Patent Grant
8439376
1. Field of the Invention
This invention is directed to a mobile support assembly which in its various embodiments is structured to be used as a walker/wheelchair combination or as a walker with a seat structure. The various preferred embodiments of the mobile support assembly facilitate the selective and relative disposition of the various components thereof into a stored orientation for storage, transport, shipment, etc. when not in use or in an operative orientation for use. Certain of the structural components of the embodiments may be selectively disposed to otherwise vary the dimension and/or configuration when in the stored or operative orientations.
2. Description of the Related Art
Numerous individuals suffer from a lack of mobility because of age, medical conditions or the like. As a result, such individuals frequently require some type of mechanical aid or device in order to facilitate their ability to move from one location to the next. Known devices which are readily available on the commercial market include “walker” assemblies which typically allow an individual to support oneself in an upright, substantially stable orientation while standing or walking. For the less infirmed, known walker assemblies allow the individual to safely traverse over both interior and exterior support surfaces, such as floors, sidewalks, streets, etc. Also, conventionally structured walkers may or may not include supporting wheel assemblies. When such wheel assemblies are present they may facilitate the mobility of a user. However, the presence of such wheel assemblies, depending on their structural features and also on whether or not there is safety measures associated therewith, may lessen the stability of the walker. This is especially true when all four legs of the walker frame include a wheel, roller or like structure attached to the lower end thereof.
The advantage of known walker assemblies, over other mobility aids, include a smaller frame of generally lightweight construction which may be more easily stored or transport than other devices when not in use. In order to further facilitate the storage or transport thereof, some known or conventional walkers are foldable, allowing them to be easily disposed within the trunk or other convenient or appropriate area of the vehicle. However, the collapsibility of conventional walkers may be limited in that the walker still must offer sufficient structural integrity as well as provide adequate stability and support to an individual when in use.
Yet another category of devices used to facilitate the mobility of individuals that may have more significant physical limitations include mobile chair structures or “wheelchairs”. An increased use of the wheelchair has occurred in recent years, due at least in part, to an increasingly aging population. As such, the development of the wheelchair, in various forms, has progressed from the smaller, less bulky wheelchair structures of somewhat lightweight construction to the heavier, larger chair assemblies. In addition, more sophisticated wheelchair designs are motorized and while more expensive, they are still relatively common. Clearly, the larger more complex and/or motorized wheelchair assemblies have distinct advantages in terms of facilitating mobility without requiring significant manual exertion by the user. In addition, control assemblies associated with the steering and operation of the more sophisticated motorized wheelchair structures are capable of allowing the substantially independent use thereof by individuals who are significantly disabled and are almost totally paralyzed.
Despite the advantages of the type set forth above, the larger more sophisticated wheelchair structures do have certain disadvantages relating to the storage and transport thereof when not in use. In order to overcome such disadvantages collapsible wheelchairs have been developed which are easier to handle, transport and store when not in use. However, many collapsible wheelchair structures still assume a bulky configuration even when in a folded orientation, thereby requiring a significant amount of space when stored or loaded into the trunk or other appropriate location of a vehicle. Moreover, even when intentionally disposed in a collapsed or folded orientation, one or more dimensions of the wheelchair, such as the longitudinal or transverse dimension, is oftentimes not sufficiently reduced to significantly facilitate the storage or transport thereof.
Mobile support structures including both walkers and wheelchairs have independently developed to a point where their use is more efficient and reliable. However, there appears to be an absence of a combined structure having multi-use capabilities such that a single mobile support assembly may be utilized as both a walker and a wheelchair by assuming different orientations of the structural components of which such an assembly is comprised. Accordingly, despite the developments and advancements in mobility aiding devices of the type set forth above, there is still a need for an improved mobile support assembly which provides significant support and stability, whether used as a walker and/or a wheelchair. A proposed mobility aid structured to satisfy such need should be capable of being easily and quickly configured into an operative position for use and possibly into a collapsed position for storage. Further, a proposed multi-use mobile support assembly should have its various structural components cooperatively configured, disposed and structured such that selective positioning thereof into a plurality of different orientations is easily accomplished. As such, the mobile support assembly may be converted for use as a walker or a wheelchair assembly. In addition, such a proposed multi-use mobile support assembly could also have additional, supplementary features such that when the support assembly is in a walker configuration it is also structured to allow at least temporary support of a user in a seated orientation, wherein the user may require temporary, short term rest periods while not requiring the use of a wheelchair, per se. If developed, such a proposed, multi-use mobile support assembly should comprise a frame, as well as other operative components which are cooperatively structured and relatively operable to allow selective use of the support assembly as either a walker or a wheelchair assembly.
In at least one of a plurality of preferred embodiments a foldable walker provides an apparatus for assisting a user with mobility. The foldable walker comprises a frame selectively positionable between an operative orientation and a stored orientation. The frame of the walker assembly is at least partially defined by a front leg assembly, including at least a first front leg, and rear leg assembly, including at least a first rear leg connected to the first front leg. The first rear leg includes an upper member having a first end and a second end and a lower member having a first end and a second end. The first end of the upper member is pivotally connected the first end of the lower member, and the lower member is preferably pivotal between an extended use position and a folded storage position.
Another preferred embodiment comprises a foldable walker including the front leg assembly having a first front leg, a second front leg, and a first cross-member. Each of the first and second front legs includes a first end and a second end, and the first cross-member connects the first and second front legs. Similarly, the rear leg assembly comprises a first rear leg and a second rear leg. The first rear leg is connected to the first front leg, and the first rear leg includes an upper member having a first end and a second end, and a lower member having a first end and a second end, and a hinge connecting the first end of the upper member to the first end of the lower member. The second rear leg is connected to the second front leg, and the second rear leg includes an upper member having a first end and a second end, a lower member has a first end and a second end, and a hinge connecting the first end of the upper member to the first end of the lower member. The lower members of the first and second rear legs are preferably pivotal between an extended use position and a folded storage position.
In addition, yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises the walker assembly including a front wheel assembly connected to the front leg assembly and a rear wheel assembly connected to the rear leg assembly. Additional structural features associated with the front and rear wheel assemblies are their ability to be selectively disposed in a position which reduces at least the longitudinal dimension and overall configuration of the walker assembly when in a stored orientation. More specifically, the various embodiments of a walker assembly of the present invention include the front wheel assembly being removably secured to the front leg assembly. Similarly, the rear wheel assembly can be connected to at least a portion of the rear wheel assembly such that it is movable therewith into and out of a folded storage position. Alternatively, the rear wheel assembly may be disconnected from the rear leg assembly. In either structural variation the configuration and at least the longitudinal dimension of the frame of the walker assembly is further reduced in order to facilitate storage and transport of the walker assembly.
When in the stored orientation, the frame of the walker assembly is disposed so as to substantially align the front and rear leg assemblies in adjacent relation to one another along the length of the frame. As such the transverse dimension and overall configuration of the walker assembly is substantially reduced thereby further facilitating the storage and transport of the walker assembly.
Yet additional structural features include a handle assembly which may be adjustably and/or removably secured to the frame of one or more embodiments of the walker assembly. Moreover, a seat is movably connected to the frame and may be associated with a storage compartment. As such, the seat may be selectively disposed in a position such that it supports the user of the walker assembly. When in such a supporting position, the seat overlies and at least partially covers an access opening of a storage compartment. Other associated structural features may include a backrest disposed and structured to support the back of a user when supported in a seated position on the seat of the walker assembly. The structural features of the seat, storage compartment and backrest are such as to further facilitate the compact reduction in configuration and dimension of the walker assembly when disposed in the aforementioned stored orientation so as to facilitate storage and/or transport of the walker assembly, as desired.
Yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a mobile support assembly which is structured to have multi-use capabilities and which is also capable of being selectively disposed between operative and stored orientations, as with the above described embodiments. More specifically, the mobile support assembly of this preferred embodiment is capable of being selectively used as either a walker or a wheelchair dependent on the orientation of the frame and/or one or more components associated with the frame. Moreover, the frame comprises at least one adjustable portion or adjustable frame segment which is partially rotatable or pivotal relative to a remainder of the frame. Therefore, the frame generally and the adjustable portion or adjustable frame segment specifically can be selectively disposed in either a first orientation or a second orientation. The disposition of the frame and/or adjustable frame segment in the first orientation enables the use of the mobile support assembly as a walker, wherein the disposition of the frame and/or adjustable portion or frame segment in the second orientation enables the use of the mobile support assembly as a wheelchair.
Additional structural and operative features of this preferred embodiment of the mobile support assembly comprise the frame also including two side frame segments which are at least partially configured, structured and disposed to define a portion of a chair assembly. The chair assembly comprises the main support for an individual disposed in a seated orientation, when the mobile support assembly is in the second orientation and is used as a wheelchair. Further, the chair assembly comprises a seat and a back support which are disposed and structured to provide the proper support and at least a certain degree of comfort to a seated individual. The mobility of the support assembly of this preferred embodiment present is facilitated by the frame including a front leg assembly and a rear leg assembly each of which is connected to a wheel assembly. The wheel assembly comprises a plurality of wheels equal in number to the number of legs which comprise the front and rear wheel assemblies. Therefore, the wheel assembly movably supports the mobile support assembly, when utilized as either a walker or a wheelchair, over any of a variety of different ground or other support surfaces.
The frame also includes a handle assembly which along with the rear leg assembly at least partially defines a trailing portion of the frame. For purposes of clarity, the front leg assembly is considered to define a leading portion of the frame, wherein the terms “leading” and “trailing” are used with reference to the normal, forward direction of the mobile support assembly, when used as either a walker or wheelchair. In addition, the rear leg and the handle assembly are cooperatively disposed and configured to facilitate an individual being disposed adjacent the trailing portion of the frame in an orientation which facilitates the application of a pushing, pulling or other propelling force to the mobile support assembly, whether it is used as a walker or a wheelchair.
Other structural and operative features of the mobile support assembly, especially when in the aforementioned first orientation, is the disposition of the adjustable portion or frame segment in substantially overlying relation to a seat of the chair assembly such that access to the chair assembly is restricted. Such overlying relation of the adjustable frame segment may be more specifically described as the adjustable frame segment being disposed above and in spaced relation to the seat and angularly oriented inwardly from the handle assembly towards a leading portion of the frame and away from the trailing portion of the mobile support assembly.
Positioning of the adjustable frame segment in this first orientation also serves to open or make readily accessible a space between the two handles of the aforementioned handle assembly. Moreover, the back support of the chair assembly is pivotal or otherwise movable so as to be disposed in overlying, confronting engagement with the seat of the chair assembly. As such, the back support may be used as a rest area or support enabling an individual to sit thereon when the mobile support assembly is in the first orientation and utilized as a walker. Therefore, the open spacing between the handles of the handle assembly and the inwardly, angular orientation of the adjustable frame segment further facilitates orientation of an individual in a seated position facing to the rear upon the normal forward direction of travel of the mobile support assembly when used as either a walker or a wheelchair.
The structural and functional versatility of the frame, specifically including the adjustable portion or frame segment is further demonstrated by its selective disposition in the second orientation. When so positioned, the adjustable frame segment is substantially aligned with the handle assembly so as to at least partially define the trailing portion of the mobile support assembly. When in the second orientation, the adjustable support segment further serves to at least partially support or at least assume an aligned relation with the back support of the chair assembly. As should be apparent, when the adjustable portion or frame segment is in the second orientation, for use of the mobile support assembly as a wheelchair, the back support is disposed in an upright orientation connected to, supported by or otherwise cooperatively aligned with the adjustable frame segment, such that access to the chair assembly is facilitated.
The mobile support assembly of this preferred embodiment of the present invention may have similar structural and operative features as the previously described preferred embodiments. More specifically, added versatility of the mobile support assembly is enhanced by the aforementioned handle assembly being adjustably and removably connected to a remainder of the frame. As such, the height of the handle assembly may be selectively adjusted to accommodate different individuals or it may be removed to facilitate storage, regardless of the mobile support assembly being used as a walker or wheelchair. Also, hand operated brakes may be mounted on or connected to the handle assembly so as to be readily accessible from the hand grips or handlebar of each of the handles. Operative interconnection between the hand applied brake members and the wheel assembly is accomplished by appropriate mechanical linkage, such as a cable or the like.
Yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a mobile support assembly primarily in the form of a walker assembly which, as with previously described embodiments, includes a frame structured to facilitate stable travel of an individual over a variety of different surfaces. In addition, the frame includes a front leg assembly and a rear leg assembly each preferably including two spaced apart legs. The front and rear leg assemblies are moveably interconnected to one another such that the frame may be selectively disposed into either an operative orientation or a stored orientation. When in the operative orientation, the front and rear leg assemblies are positioned to facilitate stable support and/or travel of an individual on and over a variety of different surfaces.
When in the stored orientation, the front and rear leg assemblies are folded or otherwise relatively disposed so as to be at least partially aligned or coextensive. Therefore the stored orientation allows the frame to assume at least a reduced transverse dimension. Moreover, the stored orientation may also facilitate the frame assuming a reduced longitudinal dimension by a selected adjustment of the one or more wheel assemblies relative to the leg assemblies to which they are connected. In addition, the stored orientation of the frame may also be at least partially defined by an at least partial detachment of one or more of the wheel assemblies from their corresponding leg assemblies to further accomplish a reduced longitudinal dimension of the frame.
One feature of this preferred embodiment of the mobile support assembly, being in the form of a walker, comprises the ability to efficiently vary the height of the frame so as to accommodate the users of various sizes. Further, the adjustment or varying of the height of the frame accommodates users when the mobile support assembly is used as a walker and/or when a seat portion associated with the walker is occupied by the user. Effective height adjustment of the frame is more specifically accomplished by an adjustable connection of the wheel assemblies to preferably both the front and rear leg assemblies of the frame.
More specifically, both the front and rear wheel assemblies may be adjusted to extend axially outward from the respective and correspondingly front and rear leg assemblies as they are adjustably connected to the lower portions thereof. Therefore, when the frame is in an operative position and positioned on any of a number of supporting surfaces, the height thereof may be adjusted by varying the outer extension of the front and rear wheel assemblies relative to corresponding ones of the front and rear leg assemblies. The adjustable connection between the wheel assemblies and corresponding ones of the leg assemblies is such as to facilitate the selective positioning of the wheel assemblies in a quick and easy manner to accommodate individual users of different heights, as set forth in greater detail hereinafter.
Additional features of this preferred embodiment of the mobile support assembly, is the provision of at least one, but more practically two bracket assemblies each extending in interconnecting, movable relation between the front and rear leg assemblies. Moreover, each of the one or more bracket assemblies comprise at least two bracket segments pivotally or otherwise movable relative to one another into and out of a folded position. Therefore, the front and rear leg assemblies may be disposed in either of the aforementioned operative or stored orientations.
Further, a lock assembly is associated with at least one of the bracket assemblies and is structured to removably retain or “lock” the corresponding bracket segments into the folded position. As such, the front and rear leg assemblies are prevented from inadvertently being released from the stored orientation until the lock assembly is purposely released. Manipulated of the lock assembly will permit a separation of the bracket segments from their folded position into their interconnecting, somewhat linearly configured orientation, wherein the frame is in the aforementioned operative orientation.
Additional structural modifications of this preferred embodiment, which may be used with additional embodiments of the present invention as described herein relate to a retaining connector or bracket. More specifically, a modified retaining connector comprises a central connecting pin disposed inwardly from two curved arms and connected thereto. Further, the curved arms are pivotally or hingedly connected to one another so as to substantially open the interior of the retaining connector thereby facilitating connection or disconnection from a leg of the frame. In addition, the curved arms have a collective longitudinal dimension sufficient to facilitate interlocking but removable connection of the free ends thereof. As such, the pivotally connected curved arms may surround the leg portion on which the retaining connector is mounted while substantially enclosing connecting pin on the interior thereof.
In use, the connecting pin and pivotally connected arms of the retaining connector are disposed to retain and removably secure the front and rear wheel assemblies into the lower portions of the legs of the respective front and rear leg assemblies. In such a retaining position, inadvertent removal of the retaining connectors are prevented, thereby assuring that the interconnection between the wheel assemblies and the corresponding leg assemblies, as well as the intended or preferred height of the frame relative to the supporting surface, will be maintained.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration.
For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
a and 4b are front and side views of an upper portion of an embodiment of a hinge assembly as used on the foldable walker shown in
a and 5b are front and side views of a lower portion of an embodiment of a hinge assembly as used on the foldable walker shown in
a-6d are partial, cut-away side views of an embodiment of a hinge assembly, including upper and lower portions as shown in
Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
Referring now in more detail to the drawings,
A previously noted, and as best shown in
Again referring to
When so disposed, an interior of a storage compartment 148 normally disposed beneath the seat 142 is accessible and exposed. Preferably, the storage compartment 148 is supported by the first and second cross members 128, 136 and is formed of a flexible material secured to the first and second cross members 128, 136 with a plurality of snaps 149 that permit the storage compartment 148 to be removed. In a preferred embodiment the flexibility of the storage compartment 148 is such as to be disposed in an expanded position when the frame is in the operative orientation of
As represented through out the accompanying Figures, the walker assembly 100 preferably includes a front wheel assembly comprising wheel structures 188 and a rear wheel assembly comprising wheel structures 180. More specifically, first and second front legs 110a, 110b each include a different one of the front wheel structures 188 disposed at the second end 114a, 114b of each leg. As shown, front wheel structures 188 are preferably caster-mounted such that they are fully rotatable about the first and second front legs 110a, 110b, thereby increasing the maneuverability of the foldable walker assembly 100. The first and second rear legs 120a, 120b are each connected to one of the rear wheel structures 180 which are disposed on the second end 134a, 134b of the first and second lower members or portions 130a, 130b. Preferably, the rear wheel assemblies 180 are not caster-mounted and therefore do not pivot about the first and second rear legs 120a, 120b.
As shown in
When it is desired to transport or store the walker assembly 100, the transverse dimension of the walker assembly 100 may be reduced by folding it into a compact configuration. Moreover, folding of the walker assembly 100 from the operative orientation of
To further reduce the longitudinal dimension of the foldable walker 100, a user can fold the lower members 130a, 130b of the first and second rear legs 120a, 120b and their associated rear wheel assemblies 180 inwardly toward one another. In order to fold first lower member 130a into storage position, the user first pulls button 172 inwardly toward the center line of the foldable walker 100. In doing so, the user compresses the spring 174 and causes the locking pin 170 to be disengaged from the locking aperture 156 of the upper portion 152a, as shown in
Once a user releases the button 172, the spring 174 causes the locking pin 170 to be urged outwardly from the core 162 into its fully extended position. To lock the wheels in place for use once again, the user may pivot the first lower member 130a downwardly from its storage position until the locking pin 170 encounters camming surface 158, as shown in
Preferably, the locking pin 170 is configured such that it is not likely to be inadvertently disengaged from the locking aperture 156. For example, as shown in
Yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention is represented in
Accordingly as clearly shown in
More specifically, the retaining connector or bracket 220 comprises central connecting pin or shaft 222 spaced inwardly from curved arms 224 and 226. The free ends of the each of the arms 224 and 226 are disposed in spaced relation to one another so as to facilitate passage of lower leg portion 114A, etc. there between and into the interior 228 of the retaining connector structure 220 and between the arms 224 and 226. Further, the retaining connector or bracket 220 preferably includes the arms 224 and 226 being formed from a flexible material and as such may expand outwardly to further facilitate passage of the lower leg portion 114A, etc. into the interior 208 of the retaining connector 220. In the connected position shown in
Additional structural features include an axially adjustable and removable handle assembly, comprising a first and second handlebar 140a, 140b adjustably connected to the first end 112a, 112b of each front leg 110a, 110b, respectively. Preferably, the first and second handlebars 140a, 140b are secured to the walker assembly 100 with easily manipulated threaded knobs 143, as are other parts of the walker 100. The first and second handlebars 140a, 140b are connected to the first and second front legs 110a, 110b such that they can be axially adjusted based upon the height of the user. Also, each handlebar 140a, 140b includes a lever 184, which is used to activate a brake 182 that is adjacent the rear wheel assemblies 180. By urging the lever 184 upwardly toward the respective handlebar 140a, 140b, a cable 186 is pulled which in turn causes the brake 182 to engage the rear wheel assembly 180, thereby preventing the foldable walker 100 from rolling. Further, the levers 184 may be manipulated such that the brakes 182 are activated although the user is no longer exerting force on the lever 184.
With primary reference to
More specific details include the frame 302 comprising two spaced apart side frame segments 304 and 306 each of which include a substantially oblong or “eye” shaped configuration. This configuration of each of the side frame segments is at least partially defined by an upper side frame segment 308 and a lower side frame segment 310 having an outwardly bowed or curvilinear configuration. As will also be explained in greater detail hereinafter, side frame segments 304 and 306 and more specifically the upper and lower side frame segments 308 and 310 may include connecting structures 312, 313, 315 and 319, which facilitate the disposition or arrangement of the mobile support assembly 300, specifically including portions the frame 302 into a compact, reduced size stored orientation for storage, transport, etc, at least partially similar to the one or more embodiments of
The mobile support assembly 300 further includes a handle assembly generally indicated as 314 including two handles 316 disposed in spaced relation to one another such that an open spacing 318 may be formed there between so as to facilitate placement of an individual in a proper orientation to propel the mobile support assembly 300 when used as either a wheelchair as demonstrated in
Other features of the handle assembly 314 include each of preferably two handles 316 having a handlebar 317 preferably structured in the form of handgrips. In addition and with reference to the embodiment of
As also clearly depicted in
In order to facilitate the maneuverability of the mobile support assembly 300, each of the front wheels 336 are rotatably connected to the frame 302 and more specifically interconnected to the outer or lower ends of the upper side frame segments 308 by means of a castor like structure shown in detail in
With further reference to
As set forth above, the versatility of the mobile support assembly 300 is facilitated by its selective use as either a walker, as represented in
In contrast, the back support 354 is movably or pivotally attached preferably about a lower junction or connection area 360 located on each of the lower corners of the back support 354 generally adjacent the junction of the seat 352 and the back support 354. Moreover, back support 354 may be positioned in the orientation demonstrated in
The mobile support assembly of the present invention includes an additional structure which facilitates the secure but removable disposition of the adjustment frame segment 370 in each of the first and second orientations. More specifically and with primary reference to
It is also emphasized that the configuration, dimension and placement of the armrest 380 determines the position and/or angular inclination of the adjustable frame segment 370 when in the aforementioned first orientation, such as when the mobile support assembly 300 is being used as a walker. It is further emphasized that hook like brackets 396 may assume a variety of different structural configurations such as a U-shaped structure having a certain inherent flexibility or bias, so as to effectively clip onto or otherwise be removably connected to the upper ends 310′ of the lower side frame segments 310, as described above.
Therefore, the first orientation of the adjustable frame segment 370 is defined by its inward, substantially angular orientation towards the leading portion of the frame 302 and away from the trailing portion thereof and handle assembly 314. The first orientation of the adjustable frame segment 370 is further defined by its substantially overlying, spaced relation above the seat 352 and the back support 354, when the back support 354 is disposed in confronting engagement with the seat 352, as clearly represented in
With primary reference to
Other structural and operative features which are at least partially similar to the embodiments of
As set forth above, the present invention demonstrates significant versatility by virtue of its multi-use construction as well as the structuring of the various components thereof so as to facilitate the mobile support assembly 300 being easily and quickly disposed into the stored orientation. As such, various components, to be described in greater detail hereinafter, may be selectively disposed from their normal, operative orientation, whether the mobile support assembly 300 is used as a walker or a wheelchair, or into a compact position so as to at least partially define the stored orientation.
By way of example, the rear legs 333 and the rear wheels 330 associated therewith are adjustably interconnected to the remainder of the frame 302 and more specifically to the frame segments 333′ used to at least partially support the seat 352. This adjustable and movable interconnection is accomplished through the provision of hinge like connector structures 319 which allow the rear legs 333 to be folded inwardly, substantially under the seat 352 or a portion of the frame 302 associated with the seat 352.
Selective positioning of various portions or components of the frame 302 in the aforementioned stored orientation is further demonstrated in
In order to accomplish the compact position of the sub-unit demonstrated in
It is recognized that
It is also recognized that the adjustable frame segment 370 is normally or typically retained in its first orientation, as represented in
The selective and efficient disposition of certain components or portions of the frame 302 in a collapsed position so as to define the stored orientation of significantly reduced dimension thereby greatly facilitates the storage or transport of the mobile support assembly 300. In addition, the overall configuration and dimension of the mobile support assembly 300 is sufficiently reduced so as to allow its placement in small storage or travel carton or container of a size which renders the storage or transport of the mobile support assembly 300, when in the stored orientation, effective and efficient.
Yet another most preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a mobile support assembly generally indicated as 400, being primarily in the form of a walker assembly. The support assembly 400 comprises a frame generally indicated as 402 which is structured to include a seat 142 as well as a depending compartment 148 located beneath the seat 142 as clearly disclosed in the additional preferred embodiments of
Further, the frame 402 includes the back support member 406 on which the back supporting pad 146 is mounted. The frame also includes a front wheel assembly, generally indicated as 408 and a rear wheel assembly, generally indicated as 410. As with the embodiments of
More specifically, each of the legs 409 includes an elongated upper or primary portion 409′ and a fixedly or integrally connected lower portion 412. As is clearly represented in
As set forth above, frame 402, as represented in
One feature of the walker of the mobile support assembly 400 is the ability to efficiently adjust the height of the frame 402 relative to any supporting surface on which the frame 402 is positioned as demonstrated in
For purposes of clarity the structures represented in
Accordingly, the transverse dimension of each of the shafts 200′ is at least minimally less than the interior transverse dimension of the lower portions 412 and 413 of the front and rear legs 409 and 411. This relative dimensioning allows the shaft 200′ to be inserted within and removed from the interior of the lower portions 412 and 413 as demonstrated by a comparison of the unassembled and assembled structures respectively represented in
By virtue of this adjustable and variable connection as demonstrated in
With primary reference to
More specifically, the curved arms 224′ and 226′ have a sufficient longitudinal dimension so as to surround a portion of the front or rear legs, as at 412, 413 thereby further facilitating the placement of the connecting pin 222′ in its intended retaining position as it extends through aligned apertures 210′, formed in the leg portions 412, 413, and 208′, formed in the shaft 200′, when the shaft 200′ and leg portions 412, 413 are assembled as represented in
Yet another feature of the present invention is demonstrated in
When the frame 402 is in its operative position, the bracket assembly 450 assumes a substantially elongated, linear configuration including bracket segments 454 and 456 disposed in substantially linearly aligned relation to one another. Further, each of the bracket segments 454 and 456 have their opposite or outer, distal ends pivotally or otherwise movably connected to the corresponding legs 409 and 411 of the front and rear leg assemblies 408 and 410 respectively. The opposite or correspondingly positioned inner, proximal ends of each of the bracket segments 454 and 456 are pivotally or otherwise movably connected to one another by a pivot or linking pin 459.
Moreover, when the frame 402 is disposed from the operative position, represented in
The lock assembly 452 comprises a female member or portion 462 including a flange having an aperture 462′ connected to and movable with one of the bracket segments, such as at 454. The lock assembly 452 further includes a male portion or member 464 including a finger or pin 464′ connected to and movable with the other of the two bracket segments, as at 456. When the bracket assembly 450 is in the linearly aligned operative position represented in
More specifically, the female portion 462 comprises the apertured flange and the male portion 464 a spring biased, retractable finger 464′. When the aperture 462′ is disposed in aligned relation with the connecting finger 464′, manipulation of the male portion 464 in a reciprocal or retractable manner, as schematically indicated by directional arrow 465, will serve to dispose the retaining finger 464′ through the aperture 462′. The male and female portions 462 and 464 will thereby be removably connected together facilitating maintenance of the bracket segments 454 and 456 in the folded position. When so retained, the front and rear leg portions 408 and 410 will be “locked” in the stored orientation. In order to reorient the frame 402 and more specifically the front and rear leg portions 408 and 410 in its operative position as demonstrated in
Yet another preferred embodiment of the mobile support assembly of the present invention is represented in
For purposes of clarity, the structural details, modifications and embodiments of the bracket assembly 450′ will be described with reference to a single bracket assembly as represented in
With primary reference to the preferred embodiment of
It is further emphasized that the disposition and structure of the tie rod 118′ in combination with the pivot connections 459′ associated with each of the one or more bracket assemblies 450′ are such as to facilitate a movement of the two bracket segments 454 and 456 of each of the one or more bracket assemblies 450′. Such movement or positioning of the bracket segments 454 and 456 is schematically indicated by directional arrows 510 indicating the positioning of the one or more bracket assemblies 450′ from at least the operative orientation as represented in
The disposition and structure of the tie rod 118′ is such that an upward or outward force, normally exerted manually on the tie rod 118′, will result in the bracket segments 454 and 456 being positioned from the operative orientation of
Accordingly, each of the female structures 462 and 463 are formed on a common one of the two bracket segments, as at 456, and each may be more specifically defined by an aperture, hole or opening 462′ and 463′ formed through the corresponding bracket segment 456. As such each of the female structures 462 and 463 is disposed and dimensioned to eventually become aligned with and receive the protruding pin or finger 464′ (see
Accordingly, with at least partial reference to
Yet another feature of the present invention is the provision of an activation assembly generally indicated as 500 in
As set forth above, the operative orientation of each of the one or more bracket assemblies 450′ is at least partially defined by the respective bracket segments 454 and 456 disposed in a substantially linear aligned relation to one another as represented in
Again with primary reference to the embodiment of
Accordingly, when an upward or outward force is exerted on the handle 502, as schematically represented by directional arrow 510, the connector 505 will serve to displace the male structure 464 from retaining engagement with the corresponding female structure 463 and thereby displace the male structure 464 from retaining engagement with the corresponding bracket segments 454 and 456. Substantially concurrently the upward or outward force exerted on the handle 502 will be transferred to the end 118″ of the tie rod 118′ by virtue of the interconnecting link 508. Therefore, once the male structure 464 of the lock 452′ is displaced from its retaining engagement with the brackets 454 and 456, the tie rod 118′ will also be raised or otherwise appropriately positioned to cause a driving movement of the two bracket segments 454 and 456 from their operative orientation, as represented in
With primary reference to
Other structural features of the one or more preferred embodiments associated with
It is again emphasized that the mobile support assembly 400′ can be used with a single bracket assembly 450′ or two such bracket assemblies 450′ located on opposite sides of the frame 402′ of the mobile support assembly 400′. Also, when two bracket assemblies 450′ are utilized there need be only a single lock assembly 452′ utilized in association with one of the two bracket assemblies 450′. Alternatively, two separate lock assemblies 452′ can be utilized with each of the two bracket assemblies 450′. Similarly with the embodiment of
As previously recited, an important advantage of the structure of the present invention is its ability to undertake a substantially small and compact orientation for packaging. Such a compact orientation provides for reductions in packaging sizes that in fact result in significant benefits and advantages related to shipping costs, storage space requirements, and shelf space requirements within a store. Therefore, as yet another embodiment of the present invention, adjustable cross members 475 are provided on the frame, such as for example on frame 402, and are configured to provide a variable width to the mobile support assembly. More specifically, as illustrated in
With primary reference to
Accordingly the frame 502 of the mobile support assembly 500 includes a front leg assembly generally indicated as 504 and a rear leg assembly generally indicated as 506. The front and rear leg assemblies are movably interconnected to one another by virtue of at least one pivotal or partially rotational connecting link 507. Further, the front leg assembly 504 includes two spaced apart front legs 508 and the rear leg assembly 506 includes two spaced apart rear legs 510. Also, two handles or outwardly disposed frame extensions 512 are adjustably connected to the remainder of the frame 502, such as to the corresponding front legs 508 of the front leg assembly 504. The structuring and movable interconnection between the handles and/or frame extensions 512 and the remainder of the frame 502 is such as to allow an inwardly and outwardly adjustable positioning thereof as indicated by directional arrow 512′. The movable interconnection and adjustable positioning of the handles 512 relative to the remainder of the frame 502 is equivalent or substantially similar to the structure represented in
In addition, each of the front leg assembly 504 and rear leg assembly 506 includes a plurality of wheels, rollers or like structures 14 connected to the lower portions or ends of the corresponding front and rear legs 508 and 510. As a result, the frame 502 is rendered mobile when in the operative orientation of
As set forth above, the mobile support assembly 500 and the frame 502 may be selectively disposed in either the operative orientation represented in
Therefore, at least one feature of the mobile support assembly 500, specifically including the frame 502, is the provision of at least one cross member connected to and extending between the associated legs of either the front wheel assembly 504 or the rear assembly 506. However, in a more practical application as represented in
More specifically, front and rear cross members 515 and 516, as well as the additional cross member 517, each include an outer segment 518 and an inner segment 520 movably interconnected in substantially coaxial relation to one another so as to define a movable, telescoping interconnection. Moreover, the telescoping connection allows for relative longitudinal positioning movement or of each of the outer and inner segments 518 and 520 of a common one of the cross members 515, 516 and 517. By virtue of this longitudinal, coaxial movement of the outer and inner segments 518 and 520, the length of the respective cross members may be varied. This variable length construction facilitates the adjustment of the width of the frame 502 and more specifically the spacing between the front legs 508 as well as the spacing between the rear legs 510. Due to the fact that each of the front and rear leg assemblies 504 and 506 preferably include at least one cross member therebetween, the spacing between the front legs 508 and the spacing between the rear legs 510 will be concurrently adjusted, as should be apparent.
Additional structural features of each of the cross members 515-517 include a connecting and/or locking assembly comprising a plurality of locking points extending along the length of the respective cross members 515-517. Accordingly, relative movement between corresponding ones of the outer and inner segments 518 and 520 as well as the spacing between the front legs 508 and the spacing between the rear legs 510 may be at least temporarily “locked” in either the operative or stored orientations. This connecting or locking assembly is substantially similar or equivalent to the structures represented in
Additional structural and operative features of the mobile support assembly 500 include the provision of a stabilizing assembly associated with at least one but preferably all of the cross members 515-517. As will be explained in greater detail hereinafter, the stabilizing assembly serves to provide a movable yet stable, high strength and substantially “rattle-free” interconnection of the outer and inner segments 518 and 520 of each of the cross members 515-517. With primary reference to
More specifically, individual ones of first bushings 522 are secured to an outer segment 518 of each of the cross members 515-517, preferably at an end portion thereof, as demonstrated in
Somewhat similarly, the second bushing 524 of the stabilizing assembly is connected to the inner segment 520, preferably at one end thereof as represented in
Therefore, the stabilizing assembly comprising the plurality of bushings such as first bushing 522 and second bushing 524 associated with each of the cross members 515-517 serve to collectively establish a movable, stable, relatively high strength connection which is “rattle-free”. Each of the cross members 515-517 are therefore selectively adjustable along their length. In turn, the width of the frame 502 of the mobile support assembly 500 can be selectively disposed between the operative orientation as represented in
Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the spirit, principles and intended scope of theses embodiments. Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
Now that the invention has been described,
The present application is a Continuation-In-Part application of application having Ser. No. 12/082,814 which was filed on Apr. 14, 2008, which matures into U.S. Pat. No. 7,837,208 on Nov. 23, 2010, which is a Continuation-In-Part application of previously filed, now abandoned application having Ser. No. 11/981,515 which was filed on Oct. 31, 2007 now abandoned, which is a Continuation-In-Part application of previously filed, now abandoned application having Ser. No. 11/581,762 which was filed on Oct. 16, 2006 now abandoned, which is a Continuation-In-Part application of previously filed application having Ser. No. 11/343,299, which was filed on Jan. 31, 2006, which has matured into U.S. Pat. No. 7,540,527 on Jun. 2, 2009, which is a Continuation-In-Part application of U.S. patent application having Ser. No. 11/129,569 filed May 13, 2005, which has matured into U.S. Pat. No. 7,066,484 on Jun. 27, 2006, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application having Ser. No. 10/680,596 filed Oct. 7, 2003, which has matured into U.S. Pat. No. 7,073,801 on Jul. 11, 2006, wherein all of the above are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Parent | 10680596 | Oct 2003 | US |
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| Parent | 12082814 | Apr 2008 | US |
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