US20130256357A1

US20130256357A1 - Walker Device Apron having Internal and Exterior Storage Pockets

Info

Publication number: US20130256357A1
Application number: US13/847,527
Authority: US
Inventors: Margaret Prosperie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-03-29
Filing date: 2013-03-20
Publication date: 2013-10-03

Abstract

A walker device apron is provided having an elongated body structure, an interior surface, and an exterior surface for tensioned attachment along the upper portion of a walker device between opposing side frame members. The apron is firmly secured to the side frame members and along the walker forward frame member such that the body of the apron is taught and does not swing during operation of the walker. The apron exterior surface disposed along the forward portion of the walker includes at least one storage pocket for article support therealong. The apron interior surface further comprises at least one interior pocket disposed along the forward interior portion of the walker or along the interior side portions thereof for storage of personal items. Decorative trim along the interior and exterior pocket openings allows those with visual impairments to locate the pocket locations and access the items stored therein.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/617,373 filed on Mar. 29, 2012, entitled “Wrap-Around Walker Apron.” The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to storage compartments and a carrying case for use in conjunction with a walker device. More specifically, the present invention pertains to an attachable walker apron that includes a plurality of storage compartments along the interior and exterior apron surface for storage and user access while walking with the walker device.
Walker devices are well known appliances that allow users to ambulate who may otherwise not be independently capable. The walker is utilized to maintain user balance and provide the user with an article to lean against during periods of rest when walking from one location to another. The structure of most walkers includes a pair of opposing side frame members having an inverted U-shape, wherein the members are connected together by at least one forward frame member. Each side frame member includes a first and second downward directed support leg that contacts the ground. Together, the two frame members establish a four legged support, wherein the upper region thereof include a pair of user handles for which the user to lean upon. The forward frame members separate the side members by a given distance and allow the user to step into an open interior therebetween while walking.
The height of the side frame members is such that the handles are provided at waist height, whereby the user grasps the handles and walks with the support while sliding, rolling or lifting the assembly when walking forward. The walker support architecture herein described is well known in the art of assisted mobility devices, and is a vital means of improving ambulatory functions for the disabled, the elderly, and those with limited mobility due to body weight or injury.
A common problem for those using walker devices is the need to maintain balance with limited strength while also supporting any necessary personal items while on the go. For some, these personal items are limited to articles that can be personally carried close to the user or in his or her clothing. For other individuals, and for those walking greater distances or transporting items between locations, carrying a hand bag or purse may be desired for greater carrying capacity. Supporting oneself while also supporting hand bag items can be very difficult, very tiresome, and even dangerous to an otherwise physically unstable individual. Most users will suspend such handled bags from the walker handles or secure the bag thereto; however this adds a swinging mass to the walker that can add overall weight to the walker while also introducing a swinging object that disrupts the balance of the walker during operation.
For those with limited strength, placing such weight on the walker, and particularly a swinging object that must be balanced, can compromise the user's ability to lift the walker between steps or maintain balance while walking. At a minimum, the swinging weight impairs the user's ability to operate the walker as designed and as the user is accustomed. To confront this issue, many individuals will place the bag or carry item on their person, such as over their shoulder by way of a shoulder strap. However, this introduces other concerns with respect to mobility and stability of the impaired user, particularly if the bag has excessive weight and the user is in a particularly weakened state.
Therefore, the present invention is herein provided to increase the storage capacity of a traditional walker device without introducing a swinging mass or article that impedes the normal operation of the device. Specifically, the present invention comprises an elongated apron structure that is tensioned across the upper portions of the side frame members and across the forward frame member of the walker, whereby the ends and middle portion of the apron secure to the walker to prevent any sliding or swinging movement. Further provided are interior surface pockets and exterior pockets, whereby the interior pockets are used for personal items that need safekeeping, while the outer pockets provide extended carrying capacity along the forward portion of the walker. The locations of the pockets do not increase the overall width of the walker, which prevent interferences between the walker and tight interior spaces (e.g. doorways, etc.).
Overall, the apron is both functional and decorative, wherein the device functions as a carrying case and is operative as a walker adornment or decorative item. The disclosed apron provides storage that is not personally carried by the user while also offering a walker adornment that may include a specific and desired design.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to walker storage means and pocketed attachments therefor. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications, and generally relate to articles that are suspended from a walker device or those with exterior pockets only, which offer little in the way of protection of personal items while traveling. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.
Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 7,984,724 to Eberle discloses a walker utility bag having interchangeable front panels for signaling to others a particular message or alert. The utility bag comprises a set of removable panels that are secured to the front side of a utility bag structure, which is fitted around the front two legs of the walker device and spans the open width therebetween. A plurality of hook and loop fastening means releasable secure the device to the walker legs, while the front surface of the bag provides a surface upon which to removably apply panels have indicia thereon, whereby the indicia may alert other's to the individual's particular impairments, interests, or hobbies. While disclosing a walker utility bag having removably indicia panels, the Eberle device fails to disclose the structure of the present invention, which provides interior and exterior pockets along the front and side portions of the walker attachment.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,760 to Miller discloses an article carrier for a walker that comprises an attachable pouch having an interior volume and an expandable structure. The device attaches to the front brace and front legs of a walker by way of tabs, which wrap around the walker brace and legs for hanging and side support. The pouch comprises a front and rear panel separated by a base and side panels to provide an open pouch interior. While disclosing a novel pouch having attachment to a walker, the device fails to provide interior pockets for personal items storage and a structure that wraps around the sides of the walker for increased carrying capacity.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,012,963 to Rosenbaum discloses a walker tote bag adapted to be mounted to a walker device for holding a plurality of articles therein. The tote includes an inner compartment an outer peripherally spaced pockets along the tote outer face. A plurality of tote bag strap elements is disposed along the tote upper edge for suspending the tote from the walker braces. The tote structure is composed of a front and back panel folded and formed together to create the tote interior volume. While disclosing a storage member from a walker, the Rosenbaum device is freely suspended from a walker, which makes it unstable during use of the walker device. The tote is free to swing and contact the user while the user slides or lifts the walker. The present invention pertains to a securely attached walker apron that includes interior and exterior pockets, wherein the apron structure is tensioned across the upper portion of the walker rails so as not to interfere with the walker basic operation or the user while walking therewith.
Finally, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0278271 to Koren discloses another tote bag for a walker support. The tote bag of Koren includes a front and back side having a substantially rectangular shape and supporting a plurality of front pockets, wherein the assembly attaches to a walker device. Similar the aforementioned prior art devices, the Koren device fails to disclose the novel layout of the present walker apron that includes front and rear surface pockets, along with a structure that is securely fastened to the walker to prevent relative movement between the walker braces and the apron structure.
The present invention pertains to a walker apron that is tensioned across the upper forward portion of a walker device, providing a decorative cover thereover while also providing forward exterior pockets and interior pockets for the user to support personal items therein. It is submitted that the present invention is substantially divergent in design elements from the prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing walker carrying devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of walker carrying devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new walker apron device that can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when traveling with a walker and carrying items without personally handling the items or introducing swinging support that could otherwise unbalance the walker and make it difficult to handle.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved walker carrying device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a walker carrying device that provides both function and decoration to a walker device, wherein a user is provided a means to carry articles while also personalizing their walker.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a walker carrying device having a tensioned attachment across the upper portion of a walker, wherein an elongated apron is secured to the side frame members and forward frame member of walker device to prevent relative movement between the walker and apron.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a walker carrying device having forward exterior pockets for carrying items, along with interior surface pockets that allow for storage of personal items therein.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a walker carrying device that does not increase the overall width of the walker, such that the walker can fit through doorways and other confined areas as designed.
A final object of the present invention is to provide a walker carrying device that can be readily manufactured and competitively sold to all users of walker devices.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a frontal plan view of the present walker apron of the present invention in an open configuration.

FIG. 2 shows a rear plan view of the present walker apron of the present invention in an open configuration.

FIG. 3 shows a frontal perspective view of the present invention in a working state and having decorative adornments thereon.

FIG. 4 shows a rear perspective view of the present invention in a working state, whereby the interior surface pockets are visualized.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the walker carrying device. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for stably supporting articles along an upper portion of a walker and providing an external adornment therefor. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there are shown front and rear shown plan views of the walker carrying device of the present invention. The device provides a securely-fitted apron 20 positionable about the upper portion of a walker device to provide storage for the user and an adornment for the walker. The device comprises an elongated and largely rectangularly body portion 21 having a first and second end 41, an upper 42 and lower 43 edge, and a front and rear surface. FIG. 1 illustrates the device front surface, whereby at least one outer pocket 25 is disposed thereon for the purposes of supporting articles placed into the pocket 25 upper opening 26. The outer pockets 25 provide storage for the user while walking with the walker device, whereby the weight of the stored items is not directly on the user and can be supported by the walker structure.
The elongated body portion 21 of the apron is adapted to be tensioned across the upper portion of a walker, whereby end straps 22 secure the first and second ends 41 of the body 21 to opposing walker side frame members. To prevent the body portion 21 from sliding downward, upper edge straps 23 are disposed along the body upper edge 42 to support the apron along its length. Together, the side straps 22 and upper edge straps 23 secure the apron 20 to the frame of the walker such that there is not relative movement therebetween and the weight of the carried items is supported.
Each of the straps 22, 23 is an elongated member that is adapted to surround an adjacent portion of the walker and secure the edge of the body portion thereto. The straps surround the walker frame members and secure onto themselves or onto the body portion 21 by way an attachment means 70, such as snaps, buttons, or hook and loop fastening. This removable connection allows the apron 20 to be readily deployed and removed if necessary, while the multiple attachment points of the apron 20 secure its positioning while in use.
The pockets 25 of the apron 20 are disposed along the body portion 21 in a manner that does not increase the cross section of the walker device while the apron is deployed. Specifically, the pockets do not extend outward from the walker side frame members, but rather extend forward from the front of the walker and inward within its interior volume. In this way, the sides of the walker remain unchanged, allowing a user to traverse tight openings such as interior doorways and other entryways for which the walker is already suited.
Along the outer surface of the apron is a forward pocket 25 or plurality thereof, providing support for articles along the exterior of the walker. Along the interior surface of the apron, a rear pocket 27 or plurality thereof is disposed along the outer portions of the interior surface, as shown in FIG. 2. These interior pockets 27 are therefore disposed along the interior of the walker side frame members. This positioning does not compromise the interior space within the walker to allow for natural leg movement while walking. It is not desired to compromise any of the advantages of the walker or to impinge on the interior space within the interior of the walker when deploying the apron. The interior pockets 27 include open upper edges 28 to allow a user to store personal items therein within the interior of the walker and shrouded from view.
Along with providing a utilitarian carrying device for attachment to a walker, the device is also suited as a decorative adornment therefor. To further this end, the body portion 21 may include a design that is suited to the user and decorative treatments that accent the look of the apron. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower edge 43 of the apron may comprise a curved or frilled bottom to accent the body portion 21. Similarly, the outer pockets 25 may include colors, designs, or similar treatments that improve their appearance and the overall look of the apron while deployed. These decorative features may take on several forms, adding to the look of the device without detracting from its inherent utility.
Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, there are shown a front and rear perspective view of the walker carrying device of the present invention in a working position, wherein the apron 20 is attached across the upper portion of a walker device 60. The walker device 60 comprises a frame having a pair of opposing walker side frame members connected across the front of the walker by forward frame member 64. The side frame members are inverted, U-shaped frames having a rear leg 61 and a front leg 63 connected by an uppermost handle 62 for the user to lean upon. Between the front and rear leg may further be horizontal brace members 65 that support the legs and the structure of the side frame members. The forward frame members 64 are horizontal members across the front of the walker frame that connect the side frame members together, forming the front of the walker while the side frame members form the sides and handle portions. The assembly offers an interior space for which the user to enter into while grabbing the handles 62.
As shown, the body portion 21 of the apron is drawn across the front and sides of the walker frame 60, whereby the side straps 22 secure the sides of the body and the upper edge straps 23 support the body along the side frame member cross braces 65 and the front brace member 64. Each of the straps wraps around the walker frame members and firmly secures the body portion 21 of the apron thereto. The forward pockets 25 are positioned along the forward portion of the walker and the interior pockets 27 are positioned between the front 63 and rear 61 legs of the side frame members. Along each of the exterior pockets may be provided decorative trim 30 for to allow those with visual impairments to better find and access the pockets. The trim 30 may further be deployed for design and personalization purposes. The lower edge of the body portion may also include a skirt member 24, which may be curved, straight, or have an inherent shape desired by the user.
It is recognized that it can be difficult for certain individuals to use a walker device while also carrying a bag, purse, or personal items on their person. Most will attempt to balance the bag on their shoulder, but the bag can easily slide off and fall down the length of their arm, making it inconvenient to carry the item while using the walker and inhibiting the individual's mobility. Carrying a bag or other personal item can also cause instability or increased strain on the person, causing undue stress on the person and further leading to spilled personal items or injury if the individual were to fall.
Venturing out without personal items such as identification, a purse, a phone, tissues and other toiletry items can be particularly undesirable for some. Some may rely on a relative, close friend, or caregiver to carry their purse or bag while traveling, but these people may not always be available to provide assistance. Others may attempt to tie the bag or purse to the walker directly, which can inhibit its operation and create an unstable condition during use if the bag is swinging or particularly heavy.
The present invention attaches to the front and side portions of a conventional walker device frame, and includes multiple pockets that allow a user to store various items therein. The device attaches to the walker using multiple, removably attachable straps that attached to the frame of the walker. The pockets include an interior volume and a design that is suitable for the user's tastes. The pockets may further include contrasting material along their upper openings to improve visibility of the pocket location for those with vision impairments. The side pockets are positioned along the interior surface of the device to prevent interference when moving through a doorway and to store more protected personal items along the interior of the device. The present invention can provide people who use walkers with a convenient way to carry around items they may need throughout their day. The device can be used for carrying tissues, glasses, a phone, a water bottle, keys, a wallet, a book, or anything else a person may need. It can allow people quick access to these items without having to struggle to carry a bag on their arms while using the walker.
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

I claim:

1. A walker apron device for carrying personal items, comprising:

an elongated body portion having largely rectangular shape, a front surface, a rear surface, a first and second end, and an upper and lower edge;

at least one end strap attached to said body portion first end;

at least one end strap attached to said body portion second end;

said end straps for securing said body portion ends to the rear legs of a walker;

a plurality of upper edge straps attached to said body portion upper edge for removably securing said body portion to said walker horizontal forward frame member and horizontal side brace members;

at least one outer pocket disposed along said body portion front surface for placement over said walker forward frame member;

at least one interior pocket disposed along said body portion rear surface.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one interior pocket is positioned along one of said walker side frame member interior.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one interior pocket is positioned along one of said walker forward frame member interior.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein said end straps and said upper edge straps comprise elongated members having a removable attachment means thereon for firmly securing around said walker frame members.

5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a skirt member attached to said body portion lower edge for decorative purposes.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one outer pocket comprise a two adjacent pockets having an open upper and an interior volume.