Assistive devices

Abstract

An assistive walking device includes a first rod assembly and a second rod assembly, each pivotally connected to a seat cushion. The second rod assembly includes two side rods and two telescopic rods movably sleeved with the two side rods. The two telescopic rods are movably coupled together with two connecting sleeves, which are pivotally connected to the first rod assembly. When the seat cushion pivots, it causes the first rod assembly and the second rod assembly to pivot relative to each other and open. When the second rod assembly pivots, the two side rods slide relative to the two telescopic rods. When the seat cushion pivots to a usage position, the assistive walking device allows operation to provide walking aid functionality or wheelchair functionality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention is a mobility aid that can be easily converted into providing wheelchair functionality as well as mobility aid functionality. Prior Technology

[0002] As people age, become ill, or injured, they may experience mobility difficulties. Therefore, walking aids and wheelchairs have become important tools to help people move around. The walking aid provides two handles for the user to hold, allowing the user to move by supporting their body with their feet, hands, and the walking aid. The wheelchair is equipped with wheels and provides space for the user to sit on, and the user can move by rolling on the wheels.

[0003] A typical walking aid and a wheelchair are two different devices. A walking aid cannot provide the functions of a wheelchair, and a wheelchair is usually not suitable for use as a walking aid. Therefore, there is room for improvement in both walking aids and wheelchairs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the present invention provides a walking aid, comprising: A first linkage includes two extensions, each extension including a first pivot portion and a first connecting portion; A second rod assembly includes two side rods and two telescopic rods, the two telescopic rods being movably accommodated within the two side rods along the axial direction of the two side rods. The second rod assembly further includes two connecting sleeves that are movably sleeved with the two telescopic rods and located outside the two side rods. The two connecting sleeves are pivotally connected to two first connecting portions. The second rod assembly further includes two second axial connecting portions spaced apart from the two connecting sleeves. A seat cushion is housed between two extension sections and two side rods. The seat cushion is pivotally connected to two first axle joints and two second axle joints. The seat cushion is pivotable to a folded position and a seating position for passengers. When the seat cushion pivots between the folded position and the usage position, the two side rods extend and retract relative to the two telescopic rods, and the angle between the first rod group and the second rod group changes. When the seat cushion is in the folded position, the first rod group and the second rod group are brought together and overlap. When the seat cushion is in the usage position, a fixed angle is formed between the first rod group and the second rod group. Two first wheel sets, rotatably coupled to the first lever set, and Two second wheel sets are rotatably coupled to the second rod set, and when the seat is in the use position, the two first wheel sets and the two second wheel sets are configured to support the movement of the walking aid.

[0005] The technical features of the seat cushion in conjunction with the two telescopic rods of the second rod group enable the seat cushion to open and close in conjunction with the first rod group and the second rod group, thereby simplifying the linkage structure of the walking aid of the present invention and further reducing manufacturing costs.

[0006] In one embodiment, the walking aid includes two telescopic rods, each comprising a top end and a bottom end. Two connecting sleeves are movably engaged with the top ends of the two telescopic rods. When the seat is in the use position, the top ends and bottom ends of the two telescopic rods are located inside the side rods. When the seat is in the folded position, the top ends of the two telescopic rods are located outside the two side rods, and the bottom ends are located inside the two side rods.

[0007] The two grooves of the second rod group provide space to accommodate the first rod group. When the seat is pivoted to the folded position, the first rod group and the second rod group can be closed together in perfect parallel, and the two extensions are located between the two side rods, so that the thickness of the walking aid after folding is very small, which has the advantage of being easier to store and carry (e.g., easier to put into the trunk of a vehicle).

[0008] In one embodiment, the walking aid further includes two side bars with an upper end and a lower end, two connecting sleeves adjacent to and outside the upper ends of the two side bars, and a second rod assembly further includes two connectors fixed between the upper and lower ends of the two side bars. The upper end of each side bar is located between the connecting sleeves and the connectors. Each connector includes a sidewall and a groove between the sidewall and the side bar. Two second shafts are connected to the two sidewalls. Two extensions of the first rod assembly are located between the two side bars along an axial direction included in the two first shafts. When the seat is in the folded position, the grooves of the two connectors accommodate the two extensions, and the two side bars, the two extensions, and the seat are substantially parallel and overlap each other.

[0009] In one embodiment, the walking aid further includes: Two handles, which are fitted onto the two tail ends of the two extensions; Two pull handles are pivotally connected to two said handles. The two said side bars further include an upper end and a lower end. Each of the two said side bars further includes a mounting groove extending from the upper end to the lower end. The second rod assembly further includes two brake elements movably located within the mounting grooves of the two said side bars. The two brake elements are movably engaged with the two said pull handles. When the two said pull handles are separated from the two said handles, the two said brake elements do not generate braking force on the two second wheel assemblies. When the two said pull handles are pivoted and close to the two said handles, the two said brake elements generate braking force on the two second wheel assemblies.

[0010] In one embodiment, the walking aid further includes: The second set of levers further includes two abutting members pivotally mounted in the two mounting slots of the two side levers. The two brake members each include a friction end and a abutting end facing the two second wheel sets. The two abutting members abut against the abutting ends of the two brake members. Each of the two levers includes a first end and a second end. The two first ends are connected to the two levers, and the two second ends are connected to the two abutting members. Pivoting the two levers pulls the two abutting members through the two levers. The pivoting of the two abutting members pushes the brake members to produce displacement. The two second wheel sets further include two rotatable rear wheels. When the two levers pivot and approach the two handles, the two friction ends of the two brake members press against the two rear wheels.

[0011] In one embodiment, the second lever assembly of the walking aid further includes two bushings, the two bushings being engaged with the lower ends of the two side levers, two brake members being slidably engaged with the two bushings, and a spring being accommodated between each bushing and each brake member, each spring biasing each brake member at a position where the friction end is separated from each rear wheel.

[0012] In one embodiment, the walking aid further includes: The first lever assembly further includes a connecting segment connecting the two extension segments, and each of the two extension segments further includes a tail end spaced apart from the connecting segment and a pivot portion, with each pivot portion located between the tail end and the seat cushion. When the seat cushion is in the use position, the two handles face the two second wheel assemblies. A backrest is pivotally connected to the two said pivots, the backrest allowing pivoting to positions facing the two first wheel sets and facing the two second wheel sets; A footrest, pivotally connected to the first rod assembly and adjacent to the two first wheel assemblies, is pivotable to a folded position and an open position generally parallel to the two extensions. When the footrest is in the open position, it forms a foot clamp between the footrest and the two extensions to provide foot support for a person. When the backrest faces the two first wheel assemblies and the footrest is in the folded position, the walking aid is adapted to provide walking assistance functionality. When the backrest faces the two second wheel assemblies and the footrest is in the open position, the walking aid is adapted to provide wheelchair functionality.

[0013] The aforementioned walking aid allows for simple adjustments to be used as a wheelchair or a walking aid. Users can easily and quickly adjust the walking aid to either a walking aid or a wheelchair according to their needs, thus making the walking aid of the present invention very convenient to use.

[0014] In one embodiment, the walking aid further includes: A footrest, pivotally connected to the first rod assembly, is pivotable to a folded position and an open position approximately parallel to the two extensions. When the footrest is in the open position, it forms a foot clamp between the footrest and the two extensions to provide foot support for a person and the assistive device is adapted to provide wheelchair functionality. When the footrest is in the folded position, the assistive device is adapted to provide walker functionality.

[0015] The present invention also provides a walking aid, comprising a first rod assembly and a second rod assembly, each of the first rod assembly and the second rod assembly being pivotally connected to a seat cushion. The second rod assembly includes two side rods and two telescopic rods movably sleeved with the two side rods. The two telescopic rods are movably coupled together with two connecting sleeves, and the two connecting sleeves are pivotally connected to the first rod assembly. When the seat cushion pivots, it causes the first rod assembly and the second rod assembly to pivot relative to each other and open. When the second rod assembly pivots, the two side rods slide relative to the two telescopic rods. When the seat cushion pivots to a usage position, the walking aid allows operation to provide walking aid function or wheelchair function.

[0016] The invention will become clearer with the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0017] The first image is an exploded view of a walking aid.

[0018] Figure 2 is a partial exploded view of the second rod group.

[0019] Figure 3 is a partial exploded view of the first rod group.

[0020] Figure 4 shows the state of the assistive device adjusted to provide wheelchair functionality.

[0021] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Figure 4.

[0022] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Figure 4.

[0023] Figure 7 is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 6.

[0024] Figure 8 shows the state of the walking aid adjusted to provide walking aid functions.

[0025] Figure 9 shows the state of the walking aid with the seat pivoted in the folded position and the first and second lever groups folded together.

[0026] Figure 10 is a side view of Figure 9.

[0027] Figure 11 is a partial sectional view of the first rod group in the state shown in Figure 9.

[0028] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of Figure 10.

[0029] All diagrams are for illustrative purposes only. The number, position, relationship, and dimensional extensions of the components constituting the illustrative embodiments will be explained in the diagrams or will be considered industry skill after reading and understanding the following description. In addition, after reading and understanding the following description, the precise dimensions and changes in dimensional proportions to meet specific requirements for force, weight, strength, and similar requirements are also considered industry skill.

[0030] The same or similar components are identified by the same labels in different drawings; in addition, please understand that terms such as "top", "bottom", "first", "second", "forward", "backward", "reverse", "front", "back", "height", "width", "length", "end", "side", "horizontal", "vertical", etc. and similar terms are only for the convenience of the viewer to refer to the structure in the drawing and are only used to help describe and explain the embodiments. Implementation method

[0031] This invention is a walking aid, which can be adjusted to function as a walking aid and a wheelchair as needed. Referring to Figures 1-7, the walking aid 10 includes a first link assembly 20, a second link assembly 62, and a seat 151 connected to each other. The first link assembly 20 includes two parallel extensions 22, each extension 22 including a tail end 26. The first link assembly 20 further includes a connecting section 24 extending between the two extensions 22 and spaced apart from the two tail ends 26, the connecting section 24 forming a footrest hub 34 approximately at its center.

[0032] Each of the extension segments 22 further includes an expansion portion 28 formed between the tail end 26 and the connecting segment 24. Each expansion portion 28 is a flange that expands outward from an outer peripheral surface included in each of the extension segments 22. Each of the extension segments 22 further includes a first connecting portion 31, a first axial connecting portion 30, and a set of hinge portions 32, wherein each hinge portion 32 is adjacent to each expansion portion 28 and is located between each tail end 26 and each expansion portion 28. The hinge portion 32 of each extension segment 22 is formed by a hole penetrating the extension segment 22. Each first connecting portion 31 is located between each expansion portion 28 and each first axial connecting portion 30. Each first axial connecting portion 30 is located between each first connecting portion 31 and the connecting segment 24. Each of the aforementioned hinge portions 32, each of the first connecting portions 31, and each of the first shaft connecting portions 30 may, but is not limited to, be composed of one of the following: a circular hole and / or a circular rod (e.g., a pin).

[0033] Each of the two tail ends 26 of the first lever assembly 20 is fixed with a handle 36. Each handle 36 is generally L-shaped and includes a pivot section 38 and a sleeve section 42 extending further from the pivot section 38. The pivot section 38 of each handle 36 is provided with a pivot groove 40. Each pivot groove 40 is pivotally engaged with a pull end 46 of a pull handle 44. A grip end 48 of each pull handle 44 is located on the outside of each handle 36. The sleeve section 42 of each handle 36 is sleeved with the two tail ends 26 and spaced apart from each pivot portion 32. The pivot section 38 of each handle 36 and each pull handle 44 are located on the upper side of each tail end 26.

[0034] The first rod assembly 20 is further rotatably coupled to two first wheel assemblies 60, which are substantially rotatably coupled at approximately the junction of the two extensions 22 and the connecting section 24.

[0035] The second rod assembly 62 includes two parallel side rods 64 spaced apart from each other and a connecting rod 72 extending between the two side rods 64. Each side rod 64 includes an upper end 66 and a lower end 68. Each side rod 64 further includes a mounting groove 70 extending from the upper end 66 to the lower end 68 and a set of positioning holes 71 near the upper end 66. Each positioning hole 71 extends into the mounting groove 70. Each side rod 64 also includes a set of lower pivots 69 extending from its outer surface into the mounting groove 70. Each lower pivot 69 is adjacent to each lower end 68. Each lower pivot 69 may, but is not limited to, be formed by a circular hole. The connecting rod 72 is located between each upper end 66 and each lower end 68 and is adjacent to each upper end 66.

[0036] The second rod assembly 62 further includes two connectors 74 fixedly mounted on each of the side rods 64. Each connector 74 is located between each of the positioning holes 71 and each of the lower ends 68 and adjacent to each of the upper ends 66. Each connector 74 includes a side wall 76 spaced apart from each of the side rods 64 and a groove 78 located between each of the side walls 76 and each of the side rods 64. Each connector 74 also includes a second axial connection portion 80 fixedly mounted on the side wall 76.

[0037] The second rod assembly 62 further includes two telescopic rods 90, two sliding sleeves 82, and two connecting sleeves 86. Each of the two sliding sleeves 82 includes two positioning buttons 84. The two sliding sleeves 82 may be, but are not limited to, made of elastic plastic material, and each positioning button 84 may be, but is not limited to, formed by protruding dots on a protruding surface. The two sliding sleeves 82 are sleeved with the upper ends 66 of the two side rods 64, and each positioning button 84 is engaged with a corresponding positioning hole 71, so that the sliding sleeves 82 will not be opposite each other.

[0038] Each of the telescopic rods 90 includes a top end 92 and a bottom end 94. Each of the telescopic rods 90 is movably housed within the two side rods 64 along the axial direction of the two side rods 64, and each of the telescopic rods 90 is movably sleeved with the sliding sleeve 82, such that the sliding sleeve 82 supports the displacement of each of the telescopic rods 90 relative to the two side rods 64.

[0039] Each of the two connecting sleeves 86 includes a second connecting portion 88. Each connecting sleeve 86 is sleeved on the top end 92 of each telescopic rod 90 and located outside the upper end 66 of each side rod 64. Each connecting sleeve 86 is displaced relative to the side rod 64 together with each telescopic rod 90. The two second connecting portions 88 of the second rod group 62 are pivotally connected to the two first connecting portions 31 of the first rod group 20. The two extensions 22 are aligned laterally with the grooves 78 of each of the two connecting members 74 along the axial direction of the two first connecting portions 31. Therefore, it can be understood that the first rod group 20 and the second rod group 62 are allowed to pivot about the axis of the two first connecting portions 31.

[0040] The second rod assembly 62 is further combined with two second wheel assemblies 97, each second wheel assembly 97 including a bushing 96 and an assembly 98, each assembly 98 including an upper end 111 and a lower end 113, each upper end 111 and each lower end 113 being substantially perpendicular to each other, the upper end 111 of each assembly 98 being sleeved with the lower end 68 of each side rod 64, and the lower end 113 of each assembly 98 being rotatably coupled with a rear wheel 115.

[0041] Each bushing 96 includes two support portions 99 formed inside. One end of each bushing 96 passes through the upper end 111 of each assembly 98 and engages with each mounting groove 70, and the upper end 111 of each assembly 98 is fixedly connected to each bushing 96.

[0042] Each of the second wheel sets 97 further includes a brake element 117 and a pressing element 133. Each brake element 117 includes a pressing end 119 and a friction end 131. Each brake element 117 is movably accommodated in the mounting groove 70 of each of the side rods 64 and slidably sleeved with the bushing 96. Two springs 110 are provided between the two support portions 99 of each bushing 96 and the brake element 117. Each spring 110 biases the brake element 117 in a direction away from each of the rear wheels 115.

[0043] Each of the abutment members 133 includes a pivot portion 135 and an eccentric lug 137 relative to the pivot portion 135. The lug 137 of each of the abutment members 133 is pivotally connected to a connector 139. Each of the abutment members 133 is housed in each of the mounting grooves 70 and pivotally connected to each of the lower pivot portions 69. Each of the abutment members 133 abuts against the abutment end 119 of each of the brake members 117 (as shown in Figures 2, 6, and 7). Therefore, it can be understood that the pivoting mechanism of each of the abutment members 133 will push each of the brake members 117 to move along the length direction of each of the side rods 64.

[0044] The walking aid 10 of the present invention further includes two cables 50, each cable 50 including a first end 52 and a second end 54. The first end 52 of the two cables 50 is connected to the pulling end 46 of the two handles 44, and the second end 54 of the two cables 50 is connected to the connecting member 139 of the two pressing members 133. Thus, when the grip end 48 of the two handles 44 is pulled and pivots towards the two handles 36, the two cables 50 are pulled, further causing the two pressing members 133 to pivot and bias the two brake members 117 to move towards the rear wheels 115.

[0045] The walking aid 10 also includes a seat cushion 151, which includes a set of first pivots 153 and a set of second pivots 155 formed on two symmetrical sides. The first pivots 153 are pivotally connected to the two first shaft connections 30 of the first rod group 20, and the second pivots 155 are pivotally connected to the two second shaft connections 80 of the second rod group 62. Therefore, it can be understood that the rotation of the seat cushion 151 will cause the first rod group 20 and the second rod group 62 to pivot open or close together. The seat cushion 151 can pivot to a use position (as shown in Figures 4 and 8) and a folded position (as shown in Figure 9).

[0046] The walking aid 10 also includes two handrails 56, a backrest 157 and a footrest 58. The two handrails 56 are pivotally connected to the two pivot joints 32 of the two extensions 22 of the first rod assembly 20. The two handrails 56 are located on the outside of the two extensions 22.

[0047] The backrest 157 includes two pivots 159 at its two ends, which are pivotally connected to the second connecting portions 88 of the two connecting sleeves 86. The two pivots 159 are located between the two extensions 22. In other words, each of the two extensions 22 is located between one armrest 56 and one pivot 159 along the transverse direction. It is worth mentioning that although the two pivots 159 are pivotally connected to the two second connecting portions 88, the two armrests 56 are allowed to pivot independently relative to the two pivots 159. In addition, the expansion portions 28 of each extension 22 are adjacent to each armrest 56 and each pivot 159. Therefore, it can be understood that the armrest 56 and the backrest 157 are limited to a pivot range of approximately 180 degrees by the two expansion portions 28.

[0048] The foot rest 58 is pivotally connected to the foot rest pivot 34 of the first rod assembly 20, and the foot rest 58 allows pivoting to an open position (as shown in Figure 4) and a folded position (as shown in Figure 8).

[0049] The operation of the walking aid 10 will be further explained below. Referring to Figure 4, the walking aid 10 is adjusted to provide wheelchair functionality. The seat cushion 151 is located in the usage position, and the seat cushion 151 is approximately parallel to the ground. The first rod assembly 20 and the second rod assembly 62 are extended due to the seat cushion 151. In addition, the top ends 92 and bottom ends 94 of the two telescopic rods 90 are completely retracted into the mounting slots 70 of the two side rods 64. According to the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the angle between the first rod assembly 20 and the second rod assembly 62 is approximately 58 degrees. The two first wheel assemblies 60 and the two second wheel assemblies 97 are spaced apart to form a support. Furthermore, the angle between the first rod assembly 20 and the second rod assembly 62 will not change when the seat cushion 151 is not pivoted.

[0050] When the assistive device 10 is adjusted to the wheelchair mode, the two expansions 28 of the first lever assembly 20 are approximately parallel to the seat cushion 151, the two armrests 56 are pivoted toward the two first wheel sets 60 and abut against the two expansions 28, the backrest 157 is pivoted toward the two second wheel sets 97, the two pivot members 159 abut against the two expansions 28, and the footrest 58 is pivoted to the open position, so that the footrest 58 is approximately parallel to the seat cushion 151.

[0051] Therefore, as shown in Figure 4, the seat 151 of the assistive device 10, which provides wheelchair functionality, provides a place for a person to sit, the footrest 58 provides a place for the person's feet to rest, and the two handles 36 provide assistance for the person to push the assistive device 10 to move.

[0052] Referring to Figure 8, assuming the walking aid 10 of the present invention is adjusted to provide walking assistance, the seat cushion 151 remains in the use position, the footrest 58 pivots from the open position to the folded position, such that the footrest 58 rests against the connecting section 24 of the first rod assembly 20 and is approximately parallel to each of the extension sections 22, the two armrests 56 can pivot to a position approximately parallel to the two extension sections 22, and the backrest 157 pivots toward the two first wheel assemblies 60. In this state, the seat cushion 151 still allows a person to sit. Furthermore, since the backrest 157 faces the two first wheel sets 60, and the connecting rod 72 of the second rod set 62 is adjacent to the two upper ends, a space for a person is created on one side of the second rod set 62. That is, the walking aid 10, which is adjusted to provide walking assistance function, allows a person to stand with both feet between each of the first wheel sets 60 and each of the second wheel sets 97, and can prevent the walking aid 10 providing walking assistance function from tipping over.

[0053] Referring to Figures 10-12, the walking aid 10 of the present invention also provides a folding function. When the seat cushion 151 is pivoted from the use position to the folded position, the first rod group 20 and the second rod group 62 will pivot closer to each other. During the pivoting of the second rod group 62, the two telescopic rods 90 and the two connecting sleeves 86 slide relative to the two side rods 64, so that the top ends 92 of the two telescopic rods 90 are located outside the upper ends 66 of the two side rods 64. It should be noted that since the second connecting portions 88 of the two connecting sleeves 86 are pivotally connected to the first connecting portions 31 of the first rod group 20, the two connecting sleeves 86 and the two telescopic rods 90 will not be displaced relative to the first rod group 20, but the two side rods 64 and the two second wheel groups 97 will be displaced relative to the first rod group 20.

[0054] Furthermore, when the seat cushion 151 is in the folded position, the two grooves 78 of the second rod group 62 accommodate the two extensions 22 of the first rod group 20, such that the first rod group 20 and the second rod group 62 can pivot to a position that is nearly parallel and overlapping. That is, the two extensions 22 of the first rod group 20 are located along the lateral direction between the two side rods 64 of the second rod group 62, and the seat cushion 151 is also nearly parallel to the first rod group 20 and the second rod group 62 and is located along the lateral direction between the two extensions 22.

[0055] The two armrests 56 are pivoted to a position approximately parallel to the two extensions 22 of the first rod assembly 20, the backrest 157 is pivoted toward the two handles 36, and the footrest 58 is pivoted to the folded position, so that the thickness of the walking aid 10 after folding can be minimized.

[0056] The walking aid 10 of the present invention also provides a braking function, which can be used in both the walking aid function and the wheelchair function of the walking aid 10. Referring to Figures 5 and 7, when the two pull handles 44 are not pressed, the grip ends 48 of the two pull handles 44 are separated from the two handles 36, so that the two brake elements 117 are biased by the corresponding springs 110 at the position separated from the friction end 131 and the rear wheels 115. In this state, the two second wheel sets 97 and the two second wheel sets 97 can support the free displacement of the walking aid 10.

[0057] Referring to Figures 5 and 12, when the walking aid 10 needs to brake, pressing the grip ends 48 of the two pull handles 44 causes the two grip ends 48 to pivot close to each handle 36. This pulls the first ends 52 of the two cables 50 by the pulling ends 46 of each pull handle 44, causing the second ends 54 of each cable 50 to pivot the pressing members 133. Furthermore, each pressing member 133 presses against the pressing ends 119 of each brake member 117, causing each brake member 117 to displace towards the rear wheels 115. This causes the friction ends 131 of each brake member 117 to press against each rear wheel 115, preventing the rear wheels 115 from rotating. Thus, the walking aid 10 provides braking functionality.

[0058] All the technical features and related operations of the present invention have been described in detail, and it should be understood that the present invention includes at least the following advantages. The technical features of the seat cushion 151 in conjunction with the two telescopic rods 90 of the second rod group 62 enable the seat cushion 151 to connect the first rod group 20 and the second rod group 62 to open and close, thereby simplifying the linkage structure of the walking aid 10 of the present invention and further reducing manufacturing costs.

[0059] The two grooves 78 of the second rod assembly 62 provide space to accommodate the first rod assembly 20. When the seat cushion 151 is pivoted to the folded position, the first rod assembly 20 and the second rod assembly 62 can be closed together in perfect parallel, and the two extensions 22 are located between the two side rods 64, so that the thickness of the walking aid 10 after folding is very small, which has the advantage of being easier to store and carry (e.g., easier to put into the trunk of a vehicle).

[0060] Furthermore, the walking aid 10 allows for simple adjustments to be used as a wheelchair or a walking aid. Users can easily and quickly adjust the walking aid 10 to either a walking aid or a wheelchair according to their needs, thus making the walking aid 10 of the present invention very convenient to use.

[0061] Since the invention disclosed in this specification can be practiced in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or general characteristics of the invention, and some of these specific forms have been pointed out, the embodiments disclosed in this specification should be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, not by the foregoing description, and all changes in meaning and scope falling within the claims are included within its scope.

[0062] 10: Assistive devices for walking 20: First group of shots 22: Extension 24: Connecting segment 26: Tail end 28: Expansion Section 30: First shaft joint 31: First connecting part 32: Pivot section 34: Foot rest pivot 36: Handle 38: Pivotal Section 40: Pivot slot 42: Socket Section 44: Pull handle 46: Pull end 48: Handheld end 50: Lasso 52: First end 54: Second end 56: Handrail 58: Foot rest 60: First round group 62: Second group of poles 64: Side pole 66: Top 68: Lower end 69: Lower axis 70: Mounting slot 71: Positioning hole 72: Connecting rod 74: Connector 76: Sidewall 78: Groove 80: Second shaft joint 82: Sliding sleeve 84: Positioning button 86: Connecting sleeve 88: Second connecting part 90: Telescopic pole 92: Top 94: Bottom 96: Bushing 97: Second Round Group 98: Assembly parts 99: Support section 110: Spring 111: Top 113: Lower end 115: Rear wheel 117: Brake components 119: Pressure end 131: Friction end 133: Pressing component 135: Pivot 137: Protruding ears 139: Connector 151: Seat Cushion 153: First Pivot 155: Second Pivot 157: Backrest 159: Pivot component

Claims

1. A walking aid, comprising: A first link assembly includes two extensions, each extension including a first pivot portion and a first connecting portion; A second rod assembly includes two side rods and two telescopic rods, the two telescopic rods being movably accommodated within the two side rods along their axial direction. The second rod assembly further includes two connecting sleeves movably sleeved with the two telescopic rods and located outside the two side rods, the two connecting sleeves being pivotally connected to two first connecting portions. The second rod assembly further includes two second axial connecting portions spaced apart from the two connecting sleeves. A seat cushion is accommodated between the two extensions and the two side rods, the seat cushion being pivotally connected to the two first axial connecting portions and the two second axial connecting portions. The seat cushion is pivotable to a folded position and a seating position for occupants. When the seat cushion pivots between the folded position and the usage position, the two side rods extend and retract relative to the two telescopic rods, and the angle between the first rod assembly and the second rod assembly changes. When the seat cushion is in the folded position, the first rod assembly and the second rod assembly are brought together and overlap. When the seat cushion is in the usage position, a fixed angle is formed between the first rod assembly and the second rod assembly. Two first wheel sets rotatably engage with the first lever set, and two second wheel sets rotatably engage with the second lever set, wherein when the seat is in the use position, the two first wheel sets and the two second wheel sets are configured to support the movement of the walking aid.

2. The walking aid as described in claim 1, wherein each of the two telescopic rods includes a top end and a bottom end, and the two connecting sleeves are movably engaged with the top ends of the two telescopic rods. When the seat is in the use position, the top ends and bottom ends of the two telescopic rods are located inside the side rods. When the seat is in the folded position, the top ends of the two telescopic rods are located outside the two side rods and the bottom ends are located inside the two side rods.

3. The walking aid as described in claim 1, wherein the two side rods further include an upper end and a lower end, the two connecting sleeves are adjacent to the upper ends of the two side rods and located outside the two upper ends, the second rod assembly further includes two connectors, the two connectors are fixed between the upper ends and the lower ends of the two side rods, the upper ends of each side rod are located between each connecting sleeve and each connector, each connector includes a sidewall and a groove located between the sidewall and each side rod, the two second shaft joints are engaged with the two sidewalls, the two extensions of the first rod assembly are located between the two side rods along an axial direction included in the two first shaft joints, and when the seat is in the retracted position, the grooves of the two connectors accommodate the two extensions and the two side rods, the two extensions and the seat are substantially parallel to each other and overlap.

4. The walking aid as described in claim 1 further includes: Two handles are sleeved with the two tail ends of the two extension sections; two pull handles are pivotally connected to the two handles; the two side bars further include an upper end and a lower end, and each of the two side bars further includes a mounting groove extending from the upper end to the lower end; the second rod assembly further includes two brake elements movably located within the mounting grooves of the two side bars; the two brake elements are movably engaged with the two pull handles; when the two pull handles are separated from the two handles, the two brake elements do not generate braking force on the two second wheel assemblies; when the two pull handles are pivoted and close to the two handles, the two brake elements generate braking force on the two second wheel assemblies.

5. The walking aid as described in claim 4 further includes: The second set of levers further includes two abutting members pivotally mounted in the two mounting slots of the two side levers. The two brake members each include a friction end and a abutting end facing the two second wheel sets. The two abutting members abut against the abutting ends of the two brake members. Each of the two levers includes a first end and a second end. The two first ends are connected to the two levers, and the two second ends are connected to the two abutting members. Pivoting the two levers pulls the two abutting members through the two levers. The pivoting of the two abutting members pushes the brake members to produce displacement. The two second wheel sets further include two rotatable rear wheels. When the two levers pivot and approach the two handles, the two friction ends of the two brake members press against the two rear wheels.

6. The walking aid as described in claim 5, wherein the second lever assembly further comprises two bushings, the two bushings being engaged with the lower ends of the two side levers, the two brakes being slidably engaged with the two bushings, and a spring being accommodated between each bushing and each brake, each spring biasing each brake at a position where the friction end is separated from each of the rear wheels.

7. The walking aid as described in claim 1 further includes: Two handlebars, the first lever assembly further including a connecting segment connecting the two extensions, each of the two extensions further including a tail end spaced apart from the connecting segment and a pivot portion, each of the pivot portions being located between each of the tail ends and the seat, the two handlebars facing the two second wheel assemblies when the seat is in the use position; a backrest, pivotally connected to the two pivot portions, the backrest allowing pivoting to a position facing the two first wheel assemblies and facing the two second wheel assemblies; A footrest, pivotally connected to and adjacent to the two first wheel sets, is pivotable to a folded position and an open position generally parallel to the two extensions. When the footrest is in the open position, it forms a foot clamp between the footrest and the two extensions to provide foot support for a person. When the backrest faces the two first wheel sets and the footrest is in the folded position, the walking aid is adapted to provide walking assistance functionality. When the backrest faces the two second wheel sets and the footrest is in the open position, the walking aid is adapted to provide wheelchair functionality.

8. The walking aid as described in claim 1, further comprising: A footrest, pivotally connected to the first rod assembly, is pivotable to a folded position and an open position approximately parallel to the two extensions. When the footrest is in the open position, it forms a foot clamp between the footrest and the two extensions to provide foot support for a person and the assistive device is adapted to provide wheelchair functionality. When the footrest is in the folded position, the assistive device is adapted to provide walker functionality.

9. A walking aid comprising a first rod assembly and a second rod assembly, each of the first rod assembly and the second rod assembly being pivotally connected to a seat cushion, the second rod assembly comprising two side rods and two telescopic rods movably sleeved with the two side rods, the two telescopic rods being movably coupled together with two connecting sleeves, the two connecting sleeves being pivotally connected to the first rod assembly, wherein pivoting of the seat cushion causes the first rod assembly and the second rod assembly to pivot relative to each other and open, and pivoting of the second rod assembly causes the two side rods to slide relative to the two telescopic rods, wherein when the seat cushion is pivoted to a use position, the walking aid allows operation to provide walking aid function or wheelchair function.

Images