Rollator with improved usability

Abstract

Rollator (1) comprising at least one frame structure (2), wherein one or more handles (3), at least two front (4) and two rear frame wheels (5) and a platform (7) connected to the frame structure (2) via one or more hinges (6) are arranged on the frame structure (2), characterized in that the platform (7) is arranged so as to be foldable via two lowering means (8) fastened to the frame structure (2), wherein the platform (7) has on its upper side two deflection elements (9) for each lowering means (8), wherein the deflection elements (9) are each connected via a spring element (10) to a rear platform wheel (11) pivotable by the platform (7), wherein the spring elements (10) are designed such that they pivot the pivotable rear platform wheels (11) without any weight loading of the platform (7) in a rest position above the platform (7) and when the platform (7) is loaded by a person,by tensioning the lowering means (8) and exerting a force on the deflection elements (9) while overcoming the spring force of the spring elements (10), the platform wheels (11) are held in a working position below the platform (7).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a rollator at least comprising a frame construction, wherein one or more handles, at least two front and two rear frame wheels and a platform connected to the frame construction via one or more hinges are arranged on the frame construction, wherein the platform is arranged such that it can be folded down via two lowering means fastened to the frame construction, wherein the platform has two deflection elements on its upper side, each for a lowering means, wherein the deflection elements are each connected via a spring element to a rear platform wheel that can be pivoted by the platform, wherein the spring elements are designed such that they hold the pivotable rear platform wheels in a rest position above the platform when the platform is not subjected to a weight load, and in a working position below the platform when the platform is subjected to a weight load from a person.

[0002] Life expectancy has increased significantly in recent decades due to advances in medicine and improved healthcare. To ensure a better quality of life even with advanced age and the associated higher likelihood of physical disabilities, an increasing number of technical aids have been developed and brought to market to compensate for the loss of physical abilities. For example, walking aids in the form of rollators have become an indispensable part of everyday life for older people or those with temporarily impaired mobility. These walking aids give them back mobility and independence and can be used universally in the home, in the elevator, on the sidewalk, or in stores. In addition to assisting with locomotion, rollators can also have other additional technical functions, for example, by being designed to save space during transport.However, as walking difficulties increase, using a rollator becomes increasingly complicated, and in extreme cases, the possible range of motion shrinks to just a few meters or even the user's own home. One approach to providing further assistance and physical support is the integration of electric drives into rollators, which provide additional support for the person and can significantly increase the range of motion. Unfortunately, providing kinetic energy is only part of the solution, as people with severe mobility impairments must first be enabled to use the walking aids as intended.

[0003] Some designs of rollators can also be found in the patent literature.

[0004] For example, DE 20 2009 009 547 U1 shows an electric drive for rollators, preferably for conventional rollators, in particular for mobile walking aids serving as a continuous support for people with walking disabilities or physically weak people when walking / running, wherein the electric drive has a load-bearing and electrically motorized tread surface / platform that can be reversibly or irreversibly arranged on the rollator by means of fastening elements.

[0005] Another patent document, DE 10 2017 008 258 A1, shows a walking aid in the form of a rollator. The rollator comprises a frame with at least three wheels arranged on its underside and two handles formed thereon, an electric drive system for driving at least one of the wheels, and a platform in the lower region of the frame. The platform is arranged on the frame in such a way that a user of the walking aid can stand on the platform without the walking aid tipping over when the user is standing upright.

[0006] Furthermore, EP 3 569 214 A1 discloses an electric drive vehicle for one person, comprising a seat, a steering device and at least three wheels, wherein a foldable base plate and a foldable seat are provided.

[0007] Further rollator designs are described, for example, in EP 2 451 423 B1, DE 10 2007 062 406 B4 and DE 20 2017 107 072 U1.

[0008] Such state-of-the-art solutions offer further potential for improvement. This particularly applies to the handling of rollators by physically disabled persons, particularly when getting on and off the rollator.

[0009] It is therefore the object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the disadvantages known from the prior art. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a walking aid in the form of a rollator that can be easily used even with a high degree of physical limitations.

[0010] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claim, directed to the device according to the invention. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims, in the description, or in the figures. Further features described or shown in the subclaims, in the description, or in the figures may constitute a subject matter of the invention, individually or in any combination, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0011] According to the invention, a rollator is therefore at least comprising a frame construction, wherein one or more handles, at least two front and two rear frame wheels and a platform connected to the frame construction via one or more hinges are arranged on the frame construction, wherein the platform is arranged so as to be foldable via two lowering means fastened to the frame construction, wherein the platform has two deflection elements on its upper side, each for a lowering means, wherein the deflection elements are each connected via a spring element to a rear platform wheel which can be pivoted by the platform, wherein the spring elements are designed such that they pivot the pivotable rear platform wheels without any weight load on the platform in a rest position above the platform and when the platform is loaded by a person,By tensioning the lowering devices and exerting a force on the deflection elements, overcoming the spring force of the spring elements, the platform wheels are held in a working position below the platform.

[0012] Surprisingly, it was found that the additional design of the rollator with a freely lowerable platform, which can assume different heights depending on the weight load on the platform, results in significantly improved handling, even for severely physically impaired people. For example, the platform can be lowered completely to the ground without any weight load, a position that is particularly suitable for climbing onto the platform without having to lift the feet too much. Without any weight load, the platform wheels are above the actual platform and so the platform itself can be lowered completely to the ground. In this position, the rear part of the platform lies very flat above and in contact with the ground. To climb onto the platform, simply lifting the foot(s) slightly is enough to overcome the short distance between the platform and the ground.This climb can also be performed by people whose feet or legs are very stiff or who are unable to lift their legs significantly off the ground on their own. The weight of the person climbing onto the platform can then lift the platform from the ground, for example with the help of a motor. As the loaded platform is lifted from the ground, the platform wheels then pivot through the platform towards the ground. In the position below the platform, the wheels make contact with the ground and can support the rear movement of the rollator. The wheels, now located below the loaded platform, naturally also transfer some of the weight to the ground. The rollator user can then move the rollator forward quite naturally using the motor. The wheels are held in position by the pre-tension of the lowering devices.The geometry of the construction is designed in such a way that the pre-tensioning force is very small and amounts to only a fraction of the platform load. When the pre-tensioning force of the lowering devices is reduced, the platform wheels can then return to the rest position and the rear of the platform or the entire platform can be lowered to the ground. After the user has dismounted, the platform can then be raised using the lowering devices. The spring pre-tensioning ensures that the platform wheels remain in the rest position. In this case, lowering makes it easier to dismount from the rollator. This is particularly due to the fact that the user only has to overcome a very small difference in height. Overall, the proposed construction makes it easier to get on and off the rollator, as the user only has to overcome a small difference in height with their legs to get on and off.In combination with the motorization of the rollator, even users with severe walking restrictions can cover longer distances independently.

[0013] The rollator comprises at least a frame construction, with one or more handles and at least two front and two rear frame wheels arranged on the frame construction. The basic construction of the rollator can be based on the known designs of commercially available rollators. The rollator can be designed as a purely mechanical support or with a motor to drive the frame wheels. The rollator has a frame, for example made of plastic or steel. At least the rollator wheels and, if applicable, a drive for at least one of the rollator wheels are attached to this frame construction. In principle, none, one, several, or all of the rollator's wheels can be driven. An electric motor powered by a battery as an energy source is a suitable drive, for example.To facilitate handling, the rollator can be equipped with handles in the upper part of the frame. These can be designed to mechanically grip the frame or to steer the entire rollator. In addition to these elements, the rollator can also have other elements on the frame, such as brakes or lights, which can make the rollator's movement more secure.

[0014] The rollator features a platform connected to the frame structure via one or more hinges. In addition to the frame structure, the rollator also has at least one other platform, for example, rectangular or square, which is connected to the frame structure on one side via hinges. The platform is preferably attached to the frame structure via hinges in the lower area of the rollator using two or three hinges. The hinges allow the platform to be folded toward the rollator or lowered toward the floor.

[0015] The platform can be lowered using two lowering devices arranged on the frame structure. In order to lower the platform or to fold it onto the frame structure, the platform has lowering devices which are connected to both the platform and the frame structure. The lowering devices can, for example, be in the form of a hydraulically or gas-operated piston or round cylinder, or in the form of cables. The lowering devices are preferably connected, on the one hand, to an upper part of the frame structure and, on the other hand, to the lowerable platform. The lowering devices can preferably be attached to the platform in the rear area, i.e., further away from the frame structure. The lowering of the platform can, for example, be achieved by extending the extent of the lowering devices.In the case of a cable pull, the cable pulls can be unwound from a pulley, for example, and the platform can thus be swung down towards the ground.

[0016] The platform has two deflection elements on its upper side, each for a lowering device. Starting from the frame structure, the lowering devices extend in the direction of the platform. On the upper side of the platform, i.e. the side not facing the ground, the platform has two deflection elements, with each deflection element interacting with a lowering device. The deflection elements on the upper side of the platform ensure that, for example, when a cable pull is used, the cable pull changes direction at the deflection element. If the cable pull previously extends from the frame structure towards the unattached end of the platform, after contact of the cable pull with the deflection element the direction of the cable pull is deflected by preferably greater than or equal to 60°, further preferably greater than or equal to 75° and even more preferably greater than or equal to 80°. The cable pull can also be attached directly to the deflection element.If the lowering elements are designed in the form of a hydraulic spring element, the deflection of the spring element can result from a partial rotation of the attachment point on the deflection element.

[0017] The deflection elements are each connected via a spring element to a rear platform wheel that can be pivoted through the platform. The spring elements are designed in such a way that they hold the pivoting rear platform wheels in a resting position above the platform when the platform is not loaded by a person's weight, and in a working position below the platform when the platform is loaded by a person. The interaction of the deflection elements with the lowering device acts on one platform wheel per deflection element. When the platform is not mechanically loaded, the platform wheels are held above the platform level by the spring element. When the platform is not mechanically loaded, this design means that the platform can be lowered all the way to the ground.Only when a specific force is exerted on the deflection element, for example by a person stepping onto it, is the spring force overcome when the lowering devices are tensioned and the rear platform wheel pivots through the plane of the platform towards the ground. If the mechanical load on the platform remains unchanged and the lowering devices provide the necessary preload, the wheel remains in contact with the ground and absorbs the resulting mechanical loads. If the preload of the lowering devices is reduced, the wheel can pivot through the plane of the platform again and the platform can be lowered all the way to the ground. The geometry of the construction is designed so that the preload force of the lowering devices is minimal and amounts to only a fraction of the platform load.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the rollator, the lowering mechanisms can be motorized cable pulls. For reliable and highly controllable folding and lowering of the platform, it has proven particularly advantageous to design the lowering mechanisms in the form of cable pulls. The cable pulls can be controlled very easily and precisely and can enable quick and reproducible folding of the platform wheels via the deflection elements.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment of the rollator, the deflection elements or the platform can have two mechanical stops, wherein the mechanical stops are each designed to hold the corresponding platform wheel at an angle of greater than or equal to 80° and less than or equal to 90° relative to the platform plane under mechanical load. For the mechanically secure fixation of the wheels pivotable by the platform, it has proven advantageous to use a mechanical stop which in particular prevents the wheels from being aligned more than perpendicular to the platform. In this embodiment, the individual platform wheel can therefore at most be perpendicular to the platform. Preferably, the platform wheel is able to assume smaller angles in relation to the platform plane. The designated angle results from the axis of symmetry of the platform wheel and the platform plane.The stop can be a mechanical stop, which is attached below the platform and whereby the wheel is prevented from swinging further purely mechanically. However, it is also possible for the deflection of the platform wheel to be limited by a mechanical stop on the deflection element. With this angular orientation to the platform, the platform wheel can safely absorb the mechanical forces occurring on the loaded platform and contribute to the mechanical stabilization of the entire rollator. In this angular orientation, the platform wheel(s) can also swivel into the rest position after the preload of the lowering device has been reduced. After the load has been mechanically relieved, the platform can be fully raised with the platform wheels in the rest position using the lowering device.

[0020] Within a further preferred aspect of the rollator, the mechanical stops can each be configured to hold the corresponding platform wheel at an angle of greater than or equal to 85° and less than or equal to 89.5° relative to the platform plane under mechanical load. In particular, an alignment within the above-specified angular range can contribute to the platform wheels being able to transfer the occurring mechanical loads to the ground with particular stability and to minimizing the preload force of the lowering means. Furthermore, this angular range can contribute to the platform wheel being able to pivot back into the area above the platform particularly easily after the preload of the lowering means has been reduced by the load on the platform.

[0021] According to a preferred feature of the rollator, the deflection elements can be arranged at a distance of less than or equal to 20 cm from two outer edges of the lowerable platform. For mechanical stability and user safety, it has proven particularly suitable for the two deflection elements to be arranged relatively close to the outer edges of the lowerable platform. The deflection elements can preferably be located near the corners of the lowerable platform. In this position, the resulting mechanical loads can be safely absorbed and the user can be provided with the greatest possible freedom of movement on the platform.

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment of the rollator, the two rear platform wheels can be designed to be non-steerable. For the simplicity and safety of the rollator, it has proven particularly advantageous that the two rear platform wheels are designed to be rigid, rather than steerable. In these cases, the rollator is controlled and steered solely by the frame wheels, although steering can also be achieved via the frame structure.

[0023] In a preferred aspect of the rollator, the two rear platform wheels can be designed to be steerable. In cases of unfavorable terrain and limited space for moving the rollator, however, it may be advantageous for the rear platform wheels to also be designed to be steerable. This steerability in the rear area of the rollator can, in particular, reduce the turning circle of the rollator, allowing even tight, winding passages to be negotiated safely. In addition, with steerable platform wheels, the platform can be extended beyond the rear wheels of the rollator, thus increasing the vehicle's stability.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the rollator, the deflection elements can be designed in the form of a full or half roller. For a safe and mechanically reliable design of the deflection elements, it has proven particularly advantageous for the deflection elements to be in the form of rollers on the platform. If, for example, cables are used, the deflection of the cable alignment then occurs along the circumference of the roller. Due to the fact that only small deflections of the cable are sufficient to activate the folding of the platform wheels, the roller does not have to be a full roller but can also be a half or partial roller. In a partial roller, only one angular segment of the deflection element is designed in the form of a circular segment.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the rollator, the deflection elements can be designed on at least one side in the shape of a circular segment, with the circular segment having an angular circumference of greater than or equal to 75° and less than or equal to 110°. This partial angular range of the deflection elements has proven particularly suitable for reliable and simple deflection. The resulting forces can be safely diverted via the roller, ensuring easy and quick movement of the platform wheels through the platform.

[0026] Within a further preferred aspect of the rollator, the rollator can be a motorized rollator, wherein one or more frame wheels of the rollator are preferably driven by an electric motor. It is also possible for the electric motor to provide the power to move the lowering means.

[0027] In a further preferred embodiment of the rollator, both lowering mechanisms can be designed to be lowered and raised by a common drive. For rapid and simultaneous lowering and raising of both lowering mechanisms, both lowering mechanisms can be mechanically combined. It can be particularly advantageous if the lowering mechanisms are designed, for example, in the form of cable pulls. In this case, the separately guided lowering mechanisms can be coupled together in front of the cable pull motor. The mechanical coupling allows both cable pulls to move simultaneously and in a controlled manner, essentially preventing the platform from tipping over.

[0028] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the inventive objects are illustrated by the figures and explained in the following examples. It should be noted that the figures are for descriptive purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention in any way.

[0029] The Fig. 1 a front view of a rollator according to the invention with folded platform; Fig. 2 a rear view of a rollator according to the invention with folded platform; Fig. 3 a side view of a rollator according to the invention with folded platform and partially omitting the frame construction; Fig. 4 a front view of a rollator according to the invention with the platform folded down; Fig. 5 a rear view of a rollator according to the invention with the platform folded down; Fig. 6 shows a partial section of a rollator according to the invention in the lower region of the rollator construction; Fig. 7 a rear view of a rollator according to the invention with the platform folded down in the travel position; Fig. 8 a side view of a rollator according to the invention with the platform folded down in the travel position with the frame construction partially omitted; Fig. 9 a detailed view of a deflection element in the travel position; Fig. 10 a detailed view of a deflection element in travel position with definitions of the angle between the deflection element and the platform plane.

[0030] The Fig. 1 shows a front view of a rollator (1) according to the invention with a folded-up platform (7). The rollator (1) is, for example, in a resting position. The rollator (1) has a frame structure (2), which in this case is provided with two handles (3) at the upper end. The frame wheels (4, 5) of the rollator (1) are attached to the lower end, on the floor. The front frame wheels (4) are located in the direction of movement of the rollator (1). The rear frame wheels (5) are located opposite to the direction of movement of the rollator (1). The front (4) and rear frame wheels (5) are each attached to the frame structure (2) of the rollator (1). In this case, the platform (7) is attached to the frame structure (2) via two hinges (6) and can be brought into a folded or lowered position by means of the lowering means (8) via the pivot axis of the hinges (6).

[0031] The Fig. Figure 2 shows a rear view of a rollator (1) according to the invention with the platform (7) folded in. Figure 2 shows a possible embodiment of the rollator (1) according to the invention in a view obliquely from the rear. Fig. Figure 1 shows the handles (3), the frame structure (2), the front frame wheels (4), the rear frame wheels (5), the hinges (6), and the lowerable platform (7). This figure also shows the pivoting rear platform wheels (11). These are located above the platform level when not under mechanical load.

[0032] The Fig. Figure 3 shows a side view of a rollator (1) according to the invention with a folded platform (7) with the frame structure (2) partially omitted. In this view, the lateral parts of the frame structure (2) are omitted for a better view of the platform level (7). In this embodiment of a rollator (1) according to the invention, the rollator, as in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 has a frame structure (2) with handles (3). The front frame wheels (4) and the rear frame wheels (5) are attached to the frame structure (2). Additionally shown is the foldable platform (7), which is arranged on the frame structure (2) via a hinge (6). The platform (7) is connected to the frame structure (2) via one or more lowering means (8) so that it can be lowered relative to the frame structure (2). In this embodiment, the lowering means (8) are designed in the form of one or more cable pulls. The lowering means (8) are connected to a deflection element (9) in the rear part of the platform (7). A platform wheel (11) is attached to the deflection element (9) and can be pivoted via the deflection element (9) with regard to its position relative to the platform plane.

[0033] The Fig. 4 shows a front view of a rollator (1) according to the invention with a lowered platform (7). In this position, for example, a user can very easily climb onto the rollator (1) according to the invention. The lowering means (8), for example in the form of one or more cable pulls, are fully extended so that the platform (7) contacts the ground in the rear area. Without preload by the lowering means (8), the platform wheels (11) are located above the platform level. For this reason, the platform (7) can be lowered completely to the ground. This design enables very easy climbing onto the platform (7) without the feet of the user of the rollator (1) having to be lifted excessively off the ground.

[0034] The Fig. Figure 5 shows a rear view of a rollator (1) according to the invention with the platform (7) folded down or lowered. From the rear perspective, it is also clearly visible that the rollator (1) is very easy to climb onto when the platform (7) is folded down. The lowering means (8) are fully extended, and the rear part of the platform (7) is in contact with the ground. Because the lowering means (8) do not exert any preload on the deflection elements (9), the platform wheels (11) are located above the platform (7), allowing the rear area of the platform (7) to make contact with the ground.

[0035] The Fig. Figure 6 shows a partial section of a rollator (1) according to the invention in the lower region of the rollator structure. This section clearly shows that when the lowering means (8) are lowered, the rear region of the platform (7) contacts the ground. Due to a lack of preload by the lowering means (8) on the deflection elements (9), the platform wheel (11) is held at least substantially above the level of the platform (7).

[0036] The Fig. 7 shows a rear view of a rollator (1) according to the invention with the platform (7) folded down in the travel position. If the lowering means (8) are raised slightly, a preload is exerted on the deflection elements (9), which, in addition to raising the platform (7), also causes the platform wheels (11) to pivot through the plane of the platform (7) and contact the ground when the platform is loaded. In particular, this design makes it possible to reduce the mechanical load on the platform (7) because the weight of the person on the platform does not have to be fully absorbed by the lowering elements (8). This measure makes it possible to significantly reduce the mechanical load on the lowering means (8) and the frame (2).

[0037] The Fig. Figure 8 shows a side view of a rollator (1) according to the invention with the platform (7) folded down in the travel position, partially omitting the frame structure. This figure also shows that when preload is applied to the deflection elements (9) by the lowering means (8), the deflection elements (9) and the platform wheel(s) (11) pivot from a position above the platform (7) toward the ground and contact it.

[0038] The Fig. Figure 9 shows a detailed view of a deflection element (9) in the travel position. Due to the preload exerted on the deflection element (9) via the lowering means (8), the platform wheel (11) is pivoted from a position above the platform (7) toward the ground. The spring element (10), highlighted in this figure, causes the rear platform wheel (11) to automatically pivot back to a position above the platform (7) when the preload on the deflection element (9) is reduced.

[0039] The Fig.Figure 10 shows a detailed view of a deflection element (9) in the travel position, defining the angle between the deflection element (9) and the platform plane. The relevant geometric elements for defining the swivel angle are highlighted in this figure. The swivel angle is determined relative to the plane of the platform (7). This plane is represented by a horizontal, dashed line. The second leg for defining the swivel angle is determined by the line connecting the centers of the deflection element (9) and the rear platform wheel (11).

Claims

[1] Rollator (1) comprising at least one frame structure (2), wherein one or more handles (3), at least two front (4) and two rear frame wheels (5) and a platform (7) connected to the frame structure (2) via one or more hinges (6) are arranged on the frame structure (2), characterized byin that the platform (7) is arranged so as to be foldable via two lowering means (8) fastened to the frame structure (2), the platform (7) having on its upper side two deflection elements (9) each for a lowering means (8), the deflection elements (9) each being connected via a spring element (10) to a rear platform wheel (11) which can be pivoted by the platform (7), the spring elements (10) being designed such that they hold the pivotable rear platform wheels (11) in a rest position above the platform (7) without any weight loading of the platform (7) and, when the platform (7) is loaded by a weight of a person, by tensioning the lowering means (8) and exerting a force on the deflection elements (9) while overcoming the spring force of the spring elements (10), the platform wheels (11) in a working position below the platform (7). [2] Rollator (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lowering means (8) are motorized cable pulls. [3] Rollator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the deflection elements (9) or the platform (7) have two mechanical stops, wherein the mechanical stops are each designed to hold the corresponding platform wheel (11) under mechanical load at an angle of greater than or equal to 80° and less than or equal to 90° relative to the platform plane. [4] Rollator (1) according to claim 3, wherein the mechanical stops are each designed to hold the corresponding platform wheel (11) under mechanical load at an angle of greater than or equal to 85° and less than or equal to 89.5° relative to the platform plane. [5] Rollator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the deflection elements (9) are arranged at a distance of less than or equal to 20 cm relative to two outer edges of the lowerable platform (7). [6] Rollator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two rear platform wheels (11) are not designed to be steerable. [7] Rollator (1) according to one of claims 1-5, wherein the two rear platform wheels (11) are designed to be steerable. [8] Rollator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the deflection elements (9) are designed in the form of a full or half roll. [9] Rollator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the deflection elements (9) are designed on at least one side in the form of a circular segment, wherein the circular segment has an angular circumference of greater than or equal to 75° and less than or equal to 110°. [10] Rollator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two lowering means (8) are designed to be lowerable and raiseable by a common drive.

Images