This disclosure relates to mobility systems, and, more particularly, to modular mobility systems that can be used as a gait trainer, a wheelchair, and/or a standing aid, depending on the needs of the user.
Medical devices, and particularly mobility devices, have been developed to help people of various abilities go about their daily lives despite any disability or injury they may have. For example, mobility systems such as wheelchairs, gait trainers, and standing aids can help users that have physical and mobility restrictions. In particular, wheelchairs can be used for people who have difficulties walking. A gait trainer may be used to assist a user who needs some assistance walking. Standing aids can help integrate a user who is unable to stand on his or her own into mainstream classroom, leisure, and other activities by positioning the user in a standing position.
Provided are modular mobility systems that can be used as gait trainers, wheelchairs, and/or standing aids. Unlike conventional gait trainers, wheelchairs, and standing aids, which are separate and distinct systems, the modular mobility systems provided herein may be modified from one use (i.e., gait trainer, wheelchair, or standing aid) to another use with a simple interchanging of parts.
Further, modular mobility systems provided herein are also designed to adjust to users of different sizes and of different abilities and/or needs. Accordingly, the modular mobility systems disclosed herein provide far more adjustability and versatility than any conventional mobility system.
In some embodiments, a modular mobility system is provided, the modular mobility system comprising: a mobility base; and a gait trainer module removably coupled to the mobility base.
In some embodiments of the modular mobility system, the modular mobility system comprises a wheelchair module configured to removably couple to the mobility base.
In some embodiments of the modular mobility system, the modular mobility system comprises a standing aid module configured to removably couple to the mobility base
In some embodiments of the modular mobility system, the mobility base comprises four wheels.
In some embodiments of the modular mobility system, the mobility base comprises three wheels.
In some embodiments of the modular mobility system, the mobility base comprises an interface plate configured to receive the gait trainer at any one of a plurality of angles.
In some embodiments of the modular mobility system, the gait trainer module comprises a telescoping tubular support configured to adjust for a height of a user.
In some embodiments of the modular mobility system, the gait trainer module comprises a handle bar configured to adjust forward and backward.
In some embodiments of the modular mobility system, the gait trainer module comprises a harness configured to support a user in a standing position.
In some embodiments, provided is a modular mobility system, the modular mobility system comprising: a mobility base; and a wheelchair module removably coupled to the mobility base.
In some embodiments of the modular mobility system, the modular mobility system comprises a gait trainer module configured to removably couple to the mobility base.
In some embodiments of the modular mobility system, the modular mobility system comprises a standing aid module configured to removably couple to the mobility base
In some embodiments of the modular mobility system, the mobility base comprises four wheels.
In some embodiments of the modular mobility system, the mobility base comprises three wheels.
In some embodiments of the modular mobility system, the mobility base comprises an interface plate configured to receive the wheelchair module at any one of a plurality of angles.
In some embodiments of the modular mobility system, the wheelchair module comprises a side plates along a seat to adjust to a user.
In some embodiments of the modular mobility system, the wheelchair module comprises side plates along a back support to adjust for a user.
In some embodiments of the modular mobility system, the wheelchair module comprises a handle bar configured to adjust for a height of a user.
In some embodiments of the modular mobility system, the wheelchair module comprises an adjustable foot rest.
In some embodiments of the modular mobility system, the adjustable foot rest is configured to adjust for a length of a user's legs.
In some embodiments of the modular mobility system, the adjustable foot rest is configured to pivot at a point where a foot rest tubular support is coupled to a frame of the wheelchair module.
In some embodiments, a modular mobility system is provided, the modular mobility system comprising: a mobility base; and a standing aid module removably coupled to the mobility base.
In some embodiments or the modular mobility system, the modular mobility system comprises a gait trainer module configured to removably couple to the mobility base.
In some embodiments of the modular mobility system, the modular mobility system comprises a wheelchair module configured to removably couple to the mobility base
In some embodiments of the modular mobility system, the mobility base comprises four wheels.
In some embodiments of the modular mobility system, the mobility base comprises three wheels.
In some embodiments of the modular mobility system, the mobility base comprises an interface plate configured to receive the standing aid module at any one of a plurality of angles.
In some embodiments of the modular mobility system, the standing aid module comprises a body support and a head rest coupled to a frame.
In some embodiments of the modular mobility system, the standing aid module comprises a tray holder coupled to a frame, wherein the tray holder is configured to adjust telescopically away from and towards the frame, and wherein the tray holder is configured to pivot relative to a location at which the tray holder is coupled to the frame.
In some embodiments of the modular mobility system, the modular mobility system comprises a tray removably coupled to the tray holder.
In some embodiments of the modular mobility system, the standing aid module comprises an adjustable foot rest.
In some embodiments of the modular mobility system, the adjustable foot rest is configured to adjust for a length of a user's legs.
In some embodiments of the modular mobility system, the adjustable foot rest is configured to pivot at a point where a foot rest tubular support is coupled to a frame of the standing aid module.
The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Provided are modular mobility systems that can be used as gait trainers, wheelchairs, and/or standing aids. The modular mobility systems provided herein include a mobility base. The mobility base provides the basic structure and support of the modular mobility device. The mobility device, on its own, does not achieve one of the gait trainer, wheelchair, or standing aid. However, one of three modules—a gait trainer module, a wheelchair module, and/or a standing aid module—may be coupled to the mobility base to achieve a gait trainer mobility system, a wheelchair mobility system, or a standing aid mobility system, respectively.
Described below is a detailed description of each of the components of the modular mobility systems provided herein. In particular, provided below are descriptions of a mobility base, a gait trainer module, a wheelchair module, and a standing aid module.
Mobility Base
Modular mobility systems provided herein each include a mobility base. Regardless of whether a particular mobility system serves as a gait trainer, as a wheelchair, or as a standing aid, the mobility base is the central frame of the system.
Interface plate 104 may be configured to receive the various modules and secure them in place on mobility base 100. In some embodiments, interface plate 104 may be configured to position the various modules in a variety of positions. By allowing the modules to be coupled to mobility base 100 via interface plate 104 in a variety of positions, the modular mobility system can be customizable for each individual user based on the user's size (e.g., height) and needs. Interface plate 104 is described in more detail below with reference to
As shown, mobility base 100 includes four wheels. However, mobility base could reasonably include any number of wheels. Additionally, tubular frame 106 may be made of any material suitable for supporting the weight of a human. In some embodiments, a strong, yet lightweight material may be chosen for tubular frame 106. Tubular frame 106 may include a folding mechanism to allow the mobility base, and an entire mobility system when configured as such, to fold into a compact and/or portable configuration. In some embodiments, tubular frame 106 may comprise an X-brace folding mechanism. By having a folding mechanism, mobility systems provided herein can improve the lives of users by allowing them to travel and transport their mobility systems as easily as possible.
Further, mobility base 100 is shown in
As shown in
Gait Trainer Module
A gait trainer module is one of numerous types of interchangeable modules that may be configured to couple to a mobility base to achieve a mobility system. A gait trainer in particular may be designed to help a user walk safely and efficiently.
Handle bar 320 comprising handle grips 322 can provide support for a user to hold onto the gait trainer module 300 for support. Multi-adjustment plate 324 allows for a customized fit. As shown, multi-adjustment plate 324 comprises a plurality of index holes arced along a bottom edge of multi-adjustment plate 324. The angle at which telescoping tubular support 326 is positioned in place relative to handle bar 320 is determined by which index hole of the plurality of index holes the telescoping tubular support 326 is coupled to. Telescoping tubular support 326 may be pivoted at various angles relative to handle bar 320 to achieve a gait trainer mobility system of various sizes and shapes for users of various sizes, shapes, and needs. Further, the telescoping tubular support 326 is configured to adjust telescopically, to account for users of various heights.
Upper cross tube 328 and angular adjustment release 330 are both configured to snap into place at an interface plate of a mobility base. This configuration is described in more detail with respect to
In some embodiments, upper cross tube 428 and angular adjustment release 430 are configured to snap into place at interface plate 404 of a mobility base. In particular, each end of upper cross tube 428 is configured to be positioned at a top pivot cup of an interface plate 404. Angle adjustment release 430 is configured to be pivoted (relative to upper cross tube 428 at the top pivot cup) to adjust and customize the size and shape of the gait trainer mobility system. Specifically, each end of angle adjustment release 430 is configured to snap into an index hole of the plurality of index holes located on interface plate 404. In some embodiments, gait trainer module 400 is configured such that it is suspended by and pivots on one or more trunnions 432. As shown in the Figure, trunnions may be attached to the telescoping tubular supports 426 independently of upper cross tube 428.
In some embodiments, a gait trainer module may comprise a harness. A harness may be used as weight-bearing support for a user. For example,
The multi-adjustment plate of a gait trainer module may also be used to collapse the gait trainer module into a compact and portable configuration. For example,
Wheelchair Module
A wheelchair module is another example of an interchangeable module that may be configured to couple to a mobility base to achieve a mobility system. A wheelchair in particular may be designed to help a user move around when walking is not an option.
Seat 1060 may be adjustable for users of different sizes, shapes, and needs. For example, seat 1060 may adjust by extending or retracting forward or backward relative to a fixed bottom plate to accommodate different upper leg lengths.
Additionally, back support 1062 may be able to be reclined. Back support 1062 may also include side plates 1070 that can be adjusted according to a user's size and needs. In some embodiments, back support 1062 may be adjusted by moving up or down along the back frame tubes to accommodate different torso lengths.
Handle bar 1064 may be adjustable according to the size and shape of a caretaker, or another operating the wheelchair. For example, handle bar 1064 may be able to pivot at pivot point 1072 to adjust the handle bar up or down, depending on a caretaker's height and preferences.
Foot support 1066 may also be adjustable based on a user's leg length. For example, tubular supports 1074 comprise a plurality of index holes. Foot support 1066 may be adjusted up or down tubular supports 1074 and coupled to any of the index holes to achieve a foot rest that comfortably supports the legs/feet of a user.
Head rest 1086 may be adjusted by moving and/or pivoting forward or backward relative to back support 1062. In some embodiments, side plates 1070 can adjust independently of each other. For example, trunk supports 1070 may adjust up or down and toward or away from the center line of seat 1060 to align with a user's hips and/or spine.
Standing Aid Module
A standing aid module is another example of an interchangeable module that may be configured to couple to a mobility base to achieve a mobility system. A standing aid module in particular may be designed to help support a user in a standing position for the purpose of social integration into a classroom, leisure, and other setting or for the purpose of achieving health benefits related to the standing position such as increased bone density, improved digestion, decreased risk of pressure ulcers, and improved circulation.
Angle adjustment release 1230, upper cross tube 1232, and multi-adjustment plate 1234 are analogous to angle adjustment release 430, upper cross tube 432, and multi-adjustment plate 1234 of gait trainer module 400 of
Telescoping tubular support 1226 is also analogous to telescoping tubular support 426 of
Frame 1270 is the main support of standing aid module 1200. In some embodiments, frame 1270 may comprise a lightweight yet strong material. Suitable materials may include aluminum or fiber-reinforced plastic (e.g., fiberglass or carbon fiber).
Standing aid module 1200 also includes the option of a tray holder 1272 and tray 1274. Tray holder 1272 may be tubular or hollow. In some embodiments, tray holder 1272 may be adjustable. For example, tray holder 1272 may be able to be pivoted up or down with respect to the coupling location of tray holder 1272 with frame 1270. In some embodiments, tray holder may be telescoping such that tray holder 1272 may be extend outwards from body support 1276, or inwards towards body support 1276. Tray 1274 is configured to couple to tray holder 1272. In some embodiments, tray holder 1272 may be removably coupled to tray holder 1272 to allow for easy cleaning and/or replacement.
Standing aid module 1200 may include body support 1276 and head support 1278. In some embodiments, body support 1276 and/or head support 1278 may be customized for a particular user. For example, the material, size, and shape may vary based on the size, shape, and needs of the user. Additionally, body support 1276 and head support 1278 may be adjusted vertically and/or horizontally with respect to frame 1270.
Foot rest 1280, foot support tube 1282, and foot rest angle adjustment 1284 all work together to provide proper foot and leg support for a user. Specifically, a user's feet can rest on foot rest 1280. In some embodiments, foot support tube 1282 may be telescoping such that the position of foot rest 1280 may be adjusted upwards or downwards to accommodate legs of various lengths. In some embodiments, foot rest 1280 may be adjusted using foot rest angle adjustment 1284 to pivot foot rest 1280 forwards or backwards to accommodate different user's needs and preferences.
Mobility Base with Multiple Wheel Configurations
The preceding description sets forth exemplary methods, parameters and the like. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure but is instead provided as a description of exemplary embodiments. The illustrative embodiments described above are not meant to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described to best explain the principles of the disclosed techniques and their practical applications. Others skilled in the art are thereby enabled to best utilize the techniques, and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
Although the disclosure and examples have been thoroughly described with reference to the accompanying figures, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the disclosure and examples as defined by the claims. In the preceding description of the disclosure and embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments that can be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments and examples can be practiced, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Although the preceding description uses terms first, second, etc. to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by the terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.
Also, it is also to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used in the preceding description are intended to include the plural forms as well unless the context indicates otherwise. It is also to be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It is further to be understood that the terms “includes, “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or units but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, units, and/or groups thereof.
The term “if” may be construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,” depending on the context.
Although the disclosure and examples have been fully described with reference to the accompanying figures, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the disclosure and examples as defined by the claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/785,743, filed Dec. 28, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
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