US20160120731A1 - Wrap around walking aid - Google Patents

Wrap around walking aid Download PDF

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Publication number
US20160120731A1
US20160120731A1 US14/532,448 US201414532448A US2016120731A1 US 20160120731 A1 US20160120731 A1 US 20160120731A1 US 201414532448 A US201414532448 A US 201414532448A US 2016120731 A1 US2016120731 A1 US 2016120731A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
lower frame
mechanically coupled
segment
rear lower
telescoping
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Granted
Application number
US14/532,448
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US9314395B1 (en
Inventor
Jack Paul VanAusdall
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
A Better Walker LLC
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Jack Paul VanAusdall
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Filing date
Publication date
Priority to US14/532,448 priority Critical patent/US9314395B1/en
Application filed by Jack Paul VanAusdall filed Critical Jack Paul VanAusdall
Priority to PCT/US2015/048073 priority patent/WO2016073066A1/en
Publication of US9314395B1 publication Critical patent/US9314395B1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US20160120731A1 publication Critical patent/US20160120731A1/en
Priority to US15/582,207 priority patent/US10292893B2/en
Assigned to A BETTER WALKER, LLC reassignment A BETTER WALKER, LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: VANAUSDALL, JACK PAUL
Priority to US16/358,026 priority patent/US10675207B2/en
Priority to US16/896,609 priority patent/US11622908B2/en
Priority to US18/124,743 priority patent/US20240050303A1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H3/00—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about
    • A61H3/04—Wheeled walking aids for disabled persons
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
    • B62B3/00—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor
    • B62B3/02—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor involving parts being adjustable, collapsible, attachable, detachable or convertible
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
    • B62B5/00—Accessories or details specially adapted for hand carts
    • B62B5/04—Braking mechanisms; Locking devices against movement
    • B62B5/0438—Braking mechanisms; Locking devices against movement hand operated
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H3/00—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about
    • A61H2003/006—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about with forearm rests, i.e. for non-used arms
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H3/00—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about
    • A61H3/04—Wheeled walking aids for disabled persons
    • A61H2003/046—Wheeled walking aids for disabled persons with braking means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/01—Constructive details
    • A61H2201/0161—Size reducing arrangements when not in use, for stowing or transport
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
    • A61H2201/1602—Physical interface with patient kind of interface, e.g. head rest, knee support or lumbar support
    • A61H2201/1628—Pelvis
    • A61H2201/1633—Seat

Definitions

  • the embodiments herein relate generally to devices that assist those with mobility difficulties.
  • a wrap around walking aid is configured to assist a human user in walking.
  • the wrap around walking aid can include a first rear lower frame and a first front lower frame mechanically coupled to a first upper frame.
  • At least one first fixed front wheel can be mechanically coupled to the first front lower frame.
  • At least one first castor rear wheel can be mechanically coupled to the first rear lower frame.
  • a back rest can be connected to the first rear lower frame.
  • a second rear lower frame and a second front lower frame can be mechanically coupled to a second upper frame.
  • the second rear lower frame can be further mechanically coupled to the back rest.
  • At least one second fixed front wheel can be mechanically coupled to the second front lower frame.
  • At least one second castor rear wheel can be mechanically coupled to the second rear lower frame.
  • the at least one first castor rear wheel, the at least one second castor rear wheel, the at least one first fixed front wheel and the at least one second fixed front wheel can enable a turn radius while the human user is walking forward.
  • a first folding point can be arranged between the first front lower frame and the first rear lower frame.
  • the first folding point can be configured to permit the first front lower frame to fold upon the first rear lower frame.
  • a second folding point can be arranged between the second front lower frame and the second rear lower frame. The second folding point can be configured to permit the second front lower frame to fold upon the second rear lower frame.
  • At least one first strut can be connected to the first rear lower frame and the first front lower frame.
  • the at least one first strut can be configured to limit the first front lower frame moving away from the first rear lower frame.
  • At least one second strut can be connected to the second rear lower frame and the second front lower frame. The at least one second strut can be configured to limit the second front lower frame moving away from the second rear lower frame.
  • a seat rest can be mechanically coupled to the first front lower frame and the second front lower frame.
  • a seat pivot can be attached to a seat and the back rest. Rotating the seat from the seat pivot can cause the seat to rest upon the seat rest.
  • the first upper frame can further comprise a first telescoping segment, configured to extend from within the first rear lower frame and further configured to be tightened into place by a first height adjustment.
  • the first telescoping segment can be on a first telescoping axis.
  • a first forearm support segment can be joined to the first telescoping segment.
  • the first forearm support segment can extend on a first forearm axis. Measured from the first telescoping segment, the first forearm support segment can be arranged at a first obtuse angle that is greater than 90 degrees.
  • a first handle segment can be joined to the first forearm support segment.
  • a first handle can be mechanically coupled to the first handle segment.
  • a first hand brake can be mechanically coupled to the first handle.
  • a first brake cable can be connected to the first hand brake and the at least one first fixed front wheel. Squeezing the first hand brake can engage the first brake cable to stop motion of the at least one first fixed front wheel.
  • a first forearm rest can be mechanically coupled to the first forearm support segment.
  • the second upper frame can further comprise a second telescoping segment, configured to extend from within the second rear lower frame and further configured to be tightened into place by a second height adjustment.
  • the second telescoping segment can be on a second telescoping axis.
  • a second forearm support segment can be joined to the second telescoping segment.
  • the second forearm support segment can extend on a second forearm axis. Measured from the second telescoping segment, the second forearm support segment can be arranged at a second obtuse angle that is greater than 90 degrees.
  • a second handle segment can be joined to the second forearm support segment.
  • a second handle can be mechanically coupled to the second handle segment.
  • a second hand brake can be mechanically coupled to the second handle.
  • a second brake cable can be connected to the second hand brake and the at least one second fixed front wheel. Squeezing the second hand brake can engage the second brake cable to stop motion of the at least one second fixed front wheel.
  • a second forearm rest can be mechanically coupled to the second forearm support segment.
  • FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the invention in use.
  • FIG. 2 is a side elevation view showing an embodiment of the invention used in a seating mode.
  • FIG. 3 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the invention with a user.
  • FIG. 5 is a side elevation view showing an embodiment of the invention in a storage mode.
  • wrap-around walking aid 10 further comprises first rear lower frame 11 A and first front lower frame 12 A mechanically coupled to first upper frame 13 A.
  • First front lower frame 12 A is further mechanically coupled to at least one first fixed front wheel 14 A.
  • First rear lower frame 11 A is further mechanically coupled to at least one first castor rear wheel 16 A.
  • First front lower frame 12 A is joined to first rear lower frame 11 A at first folding point 18 which is configured to permit first front lower frame 12 A to fold upon first rear lower frame 11 A as shown in FIG. 5 .
  • First rear lower frame 11 A is further connected to first front lower frame 12 A with at least one first strut 20 A. The at least one first strut 20 A limits the distance the first front lower frame 12 A can move away from first rear lower frame 11 A.
  • First front lower frame 12 A is mechanically coupled to seat rest 22 which partially extends between first front lower frame 12 A and first rear lower frame 11 A.
  • Seat 24 and back rest 26 are attached to seat pivot 28 .
  • Back rest 26 is connected to first rear lower frame 11 A.
  • First upper frame 13 A has three segments, a first telescoping segment that extends from first rear lower frame 11 A and can be tightened into place by first height adjustment 30 A. In some embodiments, this could be a quick release height adjustment.
  • the first telescoping segment bends into the first forearm support segment.
  • the first forearm support segment extends on a first forearm axis Ax 1 whereas the telescoping segment is on a first telescoping axis Ay 1 .
  • Measured from the first telescoping segment the first forearm segment is arranged at a first obtuse angle ⁇ 1 that is greater than 90 degrees. First obtuse angle ⁇ 1 brings the torso of a human user back slightly to create a more upright posture reducing neck and back pain.
  • the first forearm support segment is mechanically coupled to first forearm rest 32 A.
  • the first forearm support segment bends into a first handle segment.
  • the first handle segment is mechanically coupled to first handle 34 A.
  • First handle 34 A is further mechanically coupled to first hand brake 36 A.
  • First hand brake 36 A can be squeezed toward first handle 34 A to engage first brake cable 38 A.
  • First brake cable 38 A is mechanically coupled to at least one first fixed front wheel 14 A.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates that some parts can exist in multiple quantities.
  • one embodiment of wrap-around walking aid 10 further comprises second rear lower frame 11 B and second front lower frame 12 B mechanically coupled to second upper frame 13 B.
  • Second front lower frame 12 B is further mechanically coupled to at least one second fixed front wheel 14 B.
  • Second rear lower frame 11 B is further mechanically coupled to at least one second castor rear wheel 16 B.
  • Second front lower frame 12 B is joined to second rear lower frame 11 B at second folding point 18 B which is configured to permit second front lower frame 12 B to fold upon second rear lower frame 11 B as shown in FIG. 5 .
  • Second rear lower frame 11 B is further connected to second front lower frame 12 B with at least one second strut 20 B.
  • the at least one second struts 20 B limits the distance the second front lower frame 12 B can move away from second rear lower frame 11 B.
  • Second front lower frame 12 B is mechanically coupled to seat rest 22 which partially extends between second front lower frame 12 B and second rear lower frame 11 B.
  • Seat 24 and back rest 26 are attached to seat pivot 28 .
  • Back rest 26 is connected to second rear lower frame 11 B. Note that contrary to conventional walkers, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , there is no support member forward of seat 24 when deployed. This removes a common problem in conventional walkers—the human user banging legs and knees on forward supports.
  • Second upper frame 13 B has three segments, a second telescoping segment that extends from second rear lower frame 11 B and can be tightened into place by second height adjustment 30 B. In some embodiments, this could be a quick release height adjustment.
  • the second telescoping segment bends into the second forearm support segment.
  • the second forearm support segment extends on a second forearm axis whereas the telescoping segment is on a second telescoping axis.
  • Measured from the second telescoping segment the second forearm segment is arranged at a second obtuse angle that is greater than 90 degrees. The second obtuse angle brings the torso of a human user back slightly to create a more upright posture reducing neck and back pain.
  • the second forearm support segment is mechanically coupled to second forearm rest 32 B.
  • the second forearm support segment bends into a second handle segment.
  • the second handle segment is mechanically coupled to second handle 34 B.
  • Second handle 34 B is further mechanically coupled to second hand brake 36 B.
  • Second hand brake 36 B can be squeezed toward second handle 34 B to engage second brake cable 38 B.
  • Second brake cable 38 B is mechanically coupled to at least one second fixed front wheel 14 B.
  • wrap-around walking aid 10 can be scaled to accommodate any size human user.
  • the human user's nose is approximately in the position of center of rotation 42 of at least one first castor rear wheel 16 A and at least one second castor rear wheel 16 B creating turn radius 40 .
  • Turn radius 40 is very tight, in some cases as wide as wrap-around walking aid 10 .

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
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Abstract

A wrap around walking aid is configured to assist a human user in walking. The wrap around walking aid comprising has a first rear lower frame and a first front lower frame mechanically coupled to a first upper frame. A back rest is connected to the first rear lower frame. A second rear lower frame and a second front lower frame are mechanically coupled to a second upper frame. The second rear lower frame is further mechanically coupled to the back rest. At least one first fixed front wheel is mechanically coupled to both front lower frames. At least one first castor rear wheel is mechanically coupled to both rear lower frames. The wheels enable a turn radius while the human user is walking forward.

Description

    BACKGROUND
  • The embodiments herein relate generally to devices that assist those with mobility difficulties.
  • Prior to embodiments of the disclosed invention, conventional walkers caused people to have a bent forward low back and neck in extension posture. This caused neck and back pain. They also had break handles that could cause the wrist to be bent in an abnormal way that can could wrist and elbow pain. Conventional walkers also inhibited a normal gait pattern. Embodiments of the disclosed invention solve these problems. Conventional walkers forward leaning posture has been shown to contribute to falls. With a more upright posture along with the forearm support of this embodiment this should reduce this problem.
    • SUMMARY
  • A wrap around walking aid is configured to assist a human user in walking. The wrap around walking aid can include a first rear lower frame and a first front lower frame mechanically coupled to a first upper frame. At least one first fixed front wheel can be mechanically coupled to the first front lower frame. At least one first castor rear wheel can be mechanically coupled to the first rear lower frame. A back rest can be connected to the first rear lower frame. A second rear lower frame and a second front lower frame can be mechanically coupled to a second upper frame. The second rear lower frame can be further mechanically coupled to the back rest. At least one second fixed front wheel can be mechanically coupled to the second front lower frame. At least one second castor rear wheel can be mechanically coupled to the second rear lower frame. The at least one first castor rear wheel, the at least one second castor rear wheel, the at least one first fixed front wheel and the at least one second fixed front wheel can enable a turn radius while the human user is walking forward.
  • In some embodiments, a first folding point can be arranged between the first front lower frame and the first rear lower frame. The first folding point can be configured to permit the first front lower frame to fold upon the first rear lower frame. A second folding point can be arranged between the second front lower frame and the second rear lower frame. The second folding point can be configured to permit the second front lower frame to fold upon the second rear lower frame.
  • In some embodiments, at least one first strut can be connected to the first rear lower frame and the first front lower frame. The at least one first strut can be configured to limit the first front lower frame moving away from the first rear lower frame. At least one second strut can be connected to the second rear lower frame and the second front lower frame. The at least one second strut can be configured to limit the second front lower frame moving away from the second rear lower frame.
  • In some embodiments, a seat rest can be mechanically coupled to the first front lower frame and the second front lower frame. A seat pivot can be attached to a seat and the back rest. Rotating the seat from the seat pivot can cause the seat to rest upon the seat rest.
  • In some embodiments, the first upper frame can further comprise a first telescoping segment, configured to extend from within the first rear lower frame and further configured to be tightened into place by a first height adjustment. The first telescoping segment can be on a first telescoping axis. A first forearm support segment can be joined to the first telescoping segment. The first forearm support segment can extend on a first forearm axis. Measured from the first telescoping segment, the first forearm support segment can be arranged at a first obtuse angle that is greater than 90 degrees. A first handle segment can be joined to the first forearm support segment.
  • In some embodiments, a first handle can be mechanically coupled to the first handle segment. A first hand brake can be mechanically coupled to the first handle. A first brake cable can be connected to the first hand brake and the at least one first fixed front wheel. Squeezing the first hand brake can engage the first brake cable to stop motion of the at least one first fixed front wheel. In some embodiments, a first forearm rest can be mechanically coupled to the first forearm support segment.
  • In some embodiments, the second upper frame can further comprise a second telescoping segment, configured to extend from within the second rear lower frame and further configured to be tightened into place by a second height adjustment. The second telescoping segment can be on a second telescoping axis. A second forearm support segment can be joined to the second telescoping segment. The second forearm support segment can extend on a second forearm axis. Measured from the second telescoping segment, the second forearm support segment can be arranged at a second obtuse angle that is greater than 90 degrees. A second handle segment can be joined to the second forearm support segment.
  • In some embodiments, a second handle can be mechanically coupled to the second handle segment. A second hand brake can be mechanically coupled to the second handle. A second brake cable can be connected to the second hand brake and the at least one second fixed front wheel. Squeezing the second hand brake can engage the second brake cable to stop motion of the at least one second fixed front wheel. In some embodiments, a second forearm rest can be mechanically coupled to the second forearm support segment.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
  • The detailed description of some embodiments of the invention is made below with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals represent corresponding parts of the figures.
  • FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the invention in use.
  • FIG. 2 is a side elevation view showing an embodiment of the invention used in a seating mode.
  • FIG. 3 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the invention with a user.
  • FIG. 5 is a side elevation view showing an embodiment of the invention in a storage mode.
    •  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS
  • By way of example, and referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of wrap-around walking aid 10 further comprises first rear lower frame 11A and first front lower frame 12A mechanically coupled to first upper frame 13A. First front lower frame 12A is further mechanically coupled to at least one first fixed front wheel 14A. First rear lower frame 11A is further mechanically coupled to at least one first castor rear wheel 16A. First front lower frame 12A is joined to first rear lower frame 11A at first folding point 18 which is configured to permit first front lower frame 12A to fold upon first rear lower frame 11A as shown in FIG. 5. First rear lower frame 11A is further connected to first front lower frame 12A with at least one first strut 20A. The at least one first strut 20A limits the distance the first front lower frame 12A can move away from first rear lower frame 11A.
  • First front lower frame 12A is mechanically coupled to seat rest 22 which partially extends between first front lower frame 12A and first rear lower frame 11A. Seat 24 and back rest 26 are attached to seat pivot 28. Back rest 26 is connected to first rear lower frame 11A.
  • First upper frame 13A has three segments, a first telescoping segment that extends from first rear lower frame 11A and can be tightened into place by first height adjustment 30A. In some embodiments, this could be a quick release height adjustment. The first telescoping segment bends into the first forearm support segment. The first forearm support segment extends on a first forearm axis Ax1 whereas the telescoping segment is on a first telescoping axis Ay1. Measured from the first telescoping segment the first forearm segment is arranged at a first obtuse angle θ1 that is greater than 90 degrees. First obtuse angle θ1 brings the torso of a human user back slightly to create a more upright posture reducing neck and back pain.
  • The first forearm support segment is mechanically coupled to first forearm rest 32A. The first forearm support segment bends into a first handle segment. The first handle segment is mechanically coupled to first handle 34A. First handle 34A is further mechanically coupled to first hand brake 36A. First hand brake 36A can be squeezed toward first handle 34A to engage first brake cable 38A. First brake cable 38A is mechanically coupled to at least one first fixed front wheel 14A.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates that some parts can exist in multiple quantities. For instance, one embodiment of wrap-around walking aid 10 further comprises second rear lower frame 11B and second front lower frame 12B mechanically coupled to second upper frame 13B. Second front lower frame 12B is further mechanically coupled to at least one second fixed front wheel 14B. Second rear lower frame 11B is further mechanically coupled to at least one second castor rear wheel 16B. Second front lower frame 12B is joined to second rear lower frame 11B at second folding point 18B which is configured to permit second front lower frame 12B to fold upon second rear lower frame 11B as shown in FIG. 5. Second rear lower frame 11B is further connected to second front lower frame 12B with at least one second strut 20B. The at least one second struts 20B limits the distance the second front lower frame 12B can move away from second rear lower frame 11B.
  • Second front lower frame 12B is mechanically coupled to seat rest 22 which partially extends between second front lower frame 12B and second rear lower frame 11B. Seat 24 and back rest 26 are attached to seat pivot 28. Back rest 26 is connected to second rear lower frame 11B. Note that contrary to conventional walkers, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, there is no support member forward of seat 24 when deployed. This removes a common problem in conventional walkers—the human user banging legs and knees on forward supports.
  • Second upper frame 13B has three segments, a second telescoping segment that extends from second rear lower frame 11B and can be tightened into place by second height adjustment 30B. In some embodiments, this could be a quick release height adjustment. The second telescoping segment bends into the second forearm support segment. The second forearm support segment extends on a second forearm axis whereas the telescoping segment is on a second telescoping axis. Measured from the second telescoping segment the second forearm segment is arranged at a second obtuse angle that is greater than 90 degrees. The second obtuse angle brings the torso of a human user back slightly to create a more upright posture reducing neck and back pain.
  • The second forearm support segment is mechanically coupled to second forearm rest 32B. The second forearm support segment bends into a second handle segment. The second handle segment is mechanically coupled to second handle 34B. Second handle 34B is further mechanically coupled to second hand brake 36B. Second hand brake 36B can be squeezed toward second handle 34B to engage second brake cable 38B. Second brake cable 38B is mechanically coupled to at least one second fixed front wheel 14B.
  • Further, as shown in FIG. 4, wrap-around walking aid 10 can be scaled to accommodate any size human user. The human user's nose is approximately in the position of center of rotation 42 of at least one first castor rear wheel 16A and at least one second castor rear wheel 16B creating turn radius 40. This enables a user to easily turn wrap-around walking aid 10 while moving forward. Turn radius 40 is very tight, in some cases as wide as wrap-around walking aid 10.
  • Persons of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that numerous design configurations may be possible to enjoy the functional benefits of the inventive systems. Thus, given the wide variety of configurations and arrangements of embodiments of the present invention the scope of the invention is reflected by the breadth of the claims below rather than narrowed by the embodiments described above.

Claims (17)

1. A wrap around walking aid, that assists a human user in walking; the wrap around walking aid comprising:
a first rear lower frame and a first front lower frame mechanically coupled to a first upper frame;
at least one first fixed front wheel mechanically coupled to the first front lower frame;
at least one first castor rear wheel mechanically coupled to the first rear lower frame;
a first telescoping segment, extending from within the first rear lower frame and tightened into place by a first height adjustment; wherein the first telescoping segment is on a first telescoping axis; and
a first forearm support segment joined to the first telescoping segment; wherein the first forearm support segment extends on a first forearm axis; wherein measured from the first telescoping segment, the first forearm support segment is arranged at a first obtuse angle that is greater than 90 degrees;
a first handle segment joined to the first forearm support segment;
a back rest, connected to the first rear lower frame
a second rear lower frame and a second front lower frame mechanically coupled to a second upper frame; wherein the second rear lower frame is further mechanically coupled to the back rest;
at least one second fixed front wheel mechanically coupled to the second front lower frame;
at least one second castor rear wheel mechanically coupled to the second rear lower frame;
wherein the at least one first castor rear wheel, the at least one second castor rear wheel, the at least one first fixed front wheel and the at least one second fixed front wheel enable a turn radius while the human user is walking forward.
2. The wrap around walking aid of claim 1, further comprising:
a first folding point arranged between the first front lower frame and the first rear lower frame; wherein the first folding point permits the first front lower frame to fold upon the first rear lower frame; and
a second folding point arranged between the second front lower frame and the second rear lower frame; wherein the second folding point permits the second front lower frame to fold upon the second rear lower frame.
3. The wrap around walking aid of claim 2, further comprising:
at least one first strut connected to the first rear lower frame and the first front lower frame; wherein the at least one first strut limits the first front lower frame moving away from the first rear lower frame; and
at least one second strut connected to the second rear lower frame and the second front lower frame; wherein the at least one second strut limits the second front lower frame moving away from the second rear lower frame.
4. The wrap around walking aid of claim 3, further comprising:
a seat rest mechanically coupled to the first front lower frame and the second front lower frame; and
a seat pivot attached to a seat and the back rest;
wherein rotating the seat from the seat pivot causes the seat to rest upon the seat rest.
5. (canceled)
6. The wrap around walking aid of claim 4, further comprising:
a first handle mechanically coupled to the first handle segment;
a first hand brake mechanically coupled to the first handle; and
a first brake cable connected to the first hand brake and the at least one first fixed front wheel;
wherein squeezing the first hand brake engages the first brake cable to stop motion of the at least one first fixed front wheel.
7. The wrap around walking aid of claim 6, further comprising: a first forearm rest mechanically coupled to the first forearm support segment.
8. The wrap around walking aid of claim 7, wherein the second upper frame further comprises:
a second telescoping segment, extends from within the second rear lower frame and is tightened into place by a second height adjustment; wherein the second telescoping segment is on a second telescoping axis;
a second forearm support segment joined to the second telescoping segment; wherein the second forearm support segment extends on a second forearm axis; wherein measured from the second telescoping segment, the second forearm support segment is arranged at a second obtuse angle that is greater than 90 degrees; and
a second handle segment joined to the second forearm support segment.
9. The wrap around walking aid of claim 8, further comprising:
a second handle mechanically coupled to the second handle segment;
a second hand brake mechanically coupled to the second handle; and
a second brake cable connected to the second hand brake and the at least one second fixed front wheel;
wherein squeezing the second hand brake engages the second brake cable to stop motion of the at least one second fixed front wheel.
10. The wrap around walking aid of claim 9, further comprising: a second forearm rest mechanically coupled to the second forearm support segment.
11. A wrap around walking aid, which assists a human user in walking; the wrap around walking aid comprising:
a first rear lower frame and a first front lower frame mechanically coupled to a first upper frame;
at least one first fixed front wheel mechanically coupled to the first front lower frame;
at least one first castor rear wheel mechanically coupled to the first rear lower frame;
a first telescoping segment, extending from within the first rear lower frame and tightened into place by a first height adjustment; wherein the first telescoping segment is on a first telescoping axis; and
a first forearm support segment joined to the first telescoping segment; wherein the first forearm support segment extends on a first forearm axis; wherein measured from the first telescoping segment, the first forearm support segment is arranged at a first obtuse angle that is greater than 90 degrees;
a first handle segment joined to the first forearm support segment;
a first folding point arranged between the first front lower frame and the first rear lower frame; wherein the first folding point permits the first front lower frame to fold upon the first rear lower frame;
at least one first strut connected to the first rear lower frame and the first front lower frame; wherein the at least one first strut limits the first front lower frame moving away from the first rear lower frame;
a back rest, connected to the first rear lower frame;
a second rear lower frame and a second front lower frame mechanically coupled to a second upper frame; wherein the second rear lower frame is further mechanically coupled to the back rest;
at least one second fixed front wheel mechanically coupled to the second front lower frame;
at least one second castor rear wheel mechanically coupled to the second rear lower frame;
a second folding point arranged between the second front lower frame and the second rear lower frame; wherein the second folding point permits the second front lower frame to fold upon the second rear lower frame
at least one second strut connected to the second rear lower frame and the second front lower frame; wherein the at least one second strut limits the second front lower frame moving away from the second rear lower frame.
wherein the at least one first castor rear wheel, the at least one second castor rear wheel, the at least one first fixed front wheel and the at least one second fixed front wheel enable a turn radius while the human user is walking forward.
12. The wrap around walking aid of claim 11, further comprising:
a first handle mechanically coupled to the first handle segment;
a first hand brake mechanically coupled to the first handle; and
a first brake cable connected to the first hand brake and the at least one first fixed front wheel;
wherein squeezing the first hand brake engages the first brake cable to stop motion of the at least one first fixed front wheel.
13. The wrap around walking aid of claim 12, further comprising: a first forearm rest mechanically coupled to the first forearm support segment.
14. The wrap around walking aid of claim 13, wherein the second upper frame further comprises:
a second telescoping segment, extends from within the second rear lower frame and is tightened into place by a second height adjustment; wherein the second telescoping segment is on a second telescoping axis;
a second forearm support segment joined to the second telescoping segment; wherein the second forearm support segment extends on a second forearm axis; wherein measured from the second telescoping segment, the second forearm support segment is arranged at a second obtuse angle that is greater than 90 degrees; and
a second handle segment joined to the second forearm support segment.
15. The wrap around walking aid of claim 14, further comprising:
a second handle mechanically coupled to the second handle segment;
a second hand brake mechanically coupled to the second handle; and
a second brake cable connected to the second hand brake and the at least one second fixed front wheel;
wherein squeezing the second hand brake engages the second brake cable to stop motion of the at least one second fixed front wheel.
16. The wrap around walking aid of claim 15, further comprising: a second forearm rest mechanically coupled to the second forearm support segment.
17. The wrap around walking aid of claim 16, further comprising: a seat rest mechanically coupled to the first front lower frame and the second front lower frame;
a seat pivot attached to a seat and the back rest;
wherein rotating the seat from the seat pivot causes the seat to rest upon the seat rest
US14/532,448 2014-11-04 2014-11-04 Wrap around walking aid Active US9314395B1 (en)

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US15/582,207 US10292893B2 (en) 2014-11-04 2017-04-28 Wrap around walking aid
US16/358,026 US10675207B2 (en) 2014-11-04 2019-03-19 Wrap around walking aid
US16/896,609 US11622908B2 (en) 2014-11-04 2020-06-09 Wrap around walking aid
US18/124,743 US20240050303A1 (en) 2014-11-04 2023-03-22 Wrap around walking aid

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