Seated scooter for people with walking disabilities or limited mobility

Abstract

Seated scooter for persons with walking disabilities or restricted mobility, in particular senior citizens, whose legs and / or feet cannot bear a greater weight load, comprising a frame (5), three or four wheels, a handlebar (2) connected to steerable front wheels, and a saddle (9), characterized by that the frame (5) is made of a composite material, in particular of carbon fibre steel, and has an entry height (C) less than half the distance between the foot and knee of a person of average height, in particular an entry height (C) of less than 30 cm, that the wheelbase (G) of the front and rear axles is smaller than the hip width of a person of average height, in particular that the wheelbase (G) is smaller than 40 cm, that the height (B) of the saddle (9) corresponds to the distance between the hip and foot of a standing person of average height and is in particular adjustable between 70 and 90 cm to enable walking while sitting.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a seated scooter for persons with walking disabilities or restricted mobility, in particular senior citizens, whose legs and / or feet cannot bear a greater weight load, comprising a frame (5), three or four wheels, a handlebar (2) connected to steerable front wheels, and a saddle (9). background

[0002] The invention particularly relates to a senior-friendly seated scooter with a seat, four pneumatic tires with an optional diameter of 12 inches or 30.5 cm, and a foldable handlebar for locomotion for persons with walking disabilities and / or persons with serious diseases of the leg / foot or knee on both sides.

[0003] The scooter can be manufactured as a complete unit. State of the art

[0004] The disadvantage of known devices is the lack of the following options: The target group of seniors or people with walking difficulties who are eligible to use the seated scooter according to the invention cannot use a rollator for various reasons: 1) Injured or diseased legs do not allow weight bearing. 2) Various types of diseases cause balance problems.

[0005] A wheelchair is not an option for the target group: 1) A wheelchair is often too heavy as it usually weighs more than 18 kg. 2) A wheelchair is often unwieldy with its usual dimensions of approximately 100 cm x 90 cm x 60 cm 3) Independent movement is severely restricted with a radius of less than 500 metres. 4) Using a wheelchair requires a high level of strength.

[0006] What is missing is a lightweight, maneuverable active aid that completely relieves the strain on the legs while still allowing movement. Task and solution of the invention

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a compact, public transport-compatible seat scooter that - has four wheels to prevent tipping, - an ergonomic seat for permanent relief of the legs, - can be transported space-savingly with a foldable handlebar, - a total weight <= 12 kg with dimensions 880 mm x 320 mm, - has an entry height of only 25 cm.

[0008] This object is achieved according to the invention in a seated scooter for persons with walking disabilities or restricted mobility of the type mentioned at the outset in that the frame (5) consists of a composite material, in particular of carbon fiber steel and has an entry height (C) less than half the distance between the foot and knee of a person of average height, in particular an entry height (C) of less than 30 cm, that the wheel distance (G) of the front and rear axle is less than the hip width of a person of average height, in particular that the wheel distance (G) is less than 40 cm, that the height (B) of the saddle (9) corresponds to the distance between the hip and foot of a standing person of average height and is in particular adjustable between 70 and 90 cm to enable walking while sitting. Advantages of the invention

[0009] Among other things, the following benefits are achieved: - High stability and security, - individual adjustment of the seat scooter, - a high degree of freedom of movement for the user, - simple changes of direction when running forward and backward, - easy transport for loading or taking on public transport. - Active training without motor, therefore no battery management necessary. - Complete relief of both feet through the seat, but no stigmatization like with a wheelchair. - Quick folding -> easy transport on buses, trains or in car trunks. - Weather-independent, low-maintenance braking system with separate operation.

[0010] These benefits are achieved by - Four roller bearing wheels with air-filled tires, especially with a diameter of twelve inches, ensure high stability and safety - A sprung saddle, which is also adjustable in inclination and can be moved horizontally, allows for individual adjustment of the seat scooter. - A narrow front axle (11) allows a high degree of freedom of movement for the user's walking steps. - A handlebar (1), which is horizontally adjustable in inclination and height, allows easy changes of direction when walking forwards and backwards - A foldable handlebar (2) allows easy transport for loading or taking on public transport.

[0011] When using the seated scooter, it is particularly important that people with walking difficulties can move independently, with no or only a significantly reduced weight on the legs / feet.

[0012] With the invention, people with walking disabilities or people with serious leg / foot or knee disorders, on one or both sides, for whom the use of a rollator no longer provides sufficient assistance, but the use of a wheelchair is too cumbersome and uncomfortable, can regain mobility.

[0013] In developing the system according to the invention, the inventor has overcome the following technical difficulties in a non-obvious manner.

[0014] The initially considered conversion of a knee scooter with a seat function was not an option due to the obstructive front axle (45 cm wide); also, a comfortable sitting position could not be achieved.

[0015] The above-mentioned problems can be solved with the seat scooter according to the invention.

[0016] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set out in the subclaims.

[0017] It is proposed that - that for space-saving transport of the seat scooter, the handlebar (2) has a folding joint (4) with a quick release and can be folded completely onto the frame (5), - that the wheels are pneumatic wheels and the seat scooter is equipped with shock absorbers (7).

[0018] Active locomotion while sitting by alternately pushing off the feet with complete relief of the legs is possible, as a central principle for maintaining mobility in cases of bilateral walking disabilities.

[0019] Particularly important is the technical combination of low step-through height, four large-volume pneumatic tires, foldable MTB handlebar, suspended adjustable seat and active use through muscle power - as a functional unit.

[0020] Also worth emphasizing is the central seating position between the rear wheels, which ensures a low center of gravity and high stability against tipping.

[0021] Another advantage is the maintenance-friendly design thanks to a completely screwed construction, without riveting, for disassembly and maintenance. Example(s)

[0022] An exemplary embodiment of the invention is described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, the same reference numerals have the same meaning and are therefore explained only once if necessary.

[0023] It shows Fig. 1 A side view of the seat scooter with assembly elements, Fig. 2 a rear view of the seat scooter with assembly elements, Fig. 3 another side view of the seat scooter with length information, Fig. 4 another rear view of the seat scooter with length information,

[0024] For the length specifications in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, for example, the following values ​​can be selected: No. in figure Dimensions in mm A Min 860 mm - max 1060 mm B Min 720 mm - max 880 mm C 260 mm D 850 mm E 305 mm or 12 inches F 470 mm G 310 mm H 40 mm Structure of the seat scooter according to the invention for people with walking disabilities or restricted mobility

[0025] The seat scooter can include the following components, for example: - A handlebar (1) with a MTB joint for horizontal and vertical adjustment, - a handlebar (2), height-adjustable, in particular eight-way height-adjustable, and adjustable without tools using a star screw and recessed nut, - optionally a removable bag (3) with carrying handle and hinged lid, - a folding joint (4) for folding the handlebar, secured by a quick-release fastener, - a frame (5) made of carbon steel with welded fastening points, - a plastic rim (6), optional diameter 12 inches, with tire, car valve and an air hose, air pressure: recommended 2.5 bar, ball roller bearings - a shock absorber (7) with spring, threaded plate adjustable, - a seat post (8), bent and height-adjustable, in particular 6-way height-adjustable, locking by means of a screwed-on lock nut and star screw, adjustable without tools, - a saddle (9) in extra-wide design, sprung, adjustable in inclination, movable, - a rear axle swing arm (10), screwed to the frame (5) with continuous rear axle and drum brake mount, - a front axle (11) secured by means of a quick-release lever; additional star screw with lock nut, - a brake cable (12) for operating the rear axle drum brake, y-distribution to both handbrake levers, with threaded adjustment option on the drum brake below and on both brake levers, - a drum brake (13) with adjustable brake shoes and - Brake levers (14), left and right, lockable by means of a locking pin, brake cable adjustment by means of a threaded screw. Operation of the seat scooter according to the invention

[0026] The following explains in detail how the seat scooter according to the invention works for people with walking disabilities or limited mobility: The seat scooter according to the invention is used to move people with walking disabilities.

[0027] To do this, the user sits on the saddle (9), which has previously been adjusted to the appropriate height on the seat post (8). Then, the handlebar (2) is adjusted to the appropriate height and the handlebar (1) is adjusted horizontally.

[0028] The user moves forward or backward by running on both sides.

[0029] The braking process is carried out by means of the two independently operated handbrake levers (14), which operate the drum brake (13) by means of a cable (12).

[0030] Each handbrake lever (14) can be locked with a locking pin located there.

[0031] This handbrake function is released by operating a handbrake lever (14) again.

[0032] Due to the narrow front axle (11) the user's steps are free to move.

[0033] Pneumatic wheels (6) are installed for use, even on unpaved roads; the shock absorber (7) provides suspension and mitigates shocks caused by uneven road surfaces. Step 1:

[0034] By using the seated scooter according to the invention, people with walking disabilities for whom the use of a rollator no longer provides sufficient assistance, but for whom the use of a wheelchair is too cumbersome and uncomfortable, can regain mobility. Step 2:

[0035] The existing saddle (9) transfers the body weight without placing any weight on the legs. Step 3:

[0036] Without any significant weight load, propulsion occurs through step-like movements. Step 4:

[0037] Braking is achieved by means of handbrake levers acting on the drum brake. Step 5:

[0038] Four air-sprung twelve-inch wheels in conjunction with the built-in shock absorber ensure that vibrations are reduced, even when driving on unpaved roads.

[0039] For transport, the handlebar (2) can be folded using a lockable folding joint (4).

[0040] This gives the seat scooter according to the invention a compact shape and, due to its compact dimensions and weight of 12 kg, is suitable for taking on public transport.

[0041] The optional bag (3) can have a volume of 10 liters.

[0042] The plastic rim (6) can have a diameter of 12 inches.

[0043] The invention is a seated mobility device suitable for seniors.

[0044] The inventive sit-on scooter is a senior-friendly, muscle-powered mobility device with four pneumatic wheels, an adjustable comfort saddle, a foldable MTB handlebar, and two independent drum brakes with locking functions. It offers an active alternative to rollators and wheelchairs for older people with limited mobility who still want to remain independent and physically active.

[0045] Advantageous technical features are: - Length: 850 mm - Front axle: 310 mm wide - Rear axle: 250 mm wide - Handlebar width: 470 mm (height adjustable from 860-1060 mm) - Seat height: adjustable from 720-880 mm - Access height: approx. 260 mm - Pneumatic tires: 12 inches (approx. 305 mm diameter, 40 mm width) - Weight: approx. 12 kg - Max. load: 135 kg - Equipment: 2 handbrakes with lock, reflectors, foldable handlebar - Use: Indoors, ground-level outdoor areas, public transport

[0046] Further concrete features of the embodiment of the invention: 1. Chassis with four ball-bearing 12-inch pneumatic tires (two steerable at the front, two rigid at the rear). 2. Seat area between the rear wheels, either a comfort saddle or a standard bicycle saddle via a standard 27.2 mm seat post. 3. Handlebar with MTB joint, height and angle adjustable; folds completely onto the frame using a quick release (transport height <= 570 mm). 4. Entry height of 25 cm without separate step platform. 5. Braking system: two independently operated handbrake levers with locking function, acting on closed drum brake at the rear. 6. Safety features: reflective strips all around, max. load 135 kg. 7. Total weight 12 kg ±5%. 8. Approval for use on public transport available.

[0047] The device closes the gap between walkers and wheelchairs and promotes mobility, independence and flexibility in older people.

[0048] The combination of four pneumatic wheels, a low step-through, an individually adjustable saddle, an adjustable handlebar, active use by pushing, and roadworthy features (reflectors, drum brakes with locking mechanism, and a foldable design) is new in this form and fills a technical niche for active seniors. Comparable solutions are neither on the market nor documented in the known state of the art.

[0049] In addition to the above written description of the invention, reference is hereby explicitly made to the graphic representation of the invention in the figures for its supplementary disclosure. List of reference symbols 1 handlebar, multi-adjustable horizontally and vertically 2 handlebars, height adjustable 3 bags 4 folding joint 5 carbon steel frames 6 plastic rim with tire and air tube 7 shock absorbers 8 Seat post, multi-height adjustable 9 Saddle, adjustable inclination 10 Rear axle swing arm 11 Front axle with roller ball bearings 12 Brake cable with y-distribution 13 Drum brake 14 Brake handle

Claims

[1] Seated scooter for persons with walking disabilities or restricted mobility, in particular senior citizens, whose legs and / or feet cannot bear a greater weight load, with a frame (5), three or four wheels, a handlebar (2) connected to steerable front wheels, and a saddle (9), characterized by , that the frame (5) is made of a composite material, in particular of carbon fibre steel, and has an entry height (C) less than half the distance between the foot and knee of a person of average height, in particular an entry height (C) of less than 30 cm, that the wheelbase (G) of the front and rear axles is smaller than the hip width of a person of average height, in particular that the wheelbase (G) is smaller than 40 cm, that the height (B) of the saddle (9) corresponds to the distance between the hip and foot of a standing person of average height and is in particular adjustable between 70 and 90 cm to enable walking while sitting. [2] Seat scooter according to claim 1, characterized by that for space-saving transport of the seat scooter, the handlebar (2) has a folding joint (4) with a quick release and can be folded completely onto the frame (5). [3] Seat scooter according to claim 1, characterized by that the wheels are pneumatic wheels and the seat scooter is equipped with shock absorbers (7). [4] Seat scooter according to claim 1, characterized by that the sit-on scooter is a technical combination of low step-through height, four large-volume pneumatic tires, foldable MTB handlebar, suspended adjustable seat and active use by muscle power - as a functional unit. [5] Seat scooter according to claim 1, characterized bythat a central seating position between the rear wheels is provided, which ensures a low center of gravity and high tipping stability. [6] Seat scooter according to claim 1, characterized by , a maintenance-friendly design thanks to a fully bolted construction, without riveting, for disassembly and maintenance.

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