Electrically driven wheeled walker

Abstract

A wheeled walker including a first wheel pair that is in front in a driving direction and a second wheel pair that is behind in the driving direction; a frame that includes struts that are oriented backward against the driving direction wherein each of the struts supports a rear wheel of the second wheel pair; a platform that is attached at the wheeled walker and that includes at least one wheel and a standing surface for a person using the wheeled walker; and an electric motor drive that is configured to propel the wheeled walker at least in the driving direction, wherein the standing surface of the platform is arranged between the wheels of the second wheel pair.

Claims

1. A wheeled walker, comprising: a first wheel pair that is in front in a driving direction and a second wheel pair that is behind in the driving direction; a frame that includes struts that are oriented backward against the driving direction wherein each of the struts supports a rear wheel of the second wheel pair; a platform that is attached at the wheeled walker and that includes at least one wheel and a standing surface for a person using the wheeled walker; and an electric motor drive that is configured to propel the wheeled walker at least in the driving direction, wherein the standing surface of the platform is arranged between the wheels of the second wheel pair, wherein the wheeled walker includes a coupling arrangement that arranges the platform at the wheeled walker so that tension and compression loads are transferable between the platform and the wheeled walker, wherein the coupling arrangement is provided with a joint which facilitates a displacement of the wheeled walker and the platform relative to each other that is caused by pitch movements, wherein the joint defines a rotation axis between the wheeled walker and the platform, and wherein a combination including the wheeled walker and the platform kinks about the rotation axis when driven around a turn.

2. The wheeled walker according to claim 1, wherein the coupling arrangement is provided with a horizontal axis about which the platform is movable from an operating functional position into a storage position.

3. The wheeled walker according to claim 2, wherein the coupling arrangement includes a lift assist by which a movement of the platform is supported from a functional position into a storage position, and wherein the lift assist is mechanical and includes a lift spring.

4. The wheeled walker according to claim 1, wherein the coupling arrangement is part of a coupling rod that connects struts that support the rear wheels.

5. The wheeled walker according to claim 1, wherein the platform is arranged below the coupling arrangement in a functional position and supported in the coupling arrangement by a vertical strut.

6. The wheeled walker according to claim 5, wherein the coupling arrangement includes a thrust receiver which receives the vertical strut so that the the vertical strut is slidable in the thrust receiver.

7. The wheeled walker according to claim 1, wherein the platform trails within a surface when the combination drives around a turn wherein the surface is laterally delimited by radial planes of the second wheel pair.

8. The wheeled walker according to claim 1, wherein the platform is foldable along a longitudinal axis that is parallel to the driving direction.

9. The wheeled walker according to claim 1, wherein the coupling arrangement is configured torque proof with respect to a longitudinal axis of the wheeled walker.

10. A wheeled walker, comprising: a first wheel pair that is in front in a driving direction and a second wheel pair that is behind in the driving direction; a frame that includes struts that are oriented backward against the driving direction wherein each of the struts supports a rear wheel of the second wheel pair; a platform that is attached at the wheeled walker and that includes at least one wheel and a standing surface for a person using the wheeled walker; and an electric motor drive that is configured to propel the wheeled walker at least in the driving direction, wherein the standing surface of the platform is arranged between the wheels of the second wheel pair, wherein the wheeled walker includes a coupling arrangement that arranges the platform at the wheeled walker so that tension and compression loads are transferable between the platform and the wheeled walker, and wherein the coupling arrangement is arranged in an intersection portion of a scissor lever that is associated with the wheeled walker.

11. A wheeled walker, comprising: a first wheel pair that is in front in a driving direction and a second wheel pair that is behind in the driving direction; a frame that includes struts that are oriented backward against the driving direction wherein each of the struts supports a rear wheel of the second wheel pair; a platform that is attached at the wheeled walker and that includes at least one wheel and a standing surface for a person using the wheeled walker; and an electric motor drive that is configured to propel the wheeled walker at least in the driving direction, wherein the standing surface of the platform is arranged between the wheels of the second wheel pair, wherein the wheeled walker includes a coupling arrangement that arranges the platform at the wheeled walker so that tension and compression loads are transferable between the platform and the wheeled walker, wherein the platform is arranged below the coupling arrangement in a functional position and supported in the coupling arrangement by a vertical strut, wherein the coupling arrangement includes a thrust receiver which receives the vertical strut so that the vertical strut is slidable in the thrust receiver, and wherein the platform is separable from the coupling arrangement.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Further advantages can be derived from the subsequent description of various embodiments with reference to drawing figures, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a prior art wheeled walker;

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a horizontal sectional view of the wheeled walker according to FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates the wheeled walker according to the invention in a first embodiment with an attached platform;

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates the platform according to FIG. 3 by itself;

(6) FIG. 4A illustrates the platform according to FIG. 4 with a coupling arrangement that is lifted off from the support pin;

(7) FIG. 5 illustrates the platform according to FIG. 4 in top view;

(8) FIG. 6 illustrates the platform according to FIG. 4 in side view;

(9) FIG. 7 illustrates the wheeled walker according to FIG. 3 in a vertical sectional view with the platform raised;

(10) FIG. 8 illustrates a view according to FIG. 7 with the platform in a storage position;

(11) FIG. 9 illustrates the wheeled walker according FIG. 3 with an alternative platform attachment at an existing transversal rod;

(12) FIG. 10 illustrates a wheeled walker according to the invention in a second embodiment with a platform;

(13) FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate detail views of the platform attachment at the wheeled walker according to FIG. 10;

(14) FIG. 13 illustrates the wheeled walker according to FIG. 10 with an alternative platform attachment;

(15) FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative platform in a perspective view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(16) In the drawing figures a wheeled walker is overall designated with the reference numeral 10. For starters, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a prior art walker 10 which is supplemented in the subsequent figures in different embodiments with a trailing platform 11 to form a wheeled walker 10 according to the invention. Thus, unless stated differently the general description of the prior art wheeled walker also applies to the wheeled walkers according to the invention, and therefore identical reference numerals are used for identical or analogous components.

(17) FIG. 1 illustrates the prior art wheeled walker 10 in a perspective view. The wheeled walker 10 has a frame that is designated overall with the reference numeral 12 and made from tubular rods 13 which provide attachment for various components. The frame 12 is divided in two and forms a forward frame section 21 and a rear frame section 20. The frame 12 with its forward frame section 21 has two front wheels 14 that are arranged adjacent to each other and that are respectively supported by a front wheel fork 15. Thus, the front wheel forks 15 are pivotably arranged in a wheel fork support 16 about a vertical rotation axis 17 at the frame 12.

(18) The frame 12 thus supports a seat or support plate 18 and two handles 19 which are supported in a telescopable manner in the tubular rod arrangement of the frame 12 in order to facilitate continuous elevation adjustment and thus an adaptation to the height of the user. In a wheeled walker 10 according to the invention at least one of the handles 19 is configured as a twist grip wherein a rotation of the handle provides electricity to a motor. An increasing twist angle of the handle 19 increases motor speed. Thus, the twist grip moves automatically into a zero position when released by the operator. Motorized progress is stopped in the zero position.

(19) The rear frame section 20 is attached at the front frame section 21 by holders 22 with slotted holes and two elbow levers 23.

(20) The rear frame section 20 is essentially made from two struts 24 that are parallel to each other and which are coupled with each other by a horizontal connecting rod 26 that is supported in the holders 22 or its slotted holes 25. Each elbow lever 23 connects a respective strut 24 with the front frame section 21.

(21) Each strut supports a rear wheel fork 27 wherein each rear wheel fork 27 supports a rear wheel 28. The rotation axes of the rear wheels 28 define a geometric rear axis 29 that connects the rear wheels but that is not a physical axle. Thus, the rear wheels 28 are connected in a rigid manner in the rear wheel forks 27, this means in a non-pivotable manner.

(22) The wheeled walker that is illustrated in FIG. 1 is foldable in that the horizontal connecting rod is moved upward in the slotted hole so that the elbow lever joints 23 are folded.

(23) FIG. 2 illustrates the wheeled walker according to FIG. 1 in a vertical sectional view. The sectional plane is slightly above the rear wheel forks 27. This drawing figure illustrates in particular the pivotable support of the front wheels 14 in the wheel fork supports 16. Additionally the geometric rear axis 29 is illustrated which will be relevant in the subsequent drawing description and the radial plane 30 that is defined by each rear wheel 28.

(24) FIG. 3 illustrates a wheeled walker 10 according to the invention. The wheeled walker is similar to the prior art wheeled walker but supplemented according to the invention by the trailing platform 11. The invention uses a coupling rod 31, which is oriented horizontal or parallel to the horizontal connecting rod 26 and which connects the rear struts 24 with each other that support the rear wheels 28. The coupling rod 31 is attached at the rear struts 24 by two clamps 64.

(25) The actual coupling arrangement 32 is attached at the coupling rod 31 in which the vertical strut 33 is inserted and establishes a connection between the platform 11 and the coupling arrangement 32. The trailing platform 11 is arranged with its standing surface between the rear wheels 28 so that the user takes a similar position on the platform 11 relative to the handles 19 like when using the wheeled walker without the platform 11. Compared to the prior art solutions, the user of the platform 11 assumes a particularly ergonomic position. Furthermore, the tipping stability of the combination of the wheeled walker 10 and the platform 11 is significantly improved since all four wheels of the wheeled walker are loaded when going through a turn.

(26) Arranging the coupling arrangement between an imaginary geometric rotation axis of the front wheels 14 and an imaginary geometric axis of the rear wheels 28 stabilizes the wheeled walker 10 even when it goes straight. The weight of the user can also be applied to the front wheels 14 so that a risk of lifting the front wheels 14 off the ground is avoided.

(27) The trailing platform 11 is illustrated with the coupling rod 31 and the coupling arrangement by itself in FIGS. 4 through 6. The trailing platform 11 initially includes a board 34 which can be produced from wood but also from fiber reinforced synthetic material, in particular polycarbonate or polyimide, but also from other materials.

(28) The platform wheel 24 is arranged at an end of the board 34 that is oriented away from the coupling arrangement, wherein the platform wheel is at least partially covered by a protective device 36 configured as a fender 37 in order to protect the user. A platform wheel fork 38 is attaches the platform wheel 35 at the board 34.

(29) In an advantageous embodiment of the invention an electric motor is integrated into the platform wheel 35, so that the drive unit for the wheeled walker according to the invention is formed by the platform wheel itself. The motor is provided with a brake function which prevents the wheeled walker 10 from accelerating when moving downhill. Advantageously the motor speed is always proportional to a position of the twist handle 19 when voltage is provided to the motor. Idle can be provided in a no current condition or by a separate circuit in order to be able to maneuver the wheeled walker with the platform by hand.

(30) In an advantageous embodiment the maximum speed of the combination of the wheeled walker 10 and the platform 11 can be preselected. This can be helpful in particular for inexperienced users when learning how to use the wheeled walker.

(31) A flat battery 39 is arranged on a bottom side of the board 34 wherein the flat battery stores electric drive energy for the motor driven platform wheel. Ideally the battery 39 is arranged in a shaft that is arranged at a bottom side of the plate 4 wherein control electronics can be arranged in the shaft as well. The battery 39 can be removable from the shaft for charging. However, when the battery 39 is permanently arranged at the plate 34 in a different embodiment, charging contacts are provided in order to provide electricity to the battery.

(32) Arranging the drive wheel 35 at a rear end of the platform 11 helps the stability of the combination of wheeled walker 10 and platform 11 in that the load of the user acts between the coupling arrangements 32 with the platform wheel 35. Thus, surface pressure of the platform wheel 35 can be maximized which prevents possible slippage.

(33) The coupling arrangement 32 includes a thrust receiver 40 in order to connect the vertical strut 33. In this thrust receiver the vertical strut can be moved which will be described in detail infra. In order to provide a movement end stop of the vertical strut 33 that is slide ably supported in the thrust receiver 40 in the functional position of the platform 11 the vertical strut is provided with a retaining bolt 41 at its face. The retaining bolt can be disengaged from the face of the vertical strut 33 in order to separate it from the platform and the coupling arrangement 32 so that the vertical strut 33 is removable from the thrust receiver 40. Furthermore, the platform inclination can be fine-adjusted by the retaining bolt 41.

(34) In order to separate the combination of wheeled walker 10 and platform 11, the coupling arrangement 32 is lifted off from the bearing pin 43 as illustrated in FIG. 4a. Thus, initially a non-illustrated safety element is removed which prevents unintentional disengagement of the bearing pin 43 and the coupling arrangement 32. When there is a cable connection between the platform 11 and the wheeled walker 10 a plug connection that is arranged in a portion of the coupling arrangement 32 has to be disengaged. The safety element which typically secures the connection between the coupling arrangement 32 and the bearing pin 43 can be used to support the bearing pin 43 against turning out of the vertical. This can be advantageous in particular when the bearing pin 43 is force loaded in order to facilitate a displacement of the platform 11 which will be described infra.

(35) The coupling arrangement 32 is used among other things also for compensating pitch movements of the combination that is formed from the wheeled walker 10 and the platform 11 and in order to define a rotation axis between the wheeled walker 10 and the platform 11 wherein the combination kinks about the rotation axis when going through a turn. In order to compensate pitch movements the coupling arrangement 32 initially includes a horizontal sleeve section 42 which is rotatably supported on the coupling rod 31. The sleeve section 42 includes a vertically oriented bearing pin 43 which forms the vertical rotation axis 44 of the coupling arrangement 32 and which is formed by a bearing sleeve of a support arm 46 forming the thrust receiver 40 (c.f., FIG. 4A).

(36) As evident in particular from FIG. 5 showing a top view of the platform 11, the plate 34 of the platform 11 is tapered in a backward direction towards the platform wheel 35 and includes an approximately trapezoid section. Thus, the board is shaped approximately according to a contour of a natural standing surface of a human. The surfaces 47 indicate feet resting on the plate 34. The essential advantage of the trapezoid configuration of the plate 34 or of a trapezoid board section is in particular that more space is provided for the platform 11 between the rear wheels 28 when driving the wheeled walker 10 according to the invention through turns. Also, using only a platform wheel 35 at a platform end as illustrated in the embodiments helps to optimize the movement space between the rear wheels 28 of the wheeled walker 10 that is available for going through turns. Alternatively, also two twin wheels that are arranged directly adjacent to each other at the platform end can be used.

(37) As indicated already in the introduction and as defined in the patent claims, the platform 11 is movable from a functional position on the ground into a storage position. This is illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8.

(38) In order to be moved from the functional position into the storage position the platform 11 is raised and the wheel is moved approximately to the elevation of the seat or support plate 18. This corresponds approximately to a pivot movement by approximately 90. In different embodiments the pivot movement can exceed a 90 angle, so that the platform wheel 35 is placed on the support plate 18. This has advantages for supporting the wheel in the storage position since an optimized center of gravity is obtained.

(39) In order to be moved into its storage position the platform 11 is moved towards the front wheels 14 in that the vertical strut 33 is moved in the thrust receiver 40 of the coupling arrangement 32 in a direction towards the front wheels 14. This way the platform 11 is moved into its storage position so that it is out of a movement range of a user operating the wheeled walker. Therefore, the wheeled walker 10 can be used without limitations when the platform 11 is within the storage position. In particular, sufficient knee clearance is provided so that walking can be performed without limitations.

(40) Comparing in particular FIGS. 7 and 8, an orientation of the protective device 36 has been changed. The protective device 36 or the fender 37 is arranged so that it is pivotable about the wheel axis. Thus, the platform 11 is rotatable in the storage position by approximately 180 about the platform wheel 35 and thus oriented towards the user of the wheeled walker 10. This way the platform wheel 35 is covered and the user of the wheeled walker is protected against contaminant particles adhering to the platform wheel 35.

(41) In order to facilitate a displacement of the platform 11 between a functional position and a storage position, the coupling arrangement 32 includes a pivot axis. In the embodiment, the pivot axis coincides with the coupling rod 31, so that the axis that compensates for pitch movements of the combination is identical with the horizontal pivot axis for displacing the platform 11 between the functional position and the storage position.

(42) In order to support the pivot movement from the functional position into the storage position, a support with an electric motor or a mechanical support can be provided. In particular, a mechanical support is provided that uses a torsion spring that is arranged on the coupling rod 31. The pivot movement can also be supported by a gas-pressure spring.

(43) The platform 11 can be supported in its storage position by interlocking elements which can be, for example, semi-spherical interlocking indentations which are arranged in an intermediary space between the coupling rod 31 and the sleeve section 42. In addition, a support belt or a magnet can be provided by which the platform 11 is secured in the storage position.

(44) FIG. 9 illustrates a different embodiment of the invention using the wheeled walker 10 described supra. A horizontal connecting rod 26 is used to attach the platform 11 at the wheeled walker 10 wherein the struts 24 that support the rear wheels 28 are arranged at each other by the horizontal connecting rod 26. Thus, a coupling basket 50 is attached at the wheeled walker 10 by a suitable attachment element 48, thus a clamping arrangement 49. The coupling basket 50 in turn supports the coupling arrangement 32 that is configured as described supra. The coupling basket 50 itself forms an axle element 51 about which the sleeve section 42 of the coupling arrangement 32 is supported.

(45) The coupling basket 50 includes a thrust recess 52 through which the vertical strut 33 of the platform is slidable when the platform 11 is arranged in its storage position. Then the coupling basket 50 is simultaneously used to support the platform 11 in its storage position wherein the vertical strut 33 is supported at the wheels of the thrust recess 52 and thus blocks a rearward displacement of the platform 11 into its functional position.

(46) FIGS. 10 through 12 illustrate an alternative configuration of a wheeled walker 10 in an overall view and in two detail views, wherein the wheeled walker is configured according to the invention with a trailing platform 11. Differently from the wheeled walker 10 described supra, the illustrated wheeled walker 10 is collapsible by a scissor mechanism. In order to fix the platform 11 in this embodiment, the coupling basket 50 that was already described supra is fixed at the scissor axis 61 that connects the scissor levers 55 and which is formed by a threaded bolt. Using an attachment bracket 53 which envelopes the intersection portion of the scissor levers 55 and whose support struts 62 rest on the scissor levers 55 prevents a lateral tilting of the platform 11. This reliably prevents a rotating or pivot movement about the scissor axis 61.

(47) FIG. 13 illustrates the wheeled walker 10 according to FIG. 9 with a platform 11 that is attached in an alternative manner. Thus, the struts 24 that support the rear wheels 28 are provided with receiving forks 56 into which a coupling rod 31 is inserted. Consequently, the platform 11 is fixed in analogy to the wheeled walker that is illustrated and described in FIG. 3.

(48) It is conceivable that the coupling rod 31 is pivotably attached by a threaded bolt 57 in one of the receiving forks 56 in the embodiment according to FIG. 13. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable that the coupling rod 31 is retrievably supported in the receiving forks 56 and secured therein by suitable elements in the functional position.

(49) Last not least, FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the platform 11. This embodiment differs from the embodiment recited supra in particular in that a housing 58 is arranged at a topside of the board 34. The housing 58 is open, this means illustrated without an associated cover. The housing 58 includes a first receiving cavity 59 which can include, e.g., control electronics. A second receiving cavity 60 is used for receiving a non-illustrated battery 39. Also here it is conceivable to retrieve the battery for charging purposes. Alternatively, charging contacts can be provided at an outside the housing 58 or at the battery housing in order to be able to charge the battery also during the installation within the second receiving cavity.

(50) The wheeled walker 10 can be provided with an optical or acoustic signal generator like a bell or a horn in order to warn other traffic partners or to alert them. When the wheeled walker 10 includes a sensor that scans the drive path, the signal generator can be used to put out a warning signal, e.g., to warn for obstacles. A braking process can then also be triggered in the engine control.

(51) It is conceivable to provide the wheeled walker 10 with lighting. Thus, it can be lighting similar to lighting of street legal vehicles, however lighting of the wheeled walker drive path appears more important. This type of drive path illumination facilitates detecting obstacles or uneven ground early enough when using paths that are not well illuminated.

(52) A display at the wheeled walker or data coupling with a mobile unit enables displaying status information to the user of the wheeled walker 10. The status information can be charge status, estimated range or speed, however integrating a navigation function is also conceivable.

(53) Advantageously the wheeled walker 10 according to the invitee includes a master switch proximal to one of the handles 19 or the coupling arrangement 32. This master switch enables or interrupts the electrical connection between the power source and the electrical consumers, in particular the motor. A control light signals a position of a master switch.

(54) The platform 11 that is configured as a drive component can be used to drive other transportation devices like strollers, wheel chairs or product transportation devices like carts of mail carriers. When the platform 11 is used as a drive for a wheel chair the accompanying person can climb on the platform 11.

REFERENCE NUMERALS AND DESIGNATIONS

(55) 10 wheeled walker

(56) 11 trailing platform

(57) 12 frame

(58) 13 tubular linkage

(59) 14 front wheel

(60) 15 front wheel fork

(61) 16 wheel fork holder

(62) 17 vertical rotation axis of 16

(63) 18 seatsupport plate

(64) 19 support handle

(65) 20 rear frame section

(66) 21 front frame section

(67) 22 holder of 21

(68) 23 elbow lever

(69) 24 strut

(70) 25 slotted hole of 22

(71) 26 horizontal connecting rod

(72) 27 rear wheel fork

(73) 28 rear wheel

(74) 29 geometric rear wheel axis

(75) 30 radial plane of 28

(76) 31 coupling rod

(77) 32 coupling arrangement

(78) 33 vertical strut

(79) 34 board

(80) 35 platform wheel

(81) 36 protective device

(82) 37 fender

(83) 38 platform wheel fork

(84) 39 battery

(85) 40 thrust receiver

(86) 41 retaining bolt

(87) 42 sleeve section

(88) 43 bearing pin

(89) 44 rotation axis of 32

(90) 45 bearing sleeve

(91) 46 support arm

(92) 47 surface

(93) 48 attachment element

(94) 49 clamping device

(95) 50 coupling basket

(96) 51 axel element of 50

(97) 52 thrust recess

(98) 53 attachment bracket

(99) 54 intersection portion of 55

(100) 55 scissor lever

(101) 56 receiving fork

(102) 57 threaded bolt

(103) 58 housing

(104) 59 first receiving cavity

(105) 60 second receiving cavity

(106) 61 scissor axis

(107) 62 support strut

(108) 64 clamp