Patent Application
20240148595
The present disclosure is generally directed to walking frames and, in particular, toward walking frames including ergonomic safety and access features.
Walking frames generally provide users with additional stability and support while moving from place to place. As can be appreciated, a walking frame is a useful device for any person who may be undergoing physical therapy, who may have limited strength, or who may have some type of disability.
Most walking frames surround a user with an arrangement of metal tubing and rails that are designed to support the user while moving. The design aesthetic of traditional walking frames is unattractive and, as such, many users have associated walking frames with a stigma of inability or immobility. Moreover, conventional walking frame designs are uncomfortable to use, difficult to adjust, and cumbersome to store or transport.
Given these, and other, shortcomings of traditional waking frame designs, people who may need additional assistance with mobility may be loath to use a walking frame. Those who choose not to use the walking frame may suffer from subsequent accidents due to lack of support. On the other hand, those who use a traditional walking frame may feel uncomfortable using an unattractive appliance that has been traditionally associated with immobility. Either of these scenarios is completely unacceptable for users who wish to maintain their mobility as well as the dignity that they deserve.
It is with respect to the above issues and other problems that the examples presented herein were contemplated. The present disclosure provides a walking frame, or walker, having a pleasing, clean, modern, and elegant aesthetic that accompanies a number of enhanced comfort and safety features. In some examples, the walker comprises a frame including a wishbone front support frame, ergonomically inclined hand rails, sturdy joint construction, and quick-adjust features. The wishbone front support frame may comprise a wishbone-shaped frame that provides clearance on either side of a center front column. This clearance allows a user to position, or maneuver, the walker closer to tables, chairs, or other edges and surfaces than would otherwise be possible using a traditional multiple-leg walker.
In one aspect, a walker includes a wishbone-shaped support frame arranged at a front side of the walker and having a center column extending a length from a first end to a second end, the wishbone-shaped support frame having a first attachment leg attached to the first end and extending away from a first side of the center column and a second attachment leg attached to the first end and extending away from a second side of the center column opposite the first side of the center column; a telescoping column disposed at least partially inside a hollow space of the second end of the center column; a handlebar attached to the telescoping column, the handlebar having a first tube end and a second tube end disposed opposite the first tube end; a first handrail portion attached to the first tube end of the handlebar, wherein the first handrail portion extends from the handlebar at the front side of the walker to a rear side of the walker; and a second handrail portion attached to the second tube end of the handlebar, wherein the second handrail portion extends from the handlebar at the front side of the walker to the rear side of the walker, wherein the first handrail portion and the second handrail portion are disposed in a common plane, and wherein the common plane angles from a first height dimension measured at the front side of the walker to a higher second height dimension measured at the rear side of the walker.
Examples may include one of the following features, or any combination thereof. The walker comprising a first back leg attached to the first handrail portion at the rear side of the walker; and a second back leg attached to the second handrail portion at the rear side of the walker. Aspects of the above walker may include at least one foot that inserts into a hollow end of the first attachment leg, the second attachment leg, the first back leg, and the second back leg, wherein the at least one foot comprises a foot body extending from an insert end to a grip end, the foot body comprising a protrusion disposed at the insert end that clips into the hollow end via at least one locking spring pin; a grip foot connected to the grip end of the foot body; a shroud that surrounds the foot body and a portion of the grip foot and comprises a gliding surface, wherein the shroud moves axially between an uncompressed sliding position where the gliding surface extends beyond the grip foot in a direction away from the hollow end concealing the grip foot to a compressed gripping position where the gliding surface is disposed closer to the hollow end than the grip foot is to the hollow end, and wherein the grip foot, in the compressed state is exposed from the shroud. Aspects of the above walker may include wherein the first handrail portion and the first back leg are rotationally engaged with the handlebar at the first tube end, wherein the second handrail portion and the second back leg are rotationally engaged with the handlebar at second tube end, wherein the first handrail portion and the first back leg are arranged on a first width side of the walker in an open state of the walker and the second handrail portion and the second back leg are arranged on a second width side of the walker in the open state of the walker, and wherein the second width side is arranged opposite the first width side. Aspects of the above walker may include wherein a fold-lock mechanism in an engaged state with a first locking receptacle of the handlebar rotationally locks the first handrail portion and the first back leg relative to the handlebar in the open state. Aspects of the above walker may include wherein the fold-lock mechanism in a disengaged state with the first locking receptacle of the handlebar rotationally unlocks the first handrail portion and the first back leg relative to the handlebar. Aspects of the above walker may include wherein the fold-lock mechanism in an engaged state with a second locking receptacle of the handlebar rotationally locks the first handrail portion and the first back leg relative to the handlebar in a folded state of the walker. Aspects of the above walker may include wherein, in the folded state, the first back leg is arranged adjacent the second width side, wherein the second back leg is arranged adjacent the first width side, wherein an open carry area of the center column is disposed between the first back leg and the second back leg, and wherein the open carry area of the center column is unobstructed from the front side of the walker and the rear side of the walker. Aspects of the above walker may include wherein, in the open state, the first handrail portion and second handrail portion are symmetrical about a center plane running through the center column and extending from the front side of the walker to the rear side of the walker. Aspects of the above walker may include wherein, in the open state, the first handrail portion is flared outwardly from the center plane at a first non-zero angle running from the front side of the walker to the rear side of the walker. Aspects of the above walker may include wherein, in the open state, the second handrail portion is flared outwardly from the center plane at a second non-zero angle running from the front side of the walker to the rear side of the walker. Aspects of the above walker may include wherein, in the open state, the first non-zero angle and the second non-zero angle are identical, and a distance between the first handrail portion and the second handrail portion at the rear side of the walker is greater than a distance between the first handrail portion and the second handrail portion at the front side of the walker. Aspects of the above walker may include wherein the fold-lock mechanism further comprises: a lock receiver body rotationally fixed relative to the handlebar and comprising a body portion disposed inside the first tube end of the handlebar, wherein the first locking receptacle is disposed in the body portion, and wherein the second locking receptacle is disposed in the body portion offset from the first locking receptacle. Aspects of the above walker may include wherein the fold-lock mechanism further comprises: an internal lock housing rotationally fixed relative to the handlebar and comprising a housing portion disposed inside an end of the first handrail portion adjacent the first tube end of the handlebar; and a locking pin axially keyed to the internal lock housing and movable between a retracted position inside the end of the first handrail portion adjacent the first tube end of the handlebar when the fold-lock mechanism is in the disengaged state and an extended position with one of the first locking receptacle and the second locking receptacle when fold-lock mechanism is in the engaged state. Aspects of the above walker may include wherein the fold-lock mechanism further comprises: a trigger body that slides along an outer diameter of the first handrail portion between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position corresponds to the engaged state of the fold-lock mechanism, and wherein the second position corresponds to the disengaged state of the fold-lock mechanism. Aspects of the above walker may include wherein the locking pin comprises a tang extending in a radial direction through a slot in the end of the first handrail portion adjacent the first tube end of the handlebar and fixed in the trigger body, wherein a movement of the trigger body in a slide direction moves the tang and the locking pin in the slide direction. Aspects of the above walker may include wherein an anti-rattle sleeve is connected to the first back leg and disposed between an outer diameter of the first handrail portion and an inner diameter of the first back leg. Aspects of the above walker may include wherein the first handrail portion comprises a tubular rail comprising: a first rail section that is axially aligned with and adjacent the first tube end of the handlebar; a support rail section connected to the first rail section and disposed at a first angle relative to the first rail section; and a second rail section connected to the support rail section and disposed at a second angle relative to the first rail section and a third angle relative to the support rail section, wherein the first angle, the second angle, and the third angle are non-zero angles. Aspects of the above walker may include a grip sleeve connected to the first handrail portion and extending a continuous length from the support rail section to the second rail section.
In another aspect, a walking frame includes a wishbone-shaped support defining a front plane of the walking frame, the wishbone-shaped support comprising: a column extending a height in the front plane from a first end to a second end; a first leg connected to the column and branching in a first direction away from the column in the front plane to a first side of the walking frame; and a second leg connected to the column and branching in a second direction away from the column in the front plane to a second side of the walking frame, wherein the second side is disposed opposite the first side; an inner column disposed at least partially inside a hollow of the column and comprising a stem arranged on an exposed end of the inner column, the inner column disposed in the front plane slidably engaged with the inner column along a portion of the height of the column; a handlebar comprising a first tube end disposed on the first side, a second tube end disposed on the second side, and a center disposed between the first tube end and the second tube end, wherein the center is attached to the stem of the inner column; and a first grip tube connected to the first tube end on the first side, the first grip tube comprising a first rail section axially aligned with the first tube end, a support rail section connected to the first rail section and bent at a first angle relative to the first rail section disposing the support rail section in an inclined plane, and a second rail section connected to the support rail section and bent at second angle relative to the first angle, wherein the inclined plane intersects with the front plane, and is angled from a lowest point adjacent the first rail section to a highest point adjacent the second rail section.
Aspects of the above walking frame may include wherein the first grip tube is rotationally engaged with the handlebar at the first tube end, wherein the first grip tube has a first locked position in an opened state of the walking frame where the second rail section is disposed on the first side, and wherein the first grip tube has a second locked position in a folded state of the walking frame where the second rail section is disposed adjacent the second side and the front plane of the walking frame. Aspects of the above walking frame may include a second grip tube connected to the second tube end on the second side, the second grip tube comprising a first rail section axially aligned with the second tube end, a support rail section connected to the first rail section of the second grip tube and bent at the first angle relative to the first rail section of the second grip tube, wherein the support rail section of the second grip tube is disposed in the inclined plane when the walking frame is in the opened state, wherein the second grip tube is rotationally engaged with the handlebar at the second tube end, wherein the second grip tube has a first locked position in the opened state of the walking frame where the second rail section of the second grip tube is disposed on the first side, and wherein the second grip tube has a second locked position in the folded state of the walking frame where the second rail section of the second grip tube is disposed adjacent the first side and the front plane of the walking frame. Aspects of the above walking frame may include a first back leg attached to the second rail section of the first grip tube; and a second back leg attached to the second rail section of the second grip tube, wherein an open carry area of the column is disposed between the first back leg adjacent the second side and the second back leg adjacent the first side, and wherein the open carry area of the center column is unobstructed from a front side of the walking frame and a rear side of the walking frame when the walking frame is in the folded state.
In yet another aspect, a walking frame includes a wishbone-shaped support defining a front plane of the walking frame, the wishbone-shaped support comprising: a column extending a height in the front plane from a first end to a second end; a first leg connected to the column and branching in a first direction away from the column in the front plane to a first side of the walking frame; and a second leg connected to the column and branching in a second direction away from the column in the front plane to a second side of the walking frame, wherein the second side is disposed opposite the first side; an inner column disposed at least partially inside a hollow of the column and comprising a stem arranged on an exposed end of the inner column, the inner column disposed in the front plane slidably engaged with the inner column along a portion of the height of the column; a handlebar comprising a first tube end disposed on the first side, a second tube end disposed on the second side, and a center disposed between the first tube end and the second tube end, wherein the center is attached to the stem of the inner column; a first grip tube rotationally attached to the handlebar at the first tube end on the first side, the first grip tube comprising a first rail section axially aligned with the first tube end, a support rail section connected to the first rail section and bent at a first angle relative to the first rail section disposing the support rail section in an inclined plane, and a second rail section connected to the support rail section and bent at second angle relative to the first angle, wherein the inclined plane intersects with the front plane and is angled from a lowest point adjacent the first rail section to a highest point adjacent the second rail section, wherein the first grip tube has a first locked position in an opened state of the walking frame where the second rail section is disposed on the first side, and wherein the first grip tube has a second locked position in a folded state of the walking frame where the second rail section is disposed adjacent the second side and the front plane of the walking frame.
In one aspect, a walker includes a wishbone-shaped support frame arranged at a front side of the walker and having a center column extending a length from a first end to a second end, the wishbone-shaped support frame having a first attachment leg attached to the first end and extending away from a first side of the center column and a second attachment leg attached to the first end and extending away from a second side of the center column opposite the first side of the center column; a telescoping column disposed at least partially inside a hollow space of the second end of the center column; a handlebar attached to the telescoping column, the handlebar having a first tube end and a second tube end disposed opposite the first tube end; a first handrail portion attached to the first tube end of the handlebar, wherein the first handrail portion extends from the handlebar at the front side of the walker to a rear side of the walker; and a second handrail portion attached to the second tube end of the handlebar, wherein the second handrail portion extends from the handlebar at the front side of the walker to the rear side of the walker, wherein the first handrail and the second handrail are disposed in a common plane, and wherein the common plane angles from a first height dimension measured at the front side of the walker to a higher second height dimension measured at the rear side of the walker.
Examples may include one of the following features, or any combination thereof. Aspects of the above walker may further comprise: a first back leg attached to the first handrail portion at the rear side of the walker; and a second back leg attached to the second handrail portion at the rear side of the walker. Aspects of the above walker may include wherein the first handrail portion and the first back leg are rotationally engaged with the handlebar at the first tube end, wherein the second handrail portion and the second back leg are rotationally engaged with the handlebar at second tube end, wherein the first handrail portion and the first back leg are arranged on a first width side of the walker in an open state of the walker and the second handrail portion and the second back leg are arranged on a second width side of the walker in the open state of the walker, and wherein the second width side is arranged opposite the first width side. Aspects of the above walker may include wherein a fold-lock mechanism in an engaged state with a first locking receptacle of the handlebar rotationally locks the first handrail portion and the first back leg relative to the handlebar in the open state. Aspects of the above walker may include wherein the fold-lock mechanism in a disengaged state with the first locking receptacle of the handlebar rotationally unlocks the first handrail portion and the first back leg relative to the handlebar. Aspects of the above walker may include wherein the fold-lock mechanism in an engaged state with a second locking receptacle of the handlebar rotationally locks the first handrail portion and the first back leg relative to the handlebar in a folded state of the walker.
In one example, the walker may include interchangeable or exchangeable floor contact support elements. For instance, the front floor contact support elements may be selected from at least one of wheel assemblies and foot assemblies. The wheel assemblies may include a brake element that independently locks each wheel. In some examples, the wheel assemblies may comprise a friction hub that provide some resistance to rolling. The foot assemblies may include an active contact system that allows the foot to easily glide over surfaces when dragged, or lifted, and that provides a nonslip gripped support when weight is applied to the walker.
In some examples, the walker may be collapsed from an “open” position or state to a “folded” position or state. For example, the walker may include a fold-lock mechanism that, when actuated, allows the rear legs to fold relative to the front of the walker. In the folded state, the walker may take up less than half of the depth of the walker when in the open state. The walker may be carried by the center front column of the wishbone front support frame. In one example, the center of gravity of the walker, when in the folded position, may be located at a point along the center front column. This arrangement of the center of gravity may aid in the balance of the walker when carrying in the folded state.
The front and rear of the walker may be adjusted using metal buttons, or pins, that are spring-biased in a direction of a series of adjustment holes in the various leg and column members of the walker. In one example, when a desired height of the legs is determined, a user may press the button through the adjustment holes, move the leg (e.g., via a telescopic, or axial, translation, etc.) to the desired height dimension, and allow the button to spring into the closest adjustment hole at the desired height dimension. In some examples, the walker may include a plurality of anti-rattle features. For example, the center front column may comprise a cam-lock sleeve that at least partially radially clamps the inner front column to the center front column of the wishbone front support frame. Additionally or alternatively, the end of the back legs of the walker may comprise an anti-rattle sleeve that contacts the outer diameter, or periphery, of the grip tube. This anti-rattle sleeve may be made from a plastic material that is toleranced to contact the inner diameter, or periphery, of the back leg while simultaneously contacting the outer diameter, or periphery, of the grip tube that is at least partially disposed within the back leg, or vice versa. Stated another way, each anti-rattle sleeve may provide a secure slip-fit between a grip tube and a respective back leg of the walker.
In some examples, the walker may be designed such that the handrail portion of the framework (e.g., including the grip sleeves, etc.) is inclined, or angled, such that the handrail portion slopes from the rear downward toward the front of the walker. This angle, or pitch forward, may allow a user to ergonomically move closer to the front of the walker. Among other things, this serves to position the user in a center forward position in the frame of the walker during use providing the user with increased stability (e.g., compared to conventional walkers that position the user further to the rear of the walker). Additionally, the angle of the handrail portion matches, or closely matches, the natural angle of a person while moving. As described herein, the closer the angle of the handrails to the natural position and angle of a user's hands during use results in an ergonomic interface for the user. This ergonomic interface reduces stress on the user, enhances gait, and provides a safer operation of the walker during use.
The preceding is a simplified summary of the disclosure to provide an understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the disclosure and its various aspects, examples, and configurations. It is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of the disclosure but to present selected concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other aspects, examples, and configurations of the disclosure are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below. All examples and features mentioned above can be combined in any technically possible way.
Additional features and advantages are described herein and will be apparent from the following Detailed Description and the figures.
Before any examples of the disclosure are explained, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other examples and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.
The claims of the instant application are not limited to the ornamental designs of the various articles and examples shown in the accompanying figures. Moreover, the figures are not intended to illustrate the only available ornamental designs of the various articles and examples described herein. As can be appreciated by a person having ordinary skill in the art, numerous alternative design options are available for the disclosed articles that could achieve the same functionality as described and/or claimed herein.
In addition, reference may be made herein to a width, depth, and/or height of the walker 100 and/or the various components that make up the walker 100 when arranged in a freestanding state. In this example, the term “height” may refer to a dimension running along a direction orthogonal to the ground plane, the term “width” may refer to a dimension running along a side-to-side direction parallel to the ground plane, and the term “depth” may refer to a dimension running along a front-to-back direction that is orthogonal to the width and parallel to the ground plane.
The walker 100 may comprise a frame defined by a wishbone front support frame 104, an inner front column 108, a handlebar 112, grip tubes 120, back legs 124, front attachments 132A-132B, and rear attachments 136A-136B. The frame is shown in particular configurations (or shown to have a particular shape/design), but it should be appreciated that this is one of many possible configurations/shapes/designs. As provided herein the front attachments 132A-132B and/or the rear attachments 136A-136B may be selected from at least one wheel assembly 300 and foot assembly 400 (described in conjunction with
In some examples, the front side 130 of the walker 100 may comprise a wishbone front support frame 104 that includes a center front column 111 attached to two front attachment legs 105A, 105B. The wishbone front support frame 104 is shown in a particular configuration (or shown to have a particular shape/design), but it should be appreciated that this is one of many possible configurations/shapes/designs. Among other things, the wishbone front support frame 104 provides clearance on either side of the center front column 111. This clearance allows a user to position, or maneuver, the walker 100 close to tables, chairs, or other edges and surfaces than would otherwise be possible using a traditional multiple-leg walker. The wishbone front support frame 104 may define a front plane of the walker 100. The front plane may pass through the center front column 111, the first attachment leg 105A, the second attachment leg 105B, and the inner front column 108.
The front attachment legs 105A, 105B of the wishbone front support frame 104 may flare, or branch, outwardly from opposite sides of the center front column 111 and terminate at respective tube connection ends 109A, 109B. For instance, the first attachment leg 105A may be connected to the center front column 111 at a joint 107 and branch outwardly in a first direction away from the center front column 111 in the front plane to a first side of the walker 100. The second attachment leg 105B may be connected to the center front column 111 at the joint 107 and branch outwardly in a second direction away from the center front column 111 in the front plane to a second side of the walker 100. The first side and the second side are disposed opposite one another. Front attachments 132A-132B may be attached to respective tube ends of these front attachment legs 105A, 105B of the wishbone front support frame 104. For example, the first attachment leg 105A may comprise a first connection end 109A that includes a hollow space to receive a portion of the first front attachment 132A, and the second attachment leg 105B may comprise a second connection end 109B that includes a hollow space to receive a portion of the second front attachment 132B. In addition to the hollow spaces, each of the connection ends 109A, 109B may comprise at least one receptacle that receives a corresponding locking pin (e.g., a button, pin, spring pin, or other mechanical element etc.) of the front attachments 132A, 132B. The locking pin may selectively lock the front attachments 132A, 132B to the wishbone front support frame 104 allowing for quick replacement and/or removal.
The wishbone front support frame 104 may interconnect with, or receive, an inner front column 108. In one example, the inner front column 108 may be at least partially disposed within the center front column 111 of the wishbone front support frame 104. The inner front column 108 may be adjusted axially relative to the center front column 111 of the wishbone front support frame 104 to adjust an overall front height of the walker 100. When adjusted to a desired, or predetermined, height, the inner front column 108 may be secured relative to the center front column 111 of the wishbone front support frame 104 via a cam-lock sleeve 140 and/or a locking pin 152. The cam-lock sleeve 140 may secure the inner front column 108 to the wishbone front support frame 104 by providing a radial clamping force from an end of the center front column 111 onto the inner front column 108. Among other things, this cam-lock sleeve 140 may prevent rattling or movement (e.g., radial, or lateral, etc.) of the inner front column 108 relative to the center front column 111 and wishbone front support frame 104.
The inner front column 108 may be structured as a tube, or bar, having a stem 144 disposed at a first end and a locking pin 152 (e.g., a button, pin, spring pin, or other mechanical element) disposed at the opposite second end. The inner front column 108 is shown in a particular configuration (or shown to have a particular shape/design), but it should be appreciated that this is one of many possible configurations/shapes/designs. The second end may be inserted and maintained inside a cavity of the center front column 111. The stem 144 may comprise a handlebar clamp such as a plate that fastens to the inner front column 108 via one or more fasteners. The stem 144 may be similar, if not identical, to bicycle stems and clamps, such as radial clamps, screw clamps, other fastener-and-plate clamps, etc., and/or combinations thereof. In any event, the stem 144 may clamp, fasten, or otherwise retain a handlebar 112 of the walker 100.
In some examples, the stem 144 may be disposed at a center of the handlebar 112. The handlebar 112 may extend from the center outwardly to either side of the walker 100. The handlebar 112 is shown in a particular configuration (or shown to have a particular shape/design), but it should be appreciated that this is one of many possible configurations/shapes/designs. In some examples, the handlebar 112 may be bent at opposing tube ends 114A, 114B and include an interconnection with respective grip tubes 120. In one example, the interconnection may include a rotational attachment disposed between tube ends 114A, 114B of the handlebar 112 and ends of respective grip tubes 120. The first tube end 114A may be disposed on the first side of the walker 100 and the second tube end 114B may be disposed on the second side of the walker 100.
The grip tubes 120 may extend from a first rail section 126A axially aligned with the first tube end 114A, to a support rail section 126B arranged at an angle to the first rail section 126A, and then to a second rail section 126C arranged at a rear side 135 of the walker 100. The grip tubes 120 are shown in a particular configuration (or shown to have a particular shape/design), but it should be appreciated that this is one of many possible configurations/shapes/designs. The second rail section 126C may be angled downward in a direction toward the floor 106. The support rail section 126B of the grip tube 120 may serve as a handrail portion of the walker 100. In one example, the support rail section 126B may be covered with a grip sleeve 116. In some examples, a portion of the support rail section 126B and a portion of the second rail section 126C may be covered by a grip sleeve 116. The grip sleeve 116 may extend from the portion of the support rail section 126B to the second rail section 126C in a continuous, uninterrupted, length. In any event, the grip sleeve 116 may comprise a foam, thermoplastic elastomer, silicone, or gel sleeve material that is disposed around the grip tube 120 at least at the support rail section 126B of the walker 100. In one example, the material of the grip sleeve 116 may cover a plastic clamshell that contacts the grip tube 120. The grip sleeve 116 may be rotationally and/or axially fixed to the grip tube 120. In one example, the grip sleeve 116 and/or portions thereof may be overmolded onto the grip tube 120.
At the rear side 135 of the walker 100, each grip tube 120 may interconnect with a respective back leg 124. The back legs 124 are shown in a particular configuration (or shown to have a particular shape/design), but it should be appreciated that this is one of many possible configurations/shapes/designs. The interconnection between the grip tube 120 and the back leg 124 may be similar, if not identical, to the interconnection between the inner front column 108 and the wishbone front support frame 104. For instance, the grip tube 120 may be inserted into a cavity, or hollow space, of the back leg 124 in a telescopic fashion. Alternatively, an end of the back leg 124 may be inserted into a cavity, or hollow space, of the grip tube 120 in a telescopic fashion. An anti-rattle sleeve may be connected to the back leg 124 disposed between an outer diameter of the grip tube 120 and an inner diameter of the 124. The anti-rattle sleeve 128 may be made from a plastic material that fills a gap between the grip tube 120 and back leg 124. The anti-rattle sleeve 128 may provide a secure slip-fit between a grip tube 120 and a respective back leg 124 of the walker 100. In one example, each grip tube 120 may comprise a locking pin 152 disposed adjacent to the end that inserts into the back leg 124. The locking pin 152 may be shaped as a button that is sized to engage with an adjustment hole of a series of rear height adjustment holes 160 disposed along an axial length of the back leg 124. The locking pin 152 may be spring-biased to move into the adjustment hole from an inside of the back leg 124 through the adjustment hole to an outside of the back leg 124.
The back legs 124 may comprise respective rear attachments 136A-136B. In one example, the rear attachments 136A-136B may be configured as an active foot assembly as described, in greater detail, in conjunction with
Referring to
In
As provided above, when the walker 100 is in the folded state shown in
The walker 100 shown in
Referring now to
In addition to positioning the user in a center forward position in the frame of the walker 100 during use, the pitch angle, (3, of the handrail portions provide an ergonomic interface between the user and the walker 100 that reduces stress on the user, enhances the user's gait, and provides a safer operation of the walker 100 during use.
In some examples, the wishbone front support frame 104 may be pitched at a front pitch angle, FP, such that the stem 144 of the walker 100 is closer to the interior user space 170 than the front attachments 132A-132B. Additionally or alternatively, the grip tubes 120 and back legs 124 may be pitched at a rear pitch angle, RP, such that the upper portion of the grip tube 120 (e.g., between the grip sleeve 116 and the back leg 124) is disposed closer to the interior user space 170 than the rear attachments 136A-136B. These pitched components of the frame of the walker 100 may provide additional stability by, among other things, providing a broader base contact (e.g., with the floor 106, etc.) for the walker 100 than if running vertically (e.g., along the Y-axis).
In some examples, when the user is in contact with the grip sleeves 116 of the walker 100, the fold-lock mechanism 148 may be within reach of the user. In particular, the user may be able to maintain a grip on the grip sleeves 116 while actuating the fold-lock mechanism 148 as described in conjunction with
As illustrated in
Referring to
The fold-lock mechanism 148 may comprise a lock receiver body 224, an internal lock housing 230, and a locking pin 228. The internal lock housing 230 may be rotationally fixed relative to the grip tube 120 (e.g., via at least one mount fastener 248). A housing portion of the internal lock housing 230 may be disposed inside an end of the grip tube 120 adjacent the second tube end 114B of the handlebar 112. The lock receiver body 224 may be disposed at least partially inside the second tube end 114B of the handlebar 112, and the lock receiver body 224 may be rotationally fixed relative to the handlebar 112 (e.g., via at least one mount fastener 248). However, the grip tube 120 and the internal lock housing 230 may rotate together relative to the handlebar 112 and the lock receiver body 224, when the fold-lock mechanism 148 is in an unlocked, or actuated, state as shown in
In some examples, a locking pin 228 may be slidably disposed in a portion (e.g., receptacle, chamber, etc.) of the internal lock housing 230. The locking pin 228 may comprise a tang 220 that extends in a radial direction through a slot 214 in the end of the grip tube 120 (e.g., handrail portion) adjacent the second tube end 114B of the handlebar 112. The shroud 212 may conceal the slot 214 when in an actuated state and when in an unactuated state of the fold-lock mechanism 148. As shown, the shroud 212 may wrap around a portion of the trigger body 204 and extend along a length of the grip tube 120 and/or handlebar 112. The tang 220 may be fixed in the trigger body 204 (e.g., via a trigger fastener 216). In one example, the tang 220 may be keyed to the trigger body 204. In any event, an actuation movement of the trigger body 204 in a slide direction (e.g., indicated by the arrows in
A rotation limit pin 238 may be disposed in the internal lock housing 230 and extend into a rotation limit slot 236 disposed in the lock receiver body 224. The rotation limit pin 238 and rotation limit slot 236 may prevent the grip tube 120 from rotating beyond predefined limits (e.g., between the open and the folded state positions). The internal lock housing 230 and the lock receiver body 224 may be attached to one another via a main bolt 240. The main bolt 240 may be coaxial with the rotation axis 222 and allow rotation between the internal lock housing 230 and the lock receiver body 224 while maintaining an axial connection between the two components.
A detail perspective view of the fold-lock mechanism 148 in an actuated state is shown in
As provided above, when the walker 100 is in an opened state and the trigger body 204 is actuated (e.g., pulled toward the support rail section 126B of the grip tube 120), the locking pin 228 is removed, or disengaged, from the first locking receptacle 232 while the grip tube 120 and the trigger body 204 lie in a plane running through the opened position angle line 250A along the Y-axis. This position corresponds to the position of the locking pin 228 relative to the first locking receptacle 232 and the rotation limit pin 238 relative to the rotation limit slot 236 of the lock receiver body 224 shown in
Moving back to the open state from the folded state may include performing the above steps in reverse order. For instance, the fold-lock mechanism 148 may be actuated from the folded state (e.g., allowing rotation of the grip tube 120 relative to the handlebar 112), the grip tube 120 may then be freely rotated into the open state where the lock protrusion 228 engages with the first locking receptacle 232 locking the grip tube 120 relative to the handlebar 112. More specifically, when in the folded state, the trigger body 204 may be actuated (e.g., pulled toward the support rail section 126B of the grip tube 120), to disengage the locking pin 228 from the second locking receptacle 242 while the grip tube 120 and the trigger body 204 lie in the plane running through the folding position angle line 250B along the Y-axis unlocking the rotation of the grip tube 120 relative to the handlebar 112. To open the walker 100, the user may then rotate the grip tube 120 relative to the handlebar 112 in a direction opposite the handrail folding direction 252 until the locking pin 228 aligns with the first locking receptacle 232 and the trigger body 204 is released allowing the locking pin 228 to insert into the first locking receptacle 232 locking the grip tube 120 with the handlebar 112 and preventing rotation.
While
For instance,
The ends of the front attachment legs 105A, 105B of the wishbone front support frame 104 may include tube ends, or connection ends 109A, 109B, that are configured to interchangeably receive the wheel assembly 300 or a foot assembly 400 as described in
While
The foot assembly 400 comprises a shroud 404 and a glide cap 408 operatively attached to surround a grip foot 412 that attaches to the frame of the walker 100 (e.g., the tube ends of the front attachment legs and/or the back legs 124). The foot assembly 400 may be retained in the back leg 124 and/or other tube end of the walker 100 via at least one locking pin 452. The locking pin 452 may be the same as, or similar to, the locking pin 152 described above. The shroud 404 and the glide cap 408 may be spring-biased in a downward (e.g., floor facing) direction past a contact surface of the grip foot 412. In one example, the detail side elevation view of the foot assembly 400 of the walker 100 shown in
When a user applies a predetermined downward force (e.g., toward the floor 106), or weight, to the walker 100, the grip foot 412 may extend some distance, E, past the end of the grip foot 412 and/or glide cap 408, as shown in
The glide cap 408 may be connected to the shroud 404 via one or more lock tabs or clips. The lock tabs or clips may engage with corresponding features disposed in an end of the shroud 404. In one example, the glide cap 408 may be replaced (e.g., due to wear) or exchanged by removing the glide cap 408 from the shroud 404 via the lock tab and slot interface. A user may select a particular glide cap 408 having a desired friction, width, color, shape, and/or the like.
As shown in
As illustrated in
Referring to
The shroud 1012 may conceal each of the locking receptacles 1032A-1032B when in the folded state and when in the open state. As shown, the shroud 1012 may wrap around half of the circumference of tubing making up the handlebar 112. Additionally or alternatively, the trigger body 1004 may be actuated to a limit that releases the lock protrusion 1028 from one of the locking receptacles 1032A-1032B while still concealing the locking receptacles 1032A-1032B from view. The trigger body 1004 shown in
As should be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein in any of a number of patentable classes or context including any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof.
The phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together. When each one of A, B, and C in the above expressions refers to an element, such as X, Y, and Z, or class of elements, such as X1-Xn, Y1-Ym, and Z1-Zo, the phrase is intended to refer to a single element selected from X, Y, and Z, a combination of elements selected from the same class (e.g., X1 and X2) as well as a combination of elements selected from two or more classes (e.g., Y1 and Zo).
The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” can be used interchangeably.
It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every lower numerical limitation as an alternative, as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every higher numerical limitation as an alternative, as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.
A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that additional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the inventive concepts described herein, and, accordingly, other examples are within the scope of the following claims.
The present application claims the benefit of and priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/066,563, filed on Aug. 17, 2020, entitled “Foldable Walking Frame with Ergonomic Adjustment Features,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety, for all that it teaches and for all purposes.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63066563 | Aug 2020 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17404718 | Aug 2021 | US |
| Child | 18414054 | US |
