JP2003010269A - Rollator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a rollator which ordinarily stably supports the body of a walker using it to exhibit a safe walking auxiliary function and on which the walker using it can sit when the walker using it gets tired but which can be easily moved by pushing by a temporary supporter as a purpose of helping and which makes a wide range of action of the walker using possible. SOLUTION: In a rollator with a walking auxiliary function provided with a pair of left and right rear wheels 1 and 1 with brakes 2 and at least one free front wheel 4 on the lower part and a handle bar 10 on the top part, the central part of an approximately horizontal horseshoe-shaped handle bar 10 is held on the top end part of an approximately vertical longitudinal frame part 12 and a front frame part 5 supporting the free front wheel 4 by a shaft and extended forward and a horseshoe-shaped rear frame part 3 supporting the rear wheels 1 by shafts and setting a seat 6 and extended backward are fixed on the bottom end part of the vertical frame part 12.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a walking vehicle having a pair of left and right brake-equipped rear wheels and at least one free front wheel at a lower portion and a handlebar at an upper portion and having a walking assist function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art It is difficult for an elderly person and a physically handicapped person to walk a long distance, particularly to carry a heavy load for a long time. Some people can walk a certain distance when they are resting, or some people need some assistance in walking themselves. As a tool for helping these people to walk or shop, various types of walking vehicles having a walking assist function have been developed. In Japan, we often see old people walking with weight on prams and shopping carts. And the silver car, which is an advanced type of these baby carriages and shopping cars, is often used. However, these are not sufficient as vehicles dedicated to walking assistance functions, and in particular, diversion of baby carriages and shopping cars as they are is extremely unstable and dangerous.

Therefore, a walking vehicle having a walking assist function capable of stably supporting the weight of a pedestrian such as an elderly person has been proposed in Europe and the United States, and has been widely used and developed in Japan in recent years. To exemplify them, a foldable seat having a pair of left and right grips, a seat that can be raised and lowered, front and rear wheels, a bag, and the like is foldable.
The one disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 004, the one disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 3047562, which has a pair of left and right grips connected by a belt, and includes a seat and front, rear, left, and right wheels, or It has a pair of left and right grips and is equipped with a freely undulating seat and front, rear, left and right wheels,
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-8
In addition to the one disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 991, further, a bicycle handle-like left and right integrated handle and handle post are provided, and a lower frame having a front side opened and pivotally supporting front, rear, left and right casters is provided at a lower portion. There is one disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 113990.

[0004]

With the advent of such a walking car, a frame structure is adopted that allows a relatively stable walk even when weight is applied to a pair of left and right grips.
It has become possible for pedestrians who use it to walk a long distance while supporting their bodies and exhibiting effective walking assistance functions. Moreover, by installing the seat, it became possible to take a break during fatigue. However, a pedestrian used during walking may get tired or may want to have an elbow depending on the physical condition or posture of the individual, but in the above-described conventional walker, only a pair of left and right grips are provided, which is impossible. It can lead to unstable walking. further,
When the pedestrian is extremely tired, he / she must ask for assistance from a supporter.However, in the conventional pedestrian, the pedestrian who is sitting backwards must be pushed temporarily. However, the leg of the seated pedestrian and the leg of the helper interfered with each other, and it was almost impossible to continue pushing for a long time. In addition, except for some of them, there is no footrest on which the foot of the seated pedestrian is placed, and it is dangerous because it is easy to get caught on an obstacle on the road surface.

Therefore, the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems of the conventional pedestrian and normally supports the body of a pedestrian in use stably to exhibit a safe walking assist function. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a pedestrian that allows a wide range of behavior of pedestrians who use it, while being able to take a rest while sitting and easily pushed by a temporary helper for the purpose of assistance. .

[0006]

For this reason, the present invention provides a walking vehicle having a walking assist function having a pair of left and right rear wheels with brakes and at least one free front wheel in the lower portion and a handlebar in the upper portion. While holding the center of the horseshoe-shaped handlebar, which is approximately horizontal, at the upper end of the vertical vertical frame, the front frame and rear that extend forward with the universal front wheels pivotally supported at the lower end of the vertical frame. It is characterized in that the wheel is pivotally supported and the seat is installed to fix the rear frame portion of the horseshoe-shaped extending rearward. Further, the present invention is characterized in that the brake is configured to be lockable while being operated via a brake cable by the operation of brake levers installed at both ends of the handlebar. Further, the present invention is characterized in that the handlebar is held so as to be adjustable in vertical position via a handlepost inserted in a vertical frame portion. Further, the present invention is characterized in that a footrest portion is installed on the front frame portion. Further, the present invention is characterized in that the seat is hinged to the rear frame portion so that the seat can be raised and lowered. Further, the present invention is characterized in that the rear frame portion is configured to be foldable with respect to the vertical frame portion. Further, the invention is characterized in that at least the handlebar is covered with a cushion material. Further, the present invention is characterized in that the seat is composed of a pair of plate members which are configured so as to be capable of undulating separately. Further, the present invention is characterized in that a bag is mounted on the footrest portion of the front frame portion, and these are means for solving the problems.

[0007]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of a walking vehicle according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 3 show a first embodiment of a pedestrian of the present invention, FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view, FIG. 2 is a plan view, a side view and a front view thereof, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of use of the pedestrian. Is. As shown in FIG. 1, the pedestrian of the present invention includes a pair of left and right rear wheels 1 and 2 with a brake 2 and at least one free front wheel (a pair of left and right front wheels 4, 4 in the example of FIG. 1) at the bottom. In a walking vehicle having a walking assist function having a handlebar 10 on an upper portion, a substantially horizontal horseshoe-shaped handlebar 10 is provided at an upper end portion of a substantially vertical vertical frame portion 12.
The central portion of the vertical frame portion 12 is held, and at the lower end portion of the vertical frame portion 12, the front frame portion 5 and the rear wheels 1 and 1 which extend forward by pivotally supporting the free front wheels 4 and 4 are pivotally supported and the seat 6 is provided. And a horseshoe-shaped rear frame portion 3 extending rearward is fixed.

More specifically, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a handle post 11 is vertically adjustable from above in a vertical frame portion 12 arranged in a substantially vertical shape in a substantially central portion of a vehicle body of a walking vehicle. The horseshoe-shaped handlebar 10 is inserted into and fixed to the handlebar 11, and the center portion of the horseshoe-shaped handlebar 10 is held at the upper end of the handlepost 11 and is opened in the rearward direction of the vehicle body. Grips 7, 7 are attached to the rear end portions of both sides of the handlebar 10, and a brake lever 8 that can lock the brake in an operating state by an appropriate lock mechanism is installed. An outer frame 3A of a horseshoe-shaped rear frame 3 opened rearward of the vehicle body is fixed to a lower end of the vertical frame portion 12 in a substantially horizontal shape. As clearly shown in FIG. 2 (A), an inner frame 3B having a horseshoe-shaped upper portion extending rearward and downward is adjoined to the outer frame 3A so as to be foldably attached by frame hinges 19 and 19, Rear wheels 1, 1 each having a brake 2 attached thereto are pivotally supported at lower rear end portions on both sides of the inner frame 3B. These brakes 2 are braked by operating the brake lever 8 via a brake cable 9.

The outer frame 3A in the rear frame 3
A substantially U-shaped front frame portion 5 extends forward and downward. In the present embodiment, the front frame portion 5 is further horizontally extended forward and a footrest portion 5A is installed, and a pair of free front wheels 4 and 4 are pivotally supported on the lower portion. A seat 6 is hinged to a base portion of the inner frame 3B of the rear frame 3 by a seat hinge 20 so that the seat 6 can be undulated, and a seating position 6'that stands up in a substantially horizontal seating position and abuts the vertical frame part 12 (Fig. It can be placed on the two-dot chain line 1).

FIG. 3 shows a usage pattern of the walking vehicle having such a structure.
Explained by. FIG. 3 (A) shows a normal walking state, in which a pedestrian uses grips 7, 7 at the rear ends of the horseshoe-shaped handlebar 10 and distributes some of his / her weight to these grips 7, 7. Keep the body balanced and keep walking while keeping the balance. At this time, seat 6
The horseshoe-shaped rear frame portion 3 which is stored in an upright state and which is opened rearward has a sufficient space without interfering with the knees of the pedestrian in use, and can walk stably without any obstacle. Moreover, the horseshoe-shaped rear frame portion 3 extending rearward, together with the front frame portion 5, disperses the weight of the pedestrian on the ground through the wheels over a wide range and enables stable walking.

As shown in FIG. 3B, a pedestrian who is slightly tired after walking for a long time, or a pedestrian who is not feeling well, has a central portion held by the upper end of the vertical frame portion 12. An elbow can be attached to the upper surface of the horizontal horseshoe-shaped handle bar 10 so that a considerable portion of the weight of the upper body can be surely beared, which enables a stable rest while standing while suspending walking. Become. in this case,
Preferably, the pedestrian may be stopped by operating a brake lock mechanism provided on a brake lever or the like. Further, if it is possible to walk at a slow speed, it is possible to walk with the elbow on the upper surface of the handlebar 10 without activating the brake lock mechanism.

As shown in FIG. 3 (C), when the pedestrian who is in use is further exhausted, the seat 6 is laid down in a substantially horizontal seating position and seated rearward on the upper surface of the seat 6. You can take a break. Even at this time, the derailment of the walking vehicle is prevented by operating the brake lock mechanism. The pedestrian is surrounded by the horseshoe-shaped handle bar 10 that opens rearward (and serves as an armrest) so that the pedestrian can be stably and reliably secured, and the vertical frame portion 12 serves as a backrest.

As shown in FIG. 3 (D), when the pedestrian who is using is extremely tired or when it is difficult for him to walk with his own power, the pedestrian who uses the vertical frame 12 holds the vertical frame 12 between his legs. The user sits on the seat 6 facing forward, grips an appropriate portion such as the handlebar 10, and places both feet on the footrest portion 5A of the front frame portion 5. In order for an assistant to move a pedestrian carrying a pedestrian in such a state for the purpose of nursing care, the assistant can easily move the pedestrian by grasping and pushing from behind the pedestrian in use. You can At that time, since the leg of the helper does not interfere with the leg of the pedestrian in use, it can be pushed continuously for a long time, and the foot of the seated pedestrian is on the footrest, It is safe without getting caught in obstacles.

As shown in FIG. 3 (E), when a pedestrian who is taking a break or is extremely tired wants to move slightly while seated on the seat 6, the handlebar 10 or the like is held and the footrest 5A It is possible to perform a rowing movement by removing the foot, grounding it on the ground, and kicking the ground with the foot of the pedestrian himself / herself.

FIG. 4 is an overall perspective view showing a second embodiment of the walking vehicle of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the front frame portion 5 is formed by vertically extending the vertical frame portion 12 downward and forward. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a form like a tricycle for infants is adopted. At the front end of the front frame part 5, the footrest part 5
One free front wheel 4'is rotatably supported by A and the lower part. Except for the configuration of the front frame portion 5 on which the footrest portion 5A and the adjustable wheel 4'are installed, the description is omitted because it is the same as that of the above-mentioned embodiment. Thus, the front frame part 5 is 1
Only the arrangement of the individual free front wheels 4 is required, and the configuration is relatively simplified.

FIG. 5 is an overall perspective view showing a third embodiment of the walking vehicle of the present invention. The present embodiment is characterized in that at least the handlebar 10 is covered with a cushion material 13 based on the basic structure of the first embodiment. In the illustrated example, the handle post 11 and the vertical frame portion 12 are also covered with a cover material 14 such as a cushion material. With such a configuration, a pedestrian who is slightly tired or has a poor physical condition, as shown in FIG. 3B, attaches his elbow to the upper surface of the horseshoe-shaped handlebar 10 having a substantially horizontal shape and applies the weight of the upper body. In this case, the discomfort caused by directly touching the hard and cold metal handlebar 10 can be alleviated, and it is comfortable, and there is no risk of hitting the elbow or the like due to vibrations from the road surface. The presence of the cover material 14 in the vertical frame portion 12 can protect the back of a pedestrian who is in a resting state as shown in FIG. 3 (C).

FIG. 6 is an overall perspective view showing a fourth embodiment of the walking vehicle of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a pair of plate members 15 (upper seats), each having a seat 16 that can be raised and lowered separately, has the basic structure of the first embodiment,
It is characterized by being composed of 17 (lower seats). With such a configuration, when used in the illustrated state, the upper seat 15 exhibits a backrest function while sitting on the lower seat 17 and taking a break. Then, the upper and lower seats 15 and 17 are erected in the upper storage position, so that the seats shown in FIG.
As in the state of use, the sufficient space is secured without the rear frame portion 3 interfering with the knees of the pedestrian in use, and stable walking is performed without any obstacle.

FIG. 7 is an overall perspective view showing a fifth embodiment of the walking vehicle of the present invention. The present embodiment is characterized in that the bag 18 is mounted on the footrest portion of the front frame portion based on the basic structure of the first embodiment, and the footrest portion is kept in a relatively healthy state. When not in use, etc., carry a bag 18 for shopping or bring items on the footrest, and walk,
It can be adapted to a usage mode such as going out for shopping, going out for business, or taking a break using the seat 6.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the shapes and types of walking vehicles, that is, the number and arrangement of rear wheels with brakes and free front wheels, handlebars, and handleposts are within the scope of the present invention. , Vertical frame part, rear frame part, front frame part, footrest, related configuration including shape and type of seat and connection form between them, shape and type of brake and brake lever, transmission medium such as brake cable, etc. Type, shape of grip, form, lock form of brake operation, form of holding handle post to vertical frame and its vertical position adjustment system, hinge connection form to rear frame part of seat, folding form to vertical frame part of rear frame part , Type of cushion material (including cover material) and its covering form on handlebars, bag shape , The format and mounting forms and the like to the footrest portion can be appropriately selected.

[0020]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, a pair of left and right rear wheels with brakes and at least one free front wheel are provided on the lower portion, and a handlebar is provided on the upper portion with a handlebar. In a pedestrian, while holding the center of a substantially horizontal horseshoe-shaped handlebar at the upper end of a substantially vertical vertical frame, at the lower end of the vertical frame,
The front frame part that extends forward with the free front wheel pivotally supported and the horseshoe-shaped rear frame part that supports the rear wheel and has a seat installed and is fixed rearward so that it has a substantially horizontal shape. With the elbow on the upper surface of the horseshoe-shaped handlebar, you can surely bear a considerable part of the weight of the upper body, and by appropriate braking operation you can walk safely and stably.
Since the legs of the pedestrian used during walking do not interfere with the rear frame part, it is possible to walk safely over a long distance and the range of action dramatically expands.

Further, when the brake is operated by the operation of brake levers installed at both ends of the handlebar through the brake cable and is lockable, the weight of the upper half of the body of a pedestrian who uses it is to be burdened. It is safe to hold the brake levers on both ends of the handlebar, and at the time of a break, the pedestrian will not be blindly moved due to the brake lock operation, and a safe break will be possible. Further, when the handlebar is held so that the vertical position can be adjusted via the handlepost inserted in the vertical frame portion, it is possible to obtain the most appropriate position of the hanle bar according to the pedestrian's body shape and physical condition. . Furthermore, when the footrest portion is installed on the front frame portion, the foot of the seated pedestrian is on the footrest, and it is safe without catching the foot on an obstacle on the road surface.

Further, when the seat is hinged to the rear frame portion so that it can be raised and lowered, the legs of the pedestrian in use do not interfere with the seat and the rear frame portion during walking.
You can walk long distances safely without being bothered by obstacles. Furthermore, when the rear frame portion is configured to be foldable with respect to the vertical frame portion, the front and rear wheels can be folded in a superposed state together with the folding of the seat to the storage position to obtain a compact storage volume. Furthermore, if at least the handlebar is covered with a cushioning material, the pedestrian's arm, elbow, chest, etc. can be relieved of discomfort caused by direct contact with a hard and cold metal handlebar. In addition, there is no risk of hitting the elbow or the like due to vibrations from the road surface.

When the seat is composed of a pair of plate members which can be raised and lowered separately, the upper seat performs a backrest function while taking a seating break in the lower seat and storing both seats. Thus, the inconvenience caused by the interference between the leg portion and the rear frame portion can be eliminated. Further, when a bag is mounted on the footrest part of the front frame part, a bag for shopping or bringing things can be mounted on the footrest part to walk, and luggage can be mounted when shopping or going out for use. The burden on pedestrians is reduced.
Thus, according to the present invention, normally exerts a safe walking assistance function by stably supporting the body of a pedestrian in use, and when the pedestrian in use is tired, it is possible to take a rest while sitting down,
(EN) Provided is a pedestrian capable of allowing a pedestrian to perform a wide range of actions, which can be easily pushed by a temporary helper for the purpose of assistance.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view showing a first embodiment of a walking vehicle according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view, a side view, and a front view of the same.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of how the walking vehicle is used.

FIG. 4 is an overall perspective view showing a second embodiment of a walking vehicle of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an overall perspective view showing a third embodiment of the walking vehicle of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an overall perspective view showing a fourth embodiment of a walking vehicle of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an overall perspective view showing a fifth embodiment of a walking vehicle of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 rear wheel 2 brakes 3 Rear frame part 3A outer frame part 3B inner frame part 4 front wheels 5 Front frame part 5A footrest 6 seats 7 grip 8 brake lever 9 Brake cable 10 handlebar 11 handle post 12 Vertical frame part 13 Cushion material 14 cover 15 Upper seat 16 seats 17 Lower seat 18 bags 19 frame hinges 20 seat hinges

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) B62B 5/06 B62B 3/00 D (72) Inventor Yoshihiro Moriyama 3-1-1 Nakatsuma, Ageo City, Saitama Prefecture Bridgestone Cycle Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Sekimitsu 3-1-1 Nakatsuma, Ageo City, Saitama Prefecture F-Term (Reference) 3D050 AA03 DD03 EE15 GG03 JJ01 JJ07 KK15

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A walking vehicle having a pair of left and right rear wheels with brakes and at least one free front wheel on a lower portion and a handlebar on an upper portion, the walking vehicle having a walking assist function, and a substantially vertical upper end portion of a vertical frame portion. While holding the central part of the horizontal horseshoe-shaped handlebar, at the lower end of the vertical frame part, the front frame part and the rear wheel, which extend forward with the universal front wheel supported, are supported and the seat is installed. A pedestrian that has a horseshoe-shaped rear frame portion that is extended rearward and fixed. 2. The walker according to claim 1, wherein the brake is configured to be lockable while being operated via a brake cable by the operation of brake levers installed at both ends of the handlebar. 3. The pedestrian according to claim 1, wherein the handlebar is held by a handlepost inserted in a vertical frame portion so as to be adjustable in vertical position. 4. The pedestrian according to claim 1, wherein a footrest portion is installed on the front frame portion. 5. The seat according to claim 1, wherein the seat is hinged to the rear frame portion so that the seat can be raised and lowered.
Pedestrian according to any one of. 6. The walking vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the rear frame portion is configured to be foldable with respect to the vertical frame portion. 7. The walking vehicle according to claim 1, wherein at least the handlebar is covered with a cushion material. 8. The pedestrian according to claim 1, wherein the seat is composed of a pair of plate members that are configured to be undulated separately. 9. The walking vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a bag is mounted on a footrest portion of the front frame portion.