Automatic Wheelchair Locks and Brakes

The Safer Automatic Wheelchair Wheel Locks/Brakes help prevent falls for wheelchair users who cannot or do not consistently lock the manual brakes on their wheelchairs. Alzheimer or dementia patients, post-stroke victims, or persons on mind-altering medications are particularly susceptible to injuries due to wheelchair related falls. The locks and brakes are controlled by weight on the seat of the wheelchair. When the chair is occupied, the locks are not engaged and the user may roll about as they wish. When the weight is lifted from the seat, the locks/brakes automatically engage, locking the wheels until the weight is applied again.

When the user lifts his weight from the wheelchair seat, spring-activated levers rise and shift fixed gear blocks into contact with gear hubs mounted on each wheel. The teeth on these blocks and hubs mesh to prevent the wheels from moving. Spring-activated seat paddle assembly activates when weight is removed, causing gear block to rise and lock the gear hub, which mounts on many standard wheelchair models. Overrides mounted on the handles of the wheelchair disengage the locks/brakes in order to allow attendants to move an empty chair easily. Additionally, the locks/brakes do not interfere with folding the wheelchair for storing or transporting.

Safer Automatic Wheelchair Wheel Locks Inc., 105 E. Rankin St., Jackson, MS 39201-6122. Tel: 800-890-5113; Fax: 601-353-8069.