Walking cart

Abstract

To provide a rollator capable of improving usability when a helper assisting a user puts an article in and out of a storage part.SOLUTION: The rollator 10 includes a pair of right and left frame parts 11 extending in the vertical direction, a storage part 31 capable of storing an object, and a tray 32 provided above the storage part 31 and capable of placing an object. The storage portion 31 is provided so as to be capable of being pulled out forward from below the tray 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a walking aid. [Background technology]

[0002] Walkers that assist users who have difficulty walking on their own, such as the elderly and physically disabled, have been known for some time. Patent Document 1 discloses a walker that includes a storage section that can store items and an item mounting section that is located above the storage section and can place items on. In this walker, the storage section can be pulled out rearward from below the item mounting section, that is, toward the user standing behind the walker. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-63358 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Here, in the walking frame of Patent Document 1, it is conceivable that the storage compartment will be used not only by the user but also by the caregiver assisting the user. However, in the walking frame of Patent Document 1, the storage compartment is configured to be pulled out rearward, i.e., toward the user, which is thought to be inconvenient for the caregiver to pull out the storage compartment to put things in and take things out.

[0005] The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its main purpose is to provide a walking frame that is easy for a caregiver assisting a user to put items in and take items out of the storage section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the walker of the first invention is a walker that has a storage section that opens upward and can store items, and a mounting section that is located above the storage section and can place items on, and the storage section is arranged so that it can be pulled out forward from below the mounting section.

[0007] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the storage section can be pulled out forward from below the mounting section. That is, the storage section can be pulled out toward the side opposite the user standing behind the walker. This makes it easier for the caregiver assisting the user to pull out the storage section. This makes it easier for the caregiver to put things in and take things out of the storage section.

[0008] The second invention is a walker similar to the first invention, except that in addition to the first storage section as the storage section, a second storage section capable of storing objects is further provided below the storage section, and the second storage section can be pulled out rearward from below the storage section.

[0009] According to the second aspect of the present invention, a first storage section that can be pulled out forward and a second storage section that can be pulled out backward are provided below the placement section. In this case, the first storage section can be used by the caregiver, and the second storage section can be used by the user, making the storage sections easier to use for both the user and the caregiver.

[0010] The third invention is a walker in which, in the second invention, the first storage section and the second storage section are arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction, with the first storage section on the front side and the second storage section on the rear side.

[0011] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the first and second storage compartments are arranged side by side in the front-to-rear direction, with the first storage compartment at the front and the second storage compartment at the rear. In this case, in a configuration in which two storage compartments are provided below the placement compartment, the overall vertical dimension of the storage compartments can be prevented from increasing. This prevents the user's feet from interfering with the storage compartments.

[0012] The fourth invention is a walking frame in which, in the second invention, the first storage section and the second storage section are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, with the first storage section on the lower side and the second storage section on the upper side.

[0013] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the first storage section and the second storage section are arranged vertically side by side, with the first storage section on the bottom and the second storage section on the top. In this case, the storage capacity of each storage section can be increased. Furthermore, since the second storage section for the user is arranged on the top of each storage section, users with weak legs do not have to bend down significantly when pulling out the second storage section to put things in or take things out. Therefore, the above-mentioned effects can be achieved while preventing the second storage section from becoming difficult to use for the user.

[0014] A walking frame according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the walking frame according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the storage section can be pulled out backward as well as forward.

[0015] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the storage compartment can be pulled out backward as well as forward. In this case, the storage compartment can be pulled out forward when the caregiver puts something in or takes something out of the storage compartment, and can be pulled out backward when the user puts something in or takes something out of the storage compartment. This makes the storage compartment easier to use for both the user and the caregiver. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] A perspective view of the walker seen from diagonally front. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the storage section and the tray supported by the frame body, viewed obliquely from above. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] A front view of the area within frame A in Figure 2, enlarged. [Figure 5] 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the storage section in FIG. 1 is pulled out forward. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the storage section, tray, and frame body removed from the walker. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the storage section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the walking vehicle is an indoor walking vehicle for use indoors. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the walking vehicle 10 as seen obliquely from the front. In the following description, the direction of movement of the walking vehicle 10 is defined as the front-to-rear direction, and the direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction is defined as the left-to-right direction.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the walker 10 comprises a pair of left and right frame sections 11 extending in the vertical direction, front wheels 12 and rear wheels 13 attached to the lower end of each frame section 11, and a connecting section 14 connecting the frame sections 11 together. Each frame section 11 is formed from a light metal such as aluminum. Each frame section 11 has a lower frame section 15 attached to its lower part and extending in the front-to-rear direction, and a vertical frame section 16 extending upward from the middle of the lower frame section 15. The front wheels 12 are attached to the front end of each lower frame section 15, and the rear wheels 13 are attached to the rear end.

[0019] An operating unit 21 is provided at the upper end of the vertical frame portion 16 of each frame section 11. The operating unit 21 has an attachment portion 22 attached to the upper end of the vertical frame portion 16, and a handle 23 and a brake lever 24 supported by the attachment portion 22. The handle 23 is the part that the user grips when moving the walker 10. The brake lever 24 is used to operate the brakes and is located below the handle 23. The handle 23 and the brake lever 24 are attached to the attachment portion 22 in a direction that extends rearward. The attachment portion 22 is formed with a handle 25 that can be gripped when lifting the walker 10 over steps, etc.

[0020] The walking frame 10 is provided with a storage section 31 capable of storing items, a tray 32 on which items can be placed, and a frame body 33 that supports the storage section 31 and tray 32. The configurations of the storage section 31, tray 32, and frame body 33 will be described below with reference to Figs. 2 to 5. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the storage section 31 and tray 32 supported by the frame body 33, viewed obliquely from above. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the frame body 33. Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of the area within frame A in Fig. 2, viewed from the front. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the storage section 31 in Fig. 1 when pulled out forward.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the storage section 31 is formed in the shape of a flat rectangular box that is open at the top. The storage section 31 is formed, for example, from a synthetic resin. As the synthetic resin, a thermoplastic resin is preferable, and in particular, a general-purpose plastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene is preferable. The storage section 31 has a rectangular, flat bottom plate 31a and a peripheral wall 31b that rises upward from the peripheral edge of the bottom plate 31a. A handle 34 is formed by recessing a portion of the rear wall of the peripheral wall 31b. Furthermore, the length of the storage section 31 in the front-to-rear direction is longer than the length in the left-to-right direction.

[0022] The tray 32 is formed in a rectangular shape (rectangular) and is disposed above the storage section 31. The tray 32 has a rectangular flat plate portion 32a and an edge portion 32b rising upward from the peripheral edge of the flat plate portion 32a. The tray 32 is formed, for example, from a synthetic resin. As the synthetic resin, a thermoplastic resin is preferable, and in particular, a general-purpose plastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene is preferable. The flat plate portion 32a of the tray 32 is formed to extend horizontally. Furthermore, the upper end of the edge portion 32b of the tray 32 extends outward to form a flange portion 32c. Furthermore, the length of the tray 32 in the front-to-rear direction is longer than the length in the left-to-right direction. The tray 32 and the storage section 31 have approximately the same size in a plan view. The tray 32 corresponds to the "placing section."

[0023] 2 and 3, the frame body 33 has a frame main body 35 and a pair of left and right rail portions 36 attached to the frame main body 35. The frame main body 35 has a pair of storage frames 38 that support the storage portion 31, and a tray frame 39 that supports the tray 32.

[0024] The pair of storage frames 38 are formed by bending metal rods or pipes into a U-shape and are spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction. Each storage frame 38 has a horizontal frame portion 38a extending in the left-to-right direction and a pair of diagonal frame portions 38b extending diagonally upward from both ends of the horizontal frame portion 38a. The diagonal frame portions 38b of each storage frame 38 extend diagonally so as to approach each other as they extend upward in a side view.

[0025] The tray frame 39 is formed from metal bars or pipes and has a rectangular ring shape in plan view. The tray frame 39 is disposed above each storage frame 38. The upper ends of the diagonal frame portions 38b of each storage frame 38 are fixed to the tray frame 39 by welding. A reinforcing frame 41 is bridged between the tray frame 39 and the diagonal frame portions 38b.

[0026] Plate-shaped hanging portions 42 extending downward from tray frame 39 are fixed to tray frame 39. Hanging portions 42 are disposed on both the left and right sides of tray frame 39. Each hanging portion 42 is disposed between diagonal frame portions 38b of each storage frame 38.

[0027] Each rail portion 36 extends in the front-to-rear direction and is provided so as to span the horizontal frame portion 38a of each storage frame 38. Each rail portion 36 has two rail components 43, 44 that extend in the front-to-rear direction. Each rail component 43, 44 is made of a long sheet metal member and is fixed to each horizontal frame portion 38a by welding.

[0028] 3 and 4, of the rail constituent parts 43, 44, the rail constituent part 43 is formed in a flat plate shape, and the rail constituent part 44 is bent in steps to form a Z-shaped cross section. A part of the rail constituent part 44 is disposed above the rail constituent part 43, and forms a rail groove 45 that is open laterally between the rail constituent part 43 and the rail constituent part 43.

[0029] A storage unit 31 is placed on each rail portion 36. The storage unit 31 is disposed between the diagonal frame portions 38b of the storage frame 38. A pair of left and right slide members 48 is provided on the bottom surface of the storage unit 31. Each slide member 48 is formed in an elongated shape extending in the front-rear direction. Each slide member 48 is placed on the rail component portion 44 of the rail portion 36, and in this placed state, a portion of the slide member 48 is inserted into the rail groove 45 of the rail portion 36. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5 , each slide member 48 is slidable (guideable) in the front-rear direction along the rail portion 36, thereby allowing the storage unit 31 to slide in the front-rear direction. The storage unit 31 can be pulled out forward from below the tray 32 by this sliding.

[0030] Although not shown, the rail portion 36 is provided with a restricting portion that restricts the storage portion 31 from sliding rearward from below the tray 32. Therefore, the storage portion 31 can only slide forward from below the tray 32, that is, it can only be pulled out forward.

[0031] The tray 32 is placed on a tray frame 39 of the frame body 33. The tray 32 is disposed inside the tray frame 39, and its flange portion 32c is placed on the tray frame 39. This allows the tray 32 to be detachably mounted on the tray frame 39. The tray 32 is also disposed above the storage section 31 so as to cover the opening of the storage section 31.

[0032] Next, the installation configuration of the storage section 31, tray 32, and frame body 33 in the walking frame 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the storage section 31, tray 32, and frame body 33 removed from the walking frame 10.

[0033] 6, the frame body 33 is provided to span the vertical frame portions 16 of each frame portion 11 while supporting the storage portion 31 and the tray 32. In this case, the storage portion 31 is disposed between the vertical frame portions 16, more specifically, between the upper ends of the vertical frame portions 16.

[0034] A support portion 63 for supporting the frame body 33 is provided on the upper end side of each vertical frame portion 16. Each support portion 63 has an insertion hole 64 through which the vertical frame portion 16 is inserted, and is attached to the vertical frame portion 16 with the vertical frame portion 16 inserted into the insertion hole 64.

[0035] Each support portion 63 has a protruding portion 63a that protrudes inward in the left-right direction beyond the vertical frame portion 16. An insertion hole 65 is formed in the protruding portion 63a of each support portion 63, into which the hanging portion 42 of the frame body 33 is inserted. The insertion hole 65 is a hole that opens upward. The hanging portion 42 of the frame body 33 is inserted from above into the insertion hole 65 of each support portion 63. In this way, the frame body 33 is bridged across each support portion 63, and is therefore bridged across each vertical frame portion 16 via each support portion 63.

[0036] Each support portion 63 is provided with a hand-tightened fixing screw 67 that secures hanging portion 42 inserted into insertion hole 65. Hanging portion 42 is secured by this fixing screw 67, thereby fixing frame body 33 to each support portion 63. Furthermore, by loosening fixing screw 67, hanging portion 42 can be removed from insertion hole 65, allowing frame body 33 to be removed from each support portion 63. Frame body 33 is thus detachably attached to each support portion 63, and is in turn detachably attached to each vertical frame portion 16 via each support portion 63. Although not shown, walker 10 can be folded left and right by moving frame portions 11 closer to each other. When folding walker 10, frame body 33 is first removed from each support portion 63 and then folded.

[0037] According to the configuration of the present embodiment described above, the storage section 31 can be pulled out forward from below the tray 32. In other words, the storage section 31 can be pulled out to the side opposite the user who is standing behind the walker 10. In this case, it is easier for the caregiver assisting the user to pull out the storage section 31. This makes it easier for the caregiver to put things in and take things out of the storage section 31.

[0038] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be implemented, for example, as follows.

[0039] (1) As shown in Fig. 7(a), the storage section 31 may be configured to be retractable not only forward but also backward. In this way, when a caregiver puts something in or takes something out of the storage section 31, the storage section 31 can be retracted forward, and when a user puts something in or takes something out of the storage section 31, the storage section 31 can be retracted backward. This makes the storage section 31 easier to use for both the user and the caregiver.

[0040] (2) In addition to a storage section (hereinafter referred to as a first storage section) that can be pulled out forward, a storage section (hereinafter referred to as a second storage section) that can be pulled out backward may be provided below the tray 32. In this case, the first storage section can be used by the caregiver, and the second storage section can be used by the user, allowing for different storage sections to be used separately. This makes the storage sections easier to use for both the user and the caregiver.

[0041] A specific example of a case where a second housing section is provided in addition to a first housing section will be described below with reference to FIGS. 7(b) to (d).

[0042] In the example of FIG. 7(b), the first storage section 71 and the second storage section 72 are arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction below the tray 32. In this case, the first storage section 71 is located at the front, and the second storage section 72 is located at the rear. The length of the first storage section 71 and the second storage section 72 in the front-to-back direction is approximately half the length of the tray 32 in the front-to-back direction. With this configuration, the overall vertical length of the storage sections 71, 72 can be made smaller than in the example of FIGS. 7(c) and 7(d), which will be described later. This prevents the storage sections 71, 72 from interfering with the user's feet when the user uses the walker 10.

[0043] In the example of FIG. 7(c), the first storage section 73 and the second storage section 74 are arranged vertically side by side below the tray 32. In this case, the first storage section 73 is located on the lower side, and the second storage section 74 is located on the upper side. Both the first storage section 73 and the second storage section 74 are the same size as the storage section 31 in the above embodiment. With this configuration, the storage capacities of the storage sections 73, 74 can be increased compared to the example of FIG. 7(b) described above. Furthermore, because the second storage section 74 for the user is located on the upper side, users with weak legs do not have to bend down significantly when pulling out the second storage section 74 to put things in or take things out. This allows for an increased storage capacity while preventing inconvenience to the user.

[0044] In the example of FIG. 7(d), similar to the example of FIG. 7(c), the first storage section 75 and the second storage section 76 are arranged vertically side by side below the tray 32, with the first storage section 75 located on the lower side and the second storage section 76 located on the upper side. Also, in the example of FIG. 7(d), the length of the first storage section 75 in the front-to-rear direction is shorter than the length of the second storage section 76 in the front-to-rear direction. Specifically, the length of the first storage section 75 in the front-to-rear direction is approximately half the length of the second storage section 76 in the front-to-rear direction. The first storage section 75 is arranged so that its front end is at the same position as the front end of the second storage section 76 in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, the first storage section 75 is arranged below and in front of the second storage section 76. With this configuration, even though the first storage section 75 and the second storage section 76 are arranged vertically side by side, it is possible to prevent the user's feet from interfering with the first storage section 75.

[0045] (3) In the above embodiment, the tray 32 is provided as a placement portion above the storage portion 31. However, the placement portion does not necessarily have to be the tray 32, and may be a flat table.

[0046] (4) The support portion 63 may be formed to have a shape symmetrical in the front-rear direction. In this case, the support portion 63 can be attached to any of the vertical frame portions 16. Therefore, the support portion 63 can be commonly used in each of the vertical frame portions 16, and the manufacturing cost of the support portion 63 can be reduced. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 10...walker, 11...frame portion, 31...storage portion, 32...tray as placement portion, 71...first storage portion, 72...second storage portion, 73...first storage portion, 74...second storage portion.

Claims

1. a storage section that is open upward and can store items; A walking vehicle including a loading section provided above the storage section and capable of loading an object, The storage section is provided below the placing section so as to be able to be pulled out forward.

2. In addition to the first storage section as the storage section, a second storage section capable of storing an object is further provided below the placing section, The walking frame according to claim 1 , wherein the second storage section can be pulled out rearward from below the placing section.

3. 3. The walking frame according to claim 2, wherein the first storage section and the second storage section are arranged side by side in the front-to-rear direction so that the first storage section is on the front side and the second storage section is on the rear side.

4. 3. The walking frame according to claim 2, wherein the first storage section and the second storage section are arranged side by side in the vertical direction so that the first storage section is on the lower side and the second storage section is on the upper side.

5. 2. The walking vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the storage section can be pulled out rearward as well as forward.

Images