AU2021204840B1

AU2021204840B1 - Combined four-wheel frame and shopping trolley for individuals with disabilities

Info

Publication number: AU2021204840B1
Application number: AU2021204840A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Nicole Azari
Original assignee: Azari Nicole Nadia Miss
Current assignee: Azari Nicole Nadia Miss
Priority date: 2021-07-11
Filing date: 2021-07-11
Publication date: 2022-09-29
Anticipated expiration: 2041-07-11

Abstract

The present invention relates to a combined walker and shopping trolley for individuals with limited mobility. The combined walker and shopping trolley provides users with a safe shopping trolley with an in-built fold-down seat which allows the user to conserve their energy during shopping trips and also increase the elderly or physically-impaired individuals' independence to access shopping venues in the community, thereby improving their quality of life, decreasing their falls risk and related complications. The features of the invention are: the fold-down seat; the wheels and corresponding brakes; height adjustable handles; the metal frame and lock-in-place hinges; the foldable feature of the mobility aid; and the zipped shopping bag.

Description

Title of Invention or Title: Combined Walker and Shopping Trolley for Individuals with Limited Mobility

Technical Field or Field: Physical Disability Devices

Background Art or Background: Four-wheel walkers are currently available to support safe ambulation for individuals with limited mobility. These mobility aids have loop-lock brakes for safety during ambulation and provide the individual with a seat to rest. However, when the elderly (or other physically impaired individuals) need to go shopping their only available shopping aid would be a shopping trolleys without a brake function or a seat. These limitations of shopping trolleys are significant falls risks as these individuals would not be able to lean on them for support when needed.

Summary of Invention or Summary:

• Technical Problem: Individuals with disability and/or physical mobility issues do not currently have access to a safe shopping trolley that stabilises them and also allows them to conserve their energy during shopping trips by sitting down on the shopping aid. Due to this gap in the market, these individuals are not able to access shopping and instead arrange family or carers to complete shopping on their behalf. This decreases their physical activity, contributes to frailty, thereby compromising their health and lifespan. • Solution to Problem: This invention provides users with a safe shopping trolley with an in-built fold-down seat. This seat allows the user to conserve their energy during shopping trips. • Advantageous Effects of Invention: This invention would increase the elderly or physically-impaired individuals' independence to access shopping venues in the community, thereby improving their quality of life, decreasing their falls risk and related complications.

Brief Description of Drawings (if applicable): The rendered drawings demonstrate the appearance of the combined four-wheel frame and shopping trolley. The features of the invention are: the fold-down seat; the wheels and corresponding brakes; height-adjustable handles; the metal frame and lock-in-place hinges; the foldable feature of the mobility aid; and the zipped shopping bag.

Description of Embodiments:

• The invention is composed of a grey, lightweight aluminium material which would allow the frame to be easily lifted and transported in cars. • The walker wheels consist of Poly Urethane (PU) rubber tyres that are 190mm (8") in diameter which is lightweight and provides sufficient traction and size for outdoor use. • The frame has a fold-down soft padded seat for user comfort. The seat is 450mm in

width and 300mm in depth to allow the user to be sufficiently supported in the seat. When the seat is folded it reaches the top of the shopping bag frame. For the seat to remain in place once folded away, a locking clip is placed on each side of the frame to hold the seat in place. Two rubber pieces are attached to the bottom of the U-shaped leg of the seat to stabilise the seat against the ground when it is folded down. • The grip aluminium handles covered with an outer rubber tube are at an ergonomic height of 900mm from the ground and are lockable and height adjustable to support safe ambulation of taller users. The frame has lockable brakes for stability and user safety. • One aluminium hinge on each side of the seat is installed for folding the seat up or down. • The shopping bag has a zip running along the sides and front of the bag for security of shopping items. • The walker has two aluminium handles, one that operates the foldable seat and one that folds the entire frame to be transported. The bag is flexible and easily removable for car transport. • The bag is 450mm in width, 300mm in depth, and 600mm in height. • The weight capacity of the seat is 100kg to allow for a variety of individuals with limited mobility.

Industrial Applicability: According to the Australian government statistics 3.7 million Australians were aged 65 and over in 2016 [ref. 1]. As Australia has an aging population, this figure will continue to grow resulting in the need for increased disability products to promote safety and independence for older individuals with limited mobility.

This aid is a practical assistive equipment item that provides users with the ability to shop safely. This combination device has all the necessary safety features including: lock-in breaks on handles; seat locks; a deep and foldable seat; and a secured and covered shopping bag.

This product is widely beneficial for healthcare clients across various settings in residential care, independent and supported accommodation and community care. This product would also be of great benefit to individuals with Home Care Packages and clients of National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

In addition, appropriate manufacturing companies are available in Australia and can readily manufacture this product, building on Australian innovation in products and industry. As this product also has potential for significant global sales, it can also contribute to the Australian economy.

References:

1 - https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-data/population-groups/older-people/overview

Claims

Claims

CLAIM 1

A collapsible four-wheeled assisted walker suitable for accommodating a removeable rigid shopping bag substantially the size of the walker, comprising:

• a frame comprising a pair of substantially vertical rear supports separated from each other by the width of the walker, and • a pair of front supports separated from each other by the width of the walker

• wherein the pair of front supports are pivotally connected to the pair of rear supports; • a support bar connecting the lower end of the pair of front supports; • a bag platform pivotally connected to the lower end of the pair of rear supports,

• wherein when the walker is in a collapsed state the bag platform is in an upright vertical position, * and wherein when the walker is in an uncollapsed operational state the bag platform can pivot down to a horizontal position wherein it is supported on the support bar; • the walker further comprises: • four wheels, each attached to the lower end of the rear and front supports; • a pair of rearwardly protruding handles each connected to the upper end of the respective pair of rear supports; • wherein each handle is equipped with brakes connected to the pair of wheels attached to the lower end of the rear supports; • a seat pivotally connected to the rear supports; • a ground engaging support pivotally connected to the seat;

• wherein when the walker is in a collapsed state the seat is in an upright position against the frame and the ground engaging support is folded against the seat, * and wherein when the walker is in an uncollapsed state the seat and ground engaging support can both pivot into operation where the seat is in a rearwardly protruding horizontal position and is supported on the ground by the ground engaging support.
CLAIM 2

The collapsible four-wheeled assisted walker of claim 1, further comprising a rigid shopping bag that sits on the platform when the walker is in an unfolded operational state, wherein the bag is substantially the height of the frame and substantially the width and length of the bag platform.
CLAIM 3

The collapsible four-wheeled assisted walker of claim 1, further comprising locking clips located on the rear supports to hold the seat upright when the walker is in a collapsed state.
CLAIM 4

The collapsible four-wheeled assisted walker of claim 1, wherein the material of the frame comprises Aluminium.
CLAIM 5

The collapsible four-wheeled assisted walker of claim 1, wherein the material of the wheels comprises polyurethane.

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