Folding walking aid

Abstract

A walking aid for assisting mobility is described. The walking aid includes an A-shaped frame and a seat. The A-shaped frame has two pairs of uprights, each pair of uprights connected by at least one corresponding hinge to allow each pair of uprights to be folded or pivoted from front to back. The seat is arranged between the two pairs of uprights and is foldable from side to side. For compact folding, the walking aid includes an X-shaped crosslink comprising four connecting members. A method of manufacturing the walking aid is also disclosed. The four connecting members extend from the respective uprights to a central convergence beneath the seat. When the walking aid is folded, the crosslinks can fold or pivot at the central convergence in both front-to-back and side-to-side dimensions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a folding walking aid. More specifically, this invention relates to a folding walking aid that folds in two dimensions. Background Technology

[0002] Aging or damage can lead to reduced mobility. Various mobility aids have been developed to maintain mobility and quality of life in these situations. Walkers and walking frames provide a support frame to assist walking. Walking bikes add wheels along with a built-in seat to the frame.

[0003] One such walking aid is the X-shaped folding walking aid available from Independent Living Centres Australia (see https: / / ilcaustralia.org.au / products / 19549). This four-wheeled walking aid folds in two directions. The "X" frame between the two posts folds in one direction, and the posts fold in the other direction relative to their respective slender struts, which have wheels set at either end.

[0004] Chinese Utility Model No. 202822023, granted to Ningbo Homy Rehabilitation Equipment Co., Ltd., discloses a four-wheeled walking aid comprising an A-frame, armrest tube assembly, backrest tube assembly, and seat cushion. The front and rear wheel assemblies have retractable positioning rods, with the front and rear wheels detachably fixed to the rods connected to the frame assembly. The four wheels are detachable, thus saving packaging space and facilitating transportation and storage.

[0005] Wu Jiqun's Chinese Utility Model No. 202961085U discloses an X-shaped frame foldable walking aid comprising a pair of upper supports, a pair of lower supports, a support base, a folding mechanism, and a pair of locking mechanisms. The support base has insertion holes and rotating slots. The upper supports are inserted into the insertion holes and pivotally connected to the support base. The folding mechanism includes a pair of support rods and a pair of pivot seats. The pivot seats are coaxially pivotally connected to the upper supports on the inner side of the support base. The two support rods are pivotally connected at their middle sections, with their upper ends movably connected to the upper supports and their lower ends pivotally connected to the pivot seats. The locking mechanism includes a first connecting rod, a sliding sleeve, and a locking sleeve. The sliding sleeve is slidably fitted onto the upper supports. One end of the first connecting rod is pivotally connected to the support rod, and the other end is pivotally connected to the sliding sleeve. The locking sleeve is slidably fitted onto the upper supports and connected to the sliding sleeve.

[0006] Patent DE 4328875, granted to Gregor Horacek, describes a U-shaped retractable walking aid with front and rear struts arranged on both sides for receiving the front and rear wheels, respectively. In each case, the front strut receives a sliding handle in the end region of its associated front wheel and is pivotally connected to its associated rear strut, and at least one lateral support bar is arranged between the struts on different sides of the walking aid. The lateral support bar is designed as a folding strut and / or a folding mechanism in the form of a bow.

[0007] US Patent 4867438, granted to John and Jesse M. Steckert, teaches a U-shaped main frame having wheels for rolling engagement with the ground and an upper handle portion that is telescopically received on the main frame to allow adjustment for individual heights. A second pivot frame is connected to the main frame and configured to cooperate with the wheels of the main frame for ground support.

[0008] Patent US 6,688,633, granted to More Joyful Living, LLC, describes a walking aid for use in transporting older adults and people with disabilities. The walking aid includes a U-shaped frame equipped with handlebars, comprising a front frame section and a rear frame section. Each frame section essentially comprises a pair of frame rods or frame tubes with lateral connections. The lower ends of these frame rods or frame tubes are designed for movement on the ground, and the frame sections are foldably connected about a lateral axis located below the horizontal plane of the handlebars. Since the lateral connections between the frame tubes of the frame sections are formed by connecting rods, the frame sections are also foldable in the lateral direction, and these connecting rods are adapted to fold in or substantially fold within the plane of the respective frame section. The assistive device is adapted to function both as a walking aid (walking aid) and as a passive wheelchair.

[0009] Patent US9849057, also granted to More Joyful Living, LLC, teaches a walking aid in which spaced-apart front and rear outriggers fold toward each other at hinges 114, 128, and spaced-apart sides fold inward at lateral hinges 118, 132 and intermediate hinge 152.

[0010] JP 3080949, awarded to ZOJIRUSHI BABY KK, teaches a walking aid that can be folded in both the front-rear and left-right directions. Folding is achieved through a pair of corresponding right and left front support legs 3 extending to a generally vertical direction, a pair of horizontal bars 11 bridging the front and rear support legs 3, two tilting bars bridging the right and left front support legs 3, and two bottom bars bridging the front and rear support legs 5.

[0011] There is still a need for a walking aid that is compact, easy to fold, and sturdy enough to allow people to sit on it for extended periods of time.

[0012] Any reference to prior art in this specification is not and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that such prior art is part of common general knowledge. Summary of the Invention

[0013] In general, embodiments of the present invention relate to a folding mobility aid.

[0014] In a broader sense, the present invention relates to a folding walking aid. In a particular embodiment, the folding walking aid folds in two dimensions.

[0015] In this first form, although it need not be the only or actually the most widespread form, the invention provides a walking aid comprising:

[0016] An A-frame, having two pairs of uprights, each pair connected by at least one corresponding hinge to allow each pair of uprights to be folded or pivoted from front to back; and

[0017] The base is located between two pairs of columns and can be folded from side to side.

[0018] In a second embodiment, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a mobility aid, the method comprising:

[0019] Construct an A-shaped frame comprising two pairs of uprights, each pair connected by at least one corresponding hinge to allow each pair of uprights to be folded or pivoted from front to back; and

[0020] The base is positioned between the two pairs of uprights, so that the base can be folded from side to side.

[0021] Advantageously, both the first and second types of walking aids offer a robust, stable, and lightweight product that collapses into an exceptionally small folded package and is easier to operate than existing technology devices. A further significant advantage is that the seat is robust enough to support the user for extended periods of time.

[0022] According to an embodiment of any of the above forms, the seat may preferably include a crosslinking member. The crosslinking member may include an X-shaped crosslinking member. The X-shaped crosslinking member may include four connecting members. Each of the four connecting members may extend from a corresponding upright to a central convergence below the seat. When the walker is folded, the crosslinking members may fold or pivot at the central convergence in a front-to-back and side-to-side dimension. When the connecting members are arranged in the central convergence, they may be at the center or below the center.

[0023] In any of the above embodiments, each pair of posts may include a front post and a rear post. Thus, the A-frame may include four posts. The front posts may be straight. The rear posts may include angled sections. The angled sections can provide an ergonomic shape.

[0024] According to an embodiment of any of the above forms, the frame may further include one or more front struts. The one or more front struts may include cross struts. Each cross strut may include two cross struts. These two cross struts may cross. The two or more cross struts may cross or intersect at or near their midpoint. When the mobility scooter is folded, the two or more cross struts may also fold or pivot relative to each other, causing the frame to fold from side to side. One or more front supports may be arranged on two front uprights and extend between the two front uprights.

[0025] In another embodiment of any of the above forms, the frame may further include one or more side struts. These side struts may extend between a corresponding front upright and a corresponding rear upright. The one or more side struts may include a pair of side struts. This pair of side struts may support the base.

[0026] In yet another embodiment of any of the above forms, the hinge may include a pair of hinges arranged on each pair of uprights. Each of the pair of hinges is operable to fold the walker from front to back. Each of the pair of hinges may allow the front strut and / or side strut to slide along the uprights during folding.

[0027] Folding can be operated by an actuator. The actuator may include one or more release parts. The actuator release parts may be located on the scooter seat or scooter handlebars. Folding can be actuated by pulling or pushing the release parts. Pulling or pushing can be in one direction. When the release parts are operated, the connecting member can be removed or partially removed from the central assembly to allow folding. Removal or partial removal may include lifting. Lifting may include lifting above the center. When the actuator is released, movement can allow a single folding action.

[0028] According to any of the above forms, the walking aid frame may further include one or more stops. One or more stops may be secured to the frame to restrict movement of the folding components. The one or more stops may be positioned above or below the hinge. If one or more stops are positioned below the hinge, the frame and / or front strut will fold upwards only. If one or more stops are positioned above the hinge, the frame and / or front strut will fold downwards only. When one or more stops are positioned below the hinge 150, the stops provide additional structural support for the seat.

[0029] Any of the above forms of walking aids may also include wheels and handles. Wheels may include four wheels. Handles may include a pair of handles.

[0030] The walking aid according to any of the above forms may also include one or more brakes. These brakes may be operated by a brake handle, brake lever, or brake button. The brake handle, brake lever, or brake button may be located at or near the handle, or at or near the wheel.

[0031] The walking aid according to any of the above forms may further include one or more storage components. The one or more storage components may be arranged on the handle, on the frame, and / or under the seat.

[0032] Further aspects and / or features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To enable the present invention to be readily understood and practiced, embodiments of the invention will now be referred to with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements. The drawings are provided by way of example only, wherein:

[0034] Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C The illustration shows a front perspective view, a side perspective view, and a close-up view of the handle of a walking aid according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C , Figure 2D and Figure 2E The diagrams show the perspective view, front view, right view, top view, and bottom view of the walking aid frame.

[0036] Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 3C and Figure 3DThe diagrams show a perspective view, front view, right view, and top view of the folded walking aid frame.

[0037] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Enlarged perspective views of the walker handlebars and handlebar sections in folded and unfolded configurations are shown respectively.

[0038] Figure 4C and Figure 4D Enlarged external perspective views of the walking aid seat and seat section of the frame in folded and unfolded configurations are shown respectively.

[0039] Figure 4E and Figure 4F Enlarged interior perspective views of the walking aid seat and seat section of the frame in folded and unfolded configurations are shown respectively.

[0040] Figure 4G and Figure 4H Enlarged side perspective views of the front wheel and front wheel section of the walker frame in folded and unfolded configurations are shown respectively.

[0041] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the steps according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the elements in the accompanying drawings are shown for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be altered to aid in understanding embodiments of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a folding walking aid. Advantageously, the folding walking aid of the present invention folds in two dimensions.

[0044] Although the term "folding" is used, it should be understood that bending may not occur, and instead there may be pivoting or other relative movement from an open or functional configuration to a "folded" or retractable configuration. The purpose of such "folding" or "pivoting" or "relative movement" is to transition from a functional configuration to a more compact folded configuration to assist in storage and transport, in which the mobility aid can be used as a mobility assistance device.

[0045] Figure 1 ( Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C Figure 2 Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C , Figure 2D , Figure 2E ) and Figure 3 ( Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 3C , Figure 3D The image shows an embodiment of the walking aid 100 according to the present invention.

[0046] The walking aid 100 includes an A-frame 110 with two pairs of uprights 120, each pair of uprights 120 being connected by at least one corresponding hinge 150 to allow each pair of uprights 120 to be folded or pivoted from front to back. Each pair of uprights includes a front upright 122 and a rear upright 124. The A-frame 110 thus includes four uprights.

[0047] The walking aid 100 shown in the accompanying drawings includes a pair of hinges 150, one of which is disposed on each front pillar 122. In other embodiments, the hinges 150 may be disposed on a rear pillar 124. Each of the pair of hinges 150 is operated to fold the walking aid 100. Each of the pair of hinges 150 allows the front strut 130 and / or the side strut 140 to slide along the pillars 122, 124 during folding.

[0048] In the embodiment of the walking aid 100 shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the front pillar 122 is straight, while the rear pillar 124 includes angled sections designed to provide an ergonomic shape.

[0049] The walking aid 100 also includes a seat 180 arranged between two pairs of uprights 120. Advantageously, the seat 180 can be folded from side to side.

[0050] By providing a walking aid 100 that folds or pivots in both front-to-back and side-to-side dimensions, a robust, stable, and lightweight product is offered, which collapses into an exceptionally small folded package. Other advantages include the fact that the folding of the walking aid 100 is easier to maneuver than existing technology devices. Another significant advantage of the walking aid 100 is that the coupling of the support seat 180 is robust enough to provide long-term support for the user.

[0051] As in Figure 2EAs best seen, the seat 180 includes a crosslink 182, shown as an X-shaped crosslink. This X-shaped crosslink includes four connecting members 182a, 182b, 182c, and 182d, each extending from a corresponding post 122, 124 to a central hub 184 located below the seat 180. When the connecting members 182a, 182b, 182c, and 182d are positioned in the central hub 184, they are located at or below the center. When the walking aid 100 is folded, the crosslink 182 folds or pivots at the central hub 184 in front-to-back and side-to-side dimensions. This folding can be observed by comparing the schematic diagrams in Figure 2 and Figure 3, which show the walking aid 100 in an unfolded configuration and the walking aid 100 in a folded configuration. Figure 4A and Figure 4B , Figure 4C and Figure 4D , Figure 4E and Figure 4F as well as Figure 4G and Figure 4H The pair also allows for folded configurations ( Figure 4A , Figure 4C , Figure 4E and Figure 4G ) and expand configuration ( Figure 4B , Figure 4D , Figure 4F and Figure 4H A comparison of ).

[0052] In the embodiment shown in the figure, folding is operated using an actuator 190, which includes a release portion 192 on the walking aid seat portion 180. Folding is operated by pulling the release portion 192 upward in one direction. When the release portion 192 is operated, the connecting members 182a, 182b, 182c, 182d are lifted and / or removed or partially removed from the central assembly portion 184 to allow folding. When the connecting members 182a, 182b, 182c, 182d are removed or partially removed from the central assembly portion 184, they can be lifted above the center. When the release portion 192 is operated, this movement allows for a single folding action.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the release part 192 is disposed on the walking aid seat 180. In other embodiments, the release part 192 may be disposed on the walking aid handle 104.

[0054] Although in the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, folding is actuated by a pulling motion, in other embodiments, folding can be actuated by a pushing motion. Advantageously, folding is operated by pulling or pushing in one direction.

[0055] The A-frame 110 further includes front struts 130. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the front struts 120 are provided as two intersecting struts that cross or intersect at or near their midpoint. Advantageously, the front struts 130 also fold or pivot relative to each other when the mobility scooter 100 is folded, causing the frame 110 to fold from side to side. One or more front struts 130 are arranged on two front uprights 122 and extend between the two front uprights 122.

[0056] The A-frame 110 also includes a plurality of side struts 140. As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the side struts 140 extend between the respective front uprights 122 and the respective rear uprights 124. The side struts 140 are shown as a pair of side struts 140 including a support base 180.

[0057] The A-frame 110 of the walking aid further includes a stop 112, which is fixed to the frame 110 to restrict movement of the hinge 150 through a desired position for supporting the seat 180. The desired position may be horizontal with respect to the ground.

[0058] With the stop 112 positioned below the hinge 150, the frame 110 and / or the front strut 130 will fold upwards only during side-to-side folding. If the stop 112 is positioned above the hinge 150, the frame 110 and / or the front strut 130 will fold downwards only during folding. By positioning the stop 112 below the hinge 150, the stop 112 provides additional structural support to the seat 180.

[0059] As is typical of walking aids, the walking aid 100 also includes four wheels 102 and a handle 104 including a handlebar 105.

[0060] like Figure 5 As shown, the present invention also provides a method 200 for manufacturing a walking aid 100. Method 200 includes constructing an A-frame 110 210, the A-frame 110 including two pairs of uprights 120, each pair of uprights 120 being connected by at least one corresponding hinge 150 to allow each pair of uprights 120 to be folded or pivoted from front to back. Method 200 further includes providing a seat 180 220 between the two pairs of uprights 120, such that the seat 180 is foldable from side to side.

[0061] The A-frame 110 can be made of aluminum or other suitable strong and lightweight materials.

[0062] The walking aid 100 also includes a brake 106 operated by a brake lever 108 disposed near the handle 104. In other embodiments, the brake 106 may include a button or lever instead of the handle 108 and / or the brake lever 106, and the button or lever may be located at or near the wheel 102.

[0063] Although not shown, the walking aid 100 may further include one or more storage components 109 (not shown). The one or more storage components 109 may be arranged on the handle 104, on the frame 110, and / or below the seat 180.

[0064] In this specification, the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an apparatus comprising a list of elements may include not only those elements but may also include other elements not listed.

[0065] Throughout this specification, the purpose is to describe the invention without limiting it to any particular embodiment or specific set of features. Variations may be made from the specific embodiments by those skilled in the art, and these variations will still fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A walking aid, comprising: An A-frame having two pairs of uprights, each pair of uprights being connected by at least one corresponding hinge to allow each pair of uprights to be folded or pivoted from front to back. as well as A seat, which is arranged between the two pairs of uprights, is foldable from side to side; The walking aid includes an X-shaped cross-linking component comprising four connecting members extending from corresponding uprights to a central convergence point below the seat. The cross-linking component folds or pivots at the central convergence point in both front-to-back and side-to-side dimensions. The frame includes a pair of side struts that support the base.

2. The walking aid according to claim 1, wherein, The crosslinking element supports the seat portion.

3. The walking aid according to claim 1, wherein, Each pair of posts includes a front post and a rear post.

4. The walking aid according to claim 1, wherein, The A-shaped frame includes four columns.

5. The walking aid according to claim 4, wherein, The front uprights are straight, and the rear uprights include angled sections.

6. The walking aid according to claim 1, wherein, The frame further includes one or more front struts.

7. The walking aid according to claim 6, wherein, The one or more front struts include two or more cross struts.

8. The walking aid according to claim 7, wherein, The cross strut consists of two cross struts.

9. The walking aid according to claim 8, wherein, The two cross braces cross or intersect.

10. The walking aid according to claim 9, wherein, The two cross braces cross or intersect at or near the midpoint of the two cross braces.

11. The walking aid according to claim 7, wherein, When the mobility scooter is folded, the two or more cross struts fold or pivot relative to each other.

12. The walking aid according to claim 1, wherein, The frame further includes one or more side struts.

13. The walking aid according to claim 12, wherein, The one or more side braces extend between the respective front post and the respective rear post.

14. The walking aid according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one corresponding hinge includes a pair of hinges, wherein the hinges of the pair of hinges are arranged on each pair of columns.

15. The walking aid according to claim 14, wherein, Each of the pair of hinges operates to fold the mobility aid from front to back.

16. The walking aid according to claim 1, wherein, The folding is operated by an actuator, which includes one or more release parts that, during operation, remove or partially remove the connecting member from the central assembly to allow folding.

17. The walking aid according to claim 1, wherein, The walking aid frame further includes one or more stops.

18. The walking aid according to claim 1, wherein, The mobility aid includes one or more wheels, handles, or brakes.

19. A method of manufacturing a walking aid according to any one of claims 1-18, comprising: Construct an A-shaped frame comprising two pairs of uprights, each pair of uprights being connected by at least one corresponding hinge to allow each pair of uprights to be folded or pivoted from front to back; as well as The seat is positioned between the two pairs of uprights, such that the seat can be folded from side to side to create the walking vehicle; The walking aid includes an X-shaped cross-linking component, which comprises four connecting members.

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