Lift-recliner chair and components

Abstract

This invention discloses a foldable, height-adjustable walking chair with a height adjustment mechanism and a height limiter. The walking chair features a unique lifting mechanism that allows it to be easily raised and lowered without a motor. The weight of the walking chair can be optimized by using an innovative support strut. The folding mechanism enables a compact configuration. The walking chair may include innovative components such as a rotating seat, hinges, seatbelt, telescopic wheel mounting bracket, height adjustment device, and safety mechanism.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Conventional devices used to assist people with mobility difficulties fall into two main categories—walking aids and wheelchairs—as well as various intermediate combinations that can further help users stand up and walk.

[0002] Conventional walking aids increase support and stability, but they occupy the user's hands and arms, making it somewhat impossible to carry or manipulate anything while moving. Four-wheeled walking aids may also include a seat, but the seat cannot be used if the user does not stop and turns around.

[0003] Walking aids are slow and isolated, and there is a risk of danger when they are placed aside in order to sit down.

[0004] Most users of both non-powered and powered wheelchairs pay the price of prolonged sitting in terms of muscle, blood circulation, and heart health.

[0005] Lift-up wheelchairs use a large electric motor to lift the seatbelt-bound occupant to a standing position, and some lift-up wheelchairs can also propel the occupant to different positions while upright, but do not enhance walking ability or require any muscle exertion.

[0006] Another intermediate category of assistive devices includes “standing” walkers, which raise and lower the rider to some extent and encourage the rider to walk.

[0007] Unfortunately, existing standing walkers hinder users' interaction with the outside world—due to large structures at the front and rear entrances, or cumbersome and uncomfortable folding seats, operating procedures, and limitations. Moreover, users still have to lift a considerable proportion of their body weight using their legs and arms to rise from a sitting to a standing position.

[0008] There is a lack of a device that allows people with limited mobility to sit and stand freely, walk with a relatively natural gait, and interact with their environment safely and easily—cooking, cleaning, washing, dressing, and walking on their own—all at the desired height and with at least a fraction of their own energy and previous motor abilities. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This invention discloses a foldable, height-adjustable walking chair with a height adjustment mechanism and may include a height limiter. The walking chair has a lifting mechanism that allows the user to be easily raised and lowered without a motor.

[0010] The weight of the adjustable walking chair can be optimized by using innovative support rods.

[0011] The telescopic wheel mounting bracket can provide a wider range of height adjustment.

[0012] A folding mechanism can be provided to enable a compact configuration of the height-adjustable walking chair. When folded, it can also be used as a walking support.

[0013] The adjustable walking chair may include innovative components such as a swivel seat, hinges, seat belts, height adjustment, and safety mechanisms. Attached Figure Description

[0014] All accompanying drawings are illustrative embodiments of a height-adjustable walking chair and its components. Various components that can be incorporated into various embodiments can be shown.

[0015] Figure 1 A side view of the height-adjustable walking chair in seated mode is depicted.

[0016] Figure 2 A side view of a height-adjustable walking chair in standing or walking mode is depicted, with the handles folded back.

[0017] Figure 3 A side view of the height-adjustable walking chair in "high stool" mode is depicted.

[0018] Figure 4 This is an isometric perspective view of the height-adjustable walking chair in seated mode.

[0019] Figure 5 An isometric perspective view of a height-adjustable walking chair in standing or walking mode is depicted.

[0020] Figure 6 An isometric perspective view of a height-adjustable walking chair in "high stool" mode is depicted, with the handles folded back.

[0021] Figure 7 A side view and an enlarged view of a height-adjustable walking chair with a maximum height limiter and a height adjustment mechanism are depicted.

[0022] Figure 8 A spring arrangement is described that allows for easy adjustment of the lifting intensity by keeping the spring pins engaged when the lifting chair is fully raised.

[0023] Figure 9 A front view of a height-adjustable walking chair with a maximum height limiter and a height adjustment mechanism is depicted, along with a further enlarged cross-sectional view, in which the height adjustment pin engages with the height adjustment strut.

[0024] Figure 10 A front view and an enlarged cross-sectional view of a height-adjustable chair with a maximum height limiter and a height adjustment mechanism are depicted, wherein the height adjustment pin engages with the height adjustment strut.

[0025] Figure 11An elliptical tubular height-adjusting support rod and its lateral cross-section are depicted.

[0026] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of an elliptical tubular height-adjusting support rod.

[0027] Figure 13 The painting depicts a front view of a height-adjustable walking chair, as well as a close-up view of the components of the height-adjustable mechanism.

[0028] Figure 14 A front view of a height-adjustable walking chair and a cross-sectional view of the components of the height-adjustable mechanism are depicted.

[0029] Figure 15 The front and side views of a height-adjustable walking chair with the handles in extended mode are depicted, as well as a myopic cross-sectional view of the handle pivot.

[0030] Figure 16 The front and side views of a height-adjustable walking chair with handles folded back are depicted, as well as a myopic cross-sectional view of the handle pivot.

[0031] Figure 17A , Figure 17B Cross-sectional views of the handle pivot in extended and folded modes are depicted.

[0032] Figure 18 This is a bottom view of a height-adjustable walking chair.

[0033] Figure 19 An exploded view of the rotating seat of the height-adjustable walking chair is depicted.

[0034] Figure 20 A top view of the swivel chair is depicted.

[0035] Figure 21 An exploded view showing details of the underside of the swivel seat is depicted.

[0036] Figure 22 This is a bottom view and a cross-sectional view of the rotating seat.

[0037] Figure 23 An isometric view of the height-adjustable walking chair and an enlarged view of the seat release lever section are shown.

[0038] Figure 24 The bottom and front views of the adjustable walking chair are depicted, as well as a cross-sectional view of the seat release lever in the locked position.

[0039] Figure 25 The bottom and front views of the adjustable walking chair are depicted, as well as a cross-sectional view of the seat release lever in the unlocked position.

[0040] Figure 26 A front view of a partially folded, height-adjustable walking chair is shown.

[0041] Figure 27 A side view of a folding, height-adjustable walking chair is depicted.

[0042] Figure 28 Depicting and Figure 27 The view is a side view of the folding, height-adjustable walking chair on the opposite side.

[0043] Figure 29 This is a front view of a folding, height-adjustable walking chair.

[0044] Figure 30 This is a rear view of a folding, height-adjustable walking chair.

[0045] Figure 31 A front view of a height-adjustable walking chair is depicted, showing the crossarm of the support and folding mechanism.

[0046] Figure 32 This is an isometric view of a height-adjustable walking chair, showing the caster steering pedals.

[0047] Figure 33 This is a top view of a height-adjustable walking chair, showing the caster steering pedals in an angled position.

[0048] Figure 34 This is a top view of a height-adjustable walking chair, showing the caster steering pedals in the front position.

[0049] Figure 35A , Figure 35B The casters are shown in both non-extended and vertically extended configurations.

[0050] Figure 36 A front view of a height-adjustable walking chair with two backrests is depicted.

[0051] Figure 37 A cross-sectional view of the seat height locking safety mechanism is depicted.

[0052] Figure 38 Additional components of the seat height locking safety mechanism are described.

[0053] Figure 39 A top view depicting a seat belt used with a lift-up walking chair.

[0054] Figure 40 A perspective view of a seat belt used in a height-adjustable walking chair is depicted.

[0055] Figure 41A -C describes the fastener in the open, closed, and webbing positions. Detailed Implementation

[0056] Some parts included in the figure are repeated in the illustrated device, such as the components on the right and left. Such parts can be individually identified by the letter following the reference numeral. For simplicity, a reference numeral may be used without a letter to indicate multiple occurrences of the part.

[0057] When a letter follows the reference numerals in the accompanying drawings, "a" indicates the right side of the walker's seat, and "b" indicates the left side. When the reference numerals are followed by the letters a, b, c, or d, "a" and "b" indicate the front of the device, and "c" and "d" indicate the rear, where "c" indicates the right side of the walker's seat, and "d" indicates the left side. In some cases, especially when only one of multiple components is shown, these letters may be omitted. It should be noted that components may be mirror images of each other on opposite right and left sides.

[0058] Figures 1 to 6 An illustrative depiction of a height-adjustable walking chair 100 is shown, having a height-adjusting mechanism 102 incorporated therein. Figures 1 to 3 A side view of the height-adjustable walking chair 100 is shown, and Figures 4 to 6 An isometric view is depicted. The height-adjustable walking chair 100 has a seated mode in which the seat 104 is in a lowered position, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown. The height-adjustable walking chair 100 also has a standing or walking mode, in which the seat 104 is raised to allow the occupant to walk while supported by the height-adjustable walking chair, as shown. Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown. In standing or walking mode, the handles 140a and 104b can be extended to allow the user to control the height-adjustable walking chair 100, for example, by activating the brakes using the brake levers 142a and 142b. The height-adjustable walking chair 100 may have one or more brake levers 142.

[0059] Figure 3 and Figure 6 The image depicts a height-adjustable walking chair 100 in a raised stool mode, where the handles 140a and 140b are folded back to allow the user to position the chair 100 close to, for example, a table, bar, or counter. Various seat heights are also selectable between seat 104 heights in both seated and walking modes. The handles 140a and 140b can be folded back in either the seated mode or any raised seat position. This allows the user to position the chair closer to a table, desk, or other equipment.

[0060] Although seat 104 is depicted as a saddle that may be advantageous for a height-adjustable walking chair, seat 104 may have other forms adapted to the use of the height-adjustable walking chair 100. Note the clearance at the front of the height-adjustable walking chair 100, for example... Figure 4 As seen in the image, it allows the rider to interact with the environment using a normal walking gait, with the rider's legs unobstructed or almost unobstructed.

[0061] Figures 1 to 3 A lifting mechanism 102 with a spring 106, visible from one side, is depicted. However, the lifting mechanism 102 with the spring 106 can also be incorporated into the opposite side of the height-adjustable chair 100. The lifting mechanism 102 can also be centrally located under the seat 104. Other lifting mechanism structures can be incorporated into the height-adjustable chair 100 as a single unit or multiple units.

[0062] like Figure 3 As can be seen, for example, the lifting mechanism 102 includes a parallelogram structure 108, which includes parallelogram pivots 110, 112, 114, and 116. Imaginary straight lines connecting the parallelogram pivots 110, 112, 114, and 116 form a parallelogram. Therefore, the term "parallelogram" is used, for example, in the phrase "parallelogram structure," even though the actual structural links may not be linear. A portion of end block 126 forms a parallelogram link between parallelogram pivots 114 and 116. A portion of frame 118 forms a parallelogram link between pivots 110 and 112. Parallelogram link 128 corresponds to an imaginary line between parallelogram pivots 112 and 114. Parallelogram link 130 corresponds to an imaginary line between parallelogram pivots 110 and 116.

[0063] Various components are directly or indirectly connected to frame 118 or are integral with the frame. For example... Figure 4 As shown, frame 118 may include lower frame components 120a and 120b, with wheels 122a-122d attached to the lower frame components. Frame 118 may include backrest components 124a and 124b extending upward from the lower frame components 120a and 120b, which may be attached to or integral with the lower frame components.

[0064] Armrests 132a and 132b are attached to frame 118. Optional footrests 134a and 134b are attached to frame 118 at footrest pivots 136a and 136b. Footrests 134a and 134b can be stationary relative to frame 118 or can rotate freely with wheels 122a and 122b, thus enabling the height-adjustable walking chair 100 to be steered, as will be further explained below.

[0065] The system may include a steering mechanism comprising one or both of foot pedals 134a and 134b, one or both of wheels 122a and 122b, and one or both of foot pedal pivots 136a and 136b. Foot pedals 134a and 134b may be directly or indirectly connected to wheels 122a and 122b, such that rotation of foot pedals 134a and 134b causes rotation of wheels 122a and 122b. A user may move one or both feet while using foot pedals 134a and 134b to change the direction of foot pedals 134a and 134b and wheels 122a and 122b. Foot pedals 134a and 134b may have two or more standard positions, for example, folded in and rotated inwards to accommodate the user's feet when seated. A foot pedal rotation mechanism that restricts the rotation of foot pedals 134a and 134b at pivots 136a and 136b can be used, such as rotation limit stops at the two or more positions. Other foot pedal rotation mechanisms that provide additional position selection may also be included. See also Figures 32 to 34 And the following related descriptions.

[0066] One or more of wheels 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d can be incorporated into the height-adjustable chair 100 by means of conventional or dual-mode casters, as described, for example, in International Patent Application PCT / US2017 / 060163 filed on November 7, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0067] Figure 7 and Figure 7 The details L depict a height-adjustable walking chair 100 with a maximum height limiter 138, which can be set to, for example, the user's standing or walking mode height. Figure 7 A height adjustment mechanism 144 for selecting various heights below the maximum height is also shown. An enlarged view of part L of the maximum height limiter 138 and the height adjustment mechanism 144 is also shown. When the user's weight is on the seat 104, the seat height release lever arms 186a, 186b are depressed, allowing the height-adjustable walking chair 100 to be adjusted to the desired mode, such as sitting, standing / walking, or high stool mode.

[0068] exist Figure 7 In the illustrative embodiment depicted, the maximum height limiter 138 includes a support and height-adjustable strut 146, the wall 154 of which has a series of holes 148 (see also). Figure 11 and Figure 12 The height adjustment lever 146 functions as part of the maximum height limiter 138 and the height adjustment mechanism 144, which will be described in more detail below. Figures 9 to 10A cross-section is depicted passing through the maximum height limiter 138 and the height adjustment mechanism 144. Figure 9 The cross-sectional details through the TT line are shown, both depicting the maximum height limiting pin 150 and the height adjusting pin 152 engaged in the holes 148, 160 of the height adjusting strut 146. Figure 10 The maximum height limiting pin 150 is shown disengaged from the hole 160 of the height adjusting strut 146.

[0069] exist Figure 11 and Figure 12 Details of the support and height adjustment strut 146 are shown in the image. Figure 11 The height adjustment strut 146 is shown in the transverse section FF and the enlarged view of the section G. Figure 12 The height adjustment strut 146 and its longitudinal section through KK are depicted.

[0070] exist Figure 11 In the illustrative embodiment shown, the height adjusting strut 146 is a tube with an elliptical cross-section. The adjusting strut 146 is shown as a curved member, but in alternative embodiments it can be linear, provided it functions as described herein. In one illustrative embodiment, the height adjusting pin 152 is associated with a parallelogram-shaped link and moves in an arc. Other cross-sectional shapes can also be used, provided the height adjusting mechanism 144 and the maximum height limiter 138 are configured to conform to this shape to achieve their respective functions of adjusting and limiting height. The strut wall 154 of the height adjusting strut 146 may be thickened in the strut wall region 156 to suppress wear caused by the height adjusting pin 152 and the maximum height limiting pin 150. The height adjusting strut 146 may have a cross-web 158. As previously described, the height adjusting strut 146 has a plurality of holes 148 in its wall 154. The height adjusting strut 146 also has a plurality of holes 160 in the cross-web 158. The horizontal plate hole 160 is aligned with the support rod wall hole 148.

[0071] Advantageously, the adjusting rod 146 in the height-adjustable walking chair form disclosed herein is a support rod. This allows for a lighter height-adjustable walking chair because it avoids the need for additional, heavier, or larger height-adjusting mechanisms.

[0072] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the height adjustment pin 152 extends into the hole 148 of the height adjustment support wall 154, but does not extend through the cross plate hole 160. In one illustrative embodiment, the height adjustment pin 152 engages approximately to the thickness of the height adjustment support wall 154. However, the maximum height limiter pin 150 extends through the height adjustment support wall hole 148 and through the cross plate hole 160. This can help stabilize the maximum height limiter pin 150.

[0073] The maximum height limiter 138 has a compression spring 162 arranged around the maximum height limiter pin 150, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown in the cross-sectional view. The grip 164 can be attached to the maximum height limiter pin 150 to allow the user to pull the maximum height limiter pin 150 out of the cross plate hole 160 and the height adjustment rod wall hole 148, and slide the maximum height limiter 138 along the height adjustment rod to change the maximum height limit. Once the maximum height limiter pin 150 is aligned with the height adjustment rod hole 148 (and therefore automatically aligned with the cross plate hole 160), the compression spring 162 biases the maximum height limiter pin 150 to extend and hold it through holes 148, 160. The maximum height limiter housing 166 surrounds the compression spring 162 and the maximum height limiter pin 150. The maximum height limiter housing 166 is slidably engaged with the height adjustment rod. The grip 164 is disposed outside the maximum height limiter housing 166. The maximum height limiter pin 150 extends through the opening at the first end of the maximum height limiter housing 166 and through the opposite opening of the maximum height limiter housing 166 when the compression spring 162 is extended.

[0074] The height adjustment mechanism 144 includes a height adjustment mechanism housing 168. When in its extended position, the height adjustment pin 152 extends through an opening in the height adjustment mechanism housing 168 and through a height adjustment support rod wall hole 148.

[0075] Figure 37 and Figure 38 A cross-sectional view of the seat height locking safety mechanism is depicted. Figure 37 The cross-section is labeled Detail C, an enlarged view of a portion of the height-adjustable walking chair 100 as seen in the view taken along BB. The tension spring 192 is connected to the seat height release lever 186; therefore, under certain conditions, compression of the seat height adjustment lever 186 will cause the tension spring 192 to extend, as will be further explained below. Figure 38As seen, cable 194 extends from height adjustment pin 152 and terminates at seat height adjustment lever 186, which is also connected to tension spring 192. When seat height adjustment lever 186 is compressed, height adjustment pin 152 can be pulled out from height adjustment lever wall hole 148 unless the friction between height adjustment pin 152 and height adjustment lever wall hole 148 is too great. The height locking safety mechanism is configured such that when there is no weight on seat 104, i.e., when the seat is unoccupied, the friction between height adjustment pin 152 and height adjustment lever wall hole 148 keeps height adjustment pin 152 in place. When the user sits down and the height-adjustable walking chair 100 is adjusted according to the user's weight, the seat has little or no upward or downward bias, i.e., the seat is balanced or nearly balanced. This balance allows height adjustment pin 152 to release and retract due to the minimized friction. The balance and bias of the seat can be achieved, for example, by spring 106 and parallelogram structure 108, for example... Figure 3 As shown. Once the user leaves the height-adjustable walking chair 100, the seat is offset, thereby generating friction between the height adjustment pin 152 and its insertion hole 148 in the height adjustment support rod wall. Therefore, when the height-adjustable walking chair 100 is not occupied, the height adjustment pin 152 remains in its original position.

[0076] Return to Figure 9 and Figure 10 The height adjustment mechanism housing 168 is fixedly connected to the parallelogram link 128. Therefore, when the height adjustment mechanism housing 168 moves along the height adjustment support rod, the angles in the parallelogram structure 108 change, thereby raising or lowering the seat 104.

[0077] When the maximum height limiter 138 is engaged with the height adjustment strut, the offset of the height adjustment mechanism housing 168 along the height adjustment strut is limited.

[0078] The maximum height limiter housing 166 is shown as a complete sleeve surrounding the height adjustment rod. The height adjustment mechanism housing 168 is shown as partially surrounding the height adjustment rod. Either housing may completely or partially surround the height adjustment rod, provided that they are slidable relative to the height adjustment rod, and that their respective pins can suitably engage the cross plate hole 160 and the height adjustment rod wall hole 148, without interfering with other components of the height-adjustable walking chair 100. Various mechanisms may be included to allow the housing to slide along the height adjustment rod, such as rollers, ball bearings, and low-friction materials, or combinations of these mechanisms.

[0079] It should be noted that the "height limit" and "height adjustment" described regarding the maximum height limiter 138 and height adjustment mechanism 144 are different from the lifting force adjustment provided by the lifting mechanism 102, which will be described in more detail below. The maximum height limiter 138 provides a maximum height limit that defines the degree of offset from the sitting mode to the standing mode produced by the lifting mechanism. The height adjustment mechanism 144 allows the user to select the seat height between the sitting and standing modes. The lifting mechanism 102 facilitates easy adjustment of the instantaneous height of the seat 104 for users of various weights. Other forms of height limiters and height adjustment mechanisms can be used with the height-adjustable walking chair 100.

[0080] Figure 13 A front view and a cross-sectional view through the UU of the height-adjustable walking chair 100 are depicted, showing the components of the height-adjusting mechanism 102. Figure 14 A front view and a cross-sectional view through VV of a height-adjustable walking chair 100 are depicted, showing a cut-off section of a component of the height-adjusting mechanism 102. The height-adjusting mechanism 102 includes a parallelogram structure 108 (partially shown) and a spring 106, such as a gas spring. A first spring end of the spring 106 is connected to a parallelogram link 128, and a second spring end is connected to an end block 126. The spring 106 is rotatably connected to the parallelogram link 128 at a pivot 172. In this illustrative embodiment, the spring 106 has a clamp 182 at its first end, which engages with a tab 184 fixedly connected to the parallelogram link 128. The second end of the spring 106 will be referred to as the spring termination point 174. The spring termination point 174 acts as a pivot.

[0081] A lifting mechanism can be employed. For example, spring 106 can be adjustably connected to end block 126 at spring termination point 174. The end block has a slot 176, which in this illustrative embodiment has a notch 178 with a fan-shaped inner slot edge. Spring termination point 174 has a spring pin 180 that engages with slot 176 and is held in one of the notches 178. Notch 178 forms an arc with a radius extending from spring pivot 172. When spring 106 is fully extended, the radius of slot 176 can match the radius of rotation of the second end of spring 106. The lifting force of lifting mechanism 102 will vary depending on which notch spring pin 180 engages with. The appropriate lifting force and notch location should be selected based on the weight of the occupant of the lifting chair 100, which will be described in more detail below. Spring pin 180 will remain engaged in recess 178 until height adjusting pin 152 and maximum height limiter pin 150 disengage from height adjusting support rod wall hole 148 and move beyond the maximum height, causing spring 106 to fully extend. Spring 106 can then be manually disengaged. Once spring pin 180 is removed from recess 178, it can be repositioned in different recesses 178 to adjust the lifting force of lifting mechanism 102. Further explanation of the lifting adjustment function is provided below.

[0082] To facilitate the removal of the spring pin 180 from the recess 178, an auxiliary compression spring 216 can be used. Figure 8 An auxiliary spring mechanism is depicted that helps retain the spring pin 180 in the notch 178 of the slot 176 when the adjustable walking chair is fully raised. The auxiliary compression spring mechanism can be arranged in the end region 224, as shown... Figure 13 As shown. A portion of the spring 106 includes a spring body 218 having a threaded mounting portion 220. An extension cylinder 226 extends from the spring body 218. The extension cylinder 226 is slidably engaged with a receiving cup 228, which is generally the spring end region 224. An auxiliary spring 216 is coaxial with the spring 106. Essentially, the auxiliary spring 216 extends the travel of the spring 106 by extending when the seat of the adjustable walking chair reaches its maximum height, or takes over when the spring 106 is fully extended. This extension is configured to provide sufficient force to retain the spring pin 180 in the slot 176, but allows it to be adjusted between the various recesses 178.

[0083] Adjusting the position of the spring termination point 174 shortens or lengthens one side of the lifting triangle that forms part of the lifting mechanism 102. This side of the lifting triangle is the distance from the spring termination point 174 to the parallelogram pivot 114 (the position of pivot 114, see...). Figure 3The other two sides of the lifting triangle are the length of the spring 106 from the spring pivot 172 to the spring termination point 174, and the distance from the spring pivot 172 to the parallelogram pivot 114. The distance from the spring termination point 174 to the parallelogram pivot 114 can be considered as a "lever arm". The effective lifting force of the lifting mechanism 102 increases with the increase of the lever arm length.

[0084] In this illustrative embodiment, the height-adjustable walking chair 100 is positioned at its highest point for height adjustment. In the lowest position, spring 106 is compressed and positioned, so it cannot easily realign with recess 178. Spring 106 is extended and aligned with recess 178 when the height-adjustable walking chair 100 is at its highest position. Therefore, 180 can be more easily repositioned within the selected recess 178.

[0085] like Figure 15 and 16 As shown, the height-adjustable walking chair 100 has handles 140a and 140b (see also) Figure 5 and Figure 6 Handles 140a and 140b may include one or more components. For example, such as... Figure 15 As shown, handles 140a and 140b have two components engaged at fasteners 190a and 190b. Handles 140a and 140b are rotatably connected to end blocks 126a and 126b via handle pivots 202a and 202b. When a user stands or walks using the height-adjustable walking chair in the raised position, handles 140a and 140b can be adapted to the user in a comfortable and supportive manner. In one illustrative embodiment, handles 140a and 140b are optionally configured to extend when the height-adjustable walking chair 100 is raised. Alternatively or additionally, handles 140a and 140b can be configured to be manually extended.

[0086] Figure 15 The front and side views of the height-adjustable walking chair 100 are depicted, with the handle 140 in the extended position. Figure 15 This includes the section cut through AA-AA. Section AA-AA shows the handle pivot 202. Again, it shows the... Figure 2 A side view of the same height-adjustable walking chair 100 is provided for reference. Figure 15 Enlarged view of section AC in Figure 17A As shown in the figure, section AC depicts the handle pivot 202 when the handle 140 is in the extended position.

[0087] Figure 16 A front view of a height-adjustable walking chair 100 is depicted, with the handle 140 in a folded position. Figure 16This includes the section taken along AB-AB. Section AB-AB shows the handle pivot 202 configured when the handle 140 is in the folded position. Again, it shows the... Figure 3 A side view of the same height-adjustable walking chair 100 is provided for reference. Figure 16 Enlarged view of section AD in Figure 17B As shown in the figure. Section AC depicts the handle pivot 202 when the handle 140 is in the folded position.

[0088] Figure 17A The handle pivot 202 is depicted when the handle 140 is extended. The handle pivot 202 may include a first pivot pin 204 and a second pivot pin 206, each extending from the end block 126. A pivot element 208 is attached to or integral with the handle 140. The pivot element 208 includes a pivot notch 210 and a pivot groove 212. When the handle 140 is extended, the first pivot pin 204 is positioned toward the outer portion of the pivot groove 212, and the second pivot pin 206 engages in the notch 210. If a force 214 is applied to the handle 140 near the handle pivot 202, this force will have a significant upward vector component and cause the pivot element 208 to also move upward, thereby repositioning the pivot groove 212 such that the first pivot pin 204 is positioned toward the inner portion of the pivot groove 212. The force 214 will also disengage the second pivot pin from the pivot notch 210. The resulting shape is... Figure 17B As shown in the diagram, the handle 140 will still pivot about the first pivot pin 204, but will no longer be locked in place by the second pivot pin 206. This allows the handle 140 to pivot rearwards from the height-adjustable walking chair 100. By folding the handle 140 upwards or backwards in this manner, the user can position the height-adjustable walking chair closer to, for example, a table or counter. If a force 214 is applied along the handle 140 further out (i.e., away from the occupant), the handle 140 will rotate about the first pivot pin 204 without disengaging from the pivot notch 210.

[0089] It should be noted that a conventional latch or similar mechanism can be used instead of the combination of pivot notch 210 and pivot groove 212 of pivot element 208.

[0090] The height-adjustable walking chair 100 can have different types of seats 104. Figures 18 to 22 A saddle-shaped rotating seat 302 with a wide rear section is depicted. The features of the rotating seat 302 can also be used with seats of other shapes.

[0091] Figure 18 This is a bottom view of the rotating seat 302. Figure 19 An exploded view is shown, which includes a top component 304 and a bottom component 306 configured to be interconnected. Figure 20A top view of the rotating seat 302 is depicted. Figure 21 An exploded view showing details of the underside of the rotating seat 302 is depicted. Figure 22 This is a view of the underside of the swivel seat 302, with a cross-section taken via AE-AE. Various structural flanges or components are drawn; these may not be necessary depending on the material and dimensions of the swivel seat 302 and its application.

[0092] The swivel seat 302 rotates about a seat pivot 308. The seat pivot 308 may include a bore in which a column or other pivot mechanism is disposed. The swivel seat 302 may have one or more roller assemblies 310, primarily for additional structural support, which can reduce structural torque compared to a swivel seat supported only on a single pivot. This potential reduction is due to the swivel seat 302 having multiple contact points or contact areas.

[0093] The roller assembly 310 includes an arcuate track or opening 312 arranged radially in the bottom seat component 306 at a distance from the seat pivot 308. The center of the arc of each track 312 is the seat pivot 308. Complementary rollers 314 are arranged on the top component 304. When the top component 304 engages with the bottom component 306, the rollers 314 engage with the tracks 312. The contact between the rollers 314 and the tracks 312 provides support for the seat 302 while allowing the seat 302 to rotate freely about the seat pivot 308. The positions of the rollers 314 and the tracks 312 can be reversed, including on the top component 304 and the bottom component 306. The length of the tracks 312 can vary, depending on factors such as the number of tracks in the seat, the weight of the seat, and the expected weight range of the occupant.

[0094] exist Figure 18 and Figure 22 The release lever 402 can also be seen for disengaging the seat 302 (or other seat 104) so ​​that the height-adjustable walking chair 100 can be folded as designed. "Foldable" means that the height-adjustable walking chair can be foldable, and may include components that fold in ways other than folding. It should be noted that, in addition to the height-adjustable walking chair, the swivel seat 302 can also be used in other devices.

[0095] Figures 23 to 30 The folding mechanism of the height-adjustable walking chair 100 is depicted, showing the height-adjustable walking chair at various stages during the folding process.

[0096] Figure 23 An isometric view of the height-adjustable walking chair 100, as well as an enlarged view of section A, are shown. A lever 402 is attached to the top seat component 306. Figure 24The bottom and front views of the height-adjustable walking chair 100, as well as a cross-sectional view taken by DD, are depicted. The control lever 402 engages with the hook 404. The hook 404 is located on the end block 126. Therefore, when the control lever 402 engages with the hook 404, the seat 104 is locked in place.

[0097] Figure 25 The bottom and front views of the height-adjustable walking chair 100, as well as a cross-sectional view taken by GG, are depicted. The control lever 402 is shown disengaging from the hook 404 by rotation about the lever pivot 406. It should be noted that the positions of the lever and hook can be reversed. Furthermore, the release lever 402 can be positioned elsewhere, as long as it functions as intended. Additionally, the hook 404 can be on a component other than the end block 126, depending on the configuration of the height-adjustable walking chair 100. For example, the hook 404 can be located on a portion of the frame 118. The locking mechanism should allow the seat 104 to rotate when the control lever 402 is depressed and to lock in place when the lever is engaged. Other seat locking mechanisms may also be used, provided they achieve this function and are compatible with other components of the height-adjustable walking chair 100.

[0098] Figure 26 This shows a front view of the height-adjustable walking chair 100 with the seat 104 partially rotated about the seat hinge 408, the position of the seat hinge, and the various parts in... Figure 20 As shown in the diagram, the seat hinge component 410 of the seat hinge 408 engages with a complementary hinge component that can be connected to, for example, end block 126. On the side opposite to the seat hinge 408, the seat 104 has a seat latch 412 that engages with a rod 414. The rod 414 can be fixed to or integral with the seat hook 414. When the seat latch 412 engages with the rod 414, the seat 104 is supported in a horizontal or near-horizontal position for use as a seat or as a user support for standing or walking modes. The seat 104 can also be stabilized by other stabilization mechanisms, provided that they secure the seat in place when the height-adjustable walking chair 100 is in use, adequately support the user when sitting, standing, and walking, and do not interfere with other components and functions of the height-adjustable walking chair 100.

[0099] Figures 27 to 30 A height-adjustable walking chair in a folding configuration is depicted. The height-adjustable walking chair 100 can be locked in a folded position. In the illustrated embodiment, the height-adjustable walking chair 100 is preferably folded in its lowest (seated) position. Figure 27 and Figure 28 This is a side view of the folding, height-adjustable walking chair 100. Figure 27 A view of the side where rod 414 is located is shown. Figure 28 A view depicting the side where seat hinge 408 is located. From Figure 27 , Figure 28 As can be seen, seat 104 rotates about a relatively horizontal axis, so the seating surface of seat 104 is essentially vertical. This allows frame 118 to fold, thereby allowing end blocks 126a and 126b to move toward each other, as shown below. Figure 29 , Figure 30 The front and rear views of the folding, height-adjustable walking chair 100 are shown.

[0100] Figure 31 The cross arms 502a and 502b are shown; they are part of the folding mechanism of the height-adjustable walking chair. The cross arms 502a and 502b pivot at a cross arm pivot 504. Each cross arm 502a and 502b consists of two hinged components 506a,b and 508a,b. The “hinge” connecting the hinged components can be any rotating mechanism that allows the cross arms 502a and 502b to fold as needed. For example, the “hinge” can be a conventional pivot. The cross arm components 506a, 506b, 508a, and 508b are attached to the frame 118 and, when unfolded in normal use, serve to keep the end blocks 126 perpendicular to each other. When the cross arms 502a and 502b rotate in a scissor-like manner toward a direction aligned with each other, the left and right sides of the frame 118 move closer together. The crossarm components 506a and 506b fold downward relative to the crossarm components 508a and 508b to bring the left and right components of the frame 118 as close together as possible. The crossarms 502a and 502b can be nested within each other for compactness.

[0101] Return to Figure 23 , Figure 24 Section DD and Figure 25 Cross-section GG reveals the foldable seat support frame 510. The foldable seat support frame 510 comprises two components 512 and 514 hinged in a scissor-like manner at a first seat support pivot 516. The first seat support component 512 is also hinged to the bottom seat component 306 at a second seat support pivot 518. When the left and right sides of the frame 118 are brought together, the seat support component 514 folds downward and comes into contact with the seat support component 512. The seat support components 512 and 514 nest together and fold around the bottom seat component 306. The second seat pivot 518 allows the foldable seat support frame to support the seat 104 in a folded configuration.

[0102] For example, in Figure 27 , Figure 28As can be seen in the illustrative embodiment, the height-adjustable walking chair 100, when folded, can be configured such that the seat release latch 412 is positioned, allowing the user to grip the device for walking support. The wheels 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d remain on the ground, thus allowing the height-adjustable walking chair to roll as the user walks while gripping the seat hinge component 410. Different "handle" configurations can be incorporated into the height-adjustable walking chair 100. In this embodiment, the height-adjustable walking chair 100 is balanced in the folded position to allow it to be used as walking support. That is, when the user transfers their weight to the handle 410 for support, the height-adjustable walking chair 100 will remain on the ground with little or no chance of tipping over. This is achieved by aligning and sufficiently spacing the wheels 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d with each other. Furthermore, the handle 410 can be positioned to prevent the user's weight from causing the height-adjustable walking chair 100 to tip over.

[0103] The aforementioned configuration allows the height-adjustable walking chair 100 to fold without the user bending over, or with the user bending over to a minimum. However, other folding mechanisms can also be incorporated into the height-adjustable walking chair 100.

[0104] Figures 32 to 34 The caster steering pedals 602a and 602b are shown. The pedals 602a and 602b are fixedly connected to the axles 604a and 604b of the front casters 606a and 606b. Therefore, rotation of the pedals 602a and 602b causes rotation of the front casters 606a and 606b. Figure 32 and Figure 33 These are isometric and top views of the height-adjustable walking chair 100, showing the footrests 602a and 602b angled from their frontal position. Figure 32 As can be seen, casters 606a and 606b are also rotated. Figure 34 This is a top view of the height-adjustable walking chair 100, showing forward-oriented footrests 602a, 602b and casters 606a, 606b. These specific footrests are shown as elliptical. The footrests 602a, 602b allow the user to turn the height-adjustable walking chair 100 by rotating the casters 606a, 606b with their feet, so that the walking chair follows a desired path. The footrests preferably have sufficient friction to engage the user's foot / shoe, thereby enabling turning.

[0105] Figure 35A , Figure 35BCasters 606b and 606a are shown in their non-extended and vertically extended positions, respectively. Shafts 604a and 604d can extend from sleeves 608a and 608b, respectively. A release pin 610 is provided to secure casters 606b and 606a to selected extensions. Other mechanisms can also be used to extend the distance between the caster 606 and the bottom of the sleeve 608.

[0106] Go to Figure 36 , combined Figure 31 The following embodiment is shown, in which the height-adjustable walking chair 100 may have two backrests 702, 704. Backrest 702 is fixed to end block 126, thus rising and falling as the seat 104 moves up and down. Backrest 702 may be fixed to any other component that rises and falls with the seat 104, provided that this configuration is compatible with the design and function of the height-adjustable walking chair 100. Backrest 704 may be attached to frame 118, thus remaining stationary relative to the height above the ground when the seat 104 is lowered or raised.

[0107] Figure 39 and Figure 40 Top-view and isometric views of a seat belt 800 for use with a height-adjustable walking chair 100 are depicted. The seat belt 800 has a stretchable band portion 802, which may be, for example, elastic or other stretchable fabric or material. The stretchable band portion 802 is located around the user's back and extends to the front of the user, with each end connected to stretchable band portion adjustment devices 804a, 804b. The stretchable band portion adjustment devices 804a, 804b are used to conform the stretchable band portion 802 to the user's body. The elasticity of this portion of the seat belt 800 allows the user to more easily and comfortably switch between height-adjustable walking chair modes, such as sitting, standing / walking, or high stool modes, for example, reducing or eliminating unwanted slack and sagging that may occur with conventional seat belts when sliding backward from the front of the seat to the back.

[0108] Alternatively, or in addition to stretchable material and adjustment mechanisms, the seat belt 800 may also employ a retractor. The seat belt material extends from the retractor. Conventional seat belt retractors include mechanisms configured to lock in place to ensure the user is secured in the event of sudden movement or impact.

[0109] To form a complete loop around the user, the seat belt 800 has front belt portions 806a and 806b. Front belt portion 806a is connected to buckle portion 808, and front belt portion 806b is connected to complementary buckle portion 810. Buckle portion 808 and complementary buckle portion 810 together form buckle 820, which secures the seat belt 800 around the user. Buckle 820 can be located in a central position in front of the user for easy fastening.

[0110] The front belt portions 806a and 806b also pass through the stretchable belt adjustment devices 804a and 804b. The stretchable belt adjustment devices 804a and 804b can be, for example, a three-slip buckle belt adjuster device. The stretchable belt portions 806a and 806b can be made of materials with different degrees of stretchability, depending on the application of the seat belt, the user's size, and other user needs.

[0111] The front strap portions 806a, 806b further pass through the strap adjustment devices 812a, 812b. Anchoring portions 814a, 814b are connected to the strap adjustment devices 812a, 812b. Anchoring portions 814a, 814b are secured to the height-adjustable walking chair 100 at the frame connection portions 816a, 816b at the frame connection portion 118. Anchoring portions 814a, 814b may be made of non-stretch webbing (which may be, for example, semi-rigid) or other materials with the necessary durability and strength to secure the user in place as needed, while providing any required flexibility for user needs and comfort. Loops 818a, 818b may be provided to optionally retain the anchoring portions 814a, 814b in place.

[0112] Figure 41A -C depicts a cam buckle 840 with an adjustment device 812. Figure 41A The latch 840 is shown in the closed position. Figure 41B The clasp 840 is depicted in the open position. Figure 41C A snap fastener 840 is shown, through which a portion of the strap, such as the front strap portion 806, passes. Each snap fastener 840a, 840b is connected to the anchor portions 814a, 814b at the snap fastener base groove 830.

[0113] The buckle 840 has a buckle base 834 and a buckle bar 822 hinged to the buckle base at a buckle pivot 832. Each buckle 840 is positioned with its hinged end facing forward of the lift-up chair 100. On each side of the seat belt 800, when the buckle bar 822 is rotated to the open position, the front belt portion 806 passes between the buckle base 834 and the buckle bar 822. The front belt portion 806 then passes through the buckle bar slot 824. This causes a portion of the front belt portion 806 to extend rearward from the buckle 840. This portion should be referred to as the belt adjustment portion 826. The user can pull the belt adjustment portion 826 forward to rotate the buckle bar 822 away from the buckle base 834, thus allowing the front belt portion 806 to slide between the buckle base 834 and the buckle bar 822 to tighten or loosen the seat belt 800. By pulling the belt adjustment portion backward, the selected belt size is locked in place. Figure 41B The illustrative buckle 840 shown has teeth 828 to hold the front belt portion 806 in place and prevent slippage. Other means of preventing slippage may also be implemented, such as sufficient pressure or anti-slip material. The buckle lever 822 is configured to remain closed or be forcibly closed when rotated to the closed position and the front belt portion 806 is pulled forward at the hinged end of the buckle 802, such as when the user leans forward. The front belt portion 806 may be non-stretchable or may be made of materials with varying degrees of stretchability, for example, depending on the application of the seat belt and other user needs.

[0114] It should be noted that the seatbelt 800 can be used with other devices, so the anchoring mechanism may differ. Additionally, the adjustment mechanism may also differ.

[0115] Various embodiments of the height-adjustable walking chair and its components have been described. The invention is not limited to the specific embodiments or combinations of elements disclosed. The invention may include different combinations of elements, omissions of some elements, or substitutions of elements with equivalents of this structure. For example, the height-adjustable walking chair may be foldable or non-foldable.

[0116] While illustrative embodiments have been described, other advantages and modifications will arise for those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention is not limited in its broader aspects to the specific details shown and described herein. Consequently, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific illustrative embodiments, but should be interpreted within the full spirit and scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A height-adjustable walking chair, comprising: A frame with four wheels; A seat is attached to the frame; An adjustable lifting mechanism is connected to the seat, the adjustable lifting mechanism comprising: A parallelogram structure having four pivotally connected links, the parallelogram being connected to the frame at at least two of the four pivots; A spring, rotatably extending from a first link of the parallelogram to an adjustable termination point on a second link of the parallelogram, to form a rising and falling triangle, wherein the spring termination point is displaced from a first pivot of the parallelogram; and A lifting force adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the position of the spring termination point relative to the first pivot; and A height adjustment mechanism, the height adjustment mechanism comprising: A height-adjustable support rod; The height-adjustable support rod has a series of holes on its wall; A height adjustment pin associated with a parallelogram link and moving in an arc accordingly; A compression spring arranged around the height adjustment pin; The height adjustment pin extends through a selected height adjustment support rod wall hole to lock the selected height of the seat; and The height adjustment pin can be pulled out of the selected hole and moved to be inserted into another selected hole to adjust the height of the seat; A height-locking safety mechanism is configured such that, when the seat is not occupied, the friction between the height-adjusting pin and the wall hole of the height-adjusting support rod keeps the height-adjusting pin in its original position; and When the seat is balanced or nearly balanced by the lifting mechanism, the friction is reduced, thereby releasing and retracting the height adjustment pin.

2. The height-adjustable walking chair according to claim 1, wherein the height adjustment mechanism further comprises: An arcuate groove with a notch is configured to engage with a spring pin at a selected notch, the radius of which matches the radius of rotation of the opposite ends of the spring when the spring is fully extended.

3. The adjustable walking chair according to claim 1, wherein the seat is in the form of a saddle.

4. The height-adjustable walking chair according to claim 1, further comprising a maximum height adjustment mechanism, the maximum height adjustment mechanism having: A height-adjusting support rod has an inner cross plate extending longitudinally within the height-adjusting support rod; The height-adjustable support rod has a series of holes on its wall; The cross plate has a series of holes aligned with the wall holes of the height adjustment support rod; A maximum height limiter pin; A compression spring arranged around the maximum height limiter pin; The maximum height limiter pin extends through a selected height adjustment strut wall hole and an aligned cross plate hole to lock the maximum height of the seat; and The maximum height limiter pin can be pulled out of the selected hole and inserted into other selected holes to adjust the maximum height of the seat.

5. The height-adjustable walking chair according to claim 1, further comprising a folding mechanism, the folding mechanism having: The hinges connecting the seat to the frame on the outside of the seat are configured to allow the seat to rotate to a vertical position. Two cross arms are rotatably connected at a pivot point, each end of which is connected to the frame. Both of the cross arms include two hinged components that are rotatably connected to each other; The two cross arms are configured to rotate in a scissor-like manner toward each other when the opposite sides of the frame are close to each other and the two hinged parts of the two cross arms are folded down at the hinges. A seat support frame having two parts hinged in a scissor-like manner at a first seat support pivot; and The seat support frame is further hinged to the seat at the bottom of the seat at the second seat support pivot.

6. The lift chair of claim 1, wherein, The adjustable walking chair has a rotatable handle that can be rotated from a front position to a rear position.

7. The adjustable walking chair according to claim 1, wherein the seat is rotatable, and the seat comprises: Top seat assembly and bottom seat assembly; A seat pivot extending from the bottom of the seat in the form of a column; One or more roller devices that support the weight; Each of the one or more roller devices has an arc-shaped track arranged in the bottom seat component or the top seat component at a radial distance from the seat pivot, with the seat pivot as the center of the track pivot; as well as Rollers complementary to the track are arranged on the top seat component or the bottom seat component, wherein the rollers engage with the track.

8. The height-adjustable walking chair of claim 1, wherein the front wheels are part of a caster assembly, and the height-adjustable walking chair further comprises: A foot pedal fixedly connected to the axle of the casters, the foot pedal being configured to steer the height-adjustable walking chair.

9. The height-adjustable walking chair of claim 1, configured to provide legroom for the user to allow the user to push the height-adjustable walking chair using a natural gait.

10. The height-adjustable walking chair according to claim 1, further comprising: Seat belts have the following features: The strap portion located around the user's back and extending to the front of the user; Each end of the strap portion is connected to a strap portion adjustment device, which is configured to fit the strap portion to the user. The first front strap portion connected to the buckle portion; The second front belt section connects to the complementary buckle; The front strap portion passes through the stretchable strap portion adjustment device; The front belt portion further passes through the belt adjustment device; as well as The anchoring strap portion is connected to the strap adjustment device and further secured to the frame.

11. The adjustable walking chair according to claim 10, wherein the adjustable device comprises: Two latches, each latch having a latch base and a latch rod hinged to the latch base at a latch pivot; Each latch is positioned with its hinge end facing the front of the adjustable walking chair; On each of the left and right sides of the seat belt, the front belt portion passes between the buckle base and the buckle bar; Each of the front belt portions further passes through the buckle bar groove, so that the belt adjustment portion of the front belt portion extends backward from the buckle, thereby locking the selected belt size into place by pulling the belt adjustment portion backward; The latch lever is configured such that when rotated to the closed position, the latch lever will remain closed or be forcibly closed when the front strap portion is pulled forward at the hinge end of the latch, such as when the user leans forward.

12. The height-adjustable walking chair according to claim 2, further comprising an auxiliary compression spring for adjusting the spring pin in the slot.

Images