Walker having structure capable of being folded twice

Abstract

To disclose a walking assist apparatus.SOLUTION: A disclosed walking assist apparatus may include: first and second main frames spaced apart from each other to parallelly extend in a vertical direction and having first and second handle parts at upper ends or portions adjacent thereto, respectively; first and second lower support frames rotatably connected to lower ends of the first and second main frames and extending in parallel in a forward and backward direction; first and second front wheel parts connected to front end parts or portions adjacent thereto of the first and second lower support frames; first and second rear wheel parts connected to rear end parts or portions adjacent thereto of the first and second lower support frames; and an X-shaped connection member arranged to be mutually connected between the first and second main frames and including first and second connection frames arranged to be mutually crossed in an X-shape.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to walking / mobility related equipment and methods, and more particularly to walkers and related methods that can be utilized by elderly people. [Background technology]

[0002] As the elderly population continues to grow, industries and related markets that provide goods and services to the elderly are expected to expand significantly. Demand for products that support / assist the elderly in their independent lives / activities and support exercise and injury prevention is rapidly increasing, and walking aids, which are mobility aids, are one such product. Demand for walking aids is increasing as they are useful not only for elderly people with aging symptoms such as weakened lower limbs and waist, poor balance, and musculoskeletal diseases, but also for people who need walking assistance due to injuries.

[0003] However, most existing walking aids are constructed of connected steel frames, which are quite large in volume and relatively vulnerable to impacts, resulting in many shortcomings in terms of logistics such as transportation and delivery. In addition, users also require compact storage and storage of walking aids, but existing walking aids have difficulty meeting such consumer needs. Furthermore, existing walking aids have problems with low convenience and safety.

[0004] Therefore, there is a demand for the development of walking assistance devices that can provide advantages in terms of logistics transportation and storage / keeping while ensuring convenience and safety. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The technical problem that the present invention aims to achieve is to provide a walking assistance device that can bring about significant advantages in terms of transportation and storage / keeping of goods while ensuring convenience and safety.

[0006] The problems to be solved by the present invention should not be limited to those described above, and other problems not described will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a walking assistance device having a two-foldable structure including first and second main frames extending side by side in the up-down direction while being spaced apart from each other and having first and second handle portions at their upper ends or an adjacent portion thereto, first and second lower support frames extending side by side in the front-rear direction and rotatably connected to lower ends of the first and second main frames, first and second front wheel portions connected to front ends or an adjacent portion thereto of the first and second lower support frames, first and second rear wheel portions connected to rear ends or an adjacent portion thereto of the first and second lower support frames, and an X-shaped connecting member having first and second connecting frames arranged to cross each other in an X shape and disposed between the first and second main frames so as to connect them to each other, wherein the first and second lower support frames can be rotated rearward of the first and second main frames to be folded, and the X-shaped connecting member can be folded so that the first and second main frames are close to each other.

[0008] The first and second main frames may be arranged in a direction inclined relative to the vertical direction toward the side where the first and second handle portions are arranged, and the first and second lower support frames may be arranged in a direction inclined relative to the horizontal direction so that their front ends are positioned higher than their rear ends.

[0009] The first and second lower support frames may further include first and second wheel coupling members coupled to front ends or portions adjacent thereto of the first and second lower support frames and extending downward, and the first and second front wheel portions may be coupled to and installed on the first and second wheel coupling members, respectively.

[0010] The first and second front wheel portions may be arranged below the first and second lower support frames, respectively, and the first and second rear wheel portions may be arranged on the outer surfaces of the first and second lower support frames, respectively, and the first and second rear wheel portions may be arranged to laterally overlap the first and second main frames, respectively, when the first and second lower support frames are rotated rearward of the first and second main frames and folded.

[0011] The folding structure may further include a first coupling member disposed between the first connecting frame and the first main frame to connect them to each other and configured to be bendable in response to the folding action of the X-shaped connecting member, a second coupling member disposed between the second connecting frame and the second main frame to connect them to each other and configured to be bendable in response to the folding action of the X-shaped connecting member, and a locking member installed on at least one of the first and second coupling members for locking or unlocking the folding action of the X-shaped connecting member.

[0012] The locking member may include a hook portion, and at least one of the first and second connecting frames may include a protrusion portion, and the hook portion may be engaged or disengaged with the protrusion portion to lock or unlock the folding action of the X-shaped connecting member.

[0013] The device may further include a first extension rod coupled to an upper end of the first connecting frame and extending in a front-to-rear direction, a second extension rod coupled to an upper end of the second connecting frame and extending in a front-to-rear direction, and a support member having a flexible configuration, which is arranged to connect between the first and second extension rods.

[0014] The support member may further include an auxiliary belt member connected to the first and second main frames above the support member and having a convex structure on the front side relative to the first and second main frames.

[0015] It may further include a first brake rubber arranged in a lower portion of the first handle portion of the first main frame for braking the first rear wheel portion, and a second brake rubber arranged in a lower portion of the second handle portion of the second main frame for braking the second rear wheel portion. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to realize a walking assistance device that can provide considerable advantages in terms of logistics movement and storage / keeping while ensuring convenience and safety. The walking assistance device according to the embodiment has a double folding structure, i.e., a structure that can be folded twice, and therefore can provide many advantages in terms of logistics movement such as transportation and delivery / shipping. Also, from the user's perspective, it can enable compact storage / keeping. Furthermore, the walking assistance device according to the embodiment can provide excellent convenience and safety.

[0017] The effects of the present invention should not be limited to those described above, but may be variously expanded without departing from the technical spirit and scope of the present invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a walking assistance device having a structure that can be folded twice in one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a walking assistance device having a structure that can be folded twice in one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a walking assistance device having a structure that can be folded twice in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a walking assistance device having a structure that can be folded twice in one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 is a perspective view showing a walking assistance device in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view showing a walking assistance device in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 1 is a perspective view showing a walking assistance device in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] 1 is a perspective view showing a walking assistance device in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] The embodiments of the present invention described below are provided to more clearly explain the present invention to those having ordinary skill in the art, and the scope of the present invention should not be limited by the following embodiments, which may be modified into various other forms.

[0021] The terms used herein are used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Singular terms used herein may include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, the terms "comprise" and / or "comprising" used herein specify the presence of a described shape, step, number, operation, member, element, and / or group thereof, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other shapes, steps, numbers, operations, members, elements, and / or groups thereof. In addition, the term "connected" used herein not only means that a certain member is directly connected, but also includes a concept in which other members are further interposed between the members to indirectly connect the members.

[0022] In addition, in the present specification, when a member is said to be "on" another member, this includes not only when the member is in contact with the other member, but also when another member is present between the two members. The term "and / or" as used herein includes all combinations of any one or more of the items listed therein. Furthermore, terms indicating degree, such as "about" and "substantially," as used in the present specification, are used to mean a numerical value or degree range or a range close to the numerical value, taking into consideration inherent manufacturing and material tolerances, and are used to prevent infringers from unfairly using the disclosure content described in the precise or absolute numerical values ​​provided to facilitate understanding of the present application.

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The size and thickness of regions and parts shown in the accompanying drawings may be exaggerated for clarity of the specification and convenience of explanation. The same reference numerals used throughout the detailed description refer to the same components.

[0024] 1 to 4 are perspective views showing a walking aid device having a structure that can be folded twice in one embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 1 to 4 show the walking aid device in an unfolded state. The walking aid device may be called a "walker" or a "walking aid."

[0025] 1 to 4, the walking assistance device according to the embodiment of the present invention may include first and second main frames 10a, 10b that extend vertically side by side at a distance from each other and have first and second handle portions 12a, 12b at their upper ends or adjacent portions. The first main frame 10a may be referred to as a first main column portion or a first main column frame portion, and the second main frame 10b may be referred to as a second main column portion or a second main column frame portion. The first and second handle portions 12a, 12b may be connected to each other or integrated with each other depending on the circumstances.

[0026] The walking assist device may include first and second lower support frames 20a, 20b that are connected to the lower ends of the first and second main frames 10a, 10b and extend side by side in the front-rear direction. The first and second lower support frames 20a, 20b may be connected to the lower ends of the first and second main frames 10a, 10b so as to be rotatable relative to the first and second main frames 10a, 10b. The first lower support frame 20a may be referred to as a first lower support rod, and the second lower support frame 20b may be referred to as a second lower support rod.

[0027] The walking assist device may include first and second front wheel units 30a, 30b coupled (connected) to the front ends or adjacent portions of the first and second lower support frames 20a, 20b, respectively. The walking assist device may also include first and second rear wheel units 40a, 40b coupled (connected) to the rear ends or adjacent portions of the first and second lower support frames 20a, 20b, respectively.

[0028] The walking assistance device may include an X-shaped connecting member 50 disposed between the first and second main frames 10a, 10b to connect them to each other. The X-shaped connecting member 50 may include first and second connecting frames 50a, 50b disposed crossing each other in an X-shape. The first connecting frame 50a may be called a first connecting rod, and the second connecting frame 50b may be called a second connecting rod. A middle part of the first connecting frame 50a and a middle part of the second connecting frame 50b may be connected to each other by a connecting pin 51. The first and second connecting frames 50a, 50b may rotate in opposite directions with respect to the connecting pin 51, so that the X-shaped connecting member 50 may be folded or unfolded. The connecting pin 51 may be considered to be a component included in the X-shaped connecting member 50.

[0029] The walking assistance device according to the embodiment of the present invention may be configured to be folded by rotating the first and second lower support frames 20a, 20b rearward of the first and second main frames 10a, 10b, respectively, and may be configured to fold the X-shaped connecting member 50 so that the first and second main frames 10a, 10b approach each other. Therefore, the walking assistance device can have a structure that can be folded twice, and can be folded extremely compactly. It can be said that the walking assistance device has a twice foldable structure or a double foldable structure.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the first and second main frames 10a, 10b may be arranged so as to have a direction inclined toward the side where the first and second handle parts 12a, 12b are arranged with respect to the vertical direction. That is, the first and second main frames 10a, 10b may be arranged so as to be inclined by a predetermined angle toward the side where the user (pedestrian) is located. For example, the first and second main frames 10a, 10b may be arranged so as to form a predetermined acute angle with respect to the vertical line. This is based on the case where the first and second front wheel parts 30a, 30b and the first and second rear wheel parts 40a, 40b are arranged on a horizontal plane. Also, the first and second lower support frames 20a, 20b may be arranged so as to have a direction inclined toward the horizontal direction so that their front ends are arranged at a higher position than their rear ends. The front ends of the first and second lower support frames 20a, 20b may be arranged at a position somewhat higher than their rear ends. The first and second lower support frames 20a, 20b may be arranged to form a predetermined acute angle with respect to the horizontal line. This is based on the case where the first and second front wheel portions 30a, 30b and the first and second rear wheel portions 40a, 40b are arranged on a horizontal plane. In addition, the first lower support frame 20a may be arranged vertically or substantially vertically to the first main frame 10a, and the second lower support frame 20b may be arranged vertically or substantially vertically to the second main frame 10b.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the walking assist device may further include first and second wheel coupling members 25a, 25b coupled to the front ends or adjacent portions of the first and second lower support frames 20a, 20b, respectively, and extending downward. In this case, first and second front wheel units 30a, 30b may be coupled to the first and second wheel coupling members 25a, 25b, respectively. The first and second front wheel units 30a, 30b may be configured to be rotatable by the first and second wheel coupling members 25a, 25b, respectively. Therefore, it is possible to easily change the direction of travel when using the walking assist device.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the first and second front wheel portions 30a, 30b may be disposed on the lower side (immediately below) of the first and second lower support frames 20a, 20b, respectively, and the first and second rear wheel portions 40a, 40b may be disposed on the outer surfaces of the first and second lower support frames 20a, 20b, respectively. The first rear wheel portion 40a may be disposed on the outer surface of the first lower support frame 20a, and the second rear wheel portion 40b may be disposed on the outer surface of the second lower support frame 20b. The first rear wheel portion 40a may be disposed on the outer surface of the first lower support frame 20a so as to protrude downward while overlapping laterally with the first lower support frame 20a, and the second rear wheel portion 40b may be disposed on the outer surface of the second lower support frame 20b so as to protrude downward while overlapping laterally with the second lower support frame 20b. Therefore, when the first and second lower support frames 20a, 20b are rotated rearwardly of the first and second frames 10a, 10b and folded, the first and second rear wheel portions 40a, 40b are positioned so as to laterally overlap the first and second main frames 10a, 10b, respectively (see Figures 5 and 6).

[0033] According to an embodiment, the walking assistance device may further include a first connecting member 55a arranged between the first connecting frame 50a and the first main frame 10a of the X-shaped connecting member 50 to connect them to each other, and a second connecting member 55b arranged between the second connecting frame 50b and the second main frame 10b of the X-shaped connecting member 50 to connect them to each other. The first connecting member 55a may be configured to be bendable in response to the folding operation of the X-shaped connecting member 50, and similarly, the second connecting member 55b may be configured to be bendable in response to the folding operation of the X-shaped connecting member 50. The first connecting member 55a may be arranged to connect and connect a portion adjacent to an upper end of the first connecting frame 50a to the first main frame 10a, and the second connecting member 55b may be arranged to connect and connect a portion adjacent to an upper end of the second connecting frame 50b to the second main frame 10b. A lower end of the first connection frame 50a may be rotatably coupled to the second main frame 10b, and a lower end of the second connection frame 50b may be rotatably coupled to the first main frame 10a.

[0034] The walking assist device may further include a locking member 57 provided on at least one of the first and second connecting members 55a, 55b. Here, the locking member 57 is provided on the first connecting member 55a. The locking member 57 may be configured to lock or unlock the folding operation of the X-shaped connecting member 50.

[0035] According to a specific embodiment, the locking member 57 may include a hook portion, and at least one of the first and second connecting frames 50a, 50b, for example the first connecting frame 50a, may include a protrusion 58, and the folding operation of the X-shaped connecting member 50 may be locked or unlocked by engaging or disengaging the hook portion with the protrusion 58. Thus, a user may lock or unlock the folding operation of the X-shaped connecting member 50 using the locking member 57, so that the folding operation of the X-shaped connecting member 50 is possible only when necessary. This can improve convenience and safety. The number, position, and specific structure of the locking member 57 should not be limited to those described above, and various modifications are possible.

[0036] Additionally, another locking device capable of locking or unlocking the folding operation of the first and second lower support frames 20a, 20b may be further provided. For example, the first and second lower support frames 20a, 20b may be configured to be folded toward the first and second main frames 10a, 10b after a predetermined button-shaped locking portion is pressed to release the lock. Alternatively, the first and second lower support frames 20a, 20b may be configured to be folded only when an external force equal to or greater than a threshold value is applied.

[0037] According to an embodiment, the walking assist device may further include a first extension rod 60a coupled to an upper end of the first connection frame 50a and extending in the front-rear direction, a second extension rod 60b coupled to an upper end of the second connection frame 50b and extending in the front-rear direction, and a support member 70 arranged to connect between the first and second extension rods 60a, 60b and having a flexible configuration. The support member 70 may have a shape similar to a saddle or a seat. A certain object may be placed on the support member 70, or a person may sit on it as necessary. The support member 70 may be made of a flexible material and may be flexibly warped.

[0038] The walking assistance device may further include an auxiliary belt member 80 connected to the first and second main frames 10a, 10b on the upper side of the support member 70. The auxiliary belt member 80 may have a structure that is convex forward with respect to the first and second main frames 10a, 10b. When an object is placed on the support member 70 or a person sits on it, the auxiliary belt member 80 may play a role of supporting the object or person from the front side. The auxiliary belt member 80 may also be made of a flexible material and may be flexibly deformed. It can be said that the support member 70 and the auxiliary belt member 80 play a role of further improving the convenience and safety of the walking assistance device.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the walking assistance device may further include a first brake lever 14a arranged at a lower portion of the first handle portion 12a of the first main frame 10a for braking the first rear wheel portion 40a, and a second brake lever 14b arranged at a lower portion of the second handle portion 12b of the second main frame 10b for braking the second rear wheel portion 40b. A user may brake at least one of the first and second rear wheel portions 40a, 40b using at least one of the first and second brake levers 14a, 14b as necessary while walking. In addition, the walking assistance device may further include at least one locking member for locking the movement of at least one of the first and second rear wheel portions 40a, 40b, separate from the first and second brake levers 14a, 14b. The locking member may be configured so that the user can operate it using his / her foot or hand. Furthermore, when at least one of the first and second rear wheel portions 40a, 40b is locked using the locking member, the locked state may be maintained until the lock is released.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the walking assist device may further include a storage member 90 for storing items and the like. The storage member 90 may be disposed, for example, in front of the X-shaped connecting member 50. The storage member 90 may be disposed coupled to the X-shaped connecting member 50 and may have a shape similar to a basket, box, pocket, or bag. The storage member 90 may be configured to be (easily) removable from the walking assist device. Thus, the storage member 90 can be easily removed as needed.

[0041] 5 to 8 are perspective views showing a walking assistance device in a folded state (folded twice) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] 5 to 8, the walking assistance device according to the present embodiment may be configured so that the first and second lower support frames 20a, 20b can be rotated rearwardly of the first and second main frames 10a, 10b, respectively, to be folded, and further, the X-shaped connecting member 50 can be folded so that the first and second main frames 10a, 10b approach each other. That is, the walking assistance device may have a structure that can be folded twice. The first and second lower support frames 20a, 20b may be folded rearwardly of the first and second main frames 10a, 10b, respectively, to be in close contact with and parallel to the first and second main frames 10a, 10b. In addition, by folding the X-shaped connecting member 50, the first and second main frames 10a, 10b are disposed very close to each other. Therefore, the walking assistance device can be folded very compactly. It can be said that the walking assistance device has a double folding structure.

[0043] According to one embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, when the first and second lower support frames 20a, 20b are rotated rearwardly of the first and second main frames 10a, 10b to be folded, the first and second rear wheel portions 40a, 40b may be arranged to overlap the first and second main frames 10a, 10b laterally. With this structure, the first and second lower support frames 20a, 20b are in close contact with and parallel to the first and second main frames 10a, 10b, respectively, resulting in a compact and stable folded state.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the walking assistance device may be equipped with certain sensors and an electronic braking device, and may provide functions to improve pedestrian safety based on the sensors.

[0045] According to an embodiment, the first front wheel portion 30a, the second front wheel portion 30b, the first rear wheel portion 40a, and the second rear wheel portion 40b may be provided with pressure sensors, and the first front wheel portion 30a, the second front wheel portion 30b, the first rear wheel portion 40a, and the second rear wheel portion 40b may be controlled based on the pressure acquired by the provided pressure sensors. More specifically, when the average value of the first pressure acquired by the first pressure sensor provided in the first front wheel portion 30a and the second pressure acquired by the second pressure sensor provided in the second front wheel portion 30b is equal to or less than a first threshold value, and the average value of the third pressure acquired by the third pressure sensor provided in the first rear wheel portion 40a and the fourth pressure acquired by the fourth pressure sensor provided in the second rear wheel portion 40b is equal to or greater than a second threshold value, braking may be applied so that the first rear wheel portion 40a and the second rear wheel portion 40b do not rotate. As a result, when a pedestrian is about to fall backward while gripping the handles 12a, 12b, the pressure distribution described above will occur in the wheel section, and in this case, braking will be automatically applied to the first rear wheel section 40a and the second rear wheel section 40b to prevent them from rotating, thereby increasing the stability of the pedestrian.

[0046] In another embodiment, when the average value of the first pressure acquired by the first pressure sensor provided in the first front wheel portion 30a and the second pressure acquired by the second pressure sensor provided in the second front wheel portion 30b is equal to or greater than the third threshold value, and the average value of the third pressure acquired by the third pressure sensor provided in the first rear wheel portion 40a and the fourth pressure acquired by the fourth pressure sensor provided in the second rear wheel portion 40b is equal to or less than the fourth threshold value, braking may be applied so that the first front wheel portion 30a and the second front wheel portion 30b rotate. In this case, by applying braking to the front wheels in a situation where the pedestrian is likely to fall forward on a downhill slope, etc., a means for increasing the stability of the pedestrian can be provided.

[0047] According to another embodiment, the walking assist device may provide safety to the user by electronically braking the first front wheel portion 30a, the second front wheel portion 30b, the first rear wheel portion 40a, and the second rear wheel portion 40b based on the walking pattern of the pedestrian. More specifically, based on the speed sensor (e.g., a sensor provided on the wheel to detect the number of rotations per time, etc.), the walking assist device may determine the average walking speed of the pedestrian according to the walking pattern of the pedestrian, and if the current speed of the walking assist device exceeds a predetermined threshold value higher than the average walking speed of the pedestrian, the walking assist device may assist the pedestrian to walk within a predetermined speed range by electronically applying a certain level of braking to the first front wheel portion 30a, the second front wheel portion 30b, the first rear wheel portion 40a, and the second rear wheel portion 40b. In this process, the walking assist device may provide a means for allowing the pedestrian to walk while gradually reducing the speed by applying braking below a predetermined acceleration.

[0048] According to another embodiment, the first front wheel portion 30a, the second front wheel portion 30b, the first rear wheel portion 40a, and the second rear wheel portion 40b may be provided with a gravity sensor, and the walking assist device may control the first front wheel portion 30a, the second front wheel portion 30b, the first rear wheel portion 40a, and the second rear wheel portion 40b based on the pressure acquired by the provided gravity sensor. More specifically, when the gravity sensor determines that the positions of the first front wheel portion 30a and the second front wheel portion 30b are higher than the positions of the first rear wheel portion 40a and the second rear wheel portion 40b by a predetermined threshold or more, the walking assist device can assist the pedestrian in walking uphill by providing a predetermined power to the first front wheel portion 30a, the second front wheel portion 30b, the first rear wheel portion 40a, and the second rear wheel portion 40b.

[0049] Conversely, if the gravity sensor determines that the positions of the first front wheel portion 30a and the second front wheel portion 30b are lower than the positions of the first rear wheel portion 40a and the second rear wheel portion 40b by a predetermined threshold or more, the walking assist device can provide a means for safely supporting a pedestrian walking downhill by applying a predetermined braking force to the first front wheel portion 30a, the second front wheel portion 30b, the first rear wheel portion 40a, and the second rear wheel portion 40b.

[0050] In addition, when the rate of change in pressure sensed by the pressure sensors in the first front wheel portion 30a, the second front wheel portion 30b, the first rear wheel portion 40a, and the second rear wheel portion 40b is detected at a period greater than or equal to a predetermined period, the walking assistance device can support the safety of pedestrians walking on roads with uneven surfaces by applying a predetermined braking force to the first front wheel portion 30a, the second front wheel portion 30b, the first rear wheel portion 40a, and the second rear wheel portion 40b.

[0051] Furthermore, during the process of electronically applying the brakes, if the force applied to the brakes exceeds a predetermined braking force threshold (in this case, the braking force threshold is determined to be a value smaller than the maximum braking force), the walking assistance device can prevent the pedestrian from getting into a situation where it is unable to brake by emitting a warning sound.

[0052] In addition, the walking assistance device may further include a specific computing device capable of linking with traffic lights, and linking the walking assistance device with traffic lights can provide a function of supporting pedestrian safety by applying brakes to the wheels in situations where walking is not possible (e.g., when the light is red).

[0053] According to the above-described embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to realize a walking assistance device that provides considerable advantages in terms of logistics movement and storage / keeping while ensuring convenience and safety. The walking assistance device according to the embodiment has a double-folding structure, i.e., a structure that can be folded twice, which can provide many advantages in terms of logistics movement such as transportation and delivery / transportation, and also enables compact storage / keeping from the user's perspective. Furthermore, the walking assistance device according to the embodiment can achieve excellent convenience and safety.

[0054] In this specification, preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed. Although specific terms have been used herein, these are merely used in a general sense to briefly explain the technical contents of the present invention and to aid in the understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In addition to the embodiments disclosed herein, it will be obvious to those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs that other modifications based on the technical idea of ​​the present invention can be implemented. For example, those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field will understand that the walking assistance device according to the embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 8 can be modified in various ways. For this reason, the scope of the present invention should not be determined by the described embodiments, but should be determined by the technical idea described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 10a First mainframe 10b Second Mainframe 12a First handle 12b Second handle 14a First brake lever 14b No. 2 brake lever 20a First lower support frame 20b Second lower support frame 25a First wheel connecting member 25b Second wheel connecting member 30a 1st front wheel 30b 2nd front wheel 40a 1st rear wheel section 40b 2nd rear wheel section 50 X-shaped connecting member 50a First connecting frame 50b Second connecting frame 51 Connecting pin 55a First connecting member 55b Second connecting member 57 Locking member 58 Protrusion 60a 1st extension rod 60b 2nd extension rod 70 Supporting member 80 Auxiliary belt member 90 Storage Materials

Claims

1. a first main frame and a second main frame extending vertically next to each other and spaced apart from each other, the first main frame and the second main frame having first and second handle portions at their upper ends or portions adjacent thereto, respectively; a first lower support frame and a second lower support frame which are rotatably connected to lower ends of the first and second main frames and extend in parallel to each other in a front-rear direction; first and second front wheel portions coupled to front ends or portions adjacent thereto of the first and second lower support frames, respectively; first and second rear wheel portions coupled to rear ends or portions adjacent thereto of the first and second lower support frames, respectively; an X-shaped connecting member disposed between the first and second main frames to connect them to each other, the X-shaped connecting member including first and second connecting frames disposed crossing each other in an X-shape; A walking assistance device having a foldable structure, wherein the first and second lower support frames are configured to be folded by rotating them rearward of the first and second main frames, respectively, and the X-shaped connecting member is configured to be folded so that the first and second main frames are close to each other.

2. the first and second main frames are disposed in a direction inclined toward a side on which the first and second handle portions are disposed with respect to a vertical direction, 2. The walking assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second lower support frames are disposed in a direction inclined relative to the horizontal direction so that their front ends are disposed at a higher position than their rear ends.

3. the first and second lower support frames further include first and second wheel coupling members coupled to front ends or portions adjacent thereto and extending downward, 3. The walking assistance device according to claim 2, wherein the first and second front wheels are coupled to the first and second wheel coupling members, respectively.

4. the first and second front wheel portions are disposed below the first and second lower support frames, respectively; the first and second rear wheel portions are disposed on outer surfaces of the first and second lower support frames, respectively; 2. The walking assistance device according to claim 1, wherein when the first and second lower support frames are rotated rearwardly of the first and second main frames and folded, the first and second rear wheel portions are arranged to laterally overlap the first and second main frames, respectively.

5. a first coupling member disposed between the first connection frame and the first main frame so as to couple them to each other and configured to be bendable in response to a folding operation of the X-shaped coupling member; a second coupling member disposed between the second connection frame and the second main frame so as to couple them to each other and configured to be bendable in response to a folding operation of the X-shaped coupling member; a locking member provided on at least one of the first and second connecting members for locking or unlocking the folding action of the X-shaped connecting member; The locking member includes a hook portion, At least one of the first and second connection frames includes a protrusion; The walking assistance device according to claim 1 , wherein the folding operation of the X-shaped connecting member is locked or unlocked by engaging or disengaging the hook portion with the protrusion portion.

6. a first extension rod coupled to an upper end of the first connection frame and extending in a front-rear direction; a second extension rod coupled to an upper end of the second connection frame and extending in a front-rear direction; a support member having a flexible configuration, the support member being disposed to connect between the first and second extension rods; 2. The walking assistance device according to claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary belt member connected to the first and second main frames on the upper side of the support member, the auxiliary belt member having a convex structure on a forward side relative to the first and second main frames.

7. a first brake lever disposed on a lower portion of the first handle portion of the first main frame for braking the first rear wheel portion; 2. The walking assistance device according to claim 1, further comprising: a second brake lever arranged on a lower portion of the second handle portion of the second main frame for braking the second rear wheel portion.

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