GB2500340A

GB2500340A - A foldable wheeled support for a load or child

Info

Publication number: GB2500340A
Application number: GB1311151.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Simon Ellis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-07-14
Filing date: 2013-06-24
Publication date: 2013-09-18
Anticipated expiration: 2033-06-24
Also published as: GB201311151D0; GB201212571D0; GB2500340B

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 connected thereto upon which a load can be placed or a child may stand. The first member is rotatable about a hinge 15 mounted on the ends of the first and second members. A first tie bar 38 is pivotally mounted 40 on the first member, and a second tie bar is pivotally mounted 44 on the second member, the two tie bars being linked together and forming an angle 52 between them when the device is deployed. The first tie bar may also provide a handle 46 for the child to hold on to. A locking pin (19, figure 4) may be inserted in the hinge. 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.

Description

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CARRYING AID ESPECIALLY FOR USE WITH 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 pushchairs. 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 or walking aid comprises at least a first and a second member mounted 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 in which 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 least one platform connected thereto and at least one wheel supporting said platform; characterised in that the first member is rotatable about a hinge mounted at the ends of the first and second members, from a deployed position in which the first member is aligned with the second member and the hinge locked , to a folded position in which the first member is folded against the second member and in that ties are mounted on pivots, one or more first ties being mounted on pivots on the first member, and one or more second ties being mounted on pivots on the second member, said ties being together linked through further pivots thereby forming an angle between the ties when the aid is deployed.

[0003] For lightness first and second members each comprise elongate box sections, preferably aluminium or aluminium alloy extruded box sections.

[0004] For greatest stability when the aid is deployed the angle is substantially a right angle.

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[0005] A convenient construction is for the first ties to form handle supports and have a handle at their distal ends. But other arrangements for handle supports are possible.

[0006] In one arrangement the one or more handle supports have one or more spurs close to their distal ends said one or more spurs being substantially perpendicular to the one or more handle supports and are joined to the one or more second ties by a further pivot.

[0007] In such an arrangement the handle is preferably substantially vertically above the handle mounting pivot.

[0008] To help tow or pull the carrying or walking aid the second member may have a linkage at its end away from the first member, in use the linkage being connected to a support means (a handle, a belt around an adult or harness on an adult for example) to prevent the first and second members falling to the ground.

[0009] Conveniently the linkage comprises a universal joint attaching the second member to a support means.

[0010] 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.

[0011] In a preferred construction, the hinge has a pair of hinge plates, one plate each connected to each adjacent end of the first and second members, and in which, when the aid is deployed, the hinge plates abut one another.

[0012] The hinge plates may be extended on their sides opposite the hinge, to form a hinge like extension, said hinge-like extension receiving a locking pin when the aid is deployed to prevent collapse of the device, although other ways of locking the hinge can be conceived. An axle bogey is fixed with respect to the first member. The bogey is formed primarily of the same box section as the first and second members, with sections of axle bar welded to the ends. The axle is therefore locked in relation to the members. In practice the best arrangement is for the axle bogie to be mounted on a secondary member attached to the first member, with the

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secondary member substantially horizontal with respect to the ground when the device is ready to carry a load on the platform(s).

[0013] 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.

[0014] The invention will now be more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 is a side view of a walking aid according to the invention, showing the aid fully extended and deployed;

[0016] Figure 2 is a front view of the walking aid of figure 1 in an extended and deployed position;

[0017] Figure 3 shows a side view of the walking aid of figures 1 and 2 when folded;

[0018] Figure 4 shows detail of the hinge shown in figures 1 to 3.

[0019] 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 members 12 and 14 each comprise a stainless steel box section each with ends closed with plastic plugs (not shown).

Stainless steel is chosen for lightness and finish but other materials such as aluminium and aluminium alloy can be used.

[0020] The first and second members 12 and 14 are linked by a hinge 15, the hinge 15 itself being adjacent to the tops of the first and second members when the walking or carrying aid 10 is deployed. Hinge plates 16 and 17 connect the hinge 15 to the adjacent ends of the first and second members respectively, and extend beyond the lower edges of the first and second members to a hinge like configuration 18 into which a locking pin 19 is inserted when the walking or carrying aid 10 is open and fully

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deployed. The pin when inserted into the hinge-like configuration prevents the walking or carrying aid 10 collapsing when deployed.

[0021] The upper end portion 20 of second member 14 is cranked, so that when the device is deployed, the portion 20 is near horizontal (its actual position relative to the horizontal will depend on the height of the person to whom the walking or carrying aid 10 is attached). Close to the outer end of the cranked portion 20, a pivot 21 of a universal joint 22 passes through. The universal joint, which may twist to any angle, may be joined to a belt or a harness worn by a person to pull the walking or carrying aid 10.

[0022] As can be seen in figure 1, when fully deployed, the first and second members 12 and 14 re aligned and at 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 22 causing jerky and unsafe movement of the device.

[0023] A substantially horizontal member 24 comprising a short length of box 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 also an extruded box section rigidly mounted on the horizontal, with short sections of axle bar 30 fixed to each end and extending laterally either side of bogey 26. The bogey supports two foot plates 32. 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 30 with washers and locking nuts. The wheels 30 have integral bearings. One possibility is to provide interchangeable wheels for different terrains.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] A pair of ties forming handle support members 38 is mounted on pivot 40 either side of the first member 12, the pivot 40 is about two thirds of the

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way up the first member 12. A pair of ties 42 is mounted on pivot 44 either side of the second member 14. A handle 46 is attached to the distal end of each of the handle 38, the arrangement being that when the aid is deployed the handles 46 are vertically above the pivot 40. The handles are directed outwards from the aid 10 perpendicularly to the handle supports 38. When the aid is folded (as seen in figure 3) they are stored neatly beside and with the first member 12 between the handles 46. As shown the handles are perpendicular to the first member 12 when stored, but there is no reason why the handles should not fold against the first member 12 for an even neater design.

[0027] At the distal end of ties 42 another pivot 48, connects the pair of ties 42 to short spurs 50 extending perpendicularly from the handle supports 38 towards the second member (when the aid is deployed). Pivot 44 is placed about two thirds of the way down the length of the second member 12.

[0028] As can be seen from figure 1, when the aid is deployed, with the first and second members 12 and 14 aligned, ties 42 are near horizontal and aligned with spurs 50, and the handle support near vertical with the handle 46 substantially vertically above pivot 40 arrangement being that when the aid is deployed the handle 46 is vertically above the pivot 40. The angle 52 formed between the handle supports 38 and the ties 42 is substantially a right angle. For convenience the pin 19 may be retained on a chain (not shown). It will be seen that when deployed, the aid 10 is stable when a child is standing on the foot rests 32 and the universal joint supported by a belt, harness or handle.

[0029] If no child is on the footplates 32, the arrangement of pivots 40 and 44 and handle support members 38 and tied 42 enable the aid to be quickly folded and carried as shown in figure 3.

[0030] 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.

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[0031] 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 carrier's waist.

[0032] Although it is a convenient construction for the handle to be mounted as shown other arrangements for handle supports are possible.

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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 position taken up when the device is in a position to carry a load to a position in which 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 hinge (15) mounted at the ends of the first and second members from a deployed position in which the first member (12) is aligned with the second member and the hinge locked, to a folded position is which the first member is folded against the second member and in that ties (38, 42) are mounted on pivots (40 and 42), one or more first ties (38) being mounted on pivots on the first member (12) , and one or more second ties (42) being mounted on pivots (44) on the second member (14), said ties (38, 42) being together linked through further pivots (48) thereby forming an angle (52) between the first ties and the second ties when the aid is deployed.

2. A carrying or walking aid according to claim 1 characterised in that the first and second members each comprise elongate box sections.

3. A carrying or walking aid according to claim 1 or 3 characterised in that the angle 52 is substantially a right angle.

4. A carrying or walking aid according to claim 1, 2 or 3 characterised in that the first ties (38) form handle supports and have a handle at their distal ends.

5. A carrying or walking aid according to claim 4 characterised in that the one or more handle supports have one or more spurs (50) close to their distal ends said one or more spurs being substantially perpendicular to the one or more handle supports and are joined to the one or more second ties (42) by a pivot (48).

6. A carrying or walking aid according to claim 4 or 5 characterised in that the aid has a pair of handle supports pivotally mounted one either side of the first member (12), and each handle support (38) having a handle mounted at its

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distal end, said handle (46) being perpendicular to the handle support (38) and directed outwards from the aid (10).

7. A carrying or walking aid according to claim 6 characterised in that the first member (12) is between the handles (46) when the aid is folded.

8. A carrying or walking aid according to any preceding claim characterised in that, when deployed, the handle (46) is substantially vertically above the handle mounting pivot (40).

9. A carrying or walking aid according to any preceding claim characterised in that the second member (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.

10. A carrying or walking aid according to claim 9 characterised in that the linkage (22) comprises a universal joint attaching the second member to a support means.

11. 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.

12. A carrying or walking aid according to any preceding claim characterised in that the hinge (15) has a pair of hinge plates (16, 17), one plate connected to each adjacent end of the first and second members (12,14) in which, when the aid is deployed, the hinge plates (16,17) abut one another.

13. A carrying or walking aid according to any preceding claim characterised in that the hinge plates (16, 17) are extended on their sides opposite the hinge (15) to form a hinge like extension (18).

14. A carrying or walking aid according to claim 13 characterised in that the hinge like extension (18) has locking pin (19) when the aid is deployed.

15. A carrying or walking aid according to any preceding claim characterised in having an axle bogey (26) is mounted on a secondary member (24) attached to the first member (12) which secondary member (24) is substantially horizontal with respect to the ground when the device deployed with wheels on the ground.

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16. A carrying or walking aid according to clainn 15 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.

17. A carrying or walking aid according to claim 16 characterised in that the wheels may be interchanged with other wheels.

18. A carrying or walking aid according to any one of claims 15 to 17 characterised in that the axle bogey (26) supports two platforms each comprising foot rests (32) and each extending laterally one either side of the device above the axles (30) ( above being when the device is in use).

19. A carrying or walking aid substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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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 position taken up when the device is in a position to carry a load to a position in which 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 hinge (15) mounted at the ends of the first and second members from a deployed position in which the first member (12) is aligned with the second member and the hinge locked, to a folded position in which the first member is folded against the second member and in that ties (38, 42) are mounted on pivots (40 and 44), one or more first ties (38) being mounted on pivots on the first member (12) , and one or more second ties (42) being mounted on pivots (44) on the second member (14), said ties (38, 42) being together linked through further pivots (48) thereby forming an angle (52) between the first ties and the second ties when the aid is deployed.

3. A carrying or walking aid according to claim 1 or 2 characterised in that the angle 52 is substantially a right angle.

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8. A carrying or walking aid according to any one of claims 4 to 7 characterised in that, when deployed, the handle (46) is substantially vertically above one of said pivots (40).

13. A carrying or walking aid according to claim 12 characterised in that the hinge plates (16, 17) are extended on their sides opposite the hinge (15) to form a hinge like extension (18).

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