Multi-leg support device that can expand the load-bearing area
Patent Information
- Application Number
- TW114104036
- Authority / Receiving Office
- TW · TW
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-16
- Estimated Expiration
- 2045-02-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing multi-leg support devices, such as cane chairs, cannot be folded to a smaller volume when used as a cane, obstruct walking, and provide limited usable seat area when used as a chair, compromising comfort and convenience.
A multi-leg support device with a pivot unit, support unit, and bearing unit that allows extension plates to switch between extended and retracted states, expanding the load-bearing area for comfort and folding into a smaller volume for convenience.
Provides a larger load-bearing area for comfort and stability while allowing the device to be easily folded and stored, addressing the limitations of existing designs.
Smart Images
Figure TWG2TA001072002_001 
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Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] This invention relates to a riding device, and more particularly to a multi-leg support device that can expand the load-bearing area. [Previous Technology]
[0002] A cane chair structure (disclosed in Republic of China Patent Certificate No. M613818) includes a main rod unit, a seat unit, and a support unit. The seat unit and the support unit are respectively pivotally mounted on opposite sides of the main rod unit. The main rod unit has a base rod and a sliding rod at the top of the base rod. A storage groove with an outward opening is formed on one side surface of the base rod. The seat unit is formed by pivotally connecting a seat board pivotally mounted on the base rod and a sliding sleeve slidably mounted on the sliding rod. The support unit consists of a first leg and a second leg that can be selectively brought together and folded. The first and second legs can be stored together in the storage groove.
[0003] Although this cane structure can be selectively configured as a cane or a chair, because the seat unit has a single board shape, it cannot be folded down to a smaller volume. When used as a cane, it can easily obstruct walking and occupy a large volume. Furthermore, when used as a chair, the usable area of the seat unit's seat board is quite limited, failing to provide optimal comfort. [Summary of the Invention]
[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a multi-leg support device that can solve the existing deficiencies and expand the load-bearing area.
[0005] Therefore, the multi-leg support device of the present invention, which can expand the bearing area, includes a pivot unit, a support unit, and a bearing unit. The pivot unit includes an axis. The support unit is pivotally connected to the pivot unit and includes a first support rod and two second support rods. Each of the first and second support rods has a top end and a bottom end opposite to the top end. The top and bottom ends can switch between a retracted state approaching the axis and an extended state away from the axis. The bearing unit includes a middle plate pivotally connected to the first support rod, two side plates pivotally connected to both sides of the middle plate, and two extension plates slidably connected to the side plates. Each extension plate can switch between a retracted state and an extended state relative to the corresponding side plate. When the extension plate is in the retracted state, the top end of the corresponding second support rod is in a retracted state. When the extension plate is in the extended state, the top end of the corresponding second support rod is in an extended state and abuts against the bottom of the bearing unit.
[0006] The advantages of this invention are: by extending each extension plate relative to its corresponding side plate, a larger bearing area can be generated and riding comfort can be provided. By retracting each extension plate relative to its corresponding side plate, the bearing unit can be folded into a smaller volume, making it convenient to carry and store.
Implementation Method
[0008] Before the present invention is described in detail, it should be noted that similar elements are represented by the same numbers in the following description.
[0009] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, a first embodiment of the multi-leg support device of the present invention, which can expand the bearing area, includes a pivot unit 10, a support unit 20 and a bearing unit 30.
[0010] The pivot unit 10 includes a pivot member 11 that is hollow and encircles an axis L, and three pivots 12 that are spaced apart around the axis L and pass through the pivot member 11.
[0011] The support unit 20 includes a first support rod 21 and two second support rods 22 respectively pivotally connected to the pivots 12. Each of the first support rod 21 and the second support rods 22 has a top end portion 201 and a bottom end portion 202 opposite to the top end portion 201. The top end portion 201 and the bottom end portion 202 can be switched between a closed state approaching the axis L [see the operation schematic view in Figure 5(A)] and an open state away from the axis L [see Figure 1 and the operation schematic view in Figure 5(E)].
[0012] The bearing unit 30 includes a slide 31 mounted on the first support rod 21, a middle plate 32 pivotally connected to the slide 31, two side plates 33 pivotally connected to both sides of the middle plate 32, and two extension plates 34 slidably connected to the side plates 33.
[0013] The slide block 31 has a sleeve 311 disposed on the first support rod 21, and a pair of first pivot ears 312 connected to the sleeve 311.
[0014] The middle plate 32 has a main body 321 and a second pivot 322 connected to the main body 321 and pivotally connected to the first pivots 312. The main body 321 has two main side edges 323 and two inner pivot assemblies 324 respectively disposed on the main side edges 323.
[0015] Each side plate 33 has a side plate body 331 and two support plates 332 connected to the bottom of the side plate body 331. The support plates 332 and the side plate body 331 together define a guide rail 333. The side plate body 331 has an inner edge 334 opposite to one of the main side edges 323, an outer edge 335 opposite to the inner edge 334, an outer limiting portion 336 adjacent to the outer edge 335, an outer pivot assembly 337 disposed on the main side edge 323, and a pair of guide members 338 adjacent to the outer edge 335 and passing through the guide rail 333. In this embodiment, the guide members 338 are rivets. The outer limiting portion 336 protrudes toward the corresponding extension plate 34 and is in the form of a rib. The outer pivot assembly 337 is pivotally connected to the inner pivot assembly 324 of the middle plate 32. The guide rail 333 extends from the inner edge 334 toward the outer edge 335.
[0016] Each extension plate 34 can switch between a retracted state and an extended state relative to its corresponding side plate 33. Each extension plate 34 is slidably mounted in its corresponding guide rail 333 and has an inner edge 341, an outer edge 342 opposite to the inner edge 341, a bottom surface 343 extending from the inner edge 341 to the outer edge 342, a top surface 344 opposite to the bottom surface 343, an inner limiting portion 345 adjacent to the inner edge 341 and protruding from the top surface 344, a pair of guide grooves 346 extending from the inner edge 341 toward the outer edge 342 and respectively for the corresponding guide members 338 to pass through, and a stop member 347 protruding from the bottom surface 343. The inner limiting portion 345 can be blocked by the outer limiting portion 336, so that the extension plate 34 will not easily detach from its corresponding side plate 33. In this embodiment, the stops 347 of the extension plates 34 are positioned asymmetrically, with one extension plate 34 having a stop 347 located on the side edge of the bottom surface 343 and corresponding to the inner edge 341, and the other extension plate 34 having a stop 347 located in the middle of the bottom surface 343.
[0017] In order to further understand the effects produced by the combination of the various components of the present invention, the technical means used, and the expected effects, the following will be explained, which will hopefully provide a deeper and more specific understanding of the present invention.
[0018] As shown in the operation schematic diagram of Figure 5(A), the extension plates 34 are in the retracted state relative to the corresponding side plates 33. The side plates 33 are angled relative to the middle plate 32, and the side plates 33 and the middle plate 32 of the support unit 30 together form an inverted U-shape. The top portions 201 and the bottom portions 202 are in a retracted state approaching the axis L (not shown in Figure 5), and the support unit 20 is surrounded by the side plates 33 and the middle plate 32 of the support unit 30.
[0019] As shown in the operation diagrams of Figures 5(A) to 5(E), and in conjunction with Figure 1, when the operator pushes the slide block 31 from the top end 201 of the first support rod 21 toward the bottom end 202 of the first support rod 21, and the top ends 201 of the second support rods 22 gradually move away from the axis L, the top ends 201 of the second support rods 22 slidably abut against the bottom or side of the corresponding extension plate 34, and the top ends 201 of the second support rods 22 push the stop 347 of the extension plate 34. That is, when the extension plate 34 is in the extended state, the top ends 201 of the corresponding second support rods 22 are in an open state and abut against the stop 347 of the extension plate 34. Figure 5(E) shows the operation diagram and Figures 1 and 4, which illustrates that the extension plates 34, the side plates 33 and the middle plate 32 together form a support surface with the maximum load-bearing area and provide riding comfort.
[0020] As shown in the operation diagrams of Figures 5(E) to 5(A), and in conjunction with Figure 1, when the operator pulls the slide block 31 toward the top end 201 of the first support rod 21, and the top end 201 of the second support rods 22 gradually approaches the axis L, the extension plates 34, the side plates 33 and the middle plate 32 can be operated to gradually retract.
[0021] Therefore, in the first embodiment of the present invention, by utilizing the extension plates 34 in an extended state relative to the corresponding side plates 33, a larger bearing area can be generated and riding comfort can be provided. Also, by utilizing the extension plates 34 in a retracted state relative to the corresponding side plates 33, and by utilizing the side plates 33 and the middle plate 32 together to form an inverted U-shape, the bearing unit 30 can be folded into a smaller volume, making it convenient to carry and store.
[0022] As shown in Figure 6, this is a variation of the first embodiment, and the difference from the first embodiment is that the positions of the stops 347 of the extension plates 34 are symmetrical, and the stops 347 of the extension plates 34 are all located in the middle of the bottom surface 343.
[0023] As shown in Figures 7 to 10, the second embodiment of the present invention is similar to the first embodiment, and also includes a pivot unit 10, a support unit 20, and a load-bearing unit 30. The following description focuses only on the differences from the first embodiment.
[0024] The support unit 20 includes a first support rod 21, two second support rods 22, and a third support rod 23. The third support rod 23 has a top end portion 201 and a bottom end portion 202 opposite to the top end portion 201. The top end portion 201 of the third support rod 23 is pivotally connected to the middle plate 32. The top end portion 201 of each of the second support rods 22 has a latching member 221, which has a neck section 222 and a ball section 223 that is enlarged relative to the neck section 222.
[0025] The supporting unit 30 includes a slide 31, a middle plate 32, two side plates 33, and two extension plates 34. The middle plate 32 also has a lug 325 disposed on the main side edge 323 of the main plate body 321, and the top end 201 of the third support rod 23 is pivotally connected to the lug 325. Each side plate 33 has only one support plate body 332, which extends continuously along the longitudinal direction X of the side plate 33. There are three guide members 338, which are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction. Each extension plate 34 also has three guide grooves 346, which are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction. Each extension plate 34 has a stop 347 corresponding to the outer edge 342. The cross section of the stop 347 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is L-shaped, and the stop 347 defines a groove 347' for the corresponding ball segment 223 to be inserted.
[0026] As shown in the operation schematic diagrams of Figures 9 and 10(A) to (F), the extension plates 34 can be gradually extended from a retracted state relative to the corresponding side plates 33. During the process of gradually extending the extension plates 34, the top ends 201 of the second support rods 22 can push the stops 347 of the extension plates 34. When the extension plates 34 are in the extended state, the extension plates 34, the side plates 33, and the middle plate 32 together form a support surface with a maximum load-bearing area, providing riding comfort. The ball segments 223 of the second support rods 22 are respectively engaged in the grooves 347' defined by the stops 347.
[0027] Furthermore, by utilizing the top end 201 of the third support rod 23 of the support unit 20 to be pivotally connected to the middle plate 32, and by the first support rod 21 and the second support rods 22 providing support to the bearing unit 30 at different locations, the support unit 20 can provide a more stable support for the bearing unit 30.
[0028] As shown in Figures 11 to 14, the third embodiment of the present invention is similar to the second embodiment, and also includes a pivot unit 10, a support unit 20, and a load-bearing unit 30. The following description focuses only on the differences from the second embodiment.
[0029] Each extension plate 34 of the support unit 30 further includes a base plate 340. The base plate 340 has an inner edge 341, an outer edge 342 opposite to the inner edge 341, a bottom surface 343 extending from the inner edge 341 to the outer edge 342, a top surface 344 opposite to the bottom surface 343, an inner limiting portion 345 adjacent to the inner edge 341 and protruding from the top surface 344, two sets of guide grooves 346 extending from the inner edge 341 toward the outer edge 342 and respectively for corresponding guide members 338 to pass through, a stop member 347 disposed on the bottom surface 343, and a connection to the outer edge 342. The hook 340”. The stop 347 is an inclined elongated groove and is recessed from the bottom surface 343. Each second support rod 22 also has a pivot 224 pivotally connected to the top end 201, and a pivot 225 slidably embedded in the corresponding stop 347 and pivotally connected to the pivot 224. The pivot 224 has a first pivot 226 pivotally connected to the pivot 225, and a second pivot 227 perpendicular to the first pivot 226. The top ends 201 are respectively pivotally connected to the second pivot 227 of the corresponding pivot 224.
[0030] As shown in the operation diagrams of Figures 13 and 14(A) to (F), the extension plates 34 can be gradually extended from a retracted state relative to the corresponding side plates 33. During the process of gradually extending the extension plates 34, the top end 201 of the second support rods 22 can drive the corresponding pivot 224 to pivot relative to the pivot 225, and also drive the corresponding pivot 225 to slide along the stop 347, while simultaneously pushing the extension plates 34 to slide relative to the corresponding side plates 33. When the extension plates 34 are in the extended state, the extension plates 34, the side plates 33, and the middle plate 32 together form a support surface with the maximum load-bearing area, and provide riding comfort.
[0031] As shown in the operation diagram of Figure 14(A), when the extension plates 34 are in the retracted state, the side plates 33 and the middle plate 32 are set at an angle, and the hooks 340” interlock with each other to prevent the bearing unit 30 from being unfolded at will.
[0032] As shown in Figures 15 to 18, the fourth embodiment of the present invention is similar to the first embodiment, and includes a pivot unit 10, a support unit 20, a bearing unit 30, and a linkage opening and closing unit 40. The following description focuses only on the differences from the first embodiment.
[0033] The middle plate 32 of the supporting unit 30 has a slot 326, a blocking block 327 adjacent to the slot 326, a third pivot 328 opposite to the second pivot 322, a pivot plate 329, and a link assembly 320 pivotally connected to the third pivot 328. The link assembly 320 has a first link 320' pivotally connected to the pivot unit 10, and a second link 320" slidably pivotally connected to the first link 320' and the middle plate 32. The first link 320' has a groove 301, one end of the second link 320" is slidably pivotally connected to the groove 301, and the other end is pivotally connected to the third pivot 328 of the middle plate 32. In addition, the supporting unit 30 also includes an elastic member 35 connected between the extension plates 34. The elastic member 35 has opposite ends hooked onto the extension plates 34, and its elasticity constantly maintains the extension plates 34 with the potential energy to bring them closer together. Each extension plate 34 also has a hook 340.
[0034] The linkage opening and closing unit 40 includes a pulling rod 41 that extends substantially along the axis L and passes through the pivot member 11, a plurality of lower connecting rods 42 pivotally connected to the pulling rod 41 and the first support rod 21 and the second support rods 22, and a return member 43 disposed outside the pulling rod 41 and abutting against the pivot unit 10 and the bottom end of the pulling rod 41. The pulling rod 41 is pivotally connected to the pivot plate member 329 of the middle plate 32. The return member 43 is a compression spring.
[0035] As shown in the operation diagrams of Figures 18(A) to (F), when the slide block 31 slides from the top end 201 of the first support rod 21 toward the bottom end 202, and the middle plate 32 is set at an angle to the first support rod 21, the pulling rod 41 moves along the axis L, and the lower connecting rods 42 are connected to change from a closed state to an open state. The lower connecting rods 42 then connect the top ends 201 and bottom ends 202 of the first support rod 21 and the second support rods 22 to change from a closed state to an open state. When the hooks 340” of the extension plates 34 are released, the elastic force of the return member 43 can help to change the lower connecting rods 42 from the closed state to the open state.
[0036] Furthermore, when the extension plate 34 is in the extended state, the bottom of the first connecting rod 320' can be embedded in the slot 326 and abut against the blocking block 327, which can enable the bearing unit 30 to achieve a more stable support function. If the connecting rod group 320 is removed, it will not affect the support effect of the bearing unit 30.
[0037] In summary, the multi-leg support device of the present invention, which can expand the bearing area, has a simple overall structure and is easy to operate, and can indeed achieve the purpose of the present invention.
[0038] However, the above description is only an embodiment of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Any simple equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the scope of the patent application and the contents of the patent specification of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the patent of the present invention. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]
[0007] Other features and effects of the present invention will be clearly presented in the embodiments with reference to the drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective top view of a first embodiment of the multi-leg support device with expandable bearing area of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective bottom view of the first embodiment; Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the first embodiment; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along line IV-IV in Figure 1; Figure 5 is an operation diagram of the first embodiment, illustrating that a middle plate, two side plates, and two extension plates of a bearing unit gradually change from a retracted state to an extended state as shown in Figures 5(A) to 5(E); Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a variation of the first embodiment; Figure 7 is a perspective top view of a second embodiment of the multi-leg support device with expandable bearing area of the present invention; Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the second embodiment; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along line IX-IX in Figure 7; Figure 10 is an operational schematic diagram of the second embodiment, illustrating how a middle plate, two side plates, and two extension plates of a bearing unit gradually change from a retracted state to an unfolded state, as shown in Figures 10(A) to 10(F); Figure 11 is a perspective top view of a third embodiment of the multi-leg support device of the present invention that can expand the bearing area; Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the third embodiment; Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view along line XIII-XIII in Figure 11; Figure 14 is an operational schematic diagram of the third embodiment, illustrating how a middle plate, two side plates, and two extension plates of a bearing unit gradually change from a retracted state to an unfolded state, as shown in Figures 14(A) to 14(F); Figure 15 is a perspective top view of a fourth embodiment of the multi-leg support device of the present invention that can expand the bearing area; Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of the fourth embodiment. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view along line XVII-XVII in Figure 15; and Figure 18 is an operational schematic diagram of the fourth embodiment, illustrating that from Figure 18(A) to Figure 18(F), a first support rod and two second support rods gradually change from a retracted state to an extended state.
Claims
1. A multi-leg support device with an expandable load-bearing area, comprising: a pivot unit including an axis; a support unit pivotally connected to the pivot unit and including a first support rod and two second support rods, each of the first and second support rods having a top end and a bottom end opposite to the top end, the top and bottom ends being convertible between a retracted state approaching the axis and an extended state away from the axis; and a load-bearing unit including a middle plate pivotally connected to the first support rod, two side plates pivotally connected to both sides of the middle plate, and two extension plates slidably connected to the side plates, each extension plate being convertible between a retracted state and an extended state relative to the corresponding side plate, wherein in the retracted state, the top end of the corresponding second support rod is in a retracted state, and in the extended state, the top end of the corresponding second support rod is in an extended state and abuts against the bottom of the load-bearing unit.
2. The multi-leg support device with an expanded load-bearing area as described in claim 1, wherein, Each side plate of the support unit has an inner edge pivotally connected to the middle plate, an outer edge opposite to the inner edge, an outer limiting portion adjacent to the outer edge, and a guide rail extending from the inner edge toward the outer edge. The outer limiting portion protrudes toward the corresponding extension plate. Each extension plate is slidably mounted in the corresponding guide rail and has an inner limiting portion that can be blocked by the outer limiting portion.
3. The multi-leg support device with an expanded load-bearing area as described in claim 2, wherein, Each extension plate of the support unit has a bottom surface and a stop provided on the bottom surface. When the extension plates are in the extended state, the top end of the corresponding support rod abuts against the stop of the extension plates.
4. The multi-leg support device with an expanded load-bearing area as described in claim 3, wherein, Each side plate of the bearing unit also has at least one pair of guide members passing through the guide rail, and each extension plate also has a pair of guide grooves for the corresponding guide members to pass through.
5. The multi-leg support device with an expanded load-bearing area as described in claim 1, wherein, The top end of the second support rod of the support unit is slidably abutted against the bottom of the corresponding extension plate.
6. The multi-leg support device with an expanded load-bearing area as described in claim 3, wherein, The support unit also includes a third support rod having a top end and a bottom end opposite to the top end. The top end of the third support rod is pivotally connected to the middle plate. The top ends of the second support rods have a latching member having a neck and a ball segment that is enlarged relative to the neck. A stop of each extension plate defines a groove for the corresponding ball segment to be engaged.
7. The multi-leg support device with an expanded load-bearing area as described in claim 6, wherein, Each extension plate of the support unit also has a base plate with a bottom surface disposed on the base plate. The stop is in the shape of an inclined elongated groove and recessed from the bottom surface. Each second support rod also has a pivot seat pivotally connected to the top end and a pivot seat slidably embedded in the corresponding stop and pivotally connected to the pivot seat. The pivot seat has a first pivot shaft pivotally connected to the pivot seat and a second pivot shaft perpendicular to the first pivot shaft. The top ends are respectively pivotally connected to the second pivot shaft of the corresponding pivot seat.
8. The multi-leg support device with an expanded bearing area as described in claim 1 further includes a linkage opening and retraction unit connected to the bearing unit, wherein operating the linkage opening and retraction unit can change the top and bottom ends of the support rods from the retracted state to the extended state.
9. The multi-leg support device with an expanded load-bearing area as described in claim 8, wherein, The supporting unit also includes a slide seat mounted on the first support rod and pivotally connected to the middle plate. The linkage opening and closing unit includes a traction rod that extends substantially along the axis and a plurality of lower connecting rods pivotally connected to the traction rod and the first support rod and the second support rods. The traction rod is pivotally connected to the middle plate. When the slide seat is operated to slide from the top end of the first support rod toward the bottom end, and the middle plate is set at an angle to the first support rod, the traction rod drives the lower connecting rods to change from a closed state to an open state, and the lower connecting rods then drive the top end of the first support rod and the bottom end to change from a closed state to an open state.
10. The multi-leg support device with an expanded load-bearing area as described in claim 9, wherein, The middle plate of the support unit has a slot and a blocking block adjacent to the slot. The support unit also includes a linkage assembly pivotally connected to the pivot unit. The linkage assembly has a first link pivotally connected to the pivot unit and a second link slidably pivotally connected to the first link and the middle plate. The first link has a groove. When the extension plates are in the extended state, the top of the first link can be embedded in the slot and abut against the blocking block. One end of the second link is slidably pivotally connected to the groove, and the other end is pivotally connected to the middle plate.
11. The multi-leg support device with an enlarged load-bearing area as described in claim 9, wherein, The supporting unit also includes a set of return members disposed outside the traction rod and abutting against the pivot unit and the bottom end of the traction rod. The elastic force of the return members can assist in changing the lower connecting rods from the retracted state to the extended state.
12. The multi-leg support device with an enlarged load-bearing area as described in claim 1, wherein, Each extension plate of the support unit has an outer edge and a hook connected to the outer edge. When the extension plates are in the retracted state, the side plates are angled to the middle plate, and the hooks interlock with each other.
13. The multi-leg support device with an enlarged load-bearing area as described in claim 1, wherein, The supporting unit also includes at least one elastic member connected to the extension plates, the elasticity of which constantly maintains the potential energy for the extension plates to move toward each other.
14. The multi-leg support device with an enlarged load-bearing area as described in claim 1, wherein, Each extension plate of the support unit has an outer edge and a hook connected to the outer edge. When the extension plates are in the retracted state, the side plates are angled to the middle plate and the hooks are interlocked. When the extension plates are in the extended state, the extension plates, the side plates and the middle plate together form a support surface.