Walking support

• US 4,261,561 A
• Filed: 12/05/1979
• Issued: 04/14/1981
• Est. Priority Date: 12/06/1978
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Bengt E. Ilon
• Original Assignee: Bengt E. Ilon
• Inventors: Ilon, Bengt E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pinkham, Richard C.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Kramer, Arnold W.
• Application Number:
  US06/100,651
• Time in Patent Office: 496 Days
• Field of Search: 272/70, 272/70.3, 272/70.4, 135/65, 135/66, 135/67, 135/74, 135/75, 280/87.02 R, 280/87.02 W, 280/87.04 R, 280/87.05, 280/47.37 C
• US Class Current: 482/68
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2003/046 with braking means
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 3/04 Wheeled walking aids for disabled persons A61H3/06 takes precedence

Abstract

The present invention relates to a walking support having a wheeled frame with upright supports and handles for the user of the walking support mounted thereon, whereby the rear wheels of the frame are mounted on lateral members which are pivotally connected to at least one front member of the frame through links. To ensure an especially flexible operation of the walking support, the upright supports and handles are arranged on the lateral members to permit the user of the walking support to move one lateral member at a time. The handles are vertically adjustable. The rear wheels are spring loaded to the lateral members so that downward pressure on the lateral members applies the brakes.

Claims

1. A walking support device having a wheeled frame (1) and supporting means (7 and 8 respectively) for the user of the walking support mounted thereon, whereby the rear wheels (25 and 26 respectively) of the frame are mounted on lateral members (5 and 6 respectively) which are pivotally connected to at least one front member (2) of the frame through links (3 and 4 respectively), wherein the supporting means (7 and 8 respectively) are mounted on the lateral members (5 and 6 respectively) to permit the user of the walking support to move one lateral member at a time.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein each supporting means (7 and 8) comprises a handle member (9 and 10 respectively) which is vertically adjustably connected to a stand (11 and 12 respectively) mounted on the lateral member (5 and 6 respectively) and which is provided with a locking mechanism (13 or 14) that permits raising of the handle member when this is pulled upwards but lowering of the handle member when this is pressed downwards only after releasing the locking mechanism.

3. A device according to claim 2 wherein the locking mechanism (13 or 14) is releasable by means of a releasing device (15) reaching up to a handle (16 and 17 respectively) mounted on the handle member (9 and 10 respectively), whereby the locking mechanism comprises at least one wedge means (18 or 19) mounted on the handle member (9 and 10 respectively) between which and the stand (11 and 12 respectively) is arranged at least one wedge member (20 or 21) which by being wedged up between the wedge means and the stand, prevents the handle member from moving downwards when loaded, and whereby the releasing device is adapted to move the wedge member from locking position by pressing down the same against the action of a return spring (22).

4. A device according to claim 2, wherein each handle member (9 and 10 respectively) comprises a handle (16 and 17 respectively) which is mounted to pivot around a vertical portion of the handle member.

5. A device according to claim 1 wherein each lateral member (5 and 6 respectively) comprises a braking device (23 and 24 respectively) for braking its wheels (25 and 26 respectively), whereby said locking device comprises at least one braking portion (27) which, when applying a load on the lateral member from above against the action of a return element (28), moves towards the wheel and engages the wheel for blocking its rotation.

6. A device according to claim 1 wherein each lateral member (5 and 6 respectively) cooperates with at least one locking device (31), which, on the one hand, is adjustable for limiting the swinging movements of the lateral members relative the front member (2) so that the lateral member is pivotable a limited number of degrees, preferably from 0°

to maximum 20°

-40°

, outwards or inwards from a neutral position at which the lateral member runs substantially at an angle normal to the front member and, on the other hand, is releasable for folding the walking support.

7. A device according to claim 6 wherein the frame (1) comprises front wheels (35 and 36 respectively), the retainers (54 and 55 respectively) of which are mounted to pivot around a vertical axle and rear wheels (25 and 26 respectively), the retainers (51) of which are mounted to pivot around a horizontal axle (52).

8. A device according to claim 1 wherein each lateral member (5 and 6 respectively), extends from the link (3 and 4 respectively) via which it is connected to the front member (2) lying in another plane than the front member, and is arranged to swing to a position in which it runs substantially parallel to the front member and with the part thereof closest to the link beneath the front member.

9. A device according to claim 1 wherein each link (3 and 4 respectively) comprises a bearing (37) connected to the wheels (35, 36) of the frame (1), a sleeve (58) journalled on the bearing and connected to the lateral member (5 and 6 respectively) and a second sleeve (57) pivoted on said first sleeve and connected to the front member (2).

10. A device according to claim 1 wherein each supporting means (7 and 8 respectively) is mounted on a central member (38) of the lateral member (5 and 6 respectively) whereby the central member lies on a lower level than parts of the lateral member on both sides thereof.