Walker

Abstract

The walker includes a first side frame and a second side frame configured to fold laterally toward each other from an unfolded configuration to a folded configuration. The walker includes a seat extending between the first side frame and the second side frame and supported by them, and a folding mechanism located beneath the seat and operating independently of the seat.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 506,363, filed on June 5, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Background The present disclosure relates to mobility aids, and more specifically to walkers. Walkers provide body stability and support, and by reducing the burden on the lower body of a human, they promote walking ability and independent mobility. A typical walker includes a pair of left - hand side frames and right - hand side frames, with the front end supported by two wheels and the rear end supported by two non - rolling feet. In contrast to walk - behind vehicles, walkers usually do not have a seat, have fewer than two wheels, and in some cases, no wheels at all. There is a continuing need to improve the ease of use, foldability, portability, and / or convenience of use of walkers.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] Abstract According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a walker is provided for assisting the mobility of a user, the walker comprising a first side frame, a second side frame positioned laterally spaced from the first side frame, a seat, and a first folding mechanism positioned beneath the seat. Each of the first and second side frames includes front legs supporting wheels, rear legs supporting feet, handlebars connecting the front and rear legs, and a seat bar extending between and fixed to the front and rear legs. The seat is supported between the first and second seat bars and is configured to fold when the first and second side frames transition from an unfolded configuration to a folded configuration. The first folding mechanism comprises a first lock bar and a second lock bar. The first lock bar has a first end portion rotatably coupled to the first seat bar and a second end portion. The second lock bar has a first end portion rotatably coupled to the second seat bar, and a second end portion extending along and rotatably coupled to the second end portion of the first lock bar.

[0004] In some embodiments, the first and second lock bars may be spaced apart below the seat and extend parallel to the seat when the first and second side frames are in an unfolded configuration.

[0005] In some embodiments, when the first and second side frames are in an unfolded configuration, the first and second locking bars can extend parallel to each other and horizontally. When the first and second side frames are in a folded configuration, the first and second locking bars can extend parallel to each other and vertically.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first and second locking bars can be positioned on the underside of the seat in both the deployed and folded configurations of the first and second side frames, respectively.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first end portions of each of the first and second lock bars may be curved upward.

[0008] In some embodiments, the second end portions of each of the first and second lock bars may be straight.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first folding mechanism may further include a first pair of arms non-rotatably coupled to a first seat bar and a second pair of arms non-rotatably coupled to a second seat bar. The first end portion of the first lock bar can be rotatably supported by the first pair of arms, and the first end portion of the second lock bar can be rotatably supported by the second pair of arms.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first pair of arms may extend below and inside the first seat bar, and the second pair of arms may extend below and inside the second seat bar, such that the first end portions of the first lock bar and the first end portions of the second lock bar are positioned below the seat and laterally inside the first and second side frames, respectively.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first lock bar may be longer than the second lock bar.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first folding mechanism may include a plate fixed to the second end portion of the first lock bar and configured to releasably lock-engage with the second end portion of the second lock bar when the first and second side frames are in an unfolded configuration.

[0013] In some embodiments, the walker may further include a strap having a first end portion extending upward through the seat and accessible to the user, and a second end portion connected to the plate such that tension applied to the strap releases a locking engagement between the plate and a second locking bar.

[0014] In some embodiments, the walker may further include a second folding mechanism connected to the front legs of the first and second side frames.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second folding mechanism may include a first arched shaft rotatably coupled to the front legs of the first and second side frames at its opposing first and second end portions, and a second arched shaft rotatably coupled to the first arched shaft at its central portion. The second arched shaft may be rotatably coupled to the front legs of the first and second side frames at its opposing first and second end portions.

[0016] In some embodiments, the walker may further include a first handle assembly comprising a base supported on a first handlebar, a cushion positioned to overlap the base, and a gas-filled bladder sandwiched between the base and the cushion.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a walker is provided for assisting the mobility of a user, the walker comprising a first side frame, a second side frame positioned laterally spaced from the first side frame, a seat, and a first folding mechanism positioned beneath the seat. Each of the first and second side frames includes a front leg and a rear leg. The first folding mechanism is configured to fold laterally between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration of the first and second side frames. The first folding mechanism may include a first locking bar and a second locking bar, each having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the first locking bar is rotatably coupled to the first side frame, and the first end portion of the second locking bar is rotatably coupled to the second side frame. The second end portion of the second locking bar is rotatably coupled to the second end portion of the first locking bar. The first and second locking bars extend parallel to each other and horizontally when the first and second side frames are in an unfolded configuration. The first and second locking bars extend parallel to each other and vertically when the first and second side frames are in a folded configuration.

[0018] In some embodiments, the sheet may have a first side fixed to a first side frame and a second side fixed to a second side frame.

[0019] As used herein, the terms “parallel” and “perpendicular” are understood to include relative configurations that are approximately parallel and approximately perpendicular, ranging from true parallel and true perpendicular to approximately + or -15 degrees.

[0020] As used herein, the term "about" means that a number is an approximation and that small variations will not significantly affect the implementation of the disclosed embodiment. Where numerical limits are used, unless otherwise indicated by the context, "about" means that a ±10% variation in the number will remain within the scope of the disclosed embodiment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view showing an exemplary embodiment of a walker shown in a used or deployed configuration.

[0023] [Figure 2] FIG. 11 is an enlarged rear perspective view of the walker of FIG. 1.

[0024] [Figure 3] FIG. 17 is a rear view of the walker of FIG. 1 with the parts of the first folding mechanism separated.

[0025] [Figure 4A] FIG. 23 is a right side perspective view showing the walker of FIG. 1 in a folded or collapsed configuration.

[0026] [Figure 4B] FIG. 29 is a left side perspective view showing the walker of FIG. 1 in a folded or collapsed configuration.

[0027] [Figure 5] FIG. 35 is a plan view showing the handle assembly of the walker of FIG. 1.

[0028] [Figure 6] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the handle assembly of FIG. 5 with the parts separated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Embodiments of the walker disclosed herein are described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which in each of the plurality of figures, the same reference numerals indicate identical or corresponding elements.

[0030] Referring to Figures 1 to 4B, exemplary embodiments of mobility aids, such as walkers, are shown and are generally shown as 100. As will be described in more detail herein, the walker 100 is configured to transition between an in-use configuration, an unfolded configuration, or an extended configuration (Figure 1) and a folded or stored configuration (Figures 4A to 4B) that utilizes a folding mechanism 120 located beneath the seat 107 and not interfering with the seat 107 when folded or unfolded.

[0031] The walker 100 generally includes a first side frame 102, a second side frame 104 positioned laterally apart from the first side frame 102, a seat 107, a first folding mechanism 120 positioned below the seat 107, and, in some embodiments, a second folding mechanism 150. The first side frame 102 includes a front leg 106 supporting a wheel 108, a rear leg 110 supporting a foot 112, a first handlebar 114 connecting the front leg 106 and the rear leg 110, and a first seat bar 116 extending between the front leg 106 and the rear leg 110 and fixed to the intermediate portion between the front leg 106 and the rear leg 110. The first seat bar 116 may be fixed (e.g., non-rotatable and non-slidable) to the front and rear legs 106, 110 by welding or other suitable fastening engagements. In some embodiments, the front and rear legs 106, 110 and the first handlebar 114 may be integrally formed from a metal tube. In some embodiments, one or both of the front and rear legs 106, 110 may each include a pair of locking telescopic tubes that allow for selective adjustment of the lengths of the front leg 106 and the rear leg 110.

[0032] The wheel 108 may include a weight-actuated brake (not explicitly shown) configured to lock the rotation of the wheel 108 when there is no threshold downward force applied by the user to the front leg 106. The foot 112 is detachable from the rear leg 110 and is configured to slide along the ground (rather than roll) and is designed to provide a sufficient amount of frictional resistance to movement along the ground to limit the speed of the walker 100.

[0033] The second side frame 104 includes a front leg 118 supporting the wheel 122, a rear leg 124 supporting the foot 126, a second handlebar 128 interconnecting the front leg 118 and the rear leg 124, and a second seat bar 130 extending between the front leg 118 and the rear leg 124 of the second side frame 104 and fixed to the intermediate portion. The second seat bar 130 may be fixed (e.g., non-rotatable and non-slidable) to the front and rear legs 118, 124 by welding or other suitable fastening engagements. In some embodiments, the front and rear legs 118, 124 and the second handlebar 128 may be integrally formed from metal tubing. In some embodiments, one or both of the front and rear legs 118, 124 may each include a pair of locking telescopic tubes so as to be able to selectively adjust the length of the front and rear legs 118, 124.

[0034] Referring to Figure 2, the seat 107 is flexible, for example, manufactured from fabric, and can extend between the first side frame 102 and the second side frame 104. When the walker 100 is in an unfolded configuration, the seat 107 is held taut between the side frames 102 and 104, preventing further separation between the first side frame 102 and the second side frame 104. The seat 107 includes a first side 107a fixed to the first seat bar 116 and a second side 107b fixed to the second seat bar 130 and configured to be taut to support the user when the user sits on the seat 107. The seat 107 is configured to fold or collapse when the first side frame 102 and the second side frame 104 transition from an unfolded configuration to a folded configuration. For example, when the walker 100 is in a folded configuration, the first side 107a and the second side 107b of the seat 107 are adjacent to each other, and the central portion 107c of the seat 107 may protrude upward. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the front ends of each of the sides 107a and 107b of the seat 107 may be pivotably connected to seat bars 116 and 130 so that the seat 107 can spring up when the walker 100 is folded.

[0035] Continuing to refer to Figures 1 and 2, the second or front folding mechanism 150 is connected to the front legs 106, 118 of the first and second side frames 102, 104. The front folding mechanism 150 prevents the first side frame 102 and the second side frame 104 from wobbling relative to each other and may also have an additional function as a backrest when the user is seated in the seat 107. The front folding mechanism 150 includes a first bar or shaft 152 and a second bar or shaft 154 that are rotatably coupled to each other at their center point via a pivot pin. The first shaft 152 and the second shaft 154 are coupled to each other to form a cross-shaped "X" pattern or scissor fold.

[0036] The first shaft 152 has a first end portion 152a rotatably coupled (e.g., via a pin connection) to the upper part of the front leg 106 of the first side frame 102, and a second end portion 152b rotatably coupled to the middle part of the front leg 118 of the second side frame 104. The second shaft 154 has a first end portion 154a rotatably coupled (e.g., via a pin connection) to the upper part of the front leg 118 of the second side frame 104, and a second end portion 154b rotatably coupled to the middle part of the front leg 106 of the first side frame 102. The first and second shafts 152, 154 may be curved along their length such that the first and second shafts 152, 154 curve outward from the front legs 106, 118. Thus, when the second folding mechanism 150 is folded, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the majority of the length of the first and second shafts 152 and 154 is positioned in front of the first and second side frames 102 and 104, rather than between them, so that the first and second side frames 102 and 104 can move closer to each other during folding.

[0037] Referring to Figures 2 to 4B, the first folding mechanism 120 is configured to selectively lock the first and second upright frames 102, 104 into an unfolded or extended configuration. The first folding mechanism 120 includes a first pair of arms 132 non-rotatably coupled to a first seat bar 116, a second pair of arms 134 non-rotatably coupled to a second seat bar 130, a first lock bar 136, and a second lock bar 138. The first pair of arms 132 are spaced apart axially along the first seat bar 116 and extend below and inside the first seat bar 116, while the second pair of arms 134 are spaced apart axially along the second seat bar 130 and extend below and inside the second seat bar 130. Therefore, the pair of arms 132 and 134 position the first and second lock bars 136 and 138 at intervals below the seat 107 and laterally inward of the first and second side frames 102 and 104, respectively.

[0038] The first and second lock bars 136 and 138 each have first end portions 136a and 138a and second end portions 136b and 138b. The first end portion 136a of the first lock bar 136 has a first lateral pivot bar 140 that is rotatably connected to and supported between a first pair of arms 132, and the first end portion 138a of the second lock bar 138 has a second lateral pivot bar 142 that is rotatably connected to and supported between a second pair of arms 134. Thus, the first lock bar 136 is configured to rotate relative to the arms 132 about a pivot axis extending through the first lateral pivot bar 140, and the second lock bar 138 is configured to rotate relative to the arms 134 about a pivot axis extending through the second lateral pivot bar 142. The first end portions 136a, 138a of the first and second lock bars 136, 138, respectively, are curved upward toward the first and second lateral pivot bars 140, 142 relative to the second end portions 136b, 138b of the first and second lock bars 136, 138, respectively, further moving the second end portions 136b, 138b of the first and second lock bars 136, 138, toward the seat 107. Therefore, when the folding mechanism 120 is in a folded configuration in which the first and second lock bars 136, 138 extend vertically, the first and second lock bars 136, 138 do not protrude from the seat 107. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the central portion 107c of the sheet 107 may define holes through which the second end portions 136b, 138b of the first and second lock bars 136, 138 extend when the folding mechanism 120 is in a folded configuration.

[0039] The second end portions 136b and 138b of the first and second lock bars 136 and 138, respectively, may be straight along their lengths, and the first lock bar 136 may be longer than the second lock bar 138. The second end portions 136b and 138b of the first and second lock bars 136 and 138 extend side by side in a direction parallel to the plane of the seat 107 when the walker 100 is in an unfolded or spread-out configuration. In other words, the second end portions 136b and 138b of the first and second lock bars 136 and 138 share a common plane parallel to the plane of the seat 107. The second end portions 136b and 138b of the first and second lock bars 136 and 138 are rotatably connected to each other via pivot pins 144 that pass through each of the first and second lock bars 136 and 138 laterally.

[0040] The first folding mechanism 120 further includes a plate 146 fixed (e.g., welded) to the second end portion 136b of the first lock bar 136. For example, the plate 146 may be attached to the upper surface of the first lock bar 136. A connector 148 is fixed to the underside of the plate 146, configured to releasably lock-engage with the second end portion 138b of the second lock bar 138 when the first and second side frames 102, 104 are in an unfolded configuration. The connector 148 may be an over-center clip (e.g., a U-shaped clip) configured to snap-fit ​​engage with the second end portion 138b of the second lock bar 138 to selectively hold the first and second lock bars 136, 138 horizontal, as shown in Figure 2.

[0041] Referring to Figure 2, a strap 160 can be provided, which includes a first end portion 160a for the user to grasp, passing through a hole in the central portion 107c of the sheet 107. The strap 160 includes a second end portion 160b attached to the upper surface of the plate 146. When the user applies tension or tensile force to the strap 160, the strap 160 applies an upward force to the plate 146 / connector 148, disengaging the connector 148 from the second lock bar 138, so that the first and second lock bars 136, 138 can rotate upward (for example, toward the sheet 107) around the pivot pin 144. Downward rotation of the second end portions 136b, 138b of the first and second lock bars 136, 138 is prevented by interference between the plate 146 / connector 148 and the second end portion 138b of the second lock bar 138. When the folding mechanism 120 is locked out, the hinge point of the pivot pin 144 is shifted (for example, downward) from the hinge points of the lateral pivot bars 140, 142 so as to resist the folding mechanism 120 being folded upward or downward by the user's weight pushing down the seat 107.

[0042] During operation, to transition the walker 100 from the operational configuration (Figure 1) to the folded configuration (Figures 4A-4B), the first end portion 160a of the strap 160 can be pulled upward to disengage the connector 148 from the second lock bar 138. In some embodiments, the user can disengage the connector 148 from the second lock bar 138 by pushing the second end portions 136b and 138b of the first and second lock bars 136 and 138 upward. Once the first folding mechanism 120 is unlocked, the first and second side frames 102 and 104 can be folded laterally toward each other from the deployed or spread configuration to the folded configuration.

[0043] The first end portion of the first lock bar and the second end portions 136b and 138b of the second lock bars 136 and 138 rotate relative to each other around the pivot pin 144, and the first end portions 136a and 138a of the first and second lock bars 136 and 138 rotate relative to the first and second seat bars 116 and 130, respectively. As the first and second lock bars 136 and 138 rotate, they move from a horizontal position (Figure 2) to a vertical position (Figures 4A and 4B). During the lateral folding of the first and second side frames 102 and 104, the seat 107 itself folds, its first and second sides 107a and 107b move closer to each other, and the central portion 107c of the seat 107 protrudes upward. In the folded configuration, the second end portions 136b and 138b of the first and second lock bars 136 and 138 extend vertically in a parallel relationship with each other and remain beneath the central portion 107c of the seat 107. The design of the first folding mechanism 120 is such that the folding of the first folding mechanism 120 is not obstructed by the seat 107 directly above the first folding mechanism 120.

[0044] Referring to Figures 1, 5, and 6, the walker 100 may include first and second handle assemblies 170, 172, respectively, which are positioned and fixed on first and second handle bars 114, 128. Since each of the first and second handle assemblies 170, 172 is identical or substantially identical, only the details of the first handle assembly 170 will be described here. The first handle assembly 170 is ergonomically designed and includes a base 174 supported and fixed on the first handle bar 114, a cushion 176 positioned to overlap the base 174, and a fluid-filled bladder 178 sandwiched between the base 174 and the cushion 176. In some embodiments, the fluid in the bladder 178 may be a gas (e.g., air) or a liquid.

[0045] The base 174 is substantially rectangular and includes a plurality of projections 180 that protrude upward from its top surface. The base 174 can be manufactured from a rigid or flexible material (e.g., a suitable foam such as urethane foam or EVA foam). The cushion 176 is manufactured from a flexible material (e.g., a suitable foam such as urethane foam or EVA foam) and overlaps with the handlebar 114 and may curve along a portion of the handlebar 114. The cushion 176 has a plurality of projections 182 that protrude downward from its bottom surface. The projections 182 of the cushion 176 extend through a plurality of channels 184 defined through the bladder 178 and engage with the projections 180 of the base 174. Thus, the projections 180, 182 provide the bladder 178 with structural support that prevents the bladder 178 from rolling when pressure is applied, while maintaining flexibility. The channels 184 are arranged axially spaced apart from one another along the length of the bladder 178, and each may have a conical upper end and an inverted conical lower end. The bladder 178 can be manufactured from a transparent and elastic material such as silicone, urethane, or vinyl.

[0046] It will be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein can be modified in various ways. Therefore, the above description should be interpreted not as limiting, but merely as an example of various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will be able to envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A walker to assist the user's movement, The first side frame, The front legs that support the wheels, The hind legs that support the feet, A first handlebar that interconnects the front leg and the rear leg, A first side frame including a first seat bar extending between the front leg and the rear leg and fixed thereto, A second side frame, which is positioned laterally apart from the first side frame, The front legs that support the wheels, The hind legs that support the feet, A second handlebar that interconnects the front leg and the rear leg of the second side frame, A second side frame, including a second seat bar extending between the front leg and the rear leg of the second side frame and fixed thereto, A seat supported between the first seat bar and the second seat bar, wherein the first side frame and the second side frame are configured to fold inward when transitioning from an unfolded configuration to a folded configuration. A first folding mechanism located on the lower side of the aforementioned seat, A first lock bar having a first end portion and a second end portion rotatably coupled to the first seat bar, A walker comprising a first folding mechanism, the first locking bar having a first end portion rotatably coupled to the second seat bar and a second end portion extending along the second end portion of the first locking bar and rotatably coupled thereto.

2. The walker according to claim 1, wherein the first lock bar and the second lock bar are spaced apart below the seat and extend parallel to the seat when the first side frame and the second side frame are in the deployed configuration.

3. The walker according to claim 1, wherein when the first side frame and the second side frame are in the unfolded configuration, the first lock bar and the second lock bar extend parallel to each other and horizontally, and when the first side frame and the second side frame are in the folded configuration, the first lock bar and the second lock bar extend parallel to each other and vertically.

4. The walker according to claim 3, wherein the first lock bar and the second lock bar are positioned below the seat in the unfolded configuration and the folded configuration of the first side frame and the second side frame, respectively.

5. The walker according to claim 1, wherein the first end portion of each of the first lock bar and the second lock bar is curved upward.

6. The walker according to claim 5, wherein the second end portion of each of the first lock bar and the second lock bar is straight.

7. The first folding mechanism is A first pair of arms non-rotatably coupled to the first seat bar, wherein the first end portion of the first lock bar is rotatably supported by the first pair of arms, The walker according to claim 1, further comprising: a second pair of arms non-rotatably coupled to the second seat bar, wherein the first end portion of the second lock bar is rotatably supported by the second pair of arms.

8. The walker according to claim 7, wherein the first pair of arms extends below and inside the first seat bar, and the second pair of arms extends below and inside the second seat bar, such that the first end portion of the first lock bar and the first end portion of the second lock bar are positioned below the seat and laterally inside the first side frame and the second side frame, respectively.

9. The walker according to claim 1, wherein the first locking bar is longer than the second locking bar.

10. The walker according to claim 9, wherein the first folding mechanism includes a plate fixed to the second end portion of the first lock bar, and configured to releasably lock-engage with the second end portion of the second lock bar when the first side frame and the second side frame are in the unfolded configuration.

11. The walker according to claim 10, further comprising a strap having a first end portion that penetrates the sheet and extends upward and is accessible to the user, and a second end portion that is connected to the plate such that tension applied to the strap releases the lock engagement between the plate and the second lock bar.

12. The walker according to claim 1, further comprising a second folding mechanism connected to the front legs of the first side frame and the second side frame.

13. The second folding mechanism described above, A first arch-shaped shaft, wherein the first arch-shaped shaft is rotatably connected at its opposing first end portion and second end portion to the front leg of the first side frame and the second side frame, The walker according to claim 12, further comprising: a second arched shaft rotatably coupled to the first arched shaft in its central portion, the second arched shaft rotatably coupled to the first side frame and the front legs of the second side frame at its opposing first and second end portions.

14. The base supported on the first handlebar, A cushion is positioned so as to overlap with the aforementioned base, The first handle assembly further includes a gas-filled bladder sandwiched between the base and the cushion, The walker according to claim 1.

15. A walker that assists the user's movement, The first side frame, Front legs and, The hind legs and the first side frame, A second side frame, which is positioned laterally apart from the first side frame, Front legs and, The hind legs and the second side frame, A sheet supported between the first side frame and the second side frame, A first folding mechanism is located below the seat and is configured to fold laterally between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration of the first side frame and the second side frame, A first lock bar having a first end portion and a second end portion that are rotatably coupled to the first side frame, A walker comprising a first folding mechanism, the first locking mechanism having a first end portion rotatably coupled to the second side frame and a second end portion rotatably coupled to the second end portion of the first locking bar, wherein when the first and second side frames are in the unfolded configuration, the first locking bar and the second locking bar extend parallel to each other and horizontally, and when the first and second side frames are in the folded configuration, the first locking bar and the second locking bar extend parallel to each other and vertically.

16. The walker according to claim 15, wherein the seat has a first side that is fixed to the first side frame and a second side that is fixed to the second side frame.

17. The walker according to claim 15, wherein the first lock bar is longer than the second lock bar.

18. The walker according to claim 17, wherein the first end portion of each of the first lock bar and the second lock bar is curved upward.

19. The walker according to claim 18, wherein the second end portion of each of the first lock bar and the second lock bar is straight.

20. The walker according to claim 15, further comprising a second folding mechanism connected to the front legs of the first side frame and the second side frame.

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