JP2023514214A - elevating walker chair and parts - Google Patents

Abstract

A folding elevating walker chair with a height adjustment mechanism and a height limiter is disclosed. The elevating walker chair has a unique elevating mechanism that allows the chair to be easily raised and lowered without a motor. The weight of the elevating walker chair can be optimized by using innovative struts. The folding mechanism allows the elevating walker chair to achieve a compact configuration. Innovative components such as swivel seats, hinges, seat belts, telescoping wheel attachments, height adjusters and safety mechanisms can be included in the elevating walker chair.

Description

Conventional devices that assist individuals with mobility difficulties fall into two broad categories: walkers, wheelchairs, and there are also some intermediate combinations that help users get up and move.

While traditional walkers provide support and stability, they use the hands and arms, preventing them from carrying or manipulating objects while moving. Also, some four-wheel walkers come with seats, but they cannot be used unless the user stops and turns.

Walkers are slow, isolated, and inherently dangerous when set aside for sitting.

Most non-powered and powered wheelchair users remain sedentary at the expense of muscle, circulatory and heart health.

Climbing wheelchairs use large motors to raise the belted user to a standing position, some of which are in an upright position, but without enhancing ambulation or exerting some muscle strain. A user can be powered to move around without the need for a .

Another intermediate category of assistive devices includes "stand-up" walkers that lift and lower the user somewhat and encourage the user to walk.

Unfortunately, existing stand-up walkers suffer from user interaction with the public, either by having large structures to front and rear entrances, or by having clumsy and uncomfortable folding seats, procedures and restraints. is suppressed. Also, users still have to lift a significant percentage of their weight with their legs and arms to rise from a sitting position to a standing position.

WO2018/089303

What is desired is the ability of individuals with ambulatory limitations to sit and stand at will, at any desired height, using at least a fraction of their own energy and original motor capacity. walking in a relatively natural gait, and being able to interact safely and easily with their surroundings: the means by which they cook, clean, wash, dress, and carry themselves.

A folding elevating walker chair is disclosed that has a height adjustment mechanism and may include a height limiting device. Elevating walker chairs have an elevating mechanism that allows the user of the chair to be easily elevated and lowered without a motor.

The weight of the elevating walker chair can be optimized by using innovative struts.

Telescoping wheel mounts allow for a wider range of height adjustment.

A folding mechanism may be provided that allows the elevating walker chair to achieve a compact configuration. When folded it can also be used as a walking aid.

Innovative components such as swivel seats, hinges, seat belts, height adjustment mechanisms and safety mechanisms can be included in the elevating walker chair.

All drawings are of exemplary embodiments of the elevating walker chair and its components. Various components may be shown that may be incorporated in various aspects.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a lift walker chair in a seated mode.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the elevating walker chair in a standing or walking mode with the handlebars folded back.

Figure 3 shows a side view of the elevating walker chair in "barstool" mode.

FIG. 4 is an isometric perspective view of the elevating walker chair in a seated mode.

FIG. 5 shows an isometric perspective view of the elevating walker chair in standing or walking mode.

FIG. 6 shows an isometric perspective view of the elevating walker chair in the "barstool" mode with the handlebars folded backwards.

FIG. 7 shows a side view of the elevating walker chair with maximum height limiter and height adjustment mechanism, and an enlarged view thereof.

FIG. 8 depicts a spring arrangement that facilitates adjustment of lifting strength by leaving the spring pins engaged when the lift walker chair is fully raised.

FIG. 9 shows a front view of a liftable walker chair with maximum height limiter and height adjustment mechanism, and a further cross-sectional enlarged view thereof. Here, the height adjustment pin is engaged with a height adjustment strut.

FIG. 10 is a front view of an elevating walker chair with a maximum height limiter and height adjustment mechanism, and an enlarged sectional view thereof, with the height limit pin disengaged from the height adjustment strut; there is

FIG. 11 shows an elliptical tubular height adjustment strut and a cross-sectional view.

12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the oval tubular height adjustment strut of FIG. 11; FIG.

Figure 13 shows a front view of the lift walker chair and a detailed view of the components of the lift mechanism.

FIG. 14 shows a front view of the lift walker chair and a cross-sectional view of the components of the lift mechanism.

FIG. 15 shows a front and side view of a lift walker chair with handlebars in extended mode, and a detailed cross-sectional view of the handlebar pivot.

FIG. 16 shows front and side views of a lift walker chair with handlebars folded back, and a close-up cross-sectional view of the handlebar pivot.

FIG. 17A shows a cross-sectional view of the handlebar pivot in extended mode. FIG. 17B shows a cross-sectional view of the handlebar pivot in folded mode.

Figure 18 is a bottom view of the elevating walker chair.

Figure 19 shows an exploded view of a swivel seat for a lift walker chair.

FIG. 20 shows a top view of the rotating seat.

FIG. 21 is an exploded view showing details of the underside of the rotating seat.

FIG. 22 is a view from below the rotating seat and a cutaway cross-sectional view.

FIG. 23 shows an isometric view of the lift walker chair with the seat release lever portion enlarged.

Figure 24 shows bottom and front views of the lift walker chair and a cross-sectional view of the seat release lever portion in the locked position.

Figure 25 shows bottom and front views of the lift walker chair and a cross-sectional view of the seat release lever portion in the unlocked position.

FIG. 26 shows a front view of the partially folded lift walker chair.

FIG. 27 depicts a side view of the folded lift walker chair.

28 depicts a side view of the folded lift walker chair from the opposite side of the view of FIG. 27. FIG.

FIG. 29 is a front view of the folded lift walker chair.

FIG. 30 is a rear view of the folded lift walker chair.

FIG. 31 depicts a front view of a lift walker chair showing the cross-arms of the braces and folding mechanism.

Figure 32 is an isometric view of a lift walker chair showing caster steering treads.

Figure 33 is a top view of the lift walker chair showing the caster steering treads in an angled position;

Figure 34 is a top view of the elevated walker chair showing the caster steering treads in the forward position;

FIG. 35A shows the casters in a vertically extended, non-extended configuration. Figure 35B shows the casters in a vertically extended configuration.

Figure 36 shows a front view of an elevating walker chair with two backrests.

Figure 37 shows a cutaway view of the seat height lock safety mechanism.

FIG. 38 shows additional components of the seat height lock safety mechanism.

FIG. 39 depicts a top view of a seat belt for use with a lift walker chair.

FIG. 40 depicts a perspective view of a seat belt for use with a lift walker chair.

Figure 41A shows the cam buckle in the open position. Figure 41B shows the cam buckle in the closed position. FIG. 41C shows a cam buckle with webbing threaded through it.

The drawings contain some parts that are duplicated in the illustrated device, such as left and right components. Such parts can be individually identified by a letter following the part number. For the sake of brevity, part numbers may be used without letters, but may be intended to apply where multiple parts are used.

Where a reference number is followed by a letter, "a" refers to the chair user's right side and "b" refers to the chair user's left side. When a reference number is followed by the letter a, b, c or d, "a" and "b" refer to the front of the device, "c" and "d" refer to the rear of the device, and "c" refers to , refers to the chair user's right side, and 'd' refers to the chair user's left side. In some cases, letters may be omitted, particularly when only one of a plurality of components is shown. Note that the components may be mirror images of each other on opposite right and left sides.

1-6 illustrate an exemplary lift walker chair 100 incorporating a lift mechanism 102. FIG. 1-3 show a side view of the elevating walker chair 100 and FIGS. 4-6 show an isometric view. The elevating walker chair 100 has a sitting mode in which the seat 104 is in the lowered position as shown in FIGS. The elevating walker chair 100 is also in a standing mode, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, in which the seat 104 is raised to allow the user to walk while being supported by the elevating walker chair. Or have a walking mode. In standing or walking modes, the handlebars 140a, 104b can be extended to allow the user to control the walker chair 100, for example, by actuating the brakes via the brake handles 142a, 142b. The elevating walker chair 100 may have one or more brake handles 142 .

Figures 3 and 6 show the elevating walker chair 100 in the barstool mode. This mode is an upright position in which the bars 140a, 140b are folded back to allow the user to position the elevating walker chair 100 near a table, bar, counter, or the like. Different seat heights can also be selected between the height of the seat 104 in the seated mode and the walking mode. The handlebars 140a, 140b can be folded rearward in the seated mode or in any raised seat position of the walker chair 100. This allows the user to position the walker chair closer to a table or desk or other implement.

Although the seat 104 is depicted as a saddle, which may be advantageous for an elevating walker chair, the seat 104 may have other configurations suitable for use with the elevating walker chair 100. Note the clearance at the front of the walker chair 100, for example as seen in FIG. This allows the user to interact with their surroundings in a normal walking gait with little or no interference from their legs.

1-3 show a lift mechanism 102 with a spring 106 visible on one side. However, a lift mechanism 102 with springs 106 can also be incorporated on the opposite side of the lift walker chair 100 . Also, the lifting mechanism 102 may be arranged under the center of the seat 104 . The lift chair 100 may incorporate other lift mechanism configurations, either as a single unit or as multiple units.

As seen in FIG. 3, for example, the lift mechanism 102 comprises a parallelogram structure 108 comprising parallelogram pivots 110 , 112 , 114 , 116 . The imaginary straight lines connecting the parallelogram pivots 110, 112, 114, 116 form a parallelogram. Thus, the term "parallelogram" is used, for example, in the phrase "parallelogram structure", even though the actual structural links are not straight. A portion of the end block 126 forms a parallelogram link between the parallelogram pivots 114,116. A portion of frame 118 forms a parallelogram link between pivots 110,112. Parallelogram link 128 corresponds to the imaginary line between parallelogram pivots 112 , 114 . The parallelogram link 130 corresponds to the imaginary line between the parallelogram pivots 110,116.

Various components are attached to frame 118 either directly, indirectly, or integrally therewith. As shown in FIG. 4, the frame 118 may include lower frame parts 120a, 120b to which wheels 122a-122d are attached. Frame 118 may include rear components 124a, 124b that extend upwardly from lower frame components 120a, 120b and may be attached thereto or integral therewith.

Armrests 132 a , 132 b are attached to frame 118 . Optional footrests 134a, 134b are attached to frame 118 at footrest pivots 136a, 136b. The footrests 134a, 134b may be stationary relative to the frame 118 or may rotate freely with the wheels 122a, 122b, thus maneuvering the lift walker chair 100, as further described below. used for

The steering mechanism may include one or both footrests 134a, 134b, one or both wheels 122a, 122b, or both footrest pivots 136a, 136b. The footrests 134a, 134b can be attached directly or indirectly to the wheels 122a, 122b such that rotation of the footrests 134a, 134b rotates the wheels 122a, 122b. A user can place their feet on the footrests 134a, 134b and move one or both feet to change the direction of the footrests 134a, 134b and thus change the direction of the wheels 122a, 122b. The footrests 134a, 134b may have, for example, two or more standard positions that are folded and pivoted inward to accommodate the user's feet while seated. The footrest rotation mechanism for limiting the rotation of the footrests 134a, 134b at the pivots 136a, 136 can employ, for example, limited rotation stops at two or more positions. Other footrest rotation mechanisms may be included to provide additional selection of positions. See also FIGS. 32-34 and related discussion below.

One or more of the wheels 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d may be conventional or dual-state as described in Cited Document 1 (PCT/US2017/060163) filed Nov. 7, 2017). state) casters to allow it to be incorporated into the walker chair 100 and incorporated herein by reference.

Figures 7 and Detail L of Figure 7 show an elevating walker chair 100 having a maximum height limiter 138 that can be set, for example, to the user's standing or walking mode height. FIG. 7 also shows a height adjustment mechanism 144 for selecting various heights below the maximum height. Also shown is an enlargement of the maximum height limiter 138 and a portion L of the height adjustment mechanism 144 . The seat height release lever arms 186a, 186b, when depressed by the weight of the user on the seat 104, place the elevating walker chair 100 in a desired mode, such as a seated mode, a standing/walking mode, or a barstool mode. allow you to adjust.

In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, the maximum height limiter 138 includes a post and height adjustment post 146 having a series of holes 148 in its wall 154 (see also FIGS. 11 and 12). Height adjustment bar 146 functions as part of maximum height limiter 138 and height adjustment mechanism 144, which are described in more detail below.

9-10 show cross sections through maximum height limiter 138 and height adjustment mechanism 144. FIG. FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional detail through line TT, both of which include maximum height limit pin 150 and height adjustment pin 152 engaged in holes 148, 160 in height adjustment post 146. is drawing 10 shows the engagement hole 160 of the maximum height limiting pin 150 within the height adjustment post 146. FIG.

Details of the struts and height adjustment struts 146 are shown in FIGS. FIG. 11 shows the height adjustment strut 146 with enlarged views of cross-sections FF and G. FIG. FIG. 12 shows a longitudinal section through height adjustment post 146 and KK.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 11, the height adjustment strut 146 is a tube with an elliptical cross-section. The adjustment posts 146 are shown as curved members, but in alternate embodiments may be straight provided they are capable of performing the functions described herein. In an exemplary embodiment, height adjustment pin 152 is associated with a parallelogram link and moves in an arc. Other cross-sectional shapes may be used, provided that height adjustment mechanism 144 and maximum height limiter 138 are configured to cooperate with the shape to perform the functions of adjusting and limiting height, respectively. good. The strut wall 154 of the height adjustment strut 146 may be thickened in the strut wall region 156 to limit wear from the height adjustment pin 152 and the maximum height limiting pin 150 . The height adjustment struts 146 may have cross webs 158 . As previously mentioned, the height adjustment post 146 has holes 148 in its wall 154 . The height adjustment struts 146 also have holes 160 in the cross webs 158 . The cross-web holes 160 are aligned with the strut wall holes 148 .

Advantageously, the adjustment post 146 can be a support post when used in the elevating walker chair configuration disclosed herein. This allows for a lighter weight elevating walker chair as the use of additional, heavier or larger elevating mechanisms may be avoided.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the height adjustment pin 152 extends into the hole 148 in the wall 154 of the height adjustment post, but does not extend through the cross web hole 160 . In the exemplary embodiment, the height adjustment pin 152 engages about the thickness of the wall 154 of the height adjustment post. However, the maximum height limiting pin 150 extends through the height adjustment post wall hole 148 and through the cross web hole 160 . This configuration may help stabilize the maximum height limit pin 150 .

Maximum height limiter 138 includes a compression spring 162 positioned around maximum height limit pin 150, as shown in cross-section in FIGS. Attaching the gripper 164 to the maximum height limit pin 150 allows the user to pull the maximum height limit pin 150 out of the cross web hole 160 and the height adjustment post wall hole 148, and the user to change the maximum height limit. It may be facilitated to slide the maximum height limiter 138 along the height-adjustment posts to adjust the height. Once the maximum height limit pin 150 is aligned with the height adjustment post hole 148 (and thus automatically aligned with the cross web hole 160 as well), the compression spring 162 pushes the maximum height limit pin 150 is biased to leave it extended in holes 148,160. A maximum height limit housing 166 surrounds the compression spring 162 and the maximum height limit pin 150 . A maximum height limit housing 166 is slidably engaged with the height adjustment post. The gripping portion 164 is located outside the maximum height limit housing 166 . Maximum height limit pin 150 extends through an opening in a first end of maximum height limit housing 166 and extends through an opposing opening in maximum height limit housing 166 when compression spring 162 is extended. extends through

Height adjustment mechanism 144 has a height adjustment mechanism housing 168 . When in its extended position, the height adjustment pin 152 extends through an opening in the height adjustment mechanism housing 168 and through the wall hole 148 of the height adjustment post.

Figures 37 and 38 show a partial cross section of the seat height lock safety mechanism. The cutout in FIG. 37 is identified as Detail C, which is an enlargement of the portion of the lift chair 100 seen in the view along BB. An extension spring 192 is connected to a seat height release lever 186 such that compression of the seat height adjustment lever 186 causes extension of the extension spring 192 under certain conditions, as further described below. . As seen in FIG. 38, cable 194 extends from height adjustment pin 152 and terminates at seat height adjustment lever 186 which is also connected to extension spring 192 . When the seat height adjustment lever 186 is compressed, it disengages the height adjustment pin 152 from the height adjustment post hole 148 unless there is too much friction between the height adjustment pin 152 and the height adjustment post hole 148. be able to. The height lock safety mechanism prevents friction between the height adjustment pin 152 and the height adjustment post wall hole 148 to prevent the height adjustment pin from locking when the seat 104 is unweighted, i.e. when the seat is unoccupied. 152 in place. When the user is seated and the elevating walker chair 100 is adjusted to the user's weight, there is little or no upward or downward deflection of the seat, ie, the seat is at or near equilibrium. This balance frees the height adjustment pin 152 to retract as friction is minimized. Balancing and biasing of the seat may be accomplished, for example, by springs 106 and parallelogram structures 108, as illustrated, for example, in FIG. Once the user exits the lift chair 100, the seat is biased, thereby creating a frictional force between the height adjustment pin 152 and the height adjustment post wall hole 148 into which it is inserted. Thus, when the lift chair 100 is unoccupied, the height adjustment pins 152 remain in place.

Returning to FIGS. 9 and 10, height adjustment mechanism housing 168 is fixedly attached to parallelogram link 128 . Therefore, as the height adjustment mechanism housing 168 moves along the height adjustment post, the angles within the parallelogram structure 108 change, thereby raising or lowering the seat 104 .

When the maximum height limiter 138 is engaged with the height adjustment post, the range of motion of the height adjustment mechanism housing 168 along the height adjustment post is limited.

The maximum height limiter housing 166 is shown as a full sleeve around the height adjustment post. The height adjustment mechanism housing 168 is shown only partially enclosing the height adjustment posts. Both housings are slidable relative to the height adjustment post so that their respective pins can properly engage cross-web apertures 160 and wall apertures 148 of the height adjustment post for up-and-down walking. Either housing may be configured to completely or partially enclose the height adjustment post so long as it does not interfere with the other components of the chair 100 . Various mechanisms can be included to facilitate sliding of the housing along the height adjustment posts, such as, for example, rollers, ball bearings and low friction materials, or combinations of such mechanisms.

Note that the "height limit" and "height adjustment" described with respect to maximum height limiter 138 and height adjustment mechanism 144 are distinct from the lift force adjustment provided by lift mechanism 102, which is described in more detail below. Please note. A maximum height limiter 138 provides a maximum height limit that defines the range of motion produced by the lift mechanism from the sitting mode to the standing mode. A height adjustment mechanism 144 allows the user to select the seat height between sitting and standing modes. The lift mechanism 102 facilitates users of various weights to easily change the height of the seat 104 from time to time. Other configurations of height limiters and height adjustment mechanisms may be used with the elevating walker chair 100 .

13 shows a front view of the lift walker chair 100 and a cross-sectional view through line UU showing the components of the lift mechanism 102. FIG. FIG. 14 shows a front view of the elevating walker chair 100 and a cross-sectional view through line VV showing cut-away cross-sections of the components of the elevating mechanism 102 . Lift mechanism 102 includes, for example, a parallelogram structure 108 (partially shown) and springs 106, such as gas springs. Spring 106 is attached to parallelogram link 128 at a first spring end and to end block 126 at a second spring end. Spring 106 is rotatably attached to parallelogram link 128 at pivot 172 . In this exemplary embodiment, the spring 106 has a clevis 182 at its first end that engages a tab 184 fixedly attached to the parallelogram link 128 . A second end of spring 106 is referred to as spring termination point 174 . Spring termination point 174 functions as a pivot.

A lifting power mechanism may be employed. For example, spring 106 may be adjustably attached to end block 126 at spring termination point 174 . The end block has a slot 176 with a notch 178 appearing as a scalloped inner slot edge in this exemplary embodiment. Spring termination point 174 has a spring pin 180 that engages slot 176 and rests in one of notches 178 . Notch 178 forms an arc with a radius extending from spring pivot 172 . The radius of slot 176 may match the pivot radius of the second end of spring 106 when spring 106 is fully extended. The lifting force of the lift mechanism 102 will vary depending on which notch the spring pin 180 is engaged. The appropriate lifting force, and therefore notch position, should be selected based on the weight of the user on the lift chair 100, as described in more detail below. Spring pin 180 is pushed into notch 178 until height adjustment pin 152 and maximum height limit pin 150 are disengaged from height adjustment post wall hole 148 and spring 106 is moved beyond its maximum height to fully extend. Remain engaged. The spring 106 can then be manually disengaged. Once spring pin 180 is withdrawn from notch 178 , it may be repositioned within a different notch 178 to adjust the strength of the lifting force of lift mechanism 102 . For details on the lift adjustment function, see below.

A secondary compression spring 216 may be employed to facilitate withdrawal of spring pin 180 from notch 178 . FIG. 8 depicts an auxiliary spring mechanism that facilitates maintaining spring pin 180 within notch 178 of slot 176 when the lift walker chair is fully raised. The auxiliary compression spring mechanism may be housed within the end region 224 as shown in FIG. A portion of spring 106 is shown to include a spring body 218 having a threaded attachment 220 . An extension cylinder 226 extends from the spring body 218 . An extension cylinder 226 is slidably engaged with a receiving cup 228 which is generally the spring end region 224 . Auxiliary spring 216 is coaxial with spring 106 . Essentially, the auxiliary spring 216 either extends the travel of the spring 106 by extending when the lift chair seat reaches its maximum height, or takes over when the spring 106 is fully extended. This expansion provides sufficient force to retain spring pin 180 within slot 176 but is configured to allow adjustment between various notches 178 .

Adjusting the position of spring end point 174 shortens or lengthens one side of the lifting triangle that forms part of lift mechanism 102 . One side of this lifting triangle is the distance from the spring end point 174 to the parallelogram pivot 114 (see FIG. 3 for the location of the pivot 114). The other two sides of the lifting triangle are the length of spring 106 from spring pivot 172 to spring end point 174 and the distance from spring pivot 172 to parallelogram pivot 114 . The distance from the spring end point 174 to the parallelogram pivot 114 can be considered a "lever arm," and as the length of the lever arm increases, the effective lifting force of the lift mechanism 102 increases.

In this exemplary embodiment, the elevating walker chair 100 must be in its highest position in order for the lifting force intensity adjustment to occur. In its lowest position, spring 106 is compressed and positioned so that it cannot be easily realigned with notch 178 . Spring 106 is extended when lift chair 100 is in its highest position and aligned with notch 178 . Therefore, 180 can be more easily repositioned within selected notches 178 .

As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the elevating walker chair 100 has handlebars 140a, 140b (see also Figures 5 and 6). Handlebars 140a, 140b may comprise one or more sections. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, handlebars 140a, 140b have two components joined by fasteners 190a, 190b. Handlebars 140a, 140b are pivotally attached to end blocks 126a, 126b by handlebar pivots 202a, 202b. The handlebars 140a, 140b can be adapted to the user for comfort and support while standing or walking using the elevated walker chair in the standing position. In the illustrated embodiment, handlebars 140a, 140b are optionally configured to extend after lift chair 100 is raised. Alternatively, handlebars 140a, 140b may be configured to deploy manually.

FIG. 15 shows front and side views of the lift chair 100 with the handlebars 140 in the extended position. FIG. 15 includes a section through AA-AA. Section AA-AA shows handlebar pivot 202 . A side view of the same elevating walker chair 100 as in FIG. 2 is shown again for reference. An enlargement of section AC of FIG. 15 is shown in FIG. 17A. Section AC depicts handlebar pivot 202 when handlebar 140 is in the extended position.

FIG. 16 shows a front view of the lift walker chair 100 with the handlebars 140 in the folded position. FIG. 16 includes a section through AB-AB. Section AB-AB shows handlebar pivot 202 as configured when handlebar 140 is in the folded position. A side view of the same elevating walker chair 100 as in FIG. 3 is shown again for reference. An enlarged view of section AD of FIG. 16 is shown in FIG. 17B. Section AC depicts handlebar pivot 202 when handlebar 140 is in the folded position.

FIG. 17A shows handlebar pivot 202 when handlebar 140 is extended. Handlebar pivot 202 may include a first pivot pin 204 and a second pivot pin 206 , each pivot pin extending from end block 126 . Pivoting element 208 is attached to or integral with handlebar 140 . Pivoting element 208 includes pivot notch 210 and pivot slot 212 . When handlebar 140 is extended, first pivot pin 204 is positioned toward the outer portion of pivot slot 212 and second pivot pin 206 engages notch 210 . When force 214 is applied to handlebar 140 near handlebar pivot 202, the force has a significant upward vector component and causes pivot element 208 to also move upward, thereby opening the pivot slot. 212 so that the first pivot pin 204 faces the inner portion of the pivot slot 212 . Force 214 also disengages the second pivot pin from pivot notch 210 . The resulting configuration is shown in FIG. 17B. Handlebar 140 still pivots about first pivot pin 204 but is no longer locked in place by second pivot pin 206 . This allows the handlebars 140 to pivot toward the rear of the lift chair 100 . With the handlebars 140 folded upwards or backwards in this manner, the user can position the walker chair closer to a table or counter, for example. Further application of force 214 along handlebar 140 , away from the user, causes handlebar 140 to rotate about first pivot pin 204 without dislodging pivot notch 210 .

Note that the combination of pivot notch 210 and pivot slot 212 in pivot element 208 may be replaced by a conventional latch or similar mechanism.

The elevating walker chair 100 can have different types of seats 104 . 18-22 show a saddle-shaped rotating seat 302 with a wide rear. Also, the features of rotating seat 302 may be used with other shaped seats.

18 is a bottom view of the rotating seat 302. FIG. FIG. 19 shows an exploded view including a top section 304 and a bottom section 306 configured to connect together. 20 shows a top view of the rotating seat 302. FIG. 21 is an exploded view showing details of the underside of the rotating seat 302. FIG. FIG. 22 is a view from the underside of rotating seat 302 with a cross section through AE-AE. Various structural flanges or components are depicted, but may be omitted depending on the material and dimensions of the rotating seat 302 and its application.

Rotating seat 302 pivots about seat pivot 308 . The seat pivot 308 may comprise a hole with a post disposed therein, or other pivot mechanism. The rotating seat 302 is primarily configured with one or more roller devices for additional structural support that may reduce twisting of the structure compared to a rotating seat supported by only a single pivot. 310. This potential reduction is obtained by rotating seat 302 having multiple contact points or contact areas.

Roller device 310 includes a curved track or opening 312 located a radial distance from seat pivot 308 in bottom seat section 306 . The center of the arc of each track 312 is the seat pivot 308 . Track 312 and complementary roller 314 are positioned on top section 304 . When top section 304 engages bottom section 306 , roller 314 fits into track 312 . Contact between rollers 314 and tracks 312 provides support for sheet 302 while allowing sheet 302 to pivot freely about sheet pivot 308 . The positions of rollers 314 and tracks 312 may be reversed so that they are received on top section 304 and bottom section 306 . The length of tracks 312 may vary and may depend, for example, on the number of tracks incorporated into the seat, the weight of the seat, and the intended weight range of users.

Also seen in FIGS. 18 and 22 is a release lever 402 for releasing the seat 302 (or other seat 104) so that the lift chair 100 is as designed. May be folded. By "foldable" is meant that the elevating walker chair is foldable and may include parts that fold in ways other than foldable. Note that the swivel seat 302 may be used with other devices in addition to the elevating walker chair.

Figures 23-30 illustrate the folding mechanism of the lift walker chair 100 and show the lift walker chair at various stages of the folding process.

FIG. 23 shows an isometric view of the elevating walker chair 100 with section A enlarged. A lever 402 is attached to the bottom seat section 306 . FIG. 24 shows bottom and front views of the elevating walker chair 100 and a cross-sectional view through DD. Lever 402 engages hook 404 . A hook 404 is positioned on the end block 126 . Thus, when lever 402 engages hook 404, seat 104 is locked in place.

FIG. 25 shows bottom and front views of the elevating walker chair 100 and a cross-sectional view through GG. Lever 402 is shown disengaged from hook 404 by rotation about lever pivot 406 . Note that the positions of the lever and hook can be reversed. Additionally, the release lever 402 may be located elsewhere, provided it functions as intended. Also, the hooks 404 may be on components other than the end blocks 126, depending on the configuration of the walker chair. For example, hook 404 may be located on a portion of frame 118 . The latching mechanism should allow the seat 104 to rotate when the lever 402 is depressed and should be locked in place when engaged. Other seat latching mechanisms may be used provided they accomplish this function and are compatible with other components of the walker chair 100 .

FIG. 26 shows a front view of lift chair 100 when seat 104 is partially rotated about seat hinge 408, the location and portion of seat hinge 408 being shown in FIG. Seat hinge portion 410 of seat hinge 408 engages a complementary hinge portion that may be attached to end block 126, for example. Opposite the seat hinge 408 , the seat 104 has a seat catch 412 that engages a bar 414 . Bar 414 may be attached to or integral with seat hook 414 . When seat catch 412 is engaged with bar 414, seat 104 is supported at or near a horizontal position for use as a seat or user support for standing or walking modes. The seat 104 ensures that when the elevating walker chair 100 is in use, the stabilizing mechanism holds the seat in place and provides adequate support to the user while sitting, standing, and walking, and can be lifted or lowered. It may be stabilized by other stabilization mechanisms provided they do not interfere with, or are compatible with, the other components and functions of the walker chair 100 .

Figures 27-30 show the elevation of the walker chair in the folded configuration. The elevating walker chair 100 may be locked in the folded position. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the elevating walker chair 100 is preferably folded when in its lowest (sitting) position. 27 and 28 are opposing side views of the lift chair 100 when folded. FIG. 27 shows a view from the side where the bar 414 is located. FIG. 28 shows a view from the side where the seat hinge 408 is arranged. As can be seen in FIGS. 27 and 28, the seat 104 rotates relatively about a lateral axis so that the seating surface of the seat 104 is substantially vertical. This causes the frame 118 to move toward the end blocks 126a, 126b as shown by the front and rear views of the folded lift walker chair 100 in FIGS. 29 and 30, respectively. can be defeated.

Figure 31 shows the cross arms 502a, 502b that are part of the folding mechanism of the lift walker chair. Cross arms 502 a , 502 b pivot at cross arm pivot 504 . Each of the cross arms 502a, 502b consists of two hinged sections 506a,b, 508a,b. The "hinge" joining the hinged sections may be any rotating mechanism that allows the cross arms 502a, 502b to fold as desired. A "hinge" may be, for example, a conventional pivot. When deployed in normal use, the cross arm sections 506a, 506b, 508a, 508b are attached to the frame 118 and can function to hold the plurality of end blocks 126 square to each other. The cross arms 502a, 502b have been rotated into alignment with each other like scissors, bringing the right and left sides of the frame 118 closer together. Cross arm sections 506a, 506b fold downward relative to cross arm sections 508a, 508b to allow the left and right portions of frame 118 to be as close together as possible. Cross arms 502a, 502b may be nested within each other for compactness.

23, 24, section DD and FIG. 25, section GG, folding seat support 510 is visible. The foldable seat support 510 comprises two sections 512 , 514 hinged in a scissor-like fashion at a first seat support pivot 516 . First seat support 512 is also hinged to seat bottom section 306 at second seat support pivot 518 . By joining the left and right sides of the frame 118 , the seat support portion 514 is folded downward and joined with the seat support portion 512 . The seat support sections 512 , 514 are nested together and folded around the seat bottom section 306 . The second seat pivot 518 provides a foldable seat support that supports the seat 104 in the folded configuration.

As can be seen, for example, in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 27-28, the lift chair 100, when folded, allows the seat release-catch 412 to provide a user with walking assistance. It may be configured to be graspably positioned. Wheels 122 a , 122 b , 122 c , 122 d remain on the ground and allow the lift walker chair to rotate while the user walks while grasping seat hinge 410 . Different “handle” configurations may be incorporated into the elevating walker chair 100 . In this embodiment, the elevating walker chair 100 is balanced in the folded position to allow it to be used as a walking aid. This ensures that when the user transfers weight to the handles 410 for support, the lift chair 100 remains on the ground without tipping or with less likelihood of tipping. means This is made possible by having the wheels 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d level with each other and spaced far enough apart. Additionally, the handle 410 may be positioned to prevent the lift chair 100 from tipping over under the weight of the user.

The described configuration may allow the lift chair 100 to fold without the user flexing or with minimal user flexing. However, other folding mechanisms may be incorporated into the walker chair 100 .

Figures 32-34 show caster steering treads 602a, 602b. Treads 602a, 602b are securely coupled to axles 604a, 604b of front casters 606a, 606b. Rotation of the treads 602a, 602b thus rotates the front casters 606a, 606b. 32 and 33 are isometric and plan views of the lift walker chair 100 showing the treads 602a, 602b angled away from the straight forward position. As seen in FIG. 32, casters 606a, 606b are also rotating. 34 is a top view of the lift walker chair 100 showing the forwardly oriented treads 602a, 602b and casters 606a, 606b. These particular treads are shown as oval. Footrests 602a, 602b allow the user to maneuver the lift walker chair 100 by rotating casters 606a, 606b with their feet to advance the chair in a desired path. The treads preferably have sufficient friction to engage the user's feet/shoes to enable steering.

Figures 35A and 35B show casters 606b and 606a in an unextended configuration and a vertically extended configuration, respectively. Axles 604a, 604d may extend from sleeves 608a, 608b, respectively. A release pin 610 is provided to secure casters 606b, 606a in a selected orientation direction. Other mechanisms may be employed to increase the distance of caster 606 from the underside of sleeve 608 .

36, seen in connection with FIG. 31, there is shown an embodiment in which the elevating walker chair 100 may have two backrests 702,704. Backrest 702 is attached to end block 126 so that it rises and lowers as seat 104 is moved up and down. The backrest 702 may be secured to any other component that raises and lowers with the seat 104, having a configuration compatible with the design and function of the elevating walker chair 100. The backrest 704 can be attached to the frame 118 so that it remains stationary relative to the height above the ground when the seat 104 is lowered or leveled.

39 and 40 depict top and isometric views, respectively, of a seat belt 800 that may be used with the walker chair 100. FIG. Seat belt 800 has an elastic belt portion 802, which can be, for example, an elastic or other elastic fabric or material. The extendable belt portion 802 is positioned on the user's back, extends to the front of the user, and is attached to extendable belt portion adjusters 804a, 804b at each end. Stretchable belt portion adjusters 804a, 804b can be used to fit the stretchable belt portion 802 to the user. The elastic properties of this portion of the seat belt 800 reduce or eliminate unwanted slack and sag of conventional seat belts, which can occur, for example, when a user slides from the front of the seat and sits on the back. It may allow easier and more comfortable transitions between modes of the elevating walker chair, such as seated mode, standing/walking mode, and barstool mode.

Alternatively, or in addition to stretchable materials and adjusters, seat belt 800 may employ a retractor. The seat belt material will extend out of the retractor. Conventional seat belt retractors include mechanisms configured to lock up to secure the user in place, for example, upon sudden movement or impact.

To form a complete loop around the user, seat belt 800 includes front belt portions 806a, 806b. Front belt portion 806 a is connected to belt buckle portion 808 and front belt portion 806 b is connected to complementary belt buckle portion 810 . Together, belt buckle portion 808 and complementary belt buckle portion 810 form a belt buckle 820 that secures seat belt 800 around the user. The belt buckle 820 may be centered in front of the user to facilitate buckling.

The front belt portions 806a, 806b are also routed through elastic belt portion adjusters 804a, 804b. The stretchable belt portion adjusters 804a, 804b may be, for example, triglide buckle-strap adjusters. The stretchable belt portions 806a, 806b may be materials having varying degrees of stretchability depending on the seat belt application, user size, and other user needs.

The front belt portions 806a, 806b are further threaded through belt adjusters 812a, 812b. The fixed portions 814a, 814b are attached to belt adjusters 812a, 812b. The fixed portions 814a, 814b are secured to the lift walker chair 100 at the frame 118 with frame attachments 816a, 816b. The securing portions 814a, 814b may be semi-rigid, such as, for example, a non-stretchable webbing, to provide any desired flexibility to the needs and comfort of the user while allowing them to stay in place as needed. It can be made of other materials that have the durability and properties necessary to secure the user. Loops 818a, 818b can optionally be provided to hold the securing portions 814a, 814b in place.

41A-C show a belt adjuster 812 in the form of a cam buckle 840. FIG. FIG. 41A shows cam buckle 840 in the closed position. FIG. 41B shows cam buckle 840 in the open position. FIG. 41C shows a cam buckle 840 through which a portion of the strap, such as front belt portion 806, is threaded. Each cam buckle 840a, 840b is attached to a fixed portion 814a, 814b of a slot 830 in the cam buckle base.

The cam buckle 840 has a cam buckle base 834 and a cam buckle lever 822 hinged to a cam buckle pivot 832 . Each cam buckle 840 is positioned with its hinged end toward the front of the lift chair 100 . On each of the left and right sides of seat belt 800, front belt portion 806 passes between cam buckle base 834 and cam buckle lever 822, while cam buckle lever 822 is rotated to the open position. The front belt portion 806 is then threaded through the cam buckle lever slot 824 . This leaves a portion of the front belt portion 806 extending rearwardly from the cam buckle 840 . This portion is called a belt adjustment portion 826 . The user pulls the belt adjustment portion 826 forward to rotate the cam buckle lever 822 away from the cam buckle base 834 , thus allowing the front belt portion 806 to move between the cam buckle base 834 and the cam buckle lever 822 . Sliding between, the seat belt 800 can be tightened or loosened. Pulling the belt adjuster back locks the selected belt size in place. The exemplary cam buckle 840 shown in FIG. 41B has teeth 828 to secure the front belt portion 806 in place and prevent slippage. Sufficient pressure or non-slip material, other means to inhibit slippage may be implemented. When the cam buckle lever 822 is rotated to the closed position, it remains closed when the front belt portion 806 is pulled forward on the hinged end of the cam buckle 802, such as when the user is leaning forward. or configured to be forcibly closed. The front belt portion 806 may be non-stretchable or may be a material having varying degrees of stretchability depending, for example, on the seat belt application and other needs of the user.

Note that the seat belt 800 can be used with other devices so that the securing mechanism can be changed. Additionally, the regulation mechanism may vary.

Various embodiments of the elevating walker chair and components thereof have been described. The invention is not limited to any particular embodiment or combination of elements disclosed. The invention may involve different combinations of elements, omission of some elements, or substitution of elements by equivalents of such structures. For example, an elevating walker chair may be collapsible or non-collapsible.

Having described example embodiments, additional advantages and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details shown and described herein. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the specific exemplary embodiments, but be construed within the full spirit and scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (19)

a frame with four wheels;
a seat attached to the frame;
an adjustable lifting mechanism attached to the seat;
a parallelogram structure having four pivoted links, the parallelogram being connected to the frame at least two of the four pivots;
a spring pivotally extending from a first link of the parallelogram to an adjustable end point on a second link of the parallelogram and displaced from a first pivot of the parallelogram;
a lifting force adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the position of a spring end point relative to the first pivot;
an elevating walker chair. The lifting force adjustment mechanism further comprises an arcuate slot having a notch configured to engage a spring pin at a selected notch, the radius of the slot being, when the spring is fully extended, 2. The elevating walker chair of claim 1, matching the pivot radius of the opposite ends of said springs. 2. The elevating walker chair of claim 1, wherein said seat is in the form of a saddle. the height adjustment post having an internal cross web extending longitudinally within the height adjustment post;
a wall of the height adjustment post having a series of holes, the wall having a series of holes in which the cross webs are aligned with the wall holes of the height adjustment post;
a maximum height limit pin;
2. The elevated walker chair of claim 1, further comprising a maximum height adjustment mechanism comprising: a compression spring positioned about said maximum height limit pin;
said maximum height limiting pin extends through the wall hole of the selected height adjustment post and the aligned cross web hole to fix at the maximum height of the seat;
The lift-and-roller chair, wherein said maximum height limiting pin can be pulled out from said selected hole and inserted into another selected hole to adjust the maximum height of said seat. The height adjustment mechanism is
a height adjustment column; and
a wall of the height adjustable post having a series of holes;
a height adjustment pin associated with the parallelogram link and moving in an arc;
and a compression spring positioned about the height adjustment pin, comprising:
Said height adjustment pin extends through a wall hole of a selected height adjustment post and is fixed at a selected height of the seat, said height adjustment pin is withdrawn from said selected hole and another is pulled out of said selected hole. an elevating walker chair that can be moved to be inserted into selected holes in the seat to adjust the height of said seat. a height lock safety mechanism configured such that friction between the height adjustment pin and a wall hole of the height adjustment post keeps the height adjustment pin in place when the seat is not occupied; ,
a height lock safety mechanism wherein said friction is reduced when said seat is at or near equilibrium with said lifting mechanism, thereby releasing said height adjustment to retract. Item 6. Elevating walker chair according to item 5. Elevating walker chair further,
a hinge configured to connect the seat to the frame on the outside of the seat and to allow the seat to rotate toward a vertical position;
two cross arms pivotally connected at a cross arm pivot, each cross arm respectively connected to the frame;
each of the two cross arms comprises two hinged sections rotatably connected to each other;
The two cross arms are configured so that opposite sides of the frame face each other and rotate into alignment with each other as the two hinged sections of the two cross arms are folded downward at the hinges. ,
a seat support having two sections hinged in a scissor-like manner at the first seat support pivot;
2. The elevating walker chair of claim 1, further comprising a hinge connection to said seat on a seat bottom at a second seat support pivot. 2. The elevating walker chair of claim 1, wherein said elevating walker chair has a rotatable handlebar, said handlebar rotating from a forward position to a rearward position. In the elevating walker chair,
The seat rotates, and the rotating seat is configured to:
a top sheet section and a bottom sheet section;
a seat pivot in the form of a strut extending from the underside of the seat;
one or more weight bearing roller devices;
each of said one or more roller devices having a curved track located at a radial distance from said seat pivot in either said top sheet section or said bottom sheet section; having as the center of the pivot of said track,
a roller complementary to the track located in either the top section or the bottom section;
2. The elevating walker chair of claim 1, wherein said rollers fit over said tracks. The front wheels are part of the caster system,
2. The elevating walker of claim 1, wherein the elevating walker chair further comprises a tread rigidly coupled to an axle of the caster, the tread configured to steer the elevating walker chair. chair. 2. The elevating walker chair of claim 1, configured to provide clearance for a user's legs to allow the user to propel the elevating walker chair using natural gait. the lift walker chair further comprising a seat belt;
The seat belt is
A belt portion configured to be positioned about the back of a user and extend to the front of the user, the belt portion adjusting device configured to fit the belt portion to the user at each end. attached to the belt portion;
a first front belt portion connected to the belt buckle portion;
a second front belt portion connected to a complementary belt buckle; said front belt portion being threaded through a stretchable belt portion adjuster, said front belt portion being further threaded through a belt adjuster;
2. The elevating walker chair of claim 1, comprising a belt anchorage attached to said belt adjuster and further secured to said frame. said belt adjuster comprising two cam buckles, each cam buckle having a cam buckle base and a cam buckle lever hinged to the cam buckle pivot;
each cam buckle is positioned with its hinged end facing the front of the elevating walker chair,
A front belt portion is passed between the cam buckle base and the cam buckle lever on each of the left and right side surfaces of the seat belt,
Each front belt segment was further threaded through a cam buckle lever slot, leaving the belt adjustment portion of the front belt segment extending rearwardly from the cam buckle, thereby being selected by pulling the belt adjustment portion rearwardly. Belt dimensions locked in place,
The cam buckle lever, when rotated to a closed position, remains closed when the front belt portion is pulled forward at the hinged end of the cam buckle, such as when the user is leaning forward. 13. The elevating walker chair of claim 12, configured to be closed or forced closed. 3. The elevating walker chair of claim 2, further comprising an auxiliary compression spring to facilitate adjustment of said spring pin within said slot. is a seat belt,
A belt portion configured to be positioned about the user's back and extend to the front of the user, having at each end a belt portion adjuster configured to fit the belt portion to the user. the attached belt portion;
a first front belt portion connected to the belt buckle portion;
a second front belt portion connected to a complementary belt buckle; said front belt portion being threaded through said belt portion adjuster, said front belt portion being further threaded through a belt adjuster;
a belt fixing portion attached to the belt adjuster and fixed to a frame. The seat belt further
two cam buckles, each of said cam buckles having a cam buckle base and a cam buckle lever hinged to a cam buckle pivot;
each cam buckle is positioned with its hinged end facing forward of the user;
On each of the left and right side surfaces of the seat belt, the front belt portion is passed between the cam buckle base and the cam buckle lever,
The front belt portions are each passed through a cam buckle lever slot, leaving the belt adjustment portion of the front belt portion extending rearwardly from the cam buckle, whereby the selected belt can be selected by pulling the belt adjustment portion rearwardly. are locked in place,
When rotated to the closed position, the cam buckle lever remains closed when the front belt portion is pulled forward at the hinged end of the cam buckle, such as when the user is leaning forward. 16. A seat belt according to claim 15, which is configured to be closed or to be forced closed. An adjustment mechanism, said adjustment mechanism comprising:
with hollow support struts,
the struts have internal cross webs extending the length of the struts;
said hollow strut has a wall, said wall optionally having a thickened area, said strut wall having a series of holes;
said cross web having a series of holes aligned with the wall holes of said struts;
and pins extendable through the strut wall apertures and the cross-web apertures to select a desired setting/adjustment. 18. The adjustment mechanism of claim 17, wherein said hollow strut is a support strut. a rotating seat,
a top sheet section and a bottom sheet section;
a seat pivot in the form of a strut extending from the underside of the seat;
one or more roller devices,
Each of said one or more roller devices has a curved track located at a radial distance from said seat pivot in either said top sheet section or bottom sheet section, said seat pivot being said having as a track pivot,
a roller complementary to the track located in either the top section or the bottom section;
A rotating seat, wherein the roller is fitted to the track.

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