WO2020060422A1

WO2020060422A1 - An attachment for a rollator or walking frame and a method of its use

Info

Publication number: WO2020060422A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2019/050129
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alan Mark Garvin
Original assignee: Multiple Supplements Limited
Priority date: 2018-09-23
Filing date: 2019-09-23
Publication date: 2020-03-26
Also published as: AU2019343872A1

Abstract

The invention is an attachment for use with a rollator/walker. It includes a bracket which is secured to the foot platform of the hoverboard. An arm arises from the bracket and this is connected to the rear leg of the rollator. The connection between the arm and bracket includes a pivot point such that in use, when the foot platform of the hoverboard is tilted, the bracket is also tilted despite being connected to the rear leg of the rollator. The attachment is configured such that in use the pivot point is located proximate the axis of rotation of the hoverboard's wheels. The invention allows a hoverboard to be mounted to the rollator/walker, thus providing the user with the means to use a hoverboard as a motor source. This effectively converts the conventional rollator into a relatively low-cost motorised rollator.

Description

AN ATTACHMENT FOR A ROLLATOR OR WALKING FRAME AND A METHOD OF ITS USE

Statement of Corresponding Applications

This application is based on the provisional specification filed in relation to New Zealand Patent Application No. 744453, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Field of Invention

The invention relates to rollators or walkers, such as those used by the elderly or infirm. The invention has particular application to an attachment for a rollator or walker. The attachment facilitates the use of a hoverboard as a driving unit for the rollator or walker.

Background to the Invention Rollators or walkers are walking aids used by the elderly or infirm for support as they walk. These devices are upright frames with a handle and three or four legs, with at least a pair of wheels. The person using these devices push them forward while holding onto handles. Thus, the use of such devices assist in improving the mobility of people who would otherwise to move about without support.

A drawback with these devices is that should the person become fatigued, it can be problematic for them to return home or their starting point, which may be, for example, their or another person's parked vehicle. Furthermore, with rollators and walkers being hand-operated, they limit the person's ability to use their hands to carry objects and so on.

Some rollators include a propulsion means, such as electric motors that drive one or more of the wheels, thus reducing the amount of energy that the user has to expend in pushing it forward. This would potentially reduce the rate at which the user becomes fatigued and returning home may be less of an issue. Although some of these rollators may have seats, so that the person using them may sit down for a rest, it is not usually possible to utilise the propulsion means when in this configuration.

However, these types of rollators are more expensive than conventional ones and are therefore less accessible to persons with limited financial means. People can also become overly reliant on them to the detriment of their overall physical condition.

As a cost-effective alternative to expensive motorised rollators, there are devices that allow a means of propulsion to be temporarily attached to a conventional rollator. One such device is described in United States Patent No. 9,744,095 (Ό95), and utilises a hoverboard as the means of propulsion. A hoverboard, often known as a self-balancing scooter, is a two-wheeled device with a foot platform situated between the two wheels. Electric motors, typically powered by lithium-ion batteries, drive the wheels in response to the articulation of the foot platform by the user. The device of '095 is a bracket that engages with the hoverboard and this in turn is attached to a crossbar spanning the rear legs of the rollator. The user can stand on the foot platform of the hoverboard and articulate it to drive the rollator forward (or backwards as the case may be).

However, the crossbar and the bracket are relatively complex structures and thus cost intensive to manufacture. Consequently, the device is relatively expensive for users to purchase. Furthermore, once mounted to the rollator with which it is to be used, the device of Ό95 significantly occludes the available space between the legs of the rollator. This inhibits or otherwise impedes the stride of the person using the rollator if they choose to push it rather than use the hoverboard; this may be necessary when navigating the rollator around the aisles of a shop or supermarket for instance.

Object of the Invention It is an object of the invention to provide an attachment to convert a conventional walker or rollator into a motorised rollator by using a hoverboard as a driving or propulsion means.

Alternatively, it is an object of the invention to provide an attachment for a rollator or walker that allows a hoverboard to be used as a driving or propulsion means.

Alternatively, it is an object to provide a means of attaching a hoverboard to a rollator or walker in a manner that does not inhibit the user's ability to walk with it should they prefer to do so instead of using the hoverboard to propel themselves in the desired direction.

Alternatively, it is an object to provide a means of easily attaching a hoverboard to a rollator or walker. At the very least, it is an object of the invention to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an attachment when used to mount a hoverboard to a rollator, wherein the hoverboard has a wheel having an axis of rotation, and wherein the attachment includes: a bracket configured to engage with a foot platform of the hoverboard; an arm extending from the bracket, wherein a first end of the arm is configured to engage with a leg of the rollator and the second end of the arm connects to the bracket at a pivot point, characterised in that when in use, the pivot point of the bracket is substantially proximate the axis of rotation of the wheel of the hoverboard.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a rollator including an attachment for mounting a hoverboard to the rollator, wherein the rollator includes at least one leg, and wherein the hoverboard has a wheel having an axis of rotation, and wherein the attachment includes: a bracket configured to engage with a foot platform of the hoverboard; an arm extending from the bracket, wherein a first end of the arm is configured to engage with the leg of the rollator and the second end of the arm connects to the bracket at a pivot point, characterised in that the pivot point of the bracket is substantially proximate the axis of rotation of the wheel of the hoverboard.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of mounting a hoverboard to a rollator with an attachment, wherein the rollator includes at least one leg, and wherein the hoverboard includes a foot platform and has a wheel having an axis of rotation, and wherein the attachment includes a bracket configured to engage with the foot platform of the hoverboard, an arm extending from the bracket, wherein a first end of the arm is configured to engage with the leg of the rollator and the second end of the arm connects to the bracket at a pivot point, the method including the steps of: a) engaging the first end of the arm of the attachment with the leg of the rollator; and b) mounting the hoverboard to the bracket, such that the pivot point of the attachment is substantially proximate the axis of rotation of the wheel of the hoverboard. The invention is an attachment, and a method of using same, for use with a rollator or walker. It allows a hoverboard to be mounted to the rollator or walker, thus providing users of a conventional rollator with the means to use a hoverboard as a motor source. This effectively converts the conventional rollator into a relatively low cost motorised rollator. Reference shall now be made to the invention being a mounting bracket.

A rollator should be understood to be a frame with three or four legs, with wheels mounted to the ends of each leg, that may be pushed by the user as they walk. Some rollators may include a seat or platform on which a user may sit to rest if they become fatigued or simply wish to sit down. Rollators typically include a user-operably braking mechanism. Rollators may be referred to by persons skilled in the art as wheeled walkers and are typically more expensive than a walker.

A walker, in the context of the present invention, should be understood to be a frame with three or four legs, with wheels mounted to the ends of the two legs defining the front of the frame. The rear legs simply terminate in end caps. Some walkers do not have wheels at all, and the present invention is not practical for use with such walkers. Reference shall now be made throughout the remainder of the specification to the use of the mounting bracket with a rollator but it will be understood that this is not meant to be limiting and the invention may be used with a walker as described above.

The mounting bracket allows a hoverboard (also variously known as a self-balancing scooter, powerboard, gyroboard and so on) to be temporarily attached to a rollator. A hoverboard is a two-wheeled device with one or two feet platforms situated between the two wheels. Electric motors, typically powered by lithium-ion batteries, drive the wheels in response to the articulation of the foot or feet platforms by the user. A user standing on the foot platform leans forward, thus tilting the platform, to propel the hoverboard forwards. Leaning backwards to tilt the foot platform to the rear causes the hoverboard to reverse. An example of a hoverboard suitable for use with the present invention is described in United States Patent No. 8,738,278.

The hoverboard will be understood to have a width (the distance between the wheels) and depth (the distance between the front and rear of the foot platform.

The mounting bracket should be understood to have a bracket that is configured to engage with the foot platform of the hoverboard. The bracket has a main body.

In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the main body of the bracket spans the depth of the foot platform of the hoverboard with which it is be used.

In some embodiments of the invention, the main body of the bracket is configured such that its overall length may be adjusted.

For example, the adjustment of the length of the bracket may be achieved through the use of detents or the like. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate other ways in which the length of the bracket may be adjusted if desired. Given that elderly persons are envisaged as one likely user of the invention, whatever adjustment mechanism is used should be relatively easy to operate without requiring good finger/hand dexterity. For example, the main body of the bracket may be in the form of two tubes telescopically arranged with respect to each other and secured by a clamping mechanism utilising over centre latches.

In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the respective ends of the main body of the bracket include flanges or the like with an aperture. These flanges correspond with the front and rear of the foot platform.

In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the flanges of the bracket include an aperture through which a securing mechanism, such as a cinching strap may pass. In this manner, the bracket can be secured to the hoverboard. A cinching strap is preferred since it is able to conform to the profile of the underside of the foot platform of the hoverboard, which may be contoured rather than being flat as is usually the case with the upper side of the foot platform. Flowever, in some embodiments, where the hoverboard has been specifically configured for use with rollators, the manner of engagement with the bracket may include the use of fasteners or the like as will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. In other embodiments, the underside or edges of the hoverboard may be specifically configured for use with cinching straps by having slots of loops through which the straps may pass. The mounting bracket should be understood to have an arm that extends from the bracket.

The arm should be understood to have a first end and a second end. The first end of the arm is configured to engage with a leg of the rollator. In some embodiments of the invention, the arm may be configured as part of the rollator. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the first end of the arm engages with one of the rear legs of the rollator. It should be understood that this means that the arm extends rearwardly from the bracket, given the intended location of the invention in use is between the front and rear legs of the rollator. However, in some embodiments, the invention may be arranged such that the arm extends forwardly from the bracket. It will be appreciated that this would locate the invention rearward of the rear legs of the rollator in use.

In some embodiments of the invention, the arm is configured such that its length may be adjustable.

For example, the arm may be configured as a pair of telescopically extendable tubes, adjustable in respect of each other via detents. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate other ways in which the length of the arm may be adjusted if desired. Given that elderly persons are envisaged as one likely user of the invention, whatever adjustment mechanism is used should be relatively easy to operate without requiring good finger/hand dexterity.

Furthermore, the first end of the arm may include a separate, lockable, pivot point, such that the portion that engages with the leg of the rollator can pivot relative to the rest of the arm when mounting the hoverboard. This separate lockable pivot point then be locked in place to prevent further movement and ensuring any pivotal movement of the arm is confined to the pivot joint between the bracket and the arm. In these embodiments, it will be appreciated that the arm is effectively formed from at least two lengths, connected at their mutual ends in such a way to form the separate, lockable, pivot point.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the midportion of the arm may be configured with a separate, lockable, pivot point. This may confer some adjustment functionality for using different makes and models of hoverboard.

Since rollators and hoverboards are made by a number of different manufacturers and come in a range of sizes and shapes, providing one or more of the arm or bracket with at least some adjustment functionality may help in adapting the bracket for use with a specific model of rollator or hoverboard. For example, the angle of the legs of the rollator may vary between models and makes. Likewise, the depth of the foot platform of hoverboards may also vary between models and makes.

The arm is connected to the bracket via a pivot point.

In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the pivot point is a pin joint, akin to a hinge. However, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that any joint which allows the arm to be pivoted relative to the bracket. For example, the joint may be in the form of a ball and joint. In some embodiments, where the arm is configured as part of the rollator, the user may attach the bracket to the arm at the pivot point. In other embodiments, the arm and bracket are provided as part of the rollator.

In one embodiment, the pivot point arises directly from the main body of the bracket. In an alternative embodiment, the pivot point is mounted to members extending away, either substantially upwards or downwards from the main body. In some embodiments, the members may be capable of sliding or telescopic movement, allowing the degree of extension to be adjusted. This would give the user some adjustment functionality to ensure optimal location of the axis of rotation of the hoverboard wheels relative to the pivot point.

Which arrangement is selected depends on the hoverboard with which the attachment of the present invention is to be used. It is important that the pivot point be as close as possible, or even in line with, the axis of rotation of wheels of the hoverboard. This makes it as easy as possible for users to better and more efficiently translate the movement of their feet into the pivoting of the foot platform of the hoverboard and thus forward/backward motion of the rollator.

The invention is advantageous for it allows users of a conventional rollator to convert it to a motorised rollator, but with relatively low expense and using a form of motor, a hoverboard, that is easily and readily sourced. This allows users of conventional rollators to travel further distances with a reduced risk of becoming fatigued since they can simply stand on the foot platform of the hoverboard and use it to propel themselves, rather than walking. Furthermore, it is easy for persons with limited dexterity to operate. For rollators that are provided with optional, tiltable seats, the hoverboard can still be used. Typically these seats tilt into the space between the rear legs such that when seated, the user faces rearwards relative to the rollator. They can still freely use the hoverboard from a sitting position, although it will be appreciated that the direction of travel is reversed.

The use of a hoverboard in itself is advantageous; it is operated via pivotal movement of its foot platforms. For elderly users or users with medical issues, this can help with conditioning of the ankle joints.

Also, when not in use, the hoverboard can be used conventionally. For users with children or grandchildren, the hoverboard may be a source of entertainment. Likewise, the rollator may still be used in a conventional manner if desired. It requires little effort to add the mounting bracket; the first end of the arm is fitted or otherwise mounted to the leg of the rollator, preferably the rear leg. The foot platform of the hoverboard is then secured to the bracket through the use of strapping. The placement of the hoverboard relative to the mounting bracket is such that the pivot point that connects the arm to the main body is substantially in line with the axis of rotation of the hoverboard's wheels. The process is simply performed in reverse to remove the hoverboard when no longer required.

Alternative embodiments of the invention, where part or all of the mounting bracket is an integral structure of the rollator, the user simply engages the hoverboard directly to the bracket. Such rollators may include the rear wheels as removable components to better facilitate use of the invention. It will be appreciated that any onboard braking systems for the rollator may need to be operative on the front wheels.

When fitting the mounting bracket to the rollator, it is preferable to do so such that the rear wheels, if present, of the rollator are slightly elevated from the ground. This reduces the impact of friction of having six wheels (the front and rear wheels of the rollator plus those of the hoverboard) in contact with the ground. Furthermore, having wheels with fixed axles behind the hoverboard's wheels can inhibit the user's ability to steer the rollator when it is in motion.

Preferably, when the rear wheels of the rollator are elevated, they bear against the wheels of the hoverboard. Thus, if fitted to the rollator, the braking mechanism is potentially operable on the wheels of the hoverboard by virtue of the braking force being applied to the rear wheels.

The invention is also suitable for use with rollators provided with a tiltable seat. For these types of rollators, due to the placement of the hoverboard between their front and rear legs, it may not be practical or easy for the person using the rollator to operate it with their feet when seated. In these embodiments, and depending on the placement of the hoverboard relative to the rollator, the upper or side surface of the bracket may be provided with sockets or apertures into which elongate handles may be inserted. The person using the rollator can then, when seated, push the levers forward and backward. In this way, the foot platform of the hoverboard can be tilted forward and backward to propel the rollator in the desired direction.

Although reference has been generally made to using the present invention to mount the hoverboard to the rollator in such a way as to position the hoverboard between the front and rear legs of the rollator, it should be appreciated that the invention may also be used to mount the hoverboard rearwards of the rear legs of the rollator. This may be useful for those rollators having fixed seats or simply to provide the user with the choice.

Further aspects of the invention, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading of the following description which provides at least one example of a practical application of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

One or more embodiments of the invention will be described below by way of example only, and without intending to be limiting, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Figure la is a perspective view of one embodiment of the mounting bracket of the present invention mounted to a rollator;

Figure lb is a closer perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure la;

Figure 2 is a side view of the mounting bracket of Figures la and lb;

Figure 3 is a side view of the rollator illustrated in Figure la, including an attachment for the handle; Figure 4 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the mounting bracket;

Figure 5a is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention mounted to an alternative rollator; and

Figure 5b is a closer perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5a;

Figure 6a is a side view of yet another embodiment of the invention mounted to a rollator; and Figure 6b is a closer side view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6a.

Brief Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

One embodiment of the invention, in the form of a pair of mounting brackets (generally indicated by arrow 100), is illustrated in the perspective view of Figure la as being attached to a conventional rollator (102). As can be seen, the rollator includes an aluminium or steel frame (104) with front (106) and rear legs (108), and cross bars (110) providing structural rigidity. The user (not shown) grips the frame using the handle bars (112) extending rearwards.

At the lower ends of the front (106) and rear legs (108) are provided wheels (114a, 114b). The front wheels (114a) are articulatable, and thus allows the user (not shown) to steer the rollator (102) as required, while the rear wheels (114b) simply rotate in the desired direction of travel. In many rollators, the rear wheels are removable components.

Positioned between the front (114a) and rear wheels (114b) of the rollator (102) is a hoverboard (116) held and secured in place by the pair of mounting brackets (100). The hoverboard (116) is of conventional construction, with two separate foot platforms (118a, 118b), one for each foot of the user (not shown). These foot platforms can rotate slightly about a common axis independently of each other and allows the user to apply driving force to the wheels (119) of the hoverboard by tilting them. However, although not illustrated here, it should be noted that some hoverboards have a single foot platform, and the mounting brackets are readily used with these types of hoverboards without modification.

The hoverboard (116) provides a driving means for the rollator (102); the user, by standing on the foot platforms (118a, 118b) and articulating them forwards (or backwards, if required) can propel themselves, and the rollator as needed.

However, the placement of the hoverboard (116) is such that it does not significantly occlude the space between the respective rear legs (108) of the rollator (102). This space, in use, is where the user (not shown) would typically place their feet while walking when using the rollator in a conventional manner rather than standing on the hoverboard and manipulating the foot platforms (118a, 118b) in order to move the rollator (and themselves).

It should be appreciated that although shown here being used with a four-wheeled rollator, the hoverboard (116) may potentially permit the user to discard the rear wheels of the rollator. They would simply remove the rear wheels, with the wheels of the hoverboard effectively replacing them.

Figure lb is a closer view of one of the mounting brackets (100) of Figure la. As can be seen, it includes a bracket (120) which at its mid portion includes a pin joint (122) connecting an arm (124) extending away and to the rear of the bracket. This arm, at its far end, connects with the rear leg (108) of the rollator. This may be added to the rollator simply by removing the wheel (114b) at the end of the leg, passing the loop (126) of the arm onto, and then up, the leg.

The bracket (120) itself spans the depth of the foot platform (118b) of the hoverboard (116). A strap (128) engages with the bracket to secure it to the hoverboard. For hoverboards specifically configured for use with rollators, they may be provided with structures, such as integrated loops or a contoured profile, that better facilitate the use of the strap.

In Figure 2, the mounting bracket (100) of Figures la and lb is shown in insolation in a side view. Made substantially of a suitable metal, for example as an extrusion of metal alloy such as aluminium, the arm (124) extends from the pivot point (122) at the midportion of the bracket (120).

In the illustrated example, the loop (126) of the arm (124) engages with the rear leg of the rollator (not shown) in use. In some alternative embodiments, not illustrated here, instead of a loop, the far end of the arm is configured with a clamping mechanism, which in use engages with the rear leg of the rollator. This means that the wheel of the leg of the rollator would not need to be removed to fit the mounting bracket (100). Although not illustrated here, such a clamping mechanism would be operable via bolts or similar threaded fasteners. Alternatively, the clamping mechanism may be an over-centre latch with a lever operable by the user. This may be more practical, particularly when the user lacks the dexterity the tools required to operate threaded fasteners.

At the opposing end of the arm (124), the bracket (120) is connected to the arm at the pivot point via a pin joint (130). The pin joint allows the bracket, and therefore the foot platforms of the hoverboard (not shown) to which the bracket is fixed in use, to pivot relative to the arm.

The bracket (120) includes flanges (132) at either end. In use, the bracket spans the width of the foot platform of the hoverboard (not shown), with the flanges engaging with the front and rear edges of the hoverboard. The hoverboard is held in place in the bracket with the strap (128).

The strap (128), which passes through apertures (not visible in this view) provided in the flanges (132), includes a cinching mechanism (not visible). This allows the strap to be tightened, thus ensuring the bracket is tightly engaged with the hover board (not shown). Since a degree of flexibility is required to facilitate the use of the strap with different models of hoverboard, it may be manufactured from a suitably robust material such as nylon or the like.

The manner of engagement of the arm (124) with the bracket (120) is important. The pin joint (130) allows the bracket, and the foot platform of the hoverboard (not shown) to which it is mounted, to be articulated relative to the arm. In this manner, by applying appropriate pressure to the foot platform, the user (not shown) of the rollator (not shown) can use the hoverboard to propel themselves forward and backwards in a controlled fashion.

It should be appreciated that the illustrated mounting bracket (100) is dimensioned and configured such that the axis about which the pin joint (130) operates is substantially in line with the axis of rotation of the wheels of the hoverboard (not shown) with which it is to be used.

Strict compliance with this is not absolutely required, but preferably, the respective axes are no further apart than 50 mm, such as is the case with the mounting bracket (100) shown in Figures la and lb.

The inventor has found the closer the axis of the pin joint (130) is to the axis of rotation of the wheels of the hoverboard (not shown), the better the correlation and co-ordination between the hoverboard and rollator is in use. The further apart the respective axes are, the greater spatial awareness is required in translating the movement of the feet on the foot platforms of the hoverboard into forward and backwards movement of the rollator. This is undesirable because for some people, particularly the elderly and those having poor coordination, this may make using the invention more difficult.

Figure 3 shows the rollator (102) of Figure 1 in a side view. From this, it will be seen that the mounting bracket (100) engages with the rollator such that the rear wheels (114b) of the rollator are slightly elevated from the ground (G) but also bear against the wheels (119) of the hoverboard (116). When the user (not shown) applies the brakes (not shown) of the rollator, the force applied is transmitted to the rear wheels of the rollator and then onto those wheels of the hoverboard.

The elevation of the rear wheels (114b) of the rollator (102) also helps to ensure that the user's (not shown) ability to steer the rollator is not compromised. If the rear wheels were in contact with the ground (G), in addition to those (119) of the hoverboard (116), the extra friction created would potentially inhibit the steering of the rollator while it is in motion.

In the rollator illustrated in Figure 3, an upright handle (134) has been added. This provides additional support for users (not shown) standing on the foot platform (not visible) of the hoverboard (116) while the rollator (102) is in motion. This is easily clamped to the handle bar (112) of the rollator.

Some models and makes of hoverboards may not be suitable for use with the mounting bracket shown in previous figures since the pivot point defined by the pin joint (130 in Figure 2 may be too vertically displaced from the axis of rotation of the hoverboard wheels. Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the mounting bracket (200) that may be used instead. In this case, it will be seen that the mounting bracket (200) includes a pair of extension members (202a, 202b) depending downwards from the main body (204) of the bracket and intersecting at their respective ends (206). The pivot point (208) is provided at the intersection of the extension members, well below the main body. This connects the main body to the arm (210) that, in use, engages with the rear leg of the rollator (not shown)

This embodiment allows a user (not shown) an alternative option for adapting their rollator (not shown) to use with a hoverboard (not shown), depending on its size and the architecture of the frame of the rollator, such that the pivot point (208) is close to, or in line with, the axis of rotation of the hoverboard's wheels (not shown). A further difference to the mounting bracket of Figures 1 to 3 is the presence of an additional arm (212) that would engage with the rear leg of the rollator (not shown). This provides greater structural integrity to the connection between the mounting bracket (200) and the rollator with which it is to be used. It also spreads out the loading on the rear leg of the rollator.

Although described here as part of the overall mounting bracket, it will be appreciated that the arms (210, 212) could be formed as integral parts of the rollator (not shown). The user then connects the main body (204) of the bracket, provided as a separate component to the rollator, to the arms by assembling the pivot point (208). Similarly, both the main body and arms could be integral to the rollator.

Referring now to Figures 5a and 5b, a further type of rollator (300) is illustrated in Figure 5a; although it generally shares most features with the rollator of Figure la, it differs in that it is configured with a seat

(302). As will be appreciated from the following discussion, the rollator uses an embodiment (304) of the mounting bracket that is adjustable. This allows the bracket to be adapted for use with rollators of different frame angles and dimensions.

As shown in Figure 5b, the arm (306) includes an elongate slot (308) with a locking nut (310). The pivot point (312) includes a co-operating elongate fork (not visible) that engages with the arm. The user can slide these two parts relative to each other and secure them using the locking nut. This allows the overall length of the arm to be adjusted, to an extent, depending on the size of the rollator (not shown). Being a relatively large structure, the locking nut may be easier for a person with limited finger dexterity to use. A locking nut (310) is also used to clamp the loop (312) of the arm (306) to the rear leg (314) of the rollator (300). Additional locking nuts (316) help secure the mounting bracket (304) to the foot platform (118b) of the hoverboard (116).

It will also be appreciated that when the user (not shown) is sitting on the seat (302), it may be awkward for the user (not shown) to place their feet upon the foot platform (118a, 118b) of the hoverboard (116). Extension arms (not shown) may be fitted into sockets (not shown) provided on the bracket (116). When fitted, the user can push the extension arms forward and backward with their arms as required in order to propel the rollator (300) in the desired direction.

Depending on its size, the presence of the seat (302) may make it awkward for a user (not shown) to stand on the hoverboard (116). It should be appreciated that the embodiment (304) of the mounting bracket may alternatively be attached to the rollator (300) such that the hoverboard is rearwards of the rear leg (314) rather than forwards as shown in Figures 5a and 5b. This would increase the clearance between the hoverboard and the seat.

Figures 6a and 6b shows another rollator (400) with an alternative embodiment (402) of the mounting bracket. In this embodiment, the arm (404) is formed from two components (406a, 406b), linked at a joint (408). This can better facilitate transition this embodiment of the mounting bracket from an in-use configuration, as shown in Figure 6a, to a non-use configuration where the hoverboard (116) is orientated generally under the seat (410) of the rollator. It is also more practical for the user to leave the mounting bracket permanently in place on the rollator; once the hoverboard has been removed, the arm would simply be rotated such that its entire length is substantially in line with the rear leg (412) of the rollator. Of course, this would require the mounting bracket have the functionality to rotate at the connection point to the rear leg.

To deploy the hoverboard, the user (not shown) simply raises the rear legs (412) of the rollator (400) back and forth over the hoverboard (116). When in the desired position, wherein the arm (404) is substantially straight, the joint (408) can be locked in place to ensure there is no inadvertent movement of the arm.

The joint (408) also be locked in a folded position, such that the arm (404) is bent. This means that it is possible that the hoverboard (116) is elevated off the ground entirely in a stored configuration. In this scenario, the rear leg may (412) be provided with a hook (not shown) that would engage with the hoverboard for added stability as it is held in an elevated position. 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".

The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications cited above, 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 appended claims and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the present invention.

Claims

1. An attachment when used to mount a hoverboard to a rollator, wherein the hoverboard has a wheel having an axis of rotation, and wherein the attachment includes: a bracket configured to engage with a foot platform of the hoverboard; an arm extending from the bracket, wherein a first end of the arm is configured to engage with a leg of the rollator and the second end of the arm connects to the bracket at a pivot point, characterised in that when in use, the pivot point of the bracket is substantially proximate the axis of rotation of the wheel of the hoverboard.

2. The attachment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bracket has opposing ends and a main body configured to span the foot platform.

3. The attachment as claimed in claim 2, wherein the opposing ends of the main body of the bracket include flanges configured with an aperture.

4. The attachment as claimed in claim 3, wherein the aperture is configured to receiving a cinching strap.

5. The attachment as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the length of the main body is configured to be adjustable.

6. The attachment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first end of the arm engages with a rear leg of the rollator.

7. The attachment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the arm is configured such that its length may be adjustable.

8. The attachment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the arm is configured as a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is pivotally connected to the second portion.

9. The attachment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the pivot point is a pin joint.

10. The attachment as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the pivot point is a ball and joint.

11. The attachment as claimed in claim 2, wherein the pivot point arises directly from the main body of the bracket.

12. The attachment as claimed in claim 2, wherein the pivot point is mounted to members extending away, either substantially upwards or downwards, from the main body.

13. A rollator including an attachment for mounting a hoverboard to the rollator, wherein the rollator includes at least one leg, and wherein the hoverboard has a wheel having an axis of rotation, and wherein the attachment includes: a bracket configured to engage with a foot platform of the hoverboard; an arm extending from the bracket, wherein a first end of the arm is configured to engage with the leg of the rollator and the second end of the arm connects to the bracket at a pivot point, characterised in that the pivot point of the bracket is substantially proximate the axis of rotation of the wheel of the hoverboard.

14. A method of mounting a hoverboard to a rollator with an attachment, wherein the rollator includes at least one leg, and wherein the hoverboard includes a foot platform and has a wheel having an axis of rotation, and wherein the attachment includes a bracket configured to engage with the foot platform of the hoverboard, an arm extending from the bracket, wherein a first end of the arm is configured to engage with the leg of the rollator and the second end of the arm connects to the bracket at a pivot point, the method including the steps of: a) engaging the first end of the arm of the attachment with the leg of the rollator; and b) mounting the hoverboard to the bracket, such that the pivot point of the attachment is substantially proximate the axis of rotation of the wheel of the hoverboard.