WO2009154620A1

WO2009154620A1 - Shelved rollator apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: WO2009154620A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/067286
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas J. Gibson
Original assignee: Gibson Thomas J
Priority date: 2008-06-18
Filing date: 2008-06-18
Publication date: 2009-12-23

Abstract

The present, invention provides an improved roϋaror having a reciprocal shelf which is easy to use and adapted for transporting stored items, the invention including a fiarrse having a pair of front legs angularly orientated with respect to a pair of rear legs, each leg extending towards a wheel. The frame further includes a cross member support system laterally spanning each of the front and rear legs and a seat adapted for sitting by a user and supported by the cross member support system. A shelf accessible by the seated user is movable from a generally retracted position to a generally extended position, the shelf supported by a cross member support system and adapted lor retrievable storage during transport of the rollator.

Description

SHELVED ROLLATOR APPARATUS AND METHOD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to wheeled walkers or rollators. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved rollator with a seat and a retractable shelf.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A wheeled walker, also called a rollator is in effect a walker with wheels. Generally, it combines a walking frame with the bandies, the irame being transportable along a horizontal surface with wheels so that rather than lifting the walker, the user can 5 simply push it along the horizontal surface. Because of disabilities or age, many persons have difficulty in walking without a walking aid, In addition, to assistance with mobility, persons using walking aids, often find it difficult to carry bulky items or equipment while gripping the handles. Although these people have trouble walking, the desire for independence is still present, 10 In general wheeled walkers are presently known for assisting in horizontal movement. Some wheeled walkers:, which are known, .include seats and handle bars for steering in combination with brakes, In addition, the use of wire baskets associated with the wheeled walkers is generally known. However, these waiters have shortcomings which the present invention is directed towards,

15 While wire baskets frees she user^'s hands for gripping the handle bars while the walker is being propelled forward, these baskets are conventionally mounted between die front frame or front leg members, usually between upper and lower cross-members which brace the leg members. This orientation has a number of disadvantages. The positioning of the basket substantially forward of the front leg members, increases the 20 overall walker length and makes the walker difficult t.o maneuver in tight quarters and adversely effects, the walker's stability, if heavy items are placed in the walker's basket. hi addition, the front mounted basket is difficult to access when the walker is positioned behind the walker, propelling the walker forward. In order to reach items stored within ihe front basket or to place iiems within the front basket, the user must reach forward, over the seat, while gripping she handles This motion may be difficult for elderly or inform persons.

The forward projecting basket position is also undesirable when the user is resting on the seat in the rearward facing position, hi this position, the user must reach behind them and m ihts position; the basket is out of sight. Placing expensive or other valuable items within this basket may cause unnecessary stress or concern over the inability to monitor these items.

Other walkers may place carry' baskets under the seat or on the side of the walker. However, placement of valuables on side baskets or in baskets mounted under ihe seat may be inaccessible during operation of the walker. Side baskets may be positioned in a lower side orientation while valuables positioned under the seal may be inaccessible unless and until the basket is removed or the seat is raised. These baskets have the disadvantage in that the baskets limit access to the valuables from various sides of the basket and walker and the user is limited to carrying articles within limited dimensions to be removed from the walker in such an arrangement

Some walkers require medical equipment during transport along the horizontal surface. For example, patients with breathing problems may still have the strength and mobility to use a wheeled walker. With the development of more mobile medical devices like breathing equipment it has become possible for these patients to travel longer distances away from the hospital or home. However, these medical devices are often heavy, bulky, .subject to ambient conditions such that it would not be appropriate to place them on a traditional wheeled walker. In addition, the weight of these medical devices like a ventilator, if storable within a standard wire basket, may cause the wheeled walker to be unstable due to weight distribution.

Additionally, vibrations which may occur as a result of moving the wheeled walker along a horizontal surface during transport, may negatively impact these devices. The medical devices may also require occasional adjustments or connections like power or carrying tubes which may carry required substances so the patient duπng movement made by required by providing access to various portions of the medical equipment.

However, some storage compartments like the wire baskets may limit the ability to adjust or access portions of the equipment. Placing the equipment in the basket may also unnecessarily limit the available storage space for any remaining stored items. Tharetore., it wou id be beneficial to provide a retractable shelf for storage and access during transport, the shelf being generally adapted for handling bulky and heavy equipment and other items of value.

SUMMARY OF TH E INVENTION

The present invention reduces the difficulties and disadvantages of the prior art by providing an improved rollator having a reciprocal shelf which is easy to use and adapted for transporting stored items, the invention including a frame having a pair of front legs angularly orientated with respect to a pair of rear legs, each leg extending towards a swivel wheel, a cross member support system laterally spanning each of said front and rear legs, a seat adapted for sitting by a user and supported by said cross member support system and a shelf accessible by the seated user and being movable from a generally retracted position to a generally extended position, said she! f supported by the cross member support system and adapted for retrievable storage during transport of the rollator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a side perspective view of the unproved rollator with a shelf.

f ig. 2 is a partial front perspective view of ihe improved rollator with the shelf in the retracted position as illustrated in Fig, 1 ,

5 Fig. 3 is a partial side perspective view of an improved rollator illustrated in Fig. 3 with the shelf in the extended position,

Fig, 4 is an alternative aspect of the improved rollator with a basket,

Fig. 5 is a partial side perspective view of the improved rollator of Fig. 1 receiving the shelf.

10 Fig, 6> is a bottom perspective view of the shelf in she retracted position.

Fig, 7 is a bottom perspective view of the shelf in the extended position.

Fig. S is a partial top perspective view of the shelf between the retracted position and the extended position.

Fig. 9 is a partial side perspective view of a hoot associated with a front guide.

I S Fig 10 is a partial bottom perspective view of a clip associated with a rear guide. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Introduction

As required , detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to he understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for she claims and as a representative basis tor leaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Improved Rollator

Referring to Fig. 1, an embodiment of the present invention, a shelved rollator generally indicated by reference numeral 20, is shown. The rollator 20 generally includes a frame 22 supported by plural wheels 24. a seat 30, braking system 32 steering system 34 and shelf 50,

In use the shelf 50 is accessible by a seated rollator user and adapted to store valuables including but not limited to vaπous personal possessions like purses, wallets, cards, planners, books, keys, eel! phones, papers, medical devices or equipment like medications, power supplies, oxygen, roedieal monitoring equipment., portable ventilators, intravenous fluid dispensing systems, shopping items like dry goods, liquids or perishables and other items of value. As illustratedin Fog-, an embodiment of the frame 22 may include plural tubular sections or a unitary tubular structure which may be fabricated from metallic, synthetic, organic or composite materials designed to support the full weight of an. average adult user along with any additional weight of any transported objects. The 5 f frame 22 includes a pair of forward extending front legs 22a and a pair of rearward extending rear legs 22b, the front and rear legs 22a, 22b being angularly connected to each other using a pair of angled braces 22c. in addition, each side of the frame 22 extends between a handle 36 and a wheel 24 adapted for moving in. multiple directions, optionally being swiveled.

0 In addition to the front and rear legs 22a, 22b and handles 36, the frame 22 generally includes a cross member support system 40 having plural cross members 42, 44 which laterally span the frame 22 from one side to the other. The cross members 42 illustrated in Fig. 1 are generally U-shaped and provide lateral support to she rollator 20, the seat 30 and the shelf 50, A cross member 42 associated with the shelf 50 may be

5 optionally orientated in an upstanding position, providing generally unobstructed access to the shelf 50 and any stored contents. The cross member 42 associated with the seat 30 arc optionally orientated upstanding or depending. However, to allow better access to the seat 30 at least one of the cross members 42. preferably the cross member associated with the rear legs 22b, may be upstanding. A depending cross member 42b associated wkh the 20 front legs 22a, is illustrated in a depending orientation with a padded rest 38 extending outwardly therefrom. The padded rest 38 may assist the user by supporting the user's back or arms depending on the orientation of the seated user. In addition, some cross members 42 may be secured to the frame 22 using a number of mechanical fasteners including screws, bolts, brackets or the cross members may be weldably connected to the frame.

The seat 30 is generally rectangular and horizontally orientated with at least one side being detachable allowing for lifting the seat 30 and for folding the rollator 20.

5 In addition, the ability to move the seat 30 into a raised position may further allow for access to store or retrieve any larger stored items on the shelf 50 below. The seat 30 being generally well known, may he fabricated using a number of different materials and be configured using a number of different orientations, however, the illustrated seal 30 is generally fabricated from a durable moisture resistant materia! with a fbarn insert and is

10 generally orientated for the user to sit facing forward or rearward.

In addition, the seat 30 is connectably associated with a folding brace spanning between each front and rear leg 22a, 22b, By removing or raising the seat 30 the folding brace allows for movement of the rear legs 22b towards the front legs 22a, the rollator 20 being fokiable tor compact storage during periods of inactivity, In the

I S unfolded position with the folding brace orientated substantially straight, the rollator user may adjust the height of the roilator 20 by raising the legs and loosening at least one adjustment screw 26, telescopically extending the handle 36 from the legs. Once the handles are adjusted to the desired height the adjustment screw 26 may be tightened, .securing the position of the front leg 22a. In Fig. 1. adjustment screws 26 are associated

Ϊ0 with the front legs 22a and allow for telescopic adjustment of the handles 36 from the from, legs 22a for raising or lowering the rollator 20 to the desired height for gripping the handles 36, Thc braking system 32, as illustrated, includes a pair of brake levers 32a and cables 32b extending from the brake levers 32a to a fπctioπal braking surface 32c associated with at least one wheel 24. In addition, the braking system 32 may be operationally coupled to the steering system 34 for controlled guidance of the rolhήor 20 to a desired location. In general, the braking system 32, steering system 34 and height adjustment mechanisms including the adjustment screws 26 and frame 22 are generally known and may include a number of alternative configurations or embodiments other than those discussed or illustrated herein.

Fig. 2 illustrates the front portion of the rollator 20 with the shelf SO being generally supported by the cross member 42 extending between the front legs 22a. In general the shelf 50 includes a top 52 separated from and opposite a bottom 54 The top

52 is illustrated with an upstanding lip 56 which generally extends along the perimeter of the shelf 50. In addition, the illustrated embodiment includes an optional elongated strap

58 secured to the shelf 50. The elongated strap 58 may be secured to the top 52 using a .number of known fasteners including adhesive or mechanical listeners, hi addition, the elongated strap 52 may include a number of releasable mechanical fasteners associated with each end of the elongated strap 52 such as, but not limited to, buckles, clamps, dtps or ix hook and loop style fastener for releasably securing a.ny stored items.

In addition, a folding mechanism may be provided, allowing the rollator to fold for easy storage while not in use. The folding mechanism illustrated in Fig, 3 includes a first and a second brace 44a, 44b rotateable about a central axis, the first brace

44a connectably secured fo the front leg 24a and the central axis, the second brace 44b is connectably secured to the rear leg 24b and the central axis As illustrated, the central axis extends through a rod 46 in communication with she seat 30 for rotating the first and second braces 44a, 44b about the centra! axis as the seat 30 is raised, allowing the rod 46 to extend vertically.

The shelf 50 is releasabiy connected to the rollator 20. When positioned 5 within the rollator 20 it is generally movable from a first retracted position illustrated in

Fig. 2 to a second extended position illustrated in Fig. 3 and is orientated such that the top 52 is positioned towards the seat 30 and the bottom 54 is orientated towards the wheels 24.. The top 52 and bottom 54 may be fabricated from a number of materials including a composite, steel, fiberglass or plastic material with an internal strength adapted for

10 supporting the size and load of the shell 50. Preferably, the shelf 50 may be made from a rigid aluminum sheet with a thickness around one-eighth of an inch. Optionally, the top 52 may also include a lining 74 such as a list rubberised elastomeric material which has a Shore hardness suitable for absorbing the vibrations from moving the roHator 20 along a horizontal surface and to prevent any excess vibrations Xo any stored items, the vibration

! 5 absorption characteristics being adapted for the size and load the shelf is adapted to carry.

In this way, the vibrations to any stored items from the movement of the rollator 20 along the horizontal surface will be reduced by the shock-absorbing lining 74,

Fig. 3 illustrates the shelf 50 in the second generally extended position with the shelf 50 extending towards the rear legs 22b. Fig. 5 illustrates the shelf 50 at least 20 partially removed from the rollator 20 in the extended position. As illustrated, the shelf

50 is being replaced within the rollator 20, the shelf 50 moving towards the front legs 22a to a retracted position. In general the shelf 50 is norma! to and supported by two cross members 42 spaced along a horizontal plane, one spanning the front legs 22a and the other spanning the rear legs 22b,

The slidable guide 60 is illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7 with sliding mechanisms which may include a slide 62 fastened to the bottom 54 and received by a channel 64 which is adapted for siiάable engagement between the slide 62 and the channel 64. The channel 64 is generally C-shaped in cross section and adapted to receive the complementary configured slide 62 which is secured with, for example, mechanical fasteners to the bottom 54. The slide 62 being secured to the bottom 54 may also include a recess associated wiih the mechanical fasteners for unobstructed engagement between the sliding mechanisms, ft will be appreciated that the siidable guide 60 may be fabricated using a durable, economic lightweight material which is capable of supporting the weight of any stored items.

in addition, the channel 64 illustrated in Figs. 6-? includes a first and a second generally arcuate structure 66, ό8 spaced along the channel 64 and fastened to the slϊdabie guide 62, the first and second arcuate structures 66. 68 adapted tor releasably connecting the shelf 50 to the two lower cross members 42 extending downwardly from the shell 50 The first and second arcuate structures 66. 68 are adapted for securing the shelf 50 to the cross members 42, while allowing for removal of the shelf 50., By using she first and second arcuate structures 66, 68 arranged in the illustrated orientation, the shelf unexpectedly provides the required stability for storing any stored items thereby providing for a stable and secure connection for receiving the desired stored items associated with the releasably connected shelf 50. As understood,the first and second arcuate structures 66, 68 may be fabricated using various materials and in various shapes and configurations. The first arcuate structure 66 is mechanically fastened to the channel 64- and is illustrated in Fig. 10 with a J-shaped configuration. First arcuate structure 66 irs association with second arcuate structure 68 is adapted for securing the shelf 50 io the frame 22 at cross members 42

Generally, the interior radius of the first arcuate structure 66 is similar to the curvature of the cross member 42, T he second arcuate structure 68, illustrated in Fig. 9, is adapted for engagement with another of the cross members 42. As illustrated, the second arcuate structure 68 is configured similar to the curvature of the second cross member 42, and illustrated with a J -shaped configuration having an interior radius adapted for retaining cross member 42. The first and second arcuate structures 66, 68 more particularly secure the siidable guide 60 in a releasable manner to the spanned cross members 42, the shelf 50 being orientated norma! to the spanned cross members 42,

Fig. 8 illustrates the interior of the slide 62 and channel 64, both, having a generally C -shaped configuration and being adapted for reciprocal movement in relation to one another. The slide 62 is generally associated with the bottom 54, while the channel

64 is associated with the frame 22 at me cross members 42. in addition, a stopper 70 is illustrated in Fig, 8 centrally located at one end of the channel 64 and is generally adapted for retarding the reciprocal movement of the slide 62 within the channel 64, The stopper 70, in general, has an elongated structure orientated normal to the slide 62 with sufficient dimensions to retard the slide 62 movement. The stopper 70 may have various configurations and may he fabricated using various materials including, but .not limited to rubber, plastic, πietai or non-metal materials. For example, the stopper 70 illustrated in Fig, 8 Is generally fabricated from a durable elastic; materia! for absorbing the reciprocal movement. Alternatively, the stopper 70 may be fabricated for a magnetic material which may reduce the motion, of the slide 62, fabricated from magnetically responsive material.

Alternatively, a shelf adapted for receiving stored items may be presented in combination wnh a wheeled roliator in which the rollator includes a frame having a pair of irons legs angularly spaced from a pair of rear legs and a cross member support system including plural cross members laterally spanning each front and rear legs. The rolialor also includes a seat adapted for sitting by a user and supported by the cross member support system. The shelf supported by the cross member support system and adapted for retrievable storage during transport of the roliator is accessible by the seated user and includes a top opposite a bottom and includes at least one slidable guide associated wnh the bottom where the shelf is generally movable between an extended position and a retracted position. A slidable guide including a slide is generally fastened to the bottom and received by a channel fastened to one of the cross members with a first arcuatestructure spaced from a second arcuate structure fastened to a second cross member whereby the shelf is normal to the cross member support, system.

A method for utilizing the invention, a shelved roliator. including providing a wheeled roliator having a frame associated with a braking system operationally coupled to a steering system, the frame Including a pair of front legs angularly orientated with respect a pair of rear legs, each leg expending towards a swivel wheel spanning the front and rear legs with a cross member support system supporting a seat adapted for sitting, retrievably storing storage items on a shelf movable from a generally retracted position to a generally extended position, the shelf being supported by the cross member support system and storing items along a horizontal surface towards a desired location, in addition, a slidable guide may he associated with the shell generally including a iop opposite a bottom, the slidable guide being adapted for reciprocal movement of the shell^" between the retracted position and the extended position. The shelf may be releasably connected to the rollator. optionally in association with the slidable guide, in a normal orientation to the cross member support system.

Fig. 4 illustrates an alternative aspect of the rollator 20 with a basket 48 associated with the front legs 22a and extending from one of the upper cross member 42 associated with the front legs 22a, providing for storage in addition to the shelf 50. As illustrated, the basket 48 is associated with the front legs 22a near the front of the shelf SO and is vertical spaced from the shelf 50 allowing movement of the shelf 50 or access to any stored items. Alternatively and additionally, a second basket (not shown) may be positioned below the shelf 50, between the front and rear legs 22a, 22b to provide even more storage, the second basket being optionally slidable along a pair of guides (not shown} extending between die front and rear legs 22a, 22b.

While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the an will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of me above described systems and structures that fail within the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is as follows; 5

1. A wheeled rollator comprising; a frame having a pair of front legs angularly orientated with respect to a pair of rear legs each leg extending towards a swivel wheel, a cross member support system laterally spanning each of said front and rear legs, ϋ a seat adapted for sitting by a user and supported by said cross member support system, and a shelf accessible by the seated user and being movable -from a generally retracted position to a generally extended position, said shelf supported by said cross member support system and adapted for retrievable storage during transport of 5 the rollator.

2. The wheeled rollator according to claim I further composing a steering system including a part of band grips extending from at least two of said legs, said steering system adapted for guiding said rollator towards a desired direction,0

3. The wheeled rollator according to claim 2 further comprising a braking system coupled to said steering system for assisting in the guidance and positioning of said rollator,

4. The wheeled rollator according to claim ! wherein said shelf includes a top opposite a bottom and at least one slidable guide associated with said bottom.

5. The wheeled rollator according to claim 4 including a first and a second 5 slidable guide each spaced from the other and associated with said bottom.

6. The wheeled rollator according to claim 4 wherein said slidable guide further comprises : a slide fastened to said bottom, i {) a channel adapted to receive said slide, a first arcuate structure fastened to said channel, and a second arcuate structure fastened to said channel arid spaced from said first, arcuate structure, said first and second arcuate structures being adapted for rdeasabic connection to said cross member support system whereby said shelf is normal to 15 said cross member support system.

?. The wheeled rollator according to claim 6 wherein said channel further includes a stopper transversely spanning said channel and adapted for retarding the movement of the reciprocating slide.

8. The wheeled rollator according to claim 7 wherein said stopper is fabricated From a magnetic materia! adapted for reducing the motion of the slide fabricated from a magnetically responsive material.

9. Tlie wheeled ro!lsk>r according to claim 4 wherein said top includes an upstanding lip.

10 The wheeled rollator according to claim 4 wherein said top includes an elongated strap secured to said top, said elongated strap including releasable mechanical fasteners.

1 1 The wheeled rollator according to claim 4 wherein said top includes a non-slip lining.

12, A wheeled rollator having a steering system and a braking system operationally coupled to said steering system tor placement of said rollator in combination with a shelf adapted for receiving stored items, said combination comprising; a frame having a pair of from legs angularly orientated with respect to a pair of rear legs each leg extending towards a wheel, a cross member support system including plural cross members laterally spanning each of said front and rear legs, a seat adapted for sitting by a user and supported by said cross member support system, a shelf accessible by the seated user, said shelf including a top opposite a bottom and including at least one slklahk guide associated with said bottom, said shelf being movable from a generally retracted position to a generally extended position, said shelf supported by said cross member support system and adapted lor retrievable storage during transport of the rollator, and said slidable guide including a. slide fastened to said bottom and received by a channel fastened to one cross member with a first arcuate structure spaced from a second arcuate structure fastened to a second cross member whereby said shelf is normal to said cross member support system.

1 1 , A method for transporting a stored item associated with a shelved rollator said method including the steps of; providing a wheeled roilator having a frame associated with a braking system operationally coupled to a steering system said frame including a pair of front legs angularly orientated with respect to a pair of rear legs each leg extending towards a swivel wheel, spanning said front and rear legs with a cross member support system supporting a seat adapted for sitting, retnevably storing storage items on a shelf movable from a generally retracted position to a generally extended position, said shelf being supported by said cross member support system, and transporting said stored items along a horizontal surface towards a desired location.

I 2, The method for transporting the stored item according to clarm 1 1 further including the step of associating a slidable guide with said shelf, said shelf including a top opposite a bottom, said slidable guide adapted for reciprocal movement of said shelf between the retracted position and the extended position.

13. The method for transporting the stored item according to claim 12 further including the step of releasably connecting the shelf to the rollator.

14 The method for transporting a stored item according to claim 12 further including the step of releasably connecting said slidable guide to said cross member support system whereby said shelf is normal to said cross member support system.