Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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KNEE WALKER
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to ambulatory assistance
devices for
the physically impaired, and more particularly to multi-wheeled knee walker
assemblies for
aiding the disabled in walking.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Congenital, degenerative, and accidental damage to the human body
can be
debilitating, sometimes causing a person to lose their ability to walk without
assistance.
Various self-propelled carts, scooters, walkers, etc. have been designed to
assist in the
locomotion of a disabled person. The most well known example of these devices
is the
wheelchair, which typically comprises a seat that is connected to four support
wheels by a
rigid frame. Wheelchairs come in motorized and manually-powered variations,
where the
wheelchair is propelled by motors in the former instance or by the seated
occupant turning
the driving wheels by hand in the latter instance.
[0003] Another device for assisting in the locomotion of a disabled
person is the
knee walker. The knee walker is typically intended for users with an injury
below the knee,
such as an Achilles tendon injury, a fracture of the foot or ankle, or gout.
The knee walker is
designed to elevate and support a non-ambulatory leg, while allowing the user
to utilize the
ambulatory leg for propulsion. Most knee walkers include an elevated knee
bench that is
rigidly mounted on a support frame, both the support frame and the platform
being
maneuverable on casters or wheels. There are three general types of knee
walkers: (1) knee
walker assemblies that have rigidly mounted wheels and no steering
capabilities, (2) knee
walker assemblies that have rigidly mounted wheels and can be steered, and (3)
knee walker
assemblies with swivel-mounted wheels and no steering capabilities.
[0004] One known knee walker assembly includes a four-wheeled walking
cart that
is designed for supporting a person's leg and foot. The cart includes a frame,
a leg support
member coupled to the frame, and a handlebar coupled to the frame. The cart
has two
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swivel-mounted front wheels and two rigidly-mounted rear wheels. The two
rigidly-
mounted rear wheels can be laterally shifted between first and second
asymmetrical wheel
positions relative to the frame, thereby accommodating a person having a non-
ambulatory
lower left leg or a non-ambulatory lower right leg, respectively.
[0005] Another known knee walker assembly includes a four-wheeled walking
cart
that is designed for supporting a person's leg and foot. The cart includes a
frame, a leg
support member coupled to the frame, and a handlebar movably coupled to the
frame. The
cart has two swivel-mounted front wheels and two rigidly-mounted rear wheels.
The
handlebar is moveable between first and second asymmetrical handlebar
positions relative to
the frame, thereby accommodating a person having a non-ambulatory lower left
leg or a non-
ambulatory lower right leg, respectively.
[0006] In yet another known configuration, a therapeutic scooter is
provided. The
scooter includes a tubular frame with four rigidly mounted wheels. The wheel
assembly
includes front and rear axles, each axle maintaining a pair of laterally
offset wheels. A
steering assembly is telescopingly coupled to the front axle. The steering
assembly has a
cross-bar with handles. The cross-bar is provided with a braking mechanism to
slow and
stop the scooter.
[0007] According to another known design, a steerable kneeling walker is
presented
that includes a frame, a steering assembly coupled to the frame, and a
steering stem. The
kneeling walker is movably supported on four rigidly mounted wheels. The
control
assembly is coupled to the steering stem to rotate the front wheels about
separate pivot
points.
[0008] There are various disadvantages and drawbacks to the currently
available knee
walker assemblies. For instance, knee walker designs where the wheels are 100%
rigid will
have limited maneuverability. If the knee walker does not have built-in
steering capabilities,
the entire knee walker assembly must be lifted and repositioned to turn. If
the knee walker
does have built-in steering capabilities, the turning radius may be too large
for tight places
such as airport shops, bathrooms, etc. In contrast, knee walker configurations
where the
wheels swivel 100% may be dangerous due to limited control of the assembly
when the
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3
ambulatory leg is not in contact with the ground. The features of the present
disclosure eliminate the drawbacks present in these designs.
[0008a] According to the present invention, there is provided
a knee
walker assembly comprising:
a frame with opposing front and rear ends;
a handle mounted to the frame;
at least one rear wheel mounted to the frame proximate the rear end thereof;
at least one front wheel mounted to the frame proximate the front end
thereof;
a support platform configured to support at least a portion of an appendage;
a collapsible stanchion arrangement movably mounting the support platform
to the frame, the collapsible stanchion arrangement including a trolley, a
first
stanchion attached at a first end thereof to the support platform and attached
at a
second end thereof to the trolley, and a second stanchion attached at a first
end
thereof, via a sliding hinge, to the support platform and attached at a second
end
thereof to the frame, the trolley being slidably mounted to the frame such
that
movement of the trolley relative to the frame operates to adjust a vertical
height of
the support platform; and
a locking device operatively coupled to the collapsible stanchion arrangement
and configured to secure the support platform at any of a plurality of
vertical heights.
[0008b] According to the present invention, there is also
provided a
knee walker assembly comprising:
a frame with opposing front and rear ends;
a handle mounted to the frame;
at least one rear wheel mounted to the frame proximate the rear end thereof;
at least one front wheel mounted to the frame proximate the front end
thereof;
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3a
a steering mechanism mounted to the frame and operatively attached to the
at least one front wheel, the steering mechanism being operable to selectively
reposition the at least one front wheel;
a support platform configured to support at least a portion of an appendage;
and
a collapsible stanchion arrangement movably mounting the support platform
to the frame, the collapsible stanchion arrangement including a trolley and a
first
stanchion attached at a first end thereof to the support platform and attached
at a
second end thereof to the trolley, the trolley being slidably mounted to the
frame
such that movement of the trolley relative to the frame operates to adjust a
vertical
height of the support platform.
[0008c]
According to the present invention, there is also provided a
knee walker assembly for aiding a physically impaired person in walking, the
knee
walker assembly comprising:
a rigid frame with opposing front and rear ends;
at least one rear wheel mounted proximate the rear end of the frame;
at least two front wheels mounted proximate the front end of the frame;
a support platform configured to support at least a portion of a human leg;
and
a collapsible stanchion arrangement movably mounting the support platform
to the frame, the collapsible stanchion arrangement including:
a trolley slidably mounted to the frame;
a first stanchion pivotably attached at a first end thereof to the support
platform and pivotably attached at a second end thereof to the trolley;
and
a second stanchion pivotably attached, via a sliding hinge, at a first end
thereof to the support platform and pivotably attached at a second end
thereof to the frame, wherein the trolley is configured to selectively
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3b
slide back-and-forth along the frame to thereby adjust a vertical height
of the support platform; and
a locking device operatively coupled to the collapsible stanchion
arrangement and configured to secure the support platform at any of a
plurality of vertical heights.
[0008d]
According to the present invention, there is also provided a
knee walker assembly comprising:
a frame with opposing front and rear ends;
a handle mounted to the frame;
at least one rear wheel mounted to the frame proximate the rear end thereof;
at least one front wheel mounted to the frame proximate the front end
thereof;
a support platform configured to support at least a portion of an appendage;
and
a collapsible stanchion arrangement movably mounting the support platform
to the frame, the collapsible stanchion arrangement including a manually-
powered
trolley, and a first stanchion attached at a first end thereof to the support
platform
and attached at a second end thereof to the trolley, and a second stanchion
attached at a first end thereof to the support platform and attached at a
second end
thereof to the frame, the trolley being slidably mounted to the frame such
that
movement of the trolley relative to the frame operates to adjust a vertical
height of
the support platform.
[0008e]
According to the present invention, there is also provided a
knee walker assembly for aiding a physically impaired person in walking, the
knee
walker assembly comprising:
a rigid frame with opposing front and rear ends;
at least one rear wheel mounted proximate the rear end of the frame;
at least two front wheels mounted proximate the front end of the frame;
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3c
a support platform configured to support at least a portion of a human leg;
and
a collapsible stanchion arrangement movably mounting the support platform
to the frame, the collapsible stanchion arrangement including:
a manually-powered trolley slidably mounted to the frame;
a first stanchion pivotably attached at a first end thereof to the support
platform and pivotably attached at a second end thereof to the trolley;
and
a second stanchion pivotably attached at a first end thereof to the support
platform and pivotably attached at a second end thereof to the frame;
wherein the trolley is configured to selectively slide back-and-forth along
the
frame to thereby adjust a vertical height of the support platform.
[00081 According to the present invention, there is also
provided a
method of manufacturing a knee walker assembly, the method comprising:
attaching a handle to a rigid frame;
attaching at least one rear wheel proximate a rear end of the frame;
attaching at least one front wheel proximate a front end of the frame;
attaching a support platform to a collapsible stanchion arrangement, the
support platform being configured to support at least a portion of a human
appendage;
attaching the collapsible stanchion arrangement to the frame, the collapsible
stanchion arrangement movably mounting the support platform to the frame, the
collapsible stanchion arrangement including a trolley, and a first stanchion
attached
at a first end thereof to the support platform and attached at a second end
thereof to
the trolley, and a second stanchion attached at a first end thereof, via a
sliding
hinge, to the support platform and attached at a second end thereof to the
frame,
the trolley being slidably mounted to the frame such that movement of the
trolley
relative to the frame operates to adjust a vertical height of the support
platform; and
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3d
attaching a locking device to the collapsible stanchion arrangement, the
locking device being configured to secure the support platform at any of a
plurality
of vertical heights.
[0008g]
According to the present invention, there is also provided a
method of manufacturing a knee walker assembly, the method comprising:
attaching a handle to a rigid frame;
attaching at least one rear wheel proximate a rear end of the frame;
attaching at least one front wheel proximate a front end of the frame;
attaching a support platform to a collapsible stanchion arrangement, the
support platform being configured to support at least a portion of a human
appendage; and
attaching the collapsible stanchion arrangement to the frame, the collapsible
stanchion arrangement movably mounting the support platform to the frame, the
collapsible stanchion arrangement including a manually-powered trolley, and a
first
stanchion attached at a first end thereof to the support platform and attached
at a
second end thereof to the trolley, and a second stanchion attached at a first
end
thereof to the support platform and attached at a second end thereof to the
frame,
the trolley being slidably mounted to the frame such that movement of the
trolley
relative to the frame operates to adjust a vertical height of the support
platform.
[0008h]
According to the present invention, there is also provided a knee
walker assembly comprising:
a frame with opposing front and rear ends;
a handle mounted to the frame;
at least one rear wheel mounted to the frame proximate the rear end
thereof;
at least one front wheel mounted to the frame proximate the front end
thereof;
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3e
a support platform configured to support at least a portion of an
appendage; and
a collapsible stanchion arrangement movably mounting the support
platform to the frame, the collapsible stanchion arrangement including a
trolley and
a first stanchion attached at a first end thereof to the support platform and
attached
at a second end thereof to the trolley, the trolley being slidably mounted to
the frame
such that movement of the trolley relative to the frame operates to adjust a
vertical
height of the support platform.
[0008i]
According to the present invention, there is also provided a knee
walker assembly for aiding a physically impaired person in walking, the knee
walker
assembly comprising:
a rigid frame with opposing front and rear ends;
at least one rear wheel mounted proximate the rear end of the frame;
at least two front wheels mounted proximate the front end of the frame;
a support platform configured to support at least a portion of a human
leg; and
a collapsible stanchion arrangement movably mounting the support
platform to the frame, the collapsible stanchion arrangement including:
a trolley slidably mounted to the frame;
a first stanchion pivotably attached at a first end thereof to the
support platform and pivotably attached at a second end thereof to the
trolley; and
a second stanchion pivotably attached at a first end thereof to the
support platform and pivotably attached at a second end thereof to the
frame;
wherein the trolley is configured to selectively slide back-and-forth
along the frame to thereby adjust a vertical height of the support platform.
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3f
[0008j] According to the present invention, there is also provided
a method of
manufacturing a knee walker assembly, the method comprising:
attaching a handle to a rigid frame;
attaching at least one rear wheel proximate a rear end of the frame;
attaching at least one front wheel proximate a front end of the frame;
attaching a support platform to a collapsible stanchion arrangement,
the support platform being configured to support at least a portion of a human
appendage; and
attaching the collapsible stanchion arrangement to the frame, the
collapsible stanchion arrangement movably mounting the support platform to the
frame, the collapsible stanchion arrangement including a trolley and a first
stanchion
attached at a first end thereof to the support platform and attached at a
second end
thereof to the trolley, the trolley being slidably mounted to the frame such
that
movement of the trolley relative to the frame operates to adjust a vertical
height of
the support platform.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Various benefits and advantages of the present disclosure will
become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon
reference to the drawings.
[0010] FIG. 1 is an isometric illustration of an exemplary knee walker
assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective-view illustration of a
portion of the knee walker assembly of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective-view illustration of another portion
of the knee walker assembly of FIG. 1.
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3g
[0013] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective-view illustration of an exemplary
locking-pin mechanism that may be used with the knee walker assemblies of
FIGS.
1 and 5.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a side-view illustration of another representative knee
walker assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a partially exploded perspective-view illustration of the
knee walker assembly of FIG. 5.
[0016] FIG. 7 is an enlarged side-view illustration of an exemplary locking
bar mechanism that may be used with the knee walker assemblies of FIGS. 1 and
5;
[0017] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective-view illustration of an exemplary
locking disc that may be used with the knee walker assemblies of FIGS. 1 and
5.
[0018] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective-view illustration of an exemplary
steering plate that may be used with the knee walker assemblies of FIGS. 1 and
5.
[0019] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and
alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the
drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood,
however,
that the invention is not limited to the particular forms disclosed.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms,
there are shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail
representative
embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present
disclosure is to be
considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not
intended to
limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodiments illustrated. To
that extent,
elements and limitations that are disclosed, for example, in the Figures,
Abstract, and
Detailed Description of the Illustrated Embodiments, but not explicitly set
forth in the
claims, should not be incorporated into the claims, singly or collectively, by
implication.
inference or otherwise. For purposes of the present detailed description,
unless specifically
disclaimed, the singular includes the plural and vice versa; the words "and"
and "or" shall be
both conjunctive and disjunctive; the word "all" means "any and all"; the word
"any" means
"any and all"; and the word "including" means "including without limitation."
Moreover,
words of approximation, such as "about," "almost," "substantially,"
"approximately," and
the like, can be used herein in the sense of "at, near, or nearly at," or
"within 3-5% of," or
"within acceptable manufacturing tolerances," or any logical combination
thereof, for
example.
[0021] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to
like
components throughout the several views, FIG. 1 presents an isometric
illustration of an
exemplary knee walker assembly, designated generally as 1 0, in accordance
with various
aspects of the present disclosure. The drawings presented herein are not to
scale, and are
provided purely for explanatory purposes. Thus, the individual and relative
dimensions and
orientations shown in the drawings are not to be considered limiting. In
addition, the use of
spatial adjectives in the specification and claims, such as "front," "rear,"
"forward,"
"rearward," "upward," "downward," etc., are intended, unless explicitly
indicated otherwise,
to specify the comparative orientation of a given component relative to the
knee walker
assembly when operatively mounted thereto.
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100221 The knee walker assembly 10 is intended for, albeit not per se
limited to,
aiding a physically impaired person in walking. In the illustrated embodiment,
the knee
walker assembly 10 includes a rigid frame, designated generally at 12, a
support platThrm 14
that is mounted to the frame 12, a handle or handle bar 16, at least one rear
wheel 18
mounted to the frame 12 proximate the rear end thereof, and at least two front
wheels (e.g.,
right and left front wheels 20A and 20B, respectively) mounted to the frame 12
proximate
the front end thereof. The frame 12 is desirably fabricated from a rigid
material, which may
include, but is not limited to, metals, such as aluminum and steel, polymers,
such as
polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), glass-fiber
composites, etc.
The frame 12 is shown in the drawings comprising a tubular structure with two
generally
horizontal, longitudinally oriented base beams 22 connected at the front with
a laterally
oriented cross-beam 24 and at the back with a laterally oriented wheel bearing
26. A front
axle 28 extends transversely across the front of the frame 12, rigidly mounted
to each of the
base beams 22 via a respective upwardly extending coupling bracket 30 (only
one of which
is visible in the drawings, but a second coupling bracket is also present in
the illustrated
frame 12). Optional end plugs can be inserted into the open ends of the base
beams 22,
cross-beam 24, and/or other open tube ends for aesthetic and/or safety
purposes.
[0023] Recognizably, the frame 12 may comprise fewer or greater than the
various
beams illustrated in FIG. 1. Moreover, the length, width, and height of frame
12 can be
modified, for example, to accommodate the particular user and/or intended
application of the
knee walker assembly 10. It is likewise contemplated that one or more of the
beams can be
replaced with alternate structure, such as a base plate or box. To that end,
the base beams 22
and cross-beam 24 are exemplified in the drawings as elongated, hollow tubes;
alternatively,
the beams 22, 24 may be fabricated as solid bars, and may take on alternative
geometries.
[0024] With continuing reference to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1,
each of
the front wheels 20A, 20B is swivel mounted (i.e., attached in a swivel-type
mounting
configuration) to the front axle 28. As used herein, "swivel mount" and
"swivel-type
mounting configuration" is intended to indicate a mounting arrangement where
the wheel
can revolve around a rolling axis and rotate about a non-rolling axis. For
example, each of
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the front wheels 20A, 20B is connected (e.g., via a wheel-pin or roller
bearing) to a
respective swivel fork 32 such that the wheel 20A, 20B can revolve around its
central rolling
axis Al. The swivel fork 32, in turn, is connected via a swivel joint 34 to
the front axle 28.
The swivel joint 34 allows the swivel fork 32 to rotate about a non-rolling
axis A2 that is
laterally offset from the center of the front axle 28 and passes through a
diametric plane of
the wheel 20A, 20B. In other words, the front wheels 20A, 20B, when in a
swivel-type
mounting configuration, can roll around axis Al and swivel about axis A2,
which is
generally perpendicular to axis Al. When in motion along a straight line, the
swivel
mounted wheels 20A, 20B will tend to automatically align with, and rotate
parallel to the
direction of travel.
[0025] In contrast to the front wheels 20A, 20B, the rear wheel 18 is
shown attached
in a rigid-type mounting configuration to the rear of the frame 12. As used
herein. "rigid
mount" and "rigid-type mounting configuration," when referring to a wheel, is
intended to
indicate a mounting arrangement where the wheel can rotate relative to the
wheel mount, but
the wheel mount is restricted from freely rotating relative to the frame. For
example, the
rear wheel 18 is rotatably mounted, e.g., via wheel bearing 26, to the
longitudinally oriented
base beams 22 such that the wheel 18 can revolve around its central rolling
axis A3. Unlike
the front wheels 20A, 2013, however, the rear wheel 18 cannot swivel on the
roller bearing
26 around a non-rolling axis. In some embodiments, such as that illustrated in
FIG. 1. the
knee walker assembly 10 has a single rear wheel 18 that is longitudinally
spaced from and
centrally aligned with the front wheels 20A, 20B.
[0026] The support platform 14 is configured to support at least one
human
appendage. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the support platform 14
is designed
to prop up and hold a user's non-ambulatory lower leg during operation of the
knee walker
assembly 10. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the support platform
14 of FIG. 1
includes a cushion 36 fixed to the upper surface of a planar substrate 38. The
cushion 36
may comprise, for example, a molded plastic body or a foam core that is
covered with vinyl
or any other suitable material.
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[00271 According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the support
platform 14 is
vertically adjustable (i.e., may be raised or lowered) relative to the frame
12. In one
exemplary configuration, the support platform 14 is mounted on a collapsible
stanchion
arrangement, designated generally at 40 in FIG. 1. The collapsible stanchion
arrangement
40 includes a pair of pivoting stanchions 42 that are pivotably attached at
respective first
ends to the substrate 38 and pivotably attached at respective second ends to
the base beams
22 of the frame 12. The collapsible stanchion arrangement 40 also includes a
pair of sliding
stanchions 44 that are pivotably attached at respective first ends to the
substrate 38 and
pivotably attached at respective second ends to a movable trolley 46. The
trolley 46 is
slidably mounted to the base beams 22 for rectilinear travel between the front
and rear ends
of the frame 12. The trolley 46 is configured to adjust the vertical height of
the support
platform 14. In particular, sliding the trolley 46 forward on the frame 12
(i.e.. to the left in
FIG. 1) causes the pivoting stanchions 42 and sliding stanchions 44 to
collapse onto each
other in a scissor-like fashion, thereby drawing the support platform 14 down
towards the
base beams 22. Sliding the trolley 46 in the opposite direction towards the
rear end of the
frame 12 (i.e., to the right in FIG. I), in contrast, will draw the first and
second ends of the
pivoting stanchions 42 together with the first and second ends of the sliding
stanchions 44,
respectively, thereby raising the support platform 14. Alternate arrangements
for raising and
lowering the support platform 14 are also envisioned, such as a telescoping
support-column
arrangement or a pneumatic air cylinder arrangement.
[00281 The knee walker assembly 10, in some embodiments, is also provided
with a
steering mechanism, designated generally as 50, that is configured to
selectively reposition
the front wheels 20A, 20B such that the knee walker assembly 10 can be
maneuvered by the
user. The steering mechanism 50 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises a steering
column 52
that is attached at a first end to the frame 12 and at a second end to the
handle bar 16. The
steering column 52 passes through a hollow sleeve 58, which is coupled to the
front axle 28
and the base beams 22 at the front end of the frame 12. As best seen in FIG.
2, a connector
plate 72 attaches a T-shaped tie rod 70 to the lower end of the steering
column 52 such that
the tie rod 70 rotates with the steering column 52 via manipulation of the
handle bar 16.
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Each lateral end 71, 73 (FIG. 2) of the tie rod 70 selectively engages with a
respective one of
the front wheels 20A, 20B, as described below. When so engaged, the tie rod 70
turns the
front wheels 20A, 20B in response to the rotation of the handle bar 16 and,
thus, the steering
column 52.
100291 The steering column 52, in some embodiments, may be selectively
repositionable between an upright position, exemplified at 52A in FIG. 2, and
a collapsed
position, exemplified schematically with hidden lines at 52B in FIG. 2. For
example, the
steering mechanism 50 may be provided with a locking hub 54 that is configured
to retain
the steering column 52 in a plurality of positions relative to the frame 12,
including the
upright position 52A, the collapsed position 52B, and one or more positions
therebetween.
In this instance, the steering column 52 is separated into two segments, with
an upper
segment 53 of the steering column 52 fixedly attached to an outer cuff of the
locking hub 54,
and a lower segment 55 of the steering column 52 fixedly attached to an inner
cuff of the
locking hub 54. Rotation of a tension dial 56 in one direction (e.g., in a
counterclockwise
direction) will loosen the locking hub 54, allowing the user to reorient the
upper segment 53
of the steering column 52 relative to the lower segment 55 thereof. Once
oriented in the
desired position, rotation of the tension dial 56 in an opposite direction
(e.g., in a clockwise
direction) will mechanically lock the upper and lower segments 53, 55 of the
steering
column 52 in the selected orientation.
100301 In another embodiment, the handle bar 16 includes right and left
handle grips
62A and 62B, respectively, attached at opposing ends of the upper transverse
section of a T-
shaped handle mount 60. The handle bar 16 may be adjustable, for example, to
accommodate users of differing heights and/or for increased compactness during
storage of
the knee walker assembly 10. According to one exemplary configuration, the
handle mount
60 of FIG. 1 is designed to telescope with respect to the steering column 52.
For example,
the downwardly extending section of the T-shaped handle mount 60 is slidably
received
through an opening in a hollow portion of the upper segment 53 of the steering
column 52.
A locking screw 64 is provided which is repositionable to allow a user to
adjust the position
of the handle mount 60 relative to the steering column 52. For instance,
rotation of the
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locking screw 64 (e.g., in a counterclockwise direction) will release the
handle mount 60,
allowing for longitudinal translation thereof into and out of the steering
column 52. Once
oriented in the desired position, rotation of the locking screw 64 in an
opposite direction
(e.g., clockwise) will mechanically retain the handle mount 60 in the selected
orientation.
Any of a wide variety of alternative coupling mechanisms may readily be
employed as a
substitute for the locking screw 64 (e.g., a quick-connect locking device or a
spring-biased
locking pin). In addition, alternative handle arrangements, wheels, or other
steering
configurations may be used on alternate embodiments. Moreover, the knee walker
assembly
may be provided with an optional braking mechanism (not shown) that is
operable to
slow and/or stop the knee walker assembly 10.
100311 Both of the front wheels 20A, 20B of the knee walker assembly 10
are
configured to selectively switch between a swivel-type mounting configuration
and a rigid-
type mounting configuration. The knee walker assembly 10 of FIGS. 1-3, in some
embodiments, includes a variable mounting assembly, designated generally as 74
in FIG. 2,
for mounting the front wheels proximate the front end of the frame 12. The
variable
mounting assembly 74 is designed to simultaneously or nearly simultaneously
transition both
of the front wheels 20A, 20B from a swivel-type mounting configuration to a
rigid-type
mounting configuration, and back. In some embodiments, the knee walker
assembly 10
includes a locking mechanism that selectively engages the front wheels 20A,
20B to
simultaneously or substantially simultaneously lock both of the front wheels
20A, 20B in a
rigid-type mounting configuration. This provides the knee walker assembly 10
with all of
the advantages of having swivel-mounted front wheels (e.g., increased
maneuverability),
while eliminating the disadvantages of a knee walker assembly with only swivel
mounted
front wheels (e.g., limited control).
10032] As described above, the front wheels 20A, 20B are swivel mounted
to the
frame 12 by swivel forks 32 and swivel joint 34. A locking disc 76, which is
most readily
visible in FIGS. 2 and 3, is rigidly fastened to the top of each swivel fork
32, for example,
via a compression bushing 78 and a bushing and nut combination 79, both of
which are part
of the swivel joint 34. Each locking disc 76 includes an aperture 77 (readily
visible in FIG.
CA 02820031 2013-06-26
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2, but only labeled in FIG. 3) that is shaped and sized to receive a locking
pin 86 (FIG. 4) to
thereby lock the respective front wheel 20A, 20B in the rigid-type mounting
configuration.
[0033] The knee walker assembly 10 also includes a pair of retractable
locking pin
assemblies 80, illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, each of which is mounted onto a
steering tab 82
at a respective lateral end 71, 73 of the tie rod 70. Each locking pin
assembly 80 is
configured to selectively engage a respective one of the front wheels 20A, 20B
¨ namely, the
corresponding locking disc 76, to thereby lock the front wheel 20A, 20B in a
rigid-type
mounting configuration. In particular, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, each
retractable locking pin
assembly 80 comprises a generally hollow, cylindrical housing 84 that is
attached (e.g., via
fasteners or welding) to one of the steering tabs 82. A locking pin 86 is
slidably mounted at
least partially within the housing 84. A biasing member, such as a compression
spring (not
visible in the views provided) is disposed within the housing 84. The biasing
member urges
the locking pin 80 into an extended position whereat a distal end of the
locking pin 86
extends out of the housing 84 (as seen in FIG. 4) into the aperture 77 of the
locking disc 76
(as seen in FIG. 3). When the locking pin 86 is properly seated inside the
aperture 77, the
swivel fork 32 is restricted from freely rotating about the non-rolling axis
A2. As such, each
wheel 20A, 20B can rotate relative to the swivel fork 32 around its respective
central rolling
axis Al, but the swivel fork 32 cannot freely rotate (i.e., "swivel") relative
to the front axle
28 - i.e., the wheel is in a "rigid-type mounting configuration."
[00341 A retractor cable 88 is routed through a sheath 90 and attached at
a proximal
end 92 of the locking pin 86 via a cable connector 94. The retractor cable 88
is configured
to selectively draw the locking pin 86 out of engagement with the locking disc
76, thereby
releasing the front wheels 20A, 2013 for rotation about the swivel joint 34.
In the illustrated
embodiment, for example, an activating lever 98, which is shown in FIGS. 1 and
2, is
attached to the handle bar 16 (e.g., at a midsection of the handle mount 60
between the right
and left handle grips 62A and 62B). The activating lever 98 is configured to
selectively
disengage both retractable locking pin assemblies 80 from the locking discs
76. In
particular, drawing the activating lever 98 backwards (e.g., to the right in
FIG. 1) will apply
a tensile force to the retractor cable 88, which in turn will transmit the
tensile force to the
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proximal end 92 of the pins 86 via the cable connectors 94. When the tensile
force on the
pins 86 overcomes the biasing member, the pins 86 will translate
longitudinally in a
generally rectilinear motion into the housing 84 and out of engagement with
the locking
discs 76. In so doing, the swivel joints 34 are operable such that the swivel
forks 32 can
rotate about the non-rolling axes A2. As such, each wheel 20A, 20B can rotate
relative to
the fork 32 around its respective central rolling axis Al, and each fork 32
can rotate relative
to the front axle 28 around its respective non-rolling axis A2 - i.e., each
wheel is in a
"swivel-type mounting configuration."
[0035] In some embodiments, when the front wheels 20A, 20B are in the
swivel-type
mounting configuration, the steering mechanism 50 is rendered inoperable, for
example,
because the tie rod 70 is disengaged from the wheels 20A, 20B. In an
alternative
configuration, the knee walker assembly can include a steering locking
mechanism that is
operable to lock or otherwise secure the steering mechanism 50 in place. One
exemplary
design includes a steering locking pin that is operatively mounted, e.g., by a
U-shaped
mounting bracket, to the frame 12. An actuator cable is attached at one end
thereof to the
activating lever 98, and at another end thereof to a proximal end of the
steering locking pin.
When the lever 98 is activated (e.g., drawn backwards) by the user, both
retractable locking
pin assemblies 80 are disengaged from the locking discs 76, as described
above. In addition,
a distal end of the steering locking pin is engaged with the tie rod 70 ¨
e.g., received via a
complementary cavity or hole in a portion of the tie rod 70, when the lever 98
is activated.
For example, the steering locking pin can be movably mounted to the U-shaped
mounting
bracket by a pivot plate. In this instance, the locking pin is attached at a
first lateral end of
the pivot plate and the actuator cable is attached at an opposing second
lateral end of the
pivot plate. The pivot plate is pivotably mounted to the U-shaped bracket
(e.g., via a hinge
or pin) to rotate about its center. The first lateral end of the pivot plate
can be urged upwards
by a biasing member (e.g., a compression spring) such that the steering
locking pin is biased
out of engagement with the tie rod 70. However, when the lever 98 is
activated, a tensile
force is applied to the actuator cable, which is transferred to the second
lateral end of the
pivot plate. This tensile force, in turn, will rotate the pivot plate about
its central axis,
= CA 02820031 2016-02-10
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pushing the first lateral end down against the biasing member, thereby feeding
the
steering locking pin into the hole in the tie rod 70. In so doing, the tie rod
70 is
rigidly locked to the frame 12. The steering column 52 is thus rigidly locked
to the
frame 12 via the connector plate 72 that attaches the T-shaped tie rod 70 to
the
lower end of the steering column 52. As such, the steering mechanism 50 cannot
be repositioned (or turned) by the user.
[0036] In some embodiments, when the front wheels 20A, 20B are
released by the retractable locking pin assemblies 80, they are operable to
pivot
less than approximately 360 degrees about the non-rolling axis A2. In some
embodiments, when the front wheels 20A, 20B are released by the retractable
locking pin assemblies 80, they are operable to pivot less than approximately
160
degrees about the non-rolling axis A2. The pivot range of the front wheels
20A, 20B
may be limited by integrating stops or other appropriate structure into the
knee
walker assembly 10. Alternatively, when the front wheels 20A, 20B are released
by
the retractable locking pin assemblies 80, they are operable to freely pivot
about the
non-rolling axis A2.
[0037] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an improved
method of manufacturing a knee walker assembly is presented.
In some
embodiments, the method includes: mounting a support platform to a rigid
frame,
the support platform being configured to support at least one human appendage;
mounting a handle to the frame; mounting at least one rear wheel proximate a
rear
end of the frame; mounting at least two front wheels proximate a front end of
the
frame such that the front wheels can transition between a swivel-type mounting
configuration and rigid-type mounting configuration; attaching a locking
mechanism
to the frame, the locking mechanism being configured to substantially
simultaneously lock both of the at least two front wheels in the rigid-type
mounting
configuration.
[0038] In some embodiments, the method of manufacturing a knee walker
assembly includes at least those steps identified in the preceding paragraph.
Steps
can be omitted, steps can be added and/or the order of the steps presented
above
can be modified. For example, in some embodiments, the method also includes
CA 02820031 2016-02-10
13
mounting a steering mechanism to the frame, the steering mechanism being
configured to selectively reposition the at least two front wheels. It should
be further
noted that the method represents a single sequence of manufacturing a knee
walker
assembly. However, it is expected that the method be practiced systematically
to
manufacture numerous knee walker assemblies. Although the method is described
herein with respect to the structure illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the claimed
methods of
the present disclosure are not limited to these exemplary embodiments.
[0039] FIG. 5 is side-view illustration of another representative knee walker
assembly, designated generally as 100, in accordance with aspects of the
present
disclosure. The knee walker 100 can take on any of the various forms, optional
configurations, and functional alternatives described above with respect to
the knee
walker 10 exemplified in FIGS. 1-4 (and vice versa), and thus can include any
of the
corresponding options, alternatives and features. In this regard, the knee
walker
assemblies disclosed herein can include numerous additional, alternative, and
other
well-known peripheral components. Seeing as these components are well known in
the art, they will not be described in further detail.
[0040] The knee walker assembly 100 illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 includes
a rigid frame, designated generally at 112, with a support platform 114 that
is
movably mounted to the frame 112, and a handle or handle bar 116 that is
operatively mounted to the frame 112. At least one rear wheel 118 is rotatably
mounted to the frame 112 proximate the rear end thereof, and at least two
front
wheels (e.g., right and left front wheels 120A and 120B, respectively) are
rotatably
mounted to the frame 112 proximate the front end thereof. In some embodiments,
the knee walker assembly 100 has only a single rear wheel 118 that is
longitudinally
spaced from and centrally aligned with the two front wheels 120A, 120B. The
frame
112 is shown in the drawings comprising a tubular structure with two generally
parallel, longitudinally oriented base beams 122 connected at the front by a
laterally
oriented front axle 128 and at the back by a laterally oriented cross-beam 124
and a
laterally oriented wheel bearing 126. Optional polymeric end plugs 130A and
130B
can be inserted into the open ends of the base beams 122 and other open tube
ends for aesthetic and/or safety purposes.
CA 02820031 2013-06-26
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[0041] Like the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1, the front wheels
120A, 120B of
FIGS. 5 and 6 are attached in a swivel-type mounting configuration to the
front axle 128.
For example, each of the front wheels 120A, 120B is rotatably connected, for
example, via a
wheel-pin or roller bearing, to a corresponding swivel fork 132A and 132B,
respectively,
such that the wheels 120A, 120B can revolve around respective central rolling
axes (e.g.,
axis Al of FIG. 1). Each swivel fork 132A, 132B, in turn, is rotatably
connected via a
corresponding swivel joint 134A and 134B, respectively, to the front axle 128.
The swivel
joints 134A, 134B allow the swivel forks 132A, 132B to rotate about respective
vertically
oriented non-rolling axes (e.g., axis A2 of FIG. 1) that are laterally offset
from the center of
the front axle 128 and pass through a diametric plane of the wheel 120A, 120B.
Thus, the
front wheels 120A, 120B, when in a swivel-type mounting configuration, can
rotate around
central rolling axes and swivel about vertical non-rolling axes. When in
motion along a
straight line, the swivel mounted wheels 120A, 120B will tend to automatically
align with,
and rotate parallel to the direction of travel.
[0042] By way of contrast, the rear wheel 118 is shown attached in a
rigid-type
mounting configuration to the rear of the frame 112. For example, the rear
wheel 118 is
rotatably mounted via the wheel bearing 126 to the longitudinally oriented
base beams 122
such that the wheel 118 can revolve around a corresponding central rolling
axis (e.g., axis
A3 of FIG. 1). Unlike the front wheels 120A, 120B, however, the rear wheel 118
cannot
swivel on the roller bearing 126 around a non-rolling axis. Optional
configurations can
include a swivel-mounted rear wheel or a hybrid rigid-swivel mount
configuration.
[0043] The support platform 114 of FIGS. 5 and 6 is configured to support
at least
one human appendage. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the support
platform 114
is designed to prop up and hold the lower portion of a user's non-ambulatory
leg during
operation of the knee walker assembly 100. The support platform 114 of FIG. 1
includes a
cushion 136 that is fixed (e.g., via screws) to the upper surface of a planar
substrate 138.
The cushion 136 may comprise, for example, a molded plastic body or a foam
core that is
covered with vinyl or any other suitable material. Optionally, the support
platform 114 could
be integrally formed with the substrate 138.
CA 02820031 2013-06-26
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[0044] The support platform 114 can be vertically adjustable relative to
the frame
112. Similar to the arrangement presented in FIG. 1, the support platform 114
of FIGS. 5
and 6 is mounted on top of a collapsible stanchion arrangement, designated
generally at 140
in FIG. 5. The collapsible stanchion arrangement 140 includes a pair of
pivoting stanchions
142 that are slidably and pivotably attached at respective first ends, e.g.,
via sliding hinge
141 slidably received in an elongated slot 139, to the substrate 138. The
pivoting stanchions
142 arc also pivotably attached at respective second ends thereof, e.g., via
hinge mount 143,
to the base beams 122 of the frame 112. The collapsible stanchion arrangement
140 also
includes a pair of sliding stanchions 144 that are pivotably attached at
respective first ends,
e.g., via pivot hinge 145, to the substrate 138, and are slidably and
pivotably attached at
respective second ends to the frame 112 by a movable trolley 146. A hinge pin
149 rotatably
connects the pivoting stanchions 142 to the sliding stanchions 144. The
trolley 146 is
slidably mounted to the base beams 122 for rectilinear travel between the
front and rear ends
of the frame 112. An optional M-shaped handle 147 projects outwardly and, in
some
embodiments, upwardly from the substrate 138 to provide users with a readily
available
gripping surface to more easily raise and lower the substrate 138 and, thus,
the support
platform 114.
[0045] With continuing reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, movement of the
trolley 146
operates to adjust the vertical height of the support platform 114. In
particular, sliding the
trolley 146 forward on the frame 112 (e.g., to the left in FIG. 5) causes the
pivoting
stanchions 142 and sliding stanchions 144 to collapse in a scissor-like
fashion towards the
frame 112, thereby drawing the support platform 114 down towards the base
beams 122.
Antithetically, sliding the trolley 146 in the opposite direction towards the
rear end of the
frame 112 (e.g., to the right in FIG. 5) will draw the first and second ends
of the pivoting
stanchions 142 towards the first and second ends of the sliding stanchions
144, respectively,
thereby raising the substrate 138 and, thus, the support platform 114.
[0046] The collapsible stanchion arrangement 140 of FIGS. 5 and 6 may
include a
locking tool for securing the support platform 114 at a desired vertical
height. In accord
with the illustrated example, a locking bar 198 is pivotably attached to an
inside surface of at
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least one or, in the illustrated embodiment, both of the sliding stanchions
144. The locking
bar 198, which is best seen in FIG. 7, includes an elongated, asymmetrical
body with a
serrated portion 195 that is connected to a handle portion 197 by a bent neck
portion 199.
An optional finger post 167 projects generally orthogonally from a proximal
end of the
handle portion 197 to provide an improved gripping area for operating the
locking bar 198.
A plurality of circular slots 166 extend through both the handle portion 197
and the neck
portion 199. As shown, the locking bar 198 is pivotably attached to the
collapsible stanchion
arrangement 140 by passing the pivot pin 191 through the sliding stanchion(s)
144 and
through one of the circular slots 201 in the handle portion 197 or neck
portion 199. The
serrated portion 195, on the other hand, includes a plurality of teeth 168
which are
configured to receive therebetween and mate with an attachment pin 193 that
extends
between the inside surfaces of the pivoting stanchions 142. Optionally, the
locking bar 198
can be pivotably attached to one or both of the pivoting stanchions 142.
100471 FIG. 5 depicts the locking bar 198 coupling the pivoting
stanchions 142 to the
sliding stanchions 144 such that the support platform 114 is secured at a
desired height. In
particular, the locking bar 198 can be selectively rotated (e.g., in a
clockwise direction in
FIG. 5) to interleave the attachment pin 193 between two of the teeth 168. In
so doing, the
stanchions 142, 144 are restricted from rotating about the hinge pin 149 and,
thus, the trolley
is prevented from sliding back-and-forth across the frame 112. To change the
height of the
support platform 114, a user can pull up on the finger post 167 and/or handle
portion 197 of
the locking bar 198, which causes the serrated portion 195 to rotate away from
the
attachment pin 193 (e.g., in a counterclockwise direction in FIG. 5) and, in
turn, causes the
teeth 168 to disengage the attachment pin 193. After the support platform 114
is moved to a
new desired height, the locking bar 198 can then be rotated to interleave the
attachment pin
193 between two of the locking bar teeth 168.
[0048] The knee walker assembly 100, like the knee walker assembly 10,
can also be
provided with a steering mechanism 150 that is configured to selectively
reposition the front
wheels 120A, 120B such that a user can redirect the knee walker assembly 100.
The
steering mechanism 150 of FIGS. 5 and 6 comprises a steering column 152 that
is
CA 02820031 2013-06-26
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operatively attached at a first end thereof to the frame 112 and at a second
end thereof to the
handle bar 116. A distal end of the steering column 152 is rotatably received
in a vertically
oriented hollow sleeve 158, which is coupled to the front end of the frame 112
via the front
axle 128. A connector plate 172 projects from a lower portion of the steering
column 152.
just above the hollow sleeve 158, and pivotably attaches to a transversely
oriented tie rod
170, e.g., via a nut-and-bolt connection 175. The connector plate 172 attaches
the tie rod
170 to the steering column 152 such that the tie rod 170 shifts left and right
when the
steering column 152 is turned via manipulation of the handle bar 116. Each
lateral end of
the tie rod 170 operatively attaches to a respective one of the front wheels
120A, 120B, as
described below. When so engaged, the tie rod 170 turns the front wheels 120A,
120B in
response to the rotation of the handle bar 116 and, thus, the steering column
152.
[0049] The
steering column 152 may be selectively repositionable between an
upright, generally vertical position, as seen in FIG. 5, and a collapsed,
generally horizontal
position (e.g., similar to the collapsed position 52B shown in FIG. 2). In the
illustrated
embodiment, the steering mechanism 150 is provided with a locking hub 154 that
is
configured to retain the steering column 152 in the upright and collapsed
positions and, in
some embodiments, in any of a plurality of positions therebetween. In this
instance, the
steering column 152 is separated into two segments, with an upper segment 153
of the
steering column 152 fixedly attached to a first toothed shoulder 157 of the
locking hub 154,
and a lower segment 155 of the steering column 152 fixedly attached to second
toothed
shoulder 159 of the locking hub 154. Rotation of a tension dial 156 in one
direction (e.g., in
a clockwise direction in FIG. 5) will loosen the locking hub 154 allowing for
disengagement
of the teeth of the first toothed shoulder 157 from the teeth of the second
toothed shoulder
159. In so doing, the user can selectively reorient the upper segment 153 of
the steering
column 152 relative to the lower segment 155. Once oriented in the desired
position,
rotation of the tension dial 156 in an opposite direction (e.g., in a
counterclockwise direction
in FIG. 5) will meshingly engage the teeth of the first and second shoulders
157, 159 and
mechanically lock the upper and lower segments 153, 155 of the steering column
152 in the
CA 02820031 2013-06-26
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selected orientation. Some optional features that may be suspended from or
otherwise
mounted to the steering column 152 include a basket 127 and a cup holder 129.
[0050] When the support platform 114 is moved to its lowest height, e.g.,
such that
the pivoting stanchions 142 and sliding stanchions 144 are generally parallel
to one another
and the base beams 122, and the steering column 152 is moved to its lowest
height, e.g., in a
generally horizontal position laying across the cushion 136, the knee walker
assembly 100 of
FIGS. 5 and 6 provides a reduced packaging volume and footprint. In some non-
limiting
examples, the packaging volume of the collapsed knee walker assembly 100 is
approximately 0.13 m3 to 0.50 m3, while in some embodiments the packaging
volume is
approximately 0.26 m3. In some embodiments, the footprint of the knee walker
assembly
100 is approximately 0.35 m2 to 0.75 m2, while in some embodiments the
footprint is
approximately 0.5 m2.
[0051] The handle bar 116 may include a single handle, as indicated
above, or may
include multiple handles, such as right and left handle grips 162A and 162B,
respectively,
attached at opposing ends of the upper transverse section of a T-shaped handle
mount 160.
The handle bar 116 may be adjustable, for example, to accommodate users of
differing
heights and/or for increased compactness during storage of the knee walker
assembly 100.
In the illustrated embodiment, the handle mount 160 of FIGS. 5 and 6 is
designed to
telescope with respect to the steering column 152. In this instance, the
downwardly
extending section of the T-shaped handle mount 160 is slidably received
through an opening
in a hollow portion of the upper segment 153 of the steering column 152. A
rotatable
locking pin 164 can be selectively engaged and disengaged with longitudinally
spaced holes
in the handle mount 160 to allow a user to adjust the position of the handle
bar 116 relative
to the steering column 152. For instance, rotation of the locking pin 164
(e.g., in a clockwise
direction in FIG. 5) will disengage the locking pin 164 from the holes in the
handle mount
160 and release the handle bar 116, allowing for longitudinal translation
thereof relative to
the steering column 152. Once oriented in the desired position, rotation of
the locking pin
164 in an opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise in FIG. 5) will engage
the locking pin
CA 02820031 2013-06-26
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164 with one of the holes in the handle mount 160 and thereby mechanically
retain the
handle bar 116 in the selected orientation.
[0052] The
knee walker assembly 100 may be provided with an optional braking
mechanism 188 that is operable to slow and/or stop the knee walker assembly
100. In the
illustrated embodiment, for example, the braking mechanism 188 includes right
and left
hand-actuated brake levers 190A and 190B, respectively, that are coupled to
opposing ends
of the upper transverse section of the handle mount 160. Bowden cables 194
operatively
connect the brake levers 190A, 190B to a plunger brake 192 that is mounted to
the frame
112 proximate the rear wheel 118. Actuation of either (or both) of the brake
levers 190A,
190B transmits a mechanical pulling force through the cables 194 to the
plunger brake 192,
causing a pivotable shoe of the plunger brake 192 to press onto and
frictionally engage the
top of the rear wheel 118. As some optional variations, the braking mechanism
188 may
utilize a single brake lever, may utilize multiple plunger brakes, may employ
alternative
mechanical means for activating the plunger brake 192, may automate the
activation of the
plunger brake 192, and may use a different type of brake assembly than the
plunger brake
192 (e.g., rim brakes or disc brakes).
[0053] Both
front wheels 120A, 120B of the knee walker assembly 100 are
configured to selectively switch back-and-forth between a swivel-type mounting
configuration and a rigid-type mounting configuration. The knee walker
assembly 100 of
FIGS. 5 and 6 may include a variable mounting assembly 174, which may be
similar in
design, function and operation to the mounting assembly 74 described above
with respect to
FIGS. 1-4. Like the mounting assembly 74, the variable mounting assembly 174
in the
embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6 is designed to simultaneously or nearly
simultaneously
transition both of the front wheels 120A, 120B from a swivel-type mounting
configuration to
a rigid-type mounting configuration and, when desired, back to the swivel-type
mounting
configuration. In some embodiments, the knee walker assembly 100 includes a
locking
mechanism that selectively engages the front wheels 120A, 120B to
simultaneously or
substantially simultaneously lock both of the front wheels 120A, 120B in a
rigid-type
mounting configuration. This
provides the knee walker assembly 100 with all of the
CA 02820031 2013-06-26
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advantages of having swivel-mounted front wheels (e.g., increased
maneuverability), while
eliminating the disadvantages associated with a knee walker assembly with only
swivel
mounted front wheels (e.g., limited control).
[0054] Each of the front wheels 120A, 120B is swivel mounted to the frame
112 by a
respective swivel fork 132A, 132B and swivel joint 134A, 134B. A locking disc
176, which
is most readily visible in FIG. 8, is rigidly fastened to the top of each
swivel fork I32A,
132B, for example, via a pair of threaded screws. Both locking discs 176
include a
respective aperture 177 (readily visible in FIG. 6, but only labeled in FIG.
8) that is shaped
and sized to receive a locking pin 186 (FIG. 6) to thereby lock the respective
front wheel
120A, 120B in the rigid-type mounting configuration. Similar to the
configuration of the
knee walker 10 described above, the knee walker assembly 100 of FIGS. 5 and 6
includes a
pair of retractable locking pin assemblies 180A and 180B for engaging and
disengaging the
locking pin 186 from the locking disc 176. In the illustrated embodiment, the
retractable
locking pin assemblies 180A, 180B can be structurally and functionally
identical to the
retractable locking pin assemblies 80 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. Therefore,
for brevity and
conciseness, these components will not be described again in detail. In some
alternative
configurations, the retractable locking pin assemblies 180A, 180B can be
individually or
collectively varied in structure and/or function from the locking pin
assemblies 80 of FIGS.
3 and 4.
[0055] According to the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, each retractable
locking pin
assembly 180A, 180B is movably mounted to a respective one of the swivel
joints 134A,
134B by a corresponding steering plate 182, which is more clearly seen in FIG.
9. In this
arrangement, the locking pin assembly 180A, 180B is rigidly mounted, in a
generally
vertical orientation, to a first end 181 of the steering plate 182 on a rear
side of the swivel
joint 134A, 134B such that the locking pin 186 can pass through a first
circular hole 183 in
the steering plate 182 and into (or out of) the aperture 177 of the locking
disc 176. A second
circular hole 187 extends through a second end 185 of the steering plate 182,
which is
proximal a front side of the swivel joint 134A, 134B. The steering plate 182
is coupled to
the transversely oriented tie rod 170, for example, via a threaded nut that is
received through
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the second circular hole 187 and mated with a complementary bolt. A hexagonal
hole 189 in
between the first and second ends 181, 185 of the steering plate 182 receives
thercthrough a
complementary bushing for rotatably attaching the steering plate 182 to one of
the swivel
joints 134A, 134B.
[0056] When the locking pin 186 is passed through the first circular hole
183 and
into the aperture 177, the corresponding wheel 120A, 120B is locked in a rigid-
type
mounting configuration such that the wheel 120A, 120B can freely rotate around
its
respective central rolling axis, but the swivel fork 132A, 132B is restricted
from freely
rotating about the non-rolling axis. Nevertheless, when the locking pin 186 is
seated in the
aperture 177, the steering plate 182 is mechanically coupled to the locking
disc 176 such that
turning forces can be transmitted therebetween and the wheels 120A, 120B may
be turned
via the steering mechanism 150. When the locking pin 186 is retracted from the
aperture
177, the corresponding wheel 120A, 120B is released into the swivel-type
mounting
configuration such that the wheel 120A, 120B can rotate around its respective
central rolling
axis, and the swivel fork 132A, 132B can rotate about the non-rolling axis.
However, when
the locking pin 186 is retracted, the steering plate 182 is no longer
mechanically coupled via
the locking pin 186 to the locking disc 176 such that turning forces can be
transmitted
therebetween. Thus, in at least some embodiments, when the front wheels 120A,
120B are
in the swivel-type mounting configuration, the steering mechanism 150 is
rendered
inoperable. Moreover, the overall freedom of the wheels 120A, 120B to rotate
about their
rolling axes (whether in a rigid or swivel mount) can be regulated, for
example, by the
braking mechanism 188. Likewise, the overall freedom of the swivel forks 132A,
132B to
swivel about their respective non-rolling axes when in swivel mount can be
regulated, for
example, by the locking discs 176, as will be developed in further detail
below.
[0057] The knee walker assembly 100 includes an activating lever,
represented
herein by a thumb trigger 178, for selectively disengaging both of the locking
pins 186 from
and re-engaging the locking pins 186 with the locking discs 176. As shown, the
thumb
trigger 178 is attached to the handle bar 116 adjacent the right handle grip
162A. A retractor
cable 188 is routed from the thumb trigger 178, through sheaths 190, and
attached to a
CA 02820031 2013-06-26
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proximal end of the locking pins 186 (e.g., via cable connector 94 of FIG. 4).
Activation of
the thumb trigger 178, which may consist of pressing the thumb trigger 178 to
rotate from a
first "deactivated" position to a second "activated" position, will apply a
tensile force to the
retractor cable 188. The tensile force is passed through the retractor cable
188 to
responsively draw both of the locking pins 186, e.g., upwardly, out of
engagement with the
locking discs 176, thereby releasing the front wheels 120A, 120B from a rigid
mount. Both
wheels 120A, 120B are substantially simultaneously switched to a swivel-type
mounting
configuration and can therefore rotate around respective central rolling axes,
and both swivel
forks 132A, 132B can freely rotate around respective non-rolling axes.
[0058] For an optional safety feature, the thumb trigger 178 may be
spring-biased
towards the first "deactivated" position such that the retractor cable 188
does not apply a
tensile force to the locking pins 186, and the locking pins 186 remain engaged
with their
respective locking discs 176. In so doing, the knee walker 100 defaults to a
rigid-type
mounting configuration such that wheels 120A, 120B can rotate around
respective central
rolling axes, but the swivel fork 132A, 132B, although still steerable via the
steering
mechanism 150, are restricted from freely rotating around respective non-
rolling axes.
100591 When the front wheels 120A, 120B are released into a swivel mount
by the
retractable locking pin assemblies 180, the rotational freedom of the swivel
forks 132A,
132B can be limited to pivoting within a predetermined range of rotation. By
way of non-
limiting example, a post 179 projects generally orthogonally (e.g., downward
in FIGS. 5 and
6) from the second end 185 of the steering plate 182. First and second
shoulders 173A and
173B are circumferentially spaced about the perimeter of the locking disc 176.
As the
swivel mounted locking discs 176, which are rigidly mounted for common
rotation with
their respective swivel forks 132A, 132B, rotate about the non-rolling axis,
the rotational
freedom of the swivel forks 132A, 132B is limited by the post 179 engaging the
shoulders
173A and 173B and thereby restricting further rotation of the locking discs
176. In some
embodiments, when the front wheels 120A, 120B are released by the retractable
locking pin
assemblies 180, the swivel forks 132A, 132B are restricted to pivoting less
than 360 degrees
about the non-rolling axes. In other embodiments, the swivel forks 132A, 132B
are
CA 02820031 2016-02-10
=
23
restricted to pivoting less than approximately 160 degrees about the non-
rolling
axes ¨ e.g., 80 degrees left and 80 degrees right from center. The rotational
freedom of the swivel forks 132A, 132B can be restricted to other
predetermined
ranges of rotation. Alternatively, the swivel forks 132A, 132B can be allowed
to
freely rotate without any restriction when in swivel mount.
[0060] The knee walker assembly 100 may also be provided with some
optional safety features. By way of non-limiting example, the knee walker
assembly
100 can include one or more safety reflectors to make the knee walker 100 more
visible to others, especially during dusk, dawn, and nighttime use. The safety
reflector may be in the nature of a retroreflector device or a self-
illuminating
apparatus or any other suitable device. As another option, or alternative, the
knee
walker assembly 100 may include light-reflective paint.
Exemplary Embodiments
[0061] The following exemplary embodiments of the invention are not
intended to represent every embodiment, or every aspect, of the present
invention.
Rather, some of the above-disclosed features and advantages, and other
features
and advantages of the present invention, will become more readily apparent
from
the following examples.
[0062] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a knee
walker assembly is disclosed that includes a frame with a support platform and
a
handle mounted to the frame. At least one rear wheel is mounted to the frame
proximate the rear end thereof, and at least two front wheels are each swivel
mounted to the frame proximate the front end thereof. A locking mechanism is
operatively engaged with the at least two front wheels. The locking mechanism
is
configured to lock both of the front wheels in a rigid-type mounting
configuration.
[0063] In accordance with one optional facet, the locking mechanism
includes at least two retractable locking pin assemblies, each of which is
mounted to
the frame and configured to selectively engage a respective one of the front
wheels
to thereby lock the respective front wheel in the rigid-type mounting
configuration.
CA 02820031 2013-06-26
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[0064] Optionally, the locking mechanism may further comprise at least
two locking
discs, each of which is mounted for rotation with a respective one of the at
least two front
wheels and is configured to mate with a respective one of the retractable
locking pin
assemblies to thereby lock the respective front wheel in the rigid-type
mounting
configuration.
[0065] Optionally, each of the retractable locking pin assemblies may
include a
housing, a pin slidably mounted at least partially within the housing, a
biasing member
urging the pin out of the housing, and a retractor cable configured to draw
the pin into the
housing
[0066] In accordance with another optional facet, the knee walker
assembly may
include at least two swivel forks, each of which mounts a respective one of
the front wheels
to the frame. The swivel forks are each configured to rotate about a
respective non-rolling
axis, and the at least two front wheels are each configured to rotate about a
respective rolling
axis.
[0067] Optionally, the swivel forks are restricted from freely rotating
about the non-
rolling axes when the front wheels are locked by the locking mechanism.
[0068] Optionally, the two front wheels, when released by the locking
mechanism,
are operable to pivot less than 360 degrees about the non-rolling axis.
[0069] Optionally, the locking mechanism may include a single activating
lever
configured to selectively disengage the locking mechanism from both of the
front wheels.
[0070] Another embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a knee
walker
assembly for aiding a physically impaired person in walking. This knee walker
assembly
includes a rigid frame with a support platform mounted to the frame. The
support platform
is configured to support at least one human appendage. At least one rear wheel
is mounted
proximate the rear end of the frame. The knee walker assembly also includes at
least two
front wheels. A variable mounting assembly mounts the at least two front
wheels proximate
the front end of the frame. The variable mounting assembly is configured to
simultaneously
transition both of the at least two front wheels between a swivel-type
mounting configuration
and a rigid-type mounting configuration.
=
CA 02820031 2013-06-26
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[0071] Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a
method of
manufacturing a knee walker assembly. The method includes: mounting a support
platform
to a rigid frame, the support platform being configured to support at least
one human
appendage; mounting a handle to the frame; mounting at least one rear wheel
proximate a
rear end of the frame; mounting at least two front wheels proximate a front
end of the frame
such that the front wheels can transition between a swivel-type mounting
configuration and
rigid-type mounting configuration; and, attaching a locking mechanism to the
frame, the
locking mechanism including a single activating lever that is attached to the
handle and is
configured to substantially simultaneously lock both of the at least two front
wheels in the
rigid-type mounting configuration.
[0072] In accordance with yet another embodiment, a knee walker assembly
is
provided. The knee walker assembly includes a frame with a handle mounted to
the frame.
At least one rear wheel is mounted to the frame proximate the rear end
thereof, and at least
one front wheel is mounted to the frame proximate the front end thereof. The
knee walker
assembly also includes a support platform that is configured to support at
least a portion of
an appendage. A collapsible stanchion arrangement movably mounts the support
platform to
the frame. The collapsible stanchion arrangement includes a trolley and a
first stanchion
attached at a first end thereof to the support platform and attached at a
second end thereof to
the trolley. The trolley is slidably mounted to the frame such that movement
of the trolley
relative to the frame operates to adjust a vertical height of the support
platform.
[0073] In accordance with one optional facet, the first end of the first
stanchion is
pivotably attached to the support platform and the second end of the first
stanchion is
pivotably attached to the trolley.
[00741 In accordance with another optional facet, the collapsible
stanchion
arrangement further comprises a second stanchion pivotably attached at a first
end thereof to
the support platform and pivotably attached at a second end thereof to the
frame.
[0075] Optionally, the first stanchion is rotatably attached to the
second stanchion
such that the first and second stanchions move in a scissor-like motion when
the trolley is slid
along the frame to adjust the vertical height of the support platform.
CA 02820031 2013-06-26
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[0076] Optionally, the first end of the second stanchion is pivotably
attached to the
support platform via a sliding hinge.
[0077] According to another optional facet, the knee walker assembly may
include a
locking bar that is configured to selectively lock the first stanchion to the
second stanchion
such that the support platform is secured at a desired height.
[0078] Optionally, the locking bar may include a serrated portion
connected to a
handle portion by a neck portion. The neck portion is configured to pivotably
attach the
locking bar to one of the first and the second stanchions. The serrated
portion is configured
to mate with an attachment pin projecting from the other of the first and the
second
stanchions to thereby lock the first stanchion to the second stanchion.
[0079] According to yet another optional facet, the knee walker assembly
may
include a steering mechanism mounted to the frame and operatively attached to
the at least
one front wheel. The steering mechanism is operable to selectively reposition
the at least
one front wheel.
[0080] Optionally, the steering mechanism may include a steering column
that is
attached at a first end thereof to the frame and at a second end thereof to
the handle. The
steering column is selectively repositionable between an upright position and
a collapsed
position.
[0081] Optionally, the knee walker assembly has a packaging volume of
approximately 0.13 m3 to 0.50 m3 when the support platform is at its lowest
vertical height
and the steering column is at its lowest collapsed position.
[0082] In accordance with yet another optional facet, the at least one
front wheel
includes first and second front wheels, and the knee walker assembly further
comprises first
and second swivel forks each swivel mounting a respective one of the front
wheels to the
frame. Each swivel forks is configured to rotate about a respective non-
rolling axis, while
the front wheels are each configured to rotate about a respective rolling
axis.
[00831 Optionally, the knee walker assembly may include a locking
mechanism
configured to lock both of the front wheels in a rigid-type mounting
configuration such that
the swivel forks are restricted from freely rotating about the non-rolling
axes.
CA 02820031 2013-06-26
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[0084] Optionally, the locking mechanism employs a single activating
lever to
selectively disengage the locking mechanism from both of the front wheels.
[0085] Optionally, when the front wheels are not locked in the rigid-type
mounting
configuration, the first and second swivel forks are restricted to pivoting
less than 360
degrees about the non-rolling axes.
[0086] Optionally, when the front wheels are not locked in the rigid-type
mounting
configuration, the first and second swivel forks are restricted to pivoting
less than
approximately 160 degrees about the non-rolling axes.
[0087] Another embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a knee
walker
assembly for aiding a physically impaired person in walking. This knee walker
assembly
includes a rigid frame with at least one rear wheel mounted proximate the rear
end of the
frame, and at least two front wheels mounted proximate the front end of the
frame. The knee
walker assembly also includes a support platform configured to support at
least a portion of a
human leg. A collapsible stanchion arrangement movably mounts the support
platform to
the frame. The collapsible stanchion arrangement includes a trolley that is
slidably mounted
to the frame, a first stanchion pivotably attached at a first end thereof to
the support platform
and pivotably attached at a second end thereof to the trolley, and a second
stanchion
pivotably attached at a first end thereof to the support platform and
pivotably attached at a
second end thereof to the frame. The trolley is configured to selectively
slide back-and-forth
along the frame to thereby adjust a vertical height of the support platform.
[0088] Another embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a
method of
manufacturing a knee walker assembly. This method includes: attaching a handle
to a rigid
frame; attaching at least one rear wheel proximate a rear end of the frame;
attaching at least
two front wheels proximate a front end of the frame; attaching a steering
mechanism to the
frame, the steering mechanism being operable to selectively reposition the at
least two front
wheels; attaching a support platform to a collapsible stanchion arrangement,
the support
platform being configured to support at least a portion of a human appendage;
attaching the
collapsible stanchion arrangement to the frame, the collapsible stanchion
arrangement
movably mounting the support platform to the frame, the collapsible stanchion
arrangement
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including a trolley and a first stanchion attached at a first end thereof to
the support platform
and attached at a second end thereof to the trolley, the trolley being
slidably mounted to the
frame such that movement of the trolley relative to the frame operates to
adjust a vertical
height of the support platform.
100891
While many representative embodiments and modes for carrying out the
present invention have been described in detail, those familiar with the art
to which this
invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments
for practicing
the invention within the scope of the appended claims.
