Swivelable wheel arrangement for a walking frame

Abstract

The invention relates to a swivelable wheel arrangement for a walking frame, which makes it possible to swivel the wheels of a walking frame from the inside outwards and to fixate each wheel in its swiveled position, thereby enlarging the track width of the walking frame so that an indoor walking frame can be turned into an outdoor walking frame.

Description

[0001] Swivel wheel arrangement for a rollator

[0002] Description

[0003] The present invention relates to a pivoting wheel assembly for a rollator, allowing the individual wheels of the rollator to be pivoted. This allows the driving characteristics to be adapted to the environment in which the rollator is to be used.

[0004] background

[0005] The use of walking aids in the form of rollators is intended to assist people who would otherwise find it difficult to walk without a walking aid. They offer these people a secure hold and can also be pushed along while walking. A particularly secure stand for the rollator is essential, as otherwise falls and serious injuries can result. A secure stand is particularly important outdoors and on uneven terrain. For this purpose, a wide track width is often chosen to prevent tipping sideways. However, if you are traveling in a very flat environment, such as indoors, a rollator can be designed to be narrower, as it does not have to be dimensioned for off-road use in order to be moved safely. State of the art

[0006] There are rollators that are only suitable for indoor use and therefore have a narrower track width than rollators that are suitable for outdoors. Such rollators are also called indoor rollators. Rollators for indoor use are only safe for level surfaces. The width is dimensioned so that the rollators can be easily moved through indoor spaces without hitting obstacles such as doors, furniture and walls. A narrow design has the advantage that such rollators are very maneuverable and can be pushed through narrow gaps. The disadvantage, however, is that this always results in a narrow handle width, which in turn reduces a person's grip. In addition, the narrow design reduces the stability against tipping.

[0007] In order to be able to move around outdoors in uneven terrain, there are rollators that have been specially designed for such conditions and have a wider track width than rollators for indoor use. Such rollators are also called outdoor rollators. The wider track width makes the stand and therefore the grip more stable. They are more resistant to tipping than indoor rollators. The handlebar width can also be made wider so that people can hold on better. The disadvantage, however, is that the wider design also reduces handling and maneuverability. Such rollators are completely unsuitable for indoor use. It would be harder to get through doors and you would bump into obstacles more often.If people rely on rollators and want to use them both indoors and outdoors, they have no choice but to use one rollator for indoors and one for outdoors. This takes up space for the rollators, and rollators are expensive to purchase. Furthermore, statutory health insurance only covers the cheapest suitable rollator or even just part of a rollator, requiring a costly co-payment.

[0008] Task

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a rollator which overcomes the disadvantages of the above-mentioned prior art and is suitable for both outdoor and indoor use.

[0010] Solution

[0011] The above object is achieved by a pivotable wheel arrangement for a rollator for pivoting and locking a wheel according to the features of patent claim 1. A pivotable wheel arrangement for pivoting and locking a wheel is described, comprising at least a first profile tube and a second profile tube, which are arranged axially to one another and can be connected to one another via an internal pin, wherein the two profile tubes can be rotated relative to one another about an axial axis of rotation, a wheel which is arranged on the first profile tube, and at least one locking unit for locking at least one rotational position of the at least first

[0012] profile tube to the second profile tube, wherein the at least one

[0013] A locking unit is arranged on the second profile tube. The wheel can be pivoted by rotating the first profile tube. It is pivoted about the axis of rotation. The axis of rotation runs axially through the pin, which connects the first profile tube and the second profile tube and simultaneously supports them so they can rotate relative to one another.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment, the wheel is arranged laterally at a free end of the first profile tube, so that when the first profile tube is rotated in relation to the second profile tube, the wheel is pivoted about the axis of rotation.

[0015] Further advantageous embodiments of the pivoting wheel arrangement are recited in the subclaims. Thus, in one advantageous embodiment, the first profile tube, together with the wheel arranged thereon, can be moved into at least a first rotational position and a second rotational position and can be locked in these rotational positions by the at least one locking unit.

[0016] The at least one locking unit is capable of preventing the first profile tube from rotating relative to the second profile tube. The rotational positions of the two profile tubes relative to one another are blocked. During blocking, the at least one locking unit is operatively connected to the two profile tubes in order to lock or secure them in their respective rotational positions. Thus, the position of the wheel can advantageously be adjusted and, after adjustment, can be fixed in its position by the at least one locking unit.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment of the pivoting

[0018] Wheel arrangement is provided that the first rotational position is a rotation of the first profile tube to the second profile tube of

[0019] 0 ° and the second rotational position is a rotation of the first profile tube relative to the second profile tube of 180 °. This means that the wheel can also be pivoted by 180 ° about the axis of rotation. This means that in the first rotational position the wheel is on one side of the first profile tube and in the second rotational position accordingly on the opposite side. Here one can also speak of an outside and an inside, on each of which the wheel is in the different rotational positions. If, for example, the wheel arrangement described here is provided for a rollator, the first rotational position describes an inward-facing position of the wheel and the second position an outward-facing position of the wheel in relation to the rollator.

[0020] However, this is not to be understood as limiting, so that other rotational positions are also conceivable. For example, rotational positions at 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270° are also conceivable.

[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment of the pivotable wheel arrangement it is provided that at least one locking unit is a locking sleeve which is arranged displaceably on the second profile tube and is displaceable between a locking position partially projecting beyond the second profile tube and a release position not projecting beyond the second profile tube. In the locking position the locking sleeve is simultaneously operatively connected to the first profile tube and the second profile tube. In this case the locking sleeve projects beyond the second profile tube and is also partially slipped over the first profile tube. As a result, the two profile tubes are positively fixed in their respective rotational positions relative to one another by the locking sleeve. If the first profile tube with the wheel is to be rotated relative to the second profile tube, the locking sleeve is pushed into its release position away from the first profile tube so that the locking sleeve is no longer in engagement with the first profile tube.The first profile tube can now be rotated around the rotation axis. To fix the rotation position, simply move the locking sleeve back into the locked position so that the locking sleeve once again extends beyond the second profile tube and simultaneously engages with the first profile tube. Due to the positive connection with the locking sleeve, the first profile tube and the second profile tube can no longer be rotated relative to each other.

[0022] Advantageously, the profile tubes and the locking sleeve have matching cross-sectional shapes that can interlock. Thus, a circular shape with a raised portion and corresponding recess can be provided on the profile tubes and locking sleeve. It is also conceivable for the locking sleeve and profile tubes to have an oval, rectangular, or other polyhedral cross-sectional shape.

[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment of the pivoting wheel arrangement, the locking sleeve is provided with an elongated hole into which a limiter pin engages, the limiter pin being arranged on the second profile tube. The limiter pin advantageously extends vertically from the surface of the second profile tube radially outwards. The round ends of the elongated hole simultaneously form stop points against which the limiter pin strikes when the locking sleeve is moved. This defines the locking position at one stop point and the release position of the locking sleeve at the opposite stop point. The locking sleeve can therefore be moved easily and simply from the locking position to the release position and vice versa without the locking sleeve being able to be moved too far.

[0024] Furthermore, it is advantageous to provide protrusions in the elongated hole that must be overcome by light pressure when moving the locking sleeve from the limiter pin. This ensures that the locking sleeve remains in the respective locking or release position and can only be adjusted by applying a certain amount of force from the outside. This prevents, for example, the locking sleeve from being accidentally moved into the release position. The locking position of the locking sleeve remains secured.

[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment of the pivotable wheel arrangement, it is provided that at least the first profile tube and the second profile tube are formed from an extruded profile with an oval cross-section.

[0026] It is also conceivable that the profile tubes have an oval, rectangular or other polyhedral cross-sectional shape.

[0027] In any case, it is advantageous to provide a hole in the center of the respective extruded profile into which a pin can be inserted and thus arranged.

[0028] The pin advantageously has at least one retaining ring which is arranged in a corresponding retaining groove on the pin. The retaining ring is pushed onto the pin and the outer diameter of the retaining ring projects beyond the outer diameter of the pin. The at least one retaining ring can be compressed radially from the outside by a radial force so that the pin can be pushed into a corresponding hole in the extruded profile. The at least one retaining ring causes a radial spring force outwards which presses against the inside of the hole and consequently holds the pin in the hole. In this way, the first profile tube and the second profile tube can be connected axially to one another by means of the pin. The retaining ring is advantageously designed as a round snap ring.

[0029] Advantageously, the pin is rotatably connected to the first profile tube. This means that the pin is firmly connected to the first profile tube via an axial pivot bearing. For example, it is conceivable that the axial pivot bearing is pressed into the bore of the extruded profile.

[0030] In a further advantageous embodiment of the pivoting wheel arrangement, it is provided that at least the first profile tube and / or the second profile tube have a lateral protective strip. This protective strip is preferably made of plastic, in particular of a soft plastic, or of a rubber, advantageously of a soft rubber. The protective strip serves as collision protection. If the first profile tube and / or the second profile tube with the protective strip is moved against an obstacle, such as an edge, the impact is cushioned and advantageously deflected by the protective strip, so that neither the obstacle nor the pivoting wheel arrangement is damaged.

[0031] It is conceivable that the protective strip is attached to the profile tube via a groove in the latter, so that the protective strip engages positively in the groove. The groove is arranged laterally along the respective profile tube. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the protective strip to have locking elements on one side that engage in corresponding locking receptacles or recesses on the respective profile tube. For example, retaining dowels with a locking projection at the free end can be provided, which can be clicked into corresponding holes on the profile tube.

[0032] Finally, it is also conceivable that the protective strip is simply glued to the side of the respective profile tube.

[0033] In a further advantageous embodiment of the pivoting wheel arrangement, a brake for the at least one wheel is arranged on the at least first profile tube, with which the at least one wheel can be braked. This allows the wheel to be braked, i.e., the rotation of the wheel can be stopped until it comes to a standstill.

[0034] In a further advantageous embodiment of the pivoting wheel arrangement, the brake is a brake sleeve with a brake shoe arranged thereon, wherein the brake sleeve is displaceably arranged on the first profile tube. During braking, the brake sleeve with the brake shoe is displaced towards the wheel until the brake shoe strikes the wheel and presses radially against it. This creates a frictional force between the wheel and the brake shoe, which in turn leads to a braking of the wheel. The operating principle corresponds to that of a piston brake.

[0035] In a further advantageous embodiment of the pivoting wheel arrangement, it is provided that the brake sleeve is displaceable by means of a tensile force applied via a Bowden cable. The Bowden cable is designed as a brake line which comprises at least one casing with a core located therein, wherein the casing is operatively connected to the brake shoe via a sleeve and the core is operatively connected to the first profile tube via a brake nipple which extends radially outwards from the first profile tube. At the same time, the core is guided through a hole in the brake shoe to the brake nipple.

[0036] An additional coil spring is arranged around the core between the brake nipple and the brake shoe, exerting a restoring spring force on the brake shoe. This spring force is applied to the brake shoe so that after a tensile force is applied via the brake line, which presses the brake shoe against the wheel, the shoe is moved away from the wheel and back to its original starting position. This ensures reliable release of the brake after braking.

[0037] Also described is a rollator with at least one pivoting wheel arrangement according to the features of patent claim 1, wherein the at least one pivoting wheel arrangement can be used to change the track width of the rollator. Advantageously, the rollator has at least one pivoting wheel arrangement for this purpose; particularly advantageously, at least two pivoting wheel arrangements are provided which are arranged opposite one another. The wheels of the opposite pivoting wheel arrangements define the track width of the rollator, wherein the track width is always defined as the distance between at least two wheels.

[0038] If the rotational position of at least one wheel is changed, the track width is changed at the same time. By changing the rotational position, at least one wheel is shifted or rotated either from the inside to the outside or vice versa. If the rotational position of at least two wheels is changed symmetrically, at least both wheels are arranged either on the outside or the inside of the rollator. Rollators that are intended for outdoor use have a wide track width to ensure a stable and secure hold. In contrast, rollators that are intended for indoor use have a narrower track width to enable them to be moved comfortably indoors. In this case, the wheels are advantageously turned inwards so that a narrower track width is set. For outdoor use, the wheels are advantageously turned outwards to provide a wider track width.

[0039] In an advantageous embodiment, with a pivoting wheel arrangement, the distance between the wheel center and the center of the first profile tube is 45 mm, so that when the wheel is pivoted 180 °, there is a displacement of 90 mm relative to the wheel center. If the wheels on both sides of a rollator are pivoted 180 ° in their rotational position, for example from the inside to the outside, the distance between the wheels is increased by a total of 180 mm. In this case, the track width is increased by 180 mm, which makes the rollator significantly more stable and secure, allowing it to be used outdoors.

[0040] If the wheels are each swivelled inwards by 180 ° , the overall track width is reduced by 180 mm , which makes use in narrow interior spaces much easier . At the same time , the wheels ' inward position prevents them from getting caught on door edges or furniture edges , for example . In the event of a collision between the rollator and obstacles , only the profile tubes touch the protective strip , which cushions and deflects the impact . This further increases the safety of the

[0041] Rollators in indoor spaces. Thus, with the swivel wheel arrangement described here, a rollator is provided which is suitable for both

[0042] Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, the wheels can be swivelled either outwards or inwards for indoor or outdoor use, thereby increasing or decreasing the overall track width.

[0043] Further advantages, features and design options emerge from the following description of non-limiting embodiments.

[0044] Brief description of the drawings

[0045] The drawings show:

[0046] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a pivoting wheel arrangement for a rollator in a first rotational position with a locked locking sleeve,

[0047] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the pivoting wheel assembly of Fig. 1 in an intermediate rotational position with the locking sleeve unlocked,

[0048] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a wheel with a first profile tube and a brake,

[0049] Fig. 4 is a side view of the pivoting wheel assembly in a first rotational position with locking sleeve in locking position,

[0050] Fig. 5 is a side view of the pivoting wheel assembly in the first rotational position as shown in Fig. 4 with the locking sleeve in the release position,

[0051] Fig. 6 is a further perspective view of the pivoting wheel arrangement of Fig. 1,

[0052] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a wheel assembly in a first rotational position, Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a wheel assembly in a first intermediate rotational position,

[0053] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a wheel assembly in a second intermediate rotational position,

[0054] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a wheel assembly in a third intermediate rotational position and

[0055] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a wheel assembly in a second rotational position.

[0056] Elements with the same reference symbols in the drawings essentially correspond to one another, unless otherwise stated. Furthermore, components that are not essential to understanding the technical teaching disclosed herein are not shown or described. In the following, the reference symbols will not be repeated for all elements already introduced and illustrated, provided that the elements themselves and their function have already been described or are known to a person skilled in the art.

[0057] Detailed description of working examples

[0058] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a pivoting wheel assembly for a rollator in a first rotational position with the locking sleeve 5 locked. The wheel assembly shown has at least a first profile tube 2 and a second profile tube 3, with a wheel 1 being arranged on the first profile tube 2. The two profile tubes 2, 3 are arranged axially relative to one another and are simultaneously rotatably connected to one another.

[0059] The wheel 1 is arranged laterally at a free end of the first profile tube 2. If the first profile tube 2 is rotated relative to the second profile tube 3, the wheel 1 is carried along and pivoted accordingly about a common axis of rotation of the first profile tube 2 and the second profile tube 3.

[0060] A locking sleeve 5, which is pushed over the second profile tube 3 and projects beyond it in a locking position at the connection point to the first profile tube 2, blocks rotation of the first profile tube 2 relative to the second profile tube 3 by means of a positive fit. In the locking position, the locking sleeve 5 partially projects beyond the first profile tube 2, thereby creating a locking effect so that the first profile tube 2 and the second profile tube 3 cannot rotate relative to one another.

[0061] The locking sleeve 5 can be moved from the locked position to a release position. In this case, the locking sleeve 5 is moved along the longitudinal extension of the second profile tube 3 away from the first profile tube 2, so that the locking sleeve 5 no longer projects beyond the first profile tube 2 and therefore no longer locks it. When the locking sleeve 5 is in the release position, the first profile tube 2 can rotate freely relative to the second profile tube 3.

[0062] The displacement of the locking sleeve 5 from a locking position to a release position and vice versa is limited by an elongated hole on the locking sleeve 5, wherein a limiting pin 6 engages in the elongated hole, which in turn is connected to the second profile tube 3. Both the locking position and the release position of the locking sleeve 5 are defined by stops of the elongated hole on the limiting pin 6.

[0063] Furthermore, the pivoting wheel arrangement on the second profile tube 3 has a laterally arranged protective strip 4 . It extends along the longitudinal extent of the second profile tube 3 . The protective strip 4 is advantageously made of plastic or rubber and serves as edge protection . When maneuvering a rollator indoors, it is quite possible that it will bump into furniture, doors or walls . To protect both the rollator and the furniture, doors or walls from damage, the protective strip 4 is provided, which cushions collisions and simultaneously prevents scratches.

[0064] The protective strip 4 can be attached to the second profile tube 3 in various ways. For example, it is conceivable for the protective strip to be glued to the second profile tube 3. Alternatively, the protective strip 4 is designed as a piping, with the second profile tube 3 being designed as a corresponding piping rail, the piping engaging in a lateral longitudinal slot of the second profile tube 3 and being held there in a form-fitting manner. In a further, alternative embodiment, it is conceivable for the protective strip 4 to have dowels with locking projections on their outer, free ends, which are inserted into corresponding lateral holes on the second profile tube 3 and remain there permanently with the help of the locking projections.

[0065] Furthermore, the first profile tube 2 has a brake sleeve 9, which is pushed onto the first profile tube 2 and mounted so as to be displaceable along its longitudinal extent, wherein it extends radially perpendicular to the surface of the brake sleeve 9, a brake shoe 8. When the brake sleeve 9 is moved in the direction of the wheel 1, the brake shoe 8 strikes the wheel 1 and thereby causes a frictional resistance, which results in a braking effect on the wheel. Overall, the wheel arrangement thus has the option of being braked by means of the brake shoe 8. The braking force is effected via a brake line 7. In the simplest case, the brake line 7 is designed as a Bowden cable. However, it is also conceivable alternatively that the brake line

[0066] Hydraulic line is .

[0067] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the first profile tube 2 and the second profile tube 3 have an oval cross-section. Both profile tubes are designed as extruded profiles. However, this is not to be understood as limiting, so that any cross-sectional profiles can also be provided. It is also conceivable for the first profile tube 2 and the second profile tube 3 to have a circular or polyhedral cross-section.

[0068] The wheel assembly shown in Fig. 1 is in the first rotational position, with wheel 1 pointing away from the viewer. In the first rotational position, wheel 1 is positioned opposite the protective strip 4. When the wheel assembly is used on a rollator, it can also be said that the protective strip 4 is arranged on the outside and the wheel 1 is arranged on the inside.

[0069] In a second rotational position, shown further back in Fig. 11, the wheel 1 is located on the same side as the protective strip 4. When applying the wheel arrangement to a rollator, it can also be said that both the protective strip 4 and the wheel 1 are arranged on the outside.

[0070] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the pivoting wheel arrangement from Fig. 1 in an intermediate rotational position with the locking sleeve 5 unlocked, i.e. the locking sleeve 5 is pushed back into its release position and thereby releases the first profile tube 2. The first profile tube 2 is rotated by approximately 45° relative to the second profile tube 3 and is thus in an intermediate rotational position. An intermediate rotational position here describes a position between the first rotational position and the second rotational position. The first profile tube 2 with the wheel 1 can assume all intermediate rotational positions between 0° and 180° in relation to the second profile tube 3. The locking sleeve 5 is in the release position in every intermediate rotational position in order to ensure that the first profile tube 2 with the wheel 1 can rotate.

[0071] In addition to Fig. 1, further components are shown which are operatively connected to the brake sleeve 9 and the brake shoe 8. These components are parts of the brake line 7 which, in the embodiment shown, is designed as a Bowden cable. For example, a radially outwardly directed brake nipple is arranged on the first profile tube 2, to which a core 11 is fastened. The core 11 is guided through a hole in the brake shoe 8 and is then covered by a sleeve 13. A spiral spring 12 is also arranged between the brake nipple 10 and the brake shoe 8, which causes a restoring spring force between the brake nipple 10 and the brake shoe 8. If the brake shoe 8 is pressed onto the wheel 1 by a tensile force applied via the brake line 7, a braking effect occurs. When the application of the tensile force is stopped, the spiral spring 12 pushes the brake shoe 8 back into its non-braking starting position.

[0072] Furthermore, opposite the spiral spring 12 on the brake shoe 8 there is a sleeve 14 into which a free end of the casing 13 is received. The sleeve 14 creates a connection between the brake shoe 8 and the casing 13 and, in combination with the core 11 and the brake nipple 10, ensures that tractive force is transmitted via the brake line 7 to the brake shoe 8. When the first profile tube 2 is rotated together with the wheel 1 around the second profile tube 3, the brake line 7 is also guided accordingly. This means that the wheel 1 can be braked by means of the brake line 7 in the first rotational position, as well as in the second rotational position and in all intermediate rotational positions.

[0073] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a wheel 1 with a first profile tube 2 and a brake, wherein the brake has the components already shown in Fig. 2, namely brake power 7, brake shoe 8, brake sleeve 9, casing 13 and sleeve 14. The brake nipple 10, the core 11 and the spiral spring 12 are concealed by the wheel 1.

[0074] A pin 15 extends axially outwards on the first profile tube 2 and at the same time forms an axis of rotation 17 around which the first profile tube 2 can rotate with the wheel 1 and the brake. The pin 15 also has two retaining rings 16, each of which is arranged in a corresponding annular groove on the pin 15. The pin 15 can thus be pushed into a corresponding hole on the second profile tube 3 and is held there by the two retaining rings 16, which press from the inside against the hole in the second profile tube 3. Instead of two retaining rings 16, only one retaining ring 16 can be provided. In any case, the pin 15 creates a rotatable rotary connection between the first profile tube 2 and the second profile tube 3.

[0075] In an advantageous embodiment, the hole in the second profile tube 3, which can be designed as a bore, has an inner diameter of, for example, 20 mm. The outer diameter of the retaining rings 16 is, for example, 20.5 mm. When the pin 15 is pushed in, the retaining rings 16 are pressed together. These in turn cause a radial spring force outwards and press against the inner wall of the hole in the second profile tube 3, whereby the pin 15 creates a rotatable, axial connection between the first profile tube 2 and the wheel 1 arranged thereon and the second profile tube 3. The dimensions listed here are only examples. Other dimensions that are reasonable for a specialist can also be provided here.

[0076] Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 each show a side view of the pivoting wheel arrangement in a first rotational position, wherein in Fig. 4 a locking sleeve 5 is shown in the locked position and in Fig. 5 a locking sleeve 5 is shown in the release position. In the locked position, the locking sleeve 5 is shifted to the left until it stops on the limiter pin, so that the locking sleeve 5 is directly adjacent to the brake sleeve 9 and at the same time projects beyond the first profile tube 2 and the second profile tube 3, so that these cannot be rotated relative to one another, but are positively fixed in their rotational position by the locking sleeve 5.

[0077] In the release position, the locking sleeve 5 is moved to the right until it stops on the limiter pin 6, so that the locking sleeve 5 no longer projects beyond the first profile tube 2 and the second profile tube 3 and thus releases them for rotation. A gap is now formed between the brake sleeve 9 and the locking sleeve 5. The first profile tube 2 can now be rotated relative to the second profile tube 3. The wheel 1 can thus be moved together with the first profile tube 2 from the first rotational position to the second rotational position or vice versa. Once the change in the rotational position has been completed, the locking sleeve 5 can be moved back into the locked position to fix the rotational position.

[0078] Fig. 6 shows a further perspective view of the pivoting wheel arrangement, as already shown in Fig. 1. All components of the brake, as shown, for example, in Fig. 2, can also be seen here. The brake is designed as a Bowden cable and has a brake power 7, a brake shoe 8, a brake sleeve 9, a brake nipple 10, a core 11, a coil spring 12, a casing 13, and a sleeve 14. The locking sleeve 5 is in a locked position and prevents rotation of the wheel 1 together with the first profile tube 2.

[0079] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a wheel assembly in a first rotational position, with wheel 1 facing away from the viewer. Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of a wheel assembly in a second rotational position, with wheel 1 facing the viewer and rotated 180° relative to the first rotational position. In both Fig. 7 and Fig. 11, the locking sleeve 5 is in the locking position.

[0080] Fig. 8, Fig. 9, and Fig. 10 each show an intermediate rotational position between the first rotational position of Fig. 7 and the second rotational position of Fig. 11. In this case, the locking sleeve 5 is in the release position, since otherwise rotation of the wheel 1 together with the first profile tube 2 would not be possible. The individual components of the brake have been omitted here for reasons of clarity, but are nevertheless included. List of reference symbols

[0081] 1 wheel

[0082] 2 first profile tube

[0083] 3 second profile tube

[0084] 4 protective strip

[0085] 5 locking sleeve

[0086] 6 limiter pin

[0087] 7 Brake line

[0088] 8 brake shoes

[0089] 9 Brake sleeve

[0090] 10 brake nipples

[0091] 11 Soul

[0092] 12 spiral spring

[0093] 13 Cover

[0094] 14 sleeve

[0095] 15 pens

[0096] 16 Retaining ring

[0097] 17 axis of rotation

Claims

Patent claims 1. Pivotable wheel arrangement for pivoting and locking a wheel, comprising at least a first profile tube (2) and a second profile tube (3) which are arranged axially relative to one another and can be connected to one another via an internal pin (15), wherein the two profile tubes (2, 3) can be rotated relative to one another about an axial axis of rotation (17), a Wheel (1) which is arranged on the first profile tube (2), and at least one locking unit for locking at least one rotational position of the at least first profile tube (2) relative to the second profile tube (3), wherein the at least one locking unit is arranged on the second profile tube (3).

2. Pivotable wheel arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the first profile tube (2) together with the wheel (1) arranged thereon can be brought into at least a first rotational position and a second rotational position and can be locked in these rotational positions by the at least one locking unit.

3. Pivoting wheel arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the first rotational position is a rotation of the first profile tube (2) relative to the second profile tube (3) of 0° and the second rotational position is a rotation of the first profile tube (2) relative to the second profile tube (3) of 180°.

4. Pivotable wheel arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one locking unit has a Locking sleeve (5) which is slidably mounted on the second Profile tube (3) is arranged and is displaceable between a locking position partially projecting beyond the second profile tube (3) and a release position not projecting beyond the second profile tube (3).

5. Pivoting wheel arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the locking sleeve (5) has an elongated hole into which a limiting pin (6) engages, the limiting pin (6) being arranged on the second profile tube (3).

6. Pivoting wheel arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that at least the first profile tube (2) and the second profile tube (3) are formed from an extruded profile with an oval cross-section.

7. Pivoting wheel arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that at least the first profile tube (2) and / or the second profile tube (3) have a lateral protective strip (4).

8. Pivotable wheel arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that a brake for the at least one wheel (1) is arranged on the at least first profile tube (1), with which the at least one wheel (1) can be braked.

9. Pivotable wheel arrangement according to claim 8, characterized in that the brake is a brake sleeve (9) with a brake shoe (8) arranged thereon, wherein the brake sleeve (9) is arranged displaceably on the first profile tube (2).

10. A pivoting wheel arrangement according to claim 9, characterized in that the brake sleeve (9) is displaceable by means of a tensile force applied via a Bowden cable.

11. A rollator with at least one pivoting wheel arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the at least one pivoting wheel arrangement enables a change in the track width of the rollator.

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