to engage an anti-rollback, one-way brake assembly 516 with a wheelchair wheel. Persons having skill in the art will readily appreciate that there are numerous alternative means of connecting a toggle clamp assembly for engaging the anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly 516 with a wheelchair wheel.

(27) FIG. 6A is a side view of an anti-rollback braking system for wheelchairs in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Persons having skill in the art will readily appreciate that this view only includes the braking unit and a wheelchair wheel for ease of understanding. Each braking unit 116 attaches to the frame of a standard wheelchair. Each braking unit 116 may be positioned in such a manner so as to create an ergonomically friendly configuration. The exemplary anti-rollback braking system for wheelchairs may comprise a housing cylinder body cap 502, a housing cylinder body 504, a rotatable toggle clamp direction selection lever 506, and an anti-rollback one-way brake assembly 516 for engaging the said anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly with the tread of a tire of a wheelchair wheel. In this view, the rotatable toggle clamp direction selection lever 506 is in an up position, and an anti-rollback one-way brake assembly 516 for engaging the said anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly with the tread of a tire of a wheelchair wheel 114 is disengaged from a wheelchair wheel. As indicated by arrows, the wheelchair wheel 114 can rotate in either direction.

(28) FIG. 6B is a side view of an anti-rollback braking system for wheelchairs in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Persons having skill in the art will readily appreciate that this view only includes the braking unit and a wheelchair wheel for ease of understanding. Each braking unit 116 attaches to the frame of a standard wheelchair. Each braking unit 116 may be positioned in such a manner so as to create an ergonomically friendly configuration. The exemplary anti-rollback braking system for wheelchairs may comprise a housing cylinder body cap 502, a housing cylinder body 504, a rotatable toggle clamp direction selection lever 506, and an anti-rollback one-way brake assembly 516 for engaging the said anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly with the tread of a tire of a wheelchair wheel. In this view, the rotatable toggle clamp direction selection lever 506 is in a downward position, and an anti-rollback one-way brake assembly 516 for engaging the said anti-rollback, one-way, brake assembly with the tread of a tire of a wheelchair wheel 114 is engaged with a wheelchair wheel. As indicated by the arrow, the wheelchair wheel 114 can rotate in only one direction.

(29) FIG. 7 is a side view the braking unit and a parking brake of an anti-rollback braking system for wheelchairs in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment of the invention, a parking brake 702 attaches to at least one of the braking units 116. In embodiments of the invention, the parking brake 702 consists of a lever 706, a toggle clamp assembly 708, a toggle clamp shaft 710 and a braking surface 712. Persons having skill in the art will readily appreciate that there are numerous ways to assemble the components. 712 capable of engaging with a wheelchair wheel. Furthermore, persons having skill in the art will readily appreciate that there are numerous methods and materials available to create a braking surface 712. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the braking surface is a simple metal wheel.

(30) The parking brake 702 may be included with or mounted to the braking unit 116 so as to form a single unit. Alternatively, the parking brake 702 may be manufactured and sold as a separate unit which may be mountable to one or more of the braking units 116.

(31) A user may employ the parking brake 702 as either a means of slowing down a wheelchair by simply pulling the lever 706 or by fully pulling the lever and engaging the toggle clamp assembly 708. The toggle clamp assembly 708, when fully engaged, will prevent a wheelchair wheel from rotating.

(32) In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the toggle clamp assembly may be replaced with electric solenoids and/or actuators. A computer processor may be coupled with a direction control assembly such as, but not limited to, a joystick which may serve as input/output devices. The computer processor may also be coupled to a display which may also serve as one or more input/output devices. Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate such display devices as, but not limited to, a liquid crystal display (LCD) unit or a light emitting diode (LED) unit.

(33) The computer processor may be coupled with a motor controller which governs the speed and force of at least one electric solenoid and/or actuator to drive the anti-rollback, one-way brake assembly into a wheelchair tier. The computer processor may also be coupled to a wheel position sensor using suitable conventional technologies known and appreciated in the art. The computer processor may be configured to a charging unit or module such as, but not limited to, a USB interface and/or charging unit. Persons having skill in the art will readily appreciate that numerous implementations of the aforementioned configuration may be used to employ such a microcontroller means. In one embodiment of the invention, the microcontroller means is located in the display unit, but such microcontroller means may be located in other locations as understood by persons having skill in the art.

(34) Having fully described at least one embodiment of the exemplary anti-rollback braking system for wheelchairs, other equivalent or alternative methods of implementing the anti-rollback braking system for wheelchairs according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various aspects of the invention have been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The particular implementation of the anti-rollback braking system for wheelchairs may vary depending upon the particular context or application. Persons having skill in the art will readily appreciate the aforementioned components may be configured to one another by various means and may not necessarily be drawn to scale. Furthermore, based on the provided drawings, persons having skill in the art will readily understand how to make and use the present invention.

(35) By way of example, and not limitation, anti-rollback braking system for wheelchairs described in the foregoing patent application is principally directed towards an anti-rollback braking system for a standard wheelchair. However, embodiments of the present invention may be configured to various other wheelchair types such as, but not limited to, athletic wheelchairs. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. It is to be further understood that not all of the disclosed embodiments in the foregoing specification will necessarily satisfy or achieve each of the objects, advantages, or improvements described in the foregoing specification.

(36) Although specific features of the invention are shown in some drawings and not others, persons skilled in the art will understand that this is for convenience. Each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the invention. The words “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and “with” as used herein are to be interpreted broadly and comprehensively and are not limited to any physical interconnection. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims to be added at a later date.

(37) All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

(38) Any amendment presented during the prosecution of the application for this patent is not a disclaimer of any claim element presented in the description or claims to be filed. Persons skilled in the art cannot reasonably be expected to draft a claim that would literally encompass each and every equivalent.