WO1999017707A1 - Deambulateur pliant equipe d'un mecanisme de verrouillage - Google Patents

Deambulateur pliant equipe d'un mecanisme de verrouillage Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1999017707A1
WO1999017707A1 PCT/US1998/021131 US9821131W WO9917707A1 WO 1999017707 A1 WO1999017707 A1 WO 1999017707A1 US 9821131 W US9821131 W US 9821131W WO 9917707 A1 WO9917707 A1 WO 9917707A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
locking mechanism
cylindrical component
locking
walker
locking element
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1998/021131
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Daniel M. Kloiber
Wayne J. Krauss
Christopher C. Bidwell
Andrew J. Covault
Original Assignee
Trek Medical
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Trek Medical filed Critical Trek Medical
Publication of WO1999017707A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999017707A1/fr

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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
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2210/00—Space saving
    • A63B2210/50—Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport

Definitions

  • This invention relates to foldable walkers and a locking mechanism for use with such walkers.
  • Foldable walkers are well known and widely used by persons such as frail elderly persons, who need support when standing and walking, yet wish to conveniently store the walker when it is not in use. While there are numerous foldable walkers with various locking devices for folding the walker, many of the prior locking devices are difficult to operate and require substantial dexterity or two hands to operate. Alternatively, if a locking device is easily activated, then it may be inadvertently activated or may not be reliably secured. This is a disadvantage to persons using foldable walkers who rely on the walker for support and may be seriously injured if the walker were to collapse accidentally.
  • prior foldable walkers Another disadvantage of prior foldable walkers is the tendency for the locking device to break or wear out quickly. In an effort to provide lightweight yet sturdy and inexpensive walkers, there has been a continuing move toward lighter weight materials.
  • prior foldable walkers require the manufacture and assembly of several components, and the locking device is often a separate, additional component which may increase the weight and the expense of manufacturing the walker.
  • This invention is a foldable walker for use by persons who need support when standing and walking, such as frail elderly persons.
  • the foldable walker includes locking mechanisms which are easily unlocked for folding the walker into a closed storage position, yet reliably secured when locked for maintaining the walker in the open, operational position.
  • a pair of inverted U-shaped sides, each having a front and back leg, are each reinforced by a side brace between the front and back legs, and the two front legs are connected by a front center brace.
  • the locking mechanisms are secured to each inverted U-shaped side of the walker for locking the sides in the open, operational position and selec ⁇ vely unlocking each inverted U-shaped side from its locked open position so it can be folded against the front center brace in a closed, storage position.
  • the lock is designed to prevent accidental unlocking by requiring a two step release process, while at the same time allowing single hand operation of the locking mechanism in a manner that requires very little dexterity.
  • the lock includes a first locking element and a second compatible, coaxially aligned, locking element designed to be selectively secuied to each other in an interlocking relationship.
  • the first and second locking elements include interf ⁇ tting gears for interlocking engagement with each other.
  • a paddle moves the first locking element relative to the second locking element.
  • the locking mechanism also includes an integral means for maintaining the locking elements in the unlocked position.
  • the front center brace of the present invention is molded from a single piece of durable plastic and thus is inexpensive to manufacture and simple to assemble.
  • the front center brace has opposite ends which each include a tube collar adapted to be positioned on the front leg of each side of the walker and a center cross beam which extends between the tube collars. When assembled, the front center brace connects and secures the inverted U-shaped sides together to provide a sturdy walker.
  • the tube collar includes a locking element (further described below) which receives a compatible locking element for selectively locking the walker in the open, operational position and permitting it to be folded in a closed, storage position.
  • a one-piece molded side brace is secured to the front and back legs of each side of the walker.
  • the molded side braces are inexpensively manufactured and easily assembled. Minimizing the number of pieces required to construct the walker, provides a foldable walker which is less expensive to manufacture and easily assembled, yet is sturdy, has increased strength and includes an easily operated locking mechanism for allowing the user to quickly fold and unfold the walker as desired.
  • the first locking element is an inner bushing gear secured to a front leg of the walker, which includes a plurality of projecting teeth and is movable by rotating the walker side relative to the front brace between a fixed, locked position and a folded, unlocked position.
  • the second locking element is the front brace tube collar internally channeled to receive the projecting teeth of the inner bushing gear.
  • the locking mechanism is secured in the open, locked position by inserting the inner bushing gear into the tube collar and rotating it such that the interfitting teeth and channels are aligned and engage one another.
  • the locking mechanism is easily unlocked by partially withdrawing the inner bushing gear from the tube collar to disengage the gears to a rotatable, unlocked position and pivoting the inner bushing gear to contact the integral means for maintaining the locking mechanism in the unlocked position and folding the walker.
  • the inner bushing gear is actuated by a paddle or lever to disengage each inverted U- shaped side from its locked, open position to permit it to be folded against the front brace.
  • the means for actuating the inner bushing gear include the paddle and a pair of actuator trunnions on the inner bushing gear which are in communication with the paddle. Each paddle is rotatably positioned near the top of each inverted U-shaped side and is easily accessible by the user.
  • the integral means also provides a stop for preventing a pressed paddle from inadvertently pivoting outward which would cause the corresponding side to swing out away from the user, which would be undesirable.
  • the stop provides a safety feature which permits the unlocked inner bushing gear to pivot only in an inward direction ensuring that the unlocked sides of the walker are folded inward against the front center brace.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of the foldable walker of this invention including a locking mechanism and showing the inverted U-shaped sides in the open, operational position.
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of the foldable walker with the inverted U-shaped sides in the closed, folded position.
  • Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the front center brace and the locking mechanism showing the various components of the locking mechanism.
  • Figure 4 is a top plan view of a paddle and inner bushing gear that is actuated by the paddle to disengage an inverted U-shaped side from its locked, open position to permit it to be folded against the front brace.
  • Figure 5 is a side elevation view of a portion of the locking mechanism, shown partly in section to illustrate hidden portions of those components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • Foldable walker 10 is illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 in an open, operational position and in a folded, storage position, respectively.
  • the foldable walker 10 includes a pair of inverted U- shaped sides 12 each having a front leg tube 14 and a rear leg tube 16, a front center brace 18 and a pair of side braces 20.
  • the front center brace 18 includes a cross beam 22 and has opposite ends each including a hollow tube collar 24 which is positioned on one of the front leg tubes 14 of each inverted U-shaped side 12 to interconnect the inverted U-shaped sides 12.
  • a ring 88 mounted on the front leg tube 14 of each inverted U-shaped side 12 below the tube collar 24 secures the tube collar in place by preventing it from moving down the leg tubes 14.
  • Ring 88 includes a top side 90 adapted to fit against the bottom of tube collar 24. As may be seen in Fig. 3, ring 88 is held in position by a button 92 received in a hole in tube 14; button 92 is locked in position by collar 106 that fits inside ring 88 to prevent withdrawal of button 92.
  • the sides 12 and front and rear leg tubes 14, 16 are constructed from a lightweight, durable metal such as steel (which may be painted) or aluminum (which may be anodized).
  • the foldable walker 10 features a locking mechanism 26 which is secured to each inverted U-shaped side 12 and includes means for locking the sides 12 in the open, operational position and selectively unlocking them to permit the sides 12 to be folded against the front center brace 18 in a closed storage position as shown in Fig. 2.
  • the locking mechanism 26 includes a pivotable paddle 28 which is positioned near the top of each inverted U-shaped side 12, where it is readily accessible and easily operated by the user (see Figs. 1 and 2).
  • the locking mechanism 26 includes a locking mechanism which is unlocked by applying downward pressure on the paddle 28 and pulling the pressed paddle or the U-shaped side 12 in toward the user in a manner which allows single handed use and requires very little dexterity.
  • the locking mechanism includes first and second locking elements with interfitting gears for selectively securing the inverted U-shaped sides 12 in a open, locked position for use and a closed, unlocked position for storing the walker 10.
  • the first locking element is an inner bushing gear or inner cylindrical component 30 and the second locking element is an outer cylindrical component 32 are positioned on a coaxially aligned with and adapted to receive the inner cylindrical component 30.
  • Each of the cylindrical components 30, 32 are positioned on a front leg tube 14 of one of the inverted U-shaped sides 12.
  • the outer cylindrical component 32 of the preferred embodiment defines and is integral with a top portion of each tube collar 24, one of which is located at each end of the front center brace 18.
  • the inner cylindrical component 30 has a lower portion 34, and an upper portion 36 with a top end 38 which includes a plurality of splines or vertically projecting teeth 40 along the upper portion 36.
  • the outer cylindrical component 32 has a plurality of internal vertical projections and thus is internally splined to form a plurality of complementary channels 42 for receiving and circumferentially engaging the projecting teeth 40 of the inner cylindrical component 30 in an interlocking relationship which secures the inner cylindrical component 30 in a fixed, locked position within the outer cylindrical component 32.
  • the inner cylindrical component 30 is movable between the fixed, locked position and a rotatable, unlocked position, relative to the outer cylindrical component 32, and is actuated by the pivotable paddle 28.
  • the means for selectively locking and unlocking the locking mechanism and actuating the inner cylindrical component 30 include a pair of actuator trunnions or pins 44 in communication with the paddle 28, which extend outward from opposite sides of the inner cylindrical component 30 near the top 38.
  • the paddle 28 has an outer end 46, an inner end 48, and a body 50.
  • the inner end 48 of the paddle is connected to and extends from an inner bushing yoke or cylindrical ring 54 which includes a pair of trunnion or pin holes 56.
  • the pins 44 When assembled, the pins 44 extend through the holes 56 of the ring 54 to connect the inner cylindrical component 30 and the paddle 28 so that when downward pressure is applied to the paddle 28 and the ring 54 is tilted in an upward direction, the pins 44 are likewise raised to move the inner cylindrical component 30 from its normally engaged, locked position, within the outer cylindrical component 32, to an unlocked, rotatable position.
  • the preferred embodiment includes a hollow cover or upper locking clip
  • the clip 58 which has a top section 60, a middle section 2 and a bottom section 64 having a bottom rim 66.
  • the top section 60 includes a top opening 68 for receiving the front leg tube 14, and the bottom section 64 includes a bottom opening 70 for receiving the inner cylindrical component 30 within the upper locking clip 58.
  • the clip 58 inc hides a pair of slots 72 positioned across from one another on opposite sides of the clip 58 for receiving the actuator pins 44 of the cylindrical component 30.
  • Each slot 72 extends from the middle section 62 through the bottom section 64 of the clip and has a closed, top end 74 and an open, bottom end 76 extending through the bottom opening 70 of the clip 58.
  • the open, bottom end 76 allows the pin 44 to be received into the slot 72 and the top, closed end 74 provides a stop for the pin 44 for limiting the vertical movement of the inner cylindrical component 30.
  • the clip 58 further includes a platform 78 extending from the bottom section 64 of the clip 58 and having opposite sides 80.
  • the platform 78 includes a pair of pivot pins 82 mounted to and extending outward from the sides 80 of the platform 78.
  • the clip 58 includes a biasing means, such as an internal spring button 84 and a rivet hole 86 for securing to the front leg tube 14.
  • a biasing means such as an internal spring button 84 and a rivet hole 86 for securing to the front leg tube 14.
  • the inner cylindrical component 30, the outer cylindrical component 32, the upper locking clip 58 and the ring 54 of the paddle 28 are adapted to lit together.
  • Ring 54 is positioned over the clip 58 and rests on the bottom rim 66 when the locking mechanism is in the locked position with the actuator pins 44 extending outward through the actuator holes 56 of the ring 54.
  • Paddle 28 may pivot when downward pressure is applied to the paddle 28.
  • the locking mechanism 26 includes an integral means for selectively maintaining the inner cylindrical component 30 in the unlocked position and holding the inverted U-shaped sides 12 of the walker 10 in the folded, storage position.
  • a spring 110 forces the inner cylindrical component 30 into locking engagement with the outer cylindrical component 32.
  • the integral means includes a ledge 94 in the outer cylindrical component 32 and a uniquely configured vertically projecting tooth 96 on the inner cylindrical component 30.
  • the ledge 94 is defined by a short vertical projection or partial spline between the channels 42 which does not extend to the top edge of the tube collar 24. As shown in Fig.
  • the ledge 94 has a top side 98.
  • the vertically deep projecting tooth 96 includes a shoulder 100 having a bottom edge 102 which extend from the top end 38 of the inner cylindrical component 30 to the same length as the vertically projecting teeth 40 through the upper portion 36, and a long portion 104 adjacent to the shoulder 100 which extends from the top end 38 through the lower portion 34 of the inner cylindrical component 30.
  • the shoulder 100 rests on the ledge 94 while the long portion 104 is positioned within the channel 42.
  • the vertical teeth 40 are disengaged from the channels 42, and the long portion 104 is raised to a height slightly above the ledge 94, while remaining in the channel 42.
  • the long portion 104 of the tooth 96 contacts the top side 98 of the ledge 94, which forces the cylindrical component 30 to remain in the unlocked position with the sides 12 in the closed, folded position.
  • the sides 12 are pulled outward causing the inner cylindrical component 30 to pivot so that the portion 104 loses contact with the ledge 94 and the vertical teeth 40 fall into their interlocking position within the outer cylindrical component 32 to secure the walker in the open position for use.
  • the integral means also includes a safety feature by providing a stop for presenting a pressed paddle and the side 12 with which it is associated from inadvertently pivoting outward, which would cause the side to swing out away from the user.
  • a safety feature by providing a stop for presenting a pressed paddle and the side 12 with which it is associated from inadvertently pivoting outward, which would cause the side to swing out away from the user.
  • the upper portion 36 of the inner cylindrical component 30 is removed completely from the outer cylindrical component 32 to raise the vertical teeth 40 out of the channels 42.
  • the long portion 104 of the tooth 96 contacts an internal spline 41 of the channel 42 and prevents the inner cylindrical component 30 from rotating in an outward direction away from the user.
  • the stop provides a safety feature which permits the unlocked inner cylindrical component 30 to pivot only inward direction ensuring that the unlocked sides 12 of the walker are folded inward against the front center brace 18.
  • the front center brace 18 of the foldable walker 10 is molded from a single piece of durable, lightweight plastic, such as polypropylene with twenty percent (20%) talc.
  • the molded front center brace 18 extends across the front of the walker 10 and includes the tube collars 24 for securing the brace 18 to the front leg tube 14 of each side 12.
  • the outer cylindrical component 32 is integral with the top portion of the tube collar 24 and receives the inner cylindrical component 30 to provide a locking means for selectively locking and unlocking the walker.
  • each side brace 20 may be molded in a single piece of durable, lightweight thirty-three percent (33%) glass filled nylon.
  • Each molded side brace 20 is adapted to be secured to and extends between the front and rear leg tubes 14, 16 of the walker 10.
  • the molded side braces 20 are inexpensively manufactured and easily assembled on the walker 10.
  • the other plastic components may also be thirty-three percent (33%) glass filled nylon.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Tools (AREA)

Abstract

Un déambulateur pliant (10) comprend un mécanisme de verrouillage (26) permettant sélectivement de bloquer le déambulateur (10) en position ouverte d'utilisation et de le débloquer pour le plier en position fermée de rangement. Le déambulateur pliant (10) comprend une paire de côtés (12) en forme de U inversé, une entretoise centrale (18) avant qui relie les côtés (12) en forme de U et une paire d'entretoises latérales (20). Le mécanisme de verrouillage (26) est fixé sur chacun des côtés (12) en forme de U inversé du déambulateur (10) et comprend un système (28) permettant de verrouiller sélectivement les côtés (12) dans la position ouverte d'utilisation et permettant sélectivement de débloquer chaque côté (12) en forme de U inversé de la position ouverte verrouillée pour les plier ensuite contre l'entretoise centrale (18) avant en position fermée de rangement. Le mécanisme de verrouillage (26) comprend également un système intégré qui permet de maintenir les côtés (12) dans la position débloquée et qui sert à empêcher le déverrouillage accidentel, tout en permettant dans le même temps de mettre en oeuvre avec une seule main le mécanisme de verrouillage (26) d'une manière nécessitant qu'une faible dextérité. Le déambulateur pliant (10) peut également comprendre une entretoise centrale (18) avant moulée et une paire d'entretoises latérales (20) moulées qui sont produites de manière peu coûteuses et assemblées facilement sur le déambulateur (10). Le déambulateur pliant (10) constitue un déambulateur robuste et solide qui comprend un mécanisme de verrouillage (26) facile à mettre en oeuvre qui permet à l'utilisateur de plier et de déplier rapidement le déambulateur (10) lorsqu'il le désire.
PCT/US1998/021131 1997-10-08 1998-10-06 Deambulateur pliant equipe d'un mecanisme de verrouillage WO1999017707A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US6134997P 1997-10-08 1997-10-08
US60/061,349 1997-10-08

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999017707A1 true WO1999017707A1 (fr) 1999-04-15

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Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6729342B2 (en) * 2002-06-05 2004-05-04 Dr. K Healthcare Products, Inc. Walker with release mechanism
WO2005120423A1 (fr) * 2004-06-09 2005-12-22 Peter John Swanepoel Ameliorations apportees a un appareil de support
US7497226B2 (en) * 2007-06-13 2009-03-03 Genteel Home Care Products Co. Ltd Walker
EP1983961A4 (fr) * 2006-01-31 2016-03-16 Access As Dispositif de verrouillage et de pliage pour déambulateur
CN111297641A (zh) * 2020-02-25 2020-06-19 武汉尚诚源健康科技有限公司 一种可折叠便携式助行器

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3688789A (en) * 1971-02-22 1972-09-05 Charles B Bunch Foldable article and latch mechanism therefor
US5188139A (en) * 1991-11-08 1993-02-23 Garelick Mfg. Co. Foldable support device
US5275187A (en) * 1991-10-17 1994-01-04 The Kendall Company Foldable walker
US5529425A (en) * 1994-07-19 1996-06-25 Invacare Corporation Foldable walker with a locking mechanism
US5579793A (en) * 1995-11-15 1996-12-03 Rubbermaid Health Care Products, Inc. Foldable walker
US5586830A (en) * 1994-12-05 1996-12-24 Ashley Furniture, Industries, Inc. Pivoting and variable height table
US5862825A (en) * 1997-08-06 1999-01-26 Graham-Field, Inc. Walker

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3688789A (en) * 1971-02-22 1972-09-05 Charles B Bunch Foldable article and latch mechanism therefor
US5275187A (en) * 1991-10-17 1994-01-04 The Kendall Company Foldable walker
US5188139A (en) * 1991-11-08 1993-02-23 Garelick Mfg. Co. Foldable support device
US5529425A (en) * 1994-07-19 1996-06-25 Invacare Corporation Foldable walker with a locking mechanism
US5586830A (en) * 1994-12-05 1996-12-24 Ashley Furniture, Industries, Inc. Pivoting and variable height table
US5579793A (en) * 1995-11-15 1996-12-03 Rubbermaid Health Care Products, Inc. Foldable walker
US5862825A (en) * 1997-08-06 1999-01-26 Graham-Field, Inc. Walker

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6729342B2 (en) * 2002-06-05 2004-05-04 Dr. K Healthcare Products, Inc. Walker with release mechanism
WO2005120423A1 (fr) * 2004-06-09 2005-12-22 Peter John Swanepoel Ameliorations apportees a un appareil de support
GB2430887A (en) * 2004-06-09 2007-04-11 Peter John Swanepoel Improvements in and relating to supporting apparatus
EP1983961A4 (fr) * 2006-01-31 2016-03-16 Access As Dispositif de verrouillage et de pliage pour déambulateur
US7497226B2 (en) * 2007-06-13 2009-03-03 Genteel Home Care Products Co. Ltd Walker
CN111297641A (zh) * 2020-02-25 2020-06-19 武汉尚诚源健康科技有限公司 一种可折叠便携式助行器

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