GB2489575A

GB2489575A - A foldable wheeled support for a load or child

Info

Publication number: GB2489575A
Application number: GB1205077.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Simon Ellis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-03-30
Filing date: 2012-03-22
Publication date: 2012-10-03
Also published as: GB201205077D0; GB201105317D0

Abstract

A device for supporting a load, more especially a child in a standing position, comprises at least a first 12 and second 14 member mounted with respect to each other such that the first member may rotate from an in-use position where the device is deployed to carry the load to a position where it may be folded with respect to the second member, the first member having at least a platform 32 connected thereto upon which a load can be placed or a child may stand. The first member is rotatable about a main pivot 16 mounted on the second member, and where the main pivot moves longitudinally along the second member when the first member is rotated with respect to the second. A tie bar 38 is mounted between pivot points 40 and 42 on the first and second members. The tie bar may also provide a handle 46 for the child to hold on to. A linkage 22 may be provided at the top of the second member for connection to the belt of an adult pulling the device along , said adult carrying the device on their back when it is folded.

Description

CARRYING MD ESPEC1ALLY FOR USE W1TH CHILDREN [0001] This invention relates to a carrying and or walking aid especially for children who are too old to be conveyed in conventional prams and push-chairs. Young children when able to walk like to be free of the constraints of prams and pushchairs; however, they tire before older children and adults who may be accompanying them, and have to be carried in order to complete a walk. This invention provides an aid to enable a child to be supported during a walk, without having to be carried, but which aid can be folded away and carried easily when not being used. Although specifically designed with children in mind, the platform arrangements described to support children can be used to support elderly people or indeed other loads.

[0002] According to the present invention a carrying aid, more especially for a child, comprises at least a first and a second member are with respect to each other such that the first member may rotate from a position taken up when the device is in a position to carry a load to a position it is folded with respect to the second member when the device is not being used to carry the load, the first member having at east one platform connected thereto and at least one whe& supporting said platform and characterised in that the first member is rotatable about a main pivot mounted on the second member and that main pivot moves longitudinafly along the second member when the first member is rotated with respect to the second member, and in that a tie is mounted between tie pivots on the first and second members. The device provides a rigid towable support device for a child for example, when deployed for use and folds, with the first member against the second member to be carried on a person's back when not deployed.

[0003] Preferably the linkage comprises a pivotal joint attaching the second member to a support means comprising a belt, strap or harness that may be attached to person. The first and second members when folded together may rest on the back of the person to whom the belt, strap or harness is attached.

[0004] A ball and socket joint forms a good linkage which may include a release catch on the socket to r&ease the device from the support means for manual towing.

[0005] In this device, deployed with wheels on the ground the first and second members are substantially aligned and are inclined at an angle between and 60°to the ground and preferably at about 45°. A handle mounting may extend vertically from the first or second pivot points when the device is in use.

[0006] Ideally the second member comprises a substantially inverted (when in use) channel section, said channel section having a top piece joining two side pieces, each side piece having longitudinal slots therein to receive the main pivot and in which the main pivot may slide. The first member, when the device is in use to carry a load, the first member may bear, in part, against the under-side of the top piece of the second member. The first member may be notched so that when the device is deployed ready to carry a load the tie pivot on the second member bears on the notch. The combination of the notch receiving said tie pivot and the first member bearing in part against the underside of the channel section of the second member ensures that the device is extremely rigid when carrying a load such as a child, with no propensity to fold accidentally.

[0007] An axle bogie may be associated with the first member, the axle bogey being pivotally mounted to allow some relative rotation of the axle bogie in a vertical plane with respect to the first member. This arrangement allows the device to cope more easily with rough terrain. In practice the best arrangement is for the axle bogie to be mounted on a secondary member attached to the first member, with the secondary member substantially vertical with respect to the ground when the device is ready to carry a load on the platform(s).

[0008] In one arrangement the axle bogie has two axles one each extending laterally either side of the device with each axle having a wheel mounted thereon. The wheels can be interchanged with other wheels to enable the device to cope with variable terrains. In such an arrangement the axle bogey supports two platforms each being foot rests extending laterally one either side of the device above the axles (in this context "above" is judged when the device is deployed ready to carry a load on the footrests.

[0009] Various harnesses, straps belts and couplings are possible to enable the device to be carried by a person. In a particularly apposite choice is a ball and socket connection to a belt worm around the waist of a person, the ball and socket joint having a quick release mechanism, so that the device can be decoupled rapidly from the belt.

[0010] The invention will now be more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0011] Figure 1 is a side view of a walking aid according to the invention, showing lower most the aid fully extended and deployed, and uppermost retracted for carrying or storing; [0012] Figure 2 is a rear view of the walking aid of figure 1 in both an extended deployed position (lower) and retracted (uppermost); [0013] Figure 3 shows a side view of the walking aid of figures 1 and 2 in use; and [0014] Figure 4 shows a side view of the aid of figures 1 to 2 being retracted, showing the various steps in retraction and as carried.

[0015] In the figures a carrying or walking aid 10 for a child comprises two longitudinal first and second members 12 and 14 respectively, the first member 12. being the lower member when the device is fully deployed and the second member 14 being the upper member when the device is fully deployed. The first member 12 comprises aluminium box section with ends closed with plastic plugs (not shown). The second member 14 is a channel section with its sides 15 each having an elongate slot 18 extending substantially the length of the side pieces, and its top 19 joining the side pieces together. Member 12 is mounted between the side pieces 15. Slots 18 receive a bolt which passes through the slots 18 and a hole in the first member 12, the combination of the hole in the first member and the bolt forms a pivot 16. The combination of slots 18, and bolt, and pivot 16 enables the first member 12 to move up and down and to rotate with respect to the second member 14.

[0016] The upper ends 20 of sides 15 come together with a further bolt to form a linkage 22 to a belt (of the kind shown in figures 4 and 5) of an adult). The top piece 19 does not extend over the ends 20, to enable the device freely to rotate about linkage 22, when attached to a person as in figure 3.

[0017] As can be seen in figure 1, when fully deployed the longitudinal axis of first and second members 12 and 14 is about 45°to the ground. Generally an angle between 40°and 60°is best and outside this range the linkage is either too low or too high to be comfortable when attached to an adult, and if the angle is too high, inadequate forward power is imparted through the linkage cause jerky and unsafe movement of the device. A vertical member 24 comprising a short length of box sectioned aluminium extrusion, the ends of which are blanked off with suitable plastic plugs (not shown), is welded to lower end of first member 12. Axle bogey 26 is pivotally mounted on the vertical member 24 with a bolt 28 passing through the bogey 26. Bogey 26 supports two axles 30, one each extending laterally either side of bogey 26; in addition, the bogey supports two foot plates 32. The pivoting action of the bogey in a vertical plane about the vertical member 26 allows the device to accommodate uneven or sloping terrain without causing twisting forces in the linkage 22 when it is attached to person. lt also means the vertical handle support members 44 (see below) stay as upright as possible maintaining the handle 46 horizontal to provide stable support for any child on the foot rests. In one arrangement, the footplates 32 include punched and folded brackets, allowing them to be bolted to the axle bogey 26. The wheels 34 are held on the axles 24 with washers and locking nuts. The wheels 30 have integral bearings. One possibility is to provide interchangeable wheels for different terrains.

[0018] It will be seen that in the deployed position the aid 10 will support the weight of a child on the foot plates and through the wheels, and that the device can be pulled by attaching the linkage 22 to a belt, strap or other harness on an adult.

[0019] Instead of using a belt, strap or other harness, a handle (not shown) can be attached to the linkage 22 and used for pulling the aid.

[0020] A pair of members 37 each have a tie section 38 and a handle support section 44. The tie sections 38 are mounted between a first tie pivot point on first member 12 and a second tie pivot point 42 in channel sidesi 5, with a pivot 41 passing through the ties 38 and the first member 12 and a second pivot 43 passing through the other ends of ties 38 so that the ties 38 can rotate wfth respect to both tie pivot points 40 and 42. The pivot point 42 is towards the end of second member 14 away from linkage 22.

[0021] The handlebars are welded to the handle support extensions 44 of members 37. The members 37 are simply bent where they meet pivot point 42. As the device 10 is folded, members 37 turn around pivot 42 on second member 14. This action swings first member 12 down and away from the second member 14, reducing the lifting load required in the first stages of retraction by shortening the distance between the footplate!axle bogie assembly to the lifting point comprising an eyelet 51 welded to the channel section top 19 in the region of pivot point 42. A notch 48 provided in first member 12, enables the pivot 43 to nest on the first member 12 when the device is fully deployed. In addition a locking pin 50 retained on a chain may be inserted in a hole passing through the top 19 of upper member 14 and into first member 12 to add stability when the aid 10 is in the extended position..

[0022] When fully deployed as in figures 1 and 2 members 38 are aligned with the first member 12 between pivot points 40 and 42, handle support members 44 are substantially vertically orientated above pivot point 42, with the pivot 43 nesting in notch 48 in the upper surface of first member 12, and the upper part of first member 12 bearing against the underside of top piece 19 of second member 14. It will be seen that this configuration is stable when a child is standing on the foot rests.

[0023] If no child is on the foot rests 28, the arrangement of pivots 41 and 43 and members 38 and 44 enables the aid to be quickly folded and carried as shown in figure 3. Pulling member 15 upwards causes members 38 to rotate with respect to pivot points 40 and 42. The upper part of the first member 12 ceases to engage the lower surface of top piece 19 and the first member 12 rotates about pivot bolt 16 which in turn slides along slots 18. The aid progressively moves through positions B to D as shown in figure 4 when it is fully folded on the back of an adult, by progressively lifting first member 12 and rotating the device about linkage 22.

[0024] A stand 49 may be added beneath the device, under axle bogie 26 (as shown), or the vertical member 24, or foot plates 32 to allow the device to be stood upright on the ground. To assist in raising the aid to a retracted position cords or straps 52, which can be rope, leather or other suitable material are attached to the eyelet 51 to aid retraction. The distal ends of the cords or straps are conveniently provided with loops or handles for manual gripping of the cords or straps.

[0025] Although described with reference to use by a child, there is no reason why the device of figures 1 to 4 could not be used by an older person, particular an elderly person, who may have lost weight and has difficulty walking the same distance as a younger person. Using larger load carrying platforms rather than foot rests 32 the device can be adopted to carry loads.

[0026] For clarity figures 1 to 4 do not show the range of belts harnesses, straps and couplings that can be used with the present invention so that the device may be towed and carried by a person. However, a number of such belts harnesses, straps and couplings are known. A particularly appropriate choice comprises a belt worn around the carriers waist, the belt has a socket coat is rear, into which a ball, connected to the linkage 22 can be fitted (somewhat akin to the coupling for a caravan to a vehicle).

The joint so formed may have a quick release mechanism to allow for rapid uncoupling of the device from the person.

Claims

Claims 1. A carrying or walking aid comprising at least a first (12) and a second member (14) mounted with respect to each other such that the first member may rotate from a pos Won taken up when the device is in a position to carry a load to a position it is folded with respect to the second member when the device is not being used to carry the load, the first member (12) having at least one platform (32) connected thereto and at least one wheel (34) supporting said platform (32); characterised in that the first member (12) is rotatable about a main pivDt (16) mounted on the second member (14) and that main pivot (16) moves longitudinally along the second member (14) when the first member (12) is rotated with respect to the second member (14), and in that a tie (36) is mounted between tie pivots (40 and 42) on the first and second members member.
2. A carrying or walking aid according to claim I characterised in that the second rrember (14) has a linkage (22) at its end away from the first member, in use the linkage being connected to a support means to prevent the first and second members falling to the ground.
3. A carrying or walking aid according to claim 2 characterised in that the linkage (22) comprises a pivotal joint attaching the second member to a support means attached to a person.
4. A carrying or walking aid according to claim 3 charactecised in that the first and second members, when folded together may rest on the back of a person.
5. A carrying or walking aid according to claim 2, 3 or 4 characterised in that the linkage additionally comprises a ball and socket joint.
6. A carrying or walking aid according to claim 5 characterised in further comprising a release catch on said socket whereby device can be released from the support means for manual towing.
7. A carrying or walking aid according to any preceding claim characterised in that, when deployed with wheel(s) on the ground the first and second members are substantially aligned and are inclined at an angle between 40°and 60 °to the ground.
8. A carrying or walking aid according to any preceding claim characterised in that a handle mounting (44) extends substantially vertically when the device is in use.
9. A carrying or walking aid according to any preceding claim characterised in that when the first and second members are folded together, the tie rotates about its tie pivot points (40, 42) and the main pivot (16) being driven longitudinally along a slot (18) in the second member.
10. A carrying or walking aid according to any preceding claim characterised in that the second member (14) comprises (judged when wheel(s) are deployed on the ground) a substantially inverted channel section, said channel section having a top piece (19) joining two side pieces (15), each side piece having a longitudinal slot (18) therein to receive the said pivot (16) and in which the first pivot (1 6) may slide.
11. A carrying or walking aid according to claim 10 characterised in that the first member (1 2), when the device is in use, bears, in part, against the under-side of the top piece (19) of the second member (14).
12. A carrying or walking aid according to claim 11 characterised in that the said pivot (16) is mounted in the side channels (15) and the first member (12) has a notch (48) to receive the second tie pivot (42), and wherein, in use the said second tie pivot bears (42) on the notch (48) in the first member (12).
13. A carrying or walking aid according to any preceding claim characterised in that an axle bogey (26) is associated with the first member (12) said axle bogey (26) being pivotally mounted to allow some relative rotation thereof in a vertical plane with respect to the first member.
14. A carrying or walking aid according to claim 13 characterised in that the axle bogey (26) is mounted on a secondary member (24) attached to the first member (12) which secondary member (24) is substantially vertical with respect to the ground when the device deployed with wheels on the ground.
15. A carrying or walking aid according to claim 14 characterised in that the axle bogie (26) has two axles (30) extending laterally either side of the device and each axle having a wheel (34) mounted thereon.
16. A carrying or walking aid according to claim 15 characterised in that the wheels may be interchanged with other wheels.
17. A carrying or walking aid according to any one of claims 14 to 16 characterised in that the axle bogey (26) supports two platforms (32) each comprising toot rests (32) and each extending laterally one either side of the device above the axles (30) ("above" being when the device is in use).
18. A carrying or walking aid according to any preceding characterised in that it further comprises a stand underneath the device to enable the device to stand independently on the ground.
19. A carrying or walking aid according to any preceding claim characterised in having a looped strap (52) connected to the second member (14) to aid folding the device.
20. A carrying or walking aid substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.