Walking Assistance Device

Abstract

To achieve the objective of the present invention, a walking assistance device comprises a pair of main frames spaced apart from each other, an auxiliary frame provided on one side of the pair of main frames to connect the pair of main frames, a wheel provided at the bottom of the main frame, a handle portion provided at the top of the main frame, a brake unit provided on one side of the bottom of the main frame adjacent to the wheel, a brake lever provided on one side of the handle portion or the top of the main frame, and a brake portion including a wire having one end connected to the brake unit and the other end connected to one side of the brake lever, a seating portion provided to connect the center of the pair of main frames, a power supply portion provided on one side of the seating portion, the main frame, or the auxiliary frame, and a heating portion electrically connected to one side of at least one of the handle portion and the seating portion to receive power through the power supply portion.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a walking assistance device, and more specifically, to a walking assistance device that provides a heating function to a handle portion held by the user and a seating portion used during rest, thereby enabling the user to use the device smoothly even in winter. Background Technology

[0002] With the recent advancement of medical technology and the resulting extension of the average human lifespan, the number of elderly people is rapidly increasing.

[0003] Elderly people often experience joint discomfort or reduced muscle strength due to aging, leading to difficulty in mobility. Those with limited mobility use crutches or canes to assist with walking. However, crutches and canes have a narrow point of contact with the ground, making them uncomfortable for the elderly or patients with difficulty walking to use for extended periods. To address this, walking assistance devices have been developed to support the walking of the elderly.

[0004] This walking aid assists the user to walk more smoothly by using a handle provided on the upper part of the frame to grip or lean against the handle, and by using at least three wheels on the lower part to help the user maintain balance more smoothly.

[0005] However, when using such walking aids in cold weather, such as during winter, users must hold the handles and lean part of their body weight on the device, so their hands inevitably remain exposed during use.

[0006] Consequently, prolonged exposure of users' hands to the cold outdoors causes discomfort in using walking aids, and there is a need for technology that resolves this issue to enable stable use of walking aids regardless of the season. Prior art literature

[0007] KR 10-2214760 (Notice on Feb. 15, 2021) The problem to be solved

[0008] The present invention aims to solve conventional problems by providing a walking assistance device that allows the user to use it smoothly even in winter by providing a heating function to the handle part held by the user and the seat part used during rest.

[0009] The objectives of the present invention are not limited thereto, and other unmentioned objectives will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0010] A walking assistance device for achieving the objectives of the present invention as described above comprises: a pair of main frames spaced apart from each other; an auxiliary frame provided on one side of the pair of main frames to connect the pair of main frames; a wheel provided at the bottom of the main frame; a handle portion provided at the top of the main frame; a brake unit provided on one side of the bottom of the main frame adjacent to the wheel; a brake lever provided on one side of the handle portion or the top of the main frame; a brake portion including a wire, one end of which is connected to the brake unit and the other end of which is connected to one side of the brake lever; a seating portion provided to connect the center of the pair of main frames; a power supply portion provided on one side of the seating portion, the main frame, or the auxiliary frame; and a heating portion electrically connected to one side of at least one of the handle portion and the seating portion to receive power through the power supply portion. Effects of the invention

[0011] The walking assistance device according to the present invention has the following effects.

[0012] First, the handle is equipped with a heating element that provides a heating function, allowing the user to use the walking aid safely and warmly even when using it for a long time in low-temperature conditions such as winter.

[0013] Second, not only the handle but also the seating area used for resting provides a warm and comfortable resting effect through a heating function via a heating element.

[0014] Third, by providing a switch that allows selective use of the heating unit, it has the effect of maximizing the energy efficiency of the power supply unit.

[0015] Fourth, by utilizing the power supply unit that drives the heating unit to provide power to the wheels, it is possible to receive smoother walking assistance when walking in environments where walking is difficult, such as on slopes.

[0016] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0017] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a walking assistance device according to the present invention; and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a walking assistance device according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0018] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the present invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0019] The terms used in this specification are for describing embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text. The terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" used in this specification do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components in addition to the components mentioned. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components, and "and / or" includes each of the mentioned components and all combinations of one or more. Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish them from a single component. Therefore, the first component mentioned below may be the second component within the technical scope of the invention.

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) may be used in a meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise.

[0022] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a walking aid device according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of a walking aid device according to the present invention. The walking aid device (10) according to the present invention allows the user to use the walking aid device (10) more conveniently by using a heating function to keep the hands or body exposed to the outside warm even in cold weather, such as winter. As shown in FIG. 1, this walking aid device (10) may be largely composed of a main frame (100), an auxiliary frame (200), wheels (300), a handle part (400), a brake part, a seating part (600), a power supply part (700), and a heating part (800).

[0025] The main frame (100) forms the skeleton of the walking assistance device (10) according to the present invention, and may be made of any shape and material as long as it can stably support a portion of the user's body weight to assist the user's walking. In one embodiment, the main frame (100) may be made of a pair of members spaced apart at a predetermined distance. These pair of main frames (100) are formed in mutually opposing shapes, and the shapes may be simple straight rod shapes, or shapes with one side bent or curved.

[0026] The auxiliary frame (200) is a device that forms the main frame (100) integrally by connecting mutually corresponding sides of a pair of mutually spaced main frames (100). The number and shape of such auxiliary frames (200) are not significantly limited as long as they can stably connect the mutually spaced main frames (100) and smoothly distribute the load transmitted to the main frame (100), but it is preferable that two or more auxiliary frames (200) be provided to connect the main frame (100). However, it is preferable that the auxiliary frame (200) be provided on a side corresponding to the side where the seating part (600) is provided for connecting the lower side of the main frame (100) and the seating part (600) in order to suppress shaking during operation.

[0027] In the present invention, for convenience of explanation, the main frame (100) and the auxiliary frame (200) are described as separate components, but it is obvious that the main frame (100) and the auxiliary frame (200) can be formed as a single unit depending on the mode of use.

[0028] Additionally, depending on the usage mode, the height may be adjusted by adjusting the length of the main frame (100) or the width may be adjusted by adjusting the length of the auxiliary frame (200) according to the user's height or body type.

[0029] The wheel (300) is a device that rotates according to the user's walking to assist the user's walking, provided on one side of the lower part of the main frame (100), or on one side of the lower part of the auxiliary frame (200) depending on the combined shape of the main frame (100) and the auxiliary frame (200) according to the mode of use. It is preferable to provide at least three, preferably four, wheels (300) to support the user smoothly and stably. Of course, the number of wheels (300) is not limited to three or four, and it is obvious that they can be provided in various ways depending on the overall shape and size of the walking assistance device (10) according to the present invention.

[0030] The handle portion (400) is provided on the upper part of the main frame (100) and is a device that provides a space for a user to conveniently grasp or support the walking assistance device (10) according to the present invention. The handle portion (400) may be formed in any shape as long as it provides a space for the user to conveniently grasp, support, or lean on it. However, it is preferable to include a cover unit that can provide a certain cushioning sensation so as to provide a comfortable feeling when the user grasps it.

[0031] The brake unit is a device that brakes the drive of the wheel (300) to prevent slipping, etc., when the user uses the walking assistance device (10) according to the present invention. The brake unit may be formed in any structure as long as it is a device capable of controlling the drive of the wheel (300) according to the user's will. In one embodiment, the brake unit may be composed of a brake unit (520), a brake lever (510), and a wire (530).

[0032] The brake unit (520) is a device provided on one side of at least one of the aforementioned wheels (300) to brake the wheel (300) according to the operation of the brake lever (510). Any device capable of quickly stopping the wheel (300) by the operation of the user's brake lever (510) may be used for this brake unit (520), but it is preferable that it be made of a brake pad that brakes the wheel (300) by applying pressure to it by the operation of the brake lever (510).

[0033] It is preferable that the brake lever (510) be provided on one side of the handle portion (400) or on one side adjacent to the handle portion (400) so that the user can quickly operate the brake unit (520) according to the usage mode.

[0034] The wire (530) is a device configured such that both ends are connected to the brake lever (510) and the brake unit (520), respectively, and drives the brake unit (520) according to the operation of the brake lever (510).

[0035] The configuration and operation method of this brake unit are commonly used in the industry, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0036] The brake unit may further be provided with a fixing unit that is provided on one side or adjacent to the brake lever (510) or brake unit (520) and continuously fixes the wheel (300) while the user releases the operation without continuous operation of the brake lever (510). Such fixing unit may be formed in any structure that can maintain braking of the walking assistance device (10) according to the present invention during parking or stopping, such as a device that fixes the operation of the brake lever (510) or directly fixes the brake unit (520).

[0037] The aforementioned main frame (100), auxiliary frame (200), wheel (300), handle part (400), and brake part may be configured in the same or similar way as the configuration of a walking aid device (10) or a roller, etc., commercially available in the industry.

[0038] The seating portion (600) is a device provided on one side of the main frame (100) or auxiliary frame (200) to provide a space where a user can sit and rest while walking. The seating portion (600) may be formed in any shape and structure as long as it provides a space where the user can comfortably sit and rest when they need to rest while walking. However, it is preferable to include a seat unit (610) that provides a space for the user to sit and a backrest unit (620) that supports the back when the user sits on the seat unit (610). At this time, the seat unit (610) is preferably formed with a foldable structure so that it can be folded upward or downward for storage when not in use, in order to facilitate the user's walking more smoothly.

[0039] The power supply unit (700) is a device provided on one side of at least one of the main frame, auxiliary frame (200), or seating unit (600) to supply power to the heating unit (800). This power supply unit (700) stores a predetermined amount of power, and any device capable of smoothly supplying power to the heating unit (800) may be used. However, it is preferable to use a rechargeable battery device.

[0040] The heating unit (800) is a device that receives power from the power supply unit (700) and provides a warming sensation to a part of the user's body, preferably the hands that are exposed to the outside for a long time, or the buttocks or back when sitting. One side of the heating unit (800) is electrically connected to the power supply unit (700) to receive power from the power supply unit (700), and the other side is configured to be connected to at least one of the handle unit (400), the seat unit (610) of the seating unit (600), and the backrest unit (620). In the present invention, the description focuses on the heating unit (800) being provided in the handle unit (400), the seat unit (610) of the seating unit (600), and the backrest unit (620); however, it is obvious that the heating unit (800) may be provided selectively depending on the mode of use.

[0041] The heating element (800) may be constructed in any structure as long as it provides a warming sensation to the user, allowing the walking aid device (10) according to the present invention to be used more stably and comfortably even at low temperatures, such as in winter. In one embodiment, the heating element (800) may be composed of a heating wire or a heating pad. In one embodiment, it may be provided with a heating wire that wraps around the handle portion (400) to heat the handle portion (400) overall and evenly transfer heat to the user's palm. At this time, it may be preferable for the heating wire to be provided inside the cover unit of the handle portion (400) so that it is not exposed to the outside. Additionally, a heating element (800) composed of a heating pad may be provided inside the seat unit (610) and backrest unit (620) of the seating portion (600), which has a relatively wide heating range.

[0042] The above-described embodiment is explained with a focus on the fact that a heating wire is provided in the handle portion (400) and a heating pad is provided in the seating portion (600) to represent various modes of use; however, it is obvious that depending on the mode of use, both may be provided with a heating wire or a heating pad, and conversely, heating devices may be provided.

[0043] Additionally, the heating unit (800) may be further equipped with a heating switch for controlling the function of the heating unit (800) on one side of the handle unit (400) or the main frame (100) adjacent to the handle unit (400) so that the user can utilize the heating function when needed. Through this heating switch, the heating function can be stopped indoors or during seasons with high temperatures, and when the heating function is needed during seasons with low temperatures, the heating function can be controlled to be activated at a location where the heating function is needed, such as the handle unit (400) or the seating unit (600), by using the heating switch.

[0044] In order to assist the user's walking more easily depending on the mode of use, the walking assistance device (10) according to the present invention having the above-described configuration may further be provided with a driving unit (900), such as a motor connected to the rotation axis of at least one of the wheels (300), on one side thereof. In this case, the driving unit (900) may be provided to be electrically connected to a power supply unit (700) so as to receive power from the power supply unit (700), and a driving switch connected to the motor of the driving unit (900) may be provided on one side of the handle unit (400). Accordingly, in terrain where walking is difficult, such as a slope, the user may selectively apply power to the driving unit (900) using the driving switch to generate rotational force on the wheel (300), and rely on the movement of the walking assistance device (10) by the rotational force of the wheel (300) to walk more easily on the slope. In addition, the driving unit (900) is not always driven, but is selectively driven only when the user has difficulty walking through the driving switch, thereby maximizing the energy efficiency of the power supply unit (700).

[0046] As explained above, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without altering its technical concept or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description, and all modifications or variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0047] 10: Walking assistance device 100: Main Frame 200: Auxiliary Frame 300: Wheels 400: Handle part 510: Brake lever 520: Brake unit 530: Wire 600: Seating area 610: Seat unit 620: Backrest unit 700: Power supply 800: Heating part 900: Drive unit

Claims

Claim 1 A walking aid device comprising: a pair of main frames provided to be spaced apart from each other; an auxiliary frame provided on one side of the pair of main frames to connect the pair of main frames; a wheel provided at the bottom of the main frame; a handle portion provided at the top of the main frame; a brake portion including a brake unit provided on one side of the bottom of the main frame adjacent to the wheel, a brake lever provided on one side of the handle portion or the top of the main frame, and a wire having one end connected to the brake unit and the other end connected to one side of the brake lever; a seating portion provided to connect the center of the pair of main frames; a power supply portion provided on one side of the seating portion, the main frame, or the auxiliary frame; and a heating portion electrically connected to one side of at least one of the handle portion and the seating portion to receive power through the power supply portion.

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