CN103640655B

CN103640655B - Knee walker assembly

Info

Publication number: CN103640655B
Application number: CN201310264318.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: L·M·沃尔瑟; E·S·阿伯内西; I·P·阿迪卡里; V·R·拉科斯基
Original assignee: Medline Industries LP
Current assignee: Medline Industries LP
Priority date: 2012-06-28
Filing date: 2013-06-28
Publication date: 2017-07-14
Anticipated expiration: 2033-06-28
Also published as: CN106945770B; CA2820031A1; CN103640655A; CN106945770A; CA2820031C

Abstract

There is provided herein knee walker assembly and the method for manufacture knee walker assembly.Disclosed knee walker assembly includes framework, the handle that the framework is had mounted on framework.At least one trailing wheel is installed close to the rearward end of framework.At least one front-wheel is installed close to the leading section of the framework.Knee walker assembly also includes the supporting platform for being configured to a part for supports ancillary limbs.Supporting platform is moveably mounted on framework by foldable legs structure.Foldable legs structure includes balladeur train and the first pillar, and the first pillar is attached to supporting platform in its first end, balladeur train is attached at its second end.Balladeur train is slideably mounted to framework, so as to operate balladeur train relative to the motion of framework to adjust the vertical height of supporting platform.

Description

Knee walker assembly

Technical field

The disclosure relates generally to the walk supporting device for physical disturbances person, and more particularly, to for auxiliary The many wheel knee walker assemblies for helping individuals with disabilities to walk.

Background technology

Geneogenous, degenerated the and unexpected injury of human body may cause in poor health, occasionally result in people without auxiliary The ability of walking is lost in the case of helping.Various self-propelled vehicles, sleigh, walk helper etc. have been designed to aid in individuals with disabilities Motion.The most well-known example of these devices is wheelchair, and it generally includes to be connected on four bogie wheels by rigid frame Seat.Wheelchair is rendered as motorization modification and manual actuation modification, and wherein wheelchair is promoted in former case by motor, Huo Zhe Driving wheel is rotated by passenger using hand and promote in latter case.

Another device of motion for aiding in individuals with disabilities is knee walker assembly.Knee walker assembly is usually intended in knee The following injured user of lid, such as achilles tendon injury, pin or ankle fracture or gout.Knee walker assembly is designed as being lifted and supported Non- step, while enabling a user to promote using step.Most of knee walker assemblies include being rigidly mounted on scaffold Elevated knee platform, scaffold and platform can be operated on castor or wheel.In the presence of the knee walk help of three kinds of common types Device：（1）The knee walker assembly taken turns and without steering capability is installed with rigidity；（2）Wheel is installed with rigidity and can be carried out The knee walker assembly of steering；And（3）The knee walker assembly taken turns and without steering capability is installed with revolution.

A kind of known knee walker assembly includes the leg designed for supporting people and the four-wheel assisting walking cart of foot.Push away Car includes framework, the leg support member being connected on the framework and the handle being connected on the framework.Stroller has two Front-wheel is installed in individual revolution and two rigidity install trailing wheel.Two rigidity install trailing wheel can relative to framework at first and second not Laterally offset between symmetrical wheel position, so as to be respectively adapted to the personnel with non-step left leg or non-step right leg.

Another known knee walker assembly includes the leg designed for supporting people and the four-wheel assisting walking cart of foot. Stroller includes framework, the leg support member being connected on the framework and the handle being moveably coupled on the framework. There are stroller two revolutions to install front-wheel and two rigidity installation trailing wheels.Handle can be relative to the framework at first and second Moved between asymmetric handling position, so as to be respectively adapted to the personnel with non-step left leg or non-step right leg.

There is provided treatment sleigh in another known configuration.Sleigh includes the pipe that wheel is installed with four rigidity Shape framework.Wheel assembly includes front axle and rear axle, and every axle keeps a pair of laterally offset wheels.Before steering assembly is telescopically connected to On axle.Steering assembly has the cross bar with handle.Cross bar is provided with arrestment mechanism to slow down and stop sleigh.

According to another known design there is provided that can turn to walk helper of squatting, it includes framework, is connected to the framework On steering assembly and turning-bar.Walk helper of squatting is movably supported on four rigidity and installed on wheel.Control assembly is connected to So that front-wheel rotates around single pivotal point on turning-bar.

There are a variety of shortcoming and defect in current available knee walker assembly.For example, wherein wheel helps for 100% rigid knee Row device is designed with limited navigability.If knee walker assembly does not have built-in steering capability, whole knee walker assembly group Part must be elevated and resets to rotate.If knee walker assembly has built-in steering capability, the radius of gyration is for compact ground Side such as airport shop, bathroom etc. may be too big.By contrast, wherein wheel 100% revolution knee walker assembly configuration may due to It is dangerous to the limited control of component when step is not contacted with ground.The feature of the disclosure is eliminated in the designs not Foot.

Brief description of the drawings

Read following detailed description and referring to the drawings when, the various benefits and advantage of the disclosure will become aobvious and easy See.

Fig. 1 is the isometric view of the exemplary knee walker assembly of the aspect according to the disclosure；

Fig. 2 is the exploded partial perspective view of a part for Fig. 1 knee walker assembly.

Fig. 3 is the amplification stereogram of another part of Fig. 1 knee walker assembly.

Fig. 4 is the amplification stereogram for the exemplary lock rationed marketing mechanism that can be used together with Fig. 1 knee walker assembly.

Fig. 5 is the side view of another representative knee walker assembly of the aspect according to the disclosure.

Fig. 6 is the exploded partial perspective view of Fig. 5 knee walker assembly.

Fig. 7 is can be regarded with Fig. 1 with the Zoom Side for the example locking lever mechanism that 5 knee walker assembly is used together Figure.

Fig. 8 is amplification stereogram that can be with Fig. 1 exemplary lock price fixings being used together with 5 knee walker assembly.

Fig. 9 is amplification stereogram that can be with Fig. 1 exemplary deflecting plates being used together with 5 knee walker assembly.

Although the present invention allows various modifications and substitutions forms, specific embodiment is shown in the drawings simultaneously as an example And will be described in detail herein.It is to be understood that the invention is not restricted to disclosed concrete form.On the contrary, this hair It is bright to cover all modifications fallen within the scope and spirit of the invention, equivalent and replacement.

Embodiment

Although the present invention allows a variety of various forms of embodiments, it is shown in the drawings and will be described in detail herein Be the present invention representative embodiment, and should be understood that the disclosure should be considered as to the present invention principle illustration and It is not intended to the broad aspect of the present invention being limited to embodiment described.Thus, for example in accompanying drawing, summary and specific The element do not explained in detail in the claims disclosed in embodiment but clearly and limitation should not be with hint, reasoning or its other party Formula is individually or jointly incorporated in claim.In this manual, deny except non-expert, single including multiple, vice versa； Word " and " and "or" both should represent it is arranged side by side or separation；Word " all " expressions " any and all "；Word " any " expression " is appointed One and all "；Word " comprising " is represented " including and unrestricted ".Moreover, it is used herein such as " about ", " almost ", " base Originally ", the approximate word of " approximate " etc. for example represents following meanings：" be equal to, approach or be nearly equal to ", or " in ± 3-5% ", or Person's " in the range of receivable manufacturing tolerance ", or their any logical combination.

Referring to the drawings, wherein identical reference represents similar part all the time in the accompanying drawings, and Fig. 1 is shown according to this The exemplary knee walker assembly of disclosed various aspects（Represented on the whole with 10）Isometric view.Drawings presented herein is simultaneously It is non-in proportion, and be provided just to the purpose of explanation.Thus, single and relative size shown in the accompanying drawings Not it is considered as limitation with direction.In addition, in the specification and in the claims space adjective such as "front", "rear", " forward ", " backward ", the use of " upward ", " downward " etc. is unless otherwise expressly specified, it is intended to which the given part of regulation is being operatively mounted Relative to the relative orientation of knee walker assembly when on to knee walker assembly.

Knee walker assembly 10 is intended to be used for（Although being not limited in itself）Aid in physical disturbances personage walking.It is real in diagram Apply in example, knee walker assembly 10 includes：Rigid frame（Represented on the whole with 12）, the supporting platform that is installed on framework 12 14th, handle or handle 16, at least one trailing wheel 18 for being installed near the rearward end of framework 12 on framework 12 and in framework At least two front-wheels on framework 12 are installed near 12 leading section（For example, respectively off-front wheel 20A and the near front wheel 20B）. Framework 12 is ideally made up of rigid material, and the material can include but is not limited to metal such as aluminium and steel, polymer and for example gather Vinyl chloride（PVC）And polyethylene terephthalate（PET）, glass fiber compound material etc..Framework 12 is shown in the drawings It is the tubular structure of machine-direction oriented base beam 22 that is including with two basic horizontals, base beam 22 is anterior with being laterally-oriented Crossbeam 24 is connected and is connected at rear portion with the wheel bearing 26 being laterally-oriented.Front axle 28 extends laterally across the front portion of framework 12, warp By the connecting rack 30 upwardly extended accordingly（Only one of which is visible in the accompanying drawings, but the second connecting rack is also in diagram Framework 12 in set）It is rigidly fixed in each in base beam 22.Optional end plug can be inserted into base beam 22, The open end of crossbeam 24 and/or other unlimited tube ends are for attractive in appearance and/or security purpose.

Understandably, framework 12 can be included than illustrating less or more various beams in Fig. 1.In addition, the length of framework 12 Degree, width and height can be changed, to be for example suitable for specific user and/or the intended application of knee walker assembly 10.Class Like it is contemplated that one or more of beam can be substituted with optional structure such as substrate or case.Therefore, base beam 22 and crossbeam 24 are illustrated as elongated hollow tube in the accompanying drawings；Alternatively, beam 22,24 can be fabricated to solid hopkinson bar, and can use optional Geometry.

With continued reference to Fig. 1 exemplary embodiment, each in front-wheel 20A, 20B is installed by revolution（That is, with rotary type Mounting configuration is attached）Onto front axle 28.As used herein, " revolution is installed " and " rotary type mounting configuration " are intended to indicate that it The mounting structure that middle wheel can be rotated around rolling axis and rotated around non-rolling axis.For example, each in front-wheel 20A, 20B Connection（For example, via wheel pin or roller bearing）Onto corresponding revolution fork 32 so that wheel 20A, 20B can be around its center axis of rolling Line A1 is rotated.Revolution fork 32 is connected on front axle 28 via swivel coupling 34 again.Swivel coupling 34 enables revolution to pitch 32 around non- Rolling axis A2 turn round, axis A2 lateral deviations in the center of front axle 28 and through wheel 20A, 20B diametral plane.Change speech It, front-wheel 20A, 20B can be rolled when in rotary type mounting configuration around axis A1 and around axis A2 revolutions, and axis A2 is big Cause perpendicular to axis A1.When along linear motion, wheel 20A, 20B are installed in revolution will tend to be aligned and put down automatically with direct of travel Row is in direction rotation.

Compared with front-wheel 20A, 20B, trailing wheel 18 is shown as being attached to the rear portion of framework 12 with rigid type mounting configuration.At this In use, " rigidity is installed " and " rigid type mounting configuration " are intended to indicate that wherein wheel can be relative to wheel peace when being related to wheel in text Still wheel installation portion is limited the mounting arrangements rotated freely relative to framework to the rotation of dress portion.For example, trailing wheel 18 is for example via wheel Bearing 26 is rotatably mounted on machine-direction oriented base beam 22 so that wheel 18 can be rotated around its center rolling axis A3.But It is that, different from front-wheel 20A, 20B, trailing wheel 18 can not be around non-rolling axis in the upper rotary of roller bearing 26.In certain embodiments, example In embodiment as shown in Fig. 1, knee walker assembly 10 has a single trailing wheel 18, the single trailing wheel 18 and front-wheel 20A, 20B is longitudinally spaced to be opened and is aligned with front-wheel 20A, 20B centers.

Supporting platform 14 is configured to support at least one human appendages.In the illustrated embodiment, for example, supporting platform 14 are designed as propping up and keep the non-step shank of user during the operation of knee walker assembly 10.In diagram embodiment In, for example, Fig. 1 supporting platform 14 includes the mat 36 on the upper surface fixed to flat base 38.Mat 36 can include For example it is coated with the molded plastic body or foam core of vinyl compound or other any suitable materials.

According to an aspect of this disclosure, supporting platform 14 is vertically adjustable relative to framework 12（I.e., it is possible to be raised Or reduction）.In an illustrative configuration, supporting platform 14 is installed to foldable legs structure（In Fig. 1 on the whole with 40 tables Show）On.Foldable legs structure 40 includes a pair of pivoting struts 42, and pillar 42 is pivotly attached at respective first end It is pivotably attached on to pedestal 38 and at respective the second end on the base beam 22 of framework 12.Foldable legs structure 40 also include pair of sliding pillar 44, and pillar 44 is pivotably attached at respective first end on pedestal 38 and each From the second end at be pivotably attached on movable carriage 46.Balladeur train 46 be slideably mounted on base beam 22 for Straight line is advanced between the leading section of framework 12 and rearward end.Balladeur train 46 is configured to adjust the vertical height of supporting platform 14.Specifically Ground, make balladeur train 46 on framework 12 forward（That is, towards the left side in Fig. 1）Slip cause pivoting strut 42 and slipping column 44 with Scissor-like fashion is folded into over each other, so that downwardly base beam 22 is pulled by supporting platform 14.On the contrary, making balladeur train 46 along phase Rearward end of the opposite direction towards framework 12（That is, towards the right in Fig. 1）Sliding can be by the first and second end of pivoting strut 42 Portion is pulled together with the first and second ends of slipping column 44 respectively, so as to raise supporting platform 14.It is also contemplated by being used to rise High and reduction supporting platform 14 alternative construction, for example, can be retracted supporting rod structure or pneumatic cylinder structure.

Knee walker assembly 10 is additionally provided with steering mechanism in certain embodiments（Represented on the whole with 50）, steering mechanism matches somebody with somebody It is set to and optionally resets front-wheel 20A, 20B so that knee walker assembly 10 can be manipulated by user.Shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 Steering mechanism 50 include steering column 52, steering column 52 is attached on framework 12 and attached at the second end at first end It is connected on handle 16.Steering column 52 passes through hollow sleeve 58, and hollow sleeve 58 is connected to front axle 28 in the front end of framework 12 On base beam 22.Such as optimal finding in fig. 2, T-shaped connecting rod 70 is attached on the bottom of steering column 52, made by connector board 72 Connecting rod 70 is obtained to rotate together with steering column 52 via the manipulation of handle 16.Such as following, each lateral end 71,73 of connecting rod 70 （Fig. 2）One corresponding in front-wheel 20A, 20B is selectively engaged.When such engagement, connecting rod 70 is in response to handle 16 Rotation and thus in response to steering column 52 rotation and front wheel 20A, 20B.

Stand up position that steering column 52 can be illustrated with 52A in fig. 2 in certain embodiments with fig. 2 with 52B's Optionally reset between the folding position that dotted line is illustrated.For example, steering mechanism 50 can be provided with locking hub 54, locking Hub 54 is configured to steering column 52 being maintained in multiple positions relative to framework 12, including stand up position 52A, folding position 52B and one or more positions between them.In this case, steering column 52 is divided into two sections, its transfer On the outer cuff that locking hub 54 is fixedly attached to the upper segment 53 of post 52, the lower section 55 of steering column 52 is fixedly attached to On the interior cuff for locking hub 54.The rotation of tension force rotating disk 56 in one direction（For example, in the counterclockwise direction）Hub is locked by loosening 54, so as to enable a user to redirect the upper segment 53 of steering column 52 relative to its underpart section 55.Once it is oriented in the phase The position of prestige, tension force rotating disk 56 is in opposite direction（For example, along clockwise direction）Rotation will be by the upper segment of steering column 52 53 and the mechanical caging of lower section 55 in a selected direction.

In another embodiment, handle 16 includes being respectively attached to the opposite of the upper lateral part of T-handle installation portion 60 The right hand shank 62A and left hand shank 62B of end.Handle 16 can be adjusted, be for example suitable for different height user and/ Or for increasing compactedness during the storage of knee walker assembly 10.According to an illustrative configuration, Fig. 1 handle installation portion 60 be designed as it is scalable relative to steering column 52.For example, the downward extension portion of T-handle installation portion 60 passes through positioned at steering column Opening in the hollow space of 52 upper segment 53 slideably received within.Provided with lock screw 64, it can be reset so as to use Person can regulation handle installation portion 60 relative to steering column 52 position.For example, the rotation of lock screw 64（For example, along the inverse time Pin direction）Handle installation portion 60 of loosing one's grip will be released, so as to allow that its longitudinal translation passes in and out steering column 52.Once it is oriented in desired position Put, lock screw 64 is in opposite direction（For example, clockwise）Rotation will be by the mechanical caging of handle installation portion 60 selected Orientation.Any of a variety of replacement coupling mechanisms can be easily used as the replacement of lock screw 64（Such as quick connection lock Determine device or spring bias stop pin）.In addition, optional handle arrangement, wheel or other steering configurations can optionally implemented Used in example.In addition, knee walker assembly 10 can be provided with optional arrestment mechanism（It is not shown）, arrestment mechanism can operate with Slow down and/or stop knee walker assembly 10.

Two front-wheels 20A, 20B of knee walker assembly 10 are each configured to install structure in rotary type mounting configuration and rigid type Optionally switch between type.Fig. 1-3 knee walker assembly 10 includes variable mounting assembly in certain embodiments（In Fig. 2 In represented on the whole with 74）For installing front-wheel near the leading section of framework 12.Variable mounting assembly 74 is designed as two Individual front-wheel 20A, 20B are simultaneously or almost simultaneously converted to rigid type mounting configuration from rotary type mounting configuration, and transform back into. In certain embodiments, knee walker assembly 10 includes locking mechanism, locking mechanism and front-wheel 20A, 20B be selectively engaged with Just two front-wheels 20A, 20B are substantially simultaneously locked in rigid type mounting configuration simultaneously.This is carried to knee walker assembly 10 All advantages with revolution installation front-wheel are supplied（For example, the maneuverability of increase）, installed while eliminating with only revolution The shortcoming of the knee walker assembly of front-wheel（For example, limited control）.

As described above, front-wheel 20A, 20B is pivotably mounted on framework 12 by revolution fork 32 and swivel coupling 34.In Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 In be easiest to visible locking disk 76 for example via compression sleeve 78 and bushing and nut combination 79（Both of which is that revolution connects First 34 part）On the top for being rigidly secured to each revolution fork 32.Each locking disk 76 includes hole 77（In fig. 2 It is easily visible, but only mark in figure 3）, hole 77 be shaped to and be sized to receive stop pin 86（Fig. 4）, so as to thus Corresponding front-wheel 20A, 20B are locked in rigid type mounting configuration.

Knee walker assembly 10 also includes a pair of retractable stop pin assemblies 80, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, each Stop pin assembly is installed at the respective lateral end 71,73 of connecting rod 70 on steering trimmer 82.Each stop pin assembly 80 It is configured to one corresponding in front-wheel 20A, 20B --- i.e. corresponding locking disk 76 is selectively engaged, with thus by front-wheel 20A, 20B are locked in rigid type mounting configuration.Specifically, such as Fig. 3 and seen in fig. 4, each retractable stop pin assembly 80 include attachment（For example, via fastener or welding）General hollow, cylindrical shape onto one in locking trimmer 82 Housing 84.Stop pin 86 is slideably at least partially installed in housing 84.Biasing member such as compression spring（There is provided View in it is invisible）It is arranged in housing 84.Stop pin 80 is compeled to be pressed onto in the position of extension by biasing member, is locked in this place The distal portion of pin 86 is from housing 84（As seen in Figure 4）In extend out, reach locking disk 76（As seen in Figure 3）Hole 77 It is interior.When stop pin 86 is suitably placed into hole 77, revolution fork 32 is limited to rotate freely around non-rolling axis A2.Thus, Each wheel 20A, 20B can rotate relative to revolution fork 32 around its corresponding center rolling axis A1, but revolution fork 32 can not phase Rotated freely for front axle 28（That is, " revolution "）--- i.e., wheel is in " rigid type mounting configuration ".

Tractor cable 88 is attached to the close end 92 of stop pin 86 at through sheath 90 and via cable connector 94.Lead Lead device cable 88 is configured to stop pin 86 being optionally pulled off engagement with locking disk 76, thus release loose front-wheel 20A, 20B around swivel coupling 34 to rotate.In the illustrated embodiment, for example, actuator lever 98（It shows in fig. 1 and 2）It is attached to On handle 16（For example, in the middle part between right hand shank 62A and left hand shank 62B of handle installation portion 60）. Actuator lever 98 is configured to that by two stop pin assembly 80 can be retracted optionally to be disengaged with locking disk 76.Specifically, by actuator lever 98 pull back（For example, towards the right in Fig. 1）To apply tensile force to tractor cable 88, tractor cable 88 again via Cable connector 94 passes to tensile force the close end 92 of pin 86.When the tensile force acted on pin 86 overcomes biasing member When, pin 86 can in the way of substantial linear is moved longitudinal translation in housing 84 and depart from and locking disk 76 engagement.At this moment, return Adapter 34 is exercisable so that revolution fork 32 can rotate around non-rolling axis A2.So, each wheel 20A, 20B can Rotated relative to fork 32 around its respective center rolling axis Al, and each fork 32 can be respective around its relative to front axle 28 Non- rolling axis A2 rotations --- i.e., each wheel is in " rotary type mounting configuration ".

In certain embodiments, when front-wheel 20A, 20B are in rotary type mounting configuration, steering mechanism 50 can not grasp Make, such as because connecting rod 70 is disengaged with wheel 20A, 20B.In optional configuration, knee walker assembly can include steering locking machine Structure, steering lock mechanism can operate to lock or be otherwise secured to position by steering mechanism 50.One exemplary design Including steering lock rationed marketing, steering lock rationed marketing is for example operably mounted on framework 12 by U-shaped mounting bracket.Actuator cable It is attached in actuator lever 98, and is attached at its other end on the close end of steering lock rationed marketing at one end thereof. When bar 98 is activated by user（For example, pulling back）When, as described above, two retractable stop pin assemblies 80 are and locking disk 76 disengage.In addition, when bar 98 is activated, the distal portion of steering lock rationed marketing is engaged with connecting rod 70 --- for example, via positioned at Complementary cavity or hole in a part for connecting rod 70 are received.For example, steering lock rationed marketing can be moveably mounted by pivot plate Onto U-shaped mounting bracket.In this case, stop pin is attached at the first lateral end of pivot plate and actuator cable is attached It is connected at the second opposite lateral end of pivot plate.Pivot plate is pivotally mounted to U-bracket（For example, via hinge or Pin）With around its central rotation.First lateral end of pivot plate can be by biasing member（For example, compression spring）Urge upwards, So that steering lock rationed marketing is biased out the engagement with connecting rod 70.But, when bar 98 is activated, tensile force is applied to actuating On device cable, the tensile force is delivered on the second lateral end of pivot plate.The tensile force will make pivot plate around its center again Axis rotates, and pushes down on the first lateral end so as to resist biasing member, so that steering lock rationed marketing is fed into connecting rod 70 In hole in.At this moment, connecting rod 70 is rigidly locked on framework 12.Thus steering column 52 rigidly locks via connector board 72 Onto framework 12, T-shaped connecting rod 70 is attached on the bottom of steering column 52 by connector board 72.So, steering mechanism 50 can not Reset by user（Or rotate）.

In certain embodiments, when front-wheel 20A, 20B release pine by that can be retracted stop pin assembly 80, they can operate with About 360 degree are pivoted less than around non-rolling axis A2.In certain embodiments, when front-wheel 20A, 20B are by that can be retracted locking pin bank When part 80 releases pine, they are operable to be pivoted less than about 160 degree around non-rolling axis A2.Front-wheel 20A, 20B range of pivot Can be by will be restricted in stopper section or other suitable structure assemblies to knee walker assembly 10.Alternatively, front-wheel is worked as When 20A, 20B release pine by that can be retracted stop pin assembly 80, they are operable freely to be pivoted around non-rolling axis A2.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a kind of improved method for manufacturing knee walker assembly.In some implementations In example, this method includes：Supporting platform is installed on rigid frame, the supporting platform is configured to support at least one human body Appendage；Handle is installed on framework；Near the rearward end that at least one trailing wheel is arranged on to framework；Before at least two Wheel is near the leading section of framework so that front-wheel can turn between rotary type mounting configuration and rigid type mounting configuration Become；Locking mechanism is attached on framework, the locking mechanism is configured to the basic lock simultaneously of two at least two front-wheels It is scheduled in rigid type mounting configuration.

In certain embodiments, the method for manufacture knee walker assembly at least includes those steps determined in the preceding paragraphs Suddenly.Omit step including other step and/or modification said sequence also within the scope and spirit of.For example, one In a little embodiments, methods described also includes steering mechanism being installed on framework, and the steering mechanism is configured to optionally weigh Put at least two front-wheel.It should also be noted that methods described represents the single order of manufacture knee walker assembly.But It is, it is contemplated that methods described is systematically implemented to manufacture multiple knee walker assemblies.Although this method is right herein It is described in the structure illustrated in Figs. 1-4, but disclosure method claimed is not limited to these exemplary realities Apply example.

Fig. 5 is the side view of another representative knee walker assembly for being generally designated as 100 of the aspect according to the disclosure. Knee walker assembly 100 can be in multi-form, optional configuration and the function that the knee walker assembly 10 illustrated above with regard to Fig. 1-4 is described Alternative it is any（Vice versa）, it is thus possible to including any corresponding selection, replacement and feature.In this respect, herein Disclosed knee walker assembly can include a variety of additions, replacement and other well known peripheral components without departing from the pre- of the disclosure Phase scope and spirit.Because these parts are all it is known in the art that being no longer described in further detail.

Knee walker assembly 100 shown in Fig. 5 and 6 includes：Rigid frame（Represented on the whole with 112）, be movably mounted Supporting platform 114, operation on to framework 112 are installed to handle or handle 116 on framework 112.At least one trailing wheel 118 exists It is rotatably mounted near the rearward end of framework 112 on framework 112, at least two front-wheels（For example, respectively off-front wheel 120A With the near front wheel 120B）It is rotatably mounted near the leading section of framework 112 on framework 112.In certain embodiments, knee is helped Row device assembly 110 only have single trailing wheel 118, the single trailing wheel and two front-wheels 120A, 120B it is longitudinally spaced open and with wherein The heart is aligned.Framework 112 be shown in the drawings be machine-direction oriented base beam 122 that is including with two basic horizontals tubulose knot Structure, base beam 122 is connected in front portion with the front axle 128 being laterally-oriented, and in rear portion and the crossbeam 124 that is laterally-oriented and is laterally-oriented Wheel bearing 126 be connected.Optional polymer end plug 130A and 130B can be inserted into base beam 122 open end and its He opens wide tube end for attractive in appearance and/or security purpose.

Configuration similar to Figure 1, Fig. 5 and 6 front-wheel 120A, 120B are attached to front axle 128 with swinging mounting configuration On.For example, each in front-wheel 120A, 120B is rotatably attached（For example, via wheel pin or roller bearing）Returned to corresponding Turn on fork 132A and 132B so that wheel 120A, 120B can be around corresponding center rolling axis（Such as Fig. 1 axis A1）Turn It is dynamic.Each revolution fork 132A, 132B are rotatably connected to front axle 128 via corresponding swivel coupling 134A and 134B respectively again On.Swivel coupling 134A, 134B enable revolution to pitch 132A, 132B around corresponding vertically-oriented non-rolling axis（For example, figure 1 axis A2）Rotation, the non-rolling axis lateral deviation is put down in the center of front axle 128 and through wheel 120A, 120B diameter Face.So as to which front-wheel 120A, 120B can rotate when in rotary type mounting configuration around center rolling axis and around vertical non- Rolling axis is turned round.When along linear motion, wheel 120A, 120B are installed in revolution will tend to be aligned and put down automatically with direct of travel Row is in direction rotation.

By contrast, trailing wheel 118 is shown as being attached to the rear portion of framework 112 with rigid type mounting configuration.For example, trailing wheel 118 are rotatably mounted to via wheel bearing 126 on machine-direction oriented base beam 122 so that wheel 118 can be rolled around corresponding center Shaft line（For example, Fig. 1 axis A3）Rotate.But, different from front-wheel 120A, 120B, trailing wheel 118 can not be around non-rolling axis In the upper rotary of roller bearing 126.Optional configuration can include trailing wheel or the mixing rigidity revolution mounting configuration that revolution is installed.

Fig. 5 and 6 supporting platform 114 is configured to support at least one human appendages.In the illustrated embodiment, example Such as, supporting platform 114 is designed as propping up and kept the non-step shank of user during the operation of knee walker assembly 100 Bottom.Fig. 5 supporting platform 114 is included on the upper surface fixed to flat base 138（For example, via screw）Mat 136. Mat 136 can include the molded plastic body or foam core for being for example coated with vinyl compound or other any suitable materials Portion.Alternatively, supporting platform 114 can be integrally formed with pedestal 138.

Supporting platform 114 can be vertically adjustable relative to framework 112.Similar to Fig. 1 arrangement, Fig. 5 and 6 supporting Platform 114 is installed to foldable legs structure（Represented on the whole with 140 in Figure 5）Top on.Foldable legs structure 140 Including a pair of pivoting struts 142, pillar 142 slidably and is attached pivotally on pedestal 138 at respective first end（Example Such as, via the slide hinge 141 being slidably received in elongated slot 139）.Pivoting strut 142 is also in respective the second end Place is pivotably attached on the base beam 122 of framework 112（For example, via hinge installation portion 143）.Foldable legs structure 140 Also include pair of sliding pillar 144, pillar 144 is pivotably attached at respective first end on pedestal 138（For example, Via pivot hinge 145）, and frame slidably and is attached pivotally to by movable carriage 146 at respective the second end On frame 112.Pivoting strut 142 is rotatably connected to slipping column 144 by joint pin 149.Balladeur train 146 is slideably mounted to On base beam 122 between the leading section of framework 112 and rearward end straight line advance.Optional M shapes handle 147 is to overhanging Go out, and protruded upward in certain embodiments from substrate 138, to provide the grasping surface that can easily utilize to user, with More easily lifting base 138, so as to lift supporting platform 114.

With continued reference to Fig. 5 and 6, the motion of balladeur train 146 is operated to adjust the vertical height of supporting platform 114.Specifically, make Balladeur train 146 on framework 112 forward（For example, towards the left side in Fig. 5）Slip causes pivoting strut 142 and slipping column 144 Folded with scissor-like fashion towards framework 112, so that downwardly base beam 122 is pulled by supporting platform 114.On the contrary, making balladeur train 146 in opposite direction towards the rearward end of framework 112（For example, towards the right in Fig. 5）Sliding can be by the of pivoting strut 142 One and the second end respectively towards slipping column 144 the first and second ends pull so that raised pedestal 138 and thus raise Supporting platform 114.

Fig. 5 and 6 foldable legs structure 140 may include to expect vertical height for supporting platform 114 to be fixed on Locking tool.According to example shown, securing rod 198 is pivotably attached at least one in slipping column 144, or in institute Show in embodiment at the inner surface of two.In the figure 7 optimal visible securing rod 198 include with tooth-like part 195 it is elongated not Symmetric bodies, the body is connected to handle portion 197 by curved neck 199.Optional finger-like post 167 is from the near of handle portion 197 End extends perpendicularly out to provide the improved grip area for being used for operating securing rod 198.Multiple circular troughs 166 extend through handle portion 197 and neck 199.As illustrated, by making pivotal pin 191 through slipping column 144 and passing through handle portion 197 or neck 199 In a circular trough 201, securing rod 198 is pivotably attached to foldable legs structure 140.On the other hand, tooth-like part 195 Including multiple teeth 168, tooth 168 is configured to receive attachment pin 193 therebetween and coordinated with it, and attachment pin 193 is in pivoting strut 142 Inner surface between extend.Alternatively, securing rod 198 can be attached pivotally to one or two of pivoting strut 142.

Fig. 5 shows securing rod 198, and pivoting strut 142 is connected to slipping column 144 by securing rod 198 so that supporting platform 114 are fixed on Desired Height.Specifically, securing rod 198 can selectively rotate（For example, along the clockwise direction in Fig. 5）, with Attachment pin 193 is inserted between two teeth 168.So, limitation pillar 142,144 around hinge pins 149 rotate, so as to prevent balladeur train Slidably reciprocated across framework 112.In order to change the height of supporting platform 114, user can pull up finger-like post 167 and/ Or the handle portion 197 of securing rod 198, this causes tooth-like part 195 to be rotated away from attachment pin 193（For example along the side counterclockwise in Fig. 5 To）, and then cause tooth 168 to depart from attachment pin 193.After supporting platform 114 is moved to new Desired Height, securing rod 198 It can just rotate to insert attachment pin 193 between two securing rod teeth 168.

Similar to knee walker assembly 10, knee walker assembly 100 can also be provided with steering mechanism 150, the steering mechanism It is configured to optionally reset front-wheel 120A, 120B so that user can change the direction of knee walker assembly 100.Fig. 5 and Steering mechanism 150 shown in Fig. 6 includes steering column 152, and steering column 152 is operatively attached at first end on framework 112 And it is operatively attached at the second end on handle 116.The distal end of steering column 152 be rotatably received in it is vertically-oriented in In empty set cylinder 158, hollow sleeve 158 is connected to via front axle 128 on the leading section of framework 112.Connector board 172 is from steering column 152 bottom is stretched out, positioned at the surface of hollow sleeve 158, and for example pivotly attached via nut-bolt connection 175 It is connected on the connecting rod 170 of transversal orientation.Connecting rod 170 is attached on steering column 152 by connector board 172 so that when steering column 152 The left and right sidesing shifting of connecting rod 170 when being rotated via the operation of handle 116.Such as following, each lateral end operative attachment of connecting rod 170 On corresponding one into front-wheel 120A, 120B.When such engagement, rotation and thus of the connecting rod 170 in response to handle 116 In response to steering column 152 rotation and front wheel 120A, 120B.

Steering column 152 can shown upright general vertical location and the substantially horizontal arrangement folded in Figure 5（Example Such as, similar to the folding position 52B shown in Fig. 2）Between optionally reset.In the embodiment shown, steering mechanism 150 sets There is locking hub 154, locking hub 154 is configured to steering column 152 being maintained in upright and folding position, protected in certain embodiments Hold any one in multiple positions between stand up position and folding position.In this case, steering column 152 is divided into two The upper segment 153 of individual section, wherein steering column 152 is fixedly attached on the first band tooth shoulder 157 of locking hub 154, is turned to The lower section 155 of post 152 is fixedly attached on the second band tooth shoulder 159 of locking hub 154.Tension force rotating disk 156 is along a side To rotation（For example, along the clockwise direction in Fig. 5）Hub 54 is locked by loosening, so as to allow the tooth of first band tooth shoulder 157 Depart from the second tooth with tooth shoulder 159.So, user can optionally by the upper segment 153 of steering column 152 relative to Lower section 155 is redirected.Once being oriented in desired position, tension force rotating disk 156 is in opposite direction（For example, along inverse in Fig. 5 Clockwise）Rotation will make first band tooth shoulder 157 and second with tooth shoulder 159 tooth engagement engagement, and will turn to The upper segment 153 of post 152 and the mechanical caging of lower section 155 are in a selected direction.It can be suspended from steering column 152 or with it Some optional features that its mode is installed to steering column 152 include basket 127 and glass stand 129.

When supporting platform 114 is moved to its minimum altitude, for example cause pivoting strut 142 and slipping column 144 substantially that This is parallel and parallel to base beam 122, and steering column 152 is moved to its minimum altitude, for instance in what is set across mat 136 During substantially horizontal arrangement, the packaging volume and floor space of Fig. 5 and 6 knee walker assembly 100 reduce.It is non-limiting at some In example, the packaging volume for folding knee walker assembly 100 is approximate 0.13m³To 0.50m³, and pack in certain embodiments Volume is approximate 0.26m³.In certain embodiments, the floor space of knee walker assembly 100 is approximate 0.35m²To 0.75m², And floor space is approximate 0.5m in certain embodiments²。

Handle 116 may include single handle, as described above, or may include multiple handles, such as respectively right handle 162A and left handle 162B, they are attached at the opposite end of upper lateral part of tee handle bar installation portion 160.Handle 116 can To adjust, to be for example suitable for the user of different height and/or for increasing compact during the storage of knee walker assembly 10 Property.In the exemplary embodiment, Fig. 5 and 6 handle mounting part 160 is designed as scalable relative to steering column 152.In this feelings Under condition, the downward extension portion of tee handle bar installation portion 160 passes through in the hollow space of the upper segment 153 of steering column 152 Opening slideably received within.Rotatable stop pin 164 can be with the longitudinally spaced hole in handle mounting part 160 optionally Engagement and separation, enable the user to position of the regulation handle 116 relative to steering column 152.For example, the rotation of stop pin 164 Turn（For example, along the clockwise direction in Fig. 5）Stop pin 164 will be made to be separated with the hole in handle mounting part 160 and loose is released Hand 116, so as to allow it relative to the longitudinal translation of steering column 152.Once being oriented in desired position, stop pin 164 is along opposite Direction（For example, the counter clockwise direction in Fig. 5）Rotation stop pin 164 will be engaged with the hole in handle mounting part 160, from And by the mechanical caging of handle 116 in selected orientation.

Knee walker assembly 100 can be provided with optional arrestment mechanism 188, the arrestment mechanism can operate with slow down and/ Or stop knee walker assembly 100.For example in the embodiment shown, arrestment mechanism 188 include right side hand brake bar 190A and Left side hand brake bar 190B, they are connected at the opposite end of upper lateral part of handle mounting part 160.Bracing wire 194 will Brake bar 190A, 190B are operationally connected to plunger detents 192, and plunger detents are installed to framework 112 near trailing wheel 118. Mechanical tensile forces are delivered to plunger detents 192 by the actuating of either one or two in brake bar 190A, 190B by bracing wire 194, The pivotable crawler shoe of plunger detents 192 is caused to be forced on the top of trailing wheel 118 and frictionally interengage.It is optional as some Modification, arrestment mechanism 188 can utilize single brake bar, using multiple plunger detents, and can use is used to start plunger braking The replacement mechanical device of device 192, automatically starting plunger detents 192, and using in addition to plunger detents 192 not The brake assembly of same type（For example, rim brake or disk brake）.

Two front-wheels 120A, 120B of knee walker assembly 100 are each configured in rotary type mounting configuration and rigid type peace Optionally toggled between dress configuration.Fig. 5 and 6 knee walker assembly 100 may include variable mounting assembly 174, its Design, function and operating aspect can be similar to the mounting assembly 74 described above with respect to Fig. 1-4.Similar to mounting assembly 74, Fig. 5 Variable mounting assembly 174 with 6 is designed as simultaneously or almost simultaneously turning two front-wheels 120A, 120B from rotary type mounting configuration Rigid type mounting configuration is changed to, and transforms back into rotary type mounting configuration when needed.In certain embodiments, knee walker assembly group Part 100 includes locking mechanism, and locking mechanism is selectively engagable to two front-wheels 120A, 120B with front-wheel 120A, 120B Substantially simultaneously it is locked in simultaneously in rigid type mounting configuration.This is provided to knee walker assembly 100 has before revolution installation All advantages of wheel（For example, the maneuverability of increase）, while eliminating the knee walker assembly that front-wheel is installed with only revolution Disadvantages associated（For example, limited control）.

It is each by turning round fork 132A, 132B and swivel coupling 134A, 134B revolution accordingly in front-wheel 120A, 120B It is installed on framework 112.Be easiest in fig. 8 visible locking disk 176 be for example rigidly secured to via a pair of screws it is each On revolution fork 132A, 132B top.Two locking disks 176 all include respective hole 177（It is easily visible in figure 6, but only Only mark in fig. 8）, hole 177 be shaped to and be sized to receive stop pin 186（Fig. 6）, thus by corresponding front-wheel 120A, 120B are locked in rigid type mounting configuration.Similar to the configuration of above-mentioned knee walker assembly 10, Fig. 5 and 6 knee walker assembly group Part 100 includes a pair of retractable stop pin assembly 180A and 180B, for engaging and taking off stop pin 186 with locking disk 176 From.In the embodiment shown, retractable stop pin assembly 180A, 180B can structurally and functionally be equal to the institutes of Fig. 3 and 4 The retractable stop pin assembly 80 shown.Therefore, for sake of simplicity, being not described in detail these parts.In some alternate configurations, Retractable stop pin assembly 180A and 180B can in structure and/or it is functionally single or jointly be different from Fig. 3 and 4 lock Rationed marketing component 80.

According to Fig. 5 and 6 embodiment, each retractable stop pin assembly 180A, 180B passes through corresponding deflecting plate 182 （More clearly see in fig .9）It is moveably mounted to corresponding one in swivel coupling 134A, 134B.In this arrangement, lock Rationed marketing component 180A, 180B is rigidly mounted to deflecting plate on swivel coupling 134A, 134B rear side in being generally vertically oriented 182 first end 181 so that stop pin 186 can pass through the first circular hole 183 in deflecting plate 182 and pass in and out locking disk 176 Space 177.Second circular hole 187 extends through the second end 185 of deflecting plate 182, the second end 185 close to swivel coupling 134A, 134B front side.Deflecting plate 182 is for example connected to the connecting rod 170 of transversal orientation via nut, and the nut passes through the first circular hole 187 Receive and coordinate with complementary bolt.Hex hole 189 between the end 185 of first end 181 and second of deflecting plate 182 connects Receive through the hex hole complementary bushing, the bushing be used for by deflecting plate 182 be rotatably attached to swivel coupling 134A, One in 134B.

When stop pin 186 passes through the first circular hole 183 and enters in hole 177, correspondence wheel 120A, 120B are locked in rigidity In type mounting configuration so that wheel 120A, 120B can be rotated freely around its corresponding center rolling axis, but revolution fork 132A, 132B are limited to be rotated freely around non-rolling axis.However, when stop pin 186 is placed in hole 177, deflecting plate 182 It is mechanically coupled to locking disk 176 so that rotatory force can therebetween be transmitted and take turns 120A, 120B can be via steering mechanism 150 Rotate.When stop pin 186 is retracted from hole 177, corresponding wheel 120A, 120B are released to rotary type mounting configuration so that Taking turns 120A, 120B can rotate around its corresponding center rolling axis, and revolution fork 132A, 132B can revolve around non-rolling axis Turn.However, when stop pin 186 is retracted, deflecting plate 182 is no longer mechanically coupled to locking disk 176 via stop pin 186 and to turn Power can be transmitted therebetween.Thus, at least some embodiments, when front-wheel 120A, 120B are in rotary type mounting configuration When, make steering mechanism 150 inoperable.Moreover, for example can be rolled by arrestment mechanism 188 come left regulation wheel 120A, 120B around it Shaft line rotates（In rigidity or revolution are installed）The overall free degree.Equally, it is described in further detail, can be such as Revolution fork 132A, 132B is adjusted by locking disk 176 when during revolution is installed around the whole of its respective non-rolling axis revolution The body free degree.

Knee walker assembly 100 includes starting bar（Represented herein with thumb trigger 178）, it is used for two lockings Pin 186 departs from from locking disk 176 and is re-engaged with locking disk 176.As illustrated, thumb trigger 178 is in right handle Handle 116 is attached near 162A.Tractor cable 188 is from the tunnel of thumb trigger 178 through sheath 190 and for example via Fig. 4's Cable connector 94 is attached at the close end of stop pin 186.The startup of thumb trigger 178（It may include to press thumb-activated Device 178 is so that it rotates to second " startup " position from first " deactivation " position）Tension force can be applied to tractor cable 188. Two stop pins 186 are for example pulled up by tractor cable 188 and depart from the engagement with locking disk 176 by power, so that Release front-wheel 120A, 120B are installed from rigidity.Two wheels 120A, 120B are switched to rotary type mounting configuration simultaneously substantially, therefore It can be rotated around respective center rolling axis, two revolution forks 132A, 132B can freely revolve around respective non-rolling axis Turn.

For optional security feature, thumb trigger 178 can be biased towards first " deactivation " position spring so that Tractor cable 188 does not apply tension force to stop pin 186, and stop pin 186 keeps engaging with its respective locking disk 176.So, Knee walker assembly 100 is defaulted as rigid type mounting configuration so that wheel 120A, 120B can rotate around respective center rolling axis, Although but revolution fork 132A, 132B remain able to turn to via steering mechanism 150, are limited around respective non-rolling axis Rotate freely.

When front-wheel 120A, 120B are discharged into revolution by retractable stop pin assembly 180 to be installed, revolution fork 132A, 132B rotary freedom can be defined to pivot in predetermined rotating range.In non-limiting example, post 179 is from deflecting plate 182 the second end 185 is generally perpendicularly stretched out（For example extend downwardly from figs. 5 and 6）.First shoulder 173A and the second shoulder Periphery circumferentially spaceds of the 173B around locking disk 176.When be rigidly mounted and with its it is respective revolution fork 132A, 132B rotate jointly Revolution install locking disk 176 around non-rolling axis rotate when, revolution pitch 132A, 132B rotary freedom limited by post 179 System, post 179 engages to limit further rotating for locking disk 176 with shoulder 173A and 173B.In certain embodiments, currently When wheel 120A, 120B are discharged by retractable stop pin assembly 180, revolution fork 132A, 132B are by limitation around non-rolling axis It is pivoted less than 360 degree.In other embodiments, revolution fork 132A, 132B are pivoted less than 160 by limitation around non-rolling axis Degree, such as from 80 degree and 80 degree to the right to the left of center.Certainly, the rotary freedom for turning round fork 132A, 132B is limited to other Predetermined rotating range is also fallen into the scope of the present disclosure and objective.Alternatively, can allow for revolution fork 132A, 132B ought be in back Turn to rotate freely without having any limitation when installing.

Knee walker assembly 100 can also be provided with some optional security features.In non-limiting example, knee walker assembly group Part 100 can include one or more safety reflecting mirror for rear so that knee walker assembly 100 is easier to be seen by other people, particularly in Huang Dusk, dawn and night are during use.Safety reflecting mirror for rear can have retroreflector device or from lighting apparatus or any other suitable When the property of device.Alternately or substitute, knee walker assembly 100 may include reflecting coating.

The following exemplary embodiment of the present invention is not configured to represent each embodiment or each aspect of the present invention.From with Clear some feature and advantage disclosed above and further feature and advantage of the invention will be more prone in lower example.

According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a kind of knee walker assembly is disclosed, it includes the frame with supporting platform Frame and the handle being installed on framework.At least one trailing wheel is installed on the framework close to the rearward end of the framework, at least Two front-wheels are close to the leading section of framework and are pivotably mounted on the framework.Locking mechanism and at least two front-wheels are operationally Engagement.Locking mechanism is configured to two front-wheels being locked in rigid type mounting configuration.

According to an optional aspect, locking mechanism can be retracted stop pin assembly including at least two, and each can be retracted lock Rationed marketing component is installed on the framework and is configured to one corresponding with two front-wheels and is selectively engaged, and thus will Corresponding front-wheel is locked in the rigid type mounting configuration.

Alternatively, locking mechanism may also include at least two locking disks, and each locking disk, which is installed, to be used for and at least two Corresponding one in front-wheel rotates together, and is configured to the corresponding cooperation to that can be retracted in stop pin assembly, thus will Corresponding front-wheel is locked in the rigid type mounting configuration.

Alternatively, each can be retracted stop pin assembly and may include：Housing；It is slidably mounted at least in part described Pin in housing；The biasing member that the pin is released from the housing；And be configured to the pin pulling in the housing Interior tractor cable.

According to another optional aspect, knee walker assembly may include that at least two revolutions are pitched, and each revolution is pitched front-wheel Corresponding one is installed on framework.Revolution fork is each configured to rotate around respective non-rolling axis, and at least two front-wheels are configured To be rotated around respective rolling axis.

Alternatively, when front-wheel is locked by the locking mechanism, limitation revolution fork is rotated freely around non-rolling axis.

Alternatively, two front-wheels are by locking mechanism when being discharged, operable to be pivoted less than 360 degree around non-rolling axis.

Alternatively, locking mechanism may include single starting bar, and the starting bar is configured to make the locking mechanism and two Front-wheel is selectively disengaged.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure is intended to a kind of knee walker assembly for being used to help physical disturbances personage walking.The knee Walk help device assembly includes rigid frame, the supporting platform that the rigid frame is had mounted on framework.Supporting platform is configured to branch Hold at least one human appendages.At least one trailing wheel is installed close to the rearward end of the framework.Knee walker assembly is also wrapped Include at least two front-wheels.Variable mounting assembly installs at least two front-wheel close to the leading section of the framework.Variable peace Arrangement be configured to make two at least two front-wheel it is same between rotary type mounting configuration and rigid type mounting configuration When change.

The another embodiment of the disclosure is intended to a kind of method for manufacturing knee walker assembly.Methods described includes：Will supporting Stage+module is on rigid frame, and the supporting platform is configured to support at least one human appendages；Handle is installed to On the framework；Rearward end close to the framework installs at least one trailing wheel；Installed at least close to the leading section of the framework Two front-wheels so that the front-wheel can change between rotary type mounting configuration and rigid type mounting configuration；And will locking Mechanism is attached on the framework, and the locking mechanism includes single starting bar, and the starting bar is attached on handle, and is configured For two at least two front-wheel are substantially simultaneously locked in the rigid type mounting configuration.

According to another embodiment, there is provided a kind of knee walker assembly.The knee walker assembly includes framework, and the framework has It is installed to the handle on framework.At least one trailing wheel is installed close to the rearward end of the framework, and at least one front-wheel is close to described Install the leading section of framework.Knee walker assembly also includes at least one of supporting platform for being configured to supports ancillary limbs. Supporting platform is moveably mounted on framework by foldable legs structure.Foldable legs structure includes balladeur train and the first pillar, First pillar is attached to supporting platform in its first end, and balladeur train is attached at its second end.Balladeur train is slideably mounted to framework, So as to operate balladeur train relative to the motion of framework to adjust the vertical height of supporting platform.

According to an optional aspect, the first end of the first pillar is pivotably attached to supporting platform, the of the first pillar Two ends are pivotably attached to balladeur train.

According to another optional aspect, foldable legs structure also includes the second pillar, and the second pillar can in its first end Supporting platform is attached pivotally to, framework is pivotably attached at its second end.

Alternatively, the first pillar is rotatably attached to the second pillar so that when balladeur train is slided along framework to adjust branch During the vertical height of peaceful, the first and second pillars are moved with scissor-like fashion.

Alternatively, the first end of the second pillar is pivotably attached to supporting platform via slide hinge.

According to another optional aspect, knee walker assembly may include securing rod, and the securing rod is configured to select on the first pillar Selecting property it is locked to the second pillar so that supporting platform is fixed on Desired Height.

Alternatively, securing rod may include the tooth-like part that handle portion is connected to by neck.Neck is configured to can by securing rod It is attached pivotally to one in the first and second pillars.Tooth-like part is configured to being stretched from another in the first and second pillars The attachment pin gone out coordinates, and the first pillar thus is locked into the second pillar.

According to another optional aspect, knee walker assembly may include steering mechanism, and the steering mechanism is installed to the frame On frame and be operably attached at least one described front-wheel, the steering mechanism it is operable with optionally reset it is described extremely A few front-wheel.

Alternatively, the steering mechanism may include steering column, and the steering column is attached to the frame at its first end It is attached on frame and at its second end on the handle, the steering column can be between stand up position and folding position Optionally reset.

Alternatively, when supporting platform is in its minimum vertical height and steering column is in its minimum folding position, knee Walk help device assembly has approximate 0.13m³To 0.50m³Packaging volume.

According to still another optional aspect, at least one front-wheel includes the first front-wheel and the second front-wheel, and knee walker assembly is also wrapped The first revolution fork and the second revolution fork are included, a corresponding front-wheel is pivotably mounted on framework by each revolution fork.Each revolution Fork is configured to rotate about respective non-rolling axis rotation, and front-wheel is each configured to rotate around respective rolling axis.

Alternatively, knee walker assembly may include locking mechanism, and the locking mechanism is configured to two front-wheels being locked in In rigid type mounting configuration, rotated freely so as to limit revolution fork around non-rolling axis.

Alternatively, the locking mechanism utilizes single starting bar, so that the locking mechanism and two front-wheels are optionally Depart from.

Alternatively, when front-wheel is not locked in rigid type mounting configuration, the first revolution fork and the second revolution fork are limited And it is pivoted less than 360 degree around non-rolling axis.

Alternatively, when front-wheel is not locked in rigid type mounting configuration, the first revolution fork and the second revolution fork are limited And it is pivoted less than approximate 160 degree around non-rolling axis.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure is intended to a kind of knee walker assembly for being used to help physical disturbances personage walking.The knee Walk help device assembly includes rigid frame, and at least one trailing wheel is installed close to the rearward end of framework, and at least two front-wheels are close to described Install the leading section of framework.Knee walker assembly also includes at least one of supporting platform for being configured to support people's leg.It can roll over Supporting platform is moveably mounted on framework by folded corbeling.Foldable legs structure includes being slideably mounted on framework Balladeur train, the first pillar and the second pillar, the first pillar its first end be pivotably attached to supporting platform and its second End is pivotably attached to balladeur train, and the second pillar is pivotably attached to supporting platform in its first end and can pivot at its second end It is attached to framework with turning.Balladeur train is configured to optionally slidably reciprocate along framework, so as to adjust the vertical height of supporting platform.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure is intended to a kind of method for manufacturing knee walker assembly.Methods described includes：By handle It is attached on rigid frame；Rearward end close to the framework is attached at least one trailing wheel；Leading section close to the framework is attached Connect at least two front-wheels；Steering mechanism is attached on framework, the steering mechanism it is operable with selectivity reset at least two before Wheel；Supporting platform is attached in foldable legs structure, the supporting platform is configured to support at least the one of human appendages Part；Foldable legs structure is attached on framework, supporting platform is moveably mounted on framework by foldable legs structure, Foldable legs structure includes balladeur train and the first pillar, and the first pillar is attached to supporting platform in its first end, at its second end Balladeur train is attached to, balladeur train is slideably mounted to framework, so as to operate balladeur train relative to the motion of framework to adjust supporting platform Vertical height.

Although many representative embodiments and mode for implementing the present invention have been described in detail, the present invention relates to Field it will be recognized that for implement the present invention it is various it is optional design and embodiment fall in appended claims In the range of.

Claims

1. a kind of knee walker assembly, including：

Framework, the framework has opposite leading section and rearward end；

Handle, the handle is installed on the framework；

At least one trailing wheel, at least one described trailing wheel is installed on the framework close to the rearward end of the framework；

At least one front-wheel, at least one described front-wheel is installed on the framework close to the leading section of the framework；

Supporting platform, the supporting platform is configured at least a portion of supports ancillary limbs；

Supporting platform is moveably mounted on framework by foldable legs structure, the foldable legs structure, the foldable legs Structure includes balladeur train, the first pillar and the second pillar, and the first pillar is attached to supporting platform in its first end, attached at its second end Balladeur train is connected to, second pillar is attached to supporting platform in its first end via slide hinge, and frame is attached at its second end Frame, balladeur train is slideably mounted to framework, so as to operate balladeur train relative to the motion of framework to adjust the vertical height of supporting platform Degree；And

Locking device, the locking device is operatively coupled with the foldable legs structure, and is configured to Zhi Chengping Platform be fixed in multiple vertical heights any one highly.

2. knee walker assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the first end of first pillar is pivotably attached to branch Peaceful, the second end of first pillar is pivotably attached to balladeur train.

3. knee walker assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, second pillar is pivotably attached in its first end Supporting platform, framework is pivotably attached at its second end.

4. knee walker assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, first pillar is rotatably attached to the second pillar, So that when balladeur train slides the vertical height to adjust supporting platform along framework, the first pillar and the second pillar are with scissor-shaped side Formula is moved.

5. knee walker assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the slide hinge includes joint pin, and the joint pin can be slided It is contained in dynamicly in the elongated slot of supporting platform.

6. knee walker assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the locking device includes securing rod, securing rod configuration The second pillar is selectively locked into by the first pillar so that supporting platform is fixed on an expectation in multiple vertical heights Highly.

7. knee walker assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein, the securing rod includes being connected to handle portion by neck Securing rod is pivotably attached to one in the first pillar and the second pillar by tooth-like part, the neck, and the tooth-like part is matched somebody with somebody It is set to coordinating from another attachment pin stretched out in the first pillar and the second pillar, the first pillar is thus locked to second Pillar.

8. knee walker assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, at least one described front-wheel is included before the first front-wheel and second Wheel, knee walker assembly also includes the first revolution fork and the second revolution fork, and each revolution fork, which turns round a corresponding front-wheel, pacifies It is attached on framework, each revolution fork is configured to rotate about respective non-rolling axis rotation, front-wheel is each configured to around the respective axis of rolling Line rotates.

9. knee walker assembly as claimed in claim 8, also including locking mechanism, the locking mechanism is configured to before two Wheel is locked in rigid type mounting configuration, is rotated freely so as to limit revolution fork around non-rolling axis.

10. knee walker assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein, the locking mechanism includes single starting bar, the starting bar It is configured to make the locking mechanism selectively disengage with two revolution forks, so as to unlock the first front-wheel and the second front-wheel.

11. knee walker assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein, when front-wheel is not locked in rigid type mounting configuration, the Single-revolution is pitched and the second revolution fork is pivoted less than 360 degree by limitation around non-rolling axis.

12. knee walker assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein, the balladeur train includes being connected in one by multiple sliding pins A pair of the T-shaped plates risen.

13. a kind of knee walker assembly, including：

Framework, the framework has opposite leading section and rearward end；

Handle, the handle is installed on the framework；

Steering mechanism, the steering mechanism is installed on the framework and is operably attached at least one described front-wheel, The steering mechanism is operable optionally to reset at least one described front-wheel；

Supporting platform is moveably mounted on framework by foldable legs structure, the foldable legs structure, the foldable legs Structure includes balladeur train, the first pillar, and the first pillar is attached to supporting platform in its first end, balladeur train is attached at its second end, Balladeur train is slideably mounted to framework, so as to operate balladeur train relative to the motion of framework to adjust the vertical height of supporting platform； And

14. knee walker assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein, the steering mechanism includes steering column, the steering column It is attached on the framework and is attached at its second end on the handle at its first end, the steering column energy It is enough optionally to be reset between stand up position and folding position.

15. knee walker assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein, the supporting platform has minimum vertical height and turned There is minimum folding position to post, when the supporting platform is in minimum vertical height and steering column is in minimum folding position When, knee walker assembly has approximate 0.13m³To 0.50m³Packaging volume.

16. a kind of knee walker assembly for being used to help physical disturbances personage walking, the knee walker assembly includes：

Rigid frame, the framework has opposite leading section and rearward end；

At least one trailing wheel, at least one described trailing wheel is installed close to the rearward end of framework；

At least two front-wheels, at least two front-wheel is installed close to the leading section of the framework；

Supporting platform, the supporting platform is configured to support at least a portion of people's leg；And

Supporting platform is moveably mounted on framework by foldable legs structure, the foldable legs structure, the foldable legs Structure includes：

It is slideably mounted to the balladeur train on framework；

First pillar, first pillar is pivotably attached to supporting platform and pivotly attached at its second end in its first end It is connected to balladeur train；And

Second pillar, second pillar its first end via slide hinge be pivotably attached to supporting platform and its second End is pivotably attached to framework,

Wherein described balladeur train is configured to optionally slidably reciprocate along framework, so as to adjust the vertical height of supporting platform；With And

17. knee walker assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein, the locking device includes securing rod, and the securing rod is matched somebody with somebody It is set to and the first pillar is selectively locked to the second pillar so that supporting platform is fixed on a phase in multiple vertical heights Hope height.

18. knee walker assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein, first pillar is rotatably directly attached to second Pillar so that when balladeur train slides vertical height to adjust supporting platform along framework, the first pillar and the second pillar are to cut Knife-like mode is moved.

19. knee walker assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein, the slide hinge includes joint pin, and the joint pin can It is slidably received in the elongated slot of supporting platform.

20. a kind of method for manufacturing knee walker assembly, methods described includes：

Handle is attached on rigid frame；

Rearward end close to the framework is attached at least one trailing wheel；

Leading section close to the framework is attached at least one front-wheel；

Supporting platform is attached in foldable legs structure, the supporting platform is configured to support at least the one of human appendages Part；

Foldable legs structure is attached on framework, supporting platform is moveably mounted to framework by the foldable legs structure On, foldable legs structure includes balladeur train, the first pillar and the second pillar, and the first pillar is attached to Zhi Chengping in its first end Platform, balladeur train is attached at its second end, second pillar is attached to supporting platform in its first end via slide hinge, at it Second end is attached to framework, and balladeur train is slideably mounted to framework, so as to operate balladeur train relative to the motion of framework to adjust branch The vertical height of peaceful；And

Locking device is attached to foldable legs structure, the locking device is configured to supporting platform being fixed on multiple vertical height In degree any one highly.