Mobile assistive device and height adjustment mechanism thereof

Abstract

A mobile assist device and a height adjustment mechanism thereof are disclosed. The mobile assist device includes a left side frame, a right side frame coupled to the left side frame, a plurality of wheels supporting the left side frame and the right side frame, a first shaft defining a plurality of axially spaced apart locking holes, the first shaft configured to slide relative to the left side frame to adjust a position of an end of the first shaft relative to the left side frame, a second shaft defining a plurality of axially spaced apart locking holes, the second shaft configured to slide relative to the right side frame to adjust a position of an end of the second shaft relative to the right side frame, and a first adjustment mechanism including an actuator movably coupled to the left side frame, a locking pin configured to be received in a first locking hole of the plurality of locking holes of the first shaft in response to actuation of the actuator, and a friction member configured to be pressed against the first shaft to resist a wobble of the first shaft relative to the left side frame in response to the actuation of the actuator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to mobility aids, and more particularly to a mechanism for setting a selected height for a handle or armrest of a mobility aid. Background Technology

[0002] Walking aids enhance an individual's ability to walk and move independently by providing stability, support, and / or reducing the burden on the lower limbs. A typical walking aid consists of a frame supported by three to four wheels, handlebars, and a seat. The height or vertical position of the handlebars relative to the frame can be adjusted to suit the user's height.

[0003] Each handle is typically fixed to a vertical tube, which is slidably received in a corresponding sleeve of the frame to allow for handle height adjustment. Importantly, handle height adjustment must be convenient for the user, the handle must remain locked in its vertical position during use, and clicking noise from the vertical tube within the frame's sleeve must be minimized. There is a continued need to provide a height adjustment mechanism that at least meets all of the above requirements. Utility Model Content

[0004] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a mobility aid is provided, comprising a left frame, a right frame coupled to the left frame, a plurality of wheels supporting the left and right frames, a first shaft and a second shaft, and a first adjustment mechanism, each defining a plurality of axially spaced locking holes. The first shaft is configured to slide relative to the left frame to adjust the position of an end of the first shaft relative to the left frame. The second shaft is configured to slide relative to the right frame to adjust the position of an end of the second shaft relative to the right frame. The first adjustment mechanism includes: a sleeve defining a channel therethrough and fixedly coupled to the left frame; an actuator movably coupled to the sleeve; a locking pin movably supported in the sleeve; and a friction member movably supported in the sleeve. The first shaft extends through the channel of the sleeve. The locking pin is configured to receive in a first locking hole among the plurality of locking holes of the first shaft in response to actuation of the actuator. The friction member is configured to press against the first shaft in response to actuation of the actuator to resist wobbling of the first shaft relative to the left frame.

[0005] In various embodiments, the friction member may define a channel, and the locking pin may be movably received in the channel of the friction member.

[0006] In each embodiment, when the locking pin is horizontally aligned with the first locking hole, the actuation of the actuator can drive the locking pin relative to the friction member and into the first locking hole. The actuation of the actuator can also drive the friction member to press against the first shaft.

[0007] In various embodiments, the adjusting mechanism may further include a biasing member received in the channel of the friction member and operably engaged with the locking pin, such that the biasing member biases the locking pin to a position where the locking pin is outside the plurality of locking holes.

[0008] In various embodiments, the actuator may be a lever rotatably coupled to the sleeve. The lever may include a cam configured to engage with the locking pin and / or the friction member.

[0009] In various embodiments, the cam of the lever can be configured to drive the locking pin and the friction member axially in response to rotation of the lever.

[0010] In various embodiments, the mobility aid may further include a tactile mechanism extending into the channel of the sleeve and engaging with the first axis. The tactile mechanism may be configured to selectively engage a second locking hole located near the first locking hole.

[0011] In each embodiment, the tactile mechanism and the locking pin can be spaced apart by an axial distance equal to the axial distance defined between the first locking hole and the second locking hole.

[0012] In various embodiments, the sleeve may define a first channel located on a first side of the sleeve, and a second channel located on the first side of the sleeve and vertically aligned with the first channel. The locking pin may extend through the first channel, and the tactile mechanism may extend through the second channel.

[0013] In various embodiments, the tactile mechanism may include an elongated member axially supported by the sleeve, and a ball slidably supported by the elongated member and spring-biased toward engaging with the first axis.

[0014] In various embodiments, the mobility aid may further include a first handle supported at the top of the first axis and a second handle supported at the top of the second axis. The vertical position of the first handle relative to the left frame can be adjusted by sliding the first axis relative to the left frame, and the vertical position of the second handle relative to the right frame can be adjusted by sliding the second axis relative to the right frame.

[0015] In various embodiments, the left-side frame may include a left upright support. The sleeve may be fixed around the left upright support, and the first axis may be slidably received within the left upright support.

[0016] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an adjustment mechanism is provided for adjusting the position of a handle or armrest of a mobility aid. The adjustment mechanism includes: a sleeve defining a channel therethrough; an actuator movably coupled to the sleeve; a locking pin movably supported in the sleeve and configured to move relative to the sleeve in response to actuation of the actuator; and a friction member movably supported in the sleeve and configured to move relative to the sleeve in response to actuation of the actuator.

[0017] In various embodiments, the friction member may define a channel, and the locking pin may be movably received in the channel of the friction member.

[0018] In each embodiment, the actuation of the actuator can drive the locking pin relative to the friction member and drive the friction member relative to the sleeve.

[0019] In various embodiments, the adjusting mechanism may further include a biasing member received in the channel of the friction member and engaging the locking pin. The biasing member may be configured to resiliently bias the locking pin away from the friction member and toward the actuator.

[0020] In various embodiments, the actuator may include a cam that engages with the head of the locking pin and is configured to drive axial movement of the locking pin and the friction member in response to rotation of the actuator relative to the sleeve.

[0021] In various embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may further include a tactile mechanism extending into the channel of the sleeve. The tactile mechanism may be configured to actuate independently of the actuator and releasably engage a locking hole of the mobility aid.

[0022] In various embodiments, the sleeve may define a first channel located on a first side of the sleeve, and a second channel located on the first side of the sleeve and vertically aligned with the first channel. The locking pin may extend through the first channel, and the tactile mechanism may extend through the second channel.

[0023] In various embodiments, the tactile mechanism may include an elongated member axially supported by the sleeve, and a ball slidably supported by the elongated member and spring-biased away from the end of the elongated member.

[0024] As used herein, the terms “parallel” and “perpendicular” should be understood to include relative configurations that are substantially parallel and substantially perpendicular to truly parallel and truly perpendicular by a maximum of approximately + or -15 degrees.

[0025] The term “about” as used herein means that the value is approximate, and minor variations will not significantly affect the practice of the disclosed embodiments. When numerical limits are used, unless the context otherwise indicates, “about” means that the value may vary by ±10%, but still within the range of the disclosed embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0026] This document describes embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a perspective front view showing an exemplary embodiment of the mobility aid in an unfolded or operational configuration;

[0028] Figure 2A It is shown that... Figure 1 A top view of the height adjustment mechanism used in conjunction with a walking aid;

[0029] Figure 2B It is shown Figure 2A A 3D view of the height adjustment mechanism;

[0030] Figure 2C It is shown Figure 2A A plan view of the height adjustment mechanism;

[0031] Figure 2D It is shown Figure 2A Side view of the height adjustment mechanism;

[0032] Figure 3 It is shown Figures 2A to 2D A three-dimensional view showing the parts of the locking assembly of the height adjustment mechanism separated;

[0033] Figure 4 yes Figures 2A to 2D A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tactile mechanism of the height adjustment mechanism;

[0034] Figure 5A This is a side cross-sectional view showing the height adjustment mechanism in the unlocked state; and

[0035] Figure 5B This is a side cross-sectional view showing the height adjustment mechanism in the locked state. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Embodiments of the currently disclosed mobility assistance device and its height adjustment mechanism are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding elements in each of the plurality of views.

[0037] refer to Figure 1 The figure illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the mobility assistance device 100. While the mobility assistance device 100 shown is a walking aid, it is conceivable that the mobility assistance device 100 can be any suitable type, such as a wheelchair, standard walking aid, upright walking aid, etc. The mobility assistance device 100 typically includes a left frame 102 and a right frame 104, the right frame 104 being connected to the left frame 102 via a folding mechanism (not explicitly shown) that selectively allows the mobility assistance device 100 to be in an unfolded or operational configuration. Figure 1 Switch between ) and folded or stored configuration (not shown).

[0038] Each of the left and right side frames 102, 104 includes a corresponding rear leg 108, 112 and a front leg 110, 114. The rear legs 108, 112 may have upright supports 108a, 112a and lower ends 108b, 112b. The left and right upright supports 108a, 112a may be integrally formed with or connected (e.g., welded) to the remainder of the rear legs 108, 112. The front legs 110, 114 of each corresponding left and right side frame 102, 104 include upper ends 110a, 114a connected to the corresponding left and right upright supports 108a, 112a and lower ends 110b, 114b. The lower ends 110b and 114b of each front leg 110 and 114 have wheels or wheel assemblies 116 and 118 rotatably connected thereto, and the lower ends 108b of each hind leg 108 and 112 have wheels 120 and 122 connected thereto.

[0039] The mobility aid 100 also includes a first or left handle assembly 124 coupled to the left side frame 102 and a second or right handle assembly 126 coupled to the right side frame 104. Each handle assembly 124, 126 includes shafts 124b, 126b and handles 124a, 126a extending rearward from the shafts 124b, 126b. The shafts 124b, 126b of the handle assemblies 124, 126 are slidably received in upright supports 108a, 112a of the rear legs 108, 112 of the respective left and right side frames 102, 104 to allow selective adjustment of the height of the handles 124a, 126a relative to the frames 102, 104. A back support 128 may be attached to and extends forward from the shafts 124b, 126b of the handle assemblies 124, 126. It is contemplated that the back support 128 may be coupled to other suitable locations on the mobility aid 100. Each of the left and right frames 102, 104 also includes a height adjustment mechanism 200, which is securely fixed to and surrounds the top of the upright supports 108a, 112a.

[0040] refer to Figure 2A-2D, Figure 3 , Figure 5A and Figure 5B The height adjustment mechanism 200 of each of the left frame 102 and the right frame 104 typically includes: a fixed connection to the upright support members 108a, 112a. Figure 1 The upper end of the sleeve 202; the locking assembly 204 located within the sleeve 202; and the tactile mechanism 206 located within the sleeve 202. The sleeve 202 includes: a collar 208 defining a channel 210 therethrough; and a housing 212 extending outwardly from the collar 208. The collar 208 is located around the upper end of the upright support 108a and a portion of the handle shaft 124b. The handle shaft 124b is configured to be in the unlocked state when the mechanism 200 is in the unlocked state. Figure 5A When the sleeve 202 moves axially through the channel 210 of the sleeve 202 and relative to the upright support 108a, the collar 208 defines the first or upper channel 208a. Figure 3 The upper channel 208a and the lower channel 208b are located on the first side of the collar 208. The upper channel 208a and the lower channel 208b extend radially through the collar 208, such that the upper channel 208a and the lower channel 208b are perpendicular to the channel 210 of the collar 208.

[0041] Locking assembly 204 is configured to selectively lock the handle shaft 124b in a vertical position relative to frame 102. Locking assembly 204 includes an actuator (such as, for example, lever 214), a locking pin 216, a biasing member 218, and a friction member (such as, for example, slider 220). Lever 214 is movably coupled to housing 212 of sleeve 202. For example, lever 214 can rotate relative to sleeve 202 about a rotation axis (e.g., via a pivot pin) perpendicular to channel 210 of sleeve 202. In other embodiments, lever 214 can slide relative to sleeve 202. Lever 202 includes a lever arm 214a projecting from housing 212 of sleeve 202 and a cam 214b at least partially received in housing 212 of sleeve 202. Each of the biasing member 218, locking pin 216, and slider 220 is supported in a cam 214b adjacent to the lever 214 and protrudes into a channel 210 of the sleeve 202.

[0042] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5B The slider 220 can be a rigid or flexible block and includes a radial protrusion 222 configured to be in the locked state when the lever 214 is in the locked state. Figure 5BWhen the lever 214 is in the locked position, it engages with the inner boss 224 of the sleeve 202. The slider 220 also includes a flat end face 226 made of an elastic material, such as plastic, silicone, etc. The end face 226 is configured to frictionally engage with the outer peripheral surface 130 of the handle shaft 124b when the lever 214 is in the locked position, to prevent the handle shaft 124b and the upright support 108a from interfering with each other. Figure 1 The slider 220 may produce clicking sounds or rattling. In other designs, the end face 226 of the slider 220 may be made of a rigid material.

[0043] Locking pin 216 and biasing member 218 are received in a channel 228 defined through the center of slider 220. Locking pin 216 is axially constrained between cam 214b of lever 214 and biasing member 218. Biasing member 218 may be a coil spring and resiliently biases locking pin 216 toward the unlocked state. Figure 5A The locking pin 216 includes a head 216a that engages with a cam 214b of the lever 214 and a shaft 216b extending through a channel 228 of the slider 220. A biasing member 218 biases the head 216a of the locking pin 216 into engagement with the cam 214b of the lever 214. The shaft 216b of the locking pin 216 has an end 230 (…). Figure 5B The end is configured to insert into a selected locking hole (e.g., the first locking hole 140a) among a plurality of locking holes 140 defined along the length of the handle shaft 124b when the lever 214 is locked and the selected locking hole 140a is axially aligned with the locking pin 216. When the shaft 216b of the locking pin 216 is received in the selected locking hole 140a, the locking pin 216 prevents axial movement of the handle shaft 124b relative to the sleeve 202, thereby preventing axial movement relative to the left frame 102.

[0044] refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5A and Figure 5B The height adjustment mechanism 200 may further include a tactile mechanism 206, which may be located below and vertically aligned with the locking assembly 204. The tactile mechanism 206 is configured to provide tactile and / or audible feedback to the user during height adjustment of the handlebar shaft 124b, when the locking pin 216 of the locking assembly 204 is coaxially aligned with a selected locking hole 140 of the handlebar shaft 124b. The tactile mechanism 206 may include elongated members, such as a screw 232, a spring 234, and a ball 236 received, for example, within a lower channel 208b of a collar 208. The screw 232 is threaded to a threaded inner surface defining the lower channel 208b, and the spring 234 is received within an inner channel 238 of the screw 232.

[0045] The ball 236 of the tactile mechanism 206 is axially constrained within the screw 232 by a spring 234 and the tapered inner wall 242 of the screw 232. The ends 230 of the ball 236 and the locking pin 216 of the locking assembly 204 are axially spaced apart from each other by the same vertical distance as between a pair of adjacent locking holes 140a, 140b of the handle shaft 124b. Therefore, when the locking pin 216 of the locking assembly 204 is axially aligned with the first locking hole 140a, the ball 236 of the tactile mechanism 206 is aligned with the second locking hole 140b. The spring 234 is configured to elastically bias the ball 236 toward a protruding position where the exterior of the ball 236 protrudes longitudinally from one end of the screw 232. The ball 236 is configured to move inward into the slot 238 of the screw 232 against the elastic bias of the spring 234 when the outer peripheral surface 130 of the handle shaft 124b engages with the ball 236.

[0046] During operation, when lever 214 of locking component 204 is in the unlocked position ( Figure 5A When the handlebar shaft 124a is in the first vertical position, the locking pin 216 is located outside the locking hole 140 of the handlebar shaft 124b, and the slider 220 is not pressed against the engaging handlebar shaft 124b. Therefore, the user can easily move the handlebar shaft 124b axially relative to the sleeve 202 to adjust the height of the handlebar 124a to the desired height relative to the ground. During the initial sliding of the handlebar shaft 124b, in order to adjust the height of the handlebar 124a from the first vertical position to the second vertical position, the ball 236 of the tactile mechanism 206 is pushed out of the locking hole 140a of the handlebar shaft 124b. When the handlebar shaft 124b reaches the second vertical position, the ball 236 engages with the adjacent locking hole 140b via the spring 234, which the user can feel. In some embodiments, the ball 236 emits an audible sound when it enters the locking hole 140 to indicate to the user that the next locking position has been reached. If the user finds the selected locking position suitable, the user can lock the handle 124a in the selected vertical position by rotating the lever 214 of the locking component 204.

[0047] Rotation of lever 214 drives locking pin 216 axially toward locking hole 140a of handle shaft 124b via cam 214b of lever 214. Before or simultaneously with the end 230 of locking pin 216 being fully received within locking hole 140a, rotation of lever 214 drives slider 220 axially toward handle shaft 124b. For example, cam 214b of lever 214 can drive head 216a of locking pin 216 to engage with inner boss 223 of slider 220. Figure 5B This causes the continuous rotation of lever 214 to press slider 220 into a forced contact with the outer peripheral surface 130 of handle shaft 124a, thereby reducing or eliminating the impact of sleeve 202 / upright support 108a. Figure 1Any clicking and / or wobbling between the inner circumference of the handle shaft 124b and the outer circumferential surface 130 of the handle shaft 124b.

[0048] Therefore, the handle height adjustment mechanism 200 of this disclosure achieves two functions through a single actuation of a single lever 214: locking the selected height of the handle 124a, and reducing or eliminating any wobbling or clicking that may occur due to imperfect fit between the handle shaft 124b and the upright support 108a of the frame 102 (e.g., caused by manufacturing tolerances). In some embodiments, the mechanism 200 can be used to adjust the position of the armrest, handle, etc., in addition to the vertical position, such as, for example, the horizontal position.

[0049] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein can be modified in various ways. Therefore, the above description should not be considered limiting, but rather as examples of various embodiments only. Other modifications will be contemplated by those skilled in the art within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A mobility assistance device, comprising: Left frame; The right frame is connected to the left frame; Multiple wheels support the left and right frames; A first shaft, which defines a plurality of axially spaced locking holes, is configured to slide relative to the left side frame to adjust the position of the end of the first shaft relative to the left side frame. A second shaft, which defines a plurality of axially spaced locking holes, is configured to slide relative to the right side frame to adjust the position of the end of the second shaft relative to the right side frame. as well as The first regulating mechanism includes: An actuator, which is movably coupled to the left side frame; A locking pin, movably coupled to the left side frame, and configured to receive in a first locking hole among a plurality of locking holes on the first shaft in response to actuation of the actuator; and A friction member, movably coupled to the left side frame, is configured to press against the first shaft in response to actuation of the actuator to resist wobbling of the first shaft relative to the left side frame.

2. The mobility assistance device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the locking pin is horizontally aligned with the first locking hole, the actuator drives the locking pin into the first locking hole and drives the friction member to press against the first shaft.

3. The mobility assistance device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first adjustment mechanism further includes a biasing member operably engaging the locking pin such that the biasing member biases the locking pin to a position where the locking pin is outside the plurality of locking holes.

4. The mobility assistance device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuator is a lever, which includes a cam configured to engage at least one of the locking pin or the friction member.

5. The mobility assistance device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cam of the lever is configured to drive the locking pin and the friction member axially in response to the rotation of the lever.

6. The mobility assistance device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mobility assistance device further includes: A first handle, supported at the top of the first axis, wherein the vertical position of the first handle relative to the left frame can be adjusted by sliding the first axis relative to the left frame; and The second handle is supported at the top of the second axis, wherein the vertical position of the second handle relative to the right side frame can be adjusted by sliding the second axis relative to the right side frame.

7. The mobility assistance device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The left frame includes a left upright support member, in which the first axis is slidably received.

8. A height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of a handle or armrest of a mobility aid, the height adjustment mechanism comprising: A sleeve, which defines the passage through it; An actuator movably coupled to the sleeve; A locking pin, which is movably supported in the sleeve and configured to move relative to the sleeve in response to actuation of the actuator; as well as A friction member, which is movably supported in the sleeve and configured to move relative to the sleeve in response to actuation of the actuator.

9. The height adjustment mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that, The height adjustment mechanism further includes a biasing member that engages with the locking pin, the biasing member being configured to resiliently bias the locking pin toward the actuator.

10. The height adjustment mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that, The actuator includes a cam that engages with the head of the locking pin and is configured to drive axial movement of the locking pin and the friction member in response to rotation of the actuator relative to the sleeve.

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