CA1265733A - Mobility support device - Google Patents
Mobility support deviceInfo
- Publication number
- CA1265733A CA1265733A CA000514111A CA514111A CA1265733A CA 1265733 A CA1265733 A CA 1265733A CA 000514111 A CA000514111 A CA 000514111A CA 514111 A CA514111 A CA 514111A CA 1265733 A CA1265733 A CA 1265733A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- support device
- mobile support
- frame
- seat
- frame sections
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims description 17
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 241001272996 Polyphylla fullo Species 0.000 description 3
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000009739 binding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002996 emotional effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002354 daily effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006866 deterioration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001627 detrimental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003203 everyday effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000006187 pill Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 239000003381 stabilizer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000036642 wellbeing Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H3/00—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about
- A61H3/04—Wheeled walking aids for patients or disabled persons
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
- A61G5/10—Parts, details or accessories
- A61G5/1094—Tables, working plates or trays
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
- A61G5/10—Parts, details or accessories
- A61G5/12—Rests specially adapted therefor, e.g. for the head or the feet
- A61G5/125—Rests specially adapted therefor, e.g. for the head or the feet for arms
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
- A61G5/10—Parts, details or accessories
- A61G5/12—Rests specially adapted therefor, e.g. for the head or the feet
- A61G5/128—Rests specially adapted therefor, e.g. for the head or the feet for feet
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H3/00—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about
- A61H2003/002—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about with attached or incorporated article carrying means
- A61H2003/004—Trays
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H3/00—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about
- A61H3/04—Wheeled walking aids for patients or disabled persons
- A61H2003/046—Wheeled walking aids for patients or disabled persons with braking means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
- A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
- A61H2201/1602—Physical interface with patient kind of interface, e.g. head rest, knee support or lumbar support
- A61H2201/1614—Shoulder, e.g. for neck stretching
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
- A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
- A61H2201/1602—Physical interface with patient kind of interface, e.g. head rest, knee support or lumbar support
- A61H2201/1628—Pelvis
- A61H2201/1633—Seat
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Rehabilitation Tools (AREA)
- Vehicle Body Suspensions (AREA)
- Vending Machines For Individual Products (AREA)
- Liquid Crystal Substances (AREA)
- Handcart (AREA)
- Automatic Cycles, And Cycles In General (AREA)
- Seal Device For Vehicle (AREA)
Abstract
A B S T R A C T
MOBILITY SUPPORT DEVICE
A mobile support device for a handicapped person and rollable on a reaction surface, the mobile support device is disclosed comprising first and second substantially parallel planar frame sections oriented in spaced relationship to define a region therebetween, the lower portion of said frame sections defining a base, a back support portion spanning the region and coupled with the first and second frame portions, a seat spanning the region with at least a front portion thereof pivotable relative to said first and second frame portions and a wheel assembly mounted on said base so as to engage the reaction surface.
MOBILITY SUPPORT DEVICE
A mobile support device for a handicapped person and rollable on a reaction surface, the mobile support device is disclosed comprising first and second substantially parallel planar frame sections oriented in spaced relationship to define a region therebetween, the lower portion of said frame sections defining a base, a back support portion spanning the region and coupled with the first and second frame portions, a seat spanning the region with at least a front portion thereof pivotable relative to said first and second frame portions and a wheel assembly mounted on said base so as to engage the reaction surface.
Description
sr,~33 'rhe present invention relates to mobility aids.
With the steadily increasing geriatric population and the subsequent number oE geriatric care facilities, there has been an increasing awareness of rapid emotional and physical deterioration of their residents due to, among other things, a loss of their independence. A large portion of these residents spend extended periods of time confined to their beds or chairs, and thereby need constant assistance rom attending nurses to satisfy their everyday needs.
This loss in independence is not only seen as a cause or discomfort to the patient and shorter life span, but also results in su~stantially high costs, associated with the large skilled labour force needed to provide daily care.
It would therefore be desirable both to the patients and the adminis-trators of the facilities in which they are resident, to provide as much independence as possible to the patients. A significant factor to independence is the mobility o~ the patient, which is conventionally provided by wheelchairs and rigid frame structures commonly known as "walkers".
Although providing a certain de~ree of mobility to the patients, there are several disadvantages associated with such mobility aidinq devices. Conventional wheelchairs are bulky and provide a convenience only to those patients with a relatively high degree o arm strength. ~rhose patients who have lost -: .
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5~33 strength in their arms must again demand assistance from the attendan-ts to move from one location to another.
Conventional walkers appear in two forms, one of which re~uires the patient to displace the structure forwardly before each step is made and is satisfactory only to those patients with sufficient strength in both the legs and the arms.
Alternatively, walkers a~e available providing bodily support to the patients. However, such devices are often large and bulky and require the patient to be entrapped within the structure, resulting in a mobility aid which, although assisting the patient, is conspicuous and therefore detrimental to the patients emotional well-being.
Accordingly, it is -the object of the present invention to provide a novel form of mobility aid.
Briefly stated, the invention involves a mobile support device for a handicapped person and rollable along a reaction surface, the mobile support device comprising:
f~rst and second substantially parallel planar ~rame sections oriented in spaced relationship, each of said frame sections having a lower portion;
a back support portion spannin~ the region and coupled with the first and second rame portions;
a seat spanning the region and centrally disposed above said lower portions; and a wheel assembly mounted on said lower portions so as to engage the reaction surface, said wheel assembly including a ~J
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pair of front caster wheels, a pair of rear caster wheels and a first intermediata wheel with a fixed transverse axis of rotation positioned interm~diate said front and rear caster wheels, each of said caster wheels and said intermediate wheel together being disposed such that all of said wheels have a lower most tangent lying in a common plane.
In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a mobile support device having an undercarriage comprising a pair of front caster wheels, a pair of rear caster wheels and a first intermediate wheel with a fixed transverse axis of rotation positioned intermediate said front and rear caster wheels, each of said caster wheels and said intermediate wheel together being disposed such that all of said wheels havea lower most tangent lying in a common plana and a surface disposed above said undercarriage and arranged to support a patient.
Further features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be evident rom the following detailed description of praferred embodiments, given by way of example only, as seen in the appended drawings in whlch:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a mobility device.
Figure 2 is a side view of the mobility device, shown in Figure 1, in another configuration.
Figure 3 is a side view of the mobility device shown in Figure 1 in an alternate configuration.
Figure 4 is a plan view of the mobility device in Figure 1.
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~1265i~733 Figure 5 is a plan view of the device shown in Figure l with an alternative portion.
Figure 6 is a partly exploded view of a portion of the mobility device shown in Figure l.
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 7-7 in Figure 6.
Figure 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the mobility device shown in Figure l.
Figure 9 is a perspective assembly view taken with respect to circle 9 in Figure l.
Figure lO is a perspective ~ragmentary view o another portion of the mobility device shown in Figure l~
Figure ll is a cross-sectional view taken on line ll-lI
of Figure lO.
Figure 12 is a perspective view of the portion shown in Figure lO in an alternative configuration.
Figure 13 is a perspective view of the portion shown in Figure 10 in another configuration.
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`` gL~$733 Figure 14 is a perspective view of another portion of the mobility device shown in F.igure 1.
Figure 15 is a perspective assembly view of a portion of an elemen-t shown in Figure 14.
Figure 16 is a partly exploded assembly view of an alternate configuration of the portion shown in Figure 6.
Figure 17 is a frontal view of the configuration in Figure 16.
Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 18-18 in Figure 17.
Figure 19 is an exploded assembly view of several components of the portion shown in Figure 18.
Figure 20 is a side view of an alternative portion of the device shown in Figure 1.
Figure 21 is a perspective view of another alternate portion of the device shown in Figure 1.
Figure 22 is a perspective view of an alternative mobility device;
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Figure 23 is a perspective view of a portion of a alternative mobility device to the device shown in Fiyure 22;
Figure 24 is a frontal view of an alternative element of the portion shown in E'igure 23;
Figure 25 i5 a side view of the element shown in Figure 24.
Figure 26 is a perspective view of an alternative portion of an element shown in Figure 24.
Figure 27 is a perspective view of another alterna-tive portion of an element shown in Figure 24.
Referring now to Figures 1 to 17, a mobility device 10 is shown in the form of a chair having a frame 12 which supports seat 14 and a back rest 16, with the seat being inclined at approximately six degrees from the horizontal axis, and the back rest 16 inclined 15 degrees from the vertical axis. The chair has a pair of arms 18, 20 the former being pivotal and the latter being retractable as will be described. A tray 22 is mounted on the front oE the arms 18r 20 and provides a working surface as well as a protective gate and hand grip. In addition a carrying hamper 23 hangs Erom the arm 20 for carrying magazines or other articles. A wheel assembly 24 is provided on ~; "" `'` '' ` ` .; ~: ' ~5'733 the bottom of the chair which is con trolled by a pair of braking handles 26 which activate a braking mechanism 28 as will be described. A pair of adjustable foot rests 30 are mounted on the Erame 12 as will be described, with restraint being provicled to the user by a seat belt 32 extending from the seat. As well, the seat is pivotable and height adjustable as will be later explained.
The frame is formed from left and right frame sections 34, 36 both being of a "S"-shaped configuration. Each of the left and right frame sections have a lower horizontal portion 34a, 36a to support the wheel assembly, a lower corner portion 34b, 36b to support the foot rests 30, a middle portion 34c, 36c to support the seat 14 and back rest 16, and an upper portion 34d, 36d to support the tray 22 and also to form the arms 18, 20 of the chair~ As wellt the middle portion 34c, 36c serves as a location for frame disassembly, as shown in Figure 3. This is provided by way of the middle portion being formed from two parts, a first segment, for example 34e, havin~ a swaged end of reduced diameter for telescoping engagement with the end of a second segment 34f.
Referring to Figure 4, each oE the arms 18, 20 is also provided with a pair of arm rests 42, while the tray 22 is pivotally connected to the left arm 18 and releasably positioned on the right arm 20. As well, the lateral edges 22a of the tray ' iS733 are concave thereb~ providing suficient area for a working surface while enabling the patient to grip the centraL region of the tray 22 with his hands.
As is seen in Figure 9, the right arm 20 is easily retractable, and is formed from first and second right arm portions 20a, 20b the first portion 20a having a swaged end region for telescoping engagement with the end of the second right arm portion 20b. A restraint mechanism 44 is provided in the first right arm portion 40a and is seen as a ball 44a nested in a hole 20c and biased therein by way of a compression springl 44b with the ball extending from the hole so as to extend into a hole 20d formed in the second right hand portion 20b.
While the right arm 20 is retractable, the left arm 18 is pivotal between a usable position and a storage position. As seen in Figure 10, the left arm 18 has a first left arm portion 18a pivotally connected to a second left arm portion 18a at a pivot connection identified at 45. In forming the pivot connection 45, the end of the first left arm portion 38a is collapsed to form a substantially "U"-shaped cross-section. As seen in Figure 11, the first left arm portion 18a is pivotally connected to the second let arm portion 18b by way of an extensible pivot member 46 extending through co-axial bores 18c, 18d formed in the first and second left arm portions 18a, 18b respectively. The extensible pivot member 46 is formed from a '': ~, :
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~.265733 cylinder element ~6a closed at one end by a Eirst head 46b with the other end having a bore 4~c extending there-through. A
piston ~6d is slidably engaged with the innee surface of the cylinder element 46a and is joined to a shaEt ~6e which extends through the bore 46c, with the free end of the shaft terminating at a second head 46f. A compression spring 46g is located within the cylinder element 46b to bias the piston 4~d against the first head 46b, such that rotation of the first left arm portion 38a causes separation thereof from the second left arm portion 38b, and causing the pivot member 46 to extend through the travel of the piston 46d along the cylinder element 46a against the spring 4~g.
The pivot connection between the first and second left arm portions 18a, 18b and pivot connection between the tray 22 and the first left arm portion 18a enables the left arm 18 to be rotated to a convenient storing posi~ion as demonstrated in ~igures 2, 10, 12 and 13. As is shown in Figure 10, the tray 22 is first rotated to a vertical position as seen by the arrow "A". The first left arm portion is then rotated to an upper vertical position as seen by arrow "B". This is followed by the tray being returned to its original position relative to the first leEt arm portion as seen by arrow "C". Subse~uently, the arm is rotated to a lower stored position as seen by the arrow "D". In this manner, the configuration embodied in the left arm 18 enables the patient to store the tray thereby providing the patient with the capability of sitting at a table, or of accessing the chair Erom the side.
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Similarly, the first right arm portion 20a is easily retractable by depresslng the ball 44a through the hole 20d and subsequently removing the swaged end of the first right arm portion 20a from the second right arm portion 20b.
Another particular feature of the chair 10 is the wheel assembly 24 as seen in Fiqure 1 which is coupled to the lower horizontal portions 34a, 36a of the left and right frame sections 34, 36. Three wheels, for example wheels 48, 50, 52 are used on each of the lower horizontal portions, for example 34a, the front and rear wheels 48, 50 thereof providing a swivel movement with respect to the lower horizontal portion 34a. The middle wheel 52 on the other hand is constrained to rotation about an axis perpendicular to the lower horizontal portion 34a. In this configuration, the wheels prevent lateral displacement of the chair relative to the floor while permitting increased stability and improved directional tracking, as well as the ability to rotate about a fixed point.
The braking assembly 28 is shown in detail in Figure 8~ The brakes are manually controlled by braking levers 26 which extend upwardly and forwardly from slots 54 formed in the rear of the lower horizontal portions 34a, 34b. Each of the levers 26 are coupled to a first link 56 which is fixed to one end of a pivot rod 58 defining a pivot axis "E", which in turn is rotatably mounted at both ends to the horizontal portions , ~
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34a, 34b. In this Eashion, rotation o~ one Eirst link 56 causes rotation oE the other. The pivot rod 58 conveniently extends in a concealed manner within a spanner member 60 joining the left and right lower hori~ontal portions 34a, 34b.
The first link 56 is pivotally connected to one end 62a of a second link 62 at a pivot iden-tified at "F" which extends along the inner cavity of the lower horizontal portion 34a, with the opposite end 62b being pivotally connected to one end 64a of a braking link 64. The lower portion of the braking link extends downwardly to a pivot pin 66 on which the braking link pivots relative to the lower horizontal portion. The braking link extends past the pivot pin and outward from a slot 6 formed in the lower region of the horizontal portion 34a.
Joined to the other end 64b of the braking link 64 is a brake pad 69 of an arcuate shape so as to contact the floor contacting surface 53a of the center wheel 53.
Thus, when either of the levers 26 is rearwardly displaced, the first :link S6 rotates about the pivot rod 58 causing the second link 62 to be displaced forwardly. This in turn causes rotation of the braking link 64 about the pivot pin 66 to engage the brake pad 69 with the floor contacting surface 53a of the wheel 53.
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In this manner, the braking assembly 28 provides simultaneous braking of both :Left and right centre wheels 53 by rotation of either braking lever 26. In addition, the pivot points are selected in the first link such that the pivot point "F" of the second link is l'over-center" with respect to the pivot axis "E" of the pivo-t rod 58~ In this manner, the braking assembly 28 provides a self-locking mechanism whereby the braking lever 26 is rotated toward contact with the rear edge of the slot 54. This corresponds to a point where the pivot point "F" is located above axis "E", thereby causing the reaction force, exerted by the wheel 54 and transmitted through the mechanism 28, to maintain the lever 26 in the locked position against the rear edge of the slot.
In an alternative embodiment, the braking mechanism 28 is capable of providing a constant light braking Eorce to the middle wheels for a controlled substantially unaccellerated travel down an incline. This is provided by an arcuate bracket 70 which is fixed to the lower horizontal portion 34a of the frame adjacent to the central region of a brake lever 26. The bracket 70 has a number of notches 70a formed therein to enable the lever 26 to be locked in a par-ticular orientation 90 as to provide a constant braking ~orce against the wheel 53. In this case, the extent of rotation of the lever 26 to maintain substantially unaccellerated travel, increases with the degree of incline being traversed. If desired, the pivot rod 66 may be .:. :
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'.:, .'' '' ~' ' ' ~L2~ 33 located on the frame 53b of the wheel rather than on the lower horizontal portion 34a, thereby providing relatively shorter distance of travel of the brake pad 69.
The chair is also provided with a seat 14 which is pivotal and height adjustable by way of a height adjustment mechanism 74 illustrated in Figures 6 and 7. The seat is pivotally mounted via a pair of first support blocks 76 to a tubular shaft 78, the shaft being held at each end by a second support element 80. Adjacent the second support element 80 is a rack element 82 of a rack and pinion arrangement, the pinion 84 being fixed to a rod 86 which extends through a slot 80a formed in the second support element 80. Both the second support element 80 and the rack element 82 are fixed to a transverse frame element 88.
Positioned adjacent the second support element is a plate element 90 having a centrally located bore 90a, through which the rod 86 extends. In addition, a pair of guides 92 extend downwardly along the inner surface of the plate SG as to engage with the front and rear edges 80b, 80c of the second support element 80. Fixed to the end of the rod 86 is a knob 94 Eor rotation oE the rod 86 and accordingly the pinion 84 along the rack element 82. The region of the rod 86 between the knob 94 and the plate 90 is threaded to engage threadably with a release latch 96, which releasably maintains the rod 86 in position.
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. ~ . . , ~1 i5~33 The height adjustment mechanism provides facilitated adjustment oE the seat 14 relative to the frame 12, by way of rotating the release latch 96 and subsequently turning the knob 94. This causes relative displacement between the rack element 82 and the pinion 84, and results in the support element 80 travelling along the guide 92.
A further mechanism is provided on the seat to dampen sudden rotations of ~he seat relative to the shaft. In Figure 7, an air cylinder 98 is joir.ed to the central region of the rear of the seat 14 and to a support frame 100 which includes an arm lOOa extending rearwardly from the transverse frame member 88 and a brace lOOb joining the arm lOOa with ~he shaft 78.
In this manner, the dampening of rotation of the seat 14 is provided at any elevation thereof. With this assembly, forward movement of the patient from the back of the seat causes an immediate rotation of the seat 14 about the shaEt 78, with the rotation being maintained at a slow rate by the air cylinder 98. If the patient further wishes to propel the chair along the floor, he may do so by continuing to rotate the seat 14 until his feet are in contact with the floor.
Another embodiment is shown in dashed lines in Figure 6 wherein the seat i5 pivotally mounted on shaft 86 by way of support blocks 102 in lieu oE support blocks 76 and shaft 28.
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- Ls In addition, the rack element 82 and the support block 80 are fixedly mounted to plate element 90 whi:Le shaft 86 is displaced relative to plate 90 by extending through a slot 104, thereby eliminatintg -the need for guides 92 and transverse frame element 88. As well, a support frame 106 is pivotally mounted on shaft 86 in lieu of support frame 100~ In this case, support frame 106 includes a support block 107 pivotally mounted on the shaft 86 adjacent each pinion element 84~ Projections 108 extend from the upper and lower portions of support block 107, adjacent to but not contacting the teeth of pinion 84, and extend through the slots 80a. In this manner r support block 107 displaces in concert with the rod 86 but does not rotate therewith.
Extending rearwardly from each of the support blocks 107 is a frame member lOg which terminating at a junction with a frame member lO9a which extends toward connection with the air cylinder 98.
In yet another embodiment, a tension spring 97 is located adjacent the air cylinder 98 to bias the seat to its rearwardly inclined position.
In a further embodiment, a rotation limit device 99 is located adjacent the air cylinder 98 to restrict the rearward and forward rotation of the seat to the desired six degrees with respect to the horizontal. The limit device includes an elongate element 99a having a slot 99b which is connected to the rear portion of the seat. A member 99c with a pin 99d is coupled to the arm lOOa.
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~5';~;33 The chair is also provided with adj~stable foot rest 30 as are shown i~l detail in Figures 14 and 15. '~he foot rest 30 includes an angular member 110 having a shaft 112 connected to one end llOa. A foot pad 114 is pivotally connected to the shaft 112 for movement between a horizontal position and a ver-tical position. Magnets 116 are further provided both on the foot pad 114 and the angular member 110 to maintain the foot pad 114 in a vertical position. The angular member is in -turn joined to the lower corner portion 34b by a wing nut 115, and maintained in a given orientation by a pair of interconnecting discs 116, 113.
As seen in Figure 15, each of the discs have transversely extending triangular teeth 120 which mesh upon engagement of the discs 116, 113, with the disc 116 being fixed to the angular member, and the other disc 118 being fixed to the lower corner portion 34b. The discs 118, 116 are also respectively provided with a pin 122 and recess 12~ as shown in Figure 15 to enable inter-engagement of the discs within predetermined limits, thereby preventing the foot rest 30 from contacting the floor, thereby interEerring with the mobility of the chair.
An alternative foot rest 125 is shown in Figure 21 wherein a right angled member 126 extends from the inter-engaged discs 116, 119 and terminates at a crown gear elemen-t 127 .: . . , ~X~S 733 rotatably mounted circumferentially thereon. The crown gear is threadahly engaged with a threaded rod element L28 which includes an elongate rectangular projection 128a extending along the shaft to engage with a complimentary recess on the inner edqe oE the member 126. The foot rest 125 is further provided with a pinion element 129 rotatably mounted to the right angled member 126, teeth 126a of which are meshed with the teeth 127a of crown gear 127. A knob 129a is also fixed to the pinion element 129 so as to enable the user to cause rotation thereof, which in turn causes the crown gear 127 to ro-tate and the threaded rod 128 to be displaced relative to the member 126. In this manner, the length of the foot rest 125 is easily adjustable to accommodate users with different leg lengths.
An alternative to the aforementioned height adjustment mechanism 74 of the seat is the height adjustment mechanism 129 shown ln Figures 16 to 19. In this case the seat is pivotally mounted by a pair of first support blocks 130 to a tubular shaft 132, the shaft being held at each end by a second support block 134. The second support block 3~ is in turn mounted to a first transverse frame member 136. Each end of the transverse frame mernber 136 is fixed to a slider frame 13~ defined by a pair of spaced horizontal flanges 138a, 138b and joined by a vertical web 138c. The flanges have centrally located and co-axial bores 138d which receive a threaded shaft 14û. Threaded on the shaft 140 is a remote sprocket 142 positioned at spaced distances from : ~.,. ,-, -:
' ~5~;~3 each of the Elanges by upper and lower spacers 144~ 146. The threaded rod is in turn held in a support Erarne 148, again defined by a pair of horizontal flanges 148a, 148b and joined by a vertical web 148c. In this case, each o the support frames 148 is fixed to the central region of the middle portion 34c of the frame sections.
A chain 150 passes over each of the remote sprockets to a central crank mechanism 152 located in the central region of the transverse frame member. The crank mechanism comprises a crank 154 member having an offset cranking knob 154a mounted on a cranking arm 154b. ~he cranking arm is in turn mounted on a shaft 156 to which a sprocket 158 is also mounted. The shaft 156 is rotatably mounted in the transverse frame member by way of releasable mounting through a bore 136a and maintained therein by a nut and washer 160. In this manner, rotation of the crank arm 154b via the knob 154a causes the chain 150 to be displaced in a manner which causes rotation of the remote sprockets 142. By virtue of their threaded engagement with the threaded rods 140, the sprockets 142 then upwardly displace with respect to the threaded rods 140, thereby raising the elevation of the seat.
Incorporated with the height adjustment mechanism 129 is an air cylinder 159 mounted at one end on the rear portion of the seat as is shown in Figures 18 and 19. The air cylinder is ..;
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mounted at its other end to a Erame assemb]y 161 extending rearwardly Erom the shaEt 132 and the transverse frame mernber 136.
It should also be noted tha-t the air cylinders 98 and 159 each provide a dampening effect to both forward and rearward locations of the seat. This dampending effect could also be provided in one rotative sense only or be greater in one rotative sense than in the other. Oil cylinders are also contemplated as an alternative to the air cylinders.
Also contemplated is a height adjustment mechanism utilizing a rack and pinion arrangement, wherein the rack element thereof is fixed relative to the seat frame, while the axis of pinion element is fixed on a pivot shaft displaced relative to the seat frame. In additionr the seat may be pivotally mounted on the pivo~ shaft.
In additionl an alternative to the aforementioned concave edged tray 22 is shown in Figure 4 wherein the tray 162 is incorporated with one arm pad~ to provide an increased arm support particularly for patients having suffered from a stroke or from other causes, resulting in little strength in one arm.
Also contemplated is the use of a restraint bar in place of the tray.
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With the steadily increasing geriatric population and the subsequent number oE geriatric care facilities, there has been an increasing awareness of rapid emotional and physical deterioration of their residents due to, among other things, a loss of their independence. A large portion of these residents spend extended periods of time confined to their beds or chairs, and thereby need constant assistance rom attending nurses to satisfy their everyday needs.
This loss in independence is not only seen as a cause or discomfort to the patient and shorter life span, but also results in su~stantially high costs, associated with the large skilled labour force needed to provide daily care.
It would therefore be desirable both to the patients and the adminis-trators of the facilities in which they are resident, to provide as much independence as possible to the patients. A significant factor to independence is the mobility o~ the patient, which is conventionally provided by wheelchairs and rigid frame structures commonly known as "walkers".
Although providing a certain de~ree of mobility to the patients, there are several disadvantages associated with such mobility aidinq devices. Conventional wheelchairs are bulky and provide a convenience only to those patients with a relatively high degree o arm strength. ~rhose patients who have lost -: .
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5~33 strength in their arms must again demand assistance from the attendan-ts to move from one location to another.
Conventional walkers appear in two forms, one of which re~uires the patient to displace the structure forwardly before each step is made and is satisfactory only to those patients with sufficient strength in both the legs and the arms.
Alternatively, walkers a~e available providing bodily support to the patients. However, such devices are often large and bulky and require the patient to be entrapped within the structure, resulting in a mobility aid which, although assisting the patient, is conspicuous and therefore detrimental to the patients emotional well-being.
Accordingly, it is -the object of the present invention to provide a novel form of mobility aid.
Briefly stated, the invention involves a mobile support device for a handicapped person and rollable along a reaction surface, the mobile support device comprising:
f~rst and second substantially parallel planar ~rame sections oriented in spaced relationship, each of said frame sections having a lower portion;
a back support portion spannin~ the region and coupled with the first and second rame portions;
a seat spanning the region and centrally disposed above said lower portions; and a wheel assembly mounted on said lower portions so as to engage the reaction surface, said wheel assembly including a ~J
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pair of front caster wheels, a pair of rear caster wheels and a first intermediata wheel with a fixed transverse axis of rotation positioned interm~diate said front and rear caster wheels, each of said caster wheels and said intermediate wheel together being disposed such that all of said wheels have a lower most tangent lying in a common plane.
In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a mobile support device having an undercarriage comprising a pair of front caster wheels, a pair of rear caster wheels and a first intermediate wheel with a fixed transverse axis of rotation positioned intermediate said front and rear caster wheels, each of said caster wheels and said intermediate wheel together being disposed such that all of said wheels havea lower most tangent lying in a common plana and a surface disposed above said undercarriage and arranged to support a patient.
Further features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be evident rom the following detailed description of praferred embodiments, given by way of example only, as seen in the appended drawings in whlch:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a mobility device.
Figure 2 is a side view of the mobility device, shown in Figure 1, in another configuration.
Figure 3 is a side view of the mobility device shown in Figure 1 in an alternate configuration.
Figure 4 is a plan view of the mobility device in Figure 1.
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~1265i~733 Figure 5 is a plan view of the device shown in Figure l with an alternative portion.
Figure 6 is a partly exploded view of a portion of the mobility device shown in Figure l.
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 7-7 in Figure 6.
Figure 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the mobility device shown in Figure l.
Figure 9 is a perspective assembly view taken with respect to circle 9 in Figure l.
Figure lO is a perspective ~ragmentary view o another portion of the mobility device shown in Figure l~
Figure ll is a cross-sectional view taken on line ll-lI
of Figure lO.
Figure 12 is a perspective view of the portion shown in Figure lO in an alternative configuration.
Figure 13 is a perspective view of the portion shown in Figure 10 in another configuration.
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`` gL~$733 Figure 14 is a perspective view of another portion of the mobility device shown in F.igure 1.
Figure 15 is a perspective assembly view of a portion of an elemen-t shown in Figure 14.
Figure 16 is a partly exploded assembly view of an alternate configuration of the portion shown in Figure 6.
Figure 17 is a frontal view of the configuration in Figure 16.
Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 18-18 in Figure 17.
Figure 19 is an exploded assembly view of several components of the portion shown in Figure 18.
Figure 20 is a side view of an alternative portion of the device shown in Figure 1.
Figure 21 is a perspective view of another alternate portion of the device shown in Figure 1.
Figure 22 is a perspective view of an alternative mobility device;
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Figure 23 is a perspective view of a portion of a alternative mobility device to the device shown in Fiyure 22;
Figure 24 is a frontal view of an alternative element of the portion shown in E'igure 23;
Figure 25 i5 a side view of the element shown in Figure 24.
Figure 26 is a perspective view of an alternative portion of an element shown in Figure 24.
Figure 27 is a perspective view of another alterna-tive portion of an element shown in Figure 24.
Referring now to Figures 1 to 17, a mobility device 10 is shown in the form of a chair having a frame 12 which supports seat 14 and a back rest 16, with the seat being inclined at approximately six degrees from the horizontal axis, and the back rest 16 inclined 15 degrees from the vertical axis. The chair has a pair of arms 18, 20 the former being pivotal and the latter being retractable as will be described. A tray 22 is mounted on the front oE the arms 18r 20 and provides a working surface as well as a protective gate and hand grip. In addition a carrying hamper 23 hangs Erom the arm 20 for carrying magazines or other articles. A wheel assembly 24 is provided on ~; "" `'` '' ` ` .; ~: ' ~5'733 the bottom of the chair which is con trolled by a pair of braking handles 26 which activate a braking mechanism 28 as will be described. A pair of adjustable foot rests 30 are mounted on the Erame 12 as will be described, with restraint being provicled to the user by a seat belt 32 extending from the seat. As well, the seat is pivotable and height adjustable as will be later explained.
The frame is formed from left and right frame sections 34, 36 both being of a "S"-shaped configuration. Each of the left and right frame sections have a lower horizontal portion 34a, 36a to support the wheel assembly, a lower corner portion 34b, 36b to support the foot rests 30, a middle portion 34c, 36c to support the seat 14 and back rest 16, and an upper portion 34d, 36d to support the tray 22 and also to form the arms 18, 20 of the chair~ As wellt the middle portion 34c, 36c serves as a location for frame disassembly, as shown in Figure 3. This is provided by way of the middle portion being formed from two parts, a first segment, for example 34e, havin~ a swaged end of reduced diameter for telescoping engagement with the end of a second segment 34f.
Referring to Figure 4, each oE the arms 18, 20 is also provided with a pair of arm rests 42, while the tray 22 is pivotally connected to the left arm 18 and releasably positioned on the right arm 20. As well, the lateral edges 22a of the tray ' iS733 are concave thereb~ providing suficient area for a working surface while enabling the patient to grip the centraL region of the tray 22 with his hands.
As is seen in Figure 9, the right arm 20 is easily retractable, and is formed from first and second right arm portions 20a, 20b the first portion 20a having a swaged end region for telescoping engagement with the end of the second right arm portion 20b. A restraint mechanism 44 is provided in the first right arm portion 40a and is seen as a ball 44a nested in a hole 20c and biased therein by way of a compression springl 44b with the ball extending from the hole so as to extend into a hole 20d formed in the second right hand portion 20b.
While the right arm 20 is retractable, the left arm 18 is pivotal between a usable position and a storage position. As seen in Figure 10, the left arm 18 has a first left arm portion 18a pivotally connected to a second left arm portion 18a at a pivot connection identified at 45. In forming the pivot connection 45, the end of the first left arm portion 38a is collapsed to form a substantially "U"-shaped cross-section. As seen in Figure 11, the first left arm portion 18a is pivotally connected to the second let arm portion 18b by way of an extensible pivot member 46 extending through co-axial bores 18c, 18d formed in the first and second left arm portions 18a, 18b respectively. The extensible pivot member 46 is formed from a '': ~, :
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~.265733 cylinder element ~6a closed at one end by a Eirst head 46b with the other end having a bore 4~c extending there-through. A
piston ~6d is slidably engaged with the innee surface of the cylinder element 46a and is joined to a shaEt ~6e which extends through the bore 46c, with the free end of the shaft terminating at a second head 46f. A compression spring 46g is located within the cylinder element 46b to bias the piston 4~d against the first head 46b, such that rotation of the first left arm portion 38a causes separation thereof from the second left arm portion 38b, and causing the pivot member 46 to extend through the travel of the piston 46d along the cylinder element 46a against the spring 4~g.
The pivot connection between the first and second left arm portions 18a, 18b and pivot connection between the tray 22 and the first left arm portion 18a enables the left arm 18 to be rotated to a convenient storing posi~ion as demonstrated in ~igures 2, 10, 12 and 13. As is shown in Figure 10, the tray 22 is first rotated to a vertical position as seen by the arrow "A". The first left arm portion is then rotated to an upper vertical position as seen by arrow "B". This is followed by the tray being returned to its original position relative to the first leEt arm portion as seen by arrow "C". Subse~uently, the arm is rotated to a lower stored position as seen by the arrow "D". In this manner, the configuration embodied in the left arm 18 enables the patient to store the tray thereby providing the patient with the capability of sitting at a table, or of accessing the chair Erom the side.
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Similarly, the first right arm portion 20a is easily retractable by depresslng the ball 44a through the hole 20d and subsequently removing the swaged end of the first right arm portion 20a from the second right arm portion 20b.
Another particular feature of the chair 10 is the wheel assembly 24 as seen in Fiqure 1 which is coupled to the lower horizontal portions 34a, 36a of the left and right frame sections 34, 36. Three wheels, for example wheels 48, 50, 52 are used on each of the lower horizontal portions, for example 34a, the front and rear wheels 48, 50 thereof providing a swivel movement with respect to the lower horizontal portion 34a. The middle wheel 52 on the other hand is constrained to rotation about an axis perpendicular to the lower horizontal portion 34a. In this configuration, the wheels prevent lateral displacement of the chair relative to the floor while permitting increased stability and improved directional tracking, as well as the ability to rotate about a fixed point.
The braking assembly 28 is shown in detail in Figure 8~ The brakes are manually controlled by braking levers 26 which extend upwardly and forwardly from slots 54 formed in the rear of the lower horizontal portions 34a, 34b. Each of the levers 26 are coupled to a first link 56 which is fixed to one end of a pivot rod 58 defining a pivot axis "E", which in turn is rotatably mounted at both ends to the horizontal portions , ~
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34a, 34b. In this Eashion, rotation o~ one Eirst link 56 causes rotation oE the other. The pivot rod 58 conveniently extends in a concealed manner within a spanner member 60 joining the left and right lower hori~ontal portions 34a, 34b.
The first link 56 is pivotally connected to one end 62a of a second link 62 at a pivot iden-tified at "F" which extends along the inner cavity of the lower horizontal portion 34a, with the opposite end 62b being pivotally connected to one end 64a of a braking link 64. The lower portion of the braking link extends downwardly to a pivot pin 66 on which the braking link pivots relative to the lower horizontal portion. The braking link extends past the pivot pin and outward from a slot 6 formed in the lower region of the horizontal portion 34a.
Joined to the other end 64b of the braking link 64 is a brake pad 69 of an arcuate shape so as to contact the floor contacting surface 53a of the center wheel 53.
Thus, when either of the levers 26 is rearwardly displaced, the first :link S6 rotates about the pivot rod 58 causing the second link 62 to be displaced forwardly. This in turn causes rotation of the braking link 64 about the pivot pin 66 to engage the brake pad 69 with the floor contacting surface 53a of the wheel 53.
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In this manner, the braking assembly 28 provides simultaneous braking of both :Left and right centre wheels 53 by rotation of either braking lever 26. In addition, the pivot points are selected in the first link such that the pivot point "F" of the second link is l'over-center" with respect to the pivot axis "E" of the pivo-t rod 58~ In this manner, the braking assembly 28 provides a self-locking mechanism whereby the braking lever 26 is rotated toward contact with the rear edge of the slot 54. This corresponds to a point where the pivot point "F" is located above axis "E", thereby causing the reaction force, exerted by the wheel 54 and transmitted through the mechanism 28, to maintain the lever 26 in the locked position against the rear edge of the slot.
In an alternative embodiment, the braking mechanism 28 is capable of providing a constant light braking Eorce to the middle wheels for a controlled substantially unaccellerated travel down an incline. This is provided by an arcuate bracket 70 which is fixed to the lower horizontal portion 34a of the frame adjacent to the central region of a brake lever 26. The bracket 70 has a number of notches 70a formed therein to enable the lever 26 to be locked in a par-ticular orientation 90 as to provide a constant braking ~orce against the wheel 53. In this case, the extent of rotation of the lever 26 to maintain substantially unaccellerated travel, increases with the degree of incline being traversed. If desired, the pivot rod 66 may be .:. :
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'.:, .'' '' ~' ' ' ~L2~ 33 located on the frame 53b of the wheel rather than on the lower horizontal portion 34a, thereby providing relatively shorter distance of travel of the brake pad 69.
The chair is also provided with a seat 14 which is pivotal and height adjustable by way of a height adjustment mechanism 74 illustrated in Figures 6 and 7. The seat is pivotally mounted via a pair of first support blocks 76 to a tubular shaft 78, the shaft being held at each end by a second support element 80. Adjacent the second support element 80 is a rack element 82 of a rack and pinion arrangement, the pinion 84 being fixed to a rod 86 which extends through a slot 80a formed in the second support element 80. Both the second support element 80 and the rack element 82 are fixed to a transverse frame element 88.
Positioned adjacent the second support element is a plate element 90 having a centrally located bore 90a, through which the rod 86 extends. In addition, a pair of guides 92 extend downwardly along the inner surface of the plate SG as to engage with the front and rear edges 80b, 80c of the second support element 80. Fixed to the end of the rod 86 is a knob 94 Eor rotation oE the rod 86 and accordingly the pinion 84 along the rack element 82. The region of the rod 86 between the knob 94 and the plate 90 is threaded to engage threadably with a release latch 96, which releasably maintains the rod 86 in position.
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. ~ . . , ~1 i5~33 The height adjustment mechanism provides facilitated adjustment oE the seat 14 relative to the frame 12, by way of rotating the release latch 96 and subsequently turning the knob 94. This causes relative displacement between the rack element 82 and the pinion 84, and results in the support element 80 travelling along the guide 92.
A further mechanism is provided on the seat to dampen sudden rotations of ~he seat relative to the shaft. In Figure 7, an air cylinder 98 is joir.ed to the central region of the rear of the seat 14 and to a support frame 100 which includes an arm lOOa extending rearwardly from the transverse frame member 88 and a brace lOOb joining the arm lOOa with ~he shaft 78.
In this manner, the dampening of rotation of the seat 14 is provided at any elevation thereof. With this assembly, forward movement of the patient from the back of the seat causes an immediate rotation of the seat 14 about the shaEt 78, with the rotation being maintained at a slow rate by the air cylinder 98. If the patient further wishes to propel the chair along the floor, he may do so by continuing to rotate the seat 14 until his feet are in contact with the floor.
Another embodiment is shown in dashed lines in Figure 6 wherein the seat i5 pivotally mounted on shaft 86 by way of support blocks 102 in lieu oE support blocks 76 and shaft 28.
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- Ls In addition, the rack element 82 and the support block 80 are fixedly mounted to plate element 90 whi:Le shaft 86 is displaced relative to plate 90 by extending through a slot 104, thereby eliminatintg -the need for guides 92 and transverse frame element 88. As well, a support frame 106 is pivotally mounted on shaft 86 in lieu of support frame 100~ In this case, support frame 106 includes a support block 107 pivotally mounted on the shaft 86 adjacent each pinion element 84~ Projections 108 extend from the upper and lower portions of support block 107, adjacent to but not contacting the teeth of pinion 84, and extend through the slots 80a. In this manner r support block 107 displaces in concert with the rod 86 but does not rotate therewith.
Extending rearwardly from each of the support blocks 107 is a frame member lOg which terminating at a junction with a frame member lO9a which extends toward connection with the air cylinder 98.
In yet another embodiment, a tension spring 97 is located adjacent the air cylinder 98 to bias the seat to its rearwardly inclined position.
In a further embodiment, a rotation limit device 99 is located adjacent the air cylinder 98 to restrict the rearward and forward rotation of the seat to the desired six degrees with respect to the horizontal. The limit device includes an elongate element 99a having a slot 99b which is connected to the rear portion of the seat. A member 99c with a pin 99d is coupled to the arm lOOa.
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~5';~;33 The chair is also provided with adj~stable foot rest 30 as are shown i~l detail in Figures 14 and 15. '~he foot rest 30 includes an angular member 110 having a shaft 112 connected to one end llOa. A foot pad 114 is pivotally connected to the shaft 112 for movement between a horizontal position and a ver-tical position. Magnets 116 are further provided both on the foot pad 114 and the angular member 110 to maintain the foot pad 114 in a vertical position. The angular member is in -turn joined to the lower corner portion 34b by a wing nut 115, and maintained in a given orientation by a pair of interconnecting discs 116, 113.
As seen in Figure 15, each of the discs have transversely extending triangular teeth 120 which mesh upon engagement of the discs 116, 113, with the disc 116 being fixed to the angular member, and the other disc 118 being fixed to the lower corner portion 34b. The discs 118, 116 are also respectively provided with a pin 122 and recess 12~ as shown in Figure 15 to enable inter-engagement of the discs within predetermined limits, thereby preventing the foot rest 30 from contacting the floor, thereby interEerring with the mobility of the chair.
An alternative foot rest 125 is shown in Figure 21 wherein a right angled member 126 extends from the inter-engaged discs 116, 119 and terminates at a crown gear elemen-t 127 .: . . , ~X~S 733 rotatably mounted circumferentially thereon. The crown gear is threadahly engaged with a threaded rod element L28 which includes an elongate rectangular projection 128a extending along the shaft to engage with a complimentary recess on the inner edqe oE the member 126. The foot rest 125 is further provided with a pinion element 129 rotatably mounted to the right angled member 126, teeth 126a of which are meshed with the teeth 127a of crown gear 127. A knob 129a is also fixed to the pinion element 129 so as to enable the user to cause rotation thereof, which in turn causes the crown gear 127 to ro-tate and the threaded rod 128 to be displaced relative to the member 126. In this manner, the length of the foot rest 125 is easily adjustable to accommodate users with different leg lengths.
An alternative to the aforementioned height adjustment mechanism 74 of the seat is the height adjustment mechanism 129 shown ln Figures 16 to 19. In this case the seat is pivotally mounted by a pair of first support blocks 130 to a tubular shaft 132, the shaft being held at each end by a second support block 134. The second support block 3~ is in turn mounted to a first transverse frame member 136. Each end of the transverse frame mernber 136 is fixed to a slider frame 13~ defined by a pair of spaced horizontal flanges 138a, 138b and joined by a vertical web 138c. The flanges have centrally located and co-axial bores 138d which receive a threaded shaft 14û. Threaded on the shaft 140 is a remote sprocket 142 positioned at spaced distances from : ~.,. ,-, -:
' ~5~;~3 each of the Elanges by upper and lower spacers 144~ 146. The threaded rod is in turn held in a support Erarne 148, again defined by a pair of horizontal flanges 148a, 148b and joined by a vertical web 148c. In this case, each o the support frames 148 is fixed to the central region of the middle portion 34c of the frame sections.
A chain 150 passes over each of the remote sprockets to a central crank mechanism 152 located in the central region of the transverse frame member. The crank mechanism comprises a crank 154 member having an offset cranking knob 154a mounted on a cranking arm 154b. ~he cranking arm is in turn mounted on a shaft 156 to which a sprocket 158 is also mounted. The shaft 156 is rotatably mounted in the transverse frame member by way of releasable mounting through a bore 136a and maintained therein by a nut and washer 160. In this manner, rotation of the crank arm 154b via the knob 154a causes the chain 150 to be displaced in a manner which causes rotation of the remote sprockets 142. By virtue of their threaded engagement with the threaded rods 140, the sprockets 142 then upwardly displace with respect to the threaded rods 140, thereby raising the elevation of the seat.
Incorporated with the height adjustment mechanism 129 is an air cylinder 159 mounted at one end on the rear portion of the seat as is shown in Figures 18 and 19. The air cylinder is ..;
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mounted at its other end to a Erame assemb]y 161 extending rearwardly Erom the shaEt 132 and the transverse frame mernber 136.
It should also be noted tha-t the air cylinders 98 and 159 each provide a dampening effect to both forward and rearward locations of the seat. This dampending effect could also be provided in one rotative sense only or be greater in one rotative sense than in the other. Oil cylinders are also contemplated as an alternative to the air cylinders.
Also contemplated is a height adjustment mechanism utilizing a rack and pinion arrangement, wherein the rack element thereof is fixed relative to the seat frame, while the axis of pinion element is fixed on a pivot shaft displaced relative to the seat frame. In additionr the seat may be pivotally mounted on the pivo~ shaft.
In additionl an alternative to the aforementioned concave edged tray 22 is shown in Figure 4 wherein the tray 162 is incorporated with one arm pad~ to provide an increased arm support particularly for patients having suffered from a stroke or from other causes, resulting in little strength in one arm.
Also contemplated is the use of a restraint bar in place of the tray.
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2 o~i5 ~3 Also contemplated Eor ad~usting the height of the seat is the use Oe a split seat 164 as shown in Fi~3ure 20. The split seat 164 inclucles a rear section 168 which is mounted to the middle portion 34c of the frame by way of a pair of flanges 168 depending from each side of the rear section 166, which slidably engage with a frame plate 170 mounted on the middle portion 34c. A series of holes 170a, 170b are located near the front and rear ends respectively o~ the frame plate 170 and are in-line with holes 168a, 168b located in the front and rear ends respectively of the flange 168 so as ~o receive adjustment pins 172. A front section 174 is hingeably mounted to the rear section 166 and has on each side a downward projection 176 which abuts a cam element 178.
A second embodiment of the mobility device is shown in the form of a s-tand-up walker 200 in Figure 22. The walker includes a frame 202 which supports a seat 204 pivotal between horizontal and ver~ical positions and a back rest 206. The support includes a releasable restraint bar 208 which assists in supporting the user as will be described. A wheel assembly similar to that in the aforementioned embodiment, and identified at 210 is located in the lower end of the frame for mobility while a pair of outriqgers 212 extend transversely from the frame and adjacent to the wheels as will be described.
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.,, : ~ - ~`, ' ' , In addition, the stand up walker 200 rnay also include a braking mechanism in accordance with braking rnechanisrn 28 in the a~orementioned embodiment and, in which case, is equipped with length adjustable arms 213.
The frame structure is formed from left and right frame sections 214, 216, each of an "S"-shaped conEiguration, to form lower, middle and upper horizontal frame segments 214a, 214b, 214c and 216a, 216b, 216c respectively. The lower frame segments combine with a spanning member 218 which extends between the rear region of the lower segments 214a, 216a to form a base, while the upper segments 214c, 216c combine to form the left and right arms of the walker 200. Joining each of the lower and middle segments is a first vertical spanner 214d~ 216d formed from a pair of telescoping elements which, joined by a bolt configuration identified at 220, so as to provide a walker 200 which may be disassembled.
Disassembly is also provided by a second vertical spanner 214e, 216e formed from a pair of telescoping elements which, joined by a bolt configuration shown at 221 may be either disassembled or length adjusted.
The restraint bar 208 is pivotally connected to the left arm 214c, while the opposite end of the restraint bar is coupled to the right arm 216c, by way of a releasable latch 222.
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S7~3 Projecting longi~.udinally erom each end oE the lower frame segments are collars 224 which enga~e with the right angled ends 212a of rectangular outriggers 212. Joining the ri~ht angled ends -thereof is a body member 212b. The collars 224 are further provided with a bore 22~a which receives a pin to fix the outrigger 212 with the lower surface of the body member having an incremental spacing from the floor surface, for example one half inch. In this manner, the outrigger 212 provides a support against inadvertent tipping of the walker 200. As seen in Figure 22, the seat 204 is pivotally connected to a pair of brackets 226 immediately below the back rest 206, which in turn is mounted on a fixed cross panel 228.
The seat 204 provides a suppor~ for the patient in a partial sitting position in which, while gripping the arms 214c, 216 or the restraint bar 208 may propel the walker 200.
Alternatively, the seat may be stored in a vertical position enabllng the patient to walk with the support of the walker in a standing position, with further support being provided by a harness 230.
The harness 230 includes a belt 232 which extends around the central region of the user, and has a releasable buckle in the rear portion thereof. The belt 232 is joined to the arms 214c, 216c by way of four expandable belts 234, which are coupled to the arms 214c, 216c by way of releasable brackets 236.
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An alternative to the fixed outrigger is shown in Figure 23, wherein the pillS are omitted from the collars so as to enable the outrigyer 212 to rotate therein. In addition, a first link 240 is pivotally connected between a remote point on the frvnt right angled member shown at 242 and a pivot point in the central region of a second link 244. The second link in turn is pivotally coupled to the vertical spanner 214d and has at its remote end, a handle 244a enabling the patient to rotate the second link upwardly in the direction of the arrow identified at "G". In this manner, the outrigger is easily retracted to a stored position, enabling the walker to pass through a doorway.
A further alternative to the fixed outrigger is an automatically extendable outrigger 250 as shown in Figures 24 and 25. The automatic outrigger 250 is formed from a first housing 252 and a second housing 254, the second housing 254 being pivotal relative to the first housing 252, which is secured to the lower frame segment 214a. Located on the first housing 252 is an activation rod 256 which is oriented at one end 256a in close proximity with the floor surface, and is slidably engaged within brackets 258 extending near each end thereof from the first housing 252~ The other end 256b o the activation rod 256 is engaged with a flrst latch 258 which is pivotally mounted to the first housing 252 and engages a catch 260 formed on the second housing. The second housing 254 is .
7;~3 - 2~ -tubular and has one end 254a through which outwardly extends a deploy rod 262, which is slidably engaged with the inner surface of the second housing. ~he deploy rod is also biased to an outwardly extended position by way of a spring 263, also within the second housing and engaged with a boss 262a formed in the central region oE the deploy rod 262. The other end 254b of the second housing has an aperture formed therein, through which the other end of the deploy rod 262b outwardly extends in a stored position as shown in Figure 21. The end of the deploy rod is deEined by a circumferential groove 262c which engages with the finger 264a of a second latch 264, pivotally mounted to the second housing 254 and biased against the groove by a spring 266.
The second latch 264 is activated by way of an abutment rod 268 which is positioned in a bracke-t 270 formed on the first housing 252 and adjusted to the required extension therefrom by way of a set screw 272, so as to engage the other end oE the second latch 264 upon rotation of the second housing 254 with respect to the first housing 252 under the biasing force of a coil spring 276 joined therebetween.
In this manner, inadvertent rotation of the frame 12 relative to the floor cau~es the floor to engage with the activating rod 256, resulting in the release of the first latch 258. This causes the second housing 254 to quickly rotate under the force of the coil spring 276 to a lateral outward position, , ":~" ' ~ ' '' ' '' ' '' ' ~
-~ausing the second latch 264 to engage with the abutment rod 26 thereby releasing the deploy rod 262 from within the second housi.ng 254. In this manner, the deploy rod 262 acts as an additional stabilizer to increase the lateral stability and prevent further rotation of the frame 12 relative to the floor.
In addition, the angle through which the second housing 254 rotates and the relative length of the second housing 254 and the deploy rod 262, are choosen such that in the extended position, the frictional force between the inner wall of the second housing 254 and the second deploy rod ~62 provides a binding reaction force, thereby enabling the housing and the deploy rod to function as a unitary s~pport member against the force exerted by the patient against the frame 12 of the walker.
When the frame is returned to its stable position, the binding force between the deploy rod 2~2 and the inner surface of the second housing 254 is immediately reduced to enable an attendant to easily retract khe outrigger 2`50 to its stored pos.ition as shown in Figure 22.
In an alternative embodiment as is shown in Figure 26, the deploy rod 278 is formed with a "T"-shaped outward end, providing additional stability while at the same time distributing the force exerted on the deploy rod in its extended position.
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~ 26 -In another alternative embodiment as shown in Figure 27, a deploy rod 280 has a "T"-shaped end, with one of the transversely extending arms 280a having a arm 280b extending inwardly at right angles to the transverse arm 280a. In addition, the inwardly extending arm is oriented at an angle o with respect to the axis of deploy rod 230, angle o corresponding to the angle in which the deploy rod 280 is located relative to the horizontal in the outwardly extended position. In this manner the deploy rod 280 provides further support to the outrigger in its extended position located adjacent the front or rear wheel.
In addition, any number of outriggers may be located on the side of the walker. For example a convenient combination involves the placement of an outrigger adjacent each wheel.
Alternative arrangements are also considered for the harness 230 including six or more belts 23~ to provide further support to the userO Also contemplated is the use of different types of belts 230 such that the front belts have a different spring rate constant than the rear belts, thereby providing easier flexibility of the harness in one direction than in the other. For exarnple, the use of a higher spring constant in the rear pair of belts enables the user to flex the harness in the rearward direction which preventing the user to 1ex easily the harness in the Eorward direction, thereby supportin~ the user against falling forward.
;, , , :
. ~ , .: .
A second embodiment of the mobility device is shown in the form of a s-tand-up walker 200 in Figure 22. The walker includes a frame 202 which supports a seat 204 pivotal between horizontal and ver~ical positions and a back rest 206. The support includes a releasable restraint bar 208 which assists in supporting the user as will be described. A wheel assembly similar to that in the aforementioned embodiment, and identified at 210 is located in the lower end of the frame for mobility while a pair of outriqgers 212 extend transversely from the frame and adjacent to the wheels as will be described.
,. :
:- ; ~
:. ,~ , ,:-: ~ . .;
,:: , . :
.,, : ~ - ~`, ' ' , In addition, the stand up walker 200 rnay also include a braking mechanism in accordance with braking rnechanisrn 28 in the a~orementioned embodiment and, in which case, is equipped with length adjustable arms 213.
The frame structure is formed from left and right frame sections 214, 216, each of an "S"-shaped conEiguration, to form lower, middle and upper horizontal frame segments 214a, 214b, 214c and 216a, 216b, 216c respectively. The lower frame segments combine with a spanning member 218 which extends between the rear region of the lower segments 214a, 216a to form a base, while the upper segments 214c, 216c combine to form the left and right arms of the walker 200. Joining each of the lower and middle segments is a first vertical spanner 214d~ 216d formed from a pair of telescoping elements which, joined by a bolt configuration identified at 220, so as to provide a walker 200 which may be disassembled.
Disassembly is also provided by a second vertical spanner 214e, 216e formed from a pair of telescoping elements which, joined by a bolt configuration shown at 221 may be either disassembled or length adjusted.
The restraint bar 208 is pivotally connected to the left arm 214c, while the opposite end of the restraint bar is coupled to the right arm 216c, by way of a releasable latch 222.
:. , ~ :
.
S7~3 Projecting longi~.udinally erom each end oE the lower frame segments are collars 224 which enga~e with the right angled ends 212a of rectangular outriggers 212. Joining the ri~ht angled ends -thereof is a body member 212b. The collars 224 are further provided with a bore 22~a which receives a pin to fix the outrigger 212 with the lower surface of the body member having an incremental spacing from the floor surface, for example one half inch. In this manner, the outrigger 212 provides a support against inadvertent tipping of the walker 200. As seen in Figure 22, the seat 204 is pivotally connected to a pair of brackets 226 immediately below the back rest 206, which in turn is mounted on a fixed cross panel 228.
The seat 204 provides a suppor~ for the patient in a partial sitting position in which, while gripping the arms 214c, 216 or the restraint bar 208 may propel the walker 200.
Alternatively, the seat may be stored in a vertical position enabllng the patient to walk with the support of the walker in a standing position, with further support being provided by a harness 230.
The harness 230 includes a belt 232 which extends around the central region of the user, and has a releasable buckle in the rear portion thereof. The belt 232 is joined to the arms 214c, 216c by way of four expandable belts 234, which are coupled to the arms 214c, 216c by way of releasable brackets 236.
,:
.: ::: , , - ::: . . - . :
: ,, , -. .
..
An alternative to the fixed outrigger is shown in Figure 23, wherein the pillS are omitted from the collars so as to enable the outrigyer 212 to rotate therein. In addition, a first link 240 is pivotally connected between a remote point on the frvnt right angled member shown at 242 and a pivot point in the central region of a second link 244. The second link in turn is pivotally coupled to the vertical spanner 214d and has at its remote end, a handle 244a enabling the patient to rotate the second link upwardly in the direction of the arrow identified at "G". In this manner, the outrigger is easily retracted to a stored position, enabling the walker to pass through a doorway.
A further alternative to the fixed outrigger is an automatically extendable outrigger 250 as shown in Figures 24 and 25. The automatic outrigger 250 is formed from a first housing 252 and a second housing 254, the second housing 254 being pivotal relative to the first housing 252, which is secured to the lower frame segment 214a. Located on the first housing 252 is an activation rod 256 which is oriented at one end 256a in close proximity with the floor surface, and is slidably engaged within brackets 258 extending near each end thereof from the first housing 252~ The other end 256b o the activation rod 256 is engaged with a flrst latch 258 which is pivotally mounted to the first housing 252 and engages a catch 260 formed on the second housing. The second housing 254 is .
7;~3 - 2~ -tubular and has one end 254a through which outwardly extends a deploy rod 262, which is slidably engaged with the inner surface of the second housing. ~he deploy rod is also biased to an outwardly extended position by way of a spring 263, also within the second housing and engaged with a boss 262a formed in the central region oE the deploy rod 262. The other end 254b of the second housing has an aperture formed therein, through which the other end of the deploy rod 262b outwardly extends in a stored position as shown in Figure 21. The end of the deploy rod is deEined by a circumferential groove 262c which engages with the finger 264a of a second latch 264, pivotally mounted to the second housing 254 and biased against the groove by a spring 266.
The second latch 264 is activated by way of an abutment rod 268 which is positioned in a bracke-t 270 formed on the first housing 252 and adjusted to the required extension therefrom by way of a set screw 272, so as to engage the other end oE the second latch 264 upon rotation of the second housing 254 with respect to the first housing 252 under the biasing force of a coil spring 276 joined therebetween.
In this manner, inadvertent rotation of the frame 12 relative to the floor cau~es the floor to engage with the activating rod 256, resulting in the release of the first latch 258. This causes the second housing 254 to quickly rotate under the force of the coil spring 276 to a lateral outward position, , ":~" ' ~ ' '' ' '' ' '' ' ~
-~ausing the second latch 264 to engage with the abutment rod 26 thereby releasing the deploy rod 262 from within the second housi.ng 254. In this manner, the deploy rod 262 acts as an additional stabilizer to increase the lateral stability and prevent further rotation of the frame 12 relative to the floor.
In addition, the angle through which the second housing 254 rotates and the relative length of the second housing 254 and the deploy rod 262, are choosen such that in the extended position, the frictional force between the inner wall of the second housing 254 and the second deploy rod ~62 provides a binding reaction force, thereby enabling the housing and the deploy rod to function as a unitary s~pport member against the force exerted by the patient against the frame 12 of the walker.
When the frame is returned to its stable position, the binding force between the deploy rod 2~2 and the inner surface of the second housing 254 is immediately reduced to enable an attendant to easily retract khe outrigger 2`50 to its stored pos.ition as shown in Figure 22.
In an alternative embodiment as is shown in Figure 26, the deploy rod 278 is formed with a "T"-shaped outward end, providing additional stability while at the same time distributing the force exerted on the deploy rod in its extended position.
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, ~
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~ 26 -In another alternative embodiment as shown in Figure 27, a deploy rod 280 has a "T"-shaped end, with one of the transversely extending arms 280a having a arm 280b extending inwardly at right angles to the transverse arm 280a. In addition, the inwardly extending arm is oriented at an angle o with respect to the axis of deploy rod 230, angle o corresponding to the angle in which the deploy rod 280 is located relative to the horizontal in the outwardly extended position. In this manner the deploy rod 280 provides further support to the outrigger in its extended position located adjacent the front or rear wheel.
In addition, any number of outriggers may be located on the side of the walker. For example a convenient combination involves the placement of an outrigger adjacent each wheel.
Alternative arrangements are also considered for the harness 230 including six or more belts 23~ to provide further support to the userO Also contemplated is the use of different types of belts 230 such that the front belts have a different spring rate constant than the rear belts, thereby providing easier flexibility of the harness in one direction than in the other. For exarnple, the use of a higher spring constant in the rear pair of belts enables the user to flex the harness in the rearward direction which preventing the user to 1ex easily the harness in the Eorward direction, thereby supportin~ the user against falling forward.
;, , , :
. ~ , .: .
Claims (34)
1. A mobile support device for a handicapped person and rollable along a reaction surface, the mobile support device comprising:
first and second longitudinally extending frame sections oriented in spaced relationship, each of said frame sections having a lower portion and a front portion;
joining means for joining said first and second frame sections together;
a back support portion extending between and coupled with the first and second frame sections;
a seat portion secured to and extending between the first and second frame sections and centrally disposed above said lower portions; and a wheel assembly mounted on said lower portions so as to engage the reaction surface, said wheel assembly including a pair of front caster wheels, a pair of rear caster wheels and a pair of central wheels, each central wheel having a fixed transverse axis of rotation and being positioned intermediate said front and rear caster wheels to inhibit transverse motion, each of said frame sections carrying one of the front caster wheels, one of said central wheels and one of said rear caster wheels, said front and rear caster wheels and said central wheel on each of said frame sections being substantially aligned in parallel with a central longitudinal axis of said mobility support device, each of said wheels having a lowermost tangent lying in a common plane, said spaced frame sections defining a free region in front of and beneath said seat portion through which a user's feet can reach said reaction surface and provide a propelling force to said mobility support device, said wheels being disposed outside said free region, and said wheel assembly constituting means to inhibit rocking of said mobile support device about said central wheels so that contact between all of said wheels with said reaction surface is maintained, the front portions of said frame sections being spaced from one another and said joining means being arranged so that unrestricted access is provided for the handicapped person to said seat portion, said back support portion and to said free region.
first and second longitudinally extending frame sections oriented in spaced relationship, each of said frame sections having a lower portion and a front portion;
joining means for joining said first and second frame sections together;
a back support portion extending between and coupled with the first and second frame sections;
a seat portion secured to and extending between the first and second frame sections and centrally disposed above said lower portions; and a wheel assembly mounted on said lower portions so as to engage the reaction surface, said wheel assembly including a pair of front caster wheels, a pair of rear caster wheels and a pair of central wheels, each central wheel having a fixed transverse axis of rotation and being positioned intermediate said front and rear caster wheels to inhibit transverse motion, each of said frame sections carrying one of the front caster wheels, one of said central wheels and one of said rear caster wheels, said front and rear caster wheels and said central wheel on each of said frame sections being substantially aligned in parallel with a central longitudinal axis of said mobility support device, each of said wheels having a lowermost tangent lying in a common plane, said spaced frame sections defining a free region in front of and beneath said seat portion through which a user's feet can reach said reaction surface and provide a propelling force to said mobility support device, said wheels being disposed outside said free region, and said wheel assembly constituting means to inhibit rocking of said mobile support device about said central wheels so that contact between all of said wheels with said reaction surface is maintained, the front portions of said frame sections being spaced from one another and said joining means being arranged so that unrestricted access is provided for the handicapped person to said seat portion, said back support portion and to said free region.
2. A mobile support device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a releasable restraint means disposed adjacent said seat and coupled to the first and second frame sections.
3. A mobile support device as claimed in claim 2 wherein said seat is pivotal relative to said first and second frame sections.
4. A mobile support device as defined in claim 3 wherein said seat is pivotal to a forwardly downwardly inclined position.
5. A mobile support device as defined in claim 4 wherein said seat is pivotal to a rearwardly downwardly inclined position.
6. A mobile support device as defined in claim 1 further comprising adjustment means to adjust the height of said seat relative to said first and second frame sections.
7. A mobile support device as defined in claim 6 wherein said seat includes a seat frame movable relative to said frame sections and said adjustment means includes guide means engaged with said seat frame to guide said seat frame along a predetermined path relative to said frame sections.
8. A mobile support device as defined in claim 7 wherein said seat frame includes a pivot element defining an axis of rotation of said seat and movable relative to said guide means.
9. A mobile support device as defined in claim 8 wherein said adjustment means includes a rack and pinion arrangement to displace said pivot element relative to said guide means.
10. A mobile support device as defined in claim 9 wherein said rack and pinion arrangement includes a rack element fixed to said pivot element and a pinion element rotatably coupled with said guide means for displacing said rack element relative thereto.
11. A mobile support device as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said first and second frame sections have an upper region defining an arm support portion.
12. A mobile support device as defined in claim 11 wherein one of said arm support portions is separable from the respective frame section.
13. A mobile support device as defined in claim 11 wherein one of said arm support portions is pivotal relative to the respective frame section.
14. A mobile support device as defined in claim 11 wherein said restraint means includes a tray element releasably joined to one of said arm support portions.
15. A mobile support device as defined in claim 14 wherein said tray element is contoured to define a hand grip.
16. A mobile support device as defined in claim 14 wherein said tray extends along one of said arm support portions to define an arm rest.
17. A mobile support device as defined in claim 1 further comprising braking means for said wheel assembly, said braking means including a pair of mechanisms, each of which has a first link pivotally mounted to one of said lower portions, said first link pivotally coupled to a second link extending along said lower portion and terminating at a pivotal connection with a third link, said third link pivotally coupled to said lower portion and having a one end joined to a brake pad located adjacent a corresponding central wheel.
18. A mobile support device as defined in claim 17 wherein a displacement lever is attached to each of said first links, said first links being rotatably coupled along a common pivot axis so as to be responsive to either one of said displacement levers.
19. A mobile support device as defined in claim 1 wherein each of the first and second frame sections has an upper portion in spaced and substantially parallel and horizontal relationship with said lower portion and a central portion joining one end of the upper portion with an opposite end of the lower portion.
20. A mobile support device as defined in claim 19 wherein said central portion is formed from first and second frame elements, the first frame element being joined to the rear end of the upper frame portion and the second frame element being joined to the front end of the lower portion, the central frame elements each having a free end which is interconnectable with the other in a telescoping manner.
21. A mobile support device as defined in claim 19, further comprising outrigging means releasably mounted to said lower frame portions to extend outwardly therefrom and engage the reaction surface so as to improve the stability of the device.
22. A mobile support device as defined in claim 21 wherein the outrigging means is releasable from a retracted position to an outwardly extended position.
23. A mobile support device as defined in claim 22, further comprising trigger means to release the outrigging means from the retracted position to the extended position.
24. A mobile support device as defined in claim 23 wherein the trigger means is responsive to a rotation of the device about said central longitudinal axis.
25. A mobile support device as defined in claim 24, wherein the outrigging means further comprises a rod slidably engaged with a first housing biased outwardly therefrom to an extended position upon release of the outrigging means, said first housing being pivotally mounted to one of said lower frame portions.
26. A mobile support device as defined in claim 25 wherein the first housing means is biased to an extended position.
27. A mobile support device as defined in claim 26, wherein the trigger means includes a first latch releasable by a latch member oriented in close proximity with the reaction surface, so as to engage the reaction surface upon rotation of the device about the predetermined horizontal axis.
28. A mobile support device as defined in claim 27 wherein the trigger means includes a second latch means to release the rod upon release of the outrigging means.
29. A mobile support device as defined in claim 28 wherein the first latch means is pivoted on a second housing, while the second latch means is mounted on the first housing.
30. A mobile support device as defined in claim 29 wherein the first housing is pivotally mounted with respect to the second housing, the second housing defining an abutment to engage the second latch means upon arrival of the first housing at the extended position so as to release the rod.
31. A mobile support device as defined in claim 1 wherein said front portion is tiltable about a rear portion.
32. A mobile support device as defined in claim 31 wherein the rear portion is tiltable relative to said first and second frame portions.
33. A mobile support device as defined in claim 1, further comprising a foot support means extending forwardly of and respectively pivotally coupled with one of said first and second frame portions.
34. A mobile support device as defined in claim 33 wherein said foot rest has an extensible member and includes an adjustment mechanism to adjust the length of said extensible member.
Priority Applications (9)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000514111A CA1265733A (en) | 1986-07-18 | 1986-07-18 | Mobility support device |
| AT87904548T ATE86468T1 (en) | 1986-07-18 | 1987-07-17 | MOBILE CARRYING DEVICE. |
| PCT/GB1987/000507 WO1988000460A1 (en) | 1986-07-18 | 1987-07-17 | Mobility support device |
| DE198787904548T DE317559T1 (en) | 1986-07-18 | 1987-07-17 | MOBILE CARRYING DEVICE. |
| EP87904548A EP0317559B1 (en) | 1986-07-18 | 1987-07-17 | Mobility support device |
| DE87904548T DE3784729T2 (en) | 1986-07-18 | 1987-07-17 | MOBILE CARRYING DEVICE. |
| JP62504253A JPH01503201A (en) | 1986-07-18 | 1987-07-17 | mobility support device |
| AU76940/87A AU7694087A (en) | 1986-07-18 | 1987-07-17 | Mobility support device |
| US07/782,873 US5301968A (en) | 1986-07-18 | 1991-10-15 | Mobility support device |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000514111A CA1265733A (en) | 1986-07-18 | 1986-07-18 | Mobility support device |
| US07/046,828 US4893826A (en) | 1987-05-06 | 1987-05-06 | Mobility support device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1265733A true CA1265733A (en) | 1990-02-13 |
Family
ID=25671051
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000514111A Expired CA1265733A (en) | 1986-07-18 | 1986-07-18 | Mobility support device |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0317559B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH01503201A (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE86468T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU7694087A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1265733A (en) |
| DE (2) | DE3784729T2 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1988000460A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5333929A (en) * | 1992-06-02 | 1994-08-02 | Slagerman Engineering Ltd. | Wheelchair tray |
Families Citing this family (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2568974B2 (en) * | 1993-06-30 | 1997-01-08 | 平 岡本 | Wheelchair armrest |
| AU5745796A (en) * | 1995-05-17 | 1996-11-29 | Scicare Systems International, Incorporated | Multi-purpose activity and exercise system |
| WO1997031606A1 (en) * | 1996-03-01 | 1997-09-04 | Pacific 21 Pty. Ltd. | Side frame for a wheelchair and a wheelchair incorporating same |
| CA2360436C (en) | 1999-11-13 | 2006-03-28 | Nippon Clean Engine Research Institute Co., Ltd. | Vehicle to assist walking |
| JP5626827B2 (en) * | 2009-09-01 | 2014-11-19 | 公立大学法人高知工科大学 | Walking training machine |
| JP6327664B2 (en) * | 2013-12-25 | 2018-05-23 | 奨悟 北村 | Chair |
| CN110578658B (en) * | 2019-10-11 | 2023-12-01 | 江苏越科新材料有限公司 | Special transfer supporting device for wind power blade mold and application method of special transfer supporting device |
Family Cites Families (16)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB592282A (en) * | 1945-04-20 | 1947-09-12 | Sam Duke | Improvements in invalid walkers |
| US1611807A (en) * | 1926-01-05 | 1926-12-21 | Bergh Martha | Exercising device |
| US1638426A (en) * | 1926-02-15 | 1927-08-09 | Brown George | Baby walker |
| US2165700A (en) * | 1935-07-25 | 1939-07-11 | Glynn Henry | Invalid walking support |
| US2578382A (en) * | 1947-07-25 | 1951-12-11 | Thompson Joseph Henry | Equipment for use in handling invalids |
| US2630160A (en) * | 1950-09-19 | 1953-03-03 | George E Friedman | Adjustable mobile chair for spastic children |
| GB832913A (en) * | 1955-10-18 | 1960-04-21 | Vida Elizabeth Kirkpatrick | Improvements in or relating to walking-aid apparatus |
| GB1251779A (en) * | 1969-09-02 | 1971-10-27 | ||
| US3788695A (en) * | 1971-07-12 | 1974-01-29 | N Salem | Sitting/standing table/walker combination |
| US3883175A (en) * | 1973-08-23 | 1975-05-13 | Everest & Jennings | Swing-back detachable wheelchair armrest |
| JPS54162892A (en) * | 1978-06-15 | 1979-12-24 | Shiyouji Hirano | Chair |
| GB2047528A (en) * | 1979-04-03 | 1980-12-03 | Vessa Ltd | Wheelchair having a detachable armrest |
| JPS5842127B2 (en) * | 1980-01-28 | 1983-09-17 | 日本鉱業株式会社 | Method for recovering hydrofluoric acid from fluorine-containing mud |
| US4384713A (en) * | 1980-05-28 | 1983-05-24 | White Cap Enterprises Corporation | Safety rolling invalid walker |
| US4433869A (en) * | 1980-12-15 | 1984-02-28 | Dawn Designs, Inc. | Baby walker |
| JPS58165847A (en) * | 1982-03-26 | 1983-09-30 | 社会福祉法人神奈川県総合リハビリテ−シヨン事業団 | Wheelchair |
-
1986
- 1986-07-18 CA CA000514111A patent/CA1265733A/en not_active Expired
-
1987
- 1987-07-17 DE DE87904548T patent/DE3784729T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1987-07-17 DE DE198787904548T patent/DE317559T1/en active Pending
- 1987-07-17 WO PCT/GB1987/000507 patent/WO1988000460A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1987-07-17 JP JP62504253A patent/JPH01503201A/en active Pending
- 1987-07-17 AT AT87904548T patent/ATE86468T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1987-07-17 EP EP87904548A patent/EP0317559B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1987-07-17 AU AU76940/87A patent/AU7694087A/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5333929A (en) * | 1992-06-02 | 1994-08-02 | Slagerman Engineering Ltd. | Wheelchair tray |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0317559B1 (en) | 1993-03-10 |
| DE3784729T2 (en) | 1993-10-14 |
| JPH01503201A (en) | 1989-11-02 |
| WO1988000460A1 (en) | 1988-01-28 |
| DE3784729D1 (en) | 1993-04-15 |
| ATE86468T1 (en) | 1993-03-15 |
| EP0317559A1 (en) | 1989-05-31 |
| AU7694087A (en) | 1988-02-10 |
| DE317559T1 (en) | 1990-03-01 |
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| WO1988000850A1 (en) | Exercising device |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |