GB2589619A

GB2589619A - Stabilising clip

Info

Publication number: GB2589619A
Application number: GB1917808.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Buckingham Simon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-12-05
Filing date: 2019-12-05
Publication date: 2021-06-09
Anticipated expiration: 2039-12-05
Also published as: GB2589619B; GB201917808D0

Abstract

A stabilizing clip for releasably securing a container to a tubular member of a walking frame. The stabilizing clip comprises a tubular member gripping portion 2 at one end and a container gripping 5 portion at the other. The container gripping portion comprises a pair of upstanding projections 15, 16 forming a channel therebetween 4 such that, in use, the outermost upstanding projection 15 is inserted into the slot to abut an internal surface of the rear wall of the container, whilst the innermost upstanding projection 16 is configured to abut an external surface of the rear wall of the container, and the rear wall of the container is releasably secured within the channel. Optionally the container gripping portion incorporates at least one stabilizing member, which comprises a further projection. The tubular member gripping portion may comprise a C-shaped clip. The clip may comprise an elastomeric material. A container incorporating a stabilising clip is also disclosed.

Description

Stabilising Clip This invention pertains generally to the field of walking frame carrying devices such as caddies, and in particular clips to stabilise walking frame carrying devices on the walking frame Many elderly and infirm persons use a walking frame to help them walk, especially those who nccd additional support to maintain stability or balance when walking and getting about. Typically, walking frames are formed from a rearwardly inclined front U-shaped frame providing two front ground support feet. The frame is about waist high, although the majority of frames allow for some height adjustment. The front frame is formed from a top generally horizontal bar and two front legs depending from the top. The front frame is supported by two curved side legs providing two rear ground support feet. These front and/or back ground support feet may comprise wheels or glides. In use, a user grips a handle provided on the top of each side leg and steps into the frame until the side legs of the frame lie generally alongside their hips. The frame is then raised by the user and placed forward of their body such that they can take a further step forward into the frame again.

The use of both hands to move the frame forwards and to grip the handles means that the user cannot conveniently carry items with them from place to place. These items might include food or drink, personal items like books or magazines, glasses, medicines or toiletry bags. It may even include electronic items such as their mobile telephone, radio or emergency alert device It is known to provide a string bag supported within the front frame to carry personal items, but this is not considered helpful to many users of walking frames, since such users generally do not have the mobility to bend down to place items in the bag or retrieve items therefrom. They are also unsuitable for carrying a plate of food or beverage cup.

It is also known to provide a caddy or tray device, releasably secured to the frame, for carrying all of these items. These walking frame carrying devices are widely used and go some way towards solving the problem of being able to carry food, drink and other items in a handsfree manner. However, there are different designs of walking frame available on the market. The frames can van' in a number of different ways, such as the diameter of the tubing used in its construction, the number of crossbars, the foldability, the extendibility, the various attachments, to name just a few. Carrying devices are designed to be retrofittable to as many of these frames as possible, but in many situations they fall short of providing a stable carving platform or container, that is somewhat level, and therefore suitable for supporting a plate of food, or beverage.

Walking frames with a single front cross-bar are widely used. Typically, a caddy attached to the single cross-bar is suspended at an angle such that it is tilting forwards of the frame. Most containers do not push-fit securely onto a single crossbar arrangement, particularly where the hook over portion is designed to fit a double crossbar arrangement.

This often occurs when carrying a heavy load within the container. This can be due to the different angle of the front legs. This arrangement isn't ideal when carrying a number of the desired items, and in particular plates of food or cups or drink. The surface that ought to be held horizontal is now sat at an angle, allowing items to slide and even topple off. The caddy may also move about when in transit, again causing carried items to shift about.

Another issue is the size of the gap between the legs of the frame from different walking frame manufacturers, the angle at which these front legs are positioning, and the diameter of the tubing used to construct the frame legs. Any caddy needs to be sufficiently adjustable to accommodate as many different walking frame configurations as possible.

The prior art shows a number of devices which attempt to address these needs in various ways.

GB 2 397 779 (Buckingham et al) discloses a container for a walking frame comprising a front bowl member with rear side that spans the distance between the two front legs, and a hook member that is placed over the top bar for supporting the basket on the frame and allowing items to be carried within the bowl member. The container is releasably secured to the frame by being hooked onto the top bar, and is stabilized and held in a suitable position by abutting the front frame legs. However, for frames that do not have a specific front leg angle to the cross bar, the container would not be stabilized in a level condition. For frames with a single crossbar arrangement rather than a dual crossbar arrangement, the container would not push fit to the single crossbar in such a stable condition With legs that are more upright, the container would attempt to abut these, and either move about when in transit, or be held in a non-level condition. This would present an issue when transporting a plate of food say, or a cup of drink, placed within the container, or resting on a tray.

Whilst the prior art appears to address the issue of transporting personal items in a handsfree condition, when using a walking frame, it does not provide a solution that suits all different shapes, sizes and configurations of walking frames. It does not provide a solution to ensure that any carrying containers are held in a substantially level condition.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a retrofittable device that converts any walking frame carrying container into a sufficiently level platform for use with the vast majority of walking frames, whilst ensuring that the carrying container is releasably secured in a stable condition. Further embodiments aim to provide a carrying container for a walking frame with inbuilt stability and levelling fimctionality.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stabilizing clip for releasably securing a container to a tubular member of a walking frame, the stabilizing clip comprising: a tubular member gripping portion at one end for releasably securing the container to the tubular member; and, a container gripping portion at the other end for releasably securing the stabilizing clip to a slot within a rear wall of the container; wherein the container gripping portion comprises a pair of upstanding projections forming a channel therebetween, such that, in use, the outermost upstanding projection is inserted into the slot to abut an internal surface of the rear wall of the container, whilst the innermost upstanding projection is configured to abut an external surface of the rear wall of the container, whereby the rear wall of the container is releasably secured within the channel and the stabilizing clip is slidably mounted to the container.

Preferably, the container gripping portion may incorporate at least one stabilizing member for preventing rotation of the stabilizing clip when releasably secured within the channel.

The stabilizing member may comprise a further projection, extending from the container gripping portion in an opposite direction to, but aligned with, the innermost projection, whereby, in use, the stabilizing member abuts the external surface of the rear wall of the container, thus preventing rotation of the container.

The outermost projection may be greater in length to the innermost projection.

The outermost projection may be at least twice the length of the innermost projection.

S

The outermost projection and/or the innermost projection may incorporate a tapered end.

The outermost projection and/or the innermost projection may incorporate a chamfered end at an entrance to, and on either side of, the channel.

Preferably, the tubular member g PP ng portion may comprise a C-shaped clip.

The C-shaped clip may comprise a pair of curved legs m n-ored about a central axis of the clip, said legs forming a C-shaped channel therebetween, whereby, in use, said pair of curved legs are configured to flex outwardly and around the diameter of the tubular member to receive the tubular member in the C-shaped channel, and thereafter return to their original position, gripping and releasably securing the tubular member within the C-shaped channel.

The stabilizing clip may comprise a one-piece, moulded polymer material. The stabilizing clip may comprise an elastomeric material, at least in part.

The stabilizing clip may comprise a circular pin for aligning the stabilizing clip within the slot.

According to a thither aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container for a walking frame incorporating at least one of the aforementioned stabilizing clips.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows one embodiment of stabilizing clip in isometric view, showing a tubular member gripping portion and a container gripping portion; Figure 2 shows the stabilizing clip of Figure 1 in side view showing one embodiment of stabilizing member; Figures 3A and 3B show the stabilizing clip of Figures 1 and 2, with stabilizing clip in position for insertion within a slot in a rear wall of a container, and having been inserted into the slot in the container; Figure 4 shows one embodiment of configuration of container with a pair of stabilizing clips, one on either side of the container; Figure 5 shows a typical walking frame and container arrangement incorporating a pair of stabilizing clips for stabilizing the container on the walking frame; and.

Figure 6 shows a close-up side view of Figure 5, showing a single stabilizing clip inserted into a slot in a container, and releasably secured to a tubular member of a walking frame.

In the figures like references denote like or corresponding parts.

Figure 1 shows one possible configuration stabilizing clip 1 for stabilizing a container on a walking frame. The stabilizing clip 1 comprises a tubular member gripping portion 2, for releasably securing the stabilizing clip I to a tubular member of a walking frame. The tubular member gripping portion 2 comprises a substantially C-shaped or horseshoe shaped body, comprising a pair of legs mirrored about a central axis of the stabilizing clip. Each of the legs may incorporate a bulbous end portion. The C-shaped clip is configured such that thc first and second legs elastically flex in an outward direction, enlarging the entrance to the C-shaped channel in the centre. Through minimal force, a user can push-fit the C-shaped clip that makes up the tubular member gripping portion 2 onto the tubular member of the walking frame. The legs return to their original position once the tubular member gripping portion 2 is releasably secured to the tubular member, such that the tubular member is gripped within the C-shaped channel.

The tubular member gripping portion 2, may comprise an alternative shape of push -fit clip, to suit different diameters and shapes of tubular members, not shown. With some force applied by the user, the tubular member gripping portion 2 may slide along the tubular member, to ensure that it sits in the correct position for stabilizing the container on the walking frame. The user can remove the stabilizing clip I from the tubular member by pulling the stabilizing clip away from the tubular member. The tubular member gripping portion 2 may comprise many alternatives of releasably securing the stabilizing clip 1 to the tubular member, such as, but not limited to, hook and loop fastening straps, contact adhesives and other mechanical clipping means, not shown.

The container gripping portion 3 may comprise a pair of upstanding projections, upstanding from a substantially planar surface of the stabilizing clip 1, in a parallel configuration with one another. The pair of upstanding projections in one embodiment comprise an outermost projection 15 and an innennost projection 16 that are spaced such that they leave a channel 4 thercbctwecn. The channel 4 is substantially the same, or marginally wider, than the thickness of a wall of the container.

The innermost projection 16 may be shorter in length to the outermost projection 15. This is to aid the insertion of the container gripping portion 3 of the stabilizing dip 1 in a slot in the container.

The stabilizing clip 1 may incorporate one or more stabilizing members 5. The stabilizing member 5 sits alongside the outer surface of the rear wall of the container. The stabilizing member 5 helps to stabilize the container when mounted to a walking frame, by preventing rotational movement of the container, and therefore preventing the container from tilting away from the walking frame. This is particularly prevalent when heavy loads are being carried in the container, and there is a tendency for the container to tilt away from the walking frame. When tilted, the container is sat at an angle to the horizontal, causing any carried items to also be tilted, and any open liquid items or foodstuffs to spill.

The weight of the container, along with the weight of any carried items, under gravity, applies a rotational force or torque to the container gripping portion 3. In a typical arrangement of container, the top rim is linked to a hook over member, that hooks over a crossbar, and in most cases, is releasably secured in position by push-fit. This carries the bulk of the load of the container. However, in many cases, where the load is in excess of a predetermined amount, the container tips forward to a degree. Also, where the crossbar is a single strut rather than a dual strut arrangement, the stability of the container is compromised, The stabilizing clips 1 are configured to add stability to the container, alleviating this tipping movement, and maintaining the container in as level, stable position as possible.

For an example, this torque experienced by the stabilizing clip 1 is increased when the user carries heavier items in the container. The container gripping portion 3 is constructed to resist the torque asserted on it by the container. The outermost upstanding projection 15 and the stabilizing member 5 bear the load of this torque, and are configured to apply an equal but opposite force to the container such that the container remains in a level configuration. The height or length of both the outermost projection 15 and the stabilizing member 5 may be equal, but both lengths are configured to provide sufficient resistance to any torque experienced under what is likely to be a maximum load of goods carried in the container.

The innermost projection 16 may also this torque, and assist with resisting this load to ensure a stable and level container. Where the innermost projection 16 projects to a lesser extent than the outermost projection 15, the innermost projection 16 will provide less of a resistance to the torque experience. However, when the innermost projection 16 is of a lesser height, insertion into a slot in the rear wall of the container is far easier for a user to carry out.

Figure 2 shows a side view of the stabilizing clip, showing the pair of upstanding projections that make up the container gripping member 3, and the stabilizing member 5, shown to project in an opposite direction, but by an equal amount, to the outermost projection 15. An end of the outermost projection 15 and/or an end of the innermost projection 16 may be tapered to aid insertion into the slot of the container, and to assist with sliding the stabilizing clip 1 within the slot in the container. These ends may alternatively be chamfered along the edge of the projection that creates the entrance to the channel 4.

Figure 3A shows the rear wall of a container 6, showing a slot 7 for releasably securing to the stabilizing clip 1. The user inserts the outermost projection 15 of the container gripping portion 3 into the slot 7. The user slides this outermost projection 15 through the slot 7 whilst tilting the stabilizing clip upwards. The outermost projection 15 slides up the inner surface of the rear wall of the container 6. The user continues to push the stabilizing clip in much the same direction, until the innermost projection 16 begins to engage with an outer surface of the rear wall of the container 6. By continuing to push the stabilizing clip 1 upwards into the slot 7, the rear wall of the container is driven into the channel 4 between outermost projection 15 and innermost projection 16. When the outermost projection 15 and the innermost projection 16 are substantially vertical, and abutting the surfaces of the rear wall of the container 6, the container 6 is releasably secured within the channel 4 in a push-fit arrangement.

Figure 3B shows the stabilizing clip 1 having been located within the slot 7. The stabilizing clip 1 may be slidably mounted within the slot 7 such that the location of the stabilizing clip 1 can be altered to suit different arrangements of tubular members. The user simply slides the stabilizing clip 1 along the slot so that the tubular member gripping portion 2 is aligned with the tubular member to which it is to be releasably secured. The stabilizing clip 1 may incorporate a circular pin 8 to assist with locating the stabilising clip 1 within the slot 7, and in particular where the slot 7 incorporates a corresponding circular hole 14, to aid with this. The stabilizing clip 1 may also incorporate indication means as to how to insert the stabilizing clip 1 into the slot 7, such as a directional arrow on the uppermost surface Figure 4 shows a typical container 6 in rear view, showing a rear wall, and the hook 17 arrangement that hooks onto the crossbar of the walking frame. It is this hook 17 that releasably secured the container 6 to the walking frame. This container 6 is provided with two slots 7 shown on either side of the rear wall. A pair of stabilising clips I are required for this set up, one in each slot 7. Figure 5 shows one embodiment of walking frame 9, with wheels 10 provided at the bottom of each of the front tubular members 13. The walking frame 9 is provided with crossbars 12. The stabilising clips 1 are inserted into the slots 7 at the rear of the container 6. To insert the stabilising clips, the outermost projection is inserted into the slot and pushed forwards and tipped upwards until the rear wall of the container 6 is securely within the channel 4. The container 6 is hooked over the uppermost crossbar 12 and releasably secured in place through a friction fit. Once in position, the stabilising clips 1 can be slid along their respective slots 7 so that they align with the legs of the walking frame 9, or the tubular members 13. Once in position, the tubular member gripping portions 2 are pushed onto the adjacent tubular members 13 to releasably secure the stabilising clips 1 into position.

Figure 6 is a close-up view of Figure 5 showing the stabilizing clip 1 when relcasably secured to a tubular member 13, and inserted into the slot 7 in the container 6.

The hook 17 over the crossbar 12 supports the weight of the container 6 and any contents, but it does not bridge the gap between rear wall of container 6 and tubular member 13 or leg of the walking frame 9. The stabilising clip 1 helps to bridge this gap but holding and therefore stabilizing the container 6 in a position away from the walking frame 9, such that the base of the container 6 is held in a substantially horizontal configuration, or in the same plane as the crossbar 12, which is assumed to be held substantially horizontally when in use.

In a further embodiment a container 6 may be provided with stabilizing clips 1, moulded as part of the container 6, or as separate items, not shown.

In this specification, the verb "comprise" has its normal dictionary meaning, to denote non-exclusive inclusion. That is, use of the word "comprise" (or any of its derivatives) to include one feature or more, does not exclude the possibility of also including further features. The word "preferable" (or any of its derivatives) indicates one feature or more that is preferred but not essential.

All or any of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all or any of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS: I0 3 4. 6.A stabilizing clip for relcasably securing a container to a tubular member of a walking frame, the stabilizing clip comprising: a tubular member gripping portion at one end for releasably securing the container to the tubular member; and, a container gripping portion at the other end for releasably securing the stabilizing clip to a slot within a rear wall of the container; wherein the container gripping portion comprises a pair of upstanding projections forming a channel therebetween, such that, in use, the outermost upstanding projection is inserted into the slot to abut an internal surface of the rear wall of the container, whilst the innermost upstanding projection is configured to abut an external surface of the rear wall of the container, whereby the rear wall of the container is releasably secured within the channel.
A stabilizing clip according to Claim I, wherein the container gripping portion incorporates at least one stabilizing member for preventing rotation of the stabilizing clip when releasably secured within the channel.
A stabilizing clip according to Claim 2, wherein the stabilizing member comprises a further projection, extending from the container gripping portion in an opposite direction to, but aligned with, the innermost projection, whereby, in use, the stabilizing member abuts the external surface of the rear wall of the container, thus preventing rotation of the container.
A stabilizing clip according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the outermost projection is greater in length to the innermost projection.
A stabilizing clip according to Claim 4, wherein the outermost projection is at least twice the length of the innermost projection A stabilizing clip according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the outermost projection and/or the innermost projection incorporate a tapered end.
II
7 A stabilizing clip according to claims 1 to 5, wherein the outermost projection and/or the innermost projection incorporate a chamfered end at an entrance to, and on either sidc of, the channel.
8. A stabilizing clip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular member gripping portion comprises a C-shaped clip.
9 A stabilizing clip according to claim 8, wherein the C-shaped clip comprises a pair of curved legs mirrored about a central axis of the clip, said legs forming a C-shaped channel therebetween, whereby, in use, said pair of curved legs are configured to flex outwardly and around the diameter of the tubular member to receive the tubular member in the C-shaped channel, and thereafter return to their original position, gripping and releasably securing the tubular member within the C-shaped channel.
10. A stabilizing clip according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the stabilizing clip comprises a one-piece, moulded polymer material.
II. A stabilizing clip according to Claims Ito 9, wherein the stabilizing clip comprises an elastomeric material, at least in part.
12. A stabilizing clip according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the stabilizing clip comprises a circular pin for aligning the stabilizing clip within the slot.
13. A stabilizing clip according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the channel is configured such that in use, the stabilizing clip is slidably mounted to the container.
14. A stabilizing clip as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
15. A container for a walking frame incorporating at least one stabilizing clip of any of the preceding claims.
16. A container for a walking frame as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.