WO2017188827A1

WO2017188827A1 - A wheeled walker

Info

Publication number: WO2017188827A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2017/050049
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nina Shin BRACEN; Philip John BRACEN
Original assignee: Bc2 Limited
Priority date: 2016-04-29
Filing date: 2017-04-28
Publication date: 2017-11-02

Abstract

A wheeled walker is disclosed, including a base frame with front wheels and rear wheels mounted thereto. Two handles extend from the base frame, each handle configured to pivot between a first position in which the longitudinal axis of the handle is substantially parallel with that of the other handle, and a second position in which the handles angle outwardly relative to the first position. A braking assembly is configured to be actuated by pivoting of the handles between an engaged position in which a braking force is applied to either or both of the front wheels or rear wheels when the handles are in the second position, and a disengaged position in which the braking force is released when the handles are in the first position.

Description

A WHEELED WALKER

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a wheeled walker, more particularly a wheeled walker including a seat and a braking system.

BACKGROUND

Wheeled walking frames, also known as wheeled walkers or rollators, provide means for a person to support themselves in order to simplify or assist the walking procedure. Such walkers are commonly used as mobility assistance for older individuals, or to simplify the recuperative phase of a patient following an injury (in particular, in the back, leg or foot region).

Such walkers typically include a frame having front and rear sets of wheels, and handles for gripping during displacement in a walking direction. Conventional walkers include a braking system which must be deliberately operated mechanically at all times by the user, typically by squeezing hand-levers to apply a brake, and then pushing the levers backwards to park the brake. Such squeezing and pushing actions may be difficult for some users, particularly for elderly or otherwise frail users for whom the grip strength and coordination required to manipulate the lever while simultaneously supporting themselves may be challenging.

Further, it is known to provide a seat on the walker for use in a stationary position. It is highly desirable for the brake to remain applied during the seating and rising actions of the user, to reduce the potential for the walker to move away unexpectedly and result in a fall. Conventional braking systems do not lend themselves to this functionality.

Conventional walkers are also typically bulky when folded, cannot stand when folded, do not offer desirable or ergonomic seating, nor allow the user to easily adjust the height of the handles. It is an object of the present invention to address at least one of the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a wheeled walker. The wheeled walker may include a base frame. The wheeled walker may include front wheels mounted to the base frame. The wheeled walker may include rear wheels mounted to the base frame. The wheeled walker may include two handles extending from the base frame.

In use, the handles are grasped by the user, with the front wheels and the rear wheels bearing at least a portion of the user's weight through the frame. Reference to the front and rear of the wheeled walker - for example, the front wheels and the rear wheels - should be understood in the context of the user's movement in forward and reverse directions while grasping the handles of the wheeled walker.

In an exemplary embodiment, the wheeled walker may include a seat. In an exemplary embodiment the seat may be secured to the base frame. In an exemplary embodiment the seat may be secured to the base frame in a position between, and below, the handles.

In an exemplary embodiment, each handle may be configured to be gripped by a single hand. Each handle may have a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis being substantially parallel to the ground when the wheeled walker is in use.

In an exemplary embodiment the base frame may include upright front members. In an exemplary embodiment each handle may extend from an upright front member. It should be appreciated that reference to the front members being upright is not intended to be limiting to a strictly vertical arrangement - i.e. perpendicular to the ground - but is rather indicative of a general orientation relative to the ground.

In an exemplary embodiment, each handle may be configured to pivot between a first position in which the longitudinal axis of the handle is substantially parallel with that of the other handle, and a second position in which the handles angle outwardly.

In an exemplary embodiment the angle through which the handles pivot between the first position and the second position may be selected from the range of about 10° to about 30°. In an exemplary embodiment the angle may be selected from the range of about 15° to about 25°. In an exemplary embodiment the angle may be about 20°. In an exemplary embodiment, the wheeled walker may include a braking assembly configured to be actuated between an engaged position in which a braking force is applied to either or both of the front wheels or rear wheels, and a disengaged position in which the braking force is released. In an exemplary embodiments it is envisaged that the braking force may be applied to only the rear wheels.

In an exemplary embodiment the braking assembly may be actuated between the engaged position and the disengaged position by movement of the handles.

In an exemplary embodiment the braking assembly may be actuated by pivoting of the handles. In an exemplary embodiment, outward pivoting of the handles may actuate the braking assembly into the engaged position.

In an exemplary embodiment the handles may be biased towards the outward angled orientation. In an exemplary embodiment the handles may be biased towards the outward angled orientation by the braking assembly, as described further below. It should be appreciated that this is not intended to be limiting, and that separate biasing means may be provided for this purpose.

It is envisaged that such an arrangement, where a braking force is applied when the handles are pivoted outwardly, may assist in resisting movement of the wheeled walker in certain modes of use, while providing an intuitive and inherently safe way of disengaging the braking force when desired. When the wheeled walker is unattended, or the handles are not being gripped and actively pivoted by the user, the braking assembly is automatically engaged. This is inherently safe for the user at times when rolling of the walker is not desired - for example, when the user is using the walker as a chair by resting on the seat, standing in a stationary position, or when stowing the walker. Control of the braking force using pivoting of the handles allows the user to maintain their grip on the handles while releasing or activating the braking force. As an extension of this, the pivoting motion also allows the user to feather the braking force to slow the progress of the walker without needing to release or change their grip on the handle. Braking systems of known rollators typically require a squeezing action to activate a braking hand lever, during which the weight of the user bears on a smaller proportion of their palm and introduces a greater risk of their grip failing and slipping from the handle. The braking motion of the present disclosure may be particularly useful for users with relatively low grip strength and dexterity.

Inward rotation of the handles to disengage the braking force may also naturally encourage the user's hands to be positioned safely within the envelope of the walker frame, and the arms elbows drawn inwards, when walking. This reduces the risk of the user scraping or tearing skin on hands or arms through contact with obstacles such as doorway frames. It is also envisaged that active braking of the walker may also be more intuitive and ergonomic than known braking systems, since the natural tendency for users perceiving a potential collision is to hold out their hands palm first - which would cause the handles on the walker to rotate outwards and engage the braking assembly. With particular reference to use of the wheeled walker as a chair, when the user is seated and the braking assembly is automatically engaged, the act of standing promotes an outward push on the handles. This action may help to assist in ensuring the position of the handles is maintained in the outward orientation, and the braking force is not disengaged through the act of standing. Further, while seated the handles may be easily manipulated by the user to allow for adjustments of the position of the wheeled walker.

In an exemplary embodiment, the braking assembly may include an override mechanism configured to selectively maintain the braking assembly in the engaged position or the disengaged mechanism. It is envisaged that this may of particular use in flat and safe environments, or for those users with impaired cognitive function for whom a care-giver may switch between modes of use for the user as required. The override mechanism may be, for example, a locking switch or toggle configured to maintain the desired position of the braking assembly.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a wheeled walker. The wheeled walker may include a base frame. The wheeled walker may include front wheels mounted to the base frame. The wheeled walker may include rear wheels mounted to the base frame. The wheeled walker may include two handles extending from the base frame, wherein each handle may be configured to pivot between a first position in which the longitudinal axis of the handle is substantially parallel with that of the other handle, and a second position in which the handles angle outwardly relative to the first position. The wheeled walker may include a braking assembly configured to be actuated by pivoting of the handles between an engaged position in which a braking force is applied to either or both of the front wheels or rear wheels when the handles are in the second position, and a disengaged position in which the braking force is released when the handles are in the first position. In an exemplary embodiment the braking assembly may include a wheel braking mechanism associated with at least one of the wheels. For example, the braking assembly may include a wheel braking mechanism associated with each of the rear wheels. In an exemplary embodiment the wheel braking mechanism may be configured to resist rotation of the associated wheel while the braking assembly is in the engaged position, and permit rotation of the associated wheel while in the disengaged position. It should be appreciated that the wheel braking mechanism may allow for intermediate positions - i.e. applying a degree of braking force to slow, but still permit, rotation of the wheel.

In an exemplary embodiment the wheel braking mechanism may include a brake pad. The brake pad may be made of any suitable material or materials known in the art - for example a composite of rubber and polyurethane. In an exemplary embodiment the wheels may be mounted to the frame by wheel forks. It is envisaged that the brake pad may be positioned between the forks, above the wheel, to be substantially hidden from sight.

In an exemplary embodiment the wheel braking mechanism may include a brake biasing device, for example a spring, biasing the brake pad towards the wheel in the engaged position of the braking assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the braking assembly may include a braking cable configured to control the position of the brake pad relative to the wheel. In an exemplary embodiment, pivoting of the handles towards the first position in which the handles are substantially parallel pulls the braking cable to draws the brake pad away from the wheel against the bias of the wheel braking mechanism.

In an exemplary embodiment, the biasing device of the wheel braking mechanism may bias the handles towards the second position in which the handles are angled outwardly, through the braking cable. The force required to overcome the bias to pivot the handles towards the first position may be less than about 20 Newtons (2 kgs) - with a particular view to assisting with ergonomic compliance for elderly users.

In an exemplary embodiment, each handle may be connected to a respective shaft. In an exemplary embodiment the shaft may extend through a portion of the frame, for example within the upright front members. It should be appreciated that this is not intended to be limiting - for example, in an exemplary embodiment the shaft may form part of the frame.

In an exemplary embodiment, the braking assembly may include a brake lever connected to each shaft. In an exemplary embodiment the brake cable for each wheel braking mechanism may be connected to the brake lever at a point distal from the shaft. Pivoting of the handles may rotate the shafts, and therefore the brake levers, to displace the brake cables in order to engage and disengage the wheel braking mechanisms.

In an exemplary embodiment, the handle may be permitted to move through a vertical range of motion relative to the frame - i.e. in a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the shaft may be a splined shaft, and the brake lever keyed to complement the splined shaft. In doing so, the brake lever may constrained to rotate with the shaft, while permitting the shaft to slide relative to brake lever.

In an exemplary embodiment, translation of the brake lever relative to the base frame may be restricted. For example, the brake lever may be received within a recess of a cross-member of base frame which permits pivotal movement of the brake lever, but restricts vertical movement. In an exemplary embodiment the recess may be a channel between sides of frame - i.e. the cross-member may be hollow. It should be appreciated that a limited degree of travel may be permitted, and an exemplary embodiment in which this may be accommodated is described further below.

In an exemplary embodiment the height of the handle may be adjustable. For example, the upright front members may be telescopic, with the handles sliding with one of the telescoping sections to a desired height relative to the seat and/or wheels. External locking mechanisms, for example clamps, may be provided to secure the telescoping sections relative to each other at the desired height. In an exemplary embodiment indexing features may be provided - although it is also envisaged that the height may be set between such indexed features.

In an exemplary embodiment, an adjustable fitment may be provided that defines the upper most handle height. This is envisaged as allowing a user (or caregiver) the ability set the correct height of the handles to personalise their ergonomic settings to the user, avoiding the need to recall this each time height is adjusted.

It is envisaged that the ability to adjust the height of the handles may also permit them to easily transition between being used as hand grips during walking or standing, to being used as arm rests while seated. For example, the height may be adjusted between a lowest setting (for example, 250 mm above the seat) in which they function as ergonomic arm rests that conform to seating dimensions for the elderly, and a higher settings in which they function as walker handles for users of varying heights (for example, from about 750 mm up to about 950 mm above the ground for a 95th percentile male). It is envisaged that the external locking mechanisms may be easily accessed from either the seated or standing positions.

In addition to allowing the height of the handles to be adjusted, it is envisaged that the exemplary shaft and brake lever arrangement may allow movement of the handles relative to the base frame in order to facilitate user selected locking of the braking assembly in the disengaged position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In such an exemplary embodiment, each handle may be permitted a limited range of travel in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the shaft between a released position and a depressed position. For example, this travel may be in the range of about 2 mm to about 10 mm, for example about 4 mm. It should be appreciated that this travel is intended to be relative to the selectably secured height of the handles (in exemplary embodiments in which the height of the handles is adjustable). In the depressed position, pivoting of the handle may be restricted. For example, an arrangement of complementary protrusions and recesses between the handle and the base frame (for example, a pin and socket arrangement) may be engaged when in the depressed position. It is envisaged that the rotational torque on the shaft supplied by the brake biasing device of the wheel braking mechanism may be sufficient to retain the handle in the depressed position, with the forces between the pin and socket resisting sliding of the handle relative to the frame.

In doing so, the braking assembly may be maintained in a desired position, particularly the disengaged position to permit rotation of the wheels. In the released position, the handles may be permitted to pivot in the manner previously described.

In an exemplary embodiment, the wheeled walker may include a brake lever biasing device, for example a spring, configured to bias the brake lever towards the handle along the shaft to match the released handle position. In exemplary embodiments, the act of pivoting and depressing the handles may produce a binding force between the brake lever and shaft, and the brake lever biasing device may assist in effectively resetting the brake lever when the handle is released. It is envisaged that in exemplary embodiments the force produced by the brake lever biasing device should not be sufficient to lift the handle towards the released position without requiring user assistance to overcome the static friction between the handle and frame. In an exemplary embodiment, a brake locking mechanism may be provided to maintain the braking assembly in a desired position, particularly the disengaged position to permit rotation of the wheels. In an exemplary embodiment a brake override lever may be provided on at least one of the handles, configured to selectively engage a brake override latch member of the frame to prevent pivoting of the handle from the disengaged position. In an exemplary embodiment the brake override lever may be pivotally connected to the handle. In an exemplary embodiment the brake override lever may have a neat fit relative to the handle such that it does not drop down without actuation by the user. In an exemplary embodiment the brake override lever and the brake override latch member may include a complementary latch recess and latch protrusion configured to mate when the brake override latch member is engaged.

In an exemplary embodiment the frame may include a front frame portion and a rear frame portion. In an exemplary embodiment the front frame portion may include the handles and front wheels, and the rear frame portion may include the rear wheels.

In an exemplary embodiment the front frame portion and the rear frame portion may be connected by a folding mechanism.

In an exemplary embodiment the folding mechanism may include at least one upper arm pivotally connected to the front frame portion at a first end, and pivotally connected to the rear frame portion at a second end. The folding mechanism may also include at least one lower arm pivotally connected by a first end to the front frame portion at a point closer to the front wheels than the pivotal connection of the upper arm to the front frame portion, and pivotally connected by a second end to the rear frame portion at a point closer to the rear wheels than the pivotal connection of the upper arm to the rear frame portion.

In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one lower arm may be offset from the at least one upper arm, such that the upper arm and lower arm may overlap through a portion of the range of motion of the folding mechanism.

In the exemplary embodiment including the upper and lower arms, the folding mechanism may effectively function as a four bar linkage. This configuration may help to limit inadvertent folding when the walker is lifted by the handles, instead requiring lifting of the rear frame portion or a lever connected thereto (for example, the seat base in exemplary embodiments) in order to induce a folding action.

In an exemplary embodiment the folding mechanism may include at least one folding biasing device configured to draw the front frame portion towards the rear frame portion. In addition to assisting in the folding action, the folding biasing device may serve to maintain the walker in the folded condition.

In an exemplary embodiment the folding biasing device may be a tension spring. In an exemplary embodiment, the tension spring may be connected between the front frame portion and the rear frame portion - whether directly, indirectly, or a combination thereof. For example, the tension spring may be connected to the rear frame portion at a first end, and to a point on the lower arm disposed towards the front frame portion at a second end of the tension spring.

In an exemplary embodiment the walker may include a folded catch mechanism configured to activate when folding to assist in maintaining the walker in a folded condition. The folded catch mechanism may include a folded catch member pivotally connected to the front frame, or the folding mechanism, at one end. The folded catch member may be biased to rotate upwardly, for example by at least one torsion spring. The folded catch member may be configured to pivot on folding of the folding mechanism to reach a folded point at which the folded catch member is at an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to a surface of the folding mechanism against which a distal end of the folded catch member bears.

In an exemplary embodiment the walker may include a releasable fastening device configured to hold the folding mechanism in an unfolded position. In exemplary embodiments in which the folding mechanism includes the biasing member, the releasable fastening device may act to resist the bias. In an exemplary embodiment the releasable fastening device may be biased to maintain the releasable fastening device in an engaged condition, and require user actuation against the bias before the folding mechanism may be folded.

In an exemplary embodiment, the seat may be secured to the rear frame portion. In an exemplary embodiment the releasable fastening device may be a latch, for example including a latch member positioned on the seat and configured to engage a catch member on the front frame member. In an exemplary embodiment the seat includes a seat base, and a seat back configured to fold relative to the seat base. The seat may include an opening between the seat base and the seat back which may be used as a hand grip to assist with folding the wheeled walker.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary wheeled walker with its seat open;

FIG. IB is a perspective view of the exemplary wheeled walker with its seat removed;

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of an exemplary wheeled walker with its seat closed and handles extended;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the exemplary wheeled walker with cut-out sections showing elements of an exemplary braking assembly;

FIG. 2B is a cross-section of the exemplary wheeled walker showing an exemplary brake lever arrangement in an engaged position;

FIG. 2C is a cross-section of the exemplary wheeled walker showing the exemplary brake lever arrangement in a disengaged position;

FIG. 2D is a side cross-section of the exemplary wheeled walker showing the exemplary brake lever arrangement;

FIG. 2E is a cross-section of an exemplary wheel braking mechanism; FIG. 2F is a perspective view of the exemplary braking assembly;

FIG. 2G is a top view of the exemplary wheeled walker with its handles in a braked position;

FIG. 2H is a top view of the exemplary wheeled walker with its handles in an un-braked position;

FIG. 3A is a cross-section of an exemplary handle of the exemplary wheeled walker in a released position;

FIG. 3B is a cross-section of the exemplary handle of the exemplary wheeled walker in a depressed position;

FIG. 3C is a cross-section of a portion of the exemplary braking assembly while the exemplary handle of the exemplary wheeled walker is in the released position;

FIG. 3D is a cross-section of a portion of the exemplary braking assembly while the exemplary handle of the exemplary wheeled walker is in the depressed position;

FIG. 3E is a perspective view of an exemplary brake override mechanism of the exemplary wheeled walker in a disengaged position;

FIG. 3F is a face on view of the exemplary brake override mechanism in the disengaged position;

FIG. 3G is a side view of the exemplary brake override mechanism of the exemplary wheeled walker in an engaged position; FIG. 3H is a face on view of the exemplary brake override mechanism in the engaged position;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an exemplary brake override mechanism of the exemplary wheeled walker in a disengaged position while the exemplary handle of the exemplary wheeled walker is in the released position;

FIG. 3J is a face on view of the exemplary brake override mechanism in the disengaged position while the exemplary handle of the exemplary wheeled walker is in the released position;

FIG. 4A is a rear perspective view of an exemplary folding mechanism of the exemplary wheeled walker;

FIG. 4B is a rear perspective view of a section of the exemplary wheeled walker with the exemplary folding mechanism in a latched condition; FIG. 4C is a rear perspective view of a section of the exemplary wheeled walker with the exemplary folding mechanism in a released condition;

FIG. 5A is a side view of the exemplary wheeled walker in an operational state;

FIG. 5B is a side view of the exemplary wheeled walker in a released state between the operational state and a stored state; FIG. 5C is a side view of the exemplary wheeled walker in the stored state;

FIG. 6A is a top view of an exemplary folding mechanism of the exemplary wheeled walker having at exemplary latch mechanism in an engaged condition;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the exemplary folding mechanism with the exemplary latch mechanism in the engaged condition; FIG. 6C is a top view of the exemplary folding mechanism with the exemplary latch mechanism in a disengaged condition;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an exemplary folding mechanism of the exemplary wheeled walker in a folded condition, including an exemplary folded catch mechanism;

FIG. 7B is a side view of the exemplary folding mechanism in an unfolded condition, and

FIG. 7C is a side view of the exemplary folding mechanism in the folded condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A illustrates a wheeled walker, which will herein be referred to as rollator 100. The rollator 100 includes a base frame comprising a front frame portion 102, and a rear frame portion 104. The front frame portion 102 includes two upright front members 106, with a front cross-member 108 extending between them to form a substantially H shaped frame. The rear frame portion 104 includes two rear legs 110 with a central portion 112 spanning between them to form a substantially U shaped frame.

Referring to FIG. IB, the front frame portion 102 and the rear frame portion 104 are connected by a folding mechanism 114, operation of which will be described further below.

A seat bracket 116 is fixed to the central portion 112 of the rear frame portion 104. Returning to FIG. 1A, a seat base 118 is secured to the seat bracket 116 (as shown in FIG. IB). A seat back 120 is pivotally connected to the seat base 118, and may be moved between an upright position as seen in FIG. 1A, and a folded position as seen in FIG. 1C. A hole between the seat base 118 and seat back 120 provides a hand hold 121, use of which will be described further below.

The rollator 100 includes front wheel assemblies 122 connected to the upright front members 106 on swivels (not illustrated), and braked rear wheel assemblies 124 fixedly connected to the rear legs 110. Each of the wheel assemblies 122, 124 include wheel forks 126, and wheels 128 secured to the wheel forks 126. In this exemplary embodiment the wheel forks 126 have a universal design for use in the front or rear. Operation of the braked rear wheel assem blies 124 will be discussed further below.

Referring to FIG. 1C, the rollator 100 includes left and high handles 130. The handles 130 extend from telescoping portions 132 of the front frame portion 102. The telescoping portions 132 are received within the upright front members 106, and may be slid relative to each other to adjust the height of the handles 130. Releasable clamps 134 may be used to secure the telescoping portions 132 relative to the upright front members 106 at a desired height - whether at the indexed features 136 provided on the telescoping portions 132, or a point therebetween.

As seen in FIG. 2A, each handle 130 is secured to a splined shaft 200, extending from the handle 130 through the interior of the telescoping portions 132 and the upright front members 106. Each shaft 200, and handle 130, are capable of pivoting about the longitudinal axis of the shaft 200. A brake lever 202 is secured to the splined shaft 200, and extends through a passage in the upright front member 106 into the interior of the front cross-member 108. Each of the braked rear wheel assemblies 124 includes a wheel braking mechanism 204. The wheel braking mechanisms 204 are connected to the brake levers 202 by way of cross wired brake cables 206, as will be described in greater detail below.

Referring to FIG. 2B, the cross-section of the splined shaft 200 is complementary in shape to a passage in the brake lever 202 through which it passes. This ensures that the brake lever 202 will pivot with the splined shaft 200, but allows them to slide relative to each other. In exemplary embodiments including telescoping portions 132, this enables the height of the handles 130 to be adjusted while maintaining the relationship between the shaft 200 and brake lever 202.

The brake cable 206 is secured to an end of the brake lever 202 distal from the point of connection to the shaft 200. In an exemplary embodiment in which the effective length of the lever 202 is 30 mm, and the shaft pivots through substantially 20°, the travel of the brake cable 206 between the braked position illustrated in FIG. 2B and the un-braked position shown in FIG. 2C is approximately 12 mm (although it should be appreciated that there may be tolerance losses in the system). As seen in FIG. 2D, movement of the brake lever 202 relative to the frame along the shaft 200 is constrained by the interior of the front cross-member 108. Referring to FIG. 2E, the wheel braking mechanism 204 includes a brake pad 208 within the wheel fork 126. The brake pad 208 is pivotally connected to the wheel fork 126 at one end 210. A brake spring 212 acts against the brake pad 208 to bias it towards an engaged position against the wheel 128. The brake cable 206 extends through the brake spring 212 and is secured to the other end of the brake pad 208. The brake cable 206 may be used to draw the brake pad 208 off the wheel 128 into a disengaged position, control of which will be described further below.

FIG. 2F shows the interconnection of the handles 130 through the splined shafts 200 to the brake levers 202, which are in turn connected by the brake cables 206 to the wheel braking mechanisms 204.

In a released state - i.e. in the absence of user intervention - the bias of the brake springs 212 pull the brake cables 206 towards the wheel braking mechanisms 204, which in turn pulls the brake levers 202 forward. This rotates the splined shafts 200 such that the handles 130 are angled outwardly, as shown in FIG. 2G. In this position, the longitudinal axis 214 of each of the handles 130 is rotated substantially 20° from the position in which both handles 130 are parallel to each other - as seen in FIG. 2H.

Conversely, as the user rotates the handles 130 towards the position illustrated in FIG. 2H, the brake cable 206 is drawn back, acting against the bias of the brake spring 212 to lift the brake pad 208 off the wheel 128 and permit rotation. In an exemplary embodiment the brake spring 212 may be selected such that the force required to overcome it may be less than about 20 Newtons.

Longitudinal movement of the splined shaft 200 while maintaining the positioned of the brake lever 200 allows for the exemplary locking mechanism illustrated in FIG. 3A and 3B. Referring to FIG. 3A, the handle 130 has a recess 300 at one end, facing the telescoping portion 132. The recess 300 includes two sockets 302. A raised portion 304 on the end of the telescoping portion 132 includes two pins 306 which are complementary in shape to the sockets 302. In the elevated released position illustrated in FIG. 3A, the handle 130 may be pivoted between the positions shown in FIG. 2G and 2H, unobstructed by the sockets 302 and pins 306.

However, the handle 130 may be pushed down into the depressed position illustrated in FIG. 3B. In this position, the sockets 302 and pins 306 are engaged. The rotational torque on the splined shaft 200 produced by the bias of the brake spring 212 locks the sockets 302 and pins 306 together - resisting movement of the handle 130 back into the released position without user intervention to lift it.

As seen in FIG. 3C and FIG. 3D, at the distal end of the shaft 200 a chamber 308 is provided in which a stop 310 limits upward movement of the handles. A brake lever spring 312 acts against the brake lever 202, biased to push the brake lever 202 towards the handle 130. When the handle 130 is pivoted inwardly and depressed, the brake lever 202 is bound to the shaft 200 and is forced downwards with the movement of the shaft 200 - compressing the brake lever spring 312 as shown in FIG. 3D. When the user lifts the handle 130, the brake lever spring 312 helps to reset the position of the brake lever 202.

FIG. 3E to 3J illustrates an alternative locking mechanism. As shown in FIG. 3E and 3F, in this embodiment a brake override lever 350 is pivotally connected to the handle 130. The brake override lever 350 has a neat fit relative to the handle 130 such that it does not drop down without actuation by the user. The underside of the brake override lever 350 has a latch recess 352. A brake override latch member 354 is positioned on the telescoping portion 132, including a latch protrusion 356.

When the handle 130 is in the position shown in FIG. 2H (i.e. the brake is disengaged), latch recess 352 and latch protrusion 356 are aligned. The brake override lever 350 may be depressed to fit the latch recess 352 over the latch protrusion 356, as shown in FIG. 3G and 3H. This prevents pivoting of the handle 130, and therefore maintains the wheel breaking mechanism in a disengaged state until the brake override lever 350 is lifted. In addition to the friction caused by the fit of the brake override lever 350 relative to the handle 130, it is envisaged that the bias of the spring tension may bear the latch recess 352 against the latch protrusion 356 to resist unintentional lifting of the brake override lever 350. Conversely, when the handle 130 is in the position shown in FIG. 2G (i.e. the brake is disengaged), latch recess 352 and latch protrusion 356 are misaligned. The brake override lever 350 cannot be depressed to fit the latch recess 352 over the latch protrusion 356, as may be seen in FIG. 31 and 3J.

Operation of the folding mechanism 114 is herein described with reference to FIG. 4A-4C and FIG. 5A- 5C.

The folding mechanism 114 includes an upper left arm 400 and an upper right arm 402, having a shared front upper axle 404 and a shared rear upper axle 406. The folding mechanism 114 also includes a lower central arm 408, having a front lower axle 410 and a rear lower axle 412. Front mounts 414 and 416 secure the front axles 404 and 410 relative to the front cross-member 108, while rear mounts 418 and 420 secure the rear axles 406 and 412 relative to the central portion 112. The seat bracket 116 is fixed in position relative to the rear mounts 418 and 420. A latch 422 is secured to the seat bracket 116, which catches on the upper front axle 404 of the folding mechanism 114. Referring to FIG. 4B, the folding mechanism 114 is maintained in an open position by the latch 422, while FIG. 4C shows the folding mechanism 114 with the latch 422 released, enabling folding of the rollator 100 as will be described with reference to FIG. 5A-5C below.

The folding mechanism 114 includes a tension spring 424 extending between a first spring post 426 on the lower central arm 408, as shown in FIG. 4A, and a second spring post 428 on the central portion 112, as shown in FIG. 4B.

FIG. 5A illustrates the rollator 100 in an unfolded condition, ready for use. Lifting of the rollator 100 by the handles 130 will not result in release of the latch 422 (as illustrated in FIG. 4B and 4C), as the forces generated by lifting at that point do not act to lift the seat bracket 116. If release is desired, the rollator 100 should be lifted by the hand grip 121 in the seat. The resulting weight of the front frame portion 102 acting on the latch 422 will release it from the upper front axle.

In FIG. 5B, the upward movement of the seat bracket 116, in combination with the tension spring 424, begins to draw the front frame portion 102 towards the rear frame portion 104 as the folding mechanism 114 folds. In FIG. 5C, the rollator 100 is in a folded condition, maintained by the tension spring 424, and capable of self-standing. The folding operation may be performed with one hand, using only the weight of the rollator 100. It should be noted that through the range of motion, the position of the handles 130 are unchanged, with the brake spring 212 keeping the brake pad 208 engaged to prevent the folded rollator 100 from rolling away. FIG. 6A-6C illustrate an exemplary folding mechanism 600 including a folding latch mechanism 602 configured to be releasably engaged with the upper right arm 604 of the folding mechanism 600 to maintain the rollator 100 in an unfolded condition, as an alternative to latch 422. Referring to FIG. 6A and 6C, the folding latch mechanism 602 includes a sliding latch member 606 configured to be inserted into, and extracted from, a latch aperture in the upper right arm 604 (not shown in FIG. 6A, but see structure of opposing arm in FIG. 6B). A latch tab 608 extends from the sliding latch member 606, for user engagement with the folding latch mechanism 602.

The sliding latch member 606 includes a first fastener aperture 610 and second fastener aperture 612 for locating the folding latch mechanism 600 relative to the folding mechanism 600. Referring to FIG. 6B, the folding mechanism 600 includes a seat bracket 614. A first fastener, such as a bolt, may be passed through a first plate aperture 616 and first fastener aperture 610 of the sliding latch member 606, and a second fastener, such as a bolt, may be passed through a second plate aperture 618 and second fastener aperture 612 of the sliding latch member 606.

Returning to FIG. 6A, a compression spring 620 biases the sliding latch member 606 towards engagement with the upper right arm 604. FIG. 6B illustrates the folding latch mechanism 600 in a condition in which a user has pushed the latch tab 608 away from the upper right arm 604 against the compression spring 620, with the sliding latch member 606 is extracted such that a latch end 622 sliding latch member 606 clears the upper right arm 604 to allow folding of the folding mechanism 600. When unfolding, the downward facing edge of the latch end 622 may be bevelled to cause the latch member 606 to ride inwardly when passing the upper right arm 604. FIG. 7A-7C illustrate an exemplary folding mechanism 700 including a folded catch mechanism 702 configured to activate when folding to maintain the rollator 100 in a folded condition. The folding mechanism 700 includes a rear mount 704. A folded catch member, herein referred to as paddle 706, is pivotally connected to a front upper axle 708 at a first end, and having lateral projections (not shown) extending into the rear mount 704 at the distal end. A torsion spring 710 biases the paddle 706 to lift at the distal end. When moving from the unfolded position shown in FIG. 7B to the folded position shown in FIG. 7C, the torsion spring 710 lifts the paddle 706 to track along the downward facing surface 712 of the rear mount 704. When at the folded position shown in FIG. 7C the angle of the paddle 706 relative to the surface 712 is less than 90 degrees, which is envisaged as reducing the likelihood of the paddle 706 collapsing due to weight bearing on the rear frame of the rollator. When the user wants to unfold the rollator, they push the paddle 706 to overcome the torsion spring 710 and release it from this position, and continue to unfold by applying downward pressure.

The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications cited above and below, if any, are herein incorporated by reference.

Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world.

The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof.

Claims

1. A wheeled walker, including: a base frame; front wheels mounted to the base frame; rear wheels mounted to the base frame; two handles extending from the base frame, each handle configured to pivot between a first position in which the longitudinal axis of the handle is substantially parallel with that of the other handle, and a second position in which the handles angle outwardly relative to the first position; a braking assembly configured to be actuated by pivoting of the handles between an engaged position in which a braking force is applied to either or both of the front wheels or rear wheels when the handles are in the second position, and a disengaged position in which the braking force is released when the handles are in the first position.

2. The wheeled walker of claim 1, wherein the angle through which the handles pivot between the first position and the second position is from about 10° to about 30°.

3. The wheeled walker of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the angle through which the handles pivot between the first position and the second position is from about 15° to about 25°.

4. The wheeled walker of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the angle through which the handles pivot between the first position and the second position is about 20°.

5. The wheeled walker of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the handles are biased towards the second position.

6. The wheeled walker of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the braking assembly includes a wheel braking mechanism associated with each one of the wheels to be braked, each wheel braking mechanism including a brake pad and a brake biasing device biasing the brake pad towards the wheel in the engaged position of the braking assembly.

7. The wheeled walker of claim 6, wherein each wheel braking mechanism is connected to one of the handles via a braking cable, and the biasing device of the wheel braking mechanism biases the handle towards the second position.

8. The wheeled walker of claim 7 wherein each handle is connected to a respective shaft extending through a portion of the frame, and the braking assembly includes a brake lever connected to each shaft such that rotation of the shaft pivots the brake lever, and wherein the braking cable for each wheel braking mechanism is connected to one of the brake levers at a point distal from the shaft.

9. The wheeled walker of any one of claims 5 to 8, Wherein the force required to overcome the bias to pivot the handles towards the first position is less than about 20 Newtons.

10. The wheeled walker of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the braking assembly is configured to apply the braking force to only the rear wheels.

11. The wheeled walker of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the braking assembly includes an override mechanism configured to selectively maintain the braking assembly in one or both of: the first position and the second position.

12. The wheeled walker of claim 11, including a brake override lever provided on at least one of the handles, configured to selectively engage a brake override latch member of the frame to prevent pivoting of the handle from the first position.

13. The wheeled walker of claim 12, wherein the brake override lever and the brake override latch member include a complementary latch recess and latch protrusion configured to mate when the brake override latch member is engaged.

14. The wheeled walker of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the base frame includes telescopic upright front members from which the handles extend.

15. The wheeled walker of claim 14, including external locking mechanisms configured to selectively secure at the telescopic upright front members at a desired height.

16. The wheeled walker of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the frame includes a front frame portion and a rear frame portion.

17. The wheeled walker of claim 16, wherein the front frame portion includes the handles and front wheels, and the rear frame portion includes the rear wheels.

18. The wheeled walker of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the front frame portion and the rear frame portion are connected by a folding mechanism.

19. The wheeled walker of claim 18, wherein the folding mechanism includes at least one upper arm pivotally connected to the front frame portion at a first end, and is pivotally connected to the rear frame portion at a second end.

20. The wheeled walker of claim 19, wherein the folding mechanism includes at least one lower arm pivotally connected by a first end to the front frame portion at a point closer to the front wheels than the pivotal connection of the upper arm to the front frame portion, and pivotally connected by a second end to the rear frame portion at a point closer to the rear wheels than the pivotal connection of the upper arm to the rear frame portion.

21. The wheeled walker of claim 20, wherein the at least one lower arm is offset from the at least one upper arm, such that the upper arm and lower arm overlap through a portion of the range of motion of the folding mechanism.

22. The wheeled walker of any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the folding mechanism includes at least one folding biasing device configured to draw the front frame portion towards the rear frame portion.

23. The wheeled walker of any one of claims 18 to 22, including a releasable fastening device configured to hold the folding mechanism in an unfolded position.

24. The wheeled walker of any one of claims 1 to 23, including a seat having a seat base, and a seat back configured to fold relative to the seat base.

25. The wheeled walker of claim 24, wherein the seat includes a hand grip opening between the seat base and the seat back.

26. The wheeled walker of claim 24 or claim 25, when connected to any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein the seat base is connected to the folding mechanism.