Walking assist cart

Abstract

To provide a walking assist cart which can be effectively used when a user sits behind a tray and uses it.SOLUTION: A walking assist cart 10 includes: a pair of left and right frame parts 11 extending in a vertical direction; a tray 42 on which articles may be placed; a frame body 43 supporting the tray 42; and a connection part 14 which connects the frame parts 11 below the frame body 43. The tray 42 is arranged so that its rear end is located at the rear relative to the connection part 14.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a walking vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Walkers that assist elderly people and the like when they walk have been known. The walker includes a pair of left and right frame parts that extend in the vertical direction, and a pair of left and right handles provided on the upper end sides of each frame part.

[0003] Some walking frames are provided with a tray on which items can be placed, as disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1. When using a walking frame with a tray, a user may eat or work on the tray while sitting in a chair.

[0004] Furthermore, the walking frame of Patent Document 1 is provided with armrests that connect the upper ends of the frame sections and are arranged to extend rearward beyond the frame sections. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-164531 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Incidentally, when a user walks using a walking frame, the user stands behind the walking frame, and therefore when the user sits on a chair and eats food on a tray, it is preferable from the viewpoint of usability to sit behind the walking frame (in other words, behind the tray).

[0007] However, in the walking frame of Patent Document 1, the armrests are provided behind the tray, and it is thought that the armrests get in the way when the user sits behind the tray and uses it.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its main object is to provide a walking frame that can be used conveniently when a user sits behind the tray and uses the tray. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the walking frame of the first invention is a walking frame comprising a pair of left and right frame portions extending in the vertical direction, a tray on which objects can be placed, a tray support portion supporting the tray, and a connecting portion connecting the frame portions below or above the tray support portion, and the tray is positioned so that its rear end is located rearward of the connecting portion.

[0010] According to the first aspect of the present invention, a pair of left and right frame parts extending in the vertical direction are connected by a connecting part, and the connecting part is disposed below or above the tray support part that supports the tray. In this configuration, the tray is disposed so that its rear end is located rearward of the connecting part. In this case, when a user sits behind the tray to use it, the connecting part can be prevented from getting in the way of the user. This makes it possible to use the tray preferably when the user sits behind the tray to use it.

[0011] The walking frame of the second invention is the same as that of the first invention, in which the connecting portion is a lower connecting portion located below the tray support portion, and the tray is positioned so that its rear end is located rearward of the lower connecting portion.

[0012] According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the rear end of the tray is located behind the lower connecting part that is provided below the tray support part, it is possible to prevent the feet of a user sitting behind the tray from interfering with the lower connecting part, making it easier for the user to sit behind the tray.

[0013] A walking vehicle according to a third aspect of the present invention is the same as the walking vehicle according to the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the lower connecting portion is formed so as to form an X shape when viewed from behind.

[0014] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the lower connecting part is formed in an X-shape when viewed from the rear, and the center side in the left-right direction of the lower connecting part is located at a higher position. In this case, when a user sits behind the tray, the user can easily place his / her feet under the lower connecting part, which makes it easier for the user to sit behind the tray.

[0015] The walking vehicle of the fourth invention is a walking vehicle of the third invention which can be folded by transitioning the frame parts from a state in which they are spaced apart to a state in which they are close to each other, and the lower connecting part has a pair of link parts which cross each other to form the X shape, and the pair of link parts are rotatably connected via an axis part, thereby making it possible to change the length in the left-right direction.

[0016] Some walking vehicles can be folded by bringing the frame parts closer to each other. In the fourth invention, in such a walking vehicle, the lower connecting part connecting the frame parts has a pair of link parts that cross each other to form an X-shape, and the pair of link parts are rotatably connected via an axle part, so that the length in the left-right direction can be changed. In this case, when the frame parts are brought closer to each other, the length in the left-right direction of the lower connecting part is shortened accordingly. This makes it possible to fold the walking vehicle to the left and right while making it easy to sit behind the tray.

[0017] The walking frame of the fifth invention is any one of the first to fourth inventions, in which the tray is positioned between a pair of left and right operating parts each having a handle and a brake lever provided at the upper end of each frame part, or between each of the frame parts.

[0018] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the tray is disposed between the operation units or between the frame units. In this case, the tray can be disposed in a state in which it extends rearward beyond the frame units. This makes it easier to pull the tray toward the user sitting behind it, and as a result, the tray can be used more conveniently.

[0019] It is also possible to position the entire tray behind each frame portion, but in that case, the tray is likely to get in the way of the user when walking using the walker, i.e., when the user stands behind the walker and walks. In this regard, the above-mentioned configuration makes it possible to obtain the above-mentioned effect while preventing the tray from getting in the way of the user when walking.

[0020] A sixth aspect of the present invention is a walking frame according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, wherein the length of the tray in the front-rear direction is longer than the length in the left-right direction.

[0021] According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the front-to-back length of the tray is longer than its left-to-right length, making it easier to position the tray closer to the user sitting behind it, thereby enabling the tray to be used more conveniently. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are views of the walker as seen from the rear, where (a) shows the walker in an unfolded state and (b) shows the walker in a folded state. [Diagram 5] 13 is a perspective view of the walking frame viewed diagonally from behind with the operating unit and the tray set at high heights. FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a perspective view of the storage section and the tray supported by the frame body, as viewed obliquely from above. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which the storage unit in FIG. 6 is pulled out and the tray is lifted up. FIG. [Figure 9] 4 is a perspective view of the storage section and the tray supported by the frame body, as viewed obliquely from below. FIG. [Figure 10] An enlarged view of the area within frame A in Figure 6, viewed from the rear. [Figure 11] 1 is a perspective view showing the storage section, tray and frame body removed from the walking frame. FIG. [Figure 12] 13 is a perspective view of the walking frame seen diagonally from behind with the operating unit set to a high height position and the tray set to a low height position. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the walking vehicle is an indoor walking vehicle for use indoors. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the walking vehicle 10 seen from diagonally behind. FIG. 2 is a side view of the walking vehicle 10, and FIG. 3 is a plan view of the walking vehicle 10. FIG. 4 is a view of the walking vehicle 10 seen from behind, where (a) shows the walking vehicle 10 in an unfolded state, and (b) shows the walking vehicle 10 in a folded state. In the following description, the direction of movement of the walking vehicle 10 when moving is defined as the front-rear direction, and the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction is defined as the left-right direction.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the walking frame 10 includes a pair of left and right frame sections 11 extending in the vertical direction, front wheels 12 and rear wheels 13 provided on the lower end side of each frame section 11, and a connecting section 14 connecting each frame section 11. Each frame section 11 is formed of a light metal such as aluminum. Each frame section 11 has a lower frame section 15 provided at its lower part and extending in the front-to-rear direction, and a vertical frame section 16 extending upward from a middle section of the lower frame section 15. The front wheels 12 are attached to the front end of each lower frame section 15, and the rear wheels 13 are attached to the rear end.

[0025] As shown in Figures 4(a) and (b), each frame portion 11 can be shifted between a separated state (the state in Figures 1 and 4(a)) in which they are separated from each other to the left and right, and a close state (the state in Figure 4(b)) in which they are close to each other to the left and right. Note that in Figures 4(a) and (b), the members around the connecting portion 14 that connects each frame portion 11 are partially omitted.

[0026] The connecting portion 14 is disposed between the vertical frame portions 16 of the frame portions 11, and is X-shaped when viewed from the rear. The connecting portion 14 has a pair of link portions 14a that intersect in the X shape, and a shaft portion 14b provided at the intersection of each link portion 14a. The shaft portion 14b extends in the front-rear direction. Each link portion 14a is rotatably connected via the shaft portion 14b. The connecting portion 14 can be opened and folded left and right by rotating each link portion 14a, in other words, the length in the left and right direction can be changed.

[0027] When the frame parts 11 are separated, the connecting parts 14 are unfolded to the left and right. At this time, the walker 10 is in the unfolded state (the state shown in FIG. 4(a)). When the frame parts 11 are brought close to each other, the connecting parts 14 are folded to the left and right. At this time, the walker 10 is in the folded state (the state shown in FIG. 4(b)).

[0028] In the present walker 10, the only members connecting the frame sections 11 are the connecting sections 14. Therefore, in the present walker 10, there are no members connecting the frame sections 11 at all in front of the connecting sections 14, and there are no members connecting the frame sections 11 at all behind the connecting sections 14.

[0029] As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, an operating unit 21 is provided at the upper end of the vertical frame portion 16 of each frame portion 11. The operating unit 21 has an attachment portion 22 attached to the upper end of the vertical frame portion 16, and a handle 23 and a brake lever 24 supported by the attachment portion 22. The handle 23 is a portion that a user holds when moving the walker 10. The brake lever 24 is for performing a braking operation, and is disposed below the handle 23. The handle 23 and the brake lever 24 are attached to the attachment portion 22 in a direction that extends backward. The attachment portion 22 is formed with a handle 25 that is held when lifting the walker 10 over a step or the like.

[0030] In the present walking vehicle 10, the height position of the operation unit 21 can be adjusted according to the height of the user, etc. The following describes the configuration for adjusting the height position of the operation unit 21 with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the walking vehicle 10 as seen obliquely from behind with the height position of the operation unit 21 set high.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 5, each vertical frame portion 16 of each frame unit 11 has a first frame 28 and a second frame 29. The first frame 28 and the second frame 29 are both formed into a cylindrical shape extending in the up-down direction. More specifically, each of these frames 28, 29 is formed into a rectangular cylindrical shape, and the length in the left-right direction is shorter than the length in the front-rear direction.

[0032] The lower end of the first frame 28 is connected to the middle part of the lower frame part 15. The second frame 29 is inserted from above into the inside of the first frame 28. The operation unit 21 is attached to the upper end of the second frame 29. The second frame 29 is vertically displaceable while inserted into the first frame 28. The height position of the operation unit 21 can be adjusted by displacing the second frame 29.

[0033] The second frame 29 is fixed to the first frame 28 by using a fixing screw 31 with a handle, with the height position of the operation unit 21 adjusted. The upper end of the first frame 28 is provided with a hole (not shown) through which the fixing screw 31 can be inserted. The second frame 29 is also provided with a plurality of holes 32 through which the fixing screws 31 can be inserted at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction. The fixing screws 31 are inserted into the holes of the first frame 28 and any of the holes 32 of the second frame 29, and the second frame 29 is fixed to the first frame 28 by fastening the fixing screws 31 in the inserted state. The fixing screws 31 are held in a state in which they can be fastened by a bracket 35 provided at the upper end of the first frame 28.

[0034] As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the walking frame 10 is provided with a storage section 41 capable of storing objects, a tray 42 on which objects can be placed, and a frame body 43 supporting the storage section 41 and the tray 42. The configurations of the storage section 41, the tray 42, and the frame body 43 will be described below with reference to Figs. 6 to 10. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the storage section 41 and the tray 42 supported by the frame body 43, as viewed obliquely from above. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the frame body 43. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the storage section 41 in Fig. 6 with the storage section 41 pulled out and the tray 42 lifted up. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the storage section 41 and the tray 42 supported by the frame body 43, as viewed obliquely from below. Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of the inside of the frame A in Fig. 6, as viewed from the rear.

[0035] As shown in Figs. 6 and 8, the storage section 41 is formed in the shape of a flat rectangular box that opens upward. The storage section 41 is formed of, for example, a hard resin. The storage section 41 has a rectangular flat bottom plate section 41a and a peripheral wall section 41b that rises upward from the peripheral edge of the bottom plate section 41a. A handle 44 is formed by partially recessing a rear wall section of the peripheral wall section 41b. The length of the storage section 41 in the front-rear direction is longer than the length in the left-right direction.

[0036] The tray 42 is formed in a rectangular shape (rectangular shape) and is disposed above the storage section 41. The tray 42 has a rectangular flat plate section 42a and an edge section 42b rising upward from the peripheral section of the flat plate section 42a. The tray 42 is formed of, for example, a hard resin. The upper end side of the edge section 42b of the tray 42 extends outward to form a flange section 42c. The length of the tray 42 in the front-rear direction is longer than the length in the left-right direction. The tray 42 and the storage section 41 are approximately the same size in a plan view, and more specifically, the size of the tray 42 is slightly larger than the size of the storage section 41.

[0037] As shown in Figures 6 to 10, the frame body 43 has a support frame 45 that supports the storage section 41, and a tray frame 46 that supports the tray 42. The support frame 45 has a frame main body 47 and a pair of left and right rail sections 48. The frame body 43 corresponds to the "tray support section."

[0038] The frame body 47 is formed of a metal bar or pipe material and has a rectangular ring shape in a plan view. The frame body 47 has a front frame portion 47a and a rear frame portion 47b extending in the left-right direction, and a pair of left and right side frame portions 47c connecting the ends of the frame portions 47a, 47b. The front frame portion 47a and the rear frame portion 47b are disposed at the same height position.

[0039] Each side frame portion 47c extends in the front-rear direction. Each side frame portion 47c extends upward further than the front frame portion 47a and the rear frame portion 47b, and has a mountain-like shape that is convex upward in side view. More specifically, each side frame portion 47c has a top portion that is a horizontal portion 49 that extends horizontally in the front-rear direction. In addition, a plate-shaped hanging portion 53 is fixed to each horizontal portion 49 in a direction extending downward.

[0040] Each rail portion 48 extends in the front-rear direction and is provided to span the front frame portion 47a and the rear frame portion 47b of the frame main body 47. Each rail portion 48 has two rail components 51, 52 extending in the front-rear direction. Each rail component 51, 52 is made of a long sheet metal member and fixed to the front frame portion 47a and the rear frame portion 47b of the frame main body 47 by welding. Of each rail component 51, 52, the rail component 51 is formed in a flat plate shape. On the other hand, the rail component 52 is stepped and has a Z-shaped cross section. As a result, a part of the rail component 52 is disposed above the rail component 51 and forms a rail groove 55 (see FIG. 10) that is open to the side between the rail component 51 and the rail component 51.

[0041] The storage section 41 is placed on each rail section 48. In this case, the storage section 41 is disposed between each side frame section 47c of the support frame 45. The storage section 41 is also provided so as to be able to be pulled out rearward from below the tray 42. The configuration relating to the pull-out will be described below.

[0042] A pair of left and right guide parts 56 guided by each rail part 48 is provided on the bottom surface of the storage part 41. In FIG. 9, the right rail component 51 is removed, which makes it easier to see the right guide part 56. The guide part 56 is formed in an elongated shape extending in the front-rear direction. The guide part 56 has an attachment part 56a attached to the bottom surface of the storage part 41 and an extension part 56b extending laterally from the lower part of the attachment part 56a. The guide part 56 is placed on the rail component 51 of the rail part 48, and in this placed state, the extension part 56b is inserted into the rail groove 55 of the rail part 48. This makes each guide part 56 guideable (slidable) in the front-rear direction along the rail groove 55, and thus the storage part 41 is slidable in the front-rear direction. The sliding allows the storage part 41 to be pulled out backward. When pulling out the storage part 41, it is possible to pull it out by holding the handle 44.

[0043] A screw portion 58 that is manually tightened is screwed into the rail component 51 from below. The screw portion 58 is disposed on the rear end side of the rail component 51. A long hole 59 (see FIG. 9 ) through which the screw portion 58 is inserted is formed in the guide portion 56 disposed above the rail component 51. The long hole 59 extends in the front-rear direction, and the screw portion 58 enters the rear end of the long hole 59. In this configuration, when the storage portion 41 is pulled rearward and the guide portion 56 is displaced rearward, the screw portion 58 is displaced forward within the long hole 59. In this case, the storage portion 41 can be pulled rearward until the screw portion 58 abuts against the front end of the long hole 59. In other words, the screw portion 58 functions as a stopper to prevent the storage portion 41 from being pulled too far rearward. If the screw portion 58 is removed, the storage portion 41 can be pulled rearward and removed from the frame body 43.

[0044] Next, the tray frame 46 that supports the tray 42 will be described. The tray frame 46 is formed from metal bars or pipes, and has a rectangular ring shape in a plan view. The tray frame 46 is fixed to each horizontal portion 49 of the support frame 45 by welding. In this way, the tray frame 46 is integrated with the support frame 45.

[0045] The tray 42 is placed on the tray frame 46. The tray 42 is disposed through the inside of the tray frame 46, and its flange portion 42c is placed on the tray frame 46. This allows the tray 42 to be detachably mounted on the tray frame 46. The tray 42 is also disposed above the storage portion 41 so as to cover the opening of the storage portion 41.

[0046] A recess 61 recessed downward is formed on each of the front and rear edges of the tray frame 46. Each recess 61 is further recessed inward in the front-to-rear direction. The flange 42c of the tray 42 is not placed on the area where the recess 61 is formed. This makes it easier to hold the flange 42c and therefore the tray 42.

[0047] This concludes the description of the storage section 41, the tray 42, and the frame body 43. Next, the arrangement of the storage section 41, the tray 42, and the frame body 43 in the walking frame 10 will be described with reference to Figs.

[0048] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the frame body 43 (specifically, the support frame 45) is provided to span the vertical frame portions 16 of each frame portion 11. The frame body 43 spans the upper end sides of each vertical frame portion 16. In this case, the storage portion 41 supported by the frame body 43 is disposed between the upper end sides of each vertical frame portion 16. This makes it easy for the user to use the storage portion 41. More specifically, the upper end of the storage portion 41 is located at approximately the same height as the upper end of each vertical frame portion 16.

[0049] The storage section 41 has an extension length L1 extending rearward beyond each vertical frame section 16 that is shorter than an extension length L2 extending forward beyond each vertical frame section 16. For example, the rearward extension length L1 is approximately half the forward extension length L2.

[0050] The tray 42 is disposed between the operation units 21. In this case, the user can easily use the tray 42. More specifically, the tray 42 is disposed such that its upper end is located lower than the upper end of each operation unit 21. The tray 42 has an extension length L3 extending rearward beyond each vertical frame unit 16 that is shorter than an extension length L4 extending forward beyond each vertical frame unit 16. For example, the rear extension length L3 is approximately half the front extension length L4.

[0051] The tray 42 is disposed above the connecting portion 14 that connects each vertical frame portion 16. In this case, the connecting portion 14 is disposed below the frame body 43 that supports the tray 42. The rear end portion of the tray 42 is located rearward of the connecting portion 14. In addition, the rear end portion of the tray 42 is located forward of the rear ends of the handle 23 and the brake lever 24 of the operation unit 21. The connecting portion 14 corresponds to the "lower connecting portion."

[0052] The frame body 43 is detachably attached to each vertical frame portion 16. The structure relating to the attachment and detachment will be described below with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the storage portion 41, the tray 42, and the frame body 43 removed from the walking cart 10.

[0053] 11, each vertical frame portion 16 is provided with a support portion 63 that supports the frame body 43. Each support portion 63 has an insertion hole 64 through which the vertical frame portion 16 is inserted. Each support portion 63 is attached to the vertical frame portion 16 with the vertical frame portion 16 inserted through the insertion hole 64.

[0054] Each support portion 63 has a protruding portion 63a that protrudes inward in the left-right direction beyond the vertical frame portion 16. An insertion hole 65 into which the hanging portion 53 of the frame body 43 is inserted is formed in the protruding portion 63a of each support portion 63. The insertion hole 65 is a hole portion that opens upward. The hanging portion 53 of the frame body 43 is inserted from above into the insertion hole 65 of each support portion 63 (see FIG. 12). In this way, the frame body 43 is bridged across each support portion 63, and is also bridged across each vertical frame portion 16 via each support portion 63.

[0055] Each support portion 63 is provided with a fixing screw 67 that fixes hanging portion 53 inserted into insertion hole 65. Fixing screw 67 is a thumb screw. Hanging portion 53 is fixed by this fixing screw 67, thereby fixing frame body 43 to each support portion 63. Furthermore, when hanging portion 53 is released by loosening fixing screw 67, hanging portion 53 can be pulled out of insertion hole 65 and frame body 43 can be removed from each support portion 63. In this way, frame body 43 is detachably attached to each support portion 63, and ultimately to each vertical frame portion 16 via each support portion 63.

[0056] According to the above configuration, by removing the frame body 43 from each vertical frame section 16, it is also possible to remove the storage section 41 and the tray 42 supported by the frame body 43. In this walking vehicle 10, when the frame sections 11 are brought close to each other on the left and right sides to fold the walking vehicle 10 (see FIG. 4(b)), the frame body 43 is removed from each vertical frame section 16 before folding the walking vehicle 10.

[0057] In the present walking vehicle 10, the height position of the frame body 43 that is bridged between the vertical frame portions 16 can be adjusted. By adjusting the height position of the frame body 43, it is possible to adjust the height positions of the storage section 41 and the tray 42. Hereinafter, the configuration related to the height position adjustment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0058] As described above, each support part 63 is attached to the vertical frame part 16 with the vertical frame part 16 inserted into the insertion hole 64. In this case, as shown in Fig. 5, each support part 63 is attached to the second frame 29 of the vertical frame part 16 with the second frame 29 inserted into the insertion hole 64 (see also Fig. 12). In this inserted state, each support part 63 is capable of sliding up and down along the second frame 29. The height position of each support part 63 can be adjusted by this sliding movement.

[0059] Each support portion 63 is provided with a fixing screw 68 for fixing the support portion 63 to the second frame 29. The fixing screw 68 is a thumb screw. Each support portion 63 is provided with a hole portion (not shown) through which the fixing screw 68 can be inserted. The fixing screw 68 is inserted into the hole portion of the support portion 63 and one of the holes 32 of the second frame 29, and is tightened in the inserted state. In this way, the support portion 63 is fixed to the second frame 29 with its height position adjusted.

[0060] As described above, by adjusting the height position of each support part 63, it is possible to adjust the height position of the frame body 43 that is spanned across each support part 63. And by adjusting the height position of the frame body 43, it is possible to adjust the height positions of the storage part 41 and the tray 42.

[0061] In the example of Fig. 5, as described above, the height position of the operation unit 21 is set higher than in the example of Fig. 1. Also, in the example of Fig. 5, the height positions of the storage unit 41 and the tray 42 are set higher than in the example of Fig. 1, so that, as in the example of Fig. 1, the storage unit 41 is located between the upper end sides of the vertical frame units 16, and the tray 42 is located between the operation units 21. As a result, even in the example of Fig. 5, it is easy for the user to use the storage unit 41 and the tray 42.

[0062] Here, in the present walking vehicle 10, as shown in FIG. 3, the user U can sit on the chair I and eat or work on the tray 42. In the present walking vehicle 10, the user U can sit behind the tray 42 (in other words, behind the walking vehicle 10) and eat. When the user U sits behind the tray 42 in this way and uses the tray 42, the height position of the tray 42 is set to a low position as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 12. Also, in the present walking vehicle 10, as described above, the rear end of the tray 42 is located behind the connecting portion 14 (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 2), so that the feet of the user U sitting behind the tray 42 are unlikely to interfere with the connecting portion 14. Therefore, it is easy to sit behind the tray 42.

[0063] According to the configuration of this embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects can be obtained.

[0064] In a configuration in which a pair of left and right frame portions 11 extending in the vertical direction are connected by the connecting portion 14, the tray 42 is disposed so that its rear end portion is located rearward of the connecting portion 14. In this case, when a user sits behind the tray 42 to use the tray 42, the connecting portion 14 can be prevented from getting in the way of the user. This allows the user to use the tray 42 in a suitable manner when sitting behind the tray 42.

[0065] In a configuration in which the connecting portion 14 is disposed below the frame body 43 that supports the tray 42, the tray 42 is disposed such that its rear end portion is located rearward of the connecting portion 14. In this case, it is possible to prevent the feet of a user sitting behind the tray 42 from interfering with the connecting portion 14. This makes it easier for the user to sit behind the tray 42.

[0066] Since the connecting part 14 is formed in an X-shape when viewed from the rear, the center side in the left-right direction of the connecting part 14 is located at a higher position. In this case, when the user sits behind the tray 42, it is easy to place the feet under the connecting part 14, and as a result, it is possible to more easily sit behind the tray 42.

[0067] In the walker 10 that can be folded by bringing the frame parts 11 closer to each other, the connecting part 14 that connects the frame parts 11 is configured with a pair of link parts 14a that cross each other to form an X shape. The pair of link parts 14a are rotatably connected via the shaft parts 14b, so that the length of the connecting part 14 in the left-right direction can be changed. In this case, when the frame parts 11 are brought closer to each other, the length of the connecting part 14 in the left-right direction is shortened accordingly. This makes it easy to sit behind the tray 42 while allowing the walker 10 to be folded to the left and right.

[0068] The tray 42 is disposed between the operation units 21 (see FIG. 1). Also, in the example of FIG. 12, the tray 42 is disposed between the frame units 11. In these cases, the tray 42 can be disposed in a state in which it extends rearward beyond the frame units 11. This makes it easier to pull the tray 42 toward the user sitting behind it, and as a result, the tray 42 can be used more preferably.

[0069] It is also possible to position the entire tray 42 behind each frame portion 11, but in that case, the tray 42 is likely to get in the way of the user when walking using the walker 10, that is, when the user stands behind the walker 10 and walks. In this regard, the above-mentioned configuration makes it possible to obtain the above-mentioned effect while preventing the tray 42 from getting in the way of the user when walking.

[0070] Since the length of the tray 42 in the front-to-rear direction is longer than the length in the left-to-right direction, the tray 42 can be easily positioned close to the user sitting behind it, which allows the tray 42 to be used more preferably.

[0071] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be implemented, for example, as follows.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the connecting portion 14 (corresponding to the lower connecting portion) that connects the frame portions 11 is provided below the frame body 43 (corresponding to the tray support portion) that supports the tray 42, but some walkers have connecting portions (hereinafter referred to as upper connecting portions) that connect the frame portions 11 above the tray support portion. Therefore, in such walkers, the tray may be positioned so that its rear end is located rearward of the upper connecting portion. In this case, it is possible to prevent the upper connecting portion from getting in the way when the user sits behind the tray to use it.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the walker 10 in which the frame parts 11 are brought close to each other on the left and right sides to be foldable, but the present invention may also be applied to a non-foldable walker. In this case, too, the connecting part 14 can be formed in an X-shape to make it easier for the user to sit behind the tray 42. Also, in this case, instead of being X-shaped, the connecting part may be formed in a rod shape extending left and right, for example.

[0074] Some walking vehicles have a handle frame that is spanned across the upper ends of a pair of left and right frame parts. In such walking vehicles, by disposing a tray between the frame parts, the tray can be positioned to extend rearward beyond the frame parts, making it easier to pull the tray toward the user sitting behind it. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 10...walker, 11...frame portion, 14...connecting portion as lower connecting portion, 21...operating portion, 23...handle, 24...brake lever, 42...tray, 43...frame body as tray support portion.

Claims

1. A pair of left and right frame portions extending in the vertical direction; A tray on which an object can be placed; A tray support portion that supports the tray; A walker including a connecting portion that connects the frame portions below or above the tray support portion, The tray is positioned such that its rear end is located rearward of the connecting portion.

2. the connecting portion is a lower connecting portion provided below the tray support portion, The walking vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the tray is positioned such that the rear end portion is located rearward of the lower connecting portion.

3. 3. The walking vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the lower connector is formed in an X-shape when viewed from behind.

4. The walker can be folded by shifting the frame portions from a state in which they are spaced apart to a state in which they are close to each other, The walking vehicle described in claim 3, wherein the lower connecting portion has a pair of link portions that cross each other to form the X-shape, and the pair of link portions are rotatably connected via an axis portion, thereby making it possible to change the length in the left-right direction.

5. 5. A walking vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tray is positioned between a pair of left and right operating parts each having a handle and a brake lever provided at the upper end of each of the frame parts, or between each of the frame parts.

6. 6. The walking vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the tray has a length in a front-rear direction longer than a length in a left-right direction.

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