Sidewalker mobility aid

Abstract

A sidewalker mobility aid for use in assisting an individual in walking. The device is configured to be used with one hand, on one side of the body of the user, rather than out in front, like a traditional walker. The sidewalker has features that place it between a cane and a walker, in terms of benefits provided. The device provides more lateral resistance (stability) than a typical cane, but less than a traditional walker, while having collapsible features that allow the device to take up less space than a traditional walker.

Claims

1. A sidewalker mobility aid for use with one hand on one side of a body of a user, the sidewalker mobility aid comprising: a handle assembly including a single handle for one hand, on one side of a body of a user, the handle assembly including forward and rearward substantially vertical members with the single handle extending therebetween, the single handle and the forward and rearward substantially vertical members being in a single substantially vertical plane on one side of the body of the user during use; a forward lateral stability member at a distal end of the forward substantially vertical member of the handle assembly, the forward lateral stability member extending sideways both towards the body of the user and away from the body of the user, so that the forward lateral stability member provides stability and resistance to lateral force in a sideways direction for the user; a rearward lateral stability member at a distal end of the rearward substantially vertical member of the handle assembly, the rearward lateral stability member extending sideways both towards the body of the user and away from the body of the user, so that the rearward lateral stability member provides stability and resistance to lateral force in a sideways direction for the user; and wherein both the forward lateral stability member and the rearward lateral stability member are collapsible from their deployed orientation in which they extend sideways both towards and away from the body of the user, to a collapsed orientation in which they are in substantially the same plane as the handle assembly.

2. The sidewalker mobility aid of claim 1, wherein the handle assembly includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the single handle being included within the upper portion, and wherein the upper portion includes forward and rearward substantially vertical members which collapse downward into substantially vertical members of the lower portion.

3. The sidewalker mobility aid of claim 2, wherein the handle assembly comprises a button disposed on a cross-bar of the handle assembly, the button being operatively coupled to the handle assembly to facilitate selective downward collapse of the upper portion into the lower portion.

4. The sidewalker mobility aid of claim 1, wherein the sidewalker mobility aid is collapsible to a collapsed width of about 5 inches or less.

5. The sidewalker mobility aid of claim 1, wherein the sidewalker mobility aid is collapsible to a collapsed width of about 4 inches or less.

6. The sidewalker mobility aid of claim 1, wherein the sidewalker mobility aid is collapsible to a collapsed width of about 3 inches or less.

7. The sidewalker mobility aid of claim 1, wherein the sidewalker mobility aid is collapsible to collapsed dimensions so as to fit within an overhead bin of a commercial airliner sized 22 inches14 inches9 inches.

8. The sidewalker mobility aid of claim 1, wherein both the forward lateral stability member and the rearward lateral stability member further comprise at least one of wheels or glides extending downward therefrom, for contact with a ground surface.

9. The sidewalker mobility aid of claim 8, wherein both the forward lateral stability member and the rearward lateral stability member comprise wheels extending downward therefrom for contact with the ground surface.

10. The sidewalker mobility aid of claim 9, wherein the wheels of the rearward lateral stability member are configured as generally spherical rollers.

11. The sidewalker mobility aid of claim 9, wherein the wheels of at least one of the forward or rearward lateral stability members are selectively lockable so that when a user presses downward with a threshold force on the handle, the selectively lockable wheels lock so they will not roll.

12. The sidewalker mobility aid of claim 1, wherein the forward and rearward substantially vertical members are not mounted at a center of the forward and rearward lateral stability members, but at a location that is offset towards the body of the user as compared to the center of the forward and rearward lateral stability members.

13. The sidewalker mobility aid of claim 1, wherein the single handle of the handle assembly is forwardly inclined, so that a front of the handle is higher than a rear of the handle.

14. The sidewalker mobility aid of claim 13, wherein the single handle comprises a bar with a grip formed thereover for increasing grip in the hand of the user.

15. A collapsible sidewalker mobility aid for use with one hand on one side of a body of a user, the sidewalker mobility aid comprising: a handle assembly including a single handle for one hand, on one side of a body of a user, the handle assembly including forward and rearward substantially vertical members with the single handle extending therebetween, the single handle and the forward and rearward substantially vertical members being in a single substantially vertical plane on one side of the body of the user during use; a forward lateral stability member at a distal end of the forward substantially vertical member of the handle assembly, the forward lateral stability member extending sideways both towards the body of the user and away from the body of the user, so that the forward lateral stability member provides stability and resistance to lateral force in a sideways direction for the user, wherein the forward lateral stability member further includes a pair of wheels mounted at or near the ends of the forward lateral stability member; a rearward lateral stability member at a distal end of the rearward substantially vertical member of the handle assembly, the rearward lateral stability member extending sideways both towards the body of the user and away from the body of the user, so that the rearward lateral stability member provides stability and resistance to lateral force in a sideways direction for the user, wherein the rearward lateral stability member further includes a pair of wheels mounted at or near the ends of the rearward lateral stability member; wherein both the forward lateral stability member and the rearward lateral stability member are collapsible from their deployed orientation in which they extend sideways both towards and away from the body of the user, to a collapsed orientation in which they are in substantially the same plane as the handle assembly; and wherein the forward and rearward substantially vertical members are not mounted at a center of the forward and rearward lateral stability members, but at a location that is offset towards the body of the user as compared to the center of the forward and rearward lateral stability members.

16. The sidewalker mobility aid of claim 15, wherein the wheels of the forward lateral stability member are selectively lockable so that when a user presses downward with a threshold force on the handle, the selectively lockable wheels lock so they will not roll.

17. The sidewalker mobility aid of claim 15, wherein the handle assembly includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the single handing being included within the upper portion, and wherein the upper portion includes forward and rearward substantially vertical members which collapse downward into substantially vertical members of the lower portion.

18. The sidewalker mobility aid of claim 15, wherein the single handle of the handle assembly is forwardly inclined, so that a front of the handle is higher than a rear of the handle.

19. The sidewalker mobility aid of claim 15, wherein the sidewalker mobility aid is collapsible to a collapsed width of about 3 inches or less.

20. The sidewalker mobility aid of claim 15, wherein at least the forward lateral stability member and the rearward lateral stability member are formed from tube members that are substantially oval in cross-section.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the sidewalker mobility aid in the deployed, extended configuration, for use;

(3) FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the sidewalker mobility aid of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is a first side view of the sidewalker mobility aid of FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 4 is an opposite, second side view of the sidewalker mobility aid of FIG. 1;

(6) FIG. 5 is a front view of the sidewalker mobility aid of FIG. 1;

(7) FIG. 6 is a rear view of the sidewalker mobility aid of FIG. 1;

(8) FIG. 7 is a top view of the sidewalker mobility aid of FIG. 1;

(9) FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the sidewalker mobility aid of FIG. 1;

(10) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the sidewalker mobility aid of FIG. 1, shown in a collapsed configuration, with the handle assembly collapsed downward, and the lateral stability members swiveled into their collapsed configuration, where they are in substantially the same plane as the handle assembly; and

(11) FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the oval shaped tubing that may be used in the tubing components of the sidewalker mobility aid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

I. Definitions

(12) All publications, patents and patent applications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

(13) Numbers, percentages, or other values stated herein are intended to include that value, and also other values that are about or approximately the stated value, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art encompassed by embodiments of the present disclosure. In other words, any value is understood to be modified by the term about or approximately. A stated value should therefore be interpreted broadly enough to encompass values that are at least close enough to the stated value to perform a desired function or achieve a desired result. Stated values may include values that are within 10%, within 5%, within 1%, within 0.1%, or within 0.01% of a stated value.

(14) Ranges between any values disclosed herein are contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure (e.g., a range defined between any two values given as exemplary for any given parameter).

(15) As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms a, an and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

(16) As used herein, the terms comprising, including, containing, characterized by, and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps, but also include the more restrictive terms consisting of and consisting essentially of and grammatical equivalents thereof. As used herein, the term may with respect to a material, structure, feature or method act indicates that such is contemplated for use in implementation of an embodiment of the disclosure.

II. Introduction

(17) The present invention is directed to a sidewalker mobility aid that is designed to be used with a single hand, on one side of the body (rather than out in front, like a traditional walker). In this sense, it is similar in some respects to use of a cane, although the sidewalker provides lateral stability characteristics that are better than provided by existing canes, so as to provide lateral stability that is perhaps between that provided by a cane and a walker. Advantageously, the lateral stability members are collapsible from their deployed orientation, where they extend sideways both towards and away from the standing body of a user, to a collapsed orientation in which the lateral stability members are (e.g., swiveled) into substantially the same plane as the handle assembly of the sidewalker mobility aid. The handle assembly may also be vertically collapsible, decreasing the overall height of the device for storage (e.g., allowing it to comfortably fit in the space between a passenger seat of a car and the passenger door, in an overhead bin of a commercial airliner, or similar sized space). Such ability makes the device far more practical to store and transport than a traditional walker.

II. Exemplary Sidewalkers

(18) FIGS. 1-8 illustrate an exemplary sidewalker device 100 in a configuration in which the handle is vertically extended for use, and the lateral stability members are extended or deployed for use. FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the same sidewalker 100, in which the handle assembly has been collapsed vertically, and the lateral stability members have also been collapsed, to be in substantially the same plane as the handle assembly.

(19) As shown in FIG. 1, the sidewalker 100 may include a handle assembly 102 including a single handle 104 for one hand. The handle 104 may be in the form of an elongated bar presented on one side (i.e., right or left) of the user using the sidewalker 100. The handle assembly 102 may also include forward and rearward substantially vertical members 106a, 106b, with the single handle 104 extending there between. The single handle 104 and the forward and rearward substantially vertical members 106a, 106b may be in a single substantially vertical plane on one side of the body of the user during use. In other words, the handle assembly 102 may be within substantially a single plane, whether in its collapsed state or deployed to one side of the user.

(20) The sidewalker 100 may include a forward lateral stability member 108 at a distal end of the forward substantially vertical member 106a of the handle assembly 102. The forward lateral stability member 108 may extend sideways both towards the body of the user and away from the body of the user, so that the forward lateral stability member 108 provides stability and resistance to lateral force in a sideways direction for the user. In the illustrated embodiment, member 108 is shown as including two arms 110a, and 110b. Arm 110a may be disposed away from (i.e., further from) the standing user during use, while arm 110b may be disposed towards (i.e., closer to) the standing user during use.

(21) As may be best appreciated from FIGS. 1, 5, and 6, the forward substantially vertical member 106a of the handle assembly 102 may not be attached at a center of the forward lateral stability member 108, but may be noticeably offset therefrom, as shown. In other words, arm 110b may be shorter in lateral extension than arm 110a. As shown, the offset may be towards the user, which increases the lateral resistance against an outward leaning force from the user and also makes it less likely that the user will step on or trip on the lateral stability member (arm 110b) extending towards the user. The lateral stability member 108 thus may extend out further on the side opposite the user (i.e., arm 110a), than on the side towards the user (i.e., arm 110b), as shown.

(22) A rearward lateral stability member 112 may be provided at a distal end of the rearward substantially vertical member 106b of the handle assembly 102, the rearward lateral stability member 112 extending sideways both towards the body of the user and away from the body of the user, so that the rearward lateral stability member 112 provides stability and resistance to lateral force in a sideways direction for the user. This rearward lateral stability member 112 may similarly be offset in its mounting to the rearward substantially vertical member 106b, as described above relative to the forward lateral stability member 106a, for similar reasons. For example, as shown, member 112 may include arms 114a and 114b, with arm 114b extending towards the user, and arm 114a extending away from the user, analogous to arms 110a and 110b.

(23) The illustrated configuration includes a pair of wheels 116a, 116b at the front of sidewalker 100, at the distal end of arms 110a, 110b. A pair of rollers are shown at the rear of sidewalker 100, at the distal end of arms 114a and 114b. The offset mounting by which arms 110a and 114a are longer than arms 110b and 114b provides stability in a sideways direction, providing a point of contact with the ground that is a significant distance away from the user. This provides enhanced side-to-side stability relative to the user's foot or feet. In the illustrated embodiment, wheel 116a, and roller 118a are shown on this side, furthest from the standing user. Wheel 116b and roller 118b are shown on the near side, closest to the user, also providing stability, but with less lateral extension so as to not interfere with the user's foot movement.

(24) As perhaps best seen by comparing FIGS. 1 and 9, the sidewalker 100 can be collapsed in two dimensions, both horizontally and vertically. Horizontal collapse may be achieved by rotating, swiveling and/or collapsing the forward and rearward lateral stability members 108, 112 inward so as to be in substantially the same plane as the handle assembly 102. Vertical collapse may be achieved by collapsing an upper portion 120 of handle assembly 102 into a lower portion 122. For example, as shown in the Figures, the handle assembly 102 may include an upper portion 120 and a lower portion 122, where the upper portion 120 may at least partially collapse into the lower portion 122. The single handle 104 may be included within the upper portion 120, and the upper portion 120 may include forward and rearward substantially vertical members 106a, 106b which collapse downward into substantially vertical members 106a, 106b of the lower portion 122. In other words, the forward and rearward substantially vertical members 106a, 106a, and 106b, 106b may be telescoping collapsible.

(25) Collapsibility in both such dimensions provides a great benefit, in that the collapsed sidewalker 100 may easily fit in compact spaces where a walker or cane could not; for example, within the space between a seat and door of a front passenger seat of a car (or the space between the seat and the console, towards the driver's seat). Such collapsibility allows the device 100 to assume a substantially planar configuration, with a collapsed width of perhaps no more than about 5 inches, no more than about 4 inches, or no more than about 3 inches. This collapsibility also allows the sidewalker 100 to easily fit within an overhead bin of a commercial airliner (e.g., 22 inches14 inches9 inches), and to do so even with commonly-sized (e.g., carry on) luggage pieces already inserted. For example, because of the narrow collapsed width, the sidewalker may often fit on top of such luggage within an overhead bin. Such is not possible with a traditional walker, and even many canes, which are not readily accommodated within a standard sized commercial airliner overhead bin. Such an ability allows a passenger to take the sidewalker on the plane with them, so that it can be used while boarding the plane, and when deplaning after landing. Such is not possible with a walker, and often not possible with typical canes, which are longer than 22 inches in length.

(26) As shown, the forward lateral stability member 108 made up of arms 110a, 110b may be provided with wheels 116a, 116b at or near both ends of arms 110a, 110b. Rearward lateral stability member 112 is shown as including rollers 118a, 118b at or near both ends of arms 114a, 114b. Glides or skids could alternatively be provided with the rearward lateral stability member 112. The illustrated combination of wheels and rollers is helpful in providing a device that can be rolled along the ground, without requiring the user to pick up the device, and without the bulk of a walker. The front wheels 116a, 116b may be configured as casters, as shown. The casters may face perpendicular to the arms, and may be configured as rigid casters so as not to swivel relative to arms 110a and 110b, but to only roll back and forth. In other words, the front wheels 116a, 116b may be fixed relative to arms 110a, 110b, although they are of course swivelable in combination with arms 110a, 110b when the member 108 is rotated clockwise (from above) inwardly to collapse arms 110a, 110b into substantially the same plane as handle assembly 102.

(27) The wheels 116a, 116b may be of the compression brake style, so that when a user presses downward thereon with a threshold force, the wheels lock, preventing them from further rolling until the threshold force is released. Any of various other mechanisms for selectively locking the wheels may be employed.

(28) The illustrated configuration shows rollers 118a, 118b mounted within rear arms 114a, 114b. Such rollers may be of the spherical style, allowing 360 rolling (e.g., forward, rearward, sideways, etc). Of course, a wide variety of other wheels or rollers may alternatively be employed. The functionality of illustrated rollers 118a, 118b is in contrast to the front wheels 116a, 116b, which may only roll forward and rearward (i.e., they do not swivel, spin or twist to allow sideways rolling). As shown in FIG. 9, rear arms 114a, 114b may also be rotated inwardly (counter-clockwise from above), putting arms and rollers 114a, 114b in substantially the same plane as handle assembly 102.

(29) The single handle 104 of the handle assembly 102 may be forwardly inclined, so that a front 124 of the handle is higher than a rear 126 of the handle 104. Such an inclined bar surface may be more comfortable and more stable for the user than a strictly horizontal surface for the handle 104. As shown, a grip 128 (e.g., an elastomeric, grippable material that increases grip within the hand of the user) may be provided over the single handle bar 104.

(30) A button 130 or other similar mechanism may be provided for allowing selective collapse of the substantially vertical members. While a button 130 is shown, various other mechanisms, e.g., including but not limited to two tabs that squeeze together, allowing selective collapse could also be used. In any case, button 130 is shown within cross-bar 132 of handle assembly 102, where cross-bar 132 is disposed below handle 104, e.g., but above the distal end of the substantially vertical members of handle assembly 102. Button 130 is advantageously not disposed on handle 104, but below handle 104, to minimize any risk of inadvertently collapsing handle assembly 102. Pressing button 130 may permit members 106a and 106b to collapse vertically downward, into members 106a and 106b. Any suitable mechanism for selectively locking and allowing selective collapse may be employed. Numerous suitable mechanisms for permitting such vertical collapse will be apparent to those of skill in the art, in light of the present disclosure.

(31) By way of example, a height from the middle of handle 104 (e.g., at 134), where a user is most likely to grip, may be approximately 31 inches from this location to the floor (i.e., to the bottom of wheels/rollers 116a, 116b, 118a, 118b). Such distance may typically range from 31 inches to 40 inches (i.e., at least about 31 inches). A mechanism may be provided for locking handle 104 at a desired, selected height, within such a range, allowing the user some ability to customize how high the handle is, depending on the height of the user. For example, spring loaded pins and associated receptacle holes within the substantially vertical members of the handle assembly 102 could provide such functionality. Other possible mechanisms will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, in light of the present disclosure. Pressing button 130 could disengage such a pin (e.g., on one or both sides) from the corresponding holes, allowing the handle to be collapsed downward, or extended upward. Such a mechanism may be similar to the pins and holes of a crutch. Such pin retraction mechanism could be operatively coupled to button 130, and hidden within cross-bar 132.

(32) In addition to vertical collapse, the forward lateral stability member 108 (i.e., arms 110a, 110b with attached wheels 116a, 116b can be swiveled clockwise (as viewed from above) inwardly, turning arms 110a and 110b into substantially the same plane as handle assembly 102. Similarly, the rearward lateral stability member 112 (i.e., arms 114a, 114b with attached rollers 118a, 118b) can be swiveled counter-clockwise (as viewed from above) inwardly, turning arms 114a and 114b into substantially the same plane as handle assembly 102. This fully collapsed configuration is shown in FIG. 9.

(33) It will be appreciated that counter-clock wise rotation of forward lateral stability member 108 and clockwise rotation of rearward lateral stability member 112 is also possible, if the user were using the sidewalker on their other side. The swiveling nature of both lateral stability members 108 and 112 allows the user to configure the sidewalker, e.g., as shown in FIG. 1, where the short arms 110b and 114b are on the right side, configured for the user to stand on the right side, but to also swivel both lateral stability member 108 and 112 180, so as to position the short arms 110b and 114b on the left side, allowing the user then to stand on the left side. This ability to swivel the short arms of the lateral stability members to whichever side the user wishes to stand on is particularly advantageous, providing significantly increased versatility.

(34) In an embodiment, one or more of the illustrated bar or tubular structures may be formed of a substantially oval tubular cross-sectional shape, which oval cross-section is shown in FIG. 10. Such a generally oval cross-section is symmetrical, so as to better facilitate the above described swiveling through 180 (or even 360). Such an oval cross-section may be further preferred over a simple circular cross-section as it provides significantly increased stiffness in the long axis. That said, any symmetrical cross-section that would permit alignment after swiveling 180 may be suitable for use.

(35) The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.