Walker having structure capable of being folded twice

Abstract

Disclosed is a walking assistance device. The walking assistance device comprises: first and second main frames spaced apart from each other, extended vertically in parallel with each other, and having first and second handle portions at the upper ends thereof or parts adjacent to the upper ends; and first and second lower support frames rotatably coupled to the respective lower ends of the first and second main frames and extended forward and backward in parallel with each other. The walking assistance device can be configured such that the first and second lower support frames can be rotated and folded to the rear of the first and second main frames and an X-shaped connection member can be folded so as to bring the first and second main frames into close proximity to each other.

Description

A walker with a double-folding structure

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and method related to walking / movement, and more particularly, to a walker and related method that can be used by the elderly.

[0002] With the rapidly growing elderly population, industries and related markets that provide goods and services for the elderly are expected to expand significantly. Demand for products that support and assist the independent living and activities of the elderly, as well as for exercise and injury prevention, is rapidly increasing. Walking aids, a mobility aid, are one such product. Walking aids are essential not only for the elderly suffering from aging symptoms such as lower extremity and back muscle weakness, decreased balance, and musculoskeletal disorders, but also for those requiring walking assistance due to injuries. Demand for these devices continues to grow. However, existing walking aids are typically comprised of connected steel frames, occupying considerable volume and being relatively vulnerable to impact. This can present significant challenges in logistics, including transportation and delivery. Furthermore, users may require compact storage and handling of walking aids, which existing walking aids often struggle to meet. Furthermore, existing walking aids can also suffer from limitations in ease of use and safety. Therefore, there is a need to develop a walking assistance device that can provide advantages in terms of logistics movement and storage / storage while ensuring ease of use and safety.

[0003] The technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a walking assistance device that can secure convenience and safety of use while having significant advantages in terms of logistics movement and storage / storage.

[0004] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0005] According to embodiments of the present invention for achieving the above-described task, first and second main frames extending in a vertically parallel manner while being spaced apart from each other and having first and second handle portions at the upper end or adjacent portions thereof, respectively; first and second lower support frames rotatably coupled to the lower ends of the first and second main frames, respectively, and extending in a forward-rearward direction in a forward-backward manner; first and second front wheel portions coupled to the front end or adjacent portions of each of the first and second lower support frames, respectively; first and second rear wheel portions coupled to the rear end or adjacent portions of each of the first and second lower support frames, respectively; And an X-shaped connecting member having first and second connecting frames arranged to intersect each other in an X shape, arranged to interconnect them between the first and second main frames; and a walking assistance device having a bi-foldable structure configured to be foldable by rotating each of the first and second lower support frames toward the rear of the first and second main frames, and configured to fold the X-shaped connecting member so that the first and second main frames approach each other. The first and second main frames may be arranged in a direction inclined with respect to the vertical direction toward the side where the first and second handle portions are arranged, and the first and second lower support frames may be arranged in a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction so that the front end thereof is arranged at a higher position than the rear end thereof. The first and second wheel coupling members may further be coupled to the front end or adjacent portion of each of the first and second lower support frames and extend downward, and the first and second front wheel parts may be coupled and installed to each of the first and second wheel coupling members.The first and second front wheel parts may be arranged on the lower sides of the first and second lower support frames, respectively, and the first and second rear wheel parts may be arranged on the outer sides of the first and second lower support frames, respectively, and when the first and second lower support frames are folded by rotating them toward the rear of the first and second main frames, respectively, the first and second rear wheel parts may be arranged to overlap laterally with the first and second main frames, respectively. A first connecting member arranged to interconnect the first connecting frame and the first main frame, and configured to be foldable according to a folding motion of the X-shaped connecting member; A second connecting member arranged to interconnect the second connecting frame and the second main frame, and configured to be foldable according to a folding motion of the X-shaped connecting member; And it may further include a locking member installed on at least one of the first and second connecting members, which can lock or unlock the folding operation of the X-shaped connecting member. The locking member may include a hook portion, and at least one of the first and second connecting frames may include a protrusion portion, and the folding operation of the X-shaped connecting member can be locked or unlocked when the hook portion is caught or released from the protrusion portion. It may further include a first extension rod coupled to an upper end of the first connecting frame and extending in a front-back direction; a second extension rod coupled to an upper end of the second connecting frame and extending in a front-back direction; and a supporting member having a flexible configuration, which is arranged to connect between the first and second extension rods. It may further include an auxiliary belt member connected to the first and second main frames above the supporting member and having a structure that is convex toward the front with respect to the first and second main frames.The first main frame may further include a first brake lever for braking the first rear wheel unit, which is arranged at a lower portion of the first handle portion; and a second brake lever for braking the second rear wheel unit, which is arranged at a lower portion of the second handle portion of the second main frame.

[0006] According to embodiments of the present invention, a walking assistance device can be implemented that can ensure ease of use and safety, while also offering significant advantages in terms of logistics movement and storage / storage. Since the walking assistance device according to embodiments can have a double-folding structure, i.e., a structure that can be folded twice, it can offer many advantages in terms of logistics movement, such as transportation, delivery / transportation, and can also enable compact storage / storage from the user's perspective. In addition, the walking assistance device according to embodiments can offer excellent ease of use and safety.

[0007] However, the effects of the present invention are not limited to the above effects, and can be expanded in various ways without departing from the technical spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a walking assistance device having a two-foldable structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a walking assistance device having a two-foldable structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a walking assistance device having a two-foldable structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a walking assistance device having a two-foldable structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a folded state of a walking assistance device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a folded state of a walking assistance device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a walking assistance device according to one embodiment of the present invention in a folded state.

[0015] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a walking assistance device according to one embodiment of the present invention in a folded state.

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0017] The embodiments of the present invention described below are provided to more clearly explain the present invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by the following embodiments, and the following embodiments can be modified in various other forms.

[0018] The terminology used herein is used to describe particular embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular forms used herein may include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, the terms "comprise" and / or "comprising" used herein specify the presence of a stated feature, step, number, operation, element, element, and / or group thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, numbers, operations, elements, elements, and / or groups thereof. In addition, the term "connected" used herein not only means that certain elements are directly connected, but also includes a concept that indirectly connects elements by interposing another element between them.

[0019] In addition, when it is said in this specification that a certain element is located "on" another element, this includes not only cases where a certain element is in contact with another element, but also cases where another element exists between the two elements. The term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any one of the listed items and any and all combinations of one or more of them. In addition, terms of degree such as "about", "substantially", etc. as used in this specification are used to mean a range of or close to the numerical value or degree, taking into account inherent manufacturing and material tolerances, and are used to prevent infringers from unfairly using the disclosure that mentions exact or absolute numbers provided to help the understanding of this specification.

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The sizes and thicknesses of areas or parts illustrated in the attached drawings may be somewhat exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation. Like reference numbers designate like components throughout the detailed description.

[0021] Figures 1 to 4 are perspective views illustrating a walking assistance device having a two-foldable structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figures 1 to 4 illustrate the walking assistance device in an unfolded state. The walking assistance device may be referred to as a "walker" or a "walking aid."

[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a walking assistance device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include first and second main frames (10a, 10b) that extend vertically and parallel to each other while being spaced apart from each other, and have first and second handle portions (12a, 12b) at the upper end or adjacent portions, respectively. The first main frame (10a) may be referred to as a first main pillar portion or a first main pillar frame portion, and the second main frame (10b) may be referred to as a second main pillar portion or a second main pillar frame portion. The first and second handle portions (12a, 12b) may be interconnected or integrated, as the case may be.

[0023] The above walking assistance device may include first and second lower support frames (20a, 20b) that are coupled to the lower ends of the first and second main frames (10a, 10b), respectively, and extend parallel to each other in the front-back direction. The first and second lower support frames (20a, 20b) may be coupled to the lower ends of the first and second main frames (10a, 10b) so as to be rotatable therewith, respectively. The first lower support frame (20a) may be referred to as a first lower support rod, and the second lower support frame (20b) may be referred to as a second lower support rod.

[0024] The above walking assistance device may include first and second front wheel parts (30a, 30b) coupled (connected) to the front end or adjacent portion thereof of each of the first and second lower support frames (20a, 20b). In addition, the walking assistance device may include first and second rear wheel parts (40a, 40b) coupled (connected) to the rear end or adjacent portion thereof of each of the first and second lower support frames (20a, 20b).

[0025] The above walking assistance device may include an X-shaped connecting member (50) arranged between the first and second main frames (10a, 10b) to interconnect them. The X-shaped connecting member (50) may include first and second connecting frames (50a, 50b) arranged to intersect each other in an X shape. The first connecting frame (50a) may be referred to as a first connecting rod, and the second connecting frame (50b) may be referred to as a second connecting rod. The middle portion of the first connecting frame (50a) and the middle portion of the second connecting frame (50b) may be coupled to each other by a coupling pin (51). The X-shaped connecting member (50) may be folded or unfolded by the first and second connecting frames (50a, 50b) rotating in opposite directions with respect to the coupling pin (51). The coupling pin (51) may also be considered as a component included in the X-shaped connecting member (50).

[0026] A walking assistance device according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to be foldable by rotating each of the first and second lower support frames (20a, 20b) toward the rear of the first and second main frames (10a, 10b), and further configured to be foldable by folding the X-shaped connecting member (50) so that the first and second main frames (10a, 10b) are brought into close proximity to each other. Accordingly, the walking assistance device may have a structure that can be folded twice and may be folded quite compactly. The walking assistance device may be said to have a twice foldable structure (or double foldable structure).

[0027] According to one embodiment, the first and second main frames (10a, 10b) may be arranged in a direction inclined toward the direction in which the first and second handle portions (12a, 12b) are arranged with respect to the vertical direction. In other words, the first and second main frames (10a, 10b) may be arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle toward the direction in which the user (pedestrian) is positioned. For example, the first and second main frames (10a, 10b) may be arranged to form a predetermined acute angle with respect to the vertical line. This is based on the case in which the first and second front wheel portions (30a, 30b) and the first and second rear wheel portions (40a, 40b) are arranged on a horizontal plane. In addition, the first and second lower support frames (20a, 20b) may be arranged in a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction so that the front end thereof is arranged at a higher position than the rear end thereof. The front end of each of the first and second lower support frames (20a, 20b) may be positioned at a position somewhat higher than the rear end. The first and second lower support frames (20a, 20b) may be positioned to form a predetermined acute angle with respect to the horizontal line. This is based on the case where the first and second front wheel parts (30a, 30b) and the first and second rear wheel parts (40a, 40b) are positioned on a horizontal plane. In addition, the first lower support frame (20a) may be positioned vertically or substantially vertically with respect to the first main frame (10a), and the second lower support frame (20b) may be positioned vertically or substantially vertically with respect to the second main frame (10b).

[0028] According to one embodiment, the walking assistance device may further include first and second wheel coupling members (25a, 25b) that are coupled to the front end or adjacent portions of the first and second lower support frames (20a, 20b) respectively and extend downward. In this case, first and second front wheel parts (30a, 30b) may be coupled and installed to the first and second wheel coupling members (25a, 25b), respectively. The first and second front wheel parts (30a, 30b) may be provided to be rotatable on the first and second wheel coupling members (25a, 25b), respectively. Therefore, when the walking assistance device is used, changing the direction of travel may be easy.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the first and second front wheel parts (30a, 30b) may be disposed below (directly below) the first and second lower support frames (20a, 20b), respectively, and the first and second rear wheel parts (40a, 40b) may be disposed on the outer side of the first and second lower support frames (20a, 20b), respectively. The first rear wheel part (40a) may be disposed on the outer side of the first lower support frame (20a), and the second rear wheel part (40b) may be disposed on the outer side of the second lower support frame (20b). The first rear wheel part (40a) may be arranged so as to protrude downward while laterally overlapping the first lower support frame (20a) on the outer side of the first lower support frame (20a), and the second rear wheel part (40b) may be arranged so as to protrude downward while laterally overlapping the second lower support frame (20b) on the outer side of the second lower support frame (20b). Accordingly, when the first and second lower support frames (20a, 20b) are folded by rotating them toward the rear of the first and second main frames (10a, 10b), the first and second rear wheel parts (40a, 40b) may be arranged so as to laterally overlap the first and second main frames (10a, 10b), respectively (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0030] According to one embodiment, the walking assistance device may further include a first connecting member (55a) arranged between a first connecting frame (50a) of an X-shaped connecting member (50) and a first main frame (10a) to interconnect them, and a second connecting member (55b) arranged between a second connecting frame (50b) of the X-shaped connecting member (50) and a second main frame (10b) to interconnect them. The first connecting member (55a) may be configured to be foldable according to a folding motion of the X-shaped connecting member (50), and similarly, the second connecting member (55b) may be configured to be foldable according to a folding motion of the X-shaped connecting member (50). The first connecting member (55a) can be arranged to connect and couple a portion adjacent to the upper end of the first connecting frame (50a) with the first main frame (10a), and the second connecting member (55b) can be arranged to connect and couple a portion adjacent to the upper end of the second connecting frame (50b) with the second main frame (10b). The lower end of the first connecting frame (50a) can be rotatably coupled to the second main frame (10b), and the lower end of the second connecting frame (50b) can be rotatably coupled to the first main frame (10a).

[0031] In addition, the walking assistance device may further include a locking member (57) installed on at least one of the first and second connecting members (55a, 55b). Here, a case in which the locking member (57) is installed on the first connecting member (55a) is illustrated. The locking member (57) may be configured to lock or unlock the folding action of the X-shaped connecting member (50).

[0032] According to a specific embodiment, the locking member (57) may include a hook portion, and at least one of the first and second connecting frames (50a, 50b), for example, the first connecting frame (50a), may include a protrusion (58), and the folding operation of the X-shaped connecting member (50) may be locked or unlocked as the hook portion is caught or released from the protrusion (58). Accordingly, the user may lock or unlock the folding operation of the X-shaped connecting member (50) by using the locking member (57), thereby enabling the folding operation of the X-shaped connecting member (50) only when necessary. Accordingly, the convenience and safety of use may be improved. The number, position, and specific structure of the locking members (57) are not limited to those described above and may be variously changed.

[0033] Additionally, a separate locking device may be further provided to lock or unlock the folding operation of the first and second lower support frames (20a, 20b). For example, the first and second lower support frames (20a, 20b) may be configured to fold toward the first and second main frames (10a, 10b) after unlocking by pressing a predetermined button-type locking part. Alternatively, the first and second lower support frames (20a, 20b) may be configured to fold only when an external force greater than a critical force is applied.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the walking assistance device may further include a first extension rod (60a) that is coupled to the upper end of a first connecting frame (50a) and extends in the front-back direction, a second extension rod (60b) that is coupled to the upper end of a second connecting frame (50b) and extends in the front-back direction, and a support member (70) that has a flexible configuration and is arranged to connect between the first and second extension rods (60a, 60b). The support member (70) may have a shape similar to a saddle or a seat. A predetermined item may be placed on the support member (70), or a person may sit on it, if necessary. The support member (70) may be composed of a flexible material and may be flexibly bent.

[0035] In addition, the walking assistance device may further include an auxiliary belt member (80) connected to the first and second main frames (10a, 10b) above the support member (70). The auxiliary belt member (80) may have a structure that is convex toward the front with respect to the first and second main frames (10a, 10b). When an object is placed on the support member (70) or a person sits on it, the auxiliary belt member (80) may serve to support the object or the person from the front. The auxiliary belt member (80) may also be made of a flexible material and may be flexibly bent. The support member (70) and the auxiliary belt member (80) may further serve to improve the usability and safety of the walking assistance device.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the walking assistance device may further include a first brake lever (14a) disposed at a lower portion of a first handle portion (12a) of a first main frame (10a) for braking a first rear wheel portion (40a), and a second brake lever (14b) disposed at a lower portion of a second handle portion (12b) of a second main frame (10b) for braking a second rear wheel portion (40b). While walking, a user may use at least one of the first and second brake levers (14a, 14b) to brake at least one of the first and second rear wheel portions (40a, 40b), as needed. In addition, separately from the first and second brake levers (14a, 14b), at least one locking member capable of locking movement of at least one of the first and second rear wheel portions (40a, 40b) may be further provided. The above locking member may be configured to be operated by a user using a foot or hand. In addition, when at least one of the first and second rear wheel parts (40a, 40b) is locked using the locking member, the locked state may be maintained until the locking is released.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the walking assistance device may further include a storage member (90) capable of storing items, etc. The storage member (90) may be disposed, for example, in front of the X-shaped connecting member (50). The storage member (90) may be disposed in combination with the X-shaped connecting member (50) and may have a shape such as a basket, box, pocket, bag, etc. The storage member (90) may be configured to be detachable (easily) from the walking assistance device. Therefore, depending on the situation, the storage member (90) may be easily removed.

[0038] FIGS. 5 to 8 are perspective views showing a walking assistance device according to one embodiment of the present invention in a folded state (twice folded state).

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 8, the walking assistance device according to the present embodiment can be configured to be foldable by rotating each of the first and second lower support frames (20a, 20b) toward the rear of the first and second main frames (10a, 10b), and further, can be configured to be foldable by folding the X-shaped connecting member (50) so that the first and second main frames (10a, 10b) are close to each other. That is, the walking assistance device can have a structure that can be folded twice. Each of the first and second lower support frames (20a, 20b) can be folded toward the rear of the first and second main frames (10a, 10b) to be in close contact with the first and second main frames (10a, 10b) and be parallel. In addition, as the X-shaped connecting member (50) is folded, the first and second main frames (10a, 10b) can be arranged relatively close to each other. Therefore, the walking assistance device can be folded relatively compactly. The walking assistance device can be said to have a double folding structure.

[0040] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, when each of the first and second lower support frames (20a, 20b) is folded by rotating toward the rear of the first and second main frames (10a, 10b), the first and second rear wheel parts (40a, 40b) may be arranged to overlap laterally with the first and second main frames (10a, 10b), respectively. With this structure, each of the first and second lower support frames (20a, 20b) may be brought into close contact with and parallel to the first and second main frames (10a, 10b), thereby creating a more compact and stable folded state.

[0041] According to one embodiment, a walking assistance device may be equipped with a predetermined sensor and an electronic braking device, and a pedestrian safety enhancement function may be provided based on the sensor.

[0042] According to an example, a pressure sensor may be provided in the first front wheel part (30a), the second front wheel part (30b), the first rear wheel part (40a), and the second rear wheel part (40b), and the first front wheel part (30a), the second front wheel part (30b), the first rear wheel part (40a), and the second rear wheel part (40b) may be controlled based on the pressure obtained through the provided pressure sensor. More specifically, when the average of the first pressure acquired through the first pressure sensor provided in the first front wheel part (30a) and the second pressure acquired through the second pressure sensor provided in the second front wheel part (30b) is less than or equal to the first threshold, and the average of the third pressure acquired through the third pressure sensor provided in the first rear wheel part (40a) and the fourth pressure acquired through the fourth pressure sensor provided in the second rear wheel part (40b) is greater than or equal to the second threshold, braking may be applied to prevent the first rear wheel part (40a) and the second rear wheel part (40b) from rotating. In this way, when a pedestrian falls backward while holding onto the handrail parts (12a, 12b), the pressure distribution described above may occur in the wheel parts, and in this case, braking may be automatically applied to prevent the first rear wheel part (40a) and the second rear wheel part (40b) from rotating, thereby improving safety for the pedestrian.

[0043] In another embodiment, when the average of the first pressure acquired through the first pressure sensor provided on the first front wheel part (30a) and the second pressure acquired through the second pressure sensor provided on the second front wheel part (30b) is equal to or greater than the third threshold, and the average of the third pressure acquired through the third pressure sensor provided on the first rear wheel part (40a) and the fourth pressure acquired through the fourth pressure sensor provided on the second rear wheel part (40b) is equal to or less than the fourth threshold, braking may be applied to prevent the first front wheel part (30a) and the second front wheel part (30b) from rotating. In this case, by applying braking to the front wheels in a situation where a pedestrian falls forward, such as on a downhill road, a means for improving the stability of the pedestrian may be provided.

[0044] According to another example, the walking assistance device can provide safety to the user by electronically braking the first front wheel unit (30a), the second front wheel unit (30b), the first rear wheel unit (40a), and the second rear wheel unit (40b) based on the walking pattern of the pedestrian. More specifically, based on the speed sensor provided (for example, a sensor provided on the wheel to detect the number of revolutions per hour, etc.), the walking assistance device can determine the average walking speed of the pedestrian based on the walking pattern of the pedestrian, and when the real-time speed of the walking assistance device exceeds the average walking speed of the pedestrian by a predetermined threshold, the walking assistance device can electronically apply a predetermined level of braking to the first front wheel unit (30a), the second front wheel unit (30b), the first rear wheel unit (40a), and the second rear wheel unit (40b), thereby supporting the pedestrian to walk within a predetermined speed range. In this process, the walking assistance device can provide a means for the pedestrian to gradually reduce the speed while walking by applying the braking below a predetermined amount of acceleration.

[0045] According to another example, the first front wheel part (30a), the second front wheel part (30b), the first rear wheel part (40a), and the second rear wheel part (40b) may be provided with gravity sensors, and the walking assistance device may control the first front wheel part (30a), the second front wheel part (30b), the first rear wheel part (40a), and the second rear wheel part (40b) based on the pressure obtained through the gravity sensor. More specifically, when the positions of the first front wheel part (30a) and the second front wheel part (30b) are determined to be higher than a predetermined threshold value or higher than the positions of the first rear wheel part (40a) and the second rear wheel part (40b) through the gravity sensor, the walking assistance device may provide a predetermined power to the first front wheel part (30a), the second front wheel part (30b), the first rear wheel part (40a), and the second rear wheel part (40b) to support the walking of a pedestrian climbing an uphill road.

[0046] Conversely, if the positions of the first front wheel part (30a) and the second front wheel part (30b) are determined to be lower than the positions of the first rear wheel part (40a) and the second rear wheel part (40b) by a predetermined threshold value or more through the gravity sensor, the walking assistance device can provide a means for assisting the safety of a pedestrian going down a downhill by applying a predetermined braking force to the first front wheel part (30a), the second front wheel part (30b), the first rear wheel part (40a), and the second rear wheel part (40b).

[0047] In addition, the walking assistance device can assist the safety of a pedestrian walking on a road with an uneven surface by applying a predetermined braking force to the first front wheel part (30a), the second front wheel part (30b), the first rear wheel part (40a), and the second rear wheel part (40b) when the rate of change in pressure detected by the pressure sensor is greater than a predetermined cycle.

[0048] In addition, the walking assistance device can prevent pedestrians from running into a situation where braking fails by generating an alarm sound when the force applied to the braking exceeds a predetermined braking force threshold during the process of electronically applying the brakes (in this case, the braking force threshold is determined to be a value smaller than the maximum braking force).

[0049] In addition, the walking assistance device may additionally include a predetermined computing device that can be linked to a traffic light, and the walking assistance device may provide a function to support the safety of pedestrians by applying brakes to the wheels in situations where walking is impossible (e.g., a red light) in conjunction with the traffic light.

[0050] According to the embodiments of the present invention described above, a walking assistance device can be implemented that can ensure ease of use and safety, while also having significant advantages in terms of logistics movement and storage / storage. Since the walking assistance device according to the embodiments can have a double-folding structure, i.e., a structure that can be folded twice, it can have many advantages in terms of logistics movement such as transportation, delivery / transportation, etc., and can also enable compact storage / storage from the user's perspective. In addition, the walking assistance device according to the embodiments can have excellent ease of use and safety.

[0051] This specification has disclosed preferred embodiments of the present invention, and although specific terms have been used, they are used only in a general sense to easily explain the technical contents of the present invention and to help understand the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other modifications based on the technical idea of ​​the present invention are possible in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the walking assistance devices according to the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8 can be modified in various ways. Therefore, the scope of the invention should not be defined by the described embodiments, but by the technical idea described in the claims.

[0052] <Explanation of symbols>

[0053] 10a: First main frame 10b: Second main frame

[0054] 12a: First handle part 12b: Second handle part

[0055] 14a: 1st brake lever 14b: 2nd brake lever

[0056] 20a: First lower support frame 20b: Second lower support frame

[0057] 25a: First wheel connecting member 25b: Second wheel connecting member

[0058] 30a: First front wheel section 30b: Second front wheel section

[0059] 40a: 1st rear wheel section 40b: 2nd rear wheel section

[0060] 50: X-shaped connecting member 50a: First connecting frame

[0061] 50b: Second connecting frame 51: Coupling pin

[0062] 55a: First connecting member 55b: Second connecting member

[0063] 57: locking member 58: protrusion

[0064] 60a: 1st extension rod 60b: 2nd extension rod

[0065] 70: Support member 80: Auxiliary belt member

[0066] 90: Storage member

Claims

1. First and second main frames extending in a vertically parallel manner and spaced apart from each other, each having first and second handle portions at the top or adjacent portions; First and second lower support frames, each of which is rotatably connected to the lower portion of the first and second main frames and extends parallel to each other in the forward and backward direction; First and second front wheel parts coupled to the front end or adjacent portion thereof of each of the first and second lower support frames; First and second rear wheel parts coupled to the rear end or adjacent portion of each of the first and second lower support frames; and An X-shaped connecting member having first and second connecting frames arranged to intersect each other in an X-shape, arranged between the first and second main frames to interconnect them; A walking assistance device having a bi-foldable structure, wherein each of the first and second lower support frames is configured to be folded by rotating toward the rear of the first and second main frames, and the X-shaped connecting member is configured to be folded so that the first and second main frames are close to each other.

2. In paragraph 1, The first and second main frames are arranged in a direction inclined toward the direction in which the first and second handle portions are arranged with respect to the vertical direction, A walking assistance device in which the first and second lower support frames are arranged in an inclined direction with respect to the horizontal direction so that the front end thereof is positioned higher than the rear end thereof.

3. In paragraph 2, Further comprising first and second wheel coupling members extending downward and coupled to the front end or adjacent portion of each of the first and second lower support frames, A walking assistance device in which the first and second front wheel parts are connected to the first and second wheel connecting members, respectively.

4. In paragraph 1, The first and second front wheel parts are respectively arranged at the bottom of the first and second lower support frames, The first and second rear wheel parts are respectively arranged on the outer side of the first and second lower support frames, A walking assistance device in which, when each of the first and second lower support frames is folded by rotating toward the rear of the first and second main frames, the first and second rear wheel parts are arranged to overlap laterally with the first and second main frames, respectively.

5. In paragraph 1, A first connecting member arranged to interconnect the first connecting frame and the first main frame, and configured to be foldable according to a folding motion of the X-shaped connecting member; A second connecting member arranged to interconnect the second connecting frame and the second main frame and configured to be foldable according to the folding motion of the X-shaped connecting member; and Further comprising a locking member installed on at least one of the first and second connecting members, capable of locking or unlocking the folding operation of the X-shaped connecting member; The above locking member includes a hook portion, At least one of the first and second connecting frames includes a protrusion, A walking assistance device capable of locking or unlocking the folding motion of the X-shaped connecting member as the hook portion is caught or released from the protrusion portion.

6. In paragraph 1, A first extension rod connected to the upper end of the first connecting frame and extending in the front-back direction; A second extension rod connected to the upper end of the second connecting frame and extending in the forward and backward direction; and It further includes a support member having a flexible configuration, arranged to connect between the first and second extension rods; A walking assistance device further comprising an auxiliary belt member connected to the first and second main frames above the support member and having a structure convex toward the front with respect to the first and second main frames.

7. In paragraph 1, A first brake lever for braking the first rear wheel part, arranged at the lower part of the first handle part of the first main frame; and A walking assistance device further comprising a second brake lever for braking the second rear wheel portion, the second brake lever being positioned at a lower portion of the second handle portion of the second main frame.

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