DE102021121634A1 - Chassis or walker with a handle arrangement with adjustment device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a chassis (2) or a rollator (2)• for supporting a walking or standing person,• with at least three (preferably four) castors (4, 6), at least one (preferably two) of them as a swivel castor (6) and• with two handles (8) each at the end (18, 26) of an elongate handle support (10), characterized in that each of the handle supports (10) can be pivoted about a (substantially vertical) axis and in ( at least two) specific angular positions (36, 38) can be locked (positively).

Description

technical field

The present application relates to a chassis for supporting a walking or standing person, a so-called rollator, with at least three (preferably four) castors, at least one (preferably two) of which is designed as a swivel castor, and with two handles each at the end of an elongated handle support .

background

For support on bicycle or motorcycle handlebars and on push handles of walkers or wheelchairs, it has long been known to provide handlebar tubes, which form the bicycle handlebars, for example, with a handle at both ends, which is conventionally made of plastic, especially foamed plastic is. The handle is often designed in the form of a sleeve that can be pushed onto the handlebar tube. As is well known, a bicycle or motorcycle handlebar serves to control, but not least also to support (part of) the weight of the rider.

On the other hand, particularly in the case of rollators - chassis are used to support a walking or standing person, with at least three (usually four) castors, at least one (usually two) of which is designed as a swivel castor, and with two (usually horizontal, essentially parallel to each other) Handles are each at the end of an elongated handle support, mostly at the top of the chassis - the handles as push handles, but above all as support handles: which are used to support a person who is standing and walking in the rollator so strongly (up to their full weight). , as the person needs it and accordingly relieves their legs and their hands on the rollator. In other words, push handles of this type are used to introduce support forces into the walker. These handles should be designed to be correspondingly robust and ergonomic.

With conventional hand movements, the high loads on the wrists can cause numbness and pain in the joints. Furthermore, there has recently been a development to provide handles with an ergonomic outer contour. This means that the outer contour of the handle is adapted to the inner contour of a hand gripping the handle, which on the one hand improves grip and thus grip security, and on the other hand protects the wrists from excessive strain. Here, however, there is a risk of the outer contour of the handle twisting: the ergonomic counter bearing, in particular of the ball of the thumb and the wrist of known ergonomically shaped handles, usually extends laterally away from the handle - and thus forms a lever with which the compressive force of the hand when supporting on this ergonomic counter bearing causes torque acting in the handle sleeve to the actual handlebar. If the adhesion between the tube and sleeve, which is usually effective, no longer holds reliably, for example due to moisture penetrating between them, there is a risk of twisting - and injury due to the grip contour suddenly yielding.

In order to be able to serve not only as a support while walking, but also as a safe support for a user when standing, rollators also usually have a brake system, usually with a brake lever on each of the two handles, with which two of the castors are usually braked and/or lock.

The reliably fixed position - and in particular the orientation of the handles and levers - also to each other is particularly important on rollators, not least because of the insecurity of the user. The adjustability of the position and orientation of the handles and levers to adapt to the needs of the respective user is also advantageous.

subject of the invention

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a walker of simple construction with improved adjustability of the position and orientation of its components, in particular its handles and levers.

This object is solved by a bogie according to claim 1. Preferred developments of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

A chassis according to the invention serves to support a walking or standing person. It's what's called a rollator. There is a frame with at least three (preferably four) castors, at least one (preferably two) of which is designed as a swivel castor, and with two handles each at the end of an elongated handle support on the frame.

According to the invention, the chassis is characterized in that each of the handle supports can be pivoted about an (in particular essentially vertical or in particular not only horizontal) axis and locked in (at least two) specific angular positions (preferably positively).

Known handle orientation adjustments, particularly on walkers, can be set in any angular orientation (at least within a certain angular range) using a clamp, for example with a “quick release” known from bicycle technology. This has the disadvantage, for example, that the identical angle setting on the left and right requires inappropriate sensitivity and is not guaranteed. Insufficient clamping force may also result in the unforeseen release of a grip and thus in a significant hazard to the user who may already be insecure.

According to the invention, it is particularly preferred that when the rollator is oriented as intended, the lower end of the handle support (preferably in the form of a tube) is inserted with a straight section (in particular initially extending upwards and) in an equally straight tube end of the chassis. Rotatable in this way, the handle support can be locked in the tubular end of the chassis in the at least two specific angular positions in a form-fitting manner against rotation.

This may be done by, for example, spring-loaded ball or pin detents (for example in a sleeve assembly at the upper tube end of the chassis) which fit into a selection of recesses or bores oriented in the specified angular positions on the perimeter of the assembly (for example the lower end of the handle support) are set up to engage.

According to the invention, however, it is particularly preferred that the lower end of the handle support has a projection by which the pivotability of the handle support is limited between two stops (in an inner contour of a tubular end flange on the tubular end of the chassis) in two specific angular positions - and that the handle support can be locked in the two angular positions by means of a filler piece which can be inserted between the projection and one of the stops and thus positively holds the projection against the other stop.

Two different angular positions are an appropriate number, especially for the handles on rollators, which should generally be essentially horizontal and oriented in the direction of travel and only have a small angular range as play for ergonomic optimization - which can also be clearly and clearly identified as an angular position " outside" or "inside" can be recognized and adjusted on both sides of the chassis without any particular sensitivity.

As a construction of this type of adjustability, it is particularly preferred according to the invention that the handle support (at least at its lower end or even over its entire length) has a cross-sectional contour on which a sleeve (or functional structure such as a clamp or a rider) has a particularly positive fit secured against rotation (and/or can be fastened) (in particular has an inner contour complementary to the cross-sectional contour) - and that (at least) the sleeve (but in particular also the lower end of the handle support) is inserted in the tubular end of the chassis and in this around the (Substantially vertical) axis of the pipe end is pivotable. And the sleeve has rotational locking means (in particular the projection just mentioned) by means of which it can be locked (positively) in the (at least two) specific angular positions.

• • die kreiszylindrische Außenkontur mindestens des unteren Endes des Griffträgers ist, allerdings mit einer Längsnut oder
• • die oval-zylindrische Außenkontur mindestens des unteren Endes des Griffträgers ist (oder die zylindrische Außenkontur mindestens des unteren Endes des Griffträgers mit anderem, nicht-kreisförmigen Querschnitt),

und dass die Hülse (oder funktionsentsprechende Struktur) eine zu der Querschnittskontur komplementäre Innenkontur aufweist.This anti-twist protection of the sleeve on the lower end of the handle support is particularly preferably designed as a construction according to the invention in that the cross-sectional contour either

• • The circular-cylindrical outer contour of at least the lower end of the handle support is, however, with a longitudinal groove or
• • the outer contour of at least the lower end of the handle support is oval-cylindrical (or the outer cylindrical contour of at least the lower end of the handle support has a different, non-circular cross-section),

and that the sleeve (or functionally equivalent structure) has an inner contour complementary to the cross-sectional contour.

According to the invention, this angle adjustment mechanism of the handles can be combined particularly advantageously with a height adjustment mechanism - namely in that the sleeve on the lower end of the handle support (as I said secured against rotation, but also) is longitudinally displaceable - and has longitudinal locking means, by means of which it can be locked at certain points of the lower end of the handle support (positively) can be locked. A holding means, preferably in the form of a collar, then holds the sleeve (in particular positively) in the longitudinal direction in the tube end of the chassis (namely preferably by the collar being supported on the upper edge of the tube end of the chassis).

In a particularly preferred construction, in particular the adjustability according to the invention by means of the sleeve, at least one of the handle supports is also a support for a brake lever ergonomically assigned to the handle. This is particularly preferably achieved according to the invention in that the handle support differs from the straight section in which Pipe end with a straight section as a mounting section for a brake lever clamp (especially further straight). In its further course, the handle support can then open into a straight section at the end of the handle support, which is essentially horizontal when the rollator is oriented as intended, as a mounting section for a handle sleeve. It is then particularly preferred that the fastening clip of the brake lever and/or the grip sleeve in the corresponding embodiment of the invention have an inner contour complementary to the cross-sectional contour (anti-twist as described above).

character list

• 1 shows a spatial view of a chassis according to the invention,
• 2 Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of a handle bracket and sleeve assembly at the top tube end of the chassis of the present invention 1 ,
• 3 shows the sectional plan view through the handle bracket and sleeve assembly along AB in 2 in one of the two specific angular positions 36 and
• 4 shows the sectional plan view through the handle bracket and sleeve assembly along AB in 2 in the other of the two determined angular positions 38.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached figures. Elements that are not identical but, for example, functionally correspond to one another are also provided with the same reference symbols.

A chassis 2 according to the figures, a so-called rollator 2, is used to support a walking or standing person (not shown). There is a frame with four castors 4, 6, two of which are designed as swivel castors 6, and with two handles 8, each at the end of an elongated handle support 10 on the frame 12.

The grip carrier 10 has several cross-sectional contour areas 14 (of the same cross-section), on which (around which) either a sleeve, namely a grip sleeve 8 or a brake lever fastening clamp 16 or an angle and height adjustment sleeve 17 (which is located in the upper tube end 18 of the frame 12 is angularly adjustable, namely rotatably mounted between two angular positions - to this immediately) are positively secured against rotation.

As illustrated, this is achieved in that the cross-sectional contour areas 14 of the handle mount 10 are the circular-cylindrical outer contours of a straight section 14 of the handle mount: the handle mount itself is in the form of a tube made of aluminum, but with a longitudinal groove 20 - and because the respective sleeve or clamp 8, 16, 18 has an inner contour 22 complementary to the circular-cylindrical outer contour 14 with the longitudinal groove 20.

As shown, the handle support 10 extends upwards with a straight section 14' as a mounting section for a brake lever fastening clamp 16 (in the illustrated correct orientation of the walker 2) and, as it continues (after a bend 24 from this approximately vertical section, ends in a approximately horizontal course) in a straight, essentially horizontal section 14 at the end of the handle support 10 as a mounting section for a grip sleeve 8.

It is also particularly advantageous that, in particular for the already indicated height and angle adjustability of the handle 8 attached to it, the handle support 10 is inserted with its lower end 26 via the angle and height adjustment sleeve 17 in a tube end 18 of the frame 12, there begins, so to speak, and runs upwards from there as just described.

There, at the lower end 26 of the handle support 10, the twist-proof cross-sectional contour is the outer contour 14'', i.e. also of a straight section of the handle support 10: this outer contour 14" is fitted with a loose fit in the angle and height adjustment sleeve 17 (and this in the (just as straight) ) tube end 18 of the frame 12) and is also secured in this adjustment sleeve in a form-fitting manner against rotation on the handle support 10 by means of a longitudinal groove 20 there as well (because this adjustment sleeve 17 also has an inner contour 22 that is complementary to the outer contour 14'' with the longitudinal groove 20 .

For ease of manufacture in particular, it is particularly advantageous that the longitudinal groove 20 extends over the entire length (from the “beginning” 26 in the tube end 18 of the frame 12 to the upper “handle end” 14) of the handle support 10. In the intended orientation of the rollator 2, the longitudinal groove 20 runs parallel to the cylinder axis of the respective straight, cylindrical sections 14, 14', 14" of the elongated handle support 10 - specifically in the (essentially horizontal) section of the handle 8 (in the intended orientation) on Handle carrier 10 below, so to speak at "6 o'clock" of the handle carrier cross section.

• Die Verstellhülse 17 am unteren Ende des Griffträgers weist einen Vorsprung 30 auf, durch den zwischen zwei Anschlägen 32, 34 (in einer Innenkontur der Hülsenbaugruppe 28 (am oberen Rohrende 18 des Gestells 12) in zwei bestimmten Winkelpositionen 36 (3) und 38 (4) der Griffträger in seiner Schwenkbarkeit begrenzt ist. Der Griffträger ist dann in den zwei Winkelpositionen 36, 38 mittels eines Füllstücks 38 (in Gestalt eines Stifts 38) arretierbar, das zwischen den Vorsprung 30 und einen der Anschläge 32, 34 einsetzbar ist und so den Vorsprung gegen den anderen Anschlag 34, 32 formschlüssig hält.

In a sleeve assembly 28 at the upper tube end 18 of the frame 12, the angle and height adjustment sleeve 17 can be rotated between two specific angular positions for (lockable) angle adjustment, and for height adjustment on the handle support (cannot be rotated but only) moved longitudinally:

• The adjustment sleeve 17 at the lower end of the handle support has a projection 30 through which between two stops 32, 34 (in an inner contour of the sleeve assembly 28 (at the upper tube end 18 of the frame 12) in two specific angular positions 36 ( 3 ) and 38 ( 4 ) the pivoting of the handle support is limited. The handle support can then be locked in the two angular positions 36, 38 by means of a filler piece 38 (in the form of a pin 38), which can be inserted between the projection 30 and one of the stops 32, 34 and thus positively locks the projection against the other stop 34, 32 holds.

This angle adjustment mechanism of the handles 8 can be particularly advantageously combined with a height adjustment mechanism - in that the adjustment sleeve 17 on the lower end of the handle support 10 (as mentioned, secured against rotation, but also) is longitudinally displaceable - and longitudinal locking means 42 (in the form of a spring-loaded ball - or pin catches (not shown), which are designed to engage in recesses 42 in the longitudinal groove 20 at the lower end 26 of the handle support 10), by means of which it can be positively locked at certain points along the lower end 26 of the handle support 10. A holding means in the form of a collar 44 then supports the adjustment sleeve 17 in a form-fitting manner in the longitudinal direction on the upper edge 18 of the tube end 18 of the frame 12).

From the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and variations can be made in the apparatus and method of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

Furthermore, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, which are intended only for a better understanding of the invention and are not intended to limit it. Those skilled in the art will also readily recognize that many different combinations of elements can be used to practice the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention is indicated by the following claims.

Reference List

2

chassis, walker

4, 6

role

6

swivel caster

8th

handle, grip sleeve

0

Elongated handle support

12

frame

14, 14', 14"

cross-sectional contour areas

16

Brake lever mounting sleeve or clamp

17

Angle and height adjustment sleeve

18

Upper tube end of frame 12

20

longitudinal groove; cross section contour

22

Complementary inner contour

24

snap off

26

Lower end of handle support 10

28

Sleeve assembly at the top of the tube 18

30

head Start

32, 34

attacks

36, 38

angular positions

40

filler piece; Pen

42

longitudinal locking means; recesses

44

collar

Claims (9)

Chassis (2) or rollator (2), • for supporting a walking or standing person (rollator) • with at least three castors (4, 6), at least one of which is designed as a swivel castor (6), and • with two handles ( 8) each at the end of an elongate handle support (10), characterized in that each of the handle supports (10) can be pivoted about an axis (26) and locked in certain angular positions (36, 38). Chassis (2) after claim 1 , characterized in that in the intended orientation of the walker, the lower end (26) of the handle support (10) with a straight section in a straight pipe end (18) of the chassis (2) and can be locked there in the at least two specific angular positions (36, 38). chassis (2) after claim 2 , characterized in that the lower end (26) of the handle support (10) has a projection (30) through which between two stops (32, 34) in the tube end (18) of the chassis (2) in two specific angular positions (36 , 38) the pivoting of the handle support (10) is limited and that the handle support (10) can be locked in the two angular positions (36, 38) by means of a filler piece (40) which is located between the projection (30) and one of the stops ( 32, 34) can be inserted and thus positively holds the projection (30) against the other stop. Chassis (2) according to one of claims 2 or 3 , characterized in that • the handle support (10) has at least at the lower end a cross-sectional contour (20) on which a sleeve secured against rotation is and/or can be fastened (in particular an inner contour (22) complementary to the cross-sectional contour (20) and that • the sleeve is inserted in the tube end (18) of the chassis (2) and can be pivoted therein about the axis of the tube end (18) and has rotational locking means by means of which it can be locked in the specific angular positions (36, 38). . Chassis (2) after claim 4 , characterized in that • that the cross-sectional contour (20) is the circular-cylindrical outer contour of at least the lower end (26) of the handle support (10) with a longitudinal groove (20) and that the sleeve has an inner contour ( 22) or • that the cross-sectional contour (20) is the oval-cylindrical outer contour of at least the lower end of the handle support (10) or the cylindrical outer contour of at least the lower end of the handle support (10) with a different, non-circular cross-section, and that the Sleeve has an inner contour (22) complementary to the outer contour. Chassis (2) after claim 5 , characterized in that the cross-sectional contour (20) extends over the entire length of the handle support (10). Chassis (2) according to one of the preceding Claims 4 until 6 , characterized in that the sleeve is longitudinally displaceable on the lower end (26) of the handle support (10) and has longitudinal locking means (42) by means of which it can be positively locked at certain points on the lower end (26) of the handle support (10). , as well as a holding means, which holds the sleeve in the longitudinal direction in the tube end (18) of the chassis (2) (supports in particular on the upper edge thereof). Chassis (2) according to one of claims 2 until 7 , characterized in that the handle support (10) extends further from the straight section in the pipe end (18) with a straight section as a mounting section for a brake lever fastening clamp (16) and/or in its further course into a straight, in accordance with regulations Orientation of the walker (2) substantially horizontal section at the end of the handle support (10) opens as a mounting section for a handle sleeve (8). Chassis (2) after claim 8 , characterized in that the clip and/or grip sleeve (8) has an inner contour (22) which is complementary to the cross-sectional contour (20).

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