MOBILE WALKING AND TRANSPORT AID DEVICE

Abstract

What is shown and described is a mobile walking and transport aid device (1) for supporting particularly persons with impaired walking ability, with a chassis (2) with wheels (3, 4) and with two outer lateral supports (5, 6), which are fixed to the chassis (2) as supporting elements for a user of the device (1). According to the invention, a provision is made that the lateral supports (5, 6) are attached to the chassis (2) such that they can be swiveled about a horizontal axis from a first, backwardly tilted position for pushing the walking and transport aid device (1) from behind and/or for supporting the user while walking inside and/or behind the walking and transport aid device (1) and/or for the user to sit on the walking and transport aid device (1) into at least one forwardly tilted position for pulling the walking and transport aid device (1) from the front.

Claims

1. A mobile walking and transport aid device for supporting particularly persons with impaired walking ability, with a chassis with wheels and with two outer lateral supports connected to the chassis as supporting elements for a user of the device, characterized in that the lateral supports are attached to the chassis such that they can be swiveled about a horizontal axis from a first, backwardly tilted position for pushing the walking and transport aid device from behind and/or for supporting the user while walking inside and/or behind the walking and transport aid device and/or for the user to sit on the walking and transport aid device into at least one forwardly tilted position for pulling the walking and transport aid device from the front.

2. The walking and transport aid device as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that the lateral supports can be locked in at least one first backwardly tilted position relative to the chassis and that the angle between a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity and the lateral supports in a backwardly tilted locked position is between 40° and 90°, preferably between 60° and 80°, more preferably about 70°.

3. The walking and transport aid device as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that, in at least one forwardly tilted position of the lateral supports, the angle between a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity and the lateral supports is greater than 90°, preferably up to 180°, more preferably between 125° and 145°.

4. The walking and transport aid device as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that at least one common grip element connected to both lateral supports provided.

5. The walking and transport aid device as set forth in claim 4, characterized in that the grip element is embodied as an open or closed curved handle.

6. The walking and transport aid device as set forth in claim 4, characterized in that the grip element is arranged such that it can be swiveled relative to the lateral supports.

7. The walking and transport aid device as set forth in claim 4, characterized in that the grip element can be locked in at least one first position swiveled backward with respect to the lateral supports and, as needed, in at least one second position swiveled forward with respect to the lateral supports.

8. The walking and transport aid device as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that the grip element acts together with a braking device and/or in that a lever mechanism is provided with an additional movement axis between two wheel axes of the walking and transport aid device $ in order to automatically set different distances between the wheel axes as a function of the angular position of the lateral supports.

9. The walking and transport aid device for supporting particularly persons with impaired walking ability, furthermore particularly as set forth in claim 1, with a chassis with wheels and with at least one motorized drive device for the wheels, with a control device for controlling the drive device in terms of setting a drive speed and, optionally, the direction of rotation of the wheels as a function of a force and/or torque exerted by the user on the walking aid device, with the exerted force and/or torque being detected by means of at least one sensor and converted into corresponding movement commands for controlling the drive device, characterized in that the control device is embodied such that the actuation of the drive device in order to set a certain drive speed as a function of a detected force and/or torque applied by the user is kept unchanged until a subsequent additional force and/or torque applied by the user exceeds a predefined threshold value.

10. The walking and transport aid device for supporting particularly persons with impaired walking ability, furthermore particularly as set forth in claim 1, with a chassis with wheels and with at least one motorized drive device for the wheels, with a control device for controlling the drive device in terms of setting a drive speed and, optionally, the direction of rotation of the wheels as a function of a force and/or torque exerted by the user on the walking aid device, with the exerted force and/or torque being detected by means of at least one sensor and converted into corresponding movement commands for controlling the drive device, characterized in that at least one additional sensor for detecting the ascent and/or descent of the walking aid device is provided and that the control device is embodied such that the actuation of the drive device takes place automatically as a function of a detected ascent and/or descent of the walking and transport aid device.

Description

[0039] It will also be readily understood that the features of the aforedescribed walking aid devices according to the invention can be combined with one another as needed, even if this is not expressly described in detail. Each feature and aspect described above can have its own independent inventive significance. These features can represent separate aspects that are essential to the invention and are not necessarily linked to a control of the drive device in accordance with a detected ascent and/or descent of the walking aid and/or not linked to the automatic maintenance of the control of the drive device in accordance with the application of a detected force and/or torque by the user. The described features can also be combined with the features described below with reference to the drawing.

[0040] In the drawing:

[0041] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a mobile walking aid device according to the invention,

[0042] FIGS. 2A-2E show schematic representations of different usage modes of the walking aid device shown in FIG. 1,

[0043] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a mobile walking aid device according to the invention,

[0044] FIGS. 4A-4F show schematic representations of different usage modes of the walking aid device shown in FIG. 3, and

[0045] FIGS. 5-10 show perspective views of another embodiment of a mobile walking aid device according to the invention.

[0046] FIG. 1 shows a mobile walking aid device 1 for supporting persons with impaired walking ability, having a chassis 2 with two front wheels 3 (swivel casters) and two rear wheels 4 (fixed wheels). Two outer lateral supports 5, 6 are connected to the chassis 2 which form the supporting elements of the walking aid device 1. In the depicted embodiment, the lateral supports 5, 6 are embodied as rods but, in principle, they can also be formed by non-round sections. The frame design of the chassis 2 offers maximum movement clearance for a user.

[0047] As can be seen from FIGS. 2A to 2E, the lateral supports 5, 6 can be swiveled from a first position shown in FIGS. 2A to 2D, particularly in order to push the walking aid device from behind (FIG. 2B, 2C) and support a user when walking inside and/or behind the walking aid device (FIG. 2C), as well as in order for a user to sit (FIG. 2D), into at least one second forwardly tilted position for pulling the walking aid device from the front (FIG. 2A). For this purpose, the lateral supports 5, 6 are connected to the chassis 2 by means of pivot joints 7 on the interior of the frame-like chassis 2, which are not shown in FIG. 1. By virtue of the swivelable connection of the lateral supports 5, 6, the walking aid device 1 can thus be used in a hand cart mode (FIG. 2A), in a shopping cart mode (FIG. 2B), in a walker mode (FIG. 2C), and in a chair mode (FIG. 2D). Furthermore, it is possible to fold the lateral supports 5, 6 onto a bottom part 8 attached in a swiveling manner to the chassis 2 and a seat part 9 connected in a swiveling manner to the bottom part 8, which is shown in FIG. 2E. In the transport mode shown in FIG. 2E, this results in a small design size of the walking aid device 1, which is advantageous for transport. At least in the first position shown in FIGS. 2B to 2D, the lateral supports 5, 6 can be locked in place, so that the angle a between the lateral supports 5, 6 (with respect to the longitudinal axes of the lateral supports 5, 6) and a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction can be about 70°. On the other hand, in the forwardly tilted position of the lateral supports 5, 6 shown in FIG. 2A, the angle a can be between 90° and 180°, in which case the lateral supports 5, 6 can preferably assume any position in the abovementioned angular range without being locked. This results in greater user comfort when pulling the walking aid device 1 in hand cart mode.

[0048] The walking aid device 1 also has a common grip element 10 connected to both lateral supports 5, 6. The grip element 10 is embodied as a U-shaped bow and has a center transverse brace 11 and two outer longitudinal braces 12. The transverse brace 11 and the longitudinal braces 12 have grip and contact surfaces 11a and 12a.

[0049] The grip element 10 is a multifunctional component and constitutes the main control element of the walking aid device 1. The bow-like grip element 10 connects the two lateral supports 5, 6 to one another and enables the vehicle to be adapted and handled. The connection between the grip element 10 and the lateral supports 5, 6 is achieved by means of two connection elements 13, 14, with which the grip element 10 is connected in a swiveling manner to both longitudinal sides of the walking aid device 1 by means of pivot joints 15. The grip element 10 could also be embodied as a closed hoop with two transverse braces 11 that are interconnected by the longitudinal braces 12.

[0050] By virtue of the possibility of swiveling the grip element 10 and locking it in different angular positions in relation to the lateral supports 5, 6, the user's hand and grip position can be switched while using the walking aid device, thus preventing fatigue and strain. Through the multitude of handle and grip positions, it is possible to adapt to the needs of the individual user.

[0051] In shopping cart mode (FIG. 2B), the grip element 10 can be lockable in a horizontal position in a first position that is tilted backward in relation to the longitudinal axes of the lateral supports 5, 6. The angle 13 between the longitudinal braces 12 and the lateral supports 5, 6 can be about 110°.

[0052] In contrast, in a second position of the grip element 10 (walker mode according to FIG. 2C) that is tilted forward in relation to the longitudinal axes of the lateral supports 5, 6, the angle 13 between the longitudinal axes of the lateral supports 5, 6 and the longitudinal braces 12 can be about 45°. The upwardly angled grip element 10 then fosters an upright gait on the part of the user.

[0053] According to FIG. 2D (chair mode), the grip element 10 is tilted forward in relation to the longitudinal axes of the lateral supports 5, 6 but arranged and locked in a substantially horizontal position. The bow-like grip element 10 then serves simultaneously as a backrest for a user. In this case, the angle 13 between the longitudinal braces 12 and the lateral supports 5, 6 can be about 110°.

[0054] All of the above angles refer to an angle measurement in the clockwise direction.

[0055] In order to pull the walking aid device 1 (hand cart mode according to FIG. 2A), the grip element 10 can be locked in a position in which the grip element 10 lies substantially on the plane spanned by the lateral supports 5, 6. The lateral supports 5, 6 and the longitudinal braces 12 of the grip element 10 then lie on common longitudinal axes with respect to a side view of the walking aid device 1 according to FIG. 2A. The angle 13 between the lateral supports 5, 6 and the longitudinal braces 12 is 180° here. In principle, however, it is also possible for the grip element 12 to not be locked when the walking aid device is pulled in hand cart mode, so that changes in height on the ground are easily compensated for.

[0056] In transport mode, the angle a between the lateral supports 5, 6 and a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction is preferably between 0° and 15°. In transport mode, the grip element 10 is folded over onto the rear wheels 4, with it being possible for the angle 13 between the longitudinal braces 12 and the lateral supports 5, 6 to be less than 135°.

[0057] The connection elements 13, 14 are inserted into the lateral supports 5, 6 via tubular connecting portions 16, 17. An adjustment mechanism 18 can be provided in order to pull the connection elements 13, 14 upward out of the lateral supports 5, 6 and thus change the height of the grip element 10 [in relation] to the user. The adjustment mechanism 18 and the associated components, such as Bowden cables, for example, can be integrated into the chassis 2 in order to minimize the potential of a user becoming stuck and the resulting risk of injury. The actuating mechanism for the height adjustment of the grip element 10 is positioned beneath the grip element 10. The actuating mechanism can be triggered by pulling a sleeve upward. The adjustment mechanism 18 is designed such that the height of both connecting portions 16, 17 can be adjusted at the same time, so that the transverse brace 11 of the grip element 10 is always in a horizontal position during the height adjustment.

[0058] The connection elements 13, 14 each have a palm rest 19, 20. The palm rest 19, 20 acts as a bearing supporting surface for the balls of the user's hands, for example in walker mode (FIG. 2C). In shopping cart mode (FIG. 2B) and/or in walker mode (FIG. 2C), it is also possible to use only the grip element 10 or the transverse brace 11 for pushing the vehicle or supporting the user. In hand cart mode (FIG. 2A), the walking aid device is preferably pulled only on the transverse brace.

[0059] Moreover, force sensors 21 (not shown in detail in FIG. 1) are provided in the vicinity of the pivot joints 7 by means of which the lateral supports 5, 6 are attached in a swiveling manner to the chassis 2. Furthermore, drive units (motors not shown) are provided in the rear wheels 4, and a control device for controlling the drive units with respect to the setting of a drive speed and, optionally, the direction of rotation of the rear wheels 4 as a function of the application of force and/or torque by the user to the walking aid device 1. The control device is also not shown.

[0060] The application of force and/or torque via the grip and/or contact surfaces 11a, 12a of the grip element 10 is detected by means of the force sensors 21 and converted into corresponding movement commands for controlling the drive units. In the embodiment shown, force applied by the user to the grip element 10 is transferred via the lateral support 5, 6 to the force sensors 21 and detected there. The walking aid device 1 thus offers a supporting drive that is dependent on the user, his needs, and the terrain. Travel is initiated via a sensor system and a commensurately designed measurement, control, and/or regulation system capable of converting a user-induced speed selection in a stepless manner. A supporting drive is thus provided when the walking aid device is being pushed or pulled on level ground and uphill. When traveling downhill, the speed can be adapted automatically through automatic braking. Identical drive functions can be provided in the hand cart mode, shopping cart mode, and walker mode of the walking aid device. If a force around zero is detected, the speed is preferably held constant.

[0061] In order to identify the ascent and/or descent of the walking aid device 1, an additional sensor 22 can be integrated into the frame. The drive units can then be automatically controlled as a function of a detected ascent and/or descent of the walking aid device 1. The sensor 22 can be a gyroscope. The detected rise or drop of the vehicle can influence the rotational speed of the drive.

[0062] As can also be seen from FIG. 1, a rechargeable battery 23 can be integrated into the chassis 2. The same applies to charging electronics (not shown) with plug.

[0063] The angle adjustment of the lateral supports 5, 6 is actuated by a foot controller 24 that cooperates with fixing elements in the pivot joints 7 and locks or stops the lateral supports 5, 6 in a certain angular position.

[0064] The multifunctional bottom part 8 and the seat part 9 can be appropriately folded and anchored on the lateral supports 5, 6 by means of latching projections 25. By virtue of the bottom part 8 and the seat part 9, a sufficiently large transport surface is created in transport cart mode (FIG. 2A), whereas the bottom part 8 and the seat part 9 can be used to push out the lateral supports 5, 6 in walker mode. In chair mode (FIG. 2D), the opportunity to sit is provided by the seat part.

[0065] An input device 26 can be provided on the connection elements 13, 14 that has a function selection interface near the grip and/or contact surfaces 11a, 12a. A freewheel function can be activated via a switching element on the function selection interface that automatically interrupts the power supply to the drive units, so that the rear wheels 4 are able to rotate freely.

[0066] In addition, an interruption of the power supply can also be performed in transport mode according to FIG. 2E if the vehicle is folded up.

[0067] Moreover, two hand brake levers 27, 28 are arranged on the grip element 10 parallel to the transverse brace 11 and another hand brake lever 29 is arranged parallel to a longitudinal brace 12. In walker mode, a mechanical brake can be actuated using the hand brake levers 27-29, which enables the braking and stopping of the vehicle in walker mode in the event of an interruption of the power supply. In shopping cart mode, the same brake mechanism can be used as in walker mode.

[0068] In one especially preferred embodiment, a provision can be made that the grip element 10 acts together with the brake mechanism such that the brake mechanism is automatically actuated when the grip element 10 is pressed downward. The mechanical coupling between the grip element 10 and a braking device can be achieved using Bowden cables, for example, which can run on the interior of the lateral supports 5, 6.

[0069] The engagement of the grip element 10 in the chair mode according to FIG. 2D can perform the function of a non-electronic hand brake in order to enable the walking aid device 1 to be parked securely. The engagement provides visual and palpable feedback as confirmation for the user. As a backrest, the grip element 10 uses the identical mechanical brake mechanism as when used in walker mode. When the grip element 10 is pressed downward in the chair function to an engagement point, the hand brake is activated and the electronic control automatically deactivated.

[0070] The combination of a non-electronic brake with an electronic braking system can contribute to a greater level of safety for the user. If the electric brake fails, a non-electronic brake is available. Even in the event of a technical failure of the motor or control, and/or in case of an interruption in the power supply, the vehicle can be reliably braked. A braking system that is actuated by means of a hand brake lever 27-29 can make a provision, for example, that the first third of the lever path of a hand brake lever 27-29 is translated into an electronic braking effect. After that, the mechanical brake engages on the rear wheels 4 and/or front wheels 3.

[0071] Finally, in the vicinity of the grip and/or contact surfaces 11a, 12a, additional sensors can be provided in order to enable the contact of at least one hand on the grip element 10. If there is no contact or only contact on one side, this can result automatically in the triggering of a dead-man function that interrupts a power supply to the drive devices.

[0072] Another embodiment of a walking aid device 1 is shown in FIG. 3 and in FIGS. 4A to 4F. Functionally analogous components of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 4F are designated by equivalent reference symbols.

[0073] The walking aid device 1 shown in FIG. 3 can be used according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 2E in a hand cart mode (FIG. 4A), a shopping cart mode (FIG. 4B), a walker mode (FIG. 4C), and a chair mode (FIG. 4D). By folding over the lateral supports 5, 6 and grip element 10, the walking aid device 1 can also be converted to a transport mode, which is shown in FIG. 4E. Here, the grip element 10 has been folded forward in the clockwise direction.

[0074] Moreover, the walking aid device 1 according to FIG. 4F can also be used in a stroller mode, in which case the angle 13 between a longitudinal brace 12 of the grip element 10 and a lateral support 5 can be about 180°. The lateral supports 5, 6 are thus tilted or slanted backward somewhat more than their position in shopping cart mode, walker mode, and chair mode. During use in stroller mode, the lateral supports 5, 6 do not need to be locked in the position shown in FIG. 4F.

[0075] The lateral supports 5, 6 of the walking aid device 1 shown in FIG. 3 are bar-like and attached in a swiveling manner to a chassis 2, which, besides the front wheels 3 and the rear wheels 4, also has two lateral bottom braces 30. The bottom braces 30 are attached to the rear end of a bottom part 8 so as to be swivelable about a movement axis L3. The lateral supports 5, 6 are mounted by means of pivot joints 7 at the front end of the bottom part 8. Together with the bottom part 8 and the two lateral supports 5, 6, the bottom braces 30 form a lever mechanism with an additional movement axis L3 between the wheel axes L1, L2 that makes it possible to change the distance a between the wheel axes L 1 and L2 as a function of the position of the lateral supports 5, 6. By virtue of the movement axis L3 between the wheel axes L1, L2, the wheelbases can be varied depending on the usage mode. This is shown only schematically in FIGS. 3 and 4A to 4E.

[0076] In the usage modes shown in FIGS. 4B-4E, the lateral supports 5, 6 and the bottom part 8 lie on the same plane, with the lateral supports 5, 6 being locked onto and relative to the bottom part 8 in the position shown in FIG. 3. The bottom part 8 is arranged between the lateral supports 5, 6. A swiveling movement of the lateral supports 5, 6 about the axis of rotation 7 or relative to the bottom part 8 is not possible in the locked state, which can be achieved by means of appropriate locking and/or securing means. This determines the distance a between the axes L1, L2 of the rear wheels 4 and front wheels 3 of the walking aid device 1 shown schematically in FIG. 3.

[0077] As can be seen in comparing FIGS. 4B-4E with FIG. 4F, the distance a between the longitudinal axes L1, L2 is different in the various usage modes. This is achieved by means of the lever mechanism described above.

[0078] In order to switch the walking aid device 1 into the hand cart mode shown in FIG. 4A, the rigid connection between the bottom part 8 and the lateral supports 5, 6 is disengaged and the lateral supports 5, 6 are swiveled forward relative to the bottom part 8. In hand cart mode, due to the additional movement axis L3 because of the wheel axes L1, L2 (FIG. 3), the lever mechanism results in a greater distance a between the wheel axes L1, L2. This gives the walking aid device 1 either a more compact or a more sporty wheelbase and thus also handles more dynamically or offers a larger transport surface as a result of the increased wheelbase in hand cart mode (FIG. 4A).

[0079] What is more, a grip element 10 is provided that interconnects the lateral supports 5, 6 and is attached in a swiveling manner to the lateral supports 5, 6.

[0080] A seat part 9 of the walking aid device from FIG. 3 is connected by struts 31, 32 to the chassis 2. The seat part 9 can be optionally usable and embodied so as to be detachable from the chassis 2.

[0081] Another embodiment of a mobile walking aid device 1 is shown in FIGS. 5 to 10. Functionally equivalent or similar features of the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10 are designated by the same reference symbols.

[0082] FIGS. 5 to 8 show the walking aid device 1 with lateral supports 5, 6 swiveled backward, i.e., in the direction of the rear wheels 4, whereas FIG. 9 shows the device 1 with lateral supports 5, 6 swiveled forward in relation to the vertical. In the position shown in FIG. 10, the lateral supports 5, 6 are folded completely backward. The device 1 can thus be utilized equally for different purposes, namely as a walker (FIG. 5), as a seat (FIG. 6), as a stroller (FIG. 7), as a shopping cart or transport cart (FIG. 8), or as a hand cart/push cart (FIG. 9), whereas the position of the lateral supports 5, 6 shown in FIG. 10 enables simple transport. In the transport position of the walking aid device 1, the lateral supports 5, 6 are folded over as far as possible and preferably rest on the chassis frame 2 near the rear wheels 4. A seat part 9 and a grip element 10 can then also be folded over.

[0083] In order to implement the different usage modes, the lateral supports 5, 6 have their lower ends connected to the chassis 2 in a swivelable manner by means of appropriate articulated connections. This is shown schematically in FIG. 5 by the directional arrow 33. Depending on the usage mode, the lateral supports 5, 6 can be fixed at different angles relative to the horizontal plane or locked in place relative to the chassis 2.

[0084] Moreover, the walking aid device 1 has a common grip element 10 connected to the two lateral supports 5, 6 that can be embodied as a U-shaped bow and that comprises a center transverse brace 11 and two outer longitudinal braces 12. The transverse brace 11 and/or the longitudinal braces 12 can have grip and contact surfaces as described above. The grip element 10 is connected in a swiveling manner to the lateral supports 5, 6 and can be locked in different angular positions in relation to the lateral supports 5, 6. The possibility of swiveling the grip element 10 relative to the lateral supports 5, 6 is indicated schematically in FIG. 5 by the directional arrow 34.

[0085] Possible angular adjustments of lateral supports 5, 6 and grip element 10 were already described above, so reference is made thereto.

[0086] It is not shown in detail that the walking aid device 1 can have a lockable hand brake on at least one lateral support 5, 6.

[0087] FIG. 6 shows the device 1 during use as a chair, in which case the seat part 9 can be connected by back upholstery 35 to the transverse brace 11 of the grip part 10. The grip part 10 is swiveled forward and locked in place. This ensures a high level of stability when the device 1 is used as a sitting aid.

[0088] FIG. 7 shows the use of the device as a stroller, in which case the grip part 10 is swiveled backward in relation to the longitudinal braces 12 of the grip part 10 with respect to the lateral supports 5, 6 and can be locked in this position. A seat shell 36 can be provided which can be supported on the seat part 9 and/or connected to the seat part 9. The seat part 9 can also be folded up in order to enable use of the seat shell 36. Preferably, the width of the seat shell 36 is adapted such that the seat shell 36 can be introduced between the two lateral supports 5, 6 as an integral component of the device 1.

[0089] FIG. 8 shows the device 1 adapted for the transporting of light loads, in which case a transport container 37 or a tub can be provided that can be placed onto the seat part 9 and/or connected securely to the lateral supports 5, 6. The transport container 37, in turn, is designed as an integral component of the device 1 and can be introduced between the two lateral supports 5, 6 and preferably connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the lateral supports 5, 6.

[0090] A provision can also be made that the seat part 9 can be dismounted or removed from the walking aid device 1 as needed in order to enable the installation of a seat shell 36 or transport container 37. The seat shell 36 and the transport container 37 can be separate components that can be connected as needed to the walking aid device 1 in order to enable a different use of the walking aid device 1.

[0091] FIG. 9 shows the device 1 as a transport cart, in which case the two lateral supports 5, 6 are swiveled forward with respect to the vertical. The grip part 10 is also folded over forward, and the longitudinal brace portions 12 are arranged approximately coaxially to the lateral supports 5, 6. A provision can be made that the lateral supports 5, 6 and, preferably, the grip part 10 as well can be freely swiveled and are not locked in place relative to each other and to the chassis 2. The actual transport surface can be formed by a transport box 38 which, in turn, forms an integral part of the device 1 and is adapted to the geometry of the chassis 2 such that it can be placed from above and/or the side onto the chassis 2 and detachably connected to the chassis 2. As needed, the transport box 38 can also be connected to the walking aid device 1 as a separate accessory thereof when the walking aid device 1 is to be used as a transport cart.

[0092] As can also be seen from FIG. 5, the chassis 2 has a frame section that is preferably embodied as a single piece and can be made of plastic. The frame section is formed by a floor portion 39, which connects two outer lateral portions 40, 41. The lateral portions 40, 41 are L-shaped when the device 1 is viewed from the side. Each lateral portion 40, 41 has a rear longer leg portion 42 and a front shorter leg portion 43 (FIG. 8). The frame section is connected to the rear wheels 4 at the free ends of the rear leg portions 42. The front leg portions 43 transition into the floor portion 39. The transitional portions 44, 45 of the frame section can be rounded. The lateral supports 5, 6 are arranged between the lateral portions 40, 41. The lateral supports 5, 6 can be connected in a swiveling manner with their free lower ends to the frame section. The device 1 thus has a construction that contributes to a high level of user friendliness and to an aesthetically pleasing external appearance.

[0093] It will be readily understood that the features in the embodiments of the walking aid device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 10 and described above can be combined with one another as needed, even if this is not expressly described in detail.