Multi-directional foldable walker

Abstract

The present invention provides a multi-directional foldable rollator, comprising a front tube frame, a rear tube frame, a main frame, and a seat cushion. The front tube frame has a front wheel mounted on its bottom end and a handle on its top end. The rear tube frame has a rear wheel mounted on its bottom end and its top end hinged to the front tube frame. The main frame can be folded and stored or unfolded and supported between the two tube frames. The seat cushion can be detachably mounted on the main frame in the unfolded state for use as a passenger. After the main frame is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, it can be hung on the rollator in an idle state. This not only improves the structural stability of the entire vehicle, but also facilitates the storage of the seat cushion, preventing it from being accidentally discarded or lost, greatly meeting user needs and significantly enhancing the product's competitiveness.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of walkers, and in particular to a multi-directional foldable walker. Background Art

[0002] A walker is a device that helps the body support weight, maintain balance, and walk. Simply put, it reduces the pressure on the legs, allowing people with mobility issues to travel freely. Existing smart walkers designed specifically for the elderly can be used as both a wheelchair and a walking aid, providing a new level of travel assistance for the elderly.

[0003] Existing rollators have four-wheel frames, occupying a large area. Many on the market lack folding features, or even if they do, they only fold in one direction, making them less than ideal for storage. Ease of carrying after folding is particularly important when designing and manufacturing folding rollators. However, existing folding and unfolding systems are cumbersome and require multiple steps, making it difficult to quickly fold or unfold the frame. The seat cushion, in particular, significantly impacts the rapid folding of the entire rollator. Designing the seat cushion to accommodate the folding structure results in unstable folding and unfolding, making it difficult to meet user needs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, an object of the present invention is to provide a multi-directional foldable rollator to solve the above-mentioned problem.

[0005] The present invention adopts the following scheme:

[0006] The present application provides a multi-directional foldable walker, comprising: a front tube frame, a rear tube frame, a main frame, and a seat cushion; the front tube frame has a front wheel mounted on its bottom end, and a handle on its top end; the rear tube frame has a rear wheel mounted on its bottom end, and its top end is hinged to the front tube frame; the main frame can be folded and stored or unfolded and supported between the two tube frames; the seat cushion can be detachably arranged on the main frame in the unfolded state for use as a passenger; and after the main frame is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, it can be hung on the walker in an idle state.

[0007] As a further improvement, the main frame has a foldable connecting rod frame group, an articulated frame group separated from or connected to the connecting rod frame group, and a pipe frame hinged between the two pipe frames; wherein, in the unfolded state, the articulated frame group is buckled on the connecting rod frame group so that the connecting rod frame group is in a fully opened X shape, and at this time the pipe frame is placed horizontally between the two pipe frames set at an angle; in the folded state, the articulated frame group is disconnected from the connecting rod frame group and each rotates away from each other, and at this time the pipe frame is further unlocked to be movable relative to the rear pipe frame, so that the two pipe frames can be folded forward and backward.

[0008] As a further improvement, two front pipe racks and two rear pipe racks are respectively provided; the connecting rod rack group and the articulated rack group can be movably connected between the left and right opposing pipe racks; after switching to the folded state, the connecting rod rack group is rotated to be stored in a scissor shape, and the articulated rack group is rotated to be stored in a V shape, so that the pipe racks can be folded left and right.

[0009] As a further improvement, it also includes a sliding pipe sleeve configured on the rear pipe rack and a fixed pipe sleeve configured on the front pipe rack; the two ends of the pipe rack are respectively hinged on the sliding pipe sleeve and the fixed pipe sleeve, and the sliding pipe sleeve is provided with a locking member; the locking member locks the sliding pipe sleeve at the same height as the fixed pipe sleeve after the main frame is switched to the deployed state, and is controlled by an external force to trigger the locking member to unlock or lock, so as to control the position of the sliding pipe sleeve on the rear pipe rack.

[0010] As a further improvement, the connecting rod frame assembly includes a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod that are cross-arranged between two connecting rod frames and are centrally hinged. Along the central hinge point as the boundary, the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are segmented on the same side into connecting rod sub-units that are independently hinged and rotated with each other. When in the folded state, the connecting rod sub-units rotate relative to each other so that the entire connecting rod frame assembly is folded into a W-shaped storage.

[0011] As a further improvement, the articulated frame assembly includes two rods connected in a V-shape, the ends of the rods are respectively hinged to the bottom ends of the front pipe frames, and the two rods are provided with a buckle at the hinge, and the buckle can be rotatably buckled and covered on the connecting rod frame assembly when the articulated frame assembly is engaged with the connecting rod frame assembly.

[0012] As a further improvement, the top ends of the two rear pipe frames are provided with hook members facing outward, and the back side of the seat cushion is provided with a hanging portion adapted to the hook members.

[0013] As a further improvement, the main frame forms a supporting end surface when in the unfolded state, and buckling ears are provided on both sides of the seat cushion. The buckling ears can be rotatably engaged with the pipe frame so that the seat cushion and the supporting end surface are tightly attached to each other.

[0014] As a further improvement, the handle is adjustably positioned on the front tube frame for handholding and brake installation; the inner tube where the handle is located is sleeved into the outer tube of the front tube frame, and a locking block and a wrench matching the locking block are provided between the inner tube and the outer tube, and the locking position between the inner tube and the outer tube is controlled by operating the wrench.

[0015] As a further improvement, it also includes a flexible lumbar support; the flexible lumbar support is detachably arranged between the two front pipe frames in the form of a connector, and can adaptively follow the change of its own shape when the main frame switches states; wherein, when in the folded state, the flexible lumbar support is bent in a wave shape and stored between the pipe frames; and, when in the unfolded state, the flexible lumbar support is configured to be used as a wheelchair lumbar support with a U-shaped protrusion facing forward or as a push-wheel lumbar support with a U-shaped protrusion facing backward.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention can achieve the following technical effects:

[0017] 1. The multi-directional foldable rollator of the present application utilizes a main frame disposed between the front and rear tube frames for folding and unfolding support, enabling rapid folding after folding and corresponding work after unfolding. Furthermore, to prevent the seat cushion from interfering with the folding and folding of the entire vehicle, the existing unstable folding structure of the seat cushion is eliminated. Instead, the seat cushion is detachably mounted on the main frame. When the main frame is in the unfolded state, the seat cushion is mounted on the main frame to function as a seat. When the main frame is folded, the seat cushion is detached from the main frame and hung idle on the rollator. This not only improves the structural stability of the entire vehicle but also facilitates the storage of the seat cushion, preventing it from being accidentally discarded or lost. This significantly meets user needs and significantly enhances the product's competitiveness.

[0018] 2. Furthermore, the connecting rod assembly, articulated frame assembly, and pipe frame assembly on the main frame cooperate with each other. In the deployed state, the articulated frame assembly and connecting rod assembly interlock to form an X-shape, with the pipe frame positioned horizontally between the pipe frames, providing stable support and facilitating seat cushion installation and user riding. In the folded state, the articulated frame assembly and connecting rod assembly are disconnected and separated from each other, and the pipe frame is further unlocked to move relative to the rear pipe frame, ensuring forward and backward folding between the front and rear pipe frames. The connecting rod assembly is stored in a scissor-like manner, and the articulated frame assembly is stored in a V-shape, ensuring left and right folding between the front and rear pipe frames. This greatly improves the efficiency of state switching and enhances operability, making daily use more convenient for users. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a multi-directional foldable rollator in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Partial disassembly diagram in the figure;

[0021] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the multi-directional foldable rollator according to an embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state with the seat cushion hidden;

[0022] Figure 4 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a multi-directional foldable rollator in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Partial disassembly diagram in the figure;

[0024] Figure 6 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the multi-directional foldable rollator according to an embodiment of the present invention in a folded state with the seat cushion hidden.

[0025] Icons: 1-front tube frame; 2-rear tube frame; 3-main frame; 4-seat; 5-front wheel; 6-handle; 7-rear wheel; 8-connecting rod frame assembly; 9-articulated frame assembly; 10-connecting tube frame; 11-sliding tube sleeve; 12-fixed tube sleeve; 13-locking part; 14-first connecting rod; 15-second connecting rod; 16-connecting rod subunit; 17-fastener; 18-hook part; 19-hanging part; 20-buckled ear; 21-wrench; 22-flexible lumbar support; 23-buckle; 24-slot. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the invention for which protection is sought, but merely represents selected embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] Example

[0028] Combine Figures 1 to 6 This embodiment provides a multi-directional foldable rollator, comprising a front frame 1, a rear frame 2, a main frame 3, and a seat 4. The front frame 1 has a front wheel 5 mounted at its bottom and a handle 6 at its top. The rear frame 2 has a rear wheel 7 mounted at its bottom and its top hinged to the front frame 1. The main frame 3 can be folded and stored or unfolded and supported between the two frames. The seat 4 is detachably mounted on the main frame 3 in its unfolded state for use as a passenger. After the main frame 3 is folded from its unfolded state, it can be hung on the rollator for idle use.

[0029] In the above description, by supporting the folding and unfolding of the main frame 3 disposed between the front and rear tube frames 1 and 2, rapid folding after folding in multiple directions and corresponding work after unfolding are achieved. Furthermore, to prevent the seat cushion 4 from interfering with the folding and folding of the entire vehicle, the existing unstable folding structure of the seat cushion 4 is eliminated. Instead, the seat cushion 4 is detachably mounted on the main frame 3. When the main frame 3 is in the unfolded state, the seat cushion 4 is mounted on the main frame 3 to function as a seat. When the main frame 3 is in the folded state, the seat cushion 4 is detached from the main frame 3 and hung idle on the rollator. This not only improves the structural stability of the entire vehicle, but also facilitates the storage of the seat cushion 4, preventing it from being accidentally discarded or lost. This greatly meets user needs and significantly enhances the product's competitiveness.

[0030] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the main frame 3 includes a foldable connecting rod frame assembly 8, an articulated frame assembly 9 that can be separated from or connected to the connecting rod frame assembly 8, and a pipe frame 10 hinged between two pipe frames. In the deployed state, the articulated frame assembly 9 is fastened to the connecting rod frame assembly 8, forming a fully open X-shape. The pipe frame 10 is then positioned horizontally between the two pipe frames, which are arranged at an angle. In the folded state, the articulated frame assembly 9 is disconnected from the connecting rod frame assembly 8 and each rotates away from each other. The pipe frame 10 is further unlocked and can move relative to the rear pipe frame 2, allowing the two pipe frames to fold forward and backward. Thus, when deployed, the X-shaped connecting rod frame assembly 8, the articulated frame assembly 9, and the pipe frame 10 positioned horizontally on the pipe frame form multiple stable triangular supports, enhancing the structural stability and safety of the entire vehicle.

[0031] Obviously, two front tube frames 1 and two rear tube frames 2 are provided to construct a four-wheeled walker that is convenient for travel. Among them, the connecting rod frame group 8 and the articulated frame group 9 can be movably connected between the left and right opposing tube frames. After switching to the folded state, the connecting rod frame group 8 rotates to be stored in a scissor shape, and the articulated frame group 9 rotates to be stored in a V shape, so that the tube frames can be folded left and right. In the above, the connecting rod frame group 8, the articulated frame group 9 and the pipe frame 10 on the main frame 3 cooperate with each other, so that when in the unfolded state, the connecting rod frame group 8 is interlocked with each other through the articulated frame group 9 and the connecting rod frame group 8, so that the connecting rod frame group 8 is in an X shape, and the pipe frame 10 is placed horizontally between the tube frames to form a stable support and fixation, which is convenient for the installation and placement of the seat cushion 4 and the user's riding. In the folded state, the articulated frame group 9 is disconnected from the connecting rod frame group 8 and moves away from each other, and the connecting rod frame 10 is further unlocked to move relative to the rear pipe frame 2, ensuring that the front pipe frame 1 and the rear pipe frame 2 can be folded forward and backward, and the connecting rod frame group 8 is stored in a scissor shape (please refer to the W-shaped folding below for details), and the articulated frame group 9 is stored in a V-shape, ensuring that the two front pipe frames 1 / rear pipe frames 2 can be folded left and right, which greatly improves the efficiency of state switching and improves operability to facilitate daily use by users.

[0032] In the above, the bicycle can be folded in the left and right directions and the front and back directions, so that it takes up less space for daily storage, is convenient to carry when traveling, and can greatly reduce packaging and transportation costs. After folding, the bicycle can still stand stably and is not easy to fall over.

[0033] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the rollator further includes a sliding sleeve 11 disposed on the rear frame 2 and a fixed sleeve 12 disposed on the front frame 1. The ends of the frame 10 are hinged to the sliding sleeve 11 and the fixed sleeve 12, respectively. The sliding sleeve 11 is equipped with a locking member 13. When the main frame 3 is switched to the deployed state, the locking member 13 locks the sliding sleeve 11 at the same height as the fixed sleeve 12. External forces trigger the locking member 13 to unlock or lock, thereby controlling the position of the sliding sleeve 11 on the rear frame 2. In this embodiment, specifically, the locking member 13 is hingedly mounted on the sliding tube sleeve 11 and includes a repositionable pressing portion and a limiting portion. When the pressing portion is unlocked by external pressure, the limiting portion and the rear tube frame 2 are released, allowing the sliding tube sleeve 11 to freely move to the stowed position, allowing the tube frame 10 hinged on the sliding tube sleeve 11 to adaptively rotate and fold, thereby achieving the mutual folding of the front tube frame 1 and the rear tube frame 2. It is understood that the locking member 13 can also be a locking connection, as long as it can lock the sliding tube sleeve 11 in a limited position when it is at the same height as the fixed tube sleeve 12, and can be unlocked during folding to ensure that the sliding tube sleeve 11 can move freely on the rear tube frame 2.

[0034] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the connecting rod frame assembly 8 includes a first connecting rod 14 and a second connecting rod 15 intersectingly disposed between two tube frames 10 and hinged at the same center. Along the central hinge point, the first connecting rod 14 and the second connecting rod 15 are divided into connecting rod sub-units 16 on the same side, each of which is independently hinged and rotatable. When folded, the connecting rod sub-units 16 rotate relative to each other, allowing the entire connecting rod frame assembly 8 to fold into a W-shaped storage configuration. It should be noted that, given today's increasingly competitive market, both domestically and internationally, cost control is crucial for many companies' success. Logistics and transportation costs contribute significantly to these costs. Reducing the packaging volume by half can save nearly half the shipping costs, resulting in greater profits for the company. Similar walkers currently on the market typically reduce product packaging volume by folding side frames to reduce width. Furthermore, the side frames undergo a second folding process to reduce height, further reducing product packaging volume. Furthermore, in order to reduce the packaging of the product in the length direction and design its folding method to be more concise, in this embodiment, on the basis of the secondary folding of front-to-back folding and left-rear folding, the connecting rod sub-unit 16 is folded for the third time relative to the connecting rod frame group 8, which can further reduce the product packaging volume, especially the degree of left-to-right folding, thereby producing a walker that can be folded multiple times and reduced in volume for easy packaging and transportation.

[0035] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the articulated frame assembly 9 comprises two rods connected in a V-shape, the ends of which are hinged to the bottom ends of the front pipe frame 1. A buckle 17 is provided at the hinged joint between the two rods. The buckle 17 rotatably buckles and covers the connecting rod frame assembly 8 when the articulated frame assembly 9 is engaged with the connecting rod frame assembly 8. In this embodiment, when the main frame 3 is in the deployed state, the angle between the two rods of the articulated frame assembly 9 is larger, forming an opening and closing state that facilitates triangular support and assists in the fixed support of the connecting rod frame assembly 8 and the pipe frame 10. When the main frame 3 is switched to the folded state, the angle between the two rods is reduced to a smaller V-shape. This smaller angle obviously facilitates the folding and storage of the rods, without interfering with the folding of the entire vehicle.

[0036] like Figure 5As shown, in this embodiment, hook members 18 are provided outwardly at the top ends of the two rear tube frames 2, and a hanging portion 19 is provided on the back of the seat cushion 4, which is compatible with the hook members 18. The hook members 18 are exposed on one side of the rear tube frames 2, and the hanging portion 19 is configured as a clip structure integrally formed on the back of the seat cushion 4. The clip structure is suitable for quickly hanging on the hook members 18, ensuring that the seat cushion 4 can be directly hung on the hook members 18 after being detached. This not only facilitates storage, but also prevents the seat cushion 4 from being left unused and lost.

[0037] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the main frame 3 forms a supporting end surface when in the unfolded state. The seat cushion 4 is provided with snap-fit ​​ears 20 on either side. The snap-fit ​​ears 20 are rotatably engaged with the pipe frame 10, so that the seat cushion 4 and the supporting end surface are in close contact with each other. The snap-fit ​​ears 20 are similar to the snap-fit ​​members 17 described above. Both are snap-fit ​​structures, based on a process of tensioning or fastening between two components, wherein one component remains stationary while the other moves relative to the other. This movement exerts a pulling force on the stationary component. When the snap-fit ​​mechanism experiences this force and relative movement, the moving component reaches a critical point. After passing this critical point, a fixed fastening force is achieved, and the two components become relatively stationary. At this point, the snap-fit ​​mechanism is fastened to each other. This allows for rapid assembly and disassembly of the two components, further facilitating the folding and disassembly of the entire vehicle.

[0038] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, a handle 6 is adjustable on the front tube frame 1 for handholding and brake installation. The inner tube housing the handle 6 is sleeved within the outer tube of the front tube frame 1. A locking block (not shown) and a wrench 21 that cooperates with the locking block are provided between the inner and outer tubes. The locking position between the inner and outer tubes is controlled by manipulating the wrench 21. Obviously, the rotation of the wrench 21 to engage the locking block, thereby securing the two tubes, is conventional technology and will not be further explained here.

[0039] like Figure 5As shown, in this embodiment, the rollator also includes a flexible lumbar support 22. The flexible lumbar support 22 is removably mounted between the two front tube frames 1 in the form of a connector and adaptively changes shape when the main frame 3 switches between different states. When folded, the flexible lumbar support 22 is folded in a wave-like shape and stored between the tube frames. Furthermore, when unfolded, the flexible lumbar support 22 is configured to face forward (the U-shaped projection) for wheelchair use or backward (the U-shaped projection) for pushchair use. Preferably, the flexible lumbar support 22 can be a flexible fabric belt to prevent the user from leaning back when sitting. The belt's ends are secured to the two front tube frames 1 by two plastic buckles 23. The buckles 23 insert from top to bottom into slots 24 on the front tube frames 1. The buckles 23 are mirror images, allowing for insertion from both sides. Different insertion positions allow the belt to face forward or backward, satisfying the user's needs for front or rear sitting, greatly enhancing the overall flexibility of the power-assisted vehicle.

[0040] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention. The protection scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions under the concept of the present invention belong to the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-directional foldable walker, characterized in that: include: A front pipe frame, the bottom end of which is provided with a front wheel, and the top end of which is provided with a handle; A rear pipe frame, the bottom end of which is provided with a rear wheel, and the top end of which is hinged to the front pipe frame; The main frame can be folded and stored or unfolded and supported between the two pipe frames; A seat cushion is detachably mounted on the main frame in the unfolded state for use as a passenger; and is hung on the rollator in an idle state after the main frame is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state; The main frame comprises a foldable connecting rod frame group, an articulated frame group separated from or connected to the connecting rod frame group, and a pipe frame articulated between two pipe frames; wherein, In the unfolded state, the articulated frame assembly is buckled with the connecting rod frame assembly, so that the connecting rod frame assembly is in a fully opened X shape, and the connecting pipe frame is placed horizontally between the two pipe frames arranged at an angle; In the folded state, the articulated frame assembly and the connecting rod frame assembly are disconnected and rotated away from each other, and the pipe frame is further unlocked to be movable relative to the rear pipe frame, so that the two pipe frames can be folded forward and backward; There are two front pipe racks and two rear pipe racks respectively; the connecting rod rack group and the articulated rack group are movably connected between the left and right opposing pipe racks; after switching to the folded state, the connecting rod rack group rotates to be stored in a scissor shape, and the articulated rack group rotates to be stored in a V-shape, so that the pipe racks can be folded left and right; The vehicle also includes a sliding sleeve configured on the rear pipe frame and a fixed sleeve configured on the front pipe frame; the two ends of the pipe frame are hinged to the sliding sleeve and the fixed sleeve, respectively, and the sliding sleeve is provided with a locking member; the locking member locks the sliding sleeve at the same height as the fixed sleeve when the main frame is switched to the deployed state, and is controlled by an external force to trigger the locking member to unlock or lock, thereby controlling the position of the sliding sleeve on the rear pipe frame; The connecting rod frame assembly includes a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod that are centrally hinged and cross-arranged between two pipe frames. Along the central hinge point as the boundary, the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are segmented on the same side into connecting rod sub-units that are independently hinged and rotated. In the folded state, the connecting rod units rotate relative to each other so that the entire connecting rod frame assembly is folded into a W-shaped storage. The articulated frame assembly includes two rods connected in a V shape, the ends of the rods are respectively hinged to the bottom ends of the front pipe frames, and the two rods are provided with a buckle at the hinge. The buckle can be rotatably buckled and covered on the connecting rod frame assembly when the articulated frame assembly is engaged with the connecting rod frame assembly.

2. The multi-directional foldable rollator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top ends of the two rear pipe frames are provided with hook members facing outwards, and the back side of the seat cushion is provided with a hanging part adapted to the hook members.

3. The multi-directional foldable rollator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main frame forms a supporting end surface when in the unfolded state. Buckling ears are provided on both sides of the seat cushion. The buckling ears are rotatably engaged with the pipe frame so that the seat cushion and the supporting end surface are in close contact with each other.

4. The multi-directional foldable rollator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The handle is adjustably arranged on the front tube frame for handholding and brake installation; the inner tube where the handle is located is sleeved into the outer tube of the front tube frame, and a locking block and a wrench matching the locking block are provided between the inner tube and the outer tube, and the locking position between the inner tube and the outer tube is controlled by operating the wrench.

5. The multi-directional foldable rollator according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a flexible waist support; the flexible waist support is detachably arranged between the two front pipe frames in the form of a connector, and can adaptively follow and change its shape when the main frame switches state; wherein, When in the folded state, the flexible waist support is bent in a wave shape and stored between the tube frames; and When in the unfolded state, the flexible lumbar support is configured to face the front U-shaped convex wheelchair lumbar support or the rear U-shaped convex push lumbar support.

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