JP2017202320A - Walker apparatus and backrest for walker apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a backrest for a walker apparatus.SOLUTION: A backrest 102 includes an upper bridging member 104 and a lower bridging member 106. The backrest includes a plurality of horizontally spaced-apart vertical strips 224 and 226 coupled to the bridging members and extending between the bridging members. The backrest also includes a plurality of vertically spaced-apart, staggered horizontal strips coupled to adjacent vertical strips and extending between the adjacent vertical strips.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  A walker device is provided. In particular, a walker device and a backrest for a walker device are provided.

  Patent document 1 is disclosing the walker apparatus which can be folded laterally. The walker apparatus includes a pair of upright frame members spaced apart. The walker device includes a chair that is operably coupled to the upright frame member. The walker apparatus has a backrest that is cantilevered from the frame member. The backrest includes a pair of spaced upper and lower bridging members. The bridging members are integrally connected at the common side end. The bridging members are branched outward with respect to each other. An opening extends through the backrest between the bridging members to allow the user visibility over the backrest when the user grasps the upright frame member.

U.S. Patent No. 9,339,432

  According to one aspect, a backrest for a walker device is provided. The backrest is arcuate and has a plurality of penetrating openings extending in the vertical direction. The openings are arranged in a plurality of rows extending in the vertical direction and spaced apart from each other, and have a staggered shape.

  According to another aspect, a backrest for a walker device is provided. The backrest is arcuate and has a plurality of openings, a first row extending in the vertical direction of the openings comprising at least a pair of the openings, and a second row extending in the vertical direction of the openings comprising at least one of the openings. And a third row including at least a pair of the openings and a third row extending in the vertical direction of the openings. The second column is between the first column and the third column. The openings in the first row are in line with the respective openings in the third row. The second row of openings extends between the pair of openings in the first row and extends between the pair of openings in the third row.

  According to a further aspect, a backrest for a walker device is provided. The backrest includes an upper bridging member and a lower bridging member. The backrest includes a plurality of horizontally spaced vertical strips coupled to the bridging members and extending between the bridging members. The backrest is coupled to adjacent strips of vertical strips and extends between adjacent strips of vertical strips, horizontally spaced in a staggered horizontal fashion A plurality of strips are provided.

  The invention will be more readily understood from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

It is a perspective view from the front left upper side of the walker apparatus shown by the deployment position which has a backrest. It is the fragmentary perspective view from the lower back of the walker apparatus of FIG. 1 which showed the folding mechanism of the walker apparatus. It is a perspective view from the front right upper side of the walker apparatus of FIG. 1 shown in the folded state. FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view from the rear of the walker device showing the back of the walker device of FIG. 1, partially showing the upright frame member and chair assembly of the walker device. FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial elevation view of the backrest showing a plurality of openings in the backrest of FIG. 4. The user is grasping the upper end of the upright frame member of the walker device, and looking from the front left side of the walker device of FIG. 1 through the backrest through the walker device. It is a perspective view.

  Referring to the drawings, and initially referring to FIG. 1, a mobility assistance device, in this example a walker device 40 according to a first aspect, is shown. The walker device includes a pair of spaced upright frame members 42 and 44 positioned respectively on side portions 43 and 45 of the walker device spaced adjacent to the rear portion 47 of the walker device. Each of the frame members includes a lower end, shown as a lower end 46 and an upper end 48 of the frame member 42, and an upper end spaced from the lower end.

  Each of the frame members 42 and 44 is telescopic in this example, and includes a plurality of openings 51 having a penetrating inner tube 49 and an outer tube 53 molded to receive the inner tube. The walker device 40 has an adjustment mechanism 59 for selectively adjusting the telescopic tube to be fixed integrally. In this example, the adjustment mechanism includes a thumbscrew 63. A thumbscrew can be inserted into a selected one of the openings 51 to adjust the height of the telescopic tubes 49 and 53 to be fixed. This allows the height of the walker device 40 to be adjusted to provide an optimal height for the user 65 shown in FIG.

  Referring back to FIG. 1, the walker device 40 includes a pair of support members 41 and 50 that are at least partially arcuate and in this example J-shaped. The support member includes a proximal end coupled to each frame member and a distal end spaced from the proximal end. This is illustrated by a support member 50 having a proximal end 52 coupled to the frame member 42 and a distal end 54 spaced from the proximal end. Each support member includes an elongated portion 67 that extends in a generally horizontal manner from the proximal end to the distal end. Each support member 50 includes an arcuate portion 69 that in this example extends from the distal end 54 of the support member 50 to the elongated portion of the support member 50. The proximal end 52 of the support member is coupled to the frame member in this example at a location adjacent to and spaced from the lower end 46 of the frame member. The walker device 40 in this example comprises a pair of bars 57 extending from the lower end 46 of each frame member 42 and connected to each support member 50 adjacent to the distal end 54 of the support member. ing.

  The walker device 40 includes a plurality of wheel assemblies rotatably coupled to the lower ends of the frame members 42 and 44 and the distal end 54 of the support member 50. This is illustrated by a wheel assembly 56 rotatably coupled to the end 46 of the frame member 42. Each of the wheel assemblies includes a wheel 58 that engages the ground. The walker device 40 includes a collapsible basket 60 in this example. As shown in FIG. 1, the basket is optionally connected to and extends between support members 41 and 50 adjacent to the support member distal end 54. The basket 60 is positioned adjacent to the front portion 61 of the walker device in this example. The walker device 40 further comprises a chair assembly 62 which in this example comprises a chair 64 having two substantially planar portions 66 and 68 that are pivotally connected together. The chair assembly portions 66 and 68 are pivotally connected to the elongated portions 67 of the respective support members 50 and 41. Accordingly, the chair 64 is operably connected to the upright frame members 42 and 44.

  As best seen in FIG. 2, the walker device 40 includes a folding mechanism 70. In this example, the folding mechanism is formed by two inner frame members 75 and 77 that are integrally connected by a hinge via a hinge 83 and are pivotally connected to the respective bars 57 and extend from the bars 57. An inner frame assembly 73 is provided. The folding mechanism 70 in this example includes a pair of intersecting link members 79 and 81 that pivotally connect to and extend from the respective portions 66 and 68 of the chair assembly 62. Link members 79 and 81 are also pivotally connected to inner frame members 75 and 77 of inner frame assembly 73, respectively. Accordingly, the folding mechanism 70 is operatively coupled to the upright frame members 42 and 44 of the walker device 40 and is positioned between the upright frame members 42 and 44.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the folding mechanism is configured so that the walker device can be selectively folded in the lateral direction by bringing the frame members 42 and 44 and the support members 41 and 50 together. Therefore, the folding mechanism can enable the walker device 40 to be folded in the lateral direction around the folding shaft 71 shown in FIG. The folding axis of the walker device may be referred to as a folding axis of the backrest. The folding mechanism 70 for a walker device, including various parts and functions, is well known to those skilled in the art, so the folding mechanism 70 will not be described in further detail.

  Referring back to FIG. 1, the walker device 40 includes a pair of handle brake assemblies 72 and 74 that connect to and extend from the upper ends 48 of the frame members 42 and 44, respectively. Each of the handle brake assemblies 72 and 74 includes a handle 76 that actuates selectively braking at least one of the wheels 58. Each handle 76 is generally in the form of an elongated ring and encloses an opening 78 that can be extended through a portion of the user's hand.

  In this regard, the walker apparatus is described in further detail in, for example, Liu US Pat. No. 8,083,239. Examples of the telescoping tube itself, the wheel assembly itself, the folding mechanism itself, and the brake assembly itself for pedestrians, including various parts and functions, are known to those skilled in the art and are therefore more detailed. Not explained.

  As shown in FIG. 1, each of the handle brake assemblies has a housing to which each handle 76 is pivotally connected, as shown by the housing 82 for the assembly 72. . Each housing has a proximal end 84 operably connected to the upper end 48 of its respective frame member 42 and a distal end 86 spaced from the proximal end.

  The walker device 40 includes a backrest 102 that extends from the frame members 42 and 44 and is cantilevered from the frame members 42 and 44 in this example. The backrest is flexible in this example and is arcuate when the walker device is in the deployed mode seen in FIG. According to one aspect, the backrest 102 comprises a pair of spaced apart arcuate elongated upper and lower portions of an upper bridging member 104 and a lower bridging member 106 in this example. The bridging members are connected together at the common end of each of the proximal ends 108 and 110 of the backrest 102 in this example. The bridging members 104 and 106 extend generally horizontally along the front 61 and the sides 43 and 45 of the walker device 40 in this example.

  The backrest 102 has an upper portion 112 in the upper bridging member 104 and a lower portion 114 in the lower bridging member 106. The upper part and the lower part of the backrest 102 are substantially arcuate in this example. The backrest 102 includes a concave interior 116 and a convex exterior 118. The interior and exterior of the backrest extend from the upper portion 112 of the backrest to the lower portion 114. The backrest 102 includes a pair of openings adjacent to the proximal ends 108 and 110 of the backrest, respectively. This is seen in FIG. 1 by the opening 128 adjacent to the proximal end 108 of the backrest. The ends 108 and 110 of the backrest 102 are coupled to the distal end 86 of the housing 82 of the handle brake assembly 72 via a connector, which in this example extends through the opening 128, which in this example is a screw 130. Yes.

  The upper bridging member 104 extends from the upper ends 48 of the frame members 42 and 44 in an upwardly curved manner and in this case extends from the respective frame member in an upwardly convex manner. In this example, the lower cross-linking member 106 extends in a downwardly curved manner, and in this case, extends downward in a convex manner. Accordingly, the bridging members 104 and 106 extend from the frame members 42 and 44 in a direction that branches outward relative to each other.

  The backrest 102 has a central region 134 positioned between the frame members 42 and 44 of the walker device 40. The central region of the backrest is located between the backrest edges 108 and 110. The bridging members 104 and 106 are further separated as they extend further outwardly from the proximal ends 108 and 110 of the backrest 102 toward the central region 134 of the backrest. Therefore, the bridging members 104 branch from each other from the back end 108 and 110 toward the central region of the back. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the bridging members 104 are further spaced from each other in a region 135 that is in line with the folding shaft 71 of the walker device 40. The folding axis of the walker device may be referred to as a folding axis of the backrest.

  Referring to FIG. 4, the backrest 102 is a vertical strip in this example, as shown by adjacent strips 224, 225, and 226, with a plurality of spaced apart elongated members extending vertically. I have. The strips are connected to the bridging members 104 and 106 and extend between the bridging members 104 and 106, each strip being connected to the upper bridging member and the lower bridging member. And has a lower end. This is seen in FIG. 4 by the upper end 229 of the strip 224 coupled to the upper bridging member 104 and the lower end 231 of the strip 224 coupled to the lower bridging member 106. Strips 224, 225, and 226 are rectangular prisms in this example. The longest vertical strip is adjacent to the central region 134 of the backrest 102 in this example. The vertical strip is the shortest adjacent to the back ends 108 and 110 in this example, as seen by the strip 227 adjacent to the back end 108 shorter than the strips 224, 225, and 226.

  The backrest 102 includes a plurality of elongate members that are spaced apart in the vertical direction and are staggered and extend in the horizontal direction. In this example, the vertical strips are paired with adjacent rows. They are lined up within each other and are offset from each other in the vertical direction. This is illustrated in FIG. 5 by the first row of horizontal strips 253, 255, and 257, the second row of horizontal strips 259 and 261, the horizontal strips 263, 265, and Seen by the third row of 267. Horizontal strips are coupled to vertical strips 225 and 226 and are adjacent as seen by horizontal strips 259 and 261 extending between vertical strips 225 and 226. Connected to the vertical strip and extending between adjacent vertical strips. Each horizontal strip is coupled to a first end coupled to the first vertical strip and to a second vertical strip adjacent to the first vertical strip. And a second end. This is illustrated in FIG. 5 by the first end 269 of the horizontal strip 261 coupled to the vertical strip 225 and the second end of the horizontal strip 261 coupled to the vertical strip 226. And can be seen by the ends 271 of

  The backrest 102 extends through it, and is arranged in a plurality of vertically extending and spaced apart rows, and has a plurality of vertically elongated and staggered openings, each row having one Consecutive openings are provided. This is illustrated in FIG. 5 by adjacent rows 228 and 230, where row 228 has openings 232, 234, 236, and 238, and row 230 has openings 240, 242, and 244. ing.

  As can be seen in FIG. 4, the opening is, for the most part, oval in this example and is positioned between bridging members 104 and 106. Referring to FIG. 5, the vertically elongated openings are adjacent to the vertical strips as seen by the rows 228 of openings 232, 234, 236, and 238 adjacent to the vertical strips 224 and 225. Between the pieces. The horizontal strips can be seen as seen by the opening 234 placed between the horizontal strips 253 and 255 and the opening 236 placed between the horizontal strips 255 and 257, respectively. Placed between the openings.

  The openings in row 228 each have a center point 246 that is axially offset from the respective center point 248 of the adjacent openings in row 230 in this example. Even-numbered rows of openings are aligned with each other, and odd-numbered rows of openings are aligned with each other. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the openings are further aligned in this example with diagonally extending rows 250 and 252.

  Referring back to FIG. 5, the center point 246 of each opening 234 is in this example vertically aligned with the center point of each opening of the first set of openings in row 228, and the second set of openings. That is, it is diagonally aligned with the center point of each opening of the diagonal row 250 seen in FIG. 4, and is diagonally aligned with the center point of each opening of the third set of apertures, that is, the diagonal row 252. Become. Referring to FIG. 5, every other opening is also aligned in a row extending in the horizontal direction, as seen by the openings 254, 236, and 256 in the row 258 extending in the horizontal direction.

  Referring to FIG. 6, the opening 234 in the backrest 102 allows the user 65 to see over the backrest as the user grasps the upright frame members 42 and 44. This is seen by a line of sight 137 extending from the user's eye 139 through the opening in the backrest to the area 141 of the ground 143 under the backrest in front of the walker device 40.

  It will be understood that many variations are possible within the scope of the invention described herein. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many of the details provided above are by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as determined at least with reference to the following claims. Will be further understood.

  A walker device is provided. In particular, a walker device and a backrest for a walker device are provided.

  Patent document 1 is disclosing the walker apparatus which can be folded laterally. The walker apparatus includes a pair of upright frame members spaced apart. The walker device includes a chair that is operably coupled to the upright frame member. The walker apparatus has a backrest that is cantilevered from the frame member. The backrest includes a pair of spaced upper and lower bridging members. The bridging members are integrally connected at the common side end. The bridging members are branched outward with respect to each other. An opening extends through the backrest between the bridging members to allow the user visibility over the backrest when the user grasps the upright frame member.

U.S. Patent No. 9,339,432

  When the user grasps the upright frame member, the user's field of view may be impaired depending on the backrest.

  According to one aspect, a backrest for a walker device is provided. The backrest is arcuate and has a plurality of penetrating openings extending in the vertical direction. The openings are arranged in a plurality of rows extending in the vertical direction and spaced apart from each other, and have a staggered shape.

  According to another aspect, a backrest for a walker device is provided. 2. The backrest according to claim 1, wherein each said row has a series of said openings, said openings further in a row extending diagonally.

  According to another aspect, a backrest for a walker device is provided. The backrest according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a plurality of strips extending in the vertical direction, and the opening extending in the vertical direction is between the adjacent strips.

  According to another aspect, a backrest for a walker device is provided. 4. The backrest according to claim 3, comprising a central region, wherein the strips are different in length and are the longest adjacent to the central region.

  According to another aspect, a backrest for a walker device is provided. 5. The backrest according to claim 4, having a pair of spaced apart ends, the central region is between the ends, and the strip is shortest adjacent to the ends.

  According to another aspect, a backrest for a walker device is provided. 2. The backrest according to claim 1 having a pair of spaced apart elongated ends having a pair of spaced apart ends and a central region between said ends, said backrest being joined together at said ends. An upper portion and a lower portion, and the upper portion and the lower portion of the backrest branch from each other toward the central region.

  According to another aspect, a backrest for a walker device is provided. 6. The backrest according to claim 3, wherein the strip is a rectangular prism, and the backrest further includes a pair of upper and lower bridging members, and the strip connects the bridging members to each other. , Extending between the bridging members.

  According to another aspect, a backrest for a walker device is provided. The backrest according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the even-numbered columns of the openings are aligned with each other, and the odd-numbered columns of the openings are aligned with each other.

  According to another aspect, a backrest for a walker device is provided. 2. The backrest according to claim 1, wherein each of the openings has a center point, and the center point of each of the openings is aligned with the center point of the first set of openings in a vertical direction, It is in a line obliquely with the center point of the second set and in a line obliquely with the center point of the third set of the openings.

  According to another aspect, a backrest for a walker device is provided. The backrest is arcuate and has a plurality of openings, a first row extending in the vertical direction of the openings comprising at least a pair of the openings, and a second row extending in the vertical direction of the openings comprising at least one of the openings. And a third row including at least a pair of the openings and a third row extending in the vertical direction of the openings. The second column is between the first column and the third column. The openings in the first row are in line with the respective openings in the third row. The second row of openings extends between the pair of openings in the first row and extends between the pair of openings in the third row.

  According to another aspect, a backrest for a walker device is provided. The backrest according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the opening has an oval outline.

  According to a further aspect, a backrest for a walker device is provided. The backrest includes an upper bridging member and a lower bridging member. The backrest includes a plurality of horizontally spaced vertical strips coupled to the bridging members and extending between the bridging members. The backrest is coupled to adjacent strips of vertical strips and extends between adjacent strips of vertical strips, horizontally spaced in a staggered horizontal fashion A plurality of strips are provided.

  According to another aspect, a backrest for a walker device is provided. 13. The backrest according to claim 12, wherein the horizontal strips are arranged in a vertical row paired with an adjacent row and are shifted from each other in the vertical direction.

  According to another aspect, a walker device is provided. A walker device comprising the backrest according to claim 1.

  According to another aspect, a walker device is provided. The backrest according to claim 14, further comprising a pair of spaced upright members spaced apart from each other, wherein the backrest is cantilevered by the upright members.

  The backrest opening allows the user to see over the backrest when the user grips the upright frame member.

  The invention will be more readily understood from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

It is a perspective view from the front left upper side of the walker apparatus shown by the deployment position which has a backrest. It is the fragmentary perspective view from the lower back of the walker apparatus of FIG. 1 which showed the folding mechanism of the walker apparatus. It is a perspective view from the front right upper side of the walker apparatus of FIG. 1 shown in the folded state. FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view from the rear of the walker device showing the back of the walker device of FIG. 1, partially showing the upright frame member and chair assembly of the walker device. FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial elevation view of the backrest showing a plurality of openings in the backrest of FIG. 4. The user is grasping the upper end of the upright frame member of the walker device, and looking from the front left side of the walker device of FIG. 1 through the backrest through the walker device. It is a perspective view.

  Referring to the drawings, and initially referring to FIG. 1, a mobility assistance device, in this example a walker device 40 according to a first aspect, is shown. The walker device includes a pair of spaced upright frame members 42 and 44 positioned respectively on side portions 43 and 45 of the walker device spaced adjacent to the rear portion 47 of the walker device. Each of the frame members includes a lower end, shown as a lower end 46 and an upper end 48 of the frame member 42, and an upper end spaced from the lower end.

  Each of the frame members 42 and 44 is telescopic in this example, and includes a plurality of openings 51 having a penetrating inner tube 49 and an outer tube 53 molded to receive the inner tube. The walker device 40 has an adjustment mechanism 59 for selectively adjusting the telescopic tube to be fixed integrally. In this example, the adjustment mechanism includes a thumbscrew 63. A thumbscrew can be inserted into a selected one of the openings 51 to adjust the height of the telescopic tubes 49 and 53 to be fixed. This allows the height of the walker device 40 to be adjusted to provide an optimal height for the user 65 shown in FIG.

  Referring back to FIG. 1, the walker device 40 includes a pair of support members 41 and 50 that are at least partially arcuate and in this example J-shaped. The support member includes a proximal end coupled to each frame member and a distal end spaced from the proximal end. This is illustrated by a support member 50 having a proximal end 52 coupled to the frame member 42 and a distal end 54 spaced from the proximal end. Each support member includes an elongated portion 67 that extends in a generally horizontal manner from the proximal end to the distal end. Each support member 50 includes an arcuate portion 69 that in this example extends from the distal end 54 of the support member 50 to the elongated portion of the support member 50. The proximal end 52 of the support member is coupled to the frame member in this example at a location adjacent to and spaced from the lower end 46 of the frame member. The walker device 40 in this example comprises a pair of bars 57 extending from the lower end 46 of each frame member 42 and connected to each support member 50 adjacent to the distal end 54 of the support member. ing.

  The walker device 40 includes a plurality of wheel assemblies rotatably coupled to the lower ends of the frame members 42 and 44 and the distal end 54 of the support member 50. This is illustrated by a wheel assembly 56 rotatably coupled to the end 46 of the frame member 42. Each of the wheel assemblies includes a wheel 58 that engages the ground. The walker device 40 includes a collapsible basket 60 in this example. As shown in FIG. 1, the basket is optionally connected to and extends between support members 41 and 50 adjacent to the support member distal end 54. The basket 60 is positioned adjacent to the front portion 61 of the walker device in this example. The walker device 40 further comprises a chair assembly 62 which in this example comprises a chair 64 having two substantially planar portions 66 and 68 that are pivotally connected together. The chair assembly portions 66 and 68 are pivotally connected to the elongated portions 67 of the respective support members 50 and 41. Accordingly, the chair 64 is operably connected to the upright frame members 42 and 44.

  As best seen in FIG. 2, the walker device 40 includes a folding mechanism 70. In this example, the folding mechanism is formed by two inner frame members 75 and 77 that are integrally connected by a hinge via a hinge 83 and are pivotally connected to the respective bars 57 and extend from the bars 57. An inner frame assembly 73 is provided. The folding mechanism 70 in this example includes a pair of intersecting link members 79 and 81 that pivotally connect to and extend from the respective portions 66 and 68 of the chair assembly 62. Link members 79 and 81 are also pivotally connected to inner frame members 75 and 77 of inner frame assembly 73, respectively. Accordingly, the folding mechanism 70 is operatively coupled to the upright frame members 42 and 44 of the walker device 40 and is positioned between the upright frame members 42 and 44.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the folding mechanism is configured so that the walker device can be selectively folded in the lateral direction by bringing the frame members 42 and 44 and the support members 41 and 50 together. Therefore, the folding mechanism can enable the walker device 40 to be folded in the lateral direction around the folding shaft 71 shown in FIG. The folding axis of the walker device may be referred to as a folding axis of the backrest. The folding mechanism 70 for a walker device, including various parts and functions, is well known to those skilled in the art, so the folding mechanism 70 will not be described in further detail.

  Referring back to FIG. 1, the walker device 40 includes a pair of handle brake assemblies 72 and 74 that connect to and extend from the upper ends 48 of the frame members 42 and 44, respectively. Each of the handle brake assemblies 72 and 74 includes a handle 76 that actuates selectively braking at least one of the wheels 58. Each handle 76 is generally in the form of an elongated ring and encloses an opening 78 that can be extended through a portion of the user's hand.

  In this regard, the walker device is described in more detail, for example, in US Pat. No. 8,083,239 to Liu. Examples of the telescoping tube itself, the wheel assembly itself, the folding mechanism itself, and the brake assembly itself for pedestrians, including various parts and functions, are known to those skilled in the art and are therefore more detailed. Not explained.

  As shown in FIG. 1, each of the handle brake assemblies has a housing to which each handle 76 is pivotally connected, as shown by the housing 82 for the assembly 72. . Each housing has a proximal end 84 operably connected to the upper end 48 of its respective frame member 42 and a distal end 86 spaced from the proximal end.

  The walker device 40 includes a backrest 102 that extends from the frame members 42 and 44 and is cantilevered from the frame members 42 and 44 in this example. The backrest is flexible in this example and is arcuate when the walker device is in the deployed mode seen in FIG. According to one aspect, the backrest 102 comprises a pair of spaced apart arcuate elongated upper and lower portions of an upper bridging member 104 and a lower bridging member 106 in this example. The bridging members are connected together at the common end of each of the proximal ends 108 and 110 of the backrest 102 in this example. The bridging members 104 and 106 extend generally horizontally along the front 61 and the sides 43 and 45 of the walker device 40 in this example.

  The backrest 102 has an upper portion 112 in the upper bridging member 104 and a lower portion 114 in the lower bridging member 106. The upper part and the lower part of the backrest 102 are substantially arcuate in this example. The backrest 102 includes a concave interior 116 and a convex exterior 118. The interior and exterior of the backrest extend from the upper portion 112 of the backrest to the lower portion 114. The backrest 102 includes a pair of openings adjacent to the proximal ends 108 and 110 of the backrest, respectively. This is seen in FIG. 1 by the opening 128 adjacent to the proximal end 108 of the backrest. The ends 108 and 110 of the backrest 102 are coupled to the distal end 86 of the housing 82 of the handle brake assembly 72 via a connector, which in this example extends through the opening 128, which in this example is a screw 130. Yes.

  The upper bridging member 104 extends from the upper ends 48 of the frame members 42 and 44 in an upwardly curved manner and in this case extends from the respective frame member in an upwardly convex manner. In this example, the lower cross-linking member 106 extends in a downwardly curved manner, and in this case, extends downward in a convex manner. Accordingly, the bridging members 104 and 106 extend from the frame members 42 and 44 in a direction that branches outward relative to each other.

  The backrest 102 has a central region 134 positioned between the frame members 42 and 44 of the walker device 40. The central region of the backrest is located between the backrest edges 108 and 110. The bridging members 104 and 106 are further separated as they extend further outwardly from the proximal ends 108 and 110 of the backrest 102 toward the central region 134 of the backrest. Therefore, the bridging members 104 branch from each other from the back end 108 and 110 toward the central region of the back. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the bridging members 104 are further spaced from each other in a region 135 that is in line with the folding shaft 71 of the walker device 40. The folding axis of the walker device may be referred to as a folding axis of the backrest.

  Referring to FIG. 4, the backrest 102 is a vertical strip in this example, as shown by adjacent strips 224, 225, and 226, with a plurality of spaced apart elongated members extending vertically. I have. The strips are connected to the bridging members 104 and 106 and extend between the bridging members 104 and 106, each strip being connected to the upper bridging member and the lower bridging member. And has a lower end. This is seen in FIG. 4 by the upper end 229 of the strip 224 coupled to the upper bridging member 104 and the lower end 231 of the strip 224 coupled to the lower bridging member 106. Strips 224, 225, and 226 are rectangular prisms in this example. The longest vertical strip is adjacent to the central region 134 of the backrest 102 in this example. The vertical strip is the shortest adjacent to the back ends 108 and 110 in this example, as seen by the strip 227 adjacent to the back end 108 shorter than the strips 224, 225, and 226.

  The backrest 102 includes a plurality of elongate members that are spaced apart in the vertical direction and are staggered and extend in the horizontal direction. In this example, the vertical strips are paired with adjacent rows. They are lined up within each other and are offset from each other in the vertical direction. This is illustrated in FIG. 5 by the first row of horizontal strips 253, 255, and 257, the second row of horizontal strips 259 and 261, the horizontal strips 263, 265, and Seen by the third row of 267. Horizontal strips are coupled to vertical strips 225 and 226 and are adjacent as seen by horizontal strips 259 and 261 extending between vertical strips 225 and 226. Connected to the vertical strip and extending between adjacent vertical strips. Each horizontal strip is coupled to a first end coupled to the first vertical strip and to a second vertical strip adjacent to the first vertical strip. And a second end. This is illustrated in FIG. 5 by the first end 269 of the horizontal strip 261 coupled to the vertical strip 225 and the second end of the horizontal strip 261 coupled to the vertical strip 226. And can be seen by the ends 271 of

  The backrest 102 extends through it, and is arranged in a plurality of vertically extending and spaced apart rows, and has a plurality of vertically elongated and staggered openings, each row having one Consecutive openings are provided. This is illustrated in FIG. 5 by adjacent rows 228 and 230, where row 228 has openings 232, 234, 236, and 238, and row 230 has openings 240, 242, and 244. ing.

  As can be seen in FIG. 4, the opening is, for the most part, oval in this example and is positioned between bridging members 104 and 106. Referring to FIG. 5, the vertically elongated openings are adjacent to the vertical strips as seen by the rows 228 of openings 232, 234, 236, and 238 adjacent to the vertical strips 224 and 225. Between the pieces. The horizontal strips can be seen as seen by the opening 234 placed between the horizontal strips 253 and 255 and the opening 236 placed between the horizontal strips 255 and 257, respectively. Placed between the openings.

  The openings in row 228 each have a center point 246 that is axially offset from the respective center point 248 of the adjacent openings in row 230 in this example. Even-numbered rows of openings are aligned with each other, and odd-numbered rows of openings are aligned with each other. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the openings are further aligned in this example with diagonally extending rows 250 and 252.

  Referring back to FIG. 5, the center point 246 of each opening 234 is in this example vertically aligned with the center point of each opening of the first set of openings in row 228, and the second set of openings. That is, it is diagonally aligned with the center point of each opening of the diagonal row 250 seen in FIG. 4, and is diagonally aligned with the center point of each opening of the third set of apertures, that is, the diagonal row 252. Become. Referring to FIG. 5, every other opening is also aligned in a row extending in the horizontal direction, as seen by the openings 254, 236, and 256 in the row 258 extending in the horizontal direction.

  Referring to FIG. 6, the opening 234 in the backrest 102 allows the user 65 to see over the backrest as the user grasps the upright frame members 42 and 44. This is seen by a line of sight 137 extending from the user's eye 139 through the opening in the backrest to the area 141 of the ground 143 under the backrest in front of the walker device 40.

It will be understood that many variations are possible within the scope of the invention described herein. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many of the details provided above are by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as determined at least with reference to the following claims. Will be further understood.

  A walker device is provided. In particular, a walker device and a backrest for a walker device are provided.

  Patent document 1 is disclosing the walker apparatus which can be folded laterally. The walker apparatus includes a pair of upright frame members spaced apart. The walker device includes a chair that is operably coupled to the upright frame member. The walker apparatus has a backrest that is cantilevered from the frame member. The backrest includes a pair of spaced upper and lower bridging members. The bridging members are integrally connected at the common side end. The bridging members are branched outward with respect to each other. An opening extends through the backrest between the bridging members to allow the user visibility over the backrest when the user grasps the upright frame member.

U.S. Patent No. 9,339,432

  When the user grasps the upright frame member, the user's field of view may be impaired depending on the backrest.

  According to one aspect, a backrest for a walker device is provided. The backrest is arcuate and has a plurality of penetrating openings extending in the vertical direction. The openings are arranged in a plurality of rows extending in the vertical direction and spaced apart from each other, and have a staggered shape.

  According to another aspect, a backrest for a walker device is provided. 2. The backrest according to claim 1, wherein each said row has a series of said openings, said openings further in a row extending diagonally.

  According to another aspect, a backrest for a walker device is provided. The backrest according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a plurality of strips extending in the vertical direction, and the opening extending in the vertical direction is between the adjacent strips.

  According to another aspect, a backrest for a walker device is provided. 4. The backrest according to claim 3, comprising a central region, wherein the strips are different in length and are the longest adjacent to the central region.

  According to another aspect, a backrest for a walker device is provided. 5. The backrest according to claim 4, having a pair of spaced apart ends, the central region is between the ends, and the strip is shortest adjacent to the ends.

  According to another aspect, a backrest for a walker device is provided. 2. The backrest according to claim 1 having a pair of spaced apart elongated ends having a pair of spaced apart ends and a central region between said ends, said backrest being joined together at said ends. An upper portion and a lower portion, and the upper portion and the lower portion of the backrest branch from each other toward the central region.

  According to another aspect, a backrest for a walker device is provided. 6. The backrest according to claim 3, wherein the strip is a rectangular prism, and the backrest further includes a pair of upper and lower bridging members, and the strip connects the bridging members to each other. , Extending between the bridging members.

  According to another aspect, a backrest for a walker device is provided. The backrest according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the even-numbered columns of the openings are aligned with each other, and the odd-numbered columns of the openings are aligned with each other.

  According to another aspect, a backrest for a walker device is provided. 2. The backrest according to claim 1, wherein each of the openings has a center point, and the center point of each of the openings is aligned with the center point of the first set of openings in a vertical direction, It is in a line obliquely with the center point of the second set and in a line obliquely with the center point of the third set of the openings.

  According to another aspect, a backrest for a walker device is provided. The backrest is arcuate and has a plurality of openings, a first row extending in the vertical direction of the openings comprising at least a pair of the openings, and a second row extending in the vertical direction of the openings comprising at least one of the openings. And a third row including at least a pair of the openings and a third row extending in the vertical direction of the openings. The second column is between the first column and the third column. The openings in the first row are in line with the respective openings in the third row. The second row of openings extends between the pair of openings in the first row and extends between the pair of openings in the third row.

  According to another aspect, a backrest for a walker device is provided. The backrest according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the opening has an oval outline.

  According to a further aspect, a backrest for a walker device is provided. The backrest includes an upper bridging member and a lower bridging member. The backrest includes a plurality of horizontally spaced vertical strips coupled to the bridging members and extending between the bridging members. The backrest is coupled to adjacent strips of vertical strips and extends between adjacent strips of vertical strips, horizontally spaced in a staggered horizontal fashion A plurality of strips are provided.

  According to another aspect, a backrest for a walker device is provided. 13. The backrest according to claim 12, wherein the horizontal strips are arranged in a vertical row paired with an adjacent row and are shifted from each other in the vertical direction.

  According to another aspect, a walker device is provided. A walker device comprising the backrest according to claim 1.

  According to another aspect, a walker device is provided. The backrest according to claim 14, further comprising a pair of spaced upright members spaced apart from each other, wherein the backrest is cantilevered by the upright members.

  The backrest opening allows the user to see over the backrest when the user grips the upright frame member.

  The invention will be more readily understood from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

It is a perspective view from the front left upper side of the walker apparatus shown by the deployment position which has a backrest. It is the fragmentary perspective view from the lower back of the walker apparatus of FIG. 1 which showed the folding mechanism of the walker apparatus. It is a perspective view from the front right upper side of the walker apparatus of FIG. 1 shown in the folded state. FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view from the rear of the walker device showing the back of the walker device of FIG. 1, partially showing the upright frame member and chair assembly of the walker device. FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial elevation view of the backrest showing a plurality of openings in the backrest of FIG. 4. The user is grasping the upper end of the upright frame member of the walker device, and looking from the front left side of the walker device of FIG. 1 through the backrest through the walker device. It is a perspective view.

  Referring to the drawings, and initially referring to FIG. 1, a mobility assistance device, in this example a walker device 40 according to a first aspect, is shown. The walker device includes a pair of spaced upright frame members 42 and 44 positioned respectively on side portions 43 and 45 of the walker device spaced adjacent to the rear portion 47 of the walker device. Each of the frame members includes a lower end, shown as a lower end 46 and an upper end 48 of the frame member 42, and an upper end spaced from the lower end.

  Each of the frame members 42 and 44 is telescopic in this example, and includes a plurality of openings 51 having a penetrating inner tube 49 and an outer tube 53 molded to receive the inner tube. The walker device 40 has an adjustment mechanism 59 for selectively adjusting the telescopic tube to be fixed integrally. In this example, the adjustment mechanism includes a thumbscrew 63. A thumbscrew can be inserted into a selected one of the openings 51 to adjust the height of the telescopic tubes 49 and 53 to be fixed. This allows the height of the walker device 40 to be adjusted to provide an optimal height for the user 65 shown in FIG.

  Referring back to FIG. 1, the walker device 40 includes a pair of support members 41 and 50 that are at least partially arcuate and in this example J-shaped. The support member includes a proximal end coupled to each frame member and a distal end spaced from the proximal end. This is illustrated by a support member 50 having a proximal end 52 coupled to the frame member 42 and a distal end 54 spaced from the proximal end. Each support member includes an elongated portion 67 that extends in a generally horizontal manner from the proximal end to the distal end. Each support member 50 includes an arcuate portion 69 that in this example extends from the distal end 54 of the support member 50 to the elongated portion of the support member 50. The proximal end 52 of the support member is coupled to the frame member in this example at a location adjacent to and spaced from the lower end 46 of the frame member. The walker device 40 in this example comprises a pair of bars 57 extending from the lower end 46 of each frame member 42 and connected to each support member 50 adjacent to the distal end 54 of the support member. ing.

  The walker device 40 includes a plurality of wheel assemblies rotatably coupled to the lower ends of the frame members 42 and 44 and the distal end 54 of the support member 50. This is illustrated by a wheel assembly 56 rotatably coupled to the end 46 of the frame member 42. Each of the wheel assemblies includes a wheel 58 that engages the ground. The walker device 40 includes a collapsible basket 60 in this example. As shown in FIG. 1, the basket is optionally connected to and extends between support members 41 and 50 adjacent to the support member distal end 54. The basket 60 is positioned adjacent to the front portion 61 of the walker device in this example. The walker device 40 further comprises a chair assembly 62 which in this example comprises a chair 64 having two substantially planar portions 66 and 68 that are pivotally connected together. The chair assembly portions 66 and 68 are pivotally connected to the elongated portions 67 of the respective support members 50 and 41. Accordingly, the chair 64 is operably connected to the upright frame members 42 and 44.

  As best seen in FIG. 2, the walker device 40 includes a folding mechanism 70. In this example, the folding mechanism is formed by two inner frame members 75 and 77 that are integrally connected by a hinge via a hinge 83 and are pivotally connected to the respective bars 57 and extend from the bars 57. An inner frame assembly 73 is provided. The folding mechanism 70 in this example includes a pair of intersecting link members 79 and 81 that pivotally connect to and extend from the respective portions 66 and 68 of the chair assembly 62. Link members 79 and 81 are also pivotally connected to inner frame members 75 and 77 of inner frame assembly 73, respectively. Accordingly, the folding mechanism 70 is operatively coupled to the upright frame members 42 and 44 of the walker device 40 and is positioned between the upright frame members 42 and 44.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the folding mechanism is configured so that the walker device can be selectively folded in the lateral direction by bringing the frame members 42 and 44 and the support members 41 and 50 together. Therefore, the folding mechanism can enable the walker device 40 to be folded in the lateral direction around the folding shaft 71 shown in FIG. The folding axis of the walker device may be referred to as a folding axis of the backrest. The folding mechanism 70 for a walker device, including various parts and functions, is well known to those skilled in the art, so the folding mechanism 70 will not be described in further detail.

  Referring back to FIG. 1, the walker device 40 includes a pair of handle brake assemblies 72 and 74 that connect to and extend from the upper ends 48 of the frame members 42 and 44, respectively. Each of the handle brake assemblies 72 and 74 includes a handle 76 that actuates selectively braking at least one of the wheels 58. Each handle 76 is generally in the form of an elongated ring and encloses an opening 78 that can be extended through a portion of the user's hand.

  In this regard, the walker device is described in more detail, for example, in US Pat. No. 8,083,239 to Liu. Examples of the telescoping tube itself, the wheel assembly itself, the folding mechanism itself, and the brake assembly itself for pedestrians, including various parts and functions, are known to those skilled in the art and are therefore more detailed. Not explained.

  As shown in FIG. 1, each of the handle brake assemblies has a housing to which each handle 76 is pivotally connected, as shown by the housing 82 for the assembly 72. . Each housing has a proximal end 84 operably connected to the upper end 48 of its respective frame member 42 and a distal end 86 spaced from the proximal end.

  The walker device 40 includes a backrest 102 that extends from the frame members 42 and 44 and is cantilevered from the frame members 42 and 44 in this example. The backrest is flexible in this example and is arcuate when the walker device is in the deployed mode seen in FIG. According to one aspect, the backrest 102 comprises a pair of spaced apart arcuate elongated upper and lower portions of an upper bridging member 104 and a lower bridging member 106 in this example. The bridging members are connected together at the common end of each of the proximal ends 108 and 110 of the backrest 102 in this example. The bridging members 104 and 106 extend generally horizontally along the front 61 and the sides 43 and 45 of the walker device 40 in this example.

  The backrest 102 has an upper portion 112 in the upper bridging member 104 and a lower portion 114 in the lower bridging member 106. The upper part and the lower part of the backrest 102 are substantially arcuate in this example. The backrest 102 includes a concave interior 116 and a convex exterior 118. The interior and exterior of the backrest extend from the upper portion 112 of the backrest to the lower portion 114. The backrest 102 includes a pair of openings adjacent to the proximal ends 108 and 110 of the backrest, respectively. This is seen in FIG. 1 by the opening 128 adjacent to the proximal end 108 of the backrest. The ends 108 and 110 of the backrest 102 are coupled to the distal end 86 of the housing 82 of the handle brake assembly 72 via a connector, which in this example extends through the opening 128, which in this example is a screw 130. Yes.

  The upper bridging member 104 extends from the upper ends 48 of the frame members 42 and 44 in an upwardly curved manner and in this case extends from the respective frame member in an upwardly convex manner. In this example, the lower cross-linking member 106 extends in a downwardly curved manner, and in this case, extends downward in a convex manner. Accordingly, the bridging members 104 and 106 extend from the frame members 42 and 44 in a direction that branches outward relative to each other.

  The backrest 102 has a central region 134 positioned between the frame members 42 and 44 of the walker device 40. The central region of the backrest is located between the backrest edges 108 and 110. The bridging members 104 and 106 are further separated as they extend further outwardly from the proximal ends 108 and 110 of the backrest 102 toward the central region 134 of the backrest. Therefore, the bridging members 104 branch from each other from the back end 108 and 110 toward the central region of the back. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the bridging members 104 are further spaced from each other in a region 135 that is in line with the folding shaft 71 of the walker device 40. The folding axis of the walker device may be referred to as a folding axis of the backrest.

  Referring to FIG. 4, the backrest 102 is a vertical strip in this example, as shown by adjacent strips 224, 225, and 226, with a plurality of spaced apart elongated members extending vertically. I have. The strips are connected to the bridging members 104 and 106 and extend between the bridging members 104 and 106, each strip being connected to the upper bridging member and the lower bridging member. And has a lower end. This is seen in FIG. 4 by the upper end 229 of the strip 224 coupled to the upper bridging member 104 and the lower end 231 of the strip 224 coupled to the lower bridging member 106. Strips 224, 225, and 226 are rectangular prisms in this example. The longest vertical strip is adjacent to the central region 134 of the backrest 102 in this example. The vertical strip is the shortest adjacent to the back ends 108 and 110 in this example, as seen by the strip 227 adjacent to the back end 108 shorter than the strips 224, 225, and 226.

  The backrest 102 includes a plurality of elongate members that are spaced apart in the vertical direction and are staggered and extend in the horizontal direction. In this example, the vertical strips are paired with adjacent rows. They are lined up within each other and are offset from each other in the vertical direction. This is illustrated in FIG. 5 by the first row of horizontal strips 253, 255, and 257, the second row of horizontal strips 259 and 261, the horizontal strips 263, 265, and Seen by the third row of 267. Horizontal strips are coupled to vertical strips 225 and 226 and are adjacent as seen by horizontal strips 259 and 261 extending between vertical strips 225 and 226. Connected to the vertical strip and extending between adjacent vertical strips. Each horizontal strip is coupled to a first end coupled to the first vertical strip and to a second vertical strip adjacent to the first vertical strip. And a second end. This is illustrated in FIG. 5 by the first end 269 of the horizontal strip 261 coupled to the vertical strip 225 and the second end of the horizontal strip 261 coupled to the vertical strip 226. And can be seen by the ends 271 of

  The backrest 102 extends through it, and is arranged in a plurality of vertically extending and spaced apart rows, and has a plurality of vertically elongated and staggered openings, each row having one Consecutive openings are provided. This is illustrated in FIG. 5 by adjacent rows 228 and 230, where row 228 has openings 232, 234, 236, and 238, and row 230 has openings 240, 242, and 244. ing.

  As can be seen in FIG. 4, the opening is, for the most part, oval in this example and is positioned between bridging members 104 and 106. Referring to FIG. 5, the vertically elongated openings are adjacent to the vertical strips as seen by the rows 228 of openings 232, 234, 236, and 238 adjacent to the vertical strips 224 and 225. Between the pieces. The horizontal strips can be seen as seen by the opening 234 placed between the horizontal strips 253 and 255 and the opening 236 placed between the horizontal strips 255 and 257, respectively. Placed between the openings.

  The openings in row 228 each have a center point 246 that is axially offset from the respective center point 248 of the adjacent openings in row 230 in this example. Even-numbered rows of openings are aligned with each other, and odd-numbered rows of openings are aligned with each other. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the openings are further aligned in this example with diagonally extending rows 250 and 252.

  Referring back to FIG. 5, the center point 246 of each opening 234 is in this example vertically aligned with the center point of each opening of the first set of openings in row 228, and the second set of openings. That is, it is diagonally aligned with the center point of each opening of the diagonal row 250 seen in FIG. 4, and is diagonally aligned with the center point of each opening of the third set of apertures, that is, the diagonal row 252. Become. Referring to FIG. 5, every other opening is also aligned in a row extending in the horizontal direction, as seen by the openings 254, 236, and 256 in the row 258 extending in the horizontal direction.

  Referring to FIG. 6, the opening 234 in the backrest 102 allows the user 65 to see over the backrest as the user grasps the upright frame members 42 and 44. This is seen by a line of sight 137 extending from the user's eye 139 through the opening in the backrest to the area 141 of the ground 143 under the backrest in front of the walker device 40.

It will be understood that many variations are possible within the scope of the invention described herein. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many of the details provided above are by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as determined at least with reference to the following claims. Will be further understood.

Claims (15)

  A backrest for a walker device, the backrest being arcuate and having a plurality of through-openings extending in a vertical direction, wherein the openings are arranged in spaced apart rows extending in a plurality of vertical directions It is made into a shape.   The backrest according to claim 1, wherein each said row has a series of said openings, said openings being further in a row extending diagonally.   The backrest according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a plurality of strips extending in the vertical direction, wherein the opening extending in the vertical direction is between the adjacent strips.   4. The backrest according to claim 3, wherein the backrest has a central region, and the strips are different in length and are longest adjacent to the central region.   The backrest according to claim 4, wherein the backrest has a pair of spaced apart ends, the central region is between the ends, and the strip is shortest adjacent to the ends.   The backrest has a pair of spaced apart ends and a central region between the ends, the backrest having a pair of spaced apart elongated upper and lower portions joined together at the ends. 2. The backrest according to claim 1, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion of the backrest branch from each other toward the central region from the end.   The strip is a rectangular prism, and the backrest further includes a pair of upper and lower bridging members, and the strip connects the bridging members and extends between the bridging members. The backrest as described in any one of 5 to 5.   The backrest according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the even-numbered rows of the openings are aligned with each other, and the odd-numbered rows of the openings are aligned with each other.   Each of the openings has a center point, and the center point of each of the openings is aligned with the center point of the first set of openings in the vertical direction and oblique to the center point of the second set of openings. 2. The backrest according to claim 1, wherein the backrest is in a line, and in a line obliquely with a center point of the third set of the openings.   A backrest for a walker device that is arcuate and has a plurality of apertures, the first row extending in the vertical direction of the apertures comprising at least a pair of the apertures, and the at least one aperture. A plurality of openings including a second row extending in the vertical direction of the openings and a third row extending in the vertical direction of the openings including at least a pair of the openings, wherein the second row is the first row; The opening in the first row is in line with the opening in the third row, and the opening in the second row is in the first row. A backrest extending between the pair of openings in the third row and extending between the pair of openings in the third row.   The backrest according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the opening has an oval outline. A backrest for a walker device,
An upper bridging member and a lower bridging member;
A plurality of strips in a vertical direction that are coupled to the bridging member and extend between the bridging members and spaced apart in the horizontal direction;
A backrest comprising: a plurality of horizontal strips that are coupled to adjacent vertical strips and extend between adjacent vertical strips that are spaced apart in a vertical direction and are staggered.   The backrest according to claim 12, wherein the horizontal strips are arranged in a vertical row paired with an adjacent row, and are offset from each other in the vertical direction.   A walker apparatus comprising the backrest according to any one of claims 1 to 13.   The walker apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a pair of spaced upright members, wherein the backrest is cantilevered by the upright members.

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