CA2265191A1 - Collapsible and convertible walker for disabled persons - Google Patents
Collapsible and convertible walker for disabled persons Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2265191A1 CA2265191A1 CA002265191A CA2265191A CA2265191A1 CA 2265191 A1 CA2265191 A1 CA 2265191A1 CA 002265191 A CA002265191 A CA 002265191A CA 2265191 A CA2265191 A CA 2265191A CA 2265191 A1 CA2265191 A1 CA 2265191A1
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- Prior art keywords
- frame
- walker apparatus
- secured
- seat
- wheels
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000004800 psychological effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003466 anti-cipated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006735 deficit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006866 deterioration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000003205 muscle Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000003387 muscular Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000554 physical therapy Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002560 therapeutic procedure Methods 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
- A61G5/08—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs foldable
-
- 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
- A61G5/08—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs foldable
- A61G5/0875—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs foldable dismountable, e.g. where the wheelchair can be disassembled for transportation or storage
-
- 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
- A61G5/08—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs foldable
- A61G5/0883—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs foldable having locking means for maintaining a folded or unfolded condition
-
- 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
- A61G5/08—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs foldable
- A61G5/0891—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs foldable having rigid supports, e.g. seat or back supports which retain their shape after folding of the wheelchair
-
- 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
- A61G5/1051—Arrangements for steering
-
- 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
- A61H2201/1628—Pelvis
- A61H2201/1633—Seat
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
- Rehabilitation Tools (AREA)
Abstract
A walker apparatus for disabled persons is comprised of a frame having a pair of spaced-apart wheels mounted at a front end thereof. A seat is secured to the frame rearwardly of the front end. The wheels are connected to a steering assembly having a tandem connecting linkage to cause the wheels to turn in parallel relationship. Handles are secured to the steering assembly to control the position of the wheels for guiding the apparatus during displacement thereof. A rear support wheel is secured to the frame and disposed behind the seat and substantially central between the pair of spaced apart wheels. The apparatus is motorized by the feet of the disabled person when sitting on the seat and grasping the steering handles. The walker apparatus may also be collapsible and may also be provided with a retractable pusher arm secured behind the seat whereby the apparatus may be displaced by an attendant person pushing the apparatus while the disabled person is seated on the seat with his feet disposed on a retractable foot rest plate.
Description
COLLAPSIBLE AND CONVERTIBLE WALKER
FOR DISABLED PERSONS
TECHNICAL FIELD
s The present invention relates to a walker apparatus for a disabled person and more particularly to a collapsible and convertible walker apparatus which is easy to store and transport and which may be used solely by the disabled person which imparts movement and steering of the ~o walker or which may be displaced by an attendant person pushing on a retractable pusher arm disposed behind the apparatus.
BACKGROUND ART
15 Walker-type apparatus for disabled persons are known and examples of these may be found in issued U.S.
Patent Nos. 3,488,088, 4,861,051, 5,158,313, 5,167,597, and 5,741,020. There are several disadvantages to such devices, one being that they are bulky and difficult to transport, 2o for example in the trunk of a car or on the seat of a car and most of these are not transportable on public transport vehicles such as buses and airplanes as they cannot fit in overhead storage compartments provided in such vehicles.
Further, many of these apparatus resemble wheelchairs and do z5 not provide a means for the disabled person to perform an exercise which is beneficial to his impairment. Another disadvantage of these prior art devices is that some of these, such as that disclosed in U. S . Patent 5, 167, 597, are unstable and require the disabled operator to have dexterity 3o in order to control same. Some of these also have their center of gravity too high. Many of these apparatus are also adapted for use by older disabled persons.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
35 It is a feature of the present invention to provide a walker apparatus for disabled persons which substantially overcome the above disadvantages of the prior art.
Another feature of the present invention is to provide a walker apparatus which is collapsible and which is s easy to transport and which may be used in the overhead storage compartments of aircraft or public transport vehicles, and which can easily fit in the trunk of a car or on the seat of a car and wherein it is easy to position from a storage collapse condition to a condition of use.
~o Another feature of the present invention is to provide a walker apparatus for disabled persons of all ages and which provide beneficial results to handicapped persons, particularly those of young age.
Another feature of the present invention is to 15 provide a walker apparatus which is of a modern design and which does not resemble the wheelchair concept making it more appealing to the disabled user person thus achieving a greater use of the apparatus and a greater psychological benefit to the user.
zo Another feature of the present invention is to provide a walker apparatus of modern design and which may be used solely by disabled persons and particularly children of young age who are in school and wherein the apparatus is provided with a containment means for placing articles to be 25 used by the disabled person.
Another feature of the present invention is to provide a walker which resembles a bicycle in design and which can be painted of colours resembling a bicycle, thereby having a psychological effect on a user disabled 3o person, and particularly children.
Another feature of the present invention is to provide a walker apparatus which may be used solely by a disabled person or easily converted into a walker apparatus which is displaced by an attendant pushing on a telescopic 35 arm secured to the back of the vehicle while the vehicle is steered by the disabled person and/or the attendant.
Another feature of the present invention is to provide a walker apparatus provided with a foot rest plate which is displaceable from a storage position to a position of use wherein the disabled person can rest his feet and s legs while the attendant provides the motor force to displace the apparatus.
Another feature of the present invention is to provide a walker apparatus having adjustable steering arms as well as an adjustable seat whereby to adapt to ~o handicapped persons of various stature.
Another feature of the present invention is to provide a walker apparatus which is stable while supported on three wheels with the front wheels being spaced apart and displaceable in tandem and wherein the frame of the vehicle 15 1S disposed low to the center of gravity whereby to prevent the disabled user person, who may not have perfect motor control of his legs, from having his feet caught up under the frame which could cause physical damage to the user.
Accordingly, the walker apparatus is designed with a high zo safety standard.
Another feature of the present invention is to provide a walker apparatus which may be used by persons which are momentarily disabled, such as a person in rehabilitation.
z5 According to the above features, from a broad aspect, the present invention provides a walker apparatus for disabled persons and comprised of a frame having a pair of spaced-apart wheels mounted at a front end of the frame.
A seat is secured to the frame rearwardly of the front end.
3o The wheels are connected to a steering assembly having a tandem connecting linkage to cause the wheels to turn in parallel relationship. Handle means is connected to the steering assembly to control the position of the wheels for steering the apparatus during displacement. A rear support 35 wheel is secured to the frame and disposed behind the seat and substantially central between the pair of spaced-apart wheels.
According to a further broad aspect of the present invention, the walker apparatus is provided with a retractable pusher means secured behind the seat for displacing the walker apparatus while being steered by a disabled user.
According to a still further broad aspect of the present invention, the walker apparatus is provided with a ~o foot support means to support the feet of a disabled user while the walker apparatus is being displaced by an attendant person using the pusher means.
According to another broad aspect of the present invention the walker apparatus is provided with brake means ~s which is operable by the disabled user person to arrest the apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
A preferred embodiment of the present invention 2o will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. I is a perspective view of the walker apparatus of the present invention in its simplest form;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to Figure 1 zs but showing the apparatus provided with a telescopic pushing arm and a foot rest plate for the disabled user whereby the apparatus may be displaced by an attendant person much like a wheelchair;
FIG. 3 is a side view of the walker apparatus of 3o the present invention showing additional construction features;
FIG. 4 is a front view of Figure 3;
FIG. 5 is a side view similar to Figure 3 but showing the telescopic pusher arm in an extended position 3s and the foot rest plate in a position of use;
FIG. 6 is a front view of Figure 5;
FIG. 7 is a side view, partly fragmented, showing the pivotal connection between the front end of the frame and the straight rear portion of the frame;
FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the pivotal s connection illustrating the construction of the disengageable lock for collapsing the frame;
FIG. 9 is a view of the front end section of the walker apparatus showing an improvement to the intermediate connecting frame thereof; and ~o FIG. 10 is a plan view of the U-shaped tubular f rame .
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings, and more 15 particularly to Figure 1, there is shown generally at 10 the construction of the walker apparatus of the present invention suitable for a disabled user person. The apparatus comprises a frame having a front end section 11 to which is secured a pair of spaced-apart wheels 12 which are zo connected by a steering assembly having a tandem connecting linkage 13. The front end section also has opposed vertical guide tubes 14 and an intermediate connecting frame 15 secured between the vertical guide tubes. A rear frame section is comprised of a straight tubular frame 16 secured z5 transversely of the intermediate connecting frame 15 and extending rearwardly from a bottom end thereof. A rear support wheel 17 is secured between a rear fork 18 of the frame 16 and disposed behind a vertical seat supporting tubular frame member. A seat 20 is mounted on a telescopic 3o rod 21 which is received in a top end of the vertical seat support tubular frame member 19 and arrested therein at a convenient height by an arresting bolt or other suitable arresting means 22.
The steering assembly is comprised of a pair of 35 directional rods 25 extending in a respective one of the vertical guide tubes and extending through a wheel support fork 26 to which a respective one of the wheels 12 is connected on a respective axle 12'. The lower end of the directional rod extends through the top wall 27 of the wheel support fork member 26 and attaches to an arm 28 which is s welded thereto. The ends of the arms 28 and 28' are interconnected by a link rod 29 pivotally connected at opposed ends 30 to the free ends of the arms 28 and 28'. At the top end of the directional rods 25 is secured a handle 31. As shown in Figure 3 the handles 31 are secured to a ~o telescopically adjustable tubular support 32 which is adjustably connected at the top end section of the directional rods by attachment bolts 33 or other suitable securement means.
With further reference now to Figures 2 to 6, 15 there will be described a further example of the construction of the walker apparatus 10 of the present invention. It is pointed out that the walker apparatus as shown in Figure 1 is suitable for use solely by a disabled person as a means for displacement by the user's legs.
zo However, as shown in Figures 3 to 6, the apparatus can also be provided with retractable pusher means in the form of a telescopic arm 34 which is secured to the base of the vertical seat support tubular frame 19 by a connecting bracket 35. A pivot connection 36 secures the telescopic 2s arm 34 to the bracket thereby permitting the telescopic rod to be articulated along an arc. The pivot connection 36 may also be provided by a bolt having a wing nut whereby to secure the telescopic rod at a desired angle.
As shown in Figure 3, when the telescopic arm 34 3o is not in a position of use, it is telescoped inwardly and maintained in a storage position by a catch 37 which is engaged with the top portion 34' of the telescopic rod. A
handle 35 is provided at the end of the telescopic rod.
As also seen from Figures 2 to 6, a foot rest 35 plate 40 is also secured to the frame. As hereinshown it is connected by hinge arms 41 to a lower tubular member 15' of the intermediate connecting frame 15 and is hingeable upwardly to a storage position, as shown in Figure 3. The foot rest plate 40 is maintained in the storage position by attachment means in the form of a Velcro patch 42 glued to s the top tubular rod 15" and a Velcro patch 43 appropriately secured centrally of the foot rest plate 40. The central part of the foot rest plate is formed with a bottom channel 44 to support and position same centrally on the straight tubular frame 16. Accordingly, if the disabled user is ~o tired, the foot rest plate is brought downwardly to its position of use as shown in Figure 2 and an attendant person will displace the walker apparatus by the pusher telescopic arm 34.
Another feature of the walker apparatus 10 of the 15 present invention is that it may be provided with a basket 50 in the front end of the apparatus and between the vertical guide tubes 14. The basket provides a means to store various articles of the disabled user person. For example, if the person is a child attending school, the 2o child will place his school supplies and books in the basket. It is also convenient when shopping.
As shown in Figure 3, the straight tubular frame 16 is disposed a distance "x" from the floor surface 49 and this distance "x" is selected to prevent the disabled user z5 person from accident by having its feet wedged under the frame during movement. It also provides a low center of gravity. The frame is low enough that the footwear of the user is deflected to the sides of the straight tubular frame 16. It is also clear from Figure 3 that when the foot rest 3o plate 40 is in its storage position, it clears the foot area to opposed sides of the frame 16 in the frontal area of the seat 20.
With reference now to Figures 3, 5, 7 and 8, there is shown the construction of the pivot connection 50 which 35 interconnects the front end section 11 of the frame to the straight tubular rear frame 16. This pivotal connection 50 _g_ is better illustrated in Figure 7 and as can be seen it consists of two circular discs, namely a top disc 51 and a bottom disc 52 interconnected in frictional juxtaposed contact with one another along serrated faces 51' and 52' by s a rod 53. The rod 53 extends through the lower tubular frame 15' of the intermediate connecting frame 15 and is welded thereto at 54. The bottom disc 52 is connected to the front end 16' of the straight tubular frame 16 and it is welded at 55 to the underface 56 of the bottom disc 52.
~o These two discs are interlocked together by a disengageable lock mechanism 57 as shown in Figure 8 whereby the intermediate tubular frame member 15' and the straight rear tubular frame 16 are at right angles to one another.
As shown in Figure 8, the disengageable lock mechanism 57 is mounted in a housing 58 on the underside of the tubular frame 15' and a latch bolt 59 is spring-biased by helical spring 60 in an engaged position wherein the bolt 59 extends out of the housing and into an engageable slot 61 formed in the bottom disc 52. When in this position the zo lower tubular intermediate frame member 15' and the rear straight tubular frame 16 are at right angles to one another, as previously described. In order to release the bolt 59 from engagement within the slot 61, a retracting lever 62 is pulled rearwardly in the direction of arrow 63 zs to retract the bolt against the spring action. When the bolt is retracted, the straight tubular frame 16 may be hinged sideways towards the front end section 11 of the frame or the tubular member 15'. Because the bolt 59 is biased against the outer periphery 64 of the bottom disc 52 3o it will re-enter the engaging slot as soon as the slot is disposed thereagainst and automatically locking the frame sections in proper transverse alignment.
It is important to point out that it is essential for the wheels at the front end to be connected in tandem.
35 If the wheels were simply freely pivotal, the user could not be able to properly steer the walker apparatus and could be faced with the danger of the apparatus tumbling down a staircase. As an added safety, the walker apparatus is provided with brake means in the form of a brake lever 65 connected adjacent one of the handle grips 31 as shown in s Figure 3. The brake lever 65 is attached to a brake actuating wire 66 which extends under the front end section 11 of the frame and into the straight tubular frame 16. The other end of the brake actuating wire 66 is secured to a brake pad actuating mechanism 67 secured under the straight ~o tubular frame 16 and the rear end thereof adjacent the rear wheel 17. A brake pad 68 extends out of the brake actuating mechanism and by pulling the lever 65 the brake pad is actuated to brake the rear wheel.
Referring now to Figures 9 and 10, there is shown ~s a modification to the front end section 11' of the walker apparatus. As hereinshown, the intermediate connecting frame is constituted by a pair of U-shaped tubular frame members 101 which define opposed side arms 105 with their free ends welded onto the pair of guide tubes 14. The zo purpose of these U-shaped tubular frame members 101 is to locate the pivotal connection 50 forwardly of the wheels 12 to improve on the stability of the walker device.
Accordingly, the rod 53 is an elongated rod extending through an intermediate channel member 102 which is provided z5 at opposed ends with washers 104 and interconnects the U-shaped tubular frame with the pivotal connection 50 as previously described. The tubular frame 16 also has a forward arcuate extension section 16' which connects to the bottom disk 52 as previously described. The intermediate 3o tubular member 102 is immovably connected to the main tubular frame 16 by an intermediate frame member 103 welded therebetwen. Like the walker apparatus illustrated in the other drawings, the disengageable lock mechanism 57 is provided whereby to hinge the straight tubular frame member 35 16 sideways towards the front end section 11 of the frame, herein the U-shaped tubular frame to transport and store the walker apparatus of the present invention.
Because of the construction and design of the walker apparatus 10 of the present invention and the fact s that it may be painted with modern-type colours and designs resembling a bicycle, it has been found that disabled children quickly develop an interest in the apparatus and enjoy its use. While doing so they exercise their muscles thus undergo physical therapy and it has been found that ~o this therapy has greatly helped and reduced their anticipated muscular deterioration. The design of the apparatus has been found to have a psychological effect on the patient as the patient feels that he does not look like a handicapped person, as would be the case if he was sitting in a wheelchair and being moved about by an attendant person. In fact, the patient prefers to be left alone on such apparatus and to motorize it himself, thus this psychological effect also results in a physical and beneficial exercise. It has been found that handicapped zo children with such walker apparatus can be autonomous in schools and displace themselves from classroom to classroom following other children and have the ability to utilize the storage basket as a means of transporting their schoolbooks, etc. It is also simple for the parents of these young zs adults to transport them to and from school due to the collapsible and storable construction of the apparatus. To provide ease of transportation there are also provided strap loops and namely strap loop 69 connected to the transverse intermediate rod 15" and a further strap loop 68 secured to 3o the vertical seat support tubular frame member 19 under the seat 20, as shown in Figure 2. A strap is hooked around these loops 68 and 69 and acts as a shoulder support for the vehicle. The apparatus is also dimensioned so that in its collapsed condition, it can be stowed in overhead storage 35 compartments of aircraft.
It is within the ambit of the present invention to cover any obvious modifications to the examples of the preferred embodiment described herein, provided such fall within the scope of the appended claims.
FOR DISABLED PERSONS
TECHNICAL FIELD
s The present invention relates to a walker apparatus for a disabled person and more particularly to a collapsible and convertible walker apparatus which is easy to store and transport and which may be used solely by the disabled person which imparts movement and steering of the ~o walker or which may be displaced by an attendant person pushing on a retractable pusher arm disposed behind the apparatus.
BACKGROUND ART
15 Walker-type apparatus for disabled persons are known and examples of these may be found in issued U.S.
Patent Nos. 3,488,088, 4,861,051, 5,158,313, 5,167,597, and 5,741,020. There are several disadvantages to such devices, one being that they are bulky and difficult to transport, 2o for example in the trunk of a car or on the seat of a car and most of these are not transportable on public transport vehicles such as buses and airplanes as they cannot fit in overhead storage compartments provided in such vehicles.
Further, many of these apparatus resemble wheelchairs and do z5 not provide a means for the disabled person to perform an exercise which is beneficial to his impairment. Another disadvantage of these prior art devices is that some of these, such as that disclosed in U. S . Patent 5, 167, 597, are unstable and require the disabled operator to have dexterity 3o in order to control same. Some of these also have their center of gravity too high. Many of these apparatus are also adapted for use by older disabled persons.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
35 It is a feature of the present invention to provide a walker apparatus for disabled persons which substantially overcome the above disadvantages of the prior art.
Another feature of the present invention is to provide a walker apparatus which is collapsible and which is s easy to transport and which may be used in the overhead storage compartments of aircraft or public transport vehicles, and which can easily fit in the trunk of a car or on the seat of a car and wherein it is easy to position from a storage collapse condition to a condition of use.
~o Another feature of the present invention is to provide a walker apparatus for disabled persons of all ages and which provide beneficial results to handicapped persons, particularly those of young age.
Another feature of the present invention is to 15 provide a walker apparatus which is of a modern design and which does not resemble the wheelchair concept making it more appealing to the disabled user person thus achieving a greater use of the apparatus and a greater psychological benefit to the user.
zo Another feature of the present invention is to provide a walker apparatus of modern design and which may be used solely by disabled persons and particularly children of young age who are in school and wherein the apparatus is provided with a containment means for placing articles to be 25 used by the disabled person.
Another feature of the present invention is to provide a walker which resembles a bicycle in design and which can be painted of colours resembling a bicycle, thereby having a psychological effect on a user disabled 3o person, and particularly children.
Another feature of the present invention is to provide a walker apparatus which may be used solely by a disabled person or easily converted into a walker apparatus which is displaced by an attendant pushing on a telescopic 35 arm secured to the back of the vehicle while the vehicle is steered by the disabled person and/or the attendant.
Another feature of the present invention is to provide a walker apparatus provided with a foot rest plate which is displaceable from a storage position to a position of use wherein the disabled person can rest his feet and s legs while the attendant provides the motor force to displace the apparatus.
Another feature of the present invention is to provide a walker apparatus having adjustable steering arms as well as an adjustable seat whereby to adapt to ~o handicapped persons of various stature.
Another feature of the present invention is to provide a walker apparatus which is stable while supported on three wheels with the front wheels being spaced apart and displaceable in tandem and wherein the frame of the vehicle 15 1S disposed low to the center of gravity whereby to prevent the disabled user person, who may not have perfect motor control of his legs, from having his feet caught up under the frame which could cause physical damage to the user.
Accordingly, the walker apparatus is designed with a high zo safety standard.
Another feature of the present invention is to provide a walker apparatus which may be used by persons which are momentarily disabled, such as a person in rehabilitation.
z5 According to the above features, from a broad aspect, the present invention provides a walker apparatus for disabled persons and comprised of a frame having a pair of spaced-apart wheels mounted at a front end of the frame.
A seat is secured to the frame rearwardly of the front end.
3o The wheels are connected to a steering assembly having a tandem connecting linkage to cause the wheels to turn in parallel relationship. Handle means is connected to the steering assembly to control the position of the wheels for steering the apparatus during displacement. A rear support 35 wheel is secured to the frame and disposed behind the seat and substantially central between the pair of spaced-apart wheels.
According to a further broad aspect of the present invention, the walker apparatus is provided with a retractable pusher means secured behind the seat for displacing the walker apparatus while being steered by a disabled user.
According to a still further broad aspect of the present invention, the walker apparatus is provided with a ~o foot support means to support the feet of a disabled user while the walker apparatus is being displaced by an attendant person using the pusher means.
According to another broad aspect of the present invention the walker apparatus is provided with brake means ~s which is operable by the disabled user person to arrest the apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
A preferred embodiment of the present invention 2o will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. I is a perspective view of the walker apparatus of the present invention in its simplest form;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to Figure 1 zs but showing the apparatus provided with a telescopic pushing arm and a foot rest plate for the disabled user whereby the apparatus may be displaced by an attendant person much like a wheelchair;
FIG. 3 is a side view of the walker apparatus of 3o the present invention showing additional construction features;
FIG. 4 is a front view of Figure 3;
FIG. 5 is a side view similar to Figure 3 but showing the telescopic pusher arm in an extended position 3s and the foot rest plate in a position of use;
FIG. 6 is a front view of Figure 5;
FIG. 7 is a side view, partly fragmented, showing the pivotal connection between the front end of the frame and the straight rear portion of the frame;
FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the pivotal s connection illustrating the construction of the disengageable lock for collapsing the frame;
FIG. 9 is a view of the front end section of the walker apparatus showing an improvement to the intermediate connecting frame thereof; and ~o FIG. 10 is a plan view of the U-shaped tubular f rame .
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings, and more 15 particularly to Figure 1, there is shown generally at 10 the construction of the walker apparatus of the present invention suitable for a disabled user person. The apparatus comprises a frame having a front end section 11 to which is secured a pair of spaced-apart wheels 12 which are zo connected by a steering assembly having a tandem connecting linkage 13. The front end section also has opposed vertical guide tubes 14 and an intermediate connecting frame 15 secured between the vertical guide tubes. A rear frame section is comprised of a straight tubular frame 16 secured z5 transversely of the intermediate connecting frame 15 and extending rearwardly from a bottom end thereof. A rear support wheel 17 is secured between a rear fork 18 of the frame 16 and disposed behind a vertical seat supporting tubular frame member. A seat 20 is mounted on a telescopic 3o rod 21 which is received in a top end of the vertical seat support tubular frame member 19 and arrested therein at a convenient height by an arresting bolt or other suitable arresting means 22.
The steering assembly is comprised of a pair of 35 directional rods 25 extending in a respective one of the vertical guide tubes and extending through a wheel support fork 26 to which a respective one of the wheels 12 is connected on a respective axle 12'. The lower end of the directional rod extends through the top wall 27 of the wheel support fork member 26 and attaches to an arm 28 which is s welded thereto. The ends of the arms 28 and 28' are interconnected by a link rod 29 pivotally connected at opposed ends 30 to the free ends of the arms 28 and 28'. At the top end of the directional rods 25 is secured a handle 31. As shown in Figure 3 the handles 31 are secured to a ~o telescopically adjustable tubular support 32 which is adjustably connected at the top end section of the directional rods by attachment bolts 33 or other suitable securement means.
With further reference now to Figures 2 to 6, 15 there will be described a further example of the construction of the walker apparatus 10 of the present invention. It is pointed out that the walker apparatus as shown in Figure 1 is suitable for use solely by a disabled person as a means for displacement by the user's legs.
zo However, as shown in Figures 3 to 6, the apparatus can also be provided with retractable pusher means in the form of a telescopic arm 34 which is secured to the base of the vertical seat support tubular frame 19 by a connecting bracket 35. A pivot connection 36 secures the telescopic 2s arm 34 to the bracket thereby permitting the telescopic rod to be articulated along an arc. The pivot connection 36 may also be provided by a bolt having a wing nut whereby to secure the telescopic rod at a desired angle.
As shown in Figure 3, when the telescopic arm 34 3o is not in a position of use, it is telescoped inwardly and maintained in a storage position by a catch 37 which is engaged with the top portion 34' of the telescopic rod. A
handle 35 is provided at the end of the telescopic rod.
As also seen from Figures 2 to 6, a foot rest 35 plate 40 is also secured to the frame. As hereinshown it is connected by hinge arms 41 to a lower tubular member 15' of the intermediate connecting frame 15 and is hingeable upwardly to a storage position, as shown in Figure 3. The foot rest plate 40 is maintained in the storage position by attachment means in the form of a Velcro patch 42 glued to s the top tubular rod 15" and a Velcro patch 43 appropriately secured centrally of the foot rest plate 40. The central part of the foot rest plate is formed with a bottom channel 44 to support and position same centrally on the straight tubular frame 16. Accordingly, if the disabled user is ~o tired, the foot rest plate is brought downwardly to its position of use as shown in Figure 2 and an attendant person will displace the walker apparatus by the pusher telescopic arm 34.
Another feature of the walker apparatus 10 of the 15 present invention is that it may be provided with a basket 50 in the front end of the apparatus and between the vertical guide tubes 14. The basket provides a means to store various articles of the disabled user person. For example, if the person is a child attending school, the 2o child will place his school supplies and books in the basket. It is also convenient when shopping.
As shown in Figure 3, the straight tubular frame 16 is disposed a distance "x" from the floor surface 49 and this distance "x" is selected to prevent the disabled user z5 person from accident by having its feet wedged under the frame during movement. It also provides a low center of gravity. The frame is low enough that the footwear of the user is deflected to the sides of the straight tubular frame 16. It is also clear from Figure 3 that when the foot rest 3o plate 40 is in its storage position, it clears the foot area to opposed sides of the frame 16 in the frontal area of the seat 20.
With reference now to Figures 3, 5, 7 and 8, there is shown the construction of the pivot connection 50 which 35 interconnects the front end section 11 of the frame to the straight tubular rear frame 16. This pivotal connection 50 _g_ is better illustrated in Figure 7 and as can be seen it consists of two circular discs, namely a top disc 51 and a bottom disc 52 interconnected in frictional juxtaposed contact with one another along serrated faces 51' and 52' by s a rod 53. The rod 53 extends through the lower tubular frame 15' of the intermediate connecting frame 15 and is welded thereto at 54. The bottom disc 52 is connected to the front end 16' of the straight tubular frame 16 and it is welded at 55 to the underface 56 of the bottom disc 52.
~o These two discs are interlocked together by a disengageable lock mechanism 57 as shown in Figure 8 whereby the intermediate tubular frame member 15' and the straight rear tubular frame 16 are at right angles to one another.
As shown in Figure 8, the disengageable lock mechanism 57 is mounted in a housing 58 on the underside of the tubular frame 15' and a latch bolt 59 is spring-biased by helical spring 60 in an engaged position wherein the bolt 59 extends out of the housing and into an engageable slot 61 formed in the bottom disc 52. When in this position the zo lower tubular intermediate frame member 15' and the rear straight tubular frame 16 are at right angles to one another, as previously described. In order to release the bolt 59 from engagement within the slot 61, a retracting lever 62 is pulled rearwardly in the direction of arrow 63 zs to retract the bolt against the spring action. When the bolt is retracted, the straight tubular frame 16 may be hinged sideways towards the front end section 11 of the frame or the tubular member 15'. Because the bolt 59 is biased against the outer periphery 64 of the bottom disc 52 3o it will re-enter the engaging slot as soon as the slot is disposed thereagainst and automatically locking the frame sections in proper transverse alignment.
It is important to point out that it is essential for the wheels at the front end to be connected in tandem.
35 If the wheels were simply freely pivotal, the user could not be able to properly steer the walker apparatus and could be faced with the danger of the apparatus tumbling down a staircase. As an added safety, the walker apparatus is provided with brake means in the form of a brake lever 65 connected adjacent one of the handle grips 31 as shown in s Figure 3. The brake lever 65 is attached to a brake actuating wire 66 which extends under the front end section 11 of the frame and into the straight tubular frame 16. The other end of the brake actuating wire 66 is secured to a brake pad actuating mechanism 67 secured under the straight ~o tubular frame 16 and the rear end thereof adjacent the rear wheel 17. A brake pad 68 extends out of the brake actuating mechanism and by pulling the lever 65 the brake pad is actuated to brake the rear wheel.
Referring now to Figures 9 and 10, there is shown ~s a modification to the front end section 11' of the walker apparatus. As hereinshown, the intermediate connecting frame is constituted by a pair of U-shaped tubular frame members 101 which define opposed side arms 105 with their free ends welded onto the pair of guide tubes 14. The zo purpose of these U-shaped tubular frame members 101 is to locate the pivotal connection 50 forwardly of the wheels 12 to improve on the stability of the walker device.
Accordingly, the rod 53 is an elongated rod extending through an intermediate channel member 102 which is provided z5 at opposed ends with washers 104 and interconnects the U-shaped tubular frame with the pivotal connection 50 as previously described. The tubular frame 16 also has a forward arcuate extension section 16' which connects to the bottom disk 52 as previously described. The intermediate 3o tubular member 102 is immovably connected to the main tubular frame 16 by an intermediate frame member 103 welded therebetwen. Like the walker apparatus illustrated in the other drawings, the disengageable lock mechanism 57 is provided whereby to hinge the straight tubular frame member 35 16 sideways towards the front end section 11 of the frame, herein the U-shaped tubular frame to transport and store the walker apparatus of the present invention.
Because of the construction and design of the walker apparatus 10 of the present invention and the fact s that it may be painted with modern-type colours and designs resembling a bicycle, it has been found that disabled children quickly develop an interest in the apparatus and enjoy its use. While doing so they exercise their muscles thus undergo physical therapy and it has been found that ~o this therapy has greatly helped and reduced their anticipated muscular deterioration. The design of the apparatus has been found to have a psychological effect on the patient as the patient feels that he does not look like a handicapped person, as would be the case if he was sitting in a wheelchair and being moved about by an attendant person. In fact, the patient prefers to be left alone on such apparatus and to motorize it himself, thus this psychological effect also results in a physical and beneficial exercise. It has been found that handicapped zo children with such walker apparatus can be autonomous in schools and displace themselves from classroom to classroom following other children and have the ability to utilize the storage basket as a means of transporting their schoolbooks, etc. It is also simple for the parents of these young zs adults to transport them to and from school due to the collapsible and storable construction of the apparatus. To provide ease of transportation there are also provided strap loops and namely strap loop 69 connected to the transverse intermediate rod 15" and a further strap loop 68 secured to 3o the vertical seat support tubular frame member 19 under the seat 20, as shown in Figure 2. A strap is hooked around these loops 68 and 69 and acts as a shoulder support for the vehicle. The apparatus is also dimensioned so that in its collapsed condition, it can be stowed in overhead storage 35 compartments of aircraft.
It is within the ambit of the present invention to cover any obvious modifications to the examples of the preferred embodiment described herein, provided such fall within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (16)
1. A walker apparatus for disabled persons comprising a frame having a pair of spaced-apart wheels mounted at a front end of the frame, a seat secured to said frame rearwardly of said front end, said wheels being connected to a steering assembly having a tandem connecting linkage to cause said wheels to turn in parallel relationship, handle means connected to said steering assembly to control the position of said wheels for steering said apparatus during displacement, a rear support wheel secured to said frame and disposed behind said seat and substantially central between said pair of spaced-apart wheels.
2. A walker apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein there is further provided retractable pusher means secured behind said seat for displacing said walker apparatus while being steered by a disabled user.
3. A walker apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein there is further provided foot support means to support the feet and legs of a disabled user while said walker apparatus is being displaced by an attendant person using said pusher means.
4. A walker apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein said foot support means is a foot rest plate hingedly connected to said frame and displaceable from a storage position away from obstructing the user leg area to a position of use where it is supported by said frame at an elevated position in said leg area.
5. A walker apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said frame is a collapsible frame having a front frame section having opposed vertical guide tubes and an intermediate connecting frame, each said wheels of said pair of spaced-apart wheels being rotatably supported by a fork member, said fork member being secured to the base of a control rod, said control rod extending through a respective one of said vertical end tubes and axially rotatable therein, and a handle grip at a top end of said control rod and constituting said handle means, and a rear frame section.
6. A walker apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein said rear frame section is a straight frame section pivotally connected to said intermediate connecting frame on a pivot connection substantially midway between said vertical end tubes, said pivot connection having a disengageable lock, said straight frame section being displaceable on said pivot connection towards said front frame section.
7. A walker apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein there is further provided foot support means to support the feet and legs of a disabled user while said walker apparatus is being displaced by an attendant person using said pusher means.
8. A walker apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein said intermediate connecting frame has a lower transverse bar, said foot support means being a foot rest plate pivotally secured to said lower transverse bar and hingeable upwardly to a storage position between said vertical end tubes, said foot rest plate resting on said rear frame section when in a position of use, and securement means to maintain said foot rest plate at said storage position.
9. A walker apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein a seat support frame is secured to said straight frame section adjacent a rear end thereof, said seat support frame being a tubular frame receiving therein a straight adjustment rod having a seat secured at a top end thereof, said straight adjustment rod being adjustably connected in said tubular frame to fix the position of said seat to adjust to the stature of the disabled user.
10. A walker apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein a wheel support fork is secured to said rear end of said straight frame, said pusher means being an extendible arm secured to a pivot connection provided at a lower end of said seat support frame, and handle means at a top end of said extendible arm, and means to maintain said extendible arm in a storage position behind said seat when not required.
11. A walker apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein there is further provided a containment means secured to said front end of said frame above said tandem connecting linkage.
12. A walker apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein there is further provided brake means operable by a disabled user to arrest said apparatus.
13. A walker apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein said brake means is comprised by a brake lever connected adjacent one of said handle grips connected to one of said control rods, said brake lever being attached to a brake actuating wire secured to a brake pad actuating mechanism associated with said rear support wheel.
14. A walker apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein said handle grip is secured to a telescopically adjustable handle tubular support adjustably connected with a top end section of each said directional rods.
15. A walker apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said frame has opposed vertical guide tubes and an intermediate connecting frame, a pair of U-shaped tubular frame members connected spaced apart across said vertical guide tubes and extending forwardly thereof, said frame having a straight frame section extending forwardly of said pair of spaced-apart wheels and connected to said U-shaped tubular frame members through a connecting linkage.
16. A walker apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein said connecting linkage is a pivotal linkage.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002265191A CA2265191A1 (en) | 1999-03-10 | 1999-03-10 | Collapsible and convertible walker for disabled persons |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002265191A CA2265191A1 (en) | 1999-03-10 | 1999-03-10 | Collapsible and convertible walker for disabled persons |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2265191A1 true CA2265191A1 (en) | 2000-09-10 |
Family
ID=29588538
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002265191A Abandoned CA2265191A1 (en) | 1999-03-10 | 1999-03-10 | Collapsible and convertible walker for disabled persons |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2265191A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2539627A (en) * | 2015-04-22 | 2016-12-28 | I-Glider Ltd | A reconfigurable wheeled personal mobility device |
| CN106389024A (en) * | 2016-11-02 | 2017-02-15 | 上海理工大学 | Multifunctional electric walking aid of variable structure |
-
1999
- 1999-03-10 CA CA002265191A patent/CA2265191A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2539627A (en) * | 2015-04-22 | 2016-12-28 | I-Glider Ltd | A reconfigurable wheeled personal mobility device |
| CN106389024A (en) * | 2016-11-02 | 2017-02-15 | 上海理工大学 | Multifunctional electric walking aid of variable structure |
| CN106389024B (en) * | 2016-11-02 | 2017-12-01 | 上海理工大学 | Varistructure multifunctional motor-driven walk helper |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |