ROLLATOR

Abstract

A rollator for mobility assistance to a user is provided. The rollator includes a chassis foldable in a compacted configuration, wheels rotatably mounted to the chassis, wheel braking assemblies engageable with the wheels, and a pair of handgrips mountable to the chassis and operatively connected to the chassis. Both handgrips have to be configured in a handgrip displacement configuration to configure the wheel braking assemblies into a displacement configuration of the wheels and wherein both wheel braking assemblies are simultaneously in the displacement configuration. The rollator can include a seat assembly which can be configured in a raised configuration and a seated configuration. In the seated configuration, a pressure equal to or greater than a seat pressure threshold has to be applied on the seat for the wheel braking assemblies to be configured in the displacement configuration.

Claims

1.-136. (canceled)

137. A rollator for mobility assistance to a user, the rollator comprising: a chassis including: a front portion and two lateral side portions, each one of the two lateral side portions extending rearwardly from a respective end of the front portion; at least one right-side wheel and at least one left-side wheel rotatably mounted to at least one of the front portion of the chassis and rear ends of the lateral side portions of the chassis; at least a right-side and a left-side wheel braking assemblies, each one of the right-side and left-side wheel braking assemblies having a wheel stopper engageable with a respective one of the right-side and left-side wheels and configurable in a displacement configuration allowing rotation of the respective one of the right-side and left-side wheels and a braking configuration wherein the wheel stopper is engaged with the respective one of the right-side and left-side wheels and prevent rotation thereof; and a pair of pivotable handgrips operatively connected to the wheel braking assemblies and being selectively configurable in a handgrip displacement configuration and in a handgrip braking configuration, wherein configuration of one of the handgrips in the handgrip braking configuration configures the wheel stoppers of the right-side and left-side wheel braking assemblies in the braking configuration wherein they are engaged with their respective one of the right-side and left-side wheels.

138. The rollator according to claim 137, wherein the at least one right-side wheel and at least one left-side wheel comprises a right-side fixed wheel and a left-side fixed wheel and the wheel stopper of the at least right-side wheel braking assembly is engageable with the right-side fixed wheel and the wheel stopper of the at least left-side wheel braking assembly is engageable with the left-side fixed wheel, wherein the right-side fixed wheel and the left-side fixed wheel are rotatably mounted to a respective one of the rear ends of the lateral side portions of the chassis.

139. The rollator according to claim 137, wherein the right-side and the left-side wheel braking assemblies are configured in the displacement configuration if both handgrips are configured in the handgrip displacement configuration.

140. The rollator according to claim 137, wherein the chassis defined by the front portion and the two lateral side portions has a substantially U-shape profile with the front and lateral side portions defining a seat/walker receiving area inbetween; and the rollator further comprises a seat assembly including a seat pivotally mounted to the chassis and selectively configurable in a raised configuration and a seated configuration wherein the seat extends substantially horizontally in the seat/walker receiving area, the seat/walker receiving area being unobstructed when the seat is configured in the raised configuration.

141. The rollator according to claim 140, wherein the lateral side portions are pivotally mounted to the respective end of the front portion and selectively configurable in an operative configuration wherein they are spaced-apart from one another to define the seat/walker receiving area inbetween and a compacted configuration wherein they are superposed to each other and extend substantially parallel to the front portion.

142. The rollator according to claim 141, wherein the seat is configured in the raised configuration in the compacted configuration of the lateral side portions and is located between the front portion and the lateral side portions of the chassis.

143. The rollator according to claim 137, wherein the handgrips are pivotable and: the handgrip displacement configuration comprises a lowered configuration in which the handgrips extend substantially horizontally and wherein a pressure below a handgrip pressure threshold is applied thereon, and wherein the wheel braking assemblies are disengaged from their respective wheels if both handgrips are simultaneously configured in the handgrip displacement configuration; and the handgrip braking configuration comprises: a raised configuration of the handgrips wherein the handgrips extend above the handgrip displacement configuration and a lowerable into the handgrip displacement configuration; and a excessive pressure configuration wherein the handgrips are configured in the lowered configuration and a pressure equal to or greater than the handgrip pressure threshold is applied thereon.

144. The rollator according to claim 143, wherein the handgrips are configured in the raised configuration when no pressure is applied thereon.

145. The rollator according to claim 140, further comprising a wheel braking system comprising the wheel braking assemblies and being operatively connected to the seat of the seat assembly, wherein when the seat is configured in the seated configuration with a pressure greater than or equal to a seat pressure threshold applied thereon, the wheel braking assemblies are configured in the displacement configuration and when the seat is configured in the seated configuration with a pressure lower than the seat pressure threshold applied thereon, the wheel braking assemblies are configured in the braking configuration.

146. The rollator according to claim 145, wherein the wheel braking system further comprises a wheel braking assembly controller mounted to the chassis and operatively connecting the handgrips to the wheel braking assemblies.

147. The rollator according to claim 146, wherein the wheel braking assembly controller comprises: a pair of outer tubes, each one of the outer tubes being operatively connected to a respective one of the handgrips and being rotatable along a rotation axis thereof upon actuation of the respective one of the handgrips; a shaft operatively connected to the wheel braking assemblies, the shaft having a substantially cylindrical portion at least partially enclosed into the outer tubes and a joint protruding from the cylindrical portion, the shaft being rotatable along a rotation axis thereof to configure the wheel braking assemblies simultaneously in one of the braking configuration and the displacement configuration, wherein the outer tubes abut against the joint when rotating simultaneously to engage the shaft in rotation and wherein the shaft is not engaged in rotation when only one of the outer tubes is engaged in rotation.

148. The rollator according to claim 146, wherein the wheel braking assembly controller comprises: a power supply, handgrip sensors operatively connected to the handgrips, a logic controller, electric connectors connecting the handgrip sensors to the wheel braking systems through the logic controller, and a power supply operatively connected to at least one of the handgrip sensors, the logic controller and the wheel braking assemblies to supply electric power thereto.

149. The rollator according to claim 137, further comprising a handgrip assembly comprising at least one handgrip frame pivotally mounted to the chassis and including lateral side portions extending substantially in a same plane than a respective one of the lateral side portions of the chassis, each one of the lateral side portions of the at least one handgrip frame having one of the pair of handgrips pivotally mounted thereto, the at least one handgrip frame being selectively configurable in an operative configuration wherein at least one of the handgrips is located rearwardly of the front portion of the chassis and a frontward configuration wherein at least one of the handgrips is located forwardly of the front portion of the chassis.

150. The rollator according to claim 137, wherein each one of the wheel braking assemblies comprises a gear disk secured to the respective one of the wheels, the gear disk having a plurality of triangular-shaped teeth extending peripherally and the respective one of the wheel stoppers is engageable with the respective gear disk in the braking configuration to prevent rotation of the respective one of the wheels.

151. The rollator according to claim 150, wherein each one of the gear disks includes a plurality of rounded recesses, adjacent ones of the triangular-shaped teeth being separated by one of the rounded recesses defined inbetween.

152. The rollator according to claim 150, wherein each one of the wheel stoppers comprises a tooth engaging brake lever pivotally mounted to the chassis and having at least one round-ended tooth.

153. The rollator according to claim 152, wherein the at least one round-ended tooth comprises at least a pair of round-ended teeth, each one of round-ended teeth being spaced-apart by a pointed tooth receiving recess.

154. A rollator for mobility assistance to a user, the rollator comprising: a chassis including: a front portion and two lateral side portions, each one of the two lateral side portions extending rearwardly from a respective end of the front portion; at least one right-side wheel and at least one left-side wheel rotatably mounted to at least one of the front portion of the chassis and rear ends of the lateral side portions of the chassis; at least a right-side and a left-side wheel braking assemblies, each one of the right-side and left-side wheel braking assemblies having a wheel stopper engageable with a respective one of the right-side and left-side wheels and configurable in a displacement configuration allowing rotation of the respective one of the right-side and left-side wheels and a braking configuration wherein the wheel stopper is engaged with the respective one of the right-side and left-side wheels and prevent rotation thereof; and a pair of pivotable handgrips operatively connected to the wheel braking assemblies and being selectively configurable in a handgrip displacement configuration and in a handgrip braking configuration, wherein the wheel stoppers of the right-side and left-side wheel braking assemblies are configured in the displacement configuration allowing rotation of the respective one of the right-side and left-side wheels unless the two handgrips are configured in the handgrip displacement configuration.

155. A rollator for mobility assistance to a user, the rollator comprising: a chassis including: a front portion and two lateral side portions, each one of the lateral side portions extending rearwardly from a respective end of the front portion to define a seat/walker receiving area; at least one pair of wheels rotatably mounted to the chassis; and a handgrip assembly including a handgrip frame pivotally mounted to the chassis and including a lateral side portion extending substantially in a same plane than a respective one of the lateral side portions of the chassis, the lateral side portion of the handgrip frame including a handgrip mounted thereto, the handgrip frame being configurable in an operative configuration wherein the handgrip is located rearwardly of the front portion of the chassis and a frontward configuration wherein the handgrip is located forwardly of the front portion of the chassis.

156. The rollator according to claim 155, further comprising a seat assembly and a wheel braking system; the seat assembly including a seat pivotally mounted to the chassis and selectively configurable in a raised configuration and a seated configuration wherein the seat extends substantially horizontally in the seat/walker receiving area, the seat/walker receiving area being unobstructed when the seat is configured in the raised configuration; and the wheel braking system being engageable with the at least one pair of wheels and configurable in a displacement configuration allowing rotation of the wheels and a braking configuration wherein the wheel braking system is engaged with at least one of the at least one pair of wheels to prevent rotation thereof and wherein the seat assembly is operatively connected to the wheel braking system, wherein when the seat is configured in the seated configuration, the wheel braking system is configured in the braking configuration if a pressure applied on the seat is lower than a seat pressure threshold.

157. The rollator according to claim 156, wherein, when the seat is configured in the seated configuration, the wheel braking system is configured in the displacement configuration if a pressure equal to or greater than the seat pressure threshold is applied thereon and the seat is further pivoted downwardly towards a horizontally-extending configuration when a pressure equal to or greater than the seat pressure threshold is applied to the seat; and the handgrip is pivotally mounted to the handgrip frame and is operatively connected to the wheel braking system, the handgrip being selectively configurable in: a raised configuration and a lowered configuration, wherein, if the seat is configured in the raised configuration, configuration of the handgrip in the raised configuration configures the wheel braking system in the braking configuration and configuration of the handgrip in the lowered configuration with a pressure applied thereon equal to or greater than a handgrip pressure threshold configures the wheel braking system in the braking configuration.

158. The rollator according to claim 155, wherein the lateral side portions are pivotally mounted to the respective end of the front portion and selectively configurable in an operative configuration wherein they are spaced-apart from one another to define the seat/walker receiving area inbetween and a compacted configuration wherein they are superposed to each other and extend substantially parallel to the front portion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0545] FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are respectively a front perspective view, a left side elevation view and a front elevation view of a rollator in accordance with an illustrative embodiment, with a seat frame configured in a seated configuration.

[0546] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the rollator shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, with the seat frame configured in the raised configuration and showing inside clearance within a seat/walker receiving area.

[0547] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the rollator shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, wherein a handgrip frame is configured in a frontward configuration.

[0548] FIG. 4A is a bottom plan view of the rollator shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, with lateral side portions of a chassis in a partially compacted configuration and the seat frame in a raised configuration.

[0549] FIG. 4B is a rear perspective view of the rollator shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C in the configuration of FIG. 4A.

[0550] FIG. 4C is an enlarged view of a pivotable connection between a lateral side portion and a front portion of the chassis including a chassis pivoting lock assembly.

[0551] FIGS. 5A and 5B are respectively a front perspective view and a left side elevation view of the rollator shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C with the lateral side portions in the compacted configuration and a seat in the raised configuration.

[0552] FIG. 5C is a left side elevation view of the rollator of FIGS. 5A and 5B in the compacted configuration, tilted forwardly and ready for transport from one location to another.

[0553] FIG. 6A is a rear perspective view of the rollator shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C with the seat in the raised configuration.

[0554] FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of a secondary handgrip assembly of the rollator of FIG. 6A.

[0555] FIG. 7A is a rear perspective view of a handgrip assembly of the rollator shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C with an inner cover removed.

[0556] FIG. 7B is a right-side elevation view of the handgrip assembly of FIG. 7A.

[0557] FIG. 8A is a right-side elevation view of a fixed wheel and its wheel braking assembly of the rollator shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, wherein a cover portion is removed.

[0558] FIG. 8B is a left side elevation view of the fixed wheel and its wheel braking assembly of FIG. 8A.

[0559] FIG. 8C is an enlarged view of the wheel braking assembly of FIG. 8A configured in a wheel braking configuration.

[0560] FIGS. 9A and 9B are respectively a front perspective view and a front elevation view of the rollator shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, showing a first embodiment of a wheel braking assembly controller.

[0561] FIG. 9C is an enlarged perspective view of a right section of the wheel braking assembly controller of FIG. 9A.

[0562] FIG. 9D is an enlarged front elevation view of the wheel braking assembly controller of FIG. 9B.

[0563] FIG. 9E is a front perspective view of the rollator including a wheel braking assembly controller in accordance with a second embodiment.

[0564] FIG. 9F is a front elevation view the rollator including the wheel braking assembly controller shown in FIG. 9E.

[0565] FIG. 9G is an enlarged view of a section of the wheel braking assembly controller shown in FIG. 9E.

[0566] FIG. 9H is a front elevation view, enlarged, of the wheel braking assembly controller shown in FIG. 9F.

[0567] FIG. 9I is a front perspective view of the rollator including a wheel braking assembly controller in accordance with a third embodiment.

[0568] FIG. 9J is an enlarged view of a section of the wheel braking assembly controller shown in FIG. 9i.

[0569] FIG. 9K is a front elevation view, enlarged, of the wheel braking assembly controller shown in FIG. 9I.

[0570] FIG. 9L is a front elevation of the rollator including the wheel braking assembly controller shown in FIG. 9I.

[0571] FIG. 9M is a sectional view taken along cross-section lines A-A of FIG. 9L of the rollator.

[0572] FIG. 9N is an enlarged view of a section of the wheel braking assembly controller shown in FIG. 9M, showing a portion of an anti-roll back system.

[0573] FIG. 10A is a front elevation view of the rollator shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C showing the anti-roll back system in the wheel braking assembly controller.

[0574] FIG. 10B is a sectional view taken along cross-section lines A-A of FIG. 10A of the rollator.

[0575] FIG. 10C is an enlarged view of FIG. 10B.

[0576] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a safety condition recognition and identification in relation with a user's behavior.

[0577] FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of a wheel braking system including the wheel braking controller shown in FIGS. 9A to 9D, showing a safety condition when only one of a handgrip is configured in a displacement/walking configuration.

[0578] FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of the wheel braking system including the wheel braking controller shown in FIGS. 9A to 9D, showing a safety condition when the pair of handgrips is configured in the displacement/walking configuration and no excessive pressure is applied on the handgrips.

[0579] FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of the wheel braking system including the wheel braking controller shown in FIGS. 9A to 9D, showing a safety condition when an excessive pressure is applied on at least one of the handgrips.

[0580] FIG. 15A is a schematic left side elevation view of a user with a rollator of the prior art and FIG. 15B is a schematic left side elevation view of a user with the rollator of FIG. 1A, specifically illustrating an arm angle, blind spot, driving position and force vector generated by a user of the rollator.

[0581] FIG. 16A is a schematic top plan view of a user with a rollator of the prior art and FIG. 16B is a schematic top plan view of a user with the rollator of FIG. 1A illustrating a ground space required to operate the rollator.

[0582] FIG. 17 is a schematic left side elevation view of the rollator of FIG. 1A with the seat in a seated configuration and the handgrip frame in a frontward configuration in accordance with an embodiment wherein the rollator is used as a desk chair with a desk or a kitchen table.

[0583] FIG. 18 is a schematic left side elevation view of the rollator of FIG. 1A with the seat in a raised configuration in accordance with an embodiment wherein the rollator is used to give lateral and frontal support to a user working at a counter level work surface or in front of a kitchen/work counter/lavatory sink.

[0584] FIG. 19 is a schematic left side elevation view of the rollator of FIG. 1A with the seat in a seated configuration and the handgrip frame in a frontward configuration in accordance with an embodiment wherein the rollator is used in a transport chair mode involving a caregiver helping a user and their relative position towards each other.

[0585] FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the rollator of FIG. 1A with the seat in a seated configuration, the handgrip frame in a frontward configuration and with feet rests mounted in accessories receiving tubes.

[0586] FIG. 21 is a schematic right-side elevation view of the rollator of FIG. 1A with the seat in a raised configuration and the handgrip frame in a frontward configuration in accordance with an embodiment wherein the rollator is rolled above a toilet.

[0587] FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of the rollator of FIG. 1A with the seat in a raised configuration and with an oxygen tank and tank support mounted to the accessory receiving tube.

[0588] FIG. 23 is a front perspective view of the rollator of FIG. 1A with the seat in a raised configuration and with a solute poll mounted to the accessory receiving tube.

[0589] FIG. 24 is a schematic front perspective view of the rollator shown in FIG. 1A having a walking re-education assembly in accordance with an embodiment mounted thereto;

[0590] FIG. 25 is a front elevation view of a wheel braking assembly including a gear disk and a wheel stopper in accordance with another embodiment wherein the gear disk includes a plurality of triangular-shaped teeth.

[0591] FIG. 26A is a rear perspective view of a rollator in accordance with an embodiment wherein the rollator is used with wheelchair wheels to ease propulsion when a user is in a seated position.

[0592] FIGS. 26B and 26C are respectively a left side elevation view and a front elevation view of the rollator of FIG. 26A.

[0593] FIG. 27A is a left side elevation view of the rollator of FIG. 26A, with a cover removed showing a wheel braking system.

[0594] FIG. 27B is an enlarged view of the wheel braking assembly of the rollator shown in FIG. 27A.

[0595] FIG. 28A is a side elevation view from outside of a section of the wheel braking assembly of FIG. 27B.

[0596] FIG. 28B is a side view from inside of a section of the wheel braking assembly of FIG. 27B.

[0597] FIG. 28C is an exploded view of the section of the wheel braking assembly of FIG. 28A.

[0598] It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0599] In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several references numbers, not all figures contain references to all the components and features, and references to some components and features may be found in only one figure, and components and features of the present disclosure which are illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures are optional, and are given for exemplification purposes only.

[0600] Moreover, although the embodiments of the rollator and corresponding parts thereof consist of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperation thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations, may be used for the rollator, as will be briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art. Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional descriptions such as “above”, “below”, “left”, “right” and the like should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures and should not be considered limiting.

[0601] Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional descriptions such as “above”, “below”, “forward”, “rearward” “left”, “right” and the like should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures and correspond to the position and orientation of the rollator and corresponding parts, with the “front” corresponding to a position closer to a front portion of the rollator including a backrest and the “rear” corresponding to a position closer to a rear portion of the rollator, away from the backrest. Positional descriptions should not be considered limiting.

[0602] Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C, there is shown an embodiment of a rollator 50 for mobility assistance to a user. The rollator 50 can be used as a rollator/walker, but it is appreciated that the rollator is not limited to this mode of operation. As further explained below, the rollator 50 can be used, among applications, as a transport chair, as a wheelchair, as an office wheeled chair and as a re-education tool.

[0603] The rollator 50 comprises a chassis 100 including a front portion 190 and two lateral side portions 195, each one of the lateral side portions 195 extending rearwardly from a respective end of the front portion 190. As will be described in more details below, the chassis 100 of the rollator 50 is designed to allow its use in most non-adapted environments such as public toilets, elevators, kitchen counter, office desks, etc.

[0604] In the embodiment shown, the lateral side portions 195 extend rearwardly from a respective end of the front portion 190 and substantially normal to the front portion 190 providing a good positioning and good front and lateral stability to the rollator user. By substantially normal, it is meant that an angle between one of the lateral side portions 195 and the front portion 190 is about 85° and about 110°.

[0605] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown that the chassis 100 of the rollator 50 has a substantially U-shape (in a top plan view) that defines a seat/walker receiving area 816 (or operating area) and provides a completely cleared interior, i.e. which is unobstructed, that is, free of transversal members extending between the lateral side portions 195, and that allows a user to position himself inside of the chassis 100 giving lateral and front accessible handrail support, as will be described in more details below. The seat/walker area 816 is defined by a distance 813 between the two lateral side portions 195 of the chassis 100 and a distance 812 behind the front portion 190 of the chassis 100 (such as the front handrail 104) and a rear end of the two lateral side portions 195. The seat/walker area 816 allows to travel within the chassis 100 of the rollator 50, thereby providing improved lateral support and be more compacted when travelling in a limited space (for instance inside an elevator).

[0606] It is appreciated that, in an alternative embodiment, the shape and configuration of the chassis, including the front portion 190 and the lateral side portions 195, may differ from the embodiment shown in the accompanying figures.

[0607] In addition to the U-shaped chassis 100, the rollator 50 includes, amongst others, a pair of primary handgrip assembly 265 provided with primary pivotable handgrips 204, at least one of accessory receiving tube 103 mounted to the chassis 100, a front handrail 104, a seat assembly 400 including a seat 410 (FIG. 20), two rear wheels 102, two front wheels 128, a wheel braking system 650 including wheel braking assemblies 300 and a wheel braking assembly controller 600, and a pair of secondary handgrips 500.

[0608] In an embodiment, swivel wheels 128 are mounted to the front portion 190 of the chassis 100 and fixed wheels 102 are mounted to rear ends of the lateral side portions 195 of the chassis 100. Each one of the wheel braking assemblies 300 includes a wheel stopper 345 (FIGS. 8 and 25). In an embodiment, the wheel stoppers 345 are engageable with a respective one of the fixed wheels 102 and configurable in a displacement configuration wherein they are disengaged from their respective wheel 102 to allow rotation thereof and a braking configuration wherein the respective wheel stopper 345 is engaged its respective fixed wheel 102 and prevent rotation thereof and, therefore, displacement of the rollator 50. The handgrips 204 of the primary handgrip assemblies 265 are mounted (directly or indirectly) to the chassis 100 and operatively connected to the wheel braking assemblies 300. The handgrips 204 are selectively configurable in a handgrip displacement configuration (i.e. lowered configuration) and in a handgrip braking configuration (which can be either the raised configuration or the lowered configuration, as will be described in more details below). Configuration of at least one of the handgrips 204 in the wheel braking configuration configures the two wheel stoppers 345 in the braking configuration wherein they are engaged with their respective one of the fixed wheels 102. Therefore, configuration of both handgrips 204 in the handgrip displacement configuration, with a pressure applied thereon below a handgrip pressure threshold) is required to have the two wheel stoppers 345 disengaged from the fixed wheels 102 and to allow displacement of the rollator 50.

[0609] It is appreciated that the wheel braking assemblies 300 can be engaged with the front wheels instead of the rear wheels or with both the front and rear wheels. It is also appreciated that the front and rear wheels can be either swivel or fixed wheels and that the wheel braking assemblies can be engaged with either swivel or fixed wheels.

[0610] In an embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, each one of the handgrip assemblies 200 includes a pivotable handgrip 204 which is operatively connected to the wheel braking assembly(ies) 300. As mentioned above, each one of the pivotable handgrips 204 is selectively configurable in: a raised configuration and a lowered configuration, wherein the handgrip extends substantially horizontally. The raised configuration is a wheel braking configuration, wherein at least one of the wheel braking assemblies 300 is engaged with at least one of the wheels and prevent rotation thereof. If both handgrips are configured in the lowered configuration simultaneously and the pressure applied thereon is below a handgrip pressure threshold, the wheel braking assemblies are disengaged from the wheels. However, if at least one of the handgrips is configured in the lowered configuration and the pressure applied thereon is equal to or greater that a handgrip pressure threshold, the wheel braking assemblies are configured in the braking configuration, wherein they are engaged with the wheels to prevent rotation thereof.

[0611] In an embodiment, the pivotable handgrips 204 are configured in the raised configuration when no pressure is applied thereon, i.e. they are biased towards the raised configuration.

[0612] In an embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 4A and 4B, the seat 410, mounted to seat frame 401, of the seat assembly 400 (only the seat frame is shown) is pivotally mounted to the chassis 100 and configurable between a raised configuration and a seated configuration wherein the seat 410 extends substantially horizontally in the seat/walker receiving area 816. In an embodiment, the seat assembly 400 is operatively connected to the wheel braking assembly(ies) 300 and, when the seat 410 is configured in the seated configuration, the wheel braking assemblies 300 are configured in the displacement configuration, i.e. disengaged from the rear wheels 102.

[0613] In an embodiment, with reference to FIG. 3, when the seat/walker receiving area 816 is unobstructed when the seat 410 is configured in the raised configuration.

[0614] In an embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 1B and 3, the primary handgrip assembly 265 includes at least one handgrip frame 202 (or swing arms) pivotally mounted to the chassis 100. In the embodiment shown, the handgrip frame 202 includes two lateral side portions 202A, 202B extending substantially in a same plane than a respective one of the lateral side portions 195 of the chassis 100. Each one of the lateral side portions 202A, 202B of the handgrip frame 202 includes one of the handgrips 204 mounted thereto. The handgrip frame 202 is configurable in an operative configuration wherein the handgrips 204 are located rearwardly of the front portion 190 of the chassis 100 and a frontward configuration wherein the handgrips 204 are located forwardly of the front portion 190 of the chassis 100.

[0615] In the embodiment shown, the lateral side portions 202A, 202B are independently pivotable in the operative configuration and the frontward configuration. However, in an alternative embodiment, it is appreciated that the handgrip assembly can include a single handgrip frame wherein the handgrips mounted to the lateral side portions 202A, 202B are mechanically connected and simultaneously pivotable in the operative configuration and the frontward configuration.

[0616] In an embodiment, with reference to FIG. 1A, the rollator 50 also includes a pair of secondary handgrips 500 mounted to a respective one of the lateral side portions 195 of the chassis 100 and adjacent to a rear end thereof. The secondary handgrips 500 extend below the primary handgrips 204 mounted to the pivotable handgrip frame 202 in the operative configuration thereof.

[0617] In an embodiment, with reference to FIG. 3, the chassis 100 includes a plurality of vertically-extending members, such as legs 118 and axle tube 105, with at least some of the vertically-extending members including at least two telescopically-engaged segments to adjust a height of the chassis 100.

[0618] In an embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4C and 5A and 5B, the two lateral side portions 195 are pivotally mounted to a respective end of the front portion 190 to be configurable in an operative configuration wherein they are spaced-apart from one another and extend substantially parallel to each other to define the seat/walker receiving area 816 inbetween and a compacted configuration wherein they are superposed to each other and extend substantially parallel to the front portion 190. In an embodiment, in the operative configuration, the lateral side portions 195 extend substantially normal to the front portion 190.

[0619] In an embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8C and 25, each one of the wheel braking assemblies 300 includes a gear disk 315 secured to a respective one of the wheels of the rollator 50. The gear disk 315 has a plurality of triangular-shaped teeth 315 extending peripherally. The wheel stopper 345 of the wheel braking assembly 300 is engageable with the respective gear disk 315 and configurable in the displacement configuration wherein it is disengaged from the respective gear disk 315 to allow rotation of the corresponding wheel and a braking configuration wherein it is engaged with the respective gear disk 315 to prevent rotation of the corresponding wheel. In an embodiment, the gear disk 315 also includes a plurality of rounded recesses 351 with adjacent ones of the triangular-shaped teeth 350 being separated by one of the rounded recesses defined inbetween.

[0620] In an embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the chassis 100 has at least one accessory receiving tube 103 mounted thereto. It can be secured to the lateral side portions 195 and/or the front portion 190. In the embodiment shown, the chassis 100 includes two pairs of accessory receiving tubes 103, each one of the pairs being mounted on a respective lateral side portions 195 of the chassis 100, rearwardly thereof. It is appreciated that the number, the configuration, and the position of the accessory receiving tube(s) can vary from the embodiment shown.

[0621] In an embodiment, with reference to FIG. 24, the rollator 50 includes a walking re-education assembly 760 including a frame 762 removably engageable with the chassis 100 and a ring 707. The frame 762 has two lateral side portions 764 spaced-apart from one another and extending substantially parallel to a respective one of the lateral side portions 195 of the chassis 100 when engaged therewith. The ring 707 can be attached to the two lateral side portions 764 of the frame 762 and can extend therebetween. The ring 707 is configured to partially support a weight of the user during a rehabilitation process.

[0622] In an embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 26 and 27, the rollator 50 can be provided with at least two sets of rear wheels, each one of the sets of rear wheels including at least a pair of rear wheels and being characterized by a different wheel diameter, the rear wheels being detachably and rotatably securable to the lateral side portions 195 of the chassis 100 and each one of the sets being selectively securable to the lateral side portions 195 of the chassis 100.

[0623] In the embodiment shown, each one of the lateral side portions 195 is substantially L-shaped with a horizontally-extending section pivotally connected to the front portion 190, as will be described in more details below, and a downwardly extending section configured to receive one of the fixed wheels 102 and a respective one of the wheel braking assemblies 300 at a lower end thereof. In the embodiment shown, each one of the downwardly extending sections of the lateral side portions 195 has two accessory receiving tubes 103 mounted rearwardly thereto. In the embodiment shown, the accessory receiving tubes 103 are embodiment by two square tubings that allow the user to install accessories like the secondary handgrips 500, which will be described in more details below. The secondary handgrips 500 can be used to stand up or sit down of the rest seat 410. In an embodiment, the secondary handgrips 500 can be adjustable in height, as described in more details below.

[0624] In the embodiment shown, the front portion 190 includes a combination of one or several horizontally and vertically extending structural members. It also includes two rearward extensions 151, one on each side, each one being connected to a respective one of the lateral side portion 195. The front portion 190 also includes a front plate 125 extending between the two rearward extensions 151 and two lateral plates 129. In an embodiment, the front plate 125 is substantially normal to each one of the lateral plates 129. The front portion 190 of the chassis 100 also includes L-shaped reinforcement brackets 117, each one being secured to a respective one of the lateral chassis plate 129.

[0625] As shown in FIG. 4C, the front portion 190 of the chassis 100 also includes upper and lower reinforcement angle plates 114, 111 secured to the lateral plates 129 and the front plate 125, in the inside corners of the U-shaped chassis 100. The upper and lower reinforcement angle plates 114, 111 increase the rigidity of the chassis 100. For instance and without being limitative, the upper and lower reinforcement angle plates 114, 111 can be secured to the lateral plates 129 and the front plate 125 by welding.

[0626] At a rear end 116 thereof, the upper and lower reinforcement angle plates 114, 111 have through holes defined therein. The holes defined in the upper reinforcement angle plate 114 are in register with the holes defined in the lower reinforcement angle plate 111 in a manner such that the lateral side portions 195 of the chassis 100 are pivotally connected to the upper and lower reinforcement angle plates 114, 111 of the front portion 190 of the chassis 100 through these through holes, as will be described in more details below with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4C and 5A to 5C.

[0627] The vertically extending structural members of the front portion 190 includes two legs 118 extending downwardly from opposed lateral ends of the front portion 190. A respective one of the swivel wheels 128 is rotatably mounted to a lower end of each one of the legs 118. Each one of the lateral plates 129 is also secured to a respective one of the legs 118.

[0628] It is appreciated that the shape and configuration of the chassis 100, including the front and lateral side portions 190, 195 and their components may vary from the embodiment shown. For instance and without being limitative, the front and lateral side portions 190, 195 of the chassis 100 are conceived with square cross-section tubing but it is appreciated that, in alternative implementations, tubing of any cross-section can be used.

[0629] The front portion 190 also includes a substantially U-shaped handrail 104. In an embodiment, the U-shaped handrail 104 is fixed to the chassis 100, i.e. it is not pivotally mounted, and, more particularly, to a front face of the front plate 125. In the embodiment shown, the handrail 104 is made of a square cross-section tubing but it is appreciated that the shape and the configuration of the tubing and the handrail 104 may vary. In an embodiment, the front handrail 104 can be secured through mechanical fasteners, such as bolts, by welding or by any other suitable technique. In an embodiment, with reference to FIG. 18, a height of a horizontally-extending section of the handrail 104, with respect to the ground, will exceed the height of a regular kitchen counter 809 by a distance sufficient to exceed the countertop in a way to leave sufficient space for the user fingers to grip the handrail 104. Thus, the handrail 104 can be used as a frontal support for the user while working at a kitchen or any type of counter 809 (FIG. 18).

[0630] Furthermore, the U-shaped handrail 104 can act as a backrest. In an embodiment, it can be covered with a lining material (not shown), such as and without being limitative, soft fabric or plastic material attached on the two vertical sections of the U-shaped handrail 104. In an embodiment, the lining material could be made of transparent vinyl material to reduce potential blinder. In an embodiment, the backrest can be a cushioned backrest mounted to the handrail 104. It is appreciated that, in an alternative embodiment, the shape and configuration of the handrail 104 may differ from the embodiment shown in the accompanying figures. Furthermore, the front handrail 104 can be adjustable in height or pivotally mounted to modify its inclination with respect to the seat 410.

[0631] In the embodiment shown, the rollator 50 also includes a seat assembly 400 mounted to the chassis 100 and, more particularly, pivotally mounted to the front portion 190 of the chassis 100. As will be described in more details below, the seat assembly 400 includes a seat 410 configurable between a raised configuration (FIGS. 2 and 6A) and a seated configuration (see FIGS. 1A and 1B). In the raised configuration, the seat 410 is abutted against the handrail 104, i.e. it extends substantially vertically, freeing the seat/walker receiving area 816. The seat 410 can be configured in the raised configuration when using the rollator 50 in the walking mode of transportation. In the seated configuration, the seat 410 extends substantially horizontally in the seat/walker receiving area 816. The seat 410 can be selectively configured in the seated configuration when using the rollator 50 in the seated mode and in the raised configuration when using the rollator in a walking mode.

[0632] In the embodiment shown, the seat assembly 400 is pivotally mounted to the lateral plates 129 at rear seat pivot attachment points 115. It is appreciated that the position of the rear seat pivot attachment points 115 can vary on the chassis 100 and on the lateral plates 129.

[0633] When configured in the seated configuration, the seat 410 is spaced apart from the ground by a chassis distance 811. In an embodiment, the chassis distance 811 should be sufficient so that the rollator 50 can be rolled over a standard public toilet, as shown in FIG. 21.

[0634] In the embodiment shown, the wheels mounted to lateral side portions 195 are fixed wheels while the wheels mounted to the front portion 190 are swivel wheels. However, it is appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, the type of wheels mounted to the front and lateral side portions 190, 195 can vary from the embodiment shown. For instance and without being limitative, the swivel wheels can be mounted to the lateral side portions 195 while the fixed wheels can be mounted to the front portion 190. Furthermore, the four wheels can be either swivel or fixed wheels.

[0635] Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown that the swivel wheels 128 are mounted to the legs 118 at the front portion 190 of the chassis through upper and lower swivel wheel bearing barrel attachment brackets 136, 137. Each one of the swivel wheel assemblies also includes a swivel wheel bearing barrel 120 and a wheel fork 101. The swivel wheel bearing barrel 120 is mounted to the leg 118 through the upper and lower swivel wheel bearing barrel attachment brackets 136, 137. The swivel wheel fork 101 is mounted to the rollator chassis 100 via its pivoting shaft which is connected coaxially with the swivel wheel bearing barrel 120 with two roller bearings (not shown) one located at the top end of the swivel wheel bearing barrel 120 and one located at the bottom. The swivel wheel 128 is mounted to the swivel wheel fork axle 101 through an axle bolt 119 on which the swivel wheel 128 can rotate freely about its rotation axis. The swivel wheel fork 101 allow the swivel wheel 128 to pivot to the left or to the right as shown by arrows 904.

[0636] In the embodiment shown, the rollator 50 also includes two wheel braking assemblies 300, each one having a wheel stopper 245 engageable with a respective one of the rear and fixed wheels 102 and configurable in a displacement configuration allowing rotation of the wheels 102 and a braking configuration wherein the wheel braking assembly 300 is engaged with the respective one of wheels 102 and prevent rotation thereof. In the embodiment shown, each one of the wheel braking assemblies 300 is engageable with a respective one of the fixed wheels 102 mounted to the lateral side portions 195. However, it is appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, the wheel braking assemblies 300 can be engaged with the wheels mounted to the lateral side portions 195 and/or the front portion 190, which can be either swivel or fixed wheels, any combination thereof being possible. As will be described in more details below, in the embodiment shown, each one of the wheel braking assemblies 300 includes gear-type brake disks 315.

[0637] In the embodiment shown, each one of the fixed wheels 102 can be engaged by a respective one of the wheel braking assemblies 300.

[0638] In the embodiment shown, the rollator 50 also includes two primary handgrip assemblies 200, one for each lateral side frame 195. Each primary handgrip assembly 200 includes a handgrip frame 202 pivotally mounted to the chassis 100, a handgrip control box 225 mounted to the handgrip frame 202, and a handgrip 204 mounted to the handgrip control box 225.

[0639] In the embodiment shown, each of the handgrip frame 202 is pivotally mounted to a respective one of the rearward extensions 151 of the front portion 190, inwardly thereof. More particularly, each of the handgrip frame 202 is pivotally mounted to a respective one of the lateral plates 129 at handgrip pivot attachment point 116, located close to a front end of the respective lateral plate 129. In the embodiment shown, the handgrip frames 202 are substantially L-shaped with a first end pivotally mounted to the chassis 100 and the handgrip control box 235 being mounted close to the opposed end.

[0640] Furthermore, in some implementations, the lateral plates 129 can be provided with more than one handgrip pivot attachment point. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the lateral plates 129 are provided with a second handgrip pivot attachment point 135. The handgrip frame 202 can be pivotally mounted to the chassis 100 through this second handgrip pivot attachment point 135 if the rollator user is tall and the handgrip pivot attachment points 116 are too low to provide an ergonomic handgrip position to the user.

[0641] The handgrip frames 202 can be configured into an operative configuration (shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C) wherein the handgrips 204 are located rearwardly of the front portion 190 and can be used to receive the hands of the rollator user in a walking mode and partially support its weight. The handgrip frames 202 can also be configured into a forward configuration (shown in FIG. 3) wherein the handgrips 204 are located forwardly of the front portion 190 of the chassis 100. For instance, the handgrip assemblies 200 can be configured in the forward configuration when the rollator is used as a transport chair to provide more freedom laterally to a user seated on the rollator seat 410. In FIG. 3, the seat 410 is configured in an exaggerated low position for clarity purposes.

[0642] In the embodiment shown, each one of the handgrip assemblies 200 includes its own handgrip frame 202 and are therefore independently pivotable between the operative configuration and the frontward configuration. However, it is appreciated that, in an alternative embodiment, the handgrip frame(s) 202 of both handgrip assemblies 200 can be connected or can be single piece and the handgrips 204 can pivot simultaneously in either the operative configuration and the forward configuration.

[0643] As will be described in more details below, when no pressure is applied thereon, the handgrips 204 are biased into a raised configuration. The handgrip control boxes 225 include an handgrip configuration detection assembly that is configured to detect the configuration of the respective one of handgrips 204 and, more particularly, whether the handgrip 204 has been depressed into a lowered configuration and if the pressure applied thereof is below or greater than the handgrip pressure threshold.

[0644] As will be described in more details below, the handgrip control boxes 225 are operatively connected to the wheel braking system 650 (FIGS. 12 to 14) and, more particularly, to the wheel braking assemblies 300. In an embodiment shown, the handgrip control boxes 225 are mechanically connected to the wheel braking assemblies 300 through control cables, such as and without being limitative, stainless multi-strand cables contained into nylon sheath.

[0645] The wheel braking system 650 also includes a wheel braking assembly controller (or hazard control mechanism) 600, which is mounted to the front portion 190 of the chassis 100 and, more particularly, to a front face of the front plate 125. The handgrip control boxes 225 are mechanically connected to the wheel braking assemblies 300 via the wheel braking assembly controller 600 and through the control cables.

[0646] Referring now to FIGS. 4A to 4C and FIGS. 5A to 5C, there is shown that the lateral side portions 195 of the chassis 100 are pivotally mounted to the front portion 190 through vertically-extending chassis hinges 106. Therefore, the lateral side portions 195 can be folded against the front portion 190 in a compacted configuration (or folded configuration) as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, which can be convenient for storage and transport. The chassis 100 also includes chassis pivoting lock assemblies for locking the vertically-extending hinges 106 in an operative configuration (see FIGS. 1A to 1C) wherein the lateral side portions 195 are spaced-apart from one another and extend substantially parallel to each other to define the seat/walker receiving area 816 inbetween.

[0647] In the compacted configuration, the lateral side portions 195 of the chassis 100 are folded over and extend substantially parallel to the front plate 125 of the front portion 190.

[0648] As shown in FIG. 5B, in the compacted configuration, the rollator 50 remains vertically stable with its four wheels 102, 128 contacting the ground, with the two fixed wheels 102 being engaged by their respective wheel braking assembly 300 in the braking configuration. Therefore, the rollator 50 remains stationary. As shown in FIG. 5C, in the compacted configuration, the rollator 50 can be tilted forwardly and pulled by the front handrail 104, as shown by arrows 924, to be rolled towards another location. In the forwardly tilted configuration, only the swivel wheels 128 contact the ground (i.e. the fixed wheels 102, which are engaged by their respective wheel braking assemblies 300 in the braking configuration, are spaced-apart from the ground). Therefore, the forwardly tilted rollator 50 can be freely displaced.

[0649] As mentioned above, the rollator 50 is equipped with the wheel braking assembly controller 600, acting as a fall detection system that detects if a person or user is about to fall or lose balance and will react accordingly by configuring the wheel braking assemblies into the braking configuration. The wheel braking assembly controller 600 is operatively connected to the handgrip assemblies 265 and the wheel braking assemblies 300. The handgrip assemblies 265 are sensing the motion behavior of the user's hands and transmit signals of the detected motion to the wheel braking assembly controller 600. Based on predetermined control logic, the wheel braking assembly controller 600 transmits signals to the wheel braking assemblies 300 in a manner such that the wheels braking assemblies 300 are configured either in the displacement configuration or the braking configuration.

[0650] The wheel braking assembly controller 600 is also operatively connected to the seat assembly 400. In an embodiment, when the seat 410 is configured in the seated configuration with the user seated thereon (i.e. with a pressure applied is equal to or greater than a seat pressure threshold), the wheel braking assembly controller 600 will configure the wheel braking assemblies 300 into the displacement configuration. The wheel braking assembly controller 600 will also automatically configure the wheel braking assemblies 300 in the braking configuration if the user attempts to stand up (i.e. if the pressure applied on the seat 410 is below the seat pressure threshold).

[0651] The rollator 50 can be manufactured and assembled using aluminium laser cut plates and aluminium square or rounded extrusion profiles, welded or attached together with the use of appropriate mechanical fasteners such as bolts, screws or nuts. It is understood that other suitable material can be used (in replacement or in combination with aluminium and aluminium alloys) including and without being limitative plastics, steel, and the like. For instance, the rear wheels 102 shown in the accompanying figures include an aluminium gear disk 315 bolted on a currently available wheelchair wheel but could also be cast within the wheel to form a single wheel of plastic. Similarly, the front plate can be made of a single aluminium casting in order to lower manufacturing costs but it is appreciated that other materials and configuration are included.

[0652] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown that the seat assembly 400 includes a pivoting tube 403 mounted at attachment points 115 to mount the seat frame 401 to the chassis 100 and, more particularly, to the front portion 190 of the chassis 100. The seat frame 401 pivots with the pivoting tube 403 between multiple configurations including the raised configuration and the seated configuration. In the embodiment shown, the seat frame 401 is secured to the pivoting tube 403. However, it is appreciated that, in an alternative embodiment, the seat frame 401 can be pivotally mounted to the pivoting tube 403. In the embodiment shown, the pivot attachment points 115 are located on a respective one of the lateral plates 129. The seat 410, shown in FIG. 20, can be mounted to the seat frame 401 (including two lateral frame structural members, a front transverse structural member and a back transverse structural member). As it is appreciated, the seat 410 can be a cushioned seat, a rigid-type of seat, a hammock-type of seat or any other suitable seat. Thus, the seat 410 is mounted between each of the lateral side portions 195 of the chassis 100.

[0653] As will be described in more details below, the pivoting tube 403 is provided with a pair of brake lifters 405 secured thereto. The brake lifters 405 are partially inserted in a pair of vertical lifter openings 622 defined the front plate 125. The brake lifters 405 are mounted at an equal distance with respect to a respective lateral frame portion 195.

[0654] In the embodiment show, the seat frame 401 is provided with a flat horizontal extension 404 at its respective front end which is designed to move within a set of vertical openings 142 defined in the front plate 125 of the chassis 100. The flat horizontal extension 404 is configured to abut against a respective upper surface of the vertical openings in a desired seat assembly configuration, therefore limiting the pivoting movement of the seat assembly 400 to a desired range of configurations. For example, it may be desired to prevent the seat assembly 400 from rotating towards the ground, i.e. at a negative angle with respect to a plane parallel to the ground.

[0655] In an embodiment, the seat assembly 400 can be adjustable in height in a manner such that it is possible for a rollator user to adjust the seat assembly height with respect to a ground surface according to his height for further comfort.

[0656] It is appreciated that the configuration and the configuration of the seat assembly 400 can vary from the embodiment described above with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0657] Still referring to FIG. 3, there is shown that the rollator 50 includes a pair of handgrip assemblies 265, each one including a handgrip frame 202 (or swing arm), a handgrip 204 mounted to the respective handgrip frame 202, and a handgrip control box 225. The handgrip frames 202 are pivotally mounted to the front portion 190 of the chassis 100 in a manner that each one can be pivoted independently of the other. In other words, one of the handgrip frame 202 can be positioned in a frontward configuration with its handgrip 204 located forwardly of the front portion 190 of the chassis 100 whereas the other handgrip frame 202 can be positioned in an operative configuration, or rearward configuration, wherein its handgrip 204 is located rearwardly of the front portion 190 of the chassis 100. However, it is appreciated that, in an alternative embodiment, the handgrip frames of the handgrip assemblies 265 can be mechanically connected or single piece in a manner such they pivot simultaneously.

[0658] In the embodiment shown, the handgrip frames 202 are made of square tubes and are substantially L-shaped. A lower end of each handgrip frame 202 is mounted to a cylindrical member 205 having a rotation axis parallel to the pivoting tube 203 of the seat assembly 400 and positioned above the pivoting tube 203. The cylindrical member 205 acts as a pivot allowing the frontward and rearward configurations of the handgrip frames 202. The lateral plates 129 include swing arm pivot holes 116, 135 to mount each handgrip frame 202 to the chassis 100 using a pivot bolt. In the embodiment shown, the chassis 100 is thus designed to provide two configurations for the height of the handgrip frames 202 by selecting one of the two swing arm pivot holes 116, 135, with the pivot attachment hole 116 being positioned below the pivot attachment hole 135. Therefore, mounting the handgrip assemblies 265 to the pivot attachment holes 135 can be more ergonomic for taller users.

[0659] It is appreciated that the shape and the configuration of the handgrip assemblies 200 including the handgrip frames 202 can vary from the embodiment described above with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0660] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown an embodiment of a locking mechanism of the handgrip assembly 265. The handgrip locking mechanism is designed to prevent unwanted or inappropriate pivoting movement of the handgrip frame 202. The handgrip locking mechanism includes a swing arm locking lever 201, which is a substantially U-shaped lever with a claw shaped extension 224 at one end that secures the handgrip frame 202 in the rearward configuration. The swing arm locking lever 201 includes a central extension including two pivot attachment holes 203. The swing arm locking lever 201 is mounted to the front portion 190 of the chassis 100 and, more particular to a U-shaped mounting bracket 232 secured to the L-shaped reinforcement bracket 117 through a pivot bolt (not shown). The locking mechanism also includes a rotation spring 223 mounted to a pivot bolt, coaxially with pivot attachment holes 203, and inside of the U-shaped mounting bracket 232. The spring 223 biases the swing arm locking lever 201 into a closed configuration where it prevents the handgrip frame 202 from pivoting by applying a constant closing pressure. To unlock the handgrip frame 202 and allow pivoting thereof, the rollator user has to apply pressure 920 on the lower part of the swing arm locking lever 201 which results in the upper part of the swing arm locking lever 201 to be displaced horizontally 921 around pivot attachment hole 203, thereby unlocking the handgrip frame 202. Once unlocked, the handgrip frame can be pivoted forwardly into the frontward configuration, which corresponds to the transport chair mode.

[0661] Referring back to FIG. 3, there is shown that each one of the lateral side portions 195 of the chassis 100 includes a substantially L-shape axle tube 105 and a lateral plate 113 having two spaced-apart rear hinge plates 139, 140 extending inwardly therefrom. The axle tube 105 is inserted between the rear hinge plates 139, 140 and the assembly including the lateral plate 113, the rear hinge plates 139, 140, and the axle tube 105 is secured together such as and without being limitative by welding. In the embodiment shown, the axle tube 105 is a tubing having a square cross-section but it is appreciated that it can differ from the embodiment shown. One of the rear wheels 102 is rotatably mounted to axle tube 105 at a lower end thereof through an axle bolt 112 and an axle lock nut 124. The wheel braking assemblies 300 are also mounted to a lower portion of the axle tube 105, above the wheels 102, to control the rotation thereof.

[0662] It is appreciated that the configuration of the locking mechanism of the handgrip assembly 265 can vary from the embodiments described above with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0663] Still referring to FIG. 3 and, in addition to FIGS. 8A to 8C, each one of the wheel braking assemblies 300 includes a large diameter gear type brake disk 315 mounted coaxially to each one of the rear wheels 102 with mechanical fasteners such as attachment bolts 314. In an alternative embodiment, the rear wheels 102 and the gear disks 315 can be cast as a single component. Each wheel braking assembly 300 further includes a wheel braking housing 313 secured to the rear wheels 102 and to the lateral side portions 195 of the chassis 100. On FIG. 8, for clarity purposes, the wheel braking housing 313 is shown with a cover removed. The wheel braking housing 313 defines an enclosure for several components of the wheel braking assembly 300. The gear disk 315 and the rear wheel 102 are coaxially mounted to an axle mounting point 316 of the housing 313 with a pivot bolt. In the shown embodiment, the gear disk 315 is provided with a plurality of round-ended teeth 304 spaced-apart from one another by a plurality of rounded recesses. The wheel braking housing 313 is opened on one side allowing the wheel stopper 345 and, more particularly, its tooth engaging brake lever 301 to engage with or disengage from the gear disk 315, i.e. to be configured either in the braking configuration or the displacement configuration. The tooth engaging brake lever 301 is pivotally mounted to the wheel braking housing 313 at a pivot mounting point 302. In the embodiment shown, the brake lever is substantially L-shaped with gear engaging teeth 305, which are embodied by two round-ended teeth 305 at an end thereof, the gear engaging teeth being engageable with the complementary recesses of the gear disk 315 in the braking configuration to prevent rotation of the wheel 102. The brake lever 301 is operatively connected to the wheel braking assembly controller 600 through a brake control cable 309 at attachment point 303. The brake control cable 309 is contained inside a brake sheath 310, which can be, for instance, a Teflon® lined sheath. Therefore, by displacement (pulling or released) of the brake cable 309, the tooth engaging brake lever 301 pivots about the pivot mounting point 302 between the braking configuration (i.e. the gear engaging teeth 305 are engaged into the recesses of the gear disk 315) or the displacement configuration (i.e. the gear engaging teeth 305 are disengaged from the recesses of the gear disk 315).

[0664] The wheel braking assembly 300 is also provided with a biasing assembly which, in the embodiment shown, includes extension spring 306, mechanically connected to an end 307 of the tooth engaging brake lever 301, opposed to the end including gear engaging teeth 305. The extension spring 306 has a first end 308 secured to the wheel braking housing 313 and a second end secured to the tooth engaging brake lever 301. The extension spring 306 biases the tooth engaging brake lever 301, i.e. the wheel braking assembly 300, into the braking configuration wherein the gear engaging teeth 305 are engaged into the recesses of the gear disk 315. Therefore, when tension in the cable 309 is released, the spring 306 biases the tooth engaging brake lever 301 towards the gear disk 315 into the disengaged/braking configuration. On the contrary, when the brake control cable 309 is tensioned, i.e. pulled up, the tooth engaging brake lever 301 pivots about pivot mounting point 302 into the displacement configuration wherein the gear engaging teeth 305 are disengaged from the recesses of the gear disk 315, thereby allowing rotation of the wheel 102.

[0665] In an embodiment, the spring is selected in order to provide sufficient biasing force so that the wheel stopper 345 stays engaged with the gear disk 315 and in accordance with a predetermined force to disengage the wheel braking assembly 300 from the wheels 102.

[0666] Referring now to FIG. 25, there is shown a second embodiment for the wheel braking assembly 300. As the above-described embodiment, the wheel braking assembly of FIG. 25 includes a gear disk 315 having a plurality of triangular-shaped teeth 350 configured to engage with a wheel stopper 345 including a tooth engaging brake lever pivotally mounted. Except for the shape of the gear engaging teeth, the tooth engaging brake lever is similar to the tooth engaging brake lever 301 and will not be described in further details.

[0667] The use of triangular shaped teeth 350 may provide an improved braking in comparison to a round teeth. From experimentation, it has been observed that when the braking gear disk 315 rotates, the round teeth of the wheel stopper 345 may have a tendency to hover above the braking gear disk 315 and/or bump/bounce against the teeth of the braking gear disk 315, which may result in a delay between a braking command and the engagement of the wheel stopper 345 with the gear disk 315 to prevent a rotation of the wheels 102.

[0668] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 25, the braking gear disk 315 has a plurality of triangular-shaped teeth 350 and rounded recesses 351 defined between adjacent ones of the triangular-shaped teeth 350. The triangular shape of the teeth is defined by two sides with an angle varying preferably between 45° and 60° inbetween. The tooth engaging brake lever of the wheel stopper 345 has at least one round-ended tooth 343. In the embodiment shown, the tooth engaging brake lever of the wheel stopper 345 has two round-ended teeth 343 with a pointed tooth receiving recess defined inbetween. Each one of the round-ended teeth 343 has an indentation 346 on each side to retain the tooth 343 into one of the gear disk recesses 351. The round-ended teeth 343 of the tooth engaging brake lever are therefore substantially complementary in shape with the recesses 351 defined between adjacent ones of the triangular-shaped teeth 350 of the gear disk 315. These teeth and teeth receiving profiles may contribute to reduce the hovering effect described above and also lower the loads on the spring attachment points.

[0669] It can be appreciated that the gear disk 315 could be provided with a plurality of teeth spaced-apart by a plurality of recesses of any suitable shape while the wheel stopper 345 would have any suitable number of teeth and, optionally, recesses complementary in shape to the ones of the gear disk 315.

[0670] It is appreciated that the configuration of the wheel braking assemblies 300 can vary from the embodiments described above with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0671] Still referring to FIG. 3 and, in addition to FIGS. 4A to 4C, the pivoting assembly of the chassis 100 will be described. Only one of the pivoting assemblies will be described since the pivoting assemblies of both lateral sides are similar. As mentioned above, the lateral side portions 195 of the chassis 100 are pivotally mounted to the front portion 190 at vertically-extending chassis hinges 106 using pivot bolt 121. Thus, the lateral side portions 195 can pivot about axis 106 between the compacted configuration (FIG. 5A) and the operative configuration (FIG. 3), as shown by arrows 922 (FIG. 4A). More particularly, the hinge plates 139, 140 of the lateral side portions 195 are inserted between the upper and lower reinforcement angle plates 114, 111 of the front portion 190 in a manner such that they can pivot about pivot axis 106.

[0672] The rollator 50 comprises a chassis pivoting lock assembly including, amongst other, two sets of square notches 122 defined in the hinge plates 139, 140 of the lateral side portions 195, a hinge lock plate 108 and a hinge lock guiding plate 110. The hinge lock plate 108 and the hinge lock guiding plate 110 are mounted to the front portion 190.

[0673] In the embodiment shown, the hinge lock plate 108 is substantially T-shaped. The hinge lock plate 108 is slidably mounted to and between the upper and lower reinforcement angle plates 114, 111 of the front portion 190. More particularly, upper and lower sections 109 of the hinge lock plate 108 are inserted in guiding slots 144 defined in the upper and lower reinforcement angle plates 114, 111 of the front portion 190, with both guiding slots 144 being in register. Thus, the hinge lock plate 108 can translate forwardly and rearwardly into the guiding slots 144. The hinge lock plate 108 also has a forward extension 145 that defines a guiding tongue 145.

[0674] Between the upper and lower reinforcement angle plates 114, 111, the front portion 190 of the chassis includes the hinge lock guiding plate 110. The hinge lock guiding plate 110 is mounted to the upper and lower reinforcement angle plates 114, 111 and has two tabs 107. The guiding tongue 145 of the hinge lock plate 108 is inserted between the two tabs 107 of the hinge lock guiding plate 110.

[0675] The chassis pivoting lock assembly also includes a biasing means embodied by a compression spring (not shown) located between the tabs 107 and the hinge lock guiding plate 110. The compression spring biases the hinge lock plate 108 in the lock configuration, i.e. rearwardly, wherein it is selectively engageable with one of the two sets of square notches 122 defined in the hinge plates 139, 140 of the lateral side portions 195, in one of the compacted configuration and the operative configuration of the chassis 100.

[0676] A rear end of the hinge lock plate 108 is selectively inserted in the first set or the second set of the square notches 122 of the hinge plates 139, 140 of the lateral side portions 195 in a respective one of the compacted configuration and the operative configuration of the chassis 100, thereby locking the chassis 100 in the desired configuration.

[0677] To pivot the chassis 100 between the compacted configuration and the operative configuration (or vice-versa), the hinge lock plate 108 is translated forwardly, in direction of arrow 923 (FIG. 4C), by the user to disengage the rear end of the hinge lock plate 108 from one of the two sets of square notches 122. Once disengaged, the lateral side portions 195 of the chassis 100 can be pivoted about pivot axis 106 with respect to the front portion 190. If pressure on the hinge lock plate 108 is released, the rear end of the hinge lock plate 108 automatically reengages one of the two sets of square notches 122 when the chassis 100 is configured in one of the compacted configuration and the operative configuration and lock the chassis 100 in this configuration.

[0678] It is appreciated that the pivoting assemblies including the chassis pivoting lock assemblies can vary from the embodiment described above in reference to the accompanying figures.

[0679] Still referring to FIG. 3 and, in addition to FIGS. 6A and 6B, in an embodiment, the rollator 50 includes one or more accessory receiving tubes 103. In the embodiment shown, the rollator 50 includes a pair of accessory receiving tubes 103 on each lateral side portion 195. The accessory receiving tubes 103 are vertically mounted to the axle tube 105. As mentioned above, the accessories receiving tubes 103 are configured to receive and support selectively multiples accessories that may be useful to the rollator user. Amongst others, a pair of secondary handgrips assemblies 500 can be received in one of the pair of accessories receiving tubes 103, such as the forward ones on each lateral side of the rollator 50.

[0680] Each one of the secondary handgrip assemblies 500 includes a secondary handgrip frame 502 inserted in the forward one of the accessory receiving tubes 103. In the embodiment shown, the accessory receiving tubes 103 are modified to receive the secondary handgrip frames 502 and will be referred to hereinbelow as handgrip receiving tubes 505. As standard accessory receiving tubes 103, the handgrip receiving tubes 505 are embodied by a vertical square tubing, and are mounted, such as by welding, to a rear vertical surface of the axle tube 105. A respective one of the secondary handgrip frames 502 is inserted and partially contained within a respective one of the handgrip receiving tubes 505. In an embodiment, the secondary handgrip frame 502 is translatable, along arrow 926, in the handgrip receiving tube 505 in order to modify a height of the secondary handgrip assemblies 500 in accordance with a height of the rollator user.

[0681] To be adjustable in height, each of the handgrip receiving tubes 505 has, on one side thereof, a vertically extending opening 507 to receive a height adjustment indicator 504, which, in turn, is mounted to the handgrip frame 502. The height adjustment indicator 504 indicates a relative position of the secondary handgrips 509 with respect to the opening 507. It can be appreciated that a ruler decal can be provided next to each of the openings 507 so that the user or a medical professional can precisely adjust the height of the secondary handgrips 509 with respect to the ground.

[0682] In a lower portion thereof, each handgrip receiving tube 505 includes a bottom plate 508 having a circular opening defined therein, The bottom plate 508 is secured to the handgrip receiving tube 505 with a threaded screw 503 and a locking nut (not shown) positioned inside of the vertical portion of the handgrip receiving tube 505. A lower end of each handgrip frame 502 is provided with a threaded end that is engaged by a threaded screw 503 to adjust the height of the handgrip frame 502 with respect to the handgrip receiving tube 505. Fine tuning of the height of the handgrips 509 can be done by screwing or unscrewing the threaded screw 503 as indicated by arrow 925. In a non-limitative embodiment, the threaded screw 503 is a hexagonal drive screw. At an upper end, each handgrip frame 502 has a horizontal handgrip section 506 that is substantially cylindrical in shape and extends towards the front portion 190 of the chassis 100. Each of the horizontal handgrip sections 506 is provided with a rubber handgrip 509 for comfort of the user. The secondary handgrips 509 can be used to provide support to a user when standing up from a seated position, to sit on the rest seat or on a toilet seat as shown on FIG. 21 and as described in more details below.

[0683] As shown in FIGS. 3, 6A and 6B, another pair of accessories receiving tubes 103 can be mounted to the handgrip receiving tube 505 or to any other suitable sections of the chassis 100.

[0684] Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the primary handgrip assemblies 200 will be described in further details. Since both handgrip assemblies 200 are similar, only one will be described and it is appreciated that the description applies to both. The primary handgrip assembly is provided with a height adjustment and a fall detection system. In FIGS. 7A and 7B, a cover of the handgrip control box 225 is removed to understand the internal components. As mentioned above, the handgrip assembly includes a handgrip frame 202, which in the embodiment shown is a substantially L-shaped tube having a square cross-section with a tubular portion 205 at an end thereof to define a pivot axis. More particularly, the handgrip frame 202 is pivotally mounted to the front portion 190 of the chassis 100 through the tubular portion 205 through a pivot bolt (not shown) and a low friction round plastic bushing (not shown). The tubular portion 205 is mounted coaxially to one of the pivot point of attachment 116 or 135 of the front portion 190.

[0685] The L-shaped square section of the handgrip frame 202 has, at its opposed end, a threaded female insert centered and weld to mount the handgrip control box 225 thereto via the use of a height adjustment screw 218. The cross dimensions of the L-shaped bended tube 202 are chosen or machined so that the corresponding vertical sliding square tube 217 of the control box 225 can slide over it with low friction. The handgrip control box 225 is defined by the assembly of a back plate 230, side plates 231, a middle plate 227, a top plate 226 and a bottom plate 225. A weight rod transmission housing 234, embodied by a square tube, is mounted inside the box 225 inbetween the top plate 226 and the middle plate 227. The vertical sliding tube 217 is secured to, such as by welding, to the middle and the bottom plates 227, 228.

[0686] The vertical sliding tube 217 is provided with a vertical opening 222 in which a button shaped height adjustment indicator 221 can travel to give the user or medical professional an indication of the height adjustment. A corresponding opening is provided on the control box cover (not shown) and can have a numbered ruler mounted parallel to the opening giving a numbered reading of the height.

[0687] A height adjustment screw 218 is inserted into a round opening of the top control box plate 226 with a low friction round plastic washer 219 placed inbetween the head of the height adjustment screw 218 and the corresponding opening of the top control box plate 226. A second low friction washer 219 is placed underneath the top plate 226 opening and the screw 218 is secured with a lock nut 220 to form a sandwich type assembly. The lock nut 220 is screwed in place so that the residual gap is minimal while the height adjustment screw 218 can still rotate freely as indicated by arrow 928.

[0688] A low friction square opening plastic bushing 216 is inserted into the weight rod transmission container 234 and secured in place. A vertically-extending rod weight transmitter 206 is mounted to and inserted inside the handgrip control box 225 and engaged with the low friction square opening bushing 216. The dimension tolerances are selected in a manner such that the rod 206 can translate upwardly and downwardly, as shown by arrow 927 inside the bushing 216 with low friction. The rod weight transmitter 206, is provided with a centered threaded hole, at a lower end thereof, which is engaged by a weight detection adjustment screw 215. A compression spring 212 is mounted to the rod weight transmitter 206, between the lower control box plate 228 and the lower end of the square rod weight transmitter 206. The compression spring 212 is selected to control the pressure required to activate the wheel braking system 650, especially in a case of fall detection. The tension in the compression spring 212 can be adjusted by rotating the adjustment screw 215 about arrow 930. The compression spring biases the handgrip 204 in the raised configuration.

[0689] The rod weight transmitter 206 includes a pivot hole 207 at a top end thereof extending along an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the rod weight transmitter 206. The handgrip 204 is pivotally mounted to the rod weight transmitter 206 through this pivot hole 207. The handgrip 204 is provided a lower portion 233, close to the pivot hole 207, that limits a downward pivoting movement of the handgrip 204 by interfering with the top section of the rod weight transmitter 206. Therefore, the handgrip 204 cannot pivot below a horizontally extending position, as shown in FIG. 12. More particularly, the handgrip can pivot of an angle α, between position 901 and position 900.

[0690] Returning now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the handgrip 204 has a second opening 208 to which a handgrip control cable 209 is connected. In a non-limitative embodiment, the control cable 209 is a stainless steel multi strand cable. This handgrip control cable 209 is contained inside a handgrip sheath 211, such as and without being limitative, a low friction Teflon® lined sheath, that is mechanically connected to the wheel braking assembly controller 600 mounted to the front portion 190 of the rollator 100. The sheath 211 extends through the handgrip control box 225 by a hole defined in the bottom control box plate 228, and extends through the middle control box plate 227 via a hole coaxially positioned. The end of the sheath 211 is compressed against a sheath receptor fitting 210. The sheath receptor fitting 210 is cylindrical in shape with threads on the outside of the barrel. It has a hole in the inside that allows the control cable 209 to travel in and an enlarge bottom end with an inside diameter hole that allows the extremity of the sheath 211 to enter the hole. This larger bottom end has a knurled outside surface that allows the fitting to be turned by hand. This sheath receptor fittings 210 allows for tension adjustment.

[0691] The height of the handgrips 204 can be finely adjusted according to the user height. The height adjustment screw 218 can be turned either clockwise or counterclockwise about arrow 928 to translate a position of the handgrip control box 225 vertically along arrow 929.

[0692] Turning now to FIG. 12, it is shown that the handgrip 204 is biased into position 900. It can be depressed manually into position 902 wherein the handgrip 204 extends substantially horizontally. When pivoted downwardly into position 902, the control cable 209 is pulled along arrow 931 (FIG. 7B), thereby transmitting a command to the wheel braking assembly controller 600.

[0693] If the user applies an abnormal pressure on the handgrip 204, i.e. a pressure equal to or greater than a handgrip pressure threshold, that overcomes the resistance of the compression spring 212, then the vertical square rod weight transmitter 206 will be pushed down along arrow 927 in a way that it neutralizes the displacement of the control cable 209. Once again, a command is transmitted via the control cable 209 to the wheel braking assembly controller 600. The pressure required to overcome the resistance of the compression spring 212, i.e. the handgrip pressure threshold, can be adjusted by increasing the preload of the compression spring 212 by turning the weight detection adjustment screw 215 either clockwise or counterclockwise along arrow 930.

[0694] Referring now simultaneously to FIG. 3 and FIGS. 9A to 9D, there is shown a first embodiment of the wheel braking assembly controller 600, or hazard control mechanism, which is mounted to an outside (front) face of the front plate 125. The wheel braking assembly controller 600 is designed to detect different kind of hazard that may lead to falls, which will be described in further details below. In the embodiment shown, the front plate 125 is provided with four vertically-extending openings. Two first openings 142 (FIG. 3) are symmetrically positioned with the rest seat transverse center line. The lateral structural ends 404 of the rest seat 400 are at least partially inserted in a respective one of the first openings 142 and are designed to limit the downward pivoting movement of the seat 410, i.e. to prevent the rest seat 410 to extend substantially below a horizontal configuration.

[0695] A second pair of vertical openings 622 is located inside of the first set of openings 142. This second pair of vertical openings 622 allows two brake lifters 405 to pivot within. More particularly, the two brake lifters 405 are used to control a safety braking system when the user is seated (safe condition) and is used as part of the anti-roll back system in the wheelchair or transport chair mode. The safety braking system will be described in more details below in reference to FIGS. 10A to 10C.

[0696] Still referring to FIGS. 9A to 9D, an embodiment of the wheel braking assembly controller 600 is shown, wherein a cover has been removed. Top and bottom plates 146, 147 are mounted to the front plate 125 and extend substantially parallel to each other and substantially horizontally. They are spaced-apart from one another to define an internal spacing wherein several components of the wheel braking assembly controller 600 are mounted. The top and bottom plates 146, 147 are substantially flat bars mounted normal to the front plate 125. The top plate 146 has threaded apertures defined therein at opposed ends thereof. Primary adjustable sheath receptor fittings 610, 611 (a left one and a right one) are screwed in a respective one of the threaded apertures defined in the top plate 146.

[0697] In the internal spacing defined between the top and bottom plates 146, 147, a sheath receptor fitting attachment plate 624 is mounted to the front plate 125 and extends perpendicularly thereto and substantially centrally. In the embodiment shown, the attachment plate 624 is a flat bar with two threaded apertures symmetrically positioned apart of the center line and perpendicular to its surface. Brake adjustable sheath receptor fittings 619, 620 (a left one and a right one) are screwed in a respective one of the threaded apertures defined in the attachment plate 624.

[0698] The wheel braking assembly controller 600 further includes a central floating balancer plate 623, which is substantially rectangular in shape. The balancer plate 623 has a pivot mounting round aperture 601, defined substantially centrally, and a right and left cable attachment points 602, 603 located respectively at its left and right ends. The attachment points 602, 603 are showing a horizontally oriented oblong shape with the flat surfaces being horizontal and parallel to the longest rib of the balancer plate 623. These oblong holes allow for right and left handgrip control cables 209 to be fastened at the corresponding connecting points 602, 603 of the balancer plate 623 using cable attachment bolts.

[0699] The wheel braking assembly controller 600 also includes compression springs 606, 607 mounted to a respective one of the handgrip control cables 209. The balancer plate 623 also has perpendicularly extending top tabs at each end, in which an aperture would permit the cables 209 to go through to connect with the connecting points 602, 603. This allows a better and more stable contact of the compression springs 606, 607 to the balancer plate 623.

[0700] The wheel braking assembly controller 600 also includes a safe condition transmission plate 612 to which the balancer plate 623 is pivotally connected at its centered pivot hole 601 through a pivot bolt (not shown). In the embodiment shown, the safe condition transmission plate 612 has a truncated triangular shape with the pivot hole 601 defined at its upper end and two horizontally oriented oblong holes 613, 614 (a left one and a right one) at its lower end. Brake control cables 309 (a left one and a right one) are connected to the safe condition transmission plate 612 through a respective one of the two horizontally oriented oblong holes 613, 614 by the mean of cable attachment bolts. The brake control cables 309 extend inside a respectively one of the sheath receptor fittings 619, 620 (a left one and a right one) and inside a respective brake sheath 310, such as and without being limitative a Teflon® lined sheath. Each one of the brake control cables 309 is attached at its other end to its corresponding attachment point 303 of the respective wheel brake assembly 300.

[0701] The balancer plate 623 is mechanically connected to the right and left handgrips 204 through the control cables 209 attached at the balancer attachment points 602, 603 with the use of cable attachment bolts. The handgrip control cables 209 extend in adjustable sheath receptor fittings 610, 611 and inside handgrip sheath 211, such as and without being limitative a Teflon® lined sheath, towards the corresponding primary handgrip assembly 200.

[0702] The two compression springs 606, 607 (respectively the right and left compression springs) are coaxially positioned around respectively the right and left handgrip control cables 209 between the top plate 146 and the corresponding right or left end of the balancer plate 623 (perpendicular with the horizontally frontward extending right or left tab) and maintain a constant down pressure on the balancer plate 623 at the right and left ends.

[0703] Turning now to FIGS. 10A to 10C, other features or components of the wheel braking assembly controller 600 will be described and, more particularly, relative to the anti-roll back functionality associated to the rest seat 410. As mentioned above, a second pair of vertical lifter openings 622 is located inside of the first set of openings 142. This second pair of vertical openings 622 allows two brake lifters 405 to pivot within while the seat 410 is pivoted between the seated configuration and the raised configuration. More particularly, the two brake lifters 405 are mounted to the pivoting tube 403 of the seat assembly 400 and pivot therewith. They are horizontally centered in the vertical lifter openings 622 defined in the front plate 125. Thus, when a user pivots the rest seat assembly 400 towards the seated configuration along arrow 939, the rest brake lifters 405 will abut against the balancer plate 623. However, since the pressure applied on the seat 410 is insufficient to reach the seat pressure threshold, the compression springs 606, 607 will retain the balancer plate 623 position so that the rear wheel brake assemblies 300 remained engaged with their respective rear wheel 102, i.e. in the brake configuration. Therefore, the rollator 100 remains stationary and motionless.

[0704] When the user is sitting down and that the pressure applied downwardly (along arrow 939) by its weight on the rest seat assembly 400 is sufficient to overcome the resistance of both compression springs 606, 607 together with the additional resistance of both wheel brake extension springs 306 (i.e. the pressure applied on the seat 410 is equal to or greater than the seat pressure threshold), then the brake lifters 405 will push upwardly (along arrow 940) both ends of the balancer plate 623. The vertical displacement of the balancer plate 623 will raise the safe condition floating transmission plate 612 which, in turn, will pull both the brake control cables 309 to disengage the wheel control assemblies 300. When the wheel control assemblies 300 are disengaged, the rollator 50 is allowed to move freely. In this situation, the wheel braking assembly controller 600 interprets that the user is safely seated and ready to move using his feet to propel himself or the push rims 042 in the wheelchair version (FIG. 26).

[0705] When the user attempts to stand up, and that the weight (or pressure) applied on the rest seat 400 is insufficient to overcome the spring resistance (606, 607 and both wheel brake extension springs 306), i.e. the pressure applied on the seat 410 is below the seat pressure threshold, then the springs 606, 607, 306 automatically configure the wheel control assemblies 300 into the brake configuration, which is safer for the user. This situation is interpreted by the wheel braking assembly controller 600 as a user tentative to stand up, which requires that the rollator 50 be configured into the brake configuration in order to give a stable and motionless position to the rollator 50.

[0706] FIGS. 9D to 9F shown an alternative embodiment of the wheel braking assembly controller 600. This embodiment is similar in many aspects to the embodiment described above but can be designed more compact and may provide a safer control for the disengagement of the wheel braking assembly 300 while using the seat 410 in the seated configuration, i.e. the horizontal configuration. In comparison with the first embodiment, the wheels braking cables 309 partially enclosed in sheaths 310, are extending substantially horizontally along the front portion 190 which allows to free the space underneath the front plate 125. With this substantially horizontal configuration, the wheel braking cables 309 and sheaths 310 are not bent with a sharp radius that could increase resistance for the travelling of the cables 309.

[0707] This second embodiment includes two lateral levers 627 that may provide a better control of the position of the seat 410 at which the wheel braking assemblies should be configured in the displacement configuration.

[0708] Referring to FIGS. 9G and 9H, the wheel braking assembly controller 600 is shown with the cover removed. Furthermore, for clarity purposes, only one control cable for each set of control cables, i.e. one wheel braking control cable 309 and one primary handgrip control cable 209 together with their respective sheaths 310, 211, is shown but it is understood that the wheel braking system includes a pair of each control cable and sheath for movement transmission on both sides of the rollator 50.

[0709] The wheel braking assembly controller 600 includes a front plate 648, mounted to the front portion 190 of the chassis 100 and onto which most of the components of the wheel braking assembly controller 600 are mounted or engaged. In an embodiment, the front plate 648 is a plastic molded plate. The front plate 648 can include steel reinforcements, such as a steel reinforcement plate, at the attachment points.

[0710] The wheel braking assembly controller 600 includes a central floating balancer plate 626 having a generally elongated “banana” shape with a central pivot hole 625 and one cable attachment point at each end 636, 647. The banana shape allows for the balancer plate 626 to pivot up and down in a more compacted way. The attachment points 636, 647 are characterized by an oblong shape with the flat surface being horizontal. Each of the attachment points 636, 647 is linked to a corresponding one of the left and right handgrip cables 209 as per to transmit the primary handgrip movement to the balancer plate 626. The balancer plate 626 is connected at its center pivot hole 625 to a safe condition transmission plate 640. The safe condition transmission plate 640 has an elongated shape with a pivot attachment point at a lower end thereof (which is aligned with the central pivot hole 625 of the balancer plate 626). The safe condition transmission plate 640 has gear racks 641 on both sides. The wheel braking assembly controller 600 also includes brake cable driving gears 630 pivotally mounted to the front plate 648 at pivot attachment point 631, each one being mounted on a respective side of the safe condition transmission plate 640. Each one of the brake cable driving gears 630 has gear teeth 642 that are operatively engaged with the teeth of a respective one of the gear racks 641 of the safe condition transmission plate 640. The wheel braking assembly controller 600 also includes a compression spring 639 operatively connected to an elongated rectangular extension of the safe condition transmission plate 640. The compression spring 639 biases downwardly the safe condition transmission plate 640 in order to maintain it to its lowest position when no external forces/pressure is applied on it. The front plate 648 includes a cavity 646 guiding a vertical displacement of the safe condition transmission plate 640. Each one of the brakes cable driving gears 630 has a central pivot 631 around which the gear 630 pivots. Finally, each of the brake cable driving gears 630 has an oblong eccentric attachment point 632 to which the wheel braking cable 309 is attached.

[0711] The wheel braking cables 209, 309 are partially enclosed in a respective sheath 211, 310, such as and without being limitative a Teflon® lined sheath. The sheath 211 is secured into a plastic cavity 637 that is molded in the front plate 648. The plastic cavity 637 has a substantially U-shape, slightly smaller in diameter than the sheath 310 so that the sheath 310 is slightly squeezed therein. The cavity 637 has a fully opened end on a first side and a reduced diameter passage 638 on a second side. This reduced diameter passage 638 allows for the control cable 309 to extend therethrough while retaining the sheath 310 from sliding frontward. The cavity 637 is covered with a cover 633, such as a metallic cover, that is secured to the front plate 648, such as by screwing, in order that the sheath 647 cannot be detached. In FIG. 9H, the cover 633 is removed on a right side to expose the cavity 637 and the reduced diameter passage 638, while the cover 633 is secured to the front plate 648 on the left side.

[0712] The primary handgrip cable 209 and its sheath 211 are attached similarly to the wheel braking cable 309 and its sheath 310 to the plastic front plate 648 with the sheath 211 lightly squeezed into a U-shaped molded channel 634 with a reduced diameter lower portion 635 that limits the movement of the sheath 211. The sheath and molded cavity are then covered with a metallic plate 629 and secured in place, such as by screwing. Each of the primary handgrip cables 209 has a compression spring (not shown) positioned coaxially around and adjacent to the balancer plate 626, the compression spring maintains the balancer plate 626 in a lowered configuration.

[0713] The anti-roll back system of the wheel braking assembly controller 600 still includes brake lifters 405 of the seat assembly 400 engaged in a respective aperture 422 defined in the front plate 648. The brake lifters 405 and their respective apertures 422 are located on each lateral side of the front plate 648. The anti-roll back system further includes two levers 627, including an elongated plate, also located on each side of the front plate 648 and pivotally mounted thereto at pivot 628. The elongated plates of the levers 627 are also provided with a lifter 643 located at an end close to a center of the front portion 190 and a U-shaped cut 645 defined in a lower edge of each lever 627. The U-shaped cut 645 are engageable by the lifter 645 of the seat assembly 400 in a manner such that the levers 647 can be pushed upwardly downward pivoting of the seat 410. Thus, when the seat 410 is lowered toward its seated configuration, i.e. the horizontal configuration, the lifters 644 engage with the levers 627, but the resistance of the compression springs prevent the wheel braking assembly 300 from disengaging from the wheels 102. In this configuration, the seat 410 extends slightly upwards with respect to its lowest configuration. In an embodiment, the seat 410 defines a 2° angle with respect to a ground surface. In this configuration, the seat 410 is ready for a user to sit thereon with the wheel braking assemblies 300 engaged with the wheels 102. When a user is sitting on the seat 410 in such a way that the user's weight transferred to the seat 410 exceeds the compression springs resistance, i.e. the pressure on the seat 410 is above the seat pressure threshold, the brake lifters 644 push the levers 627 upwards. The levers 627 then engage with the balancer plate 626 and push it upwards. As a result, the safe condition transmission plate 640 is pushed upwards and the two brake cable driving gears 630 rotate accordingly, thereby pulling the wheel braking cables 309 and disengaging the wheel braking assemblies 300 from the wheels 102.

[0714] Referring now to FIGS. 9I to 9K, there is shown a third embodiment of the wheel braking assembly controller 600. This alternative embodiment is different from the embodiments described above in that it uses a rotational movement of a control mechanism and is provided with less components. As the embodiment described in reference to FIGS. 9E to 9H, the embodiment of FIGS. 9I to 9K is provided with a substantially horizontal discharge orientation of the control cables and their respective sheaths. This embodiment may reduce a length and quantity of bent portions of the control cables directed towards both the wheel braking assemblies 300 or the primary handgrip assemblies 400.

[0715] The wheel braking assembly controller 600 includes a base plate 874 mounted to the front portion 190 of the chassis 100, side plates 863 extending forwardly of the base plate 874 on each lateral end thereof, and a main shaft 850 rotatably mounted into a pair of low friction plastic bushings located within the side plates 863. The main shaft 850 has a central cylindrical portion and opposed side portions. The central cylindrical portion 851 is substantially flat with a bow-shaped joint 858 (or bow tie or butterfly-shaped joint) protruding therefrom. The bow-shaped joint 858 is pivotally mounted to the central cylindrical portion 851 at pivot attachment point 859 using a shoulder bolt acting as a pivot. The main shaft 850 has a first diameter in the central portion 851 with a diameter that reduces in the side portions, i.e. towards both lateral ends. In an embodiment, the ends 852 of the main shaft 850 are machined with an oblong, square or rectangular shape.

[0716] The wheel braking assembly controller 600 also includes a pair of brakes driving plates 860, 862 (one for each lateral end 852). Each one of the brakes driving plates 860, 862 has a circular portion provided with an oblong or irregular aperture in its center that corresponds to the shape of the end 852 of the main shaft 850. Therefore, the ends 852 are inserted in a respective one of the apertures defined in the center of the brakes driving plates 860, 862. In an embodiment, at the lateral ends 852, the main shaft 850 is provided with a central tapped hole 853 that allows to put a washer and screw (not shown) to secure brakes driving plates 860 thereto. Therefore, the rotational movement of the main shaft 850 about its longitudinal axis is transferred to the brakes driving plates 860, 862. The brakes driving plates 860, 862 are also provided with an eccentric extension having an oblong aperture at an end thereof that allows the brake control cables 309 to be attached to the brakes driving plates 860, 862 using a cable attachment device (not shown). As detailed above, the brake control cables 613 drive the wheel braking assemblies. As in the above-described embodiments, the wheel braking cables 309 travel through a sheath 310, such as a Teflon® lined sheath, that has an end secured into an immobilisation plastic bloc 870 mounted to the base plate 874. The sheath 310 is compressed into the immobilisation plastic bloc 870 with a metal plate (not shown) and screws 876.

[0717] The wheel braking assembly controller 600 also includes two outer tubes 854, 855 (or handgrip motion transfer tubes), having a section of the main shaft 850 inserted therein and being respectively located one both lateral sides of the bow-shaped joint 858. These outer tubes 854, 855 have an internal diameter that allows the main shaft 850 to rotate therein without interference. The outer tubes 854, 855 are supported with four tube supports 857 which have a substantially “D” shape with a round opening defined therein in which a low friction plastic bushing 856 is inserted and surrounds the outer tubes 854, 855 to allow rotation of the outer tubes 854, 855 with low friction. Hereinbelow, only one of the outer tubes 854, 855 will be described since both are similar. The outer tubes 854, 855 have, at a central end thereof, an indentation 878 with two spaced-apart contact points 880 at an end thereof. A handgrip driving lever 864 is mounted to the lateral side end of each of the outer tubes 854, 855. The handgrip driving lever 864 has a central section 867 with round opening defined therein to be engaged by one of the outer tubes 854, 855. Each one of the outer tubes 854, 855 has handgrip driving lever 864 secured to its lateral end. Therefore, the outer tubes 854, 855 and their handgrip driving lever 864 rotate simultaneously.

[0718] Each one of the handgrip driving levers 864 is provided with two opposed eccentric extensions. A first one of the eccentric extensions, the upper one, has a cable attachment point 868 at an end thereof to which the handgrip motion control cable 209 can be attached. A second one of the eccentric extensions, the lower one, is also provided with a hole 865 at an end thereof. An extension return spring 866 can be attached to the second eccentric extension through the hole 865. The extension return spring 866 biases the respective one of the outer tubes 854, 855 into its rest configuration, which corresponds to the braking configuration of the wheel assemblies 300. As in the above described embodiments, the handgrip motion control cable 209 travel through a sheath 211, such as a Teflon® lined sheath, that has an end secured into an immobilisation plastic bloc 871 mounted to the plate 873. The sheath 211 is secured to the immobilisation plastic bloc 871 with a metal plate (not shown) and screws.

[0719] The horizontal positioning of outer tubes 854, 855 is ensured with a plastic bloc 879, mounted to the base plate 874, that maintains the handgrip driving levers 864, 869 aligned.

[0720] As shown, the bow-shaped joint 858 has two triangular lateral extensions 877 that are inserted into a respective one of the indentations 878 defined in the central ends of the outer tubes 854, 855. Upon rotation of the outer tubes 854, 855 along their longitudinal axes, the contact points 880 contact the bow-shaped joint 858 and engages the main shaft 850 and its bow-shaped joint 858 into rotation about its longitudinal axis.

[0721] When only one of the primary handgrips 204 is configured into the handgrip displacement configuration (i.e. the lowered configuration), then only one of the outer tubes 854, 855 is engaged into rotation. One of the contact points 880 of the outer tubes 854, 855 engaged into rotation, pushes only one side of the bow-shaped joint 858 which rotates onto itself about pivot attachment point 859 without transferring the rotational motion to the main shaft 850 and, therefore, without pulling the brake control cables 309. Therefore, the wheel brake assemblies 300 of the rollator 50 remain in the braking configuration.

[0722] When both primary handgrips 204 are configured into the handgrip displacement configuration (i.e. the lowered configuration) and the pressure applied thereon is below the handgrip pressure threshold, then both outer tubes 854, 855 are engaged into rotation. Both sides of the bow-shaped joint 858 are contacted by the contact points of the outer tubes 854, 855 and pushed. Being pushed on both sides, the bow-shaped joint 858 cannot rotate onto itself about the pivot attachment point 859, the rotational motion is thus transferred to the main shaft 850 which rotates about its longitudinal axis. Upon rotation of the main shaft, the brake control cables 309 are pulled on both lateral sides. Therefore, the wheel brake assemblies 300 are disengaged, i.e. configured into the displacement configuration, and the rollator 50 is free to be displaced.

[0723] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9L to 9N, the seat 410 is linked to the outer tubes 854, 855 in a way that, when the seat 410 is in its horizontal configuration and the seat pressure threshold is met, both outer tubes 854, 855 rotate simultaneously and thereby to disengage the wheel braking assemblies 300. More particularly, the seat assembly 400 is provided with two brake lifters 405 secured to the pivoting tube 403 of the seat assembly 400 and rotating simultaneously therewith. The brake lifters 405 are provided with an aperture 882 at a front end thereof. Each one of the outer tubes 854, 855 has a seat control rotation plate 881 secured thereto in a manner such that rotation of one of the seat control rotation plates 881 engages the respective one of the outer tubes 854, 855 into rotation. Thus, when the seat 410 in the seated configuration with a pressure equal to or greater than the seat pressure threshold, the brake lifters 405 pushes the seat control rotation plates 881, which in turn engages outer tubes 854, 855 into rotation. As detailed above, simultaneous rotation of the outer tubes 854, 855 configures the wheel brake assemblies 300 into the displacement configuration.

[0724] In another alternative embodiment, the wheel braking assembly controller 600 can be an electric/electronic version including a power supply mounted to the chassis 100, handgrip sensors, such as limit switches, operatively connected to the handgrips 204 and configured to sense/detect a configuration of each one of the handgrips 204 (either the handgrip walking/displacement configuration or the braking configuration), a seat sensor, such as a limit switch, configured to sense/detect a configuration of the seat (either the seated configuration with no or limited pressure applied thereon, the seated configuration with pressure above a seat pressure threshold applied thereon—or a lower seated configuration), a logic controller operatively connected to the handgrip sensors and the seat sensor, and a plurality of electric connectors (i.e. electric control cables) connecting the handgrip sensors and the seat sensor to the logic controller and to the wheel braking assemblies 300. In an embodiment, the power supply is operatively connected to at least one of the handgrip sensors, seat sensor, the logic controller and the wheel braking assemblies and provides electrical power thereto.

[0725] It is appreciated that the configuration of the wheel braking assembly can vary from the embodiments described above in reference to the accompanying figures and combinations of the different embodiments can be foreseen.

[0726] It is appreciated that the control cables can be either mechanical control cables or electric control cables depending on the type of wheel braking assembly controller 600.

[0727] Referring now to FIG. 11, there is shown a flowchart of the operating modes of the wheel braking system 650 including the wheel braking assembly controller 600, the handgrip control cables 209 and their sheaths 211, the brake control cables 309 and their sheaths 310, the anti-roll back system operatively connected to the seat assembly 400, and the wheel braking assemblies 300.

[0728] In FIG. 11, three types of hazards (A, B and C) in relation with user's hand behavior and seated position are described in relation with the configuration of the wheel braking assemblies 300 of the rollator 50. By default, the wheel braking assemblies 300 of the rollator 50 are always configured in the braking configuration when no external forces or pressure is applied either on the handgrips 204 or the seat 410.

[0729] A first condition relates to a configuration of the seat 410 of the seat assembly 400. If the seat is configured in the seated configuration with no or low pressure applied thereon, the wheel braking assembly controller 600 interprets this condition as the intention of the user to sit down. The wheel braking assemblies 300 will remain in the braking configuration unless the user is seated, i.e. the seat 410 is further pivoted downwardly or a pressure equal to or greater than the seat pressure threshold is applied on the seat 410. If the seat 410 is further pivoted downwardly along arrow 939 (FIG. 10) or a pressure equal to or greater than the seat pressure threshold is applied on the seat 410 to exceed a pre-set resistance of the corresponding compression springs 606, 607 and the corresponding extension springs 306 of both right and left wheel braking assemblies 300, then the wheel braking assemblies 300 are configured in the displacement configuration, i.e. disengaged from the wheels 102. In a non-limitative embodiment, the pressure applied on the seat 410 should exceed 15 lbs. Should the weight/pressure applied on the seat 410 be less than the minimum required weight/pressure, the wheel braking assembly controller 600 interprets this condition as a “type A hazard”. The “type A hazard” is described as one of the following situations: the user is either not completely seated or the user is trying to stand up in which case the rollator 50 should be in the braking configuration to assure that the rollator 50 will not roll away. If the weight/pressure applied on the seat 410 exceeds the pre-set value, then the user is considered as being seated and is then in a safe position where fall cannot occur. In this case, the rollator 50 is configured in the displacement configuration, i.e. free to move.

[0730] Otherwise, if the seat 410 is configured in the raised (i.e. substantially) vertical configuration, then this condition is interpreted as the rollator 50 is ready to be used in the walking mode. Therefore, the wheel braking assemblies 300 of the rollator 50 will remain in the braking configuration until the safety conditions are met (right side of the flowchart).

[0731] Then, the first set of conditions to meet are the configurations of the primary handgrips 204. If only one of the handgrips 204 is configured in the handgrip walking/displacement configuration, then the wheel braking assembly controller 600 interprets this condition as a “type B hazard”, which is further detailed in reference to FIG. 12. In a “Type B hazard”, the rollator user has only one hand in contact with the rollator 50, the second hand could be grabbing something on a table, a counter or in a refrigerator and in all of those cases, the user should have a solid hold for the hand in contact with the rollator 50 to assure the stability and safety of the user. The rollator should not roll away under the hand in contact therewith. If the wheel braking assemblies 300 are not configured in the braking configuration, this might result in instability and potential falls. Furthermore, when walking, the user should have both hands with firm hold to the rollator 50.

[0732] FIG. 12 is showing the reaction of the wheel braking system 650 of the rollator 50 having the wheel braking assembly controller 600 of the first embodiment (FIGS. 9A to 9D) to the above-described conditions. To activate the rollator motion, i.e. configure the wheel braking assemblies 300 into the displacement configuration, each one of the handgrips 204 should be tilted from their upper (raised) configuration 900 (braking configuration) to their horizontal (lowered) configuration 902 (handgrip walking/displacement configuration). When doing so the handgrip control cables 209 transfer the movement to the corresponding attachment points 602, 603 of the balancer plate 623. When only one handgrip 204 is configured into the horizontal (lowered) configuration 902 (in embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the left handgrip 204), then the movement is transferred only to the left attachment point 603 of the balancer plate 623 via the left handgrip control cable 209 which is pulled upwardly along arrow 903. If the right handgrip 204 is not configured into the horizontal (lowered) configuration 902, then the balancer plate 623 pivots about its central pivot 601, resulting in no pulling action on the brake control cables 309. Therefore, the wheel braking assemblies 300 remain in the braking configuration and the rollator 50 cannot be displaced.

[0733] FIG. 13 is showing the reaction of the wheel braking system 650 of the rollator 50 when both handgrips 204 are configured from the raised configuration 900 (handgrip braking configuration) to their horizontal, lowered configuration 902. When these conditions are met and that no excessive pressure is applied on the handgrips 204, then the handgrips 204 are pulling, along arrows 905, 906, the handgrip control cables 209 in a manner such that both ends 602, 603 of the balancer plate 623 are pulled up simultaneously along arrows 907, 908. Then, the balancer plate 623 remains substantially horizontal and pulls the safety condition floating transmission plate 612 upwardly along arrow 909, which in turn pulls up, along arrows 910, 911, the brake control cables 309. Pulling the brake control cables 309 in turn pull up both brake stoppers 345, along arrows 912, 913, which disengage the wheel braking assemblies 300, i.e. the wheel braking assemblies 300 are configured in the displacement configuration. The rear wheels 102 are then free to rotate above their respective rotation axes as shown by arrows 914, 915, either clockwise or counterclockwise. Under these conditions, the rollator 15 is free to be displaced. This situation occurs when both hands are in contact with a respective one of the handgrips 204 and that the rollator user is not unstable.

[0734] Linking the handgrip movements with the wheel braking assemblies 300 alone will not prevent the user from falling. Typically, the reflex of a person falling is to transfer its body weight to his hands trying to retake control over his legs failing. As detailed above, the handgrips 204 include a mechanism that detects an abnormal pressure being applied thereon and the wheel braking assembly controller 600 reacts accordingly.

[0735] Returning to FIG. 11, on the right side of the flowchart, when the first set of conditions are met in a manner such that the two handgrips 204 are in their horizontal position 902, i.e. the lowered configuration, then the wheel braking system 650 will detect if an abnormal and excessive pressure is applied on the rollator handgrips 204, i.e. the system is configured in the excessive pressure configuration (at least one of the handgrips 204 is configured in the lowered configuration and the pressure applied thereon is equal to or above a handgrip pressure threshold). If excessive/abnormal pressure is detected on one or both handgrips 204, then the wheel braking assembly controller 600 will interpret these conditions as a “type C hazard.” In a “Type C hazard”, the typical behavior of a person falling or losing his balance is detected, i.e. the body weight is transferred onto the user's hands which take hold and compensate the legs weaknesses.

[0736] Referring now to FIG. 14, there is the reaction of the wheel braking system 650 of the rollator 50 having the wheel braking assembly controller 600 of the first embodiment (FIGS. 9A to 9D) to the above described conditions, i.e. excessive pressure is applied on at least one of the handgrips 204. In this representation, the two handgrips 204 are shown in their horizontal, lowered configurations 902. When excessive pressure, shown by arrow 932, is applied on the left handgrip 204, i.e. the pressure exceeds the adjustable resistance of the compression spring 212, the rod weight transmitter 206 is translated downwardly along arrow 916 by a given distance 917. The two movements in opposed directions, represented by arrows 905, 916 (i.e. the downward pivoting movement of the handgrip 204 and the translation of the rod weight transmitter 206 in opposed directions), are combined so that the resulting movement is void. Therefore, the left end 603 of the balancer plate 623 remains at its original position 918 while the right end 602 of the balancer plate 623 is being pulled upwardly along arrow 908. Therefore, the balancer plate 623 only pivots about pivot point 601 and no traction is applied on the braking cables 919. Consequently, the wheel braking assemblies 300 remain in the braking configuration.

[0737] In addition, the rollator 50 can be used for a person walking in a step by step motion, typically older users or users being re-educated to walk are showing this behavior. In this behavior, the user takes firm hold to the rollator 50 and transfers at least partially his weight to the rollator 50, then drags his feet forward and repeat this sequence. With the mechanism detecting abnormal pressure being applied on the handgrips 204, the rollator 50 will automatically engage the wheel braking assemblies 300 whenever the body weight is transferred to the rollator 50.

[0738] Referring now to FIGS. 15A and 15B, there is shown a comparison of the blind area and the field of view for a rollator user in a walking mode between a typical rollator 806 and the rollator 50 described herein. As it can be seen, a person using a typical rollator 806 is positioned behind a rollator chassis having a wider arm to body angle 800. With the rollator 50, the user is located inside the U-shaped chassis 100 with a smaller arm to body angle 803. The smaller arm to body angle 803 with the rollator 50 should provide a better weight transmission to the rollator chassis 100 together with an improved lateral support, providing a higher stability. In addition, when comparing the field of view 802, 805, the blind area with the rollator 50 should be smaller than the blind area 801 for a typical rollator 806. In addition, the driving position with the rollator 50 should provide a clearer field of view 805 which is important for obstacle identification.

[0739] Turning now to FIGS. 16A and 16B, there is shown that the rollator 50 has a smaller footprint 808 than a typical rollator 806. Due to the unobstructed U-shaped chassis 100, the user can enter deeper into the seat/walker receiving area to take hold on the front handrail 104, which may be desirable when a user is driving into crowded restraint environments, such as and without being limitative an elevator. When entering the chassis 100 and grabbing the front handrail 104, the person occupies about half the space than the same person using a typical rollator 806.

[0740] Referring now to FIG. 17, there is shown that the chassis 100 of the rollator 50 can be rolled under a table with a user seated on the seat assembly 400. The primary handgrips 400 can be configured in the frontward configuration. The secondary handgrips 500, located on both sides, can be seized by the user if he attempts to stand up. As detailed above, in the seated configuration with a user seated on the seat assembly 400, the rollator 50 can move freely since the wheel braking assemblies 300 are configured in the displacement configuration. If the user attempts to stand up, then the wheel braking assemblies 300 of the rollator 50 will be automatically configured in the braking configuration and the user will be able to use the secondary handgrips 500 to take hold while standing up.

[0741] As shown in FIG. 18, working at a counter surface 809 for meals preparation or other office work related activities is another activity where the rollator chassis 100 is useful. When working at a counter 809 with a typical rollator, the rollator typically is positioned behind the user giving no lateral support and becoming a tripping hazard to the user together with occupying a large space behind him that leads to space congestion. With the rollator 50, the user can position himself close to the counter 809. By default, the rollator 50 is configured in the braking configuration and the user can take hold on the front handrail 104 while working at the counter 809. Being positioned inside of the chassis 100, the user benefits from lateral and frontal support whenever needed.

[0742] Turning now to FIG. 19, there is shown that the handgrip frames 202 can be pivoted forwardly in the frontward configuration. When the handgrip assemblies 400 are configured in the frontward configuration, the rollator 50 can be used as a transport chair. As described above, when the user is seated on seat 410 of the rollator 50, the wheel braking assemblies 300 of the rollator 50 are configured in the displacement configuration and the rollator 50 is free to be displaced. Therefore, the user can propel himself with his feet. A caregiver can also push the rollator 50 using the handgrips 204. The handgrips 204 are extending forwardly, providing enough frontal space to the caregiver to prevent his knees from interfering with the rollator chassis 100. While being rolled away, the user can take hold on the secondary handgrips 500.

[0743] Referring to FIG. 20, when using the rollator 50 in the transport chair mode, optional foldable footrest 700 can be mounted to the accessories receiving tubes 103. In the embodiment shown, the foldable footrest 700 comprises a tubular frame 701 insertable into the accessories receiving tubes 103. A pivot rod 703 is pivotally mounted to a lower end of the tubular frame 701, extends substantially normal to the tubular frame 701, and protrudes therefrom. A footrest plate 702 is mounted on the pivot rod 103 in a manner such that it can be pivoted into a vertical configuration to clear the inside section of the chassis 100. The pivoting movement of the footrest plate 702 on the pivot rod 703 is limited in a manner such that the footrest plate 703 is configured in a substantially horizontal configuration when used, i.e. substantially parallel to the ground. With the footrests 700 in place and the user feet resting thereon, the caregiver can push the rollator 50 with the feet of the user being spaced-apart from the ground, i.e. without dragging thereon.

[0744] In FIG. 21, there is shown that the rollator 50 can be used in a conventional and non-adapted toilet stall. The rollator 50 chassis height 811 (FIG. 1) is sufficient for the rollator 50 to be rolled or parked over a toilet 810 with the wheels 102, 128 rolling on each side of the toilet bowl. Once located above the toilet, the user pivots the handgrips 204 forwardly into the frontward configuration. In an embodiment, the handgrips 204 fit on each side of the toilet reservoir 810 and allow the user to get access to the secondary handgrips 500. The secondary handgrips 500 can be pre-adjusted at an optimal height for the user to take hold on them while sitting down on the toilet 810. While sitting down, the rollator 50 is automatically configured in the braking configuration to provide a firm and solid hold to the user.

[0745] Referring now to FIG. 22, there is shown an embodiment wherein the rollator 50 is equipped with an oxygen tank support. With the accessories receiving tubes 103, the oxygen tank support can be installed and removed quickly and without any or substantial technical assistance. In the embodiment shown, the oxygen tank support comprises an oxygen tank frame 713, engageable in one of the accessories receiving tubes 103, and having a bottom plate 715 and an upper support ring 714. The oxygen tank 716 is slid in the support ring 714 and supported by the bottom plate 715.

[0746] Referring to FIG. 23, there is shown an embodiment wherein the rollator 50 is equipped with a solute poll 710. As for the oxygen tank support, the solute poll 710 can be installed or removed quickly and without any or substantial technical assistance. The solute poll includes a frame 710, insertable in one of the accessories receiving tubes 103, with a perpendicular and horizontal hook 711 to hang the solute pouch 712.

[0747] FIG. 24 shows another illustration of a typical accessory that can be fitted onto the rollator 50 in respect with the physical conditions of the user and, more particularly, a walking re-education assembly providing weight support for physiotherapy training.

[0748] The walking re-education assembly 760 includes a frame 762 removably engageable with the chassis 100 and a ring 707. The frame 762 has two lateral side portions 764 spaced-apart from one another and extending substantially parallel to a respective one of the lateral side portions 195 of the chassis 100 when engaged therewith. The ring 707 is attached to the two lateral side portions 764 of the frame 762 and extends inbetween. The ring 707 is configured to partially support a weight of the user during a rehabilitation process.

[0749] Each one of the two lateral side portions 764 of the frame 762 has a wheel 705 rotatably mounted thereto. In the embodiment shown, the wheels 705 are swiveled wheels so that they do not limit the movement of the rollator 50.

[0750] Each one of the lateral side portions 764 has a lower horizontal structural member 718 with a vertical extension insertable in one of the accessories receiving tubes 103, two vertical members: a first one located upfront 717 that extends under the lower horizontal structural member 718 and a second one 704 located rearwardly. The swivel wheel 705 is rotatably mounted to a lower end of the second vertical member 794. A horizontal rail 709 connects the upper ends of the vertical members 704, 717. In the embodiment shown, the vertical members 704 and 717 are bent toward the outside of the rollator chassis 100 so that the rails 709 do not interfere with the user hands, and with the handgrip operation.

[0751] A twist belt 706 is connected to the outside ring 707 with two pivots coaxially located on each side of the belt 719, 730. The combination of the twist belt 706 and the pivots allow the transmission of the user weight to the outside ring 707 with the possibility for the twist belt 706 to tilt frontward and rearward in order to follow the hip movement of the user while walking or sitting down.

[0752] In an embodiment, the outside ring 707 is made of a concave shaped track with the concavity facing the outside of the ring 707. Two chariots 708, located on each side of the user, are linking the outside ring 707 with the longitudinal supporting rails 709. Each one of the chariots 708 comprises three sections. A first section (on the illustration the left end of it) has two or more wheels including bearings that travel inside the outside ring 707. The wheels are placed on a compatible diameter and specially designed chariot that allows the wheels to travel inside the outside ring 707 with minimal friction or effort from the user. A second section of the chariot (on the illustration the right end) is equipped with two or several wheels that travel linearly inside the lateral rails 709 of the lateral side portions 764 of the frame 762. Both sections are linked together with a link that can extend but can retain the weight of the user. This link could be, for example, a rubber band with sufficient extension in a manner such that the user can sit on the rest seat 410 but cannot touch the ground if he falls. The link could also be made from a device that rolls/unrolls a belt but blocks the rolling movement when a sudden movement is made. For instance, it could be similar to a car seatbelt system. In his example, the use of a seat belt retractable/blocking mechanism would give the greatest freedom of movement to the user. The middle section of the chariot 708 could also use a retractable/blocking mechanism that could integrate an adjustable feature that would allow the mechanism to support between 20 to 100% of the user bodyweight.

[0753] Both the outside ring track and the first section of the chariot 708, which are interacting together, should be made in a manner such that the chariot cannot roll out of the ring 707 under any circumstances to assure safety of the user. The lateral rails 709 should have a locking system that does not permit the second section of the chariot 708 to go out of the lateral rails 709. In addition, this locking system should allow the removal of the twist belt from the lateral rails 709 to ease the installation of the twist belt 706 on the user.

[0754] Turning now to FIGS. 26A to 26C and 27A and 27B, there is shown that the rollator 50 can be provided with two sets of rear wheels. A first set of rear wheels 102 is characterized by a relatively small diameter as shown for instance in FIGS. 1A to 1C and a second set of rear wheels 001 is characterized by a wider diameter as shown in FIGS. 26A to 26C. With the second sets of rear wheels 001, the rollator 50 can be used as a wheelchair and can be propelled manually through push rims 042. All the features described above still apply to the configuration of the rollator with the second sets of rear wheels 001 and will not be repeated.

[0755] It is however appreciated that the configuration of the wheel braking assembly can vary, as shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the shape and configuration of the lateral side portions of the chassis should also be modified to receive the wider diameter wheels 001.

[0756] In the embodiment shown, each one of the lateral side portions 043 of the chassis is provided with a L-shaped square tube 002 having hinge plates 003, 004, 005 mounted at a front end thereof. The lateral side portions 043 of the chassis are pivotally mounted to the front portion of the chassis through the hinge plates 003, 004, 005 in a manner such that the chassis is configurable in the folded configuration and the operative configuration described above. More particularly, the hinge plates 003, 004, 005 are pivotally mounted to lateral plates 129 at pivoting axis 006.

[0757] On its lower end, the L-shaped square tube 002 has a triangular shaped plate 009 mounted (welded or assembled) thereto. The triangular shaped plate 009 has a round or oblong opening defining therein at a relatively centered position that permits the installation of an axle tube 010. This axle tube 010 can be welded in place at a fixed position or can be made of an outside threaded tube with two opposite flat faces that are compatible with an oblong opening cut at the triangular axle attachment plate 009. Using a threaded axle tube 010 would allow to adjust the width of the wheels to fit the user's needs. If a threaded axle tube 010 is used, this tube would be secured in place using an appropriate mechanical fastener(s), such as nut(s) 011. The wheelchair wheels 001 can then be rotatably mounted to the lateral side portion 043 of the chassis with the wheel axle 012 being a fixed wheel or a quick release type of wheel.

[0758] Hereinbelow, since both lateral side portions 043 are similar, only one will be described. However, it is appreciated that the description applies to both lateral side portions.

[0759] The lateral side portion 043 of the chassis is provided with a triangular plate 007 located above the shaped square tube 002 for the attachment of the height adjustable handgrip receiving tube 505 of the secondary handgrips 500 on which is attached or welded the accessories receiving tubes 103 in which a plurality of accessories can be selectively received.

[0760] Still referring to FIGS. 27A and 27B, there is shown that the L-shaped square tube 002 has attachment points 008 located on the side thereof, close to a center and at mid-height. The location of the attachment points 008 can differ depending of the size (diameter) of the wheels to be mounted to the rollator and with the configuration of a wheel braking assembly 015. In the embodiment shown, two attachment points 008 are shown but it is appreciated that the number and the configuration of the attachment points can vary.

[0761] The wheel braking assembly 015 will be described in reference to FIG. 27B. In the embodiment shown, the wheel braking assembly 015 includes a gear braking disk 013 attached to the wheelchair wheel 001. The gear braking disk 013 is attached using pre-cut openings 021 defined on the outside diameter of the gear braking disk 013 to the existing push rim attachment points 021 of the wheelchair wheel 001 using mechanical fasteners, such as screws. The gear braking disk 013 includes a plurality of teeth 014 located on an inside diameter thereof and extending toward the center of the wheels 001. The teeth 015 can have any suitable geometry, such as and without being limitative the one described above in reference to FIG. 25.

[0762] The wheel braking assembly 015 includes a plastic cast body 051 in which a wheel stopper 016 with corresponding rounded teeth travels from a braking configuration to a displacement configuration. In the embodiment shown, the wheel stopper 016 travels linearly between the two configurations. A brake control cable 019 operatively connected to the wheel braking assembly controller 600 travels into a sheath 020, such as a Teflon® line sheath, and is secured in place at both ends. The brake control cable 019 is attached to a movement transmission pulley 017 of the wheel braking assembly 015 at pulley attachment point 018.

[0763] Referring to FIGS. 28A to 28C, detailed views of the wheel braking assembly 015 are shown. In an embodiment, the wheel braking assembly 015 is made of the plastic casting body 051 having two attachment points 008 that allow the wheel braking assembly 015 to be attached to the lateral side portion 043 of the chassis.

[0764] In the embodiment, the body 051 is provided with a plurality of attachment points 022 for securing a main cover (not shown) to cover components of the wheel braking assembly 015. The components of the wheel braking assembly 015 include, amongst others, a transmission gear 037, a linear braking lever 016, and a compression spring 040. The body 051 also includes a sheath cavity 024 where the sheath 020 is inserted and compressed into place using a compression plate (not shown) in order to prevent the sheath 020 from moving. The compression plate (not shown) is secured in place using one or many attachment point(s) 023.

[0765] The back side of the body 051 is provided with a cylindrical cavity 025 where a cable attachment pulley assembly 017 is inserted. The cylindrical cavity 025 has a relatively tangential and linear opening 044 in which the brake control cable 019 is inserted and travels.

[0766] The front side of the body 051 is provided with a rectangular cavity divided into several sections. The braking stopper 016 is provided with side stoppers that are contained in a first top part 046 of the cavity. The side stoppers travel inside this first portion 046 of the cavity and limit the motion of the braking lever 016 between a maximum extension and a minimum extension. A middle part 047 of the cavity has a width slightly larger than a width of a main body of the braking stopper 016. The middle part 047 of the cavity is designed to guide the braking stopper 016 into a linear displacement, i.e. a translation inside the cavity. A third part of the cavity is designed to receive the compression spring 040 therein. Finally, a channel 041 having a narrow section is designed to receive an end of the brake stopper 016 to ensure its linear displacement.

[0767] The cable attachment pulley assembly 017 includes two round side plates 026 having at their center an oblong opening that allows the pulley assembly 017 to transmit the linear motion of the brake control cable 019 into a linear motion but oriented in an opposite direction to the motion transmission gear 037 and to the braking stopper 016 located on the opposite side of the body 051. The two side plates 026 also have a cylindrical opening close to their perimeter where the end of the brake control cable 018 can be inserted. The pulley assembly 017 also includes a round middle plate 027 that maintains the two side plates 026 spaced-apart from each other. The thickness of the middle plate 027 is slightly thicker than a diameter of the brake control cable 019 in a manner such that the cable 019 can travel freely between the two side plates 026. The cable attachment pulley 017 is secured to the transmission shaft 030 with the use of a mechanical fastener, such as a screw 029 tighten over a flat washer 028.

[0768] A top portion 032 of the transmission shaft 030 has a geometry compatible with the center opening of the pulley assembly 017, which are in the embodiment shown oblong in shape. The transmission shaft 030 also has a cylindrical middle portion 031 showing an enlarged diameter that allows the shaft 030 to be positioned at the proper and exact height. The transmission shaft 030 is inserted into a hole defined in the center of the cylindrical opening 025 of the body 051. At the lower portion of the transmission shaft 030, a rounded section with two flat surfaces 033 are machined and correspond to the center opening of the gear motion transmitter 037. The gear motion transmitter 037 includes a partial gear section with a centered opening corresponding in shape to the transmission shaft 030. The gear motion transmitter 037 is secured to the transmission shaft 030 using a flat washer 038 and a mechanical fastener, such as a screw 039.

[0769] The brake stopper 016 has at one end one, two or a plurality of rounded teeth 036 having a shape designed to be complementary in shape with the teeth of the gear disk 013 to be engageable and disengageable therewith with low interference. The braking stopper 016 has two stoppers 048, on each side of the main body, that interfere with the top section cavity 047 of the body 015. It contains the displacement of the stopper 016 between the maximum position and the minimum position. The braking stopper has on one side a cogwheel or gear shape 035 corresponding in geometry with the motion transmission gear 037 transforming the rotational motion of the gear 037 into a linear motion for the brake stopper 016. Finally, the brake stopper 016 has a smaller section 034 at its other end that allows for the insertion of the compression spring 040. The compressions spring 040 biases the brake stopper 016 into to the brake configuration whenever the safety conditions are not met.

[0770] In the above paragraphs, there was the description of a wheel braking assembly for the wheelchair configuration of the rollator 50. It is obvious that the same linear movement of the brake stopper can be obtained with the use of a parallel lever. It is also understood that the teeth of the brake gear can be oriented outwardly, i.e. towards the outside of the wheel.

[0771] It is also appreciated that the configuration of the wheel braking assembly and the frame can vary from the embodiments described above.

[0772] The wheel braking assembly controller 600 acts as a fall detection system that detects the behavior of the user when he/she is about to fall and to apply the wheel breaking assemblies 300 automatically in a way to give a solid hold to the user. Additionally, in an embodiment, the rollator 50 is designed in a manner such that the wheel braking system 650 is automatically configured in the braking configuration whenever the user does not have his two hands in contact with the two handgrips 204. This additional function is useful for example when the user takes hold on the rollator 50 while bending over to pick up an item in the refrigerator or an object on the ground. This function also helps teaching the user to keep both hand on the handgrips 204 while walking.

[0773] As detailed above, the wheel braking system 650 is operatively connected to the seat 410 (through the wheel braking assembly controller 600) and configured in a manner such that the wheel braking system 650 is configured in the displacement configuration when the rollator user is seated on the seat 410, i.e. a pressure equal to or greater than a seat pressure threshold is applied on the seat 410. When the rollator user stands up, i.e. the pressure applied on the seat 410 is below the seat pressure threshold, the wheel braking system 650 is automatically configured in the braking configuration. The rollator user can therefore propel himself with his feet while being seated. It also provides an anti-roll back system, i.e. the wheel braking system 650 is automatically configured in the braking configuration when the rollator user attempts to stand up. This function may be particularly helpful for user suffering from memory impairments such as Alzheimer or mental dysfunctions or simply distraction.

[0774] The wheel braking system 650 in combination with the wheel braking assembly controller 600 is configured to determine/detect whenever the rollator user is at risk of a fall and automatically configures the wheel braking system 650 in the braking configuration.

[0775] The rollator chassis 100 is designed to be a relatively lightweight chassis and, therefore, be adapted to be used in everyday life. As detailed above, by being relatively compact and configurable in a further compacted configuration, the rollator 50 is adapted to a non-adapted rollator environment in order to permit full accessibility to existing public environment. For example, the rollator 50 can be rolled over a public toilet. The secondary handgrips allow the rollator user to use public, non-adapted toilets with ease and comfort.

[0776] The rollator 50 can be adaptable to a physical or medical condition of the user by including one or more accessory receiving tube 103 to receive and support optional accessories such as and without being limitative: foot rest supports 702, cup holders, solute supports, oxygen tank supports, training tools such as walking re-education assembly 760, cup holders, telephone holders, electronic tablet holders or any commodity accessories the user may need. In the embodiments shown the accessory receiving tubes 103 are mounted to the rear ends of the chassis 100. However, it is appreciated that they can be mounted to any other suitable location on the chassis 100.

[0777] It is appreciated that, in an alternative embodiment (not shown) slowing down brakes can be mounted to the handgrips 204 and can be used by the caregiver while pushing the rollator 50 in its transport chair configuration or by the user itself when using in the rollator 50 in the walking mode to slow down its displacement.

[0778] The chassis construction allows the rollator to be used in a non-adapted environment such as public toilets, elevators, kitchen counter, office desks, etc. The chassis construction allows the user to equip the rollator 50 with many useful features such as oxygen tank support, solute poll, loading basket and body weight support device. The main philosophy behind the rollator 50 being that the user carries a safe and adapted environment with him and that the health professional can equipped the rollator 50 to use it as a re-education tool.

[0779] The rollator 50 can be advantageously inserted in the rollator, walker, transport chair and adapted training tool markets.

[0780] Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. The embodiments of the invention described above are intended to be exemplary only. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. Accordingly, while the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind. The scope of the invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.