FR2839258A1

FR2839258A1 - Mobility aid/seat assembly, for use by people of reduced mobility, has wheeled chassis enabling user to stand to walk or to sit down without having to turnaround

Info

Publication number: FR2839258A1
Application number: FR0205655A
Authority: FR
Inventors: Georges Grosso
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-05-02
Filing date: 2002-05-02
Publication date: 2003-11-07
Anticipated expiration: 2022-05-02
Also published as: FR2839258B1

Abstract

The assembly includes a chassis (1) with a pair of front wheels (17,18) pointing forwards, a pair of lateral middle wheels (20,21) directed laterally outwards and a pair of rear wheels (19). The chassis includes a structure (10) with two lateral longitudinal arms (12,13) forming a structure surrounding a central open area (8) with a front user access opening (9) and a seat (11) at the opposite end. Two brake levers (15c,15d) are provided on the ends of the arms to manually brake the front wheels when they are actuated or to automatically brake the wheels when the levers are released.

Description

et autorisant plusieurs positions de reglage.and allowing several adjustment positions.

DEAMBULATEUR-SIEGEWalker SEE

La presente invention concerne les dispositifs destines a faciliter les deplacements des personnel a mobilite reduite, en parti cul i er de s personnel qui ont de s di fficultes pour uti l i ser leurs membres inferieurs. On connalt deja des fauteuils roulants, permettant a une The present invention relates to devices intended to facilitate the movement of personnel with reduced mobility, in particular of personnel who have difficulties in using their lower limbs. We already know wheelchairs, allowing a

personne de se deplacer en position assise. no one to move while sitting.

On connait par ailleurs des deambulateurs, qui vent des dispositifs utilisables en position debout, et qu'une personne a mobilite reduite peut deplacer soit en le poussant, soit en le soulevant, pas a pas. En general, un deambulateur est place en avant de la personne, et constitue un appui momentane sur lequel la personne peut stappuyer pour faire un pas en avant en direction du deambulateur. Une difficulte que rencontrent generalement les personnel a mobilite reduite apparalt au moment ou elles veulent interrompre une progression de marche pour se reposer: le deambulateur ne permet pas par lui-meme de reprendre une position assise. A l' inverse, le fauteuil roulant ne permet pas par lui-meme de There are also known ambulators, which sell devices that can be used in a standing position, and which a person with reduced mobility can move either by pushing or by lifting them, step by step. In general, a walker is placed in front of the person, and constitutes a momentary support on which the person can rest to take a step forward in the direction of the walker. A difficulty generally encountered by personnel with reduced mobility appears when they want to interrupt a walking progression to rest: the walker does not by itself allow to resume a seated position. Conversely, the wheelchair does not by itself allow

prendre une position debout.take a standing position.

On a deja imagine un deambulateur qui comprend par lui- We have already imagined a walker that understands by itself-

meme une assise que l'utilisateur peut utiliser pour s'asseoir en se retournant: pour une progression de marche, la personne est placee derriere le deambulateur, et pousse le deambulateur devant elle. Pour stasseoir, la personne doit se retourner pour stasseoir a reculons sur le deambulateur. L' operation de retournement n'est pas aisee, et certaines personnel vent incapables de la realiser even a seat that the user can use to sit while turning around: for walking progress, the person is placed behind the walker, and pushes the walker in front of them. To sit on, the person must turn around to sit backwards on the walker. The flipping operation is not easy, and some personnel are unable to carry it out.

dans des conditions de securite satisfaisantes. under satisfactory security conditions.

Par ailleurs, les deawbulateurs ne procurent pas une garantie suffisante de stabilite laterale, ou vers l'arriere, de sorte que les personnel a mobilite reellement reduite ne vent pas Furthermore, deawbulators do not provide sufficient guarantee of lateral or rearward stability, so that personnel with really reduced mobility do not wind

satisfaites et securisees par un tel appareil. satisfied and secured by such a device.

La presente invention a notamment pour objet d'eviter les inconvenients des dispositifs connus, en proposant une nouvelle structure qui fait a la fois office de fauteuil et de deambulateur, permettant d'une part d' assurer une position assise stable, d'autre part d' assurer une position debout pour la marche avec securisation de l'equilibre vers l' avant, vers l'arriere et vers les cotes, et permettant le passage a l'une et l'autre des positions assise et debout sans que la personne ntait a se retourner, la personne pouvant egalement beneficier d'un appui continu lors de son passage entre les positions assise et debout. L' invention a en outre pour objet d' assurer une grande liberte des mouvements de marche, tout en assurant une grande securite d'equilibre. La personne a mobilite reduite utilisant l' invention doit ressentir un sentiment de securite, qui facilite son envie de deplacement et favorise ainsi les periodes de The object of the present invention is in particular to avoid the drawbacks of known devices, by proposing a new structure which acts both as an armchair and as a walker, allowing on the one hand to ensure a stable sitting position, on the other hand to ensure a standing position for walking with secure balance forwards, backwards and towards the sides, and allowing the transition to either of the sitting and standing positions without the person was to turn around, the person can also benefit from continuous support during his passage between the sitting and standing positions. The object of the invention is also to ensure great freedom of movement while walking, while ensuring great balance security. The person with reduced mobility using the invention must feel a feeling of security, which facilitates his desire to move and thus promotes periods of

reeducation ou simplement les capacites de deplacement. reeducation or simply the ability to move.

La fonction de securite a ltequilibre doit notamment etre assuree lors du passage de la position debout a la position assise et reciproquement, car les personnel a mobilite reduite ne peuvent controler efficacement leurs mouvements, ce qui les conduit parfois a perdre ltequilibre soit sur un cate, soit vers l' avant ou l'arriere. Le dispositif selon l' invention doit etre capable de supporter les efforts lateraux et les efforts anteroposterieurs dus a un mouvement mal controle de l'utilisateur, sans se renverser The balance security function must in particular be ensured when changing from standing to sitting position and vice versa, because personnel with reduced mobility cannot effectively control their movements, which sometimes leads them to lose their balance either on a slab, either forward or backward. The device according to the invention must be capable of withstanding the lateral forces and the anteroposterior forces due to an improperly controlled movement of the user, without overturning

et sans se deplacer sur le sol de facon inappropriee. and without moving inappropriately on the floor.

Pour atteindre ces buts ainsi que d'autres, l' invention prevoit un fauteuil deambulateur dans lequel: - un chassis repose sur le sol par des roulettes pivotantes, - une structure de prehension, portee par le chassis, est conformee pour l'appui des membres superieurs d'un utilisateur, - une assise est portee par le chassis, sur laquelle l'utilisateur peut s'asseoir, - le chassis presente une forme generale en U a deux branches laterales longitudinales reliees l'une a l'autre selon leurs extremites posterieures pour entourer selon les cotes lateraux et le cote posterieur une zone centrale libre a ouverture d'acces selon le cote anterieur et dans laquelle peut s'engager l'utilisateur en position debout ou assise, - la structure de prehension est disposee au-dessus des branches laterales longitudinales du chassis, - l'assise est disposee selon le cote posterieur de la zone centrale libre, - la distance longitudinale est suffisante entre la zone anterieure de la structure de prehension et l'assise pour que l'utilisateur en position debout soit en appui par ses membres superieurs sur la zone anterieure de la structure de prehension, le dos tourne vers l'assise, et qutil puisse faire les mouvements de deambulation avec ses membres inferieurs en accompagnant le fauteuil deambulateur To achieve these and other aims, the invention provides an ambulator chair in which: - a chassis rests on the ground by swivel castors, - a gripping structure, carried by the chassis, is designed to support the upper limbs of a user, - a seat is carried by the chassis, on which the user can sit, - the chassis has a general U shape with two longitudinal lateral branches connected to each other according to their posterior ends to surround along the lateral dimensions and the posterior side a free central area with access opening according to the anterior side and in which the user can engage in a standing or seated position, - the gripping structure is arranged at- above the longitudinal lateral branches of the chassis, - the seat is arranged along the rear side of the free central zone, - the longitudinal distance is sufficient between the anterior zone of the gripping structure and the seat so that the user in the standing position is supported by his upper limbs on the anterior zone of the gripping structure, the back turns towards the seat, and that he can make the movements of ambulation with his lower limbs by accompanying the ambulator chair

sans contacts avec l'assise et la partie posterieure du chassis. without contact with the seat and the rear part of the chassis.

On comprend qutavec une telle structure, l'utilisateur peut passer aisement entre les positions assise et debout, sans It is understood that with such a structure, the user can pass easily between the sitting and standing positions, without

avoir a se retourner, et en beneficiant d'un appui continu. having to turn around, and benefiting from continuous support.

Simultanement, lors d' une progression de marche, l' utilisateur peut realiser des mouvements particulierement libres de ses membres inferieurs, et ses membres superieurs en appui sur la structure de prehension lui assurent une grande securite et une grande Simultaneously, during a walking progression, the user can perform particularly free movements of his lower limbs, and his upper limbs resting on the gripping structure provide him with great safety and great

stabilite.stability.

Selon un mode d'organisation avantageux, la structure de prehension comprend deux bras lateraux longitudinaux, relies au According to an advantageous mode of organization, the gripping structure comprises two longitudinal lateral arms, connected to the

chassis par des moyens de liaison a reglage en hauteur. chassis by height-adjustable connecting means.

De preference, la structure de prehension est articulee selon sa zone posterieure sur le chassis et est reliee au chassis Preferably, the gripping structure is articulated according to its posterior zone on the chassis and is connected to the chassis

selon sa zone anterieure par une structure telescopique bloquable. according to its anterior zone by a lockable telescopic structure.

On peut ainsi adapter le dispositif a la taille de l'utilisateur. We can thus adapt the device to the size of the user.

Pour une meilleure stabilite antero-posterieure, le chassis depasse vers l' avant au-dela de la structure de prehension, et repose sur le sol notamment par deux roulettes anterieures For better antero-posterior stability, the chassis extends forward beyond the gripping structure, and rests on the ground, in particular by two front casters

deportees vers l' avant au-dela de la structure de prehension. deportees forward beyond the gripping structure.

L'une des facons de realiser une bonne stabilite, lors des passages entre les positions assise et debout, est de prevoir des moyens de freinage automatique. Pour cela, la zone d'extremite anterieure de la structure de prehension comprend des poignees anterieures de prehension munies de leviers inferieurs de freinage, chaque levier inferieur de freinage assurant le freinage d' au moins deux roulettes anterieures du chassis, les roulettes anterieures One of the ways to achieve good stability, when passing between the sitting and standing positions, is to provide automatic braking means. For this, the anterior end zone of the gripping structure comprises anterior gripping handles provided with lower braking levers, each lower braking lever ensuring the braking of at least two front castors of the chassis, the front casters

etant disposees de part et d' autre de lt ouverture d' acces. being arranged on both sides of the access opening.

De meme, les leviers inferieurs de freinage vent avantageusement rappeles vers une position de repos par des moyens elastiques, et assurent le blocage des roulettes anterieures dans cette position de repos, tandis qu'ils liberent les roulettes anterieures pour une libre rotation lorsqu'ils vent presses par l'utilisateur a l'ecart de la position de repos. Le freinage est ainsi automatique, notamment en cas de perte d'equilibre de l'utilisateur qui lache par reflexe les leviers inferieurs de freinage. Une bonne stabilite est egalement assuree par le fait que, selon un mode de realisation avantageux, le chassis repose sur le sol par au moins deux roulettes anterieures en extremite anterieure du chassis de part et d'autre de l'ouverture d'acces, par au moins une roulette posterieure en extremite posterieure du chassis, et par au moins deux roulettes laterales opposees de part et d'autre de la zone centrale libre, les roulettes laterales etant deportees lateralement vers ltexterieur audela de ['aplomb des bras lateraux Likewise, the lower wind brake levers advantageously returned to a rest position by elastic means, and ensure the locking of the front rollers in this rest position, while they release the front rollers for free rotation when they are winding. user presses away from the rest position. Braking is thus automatic, in particular in the event of loss of balance of the user who releases the lower braking levers by reflex. Good stability is also ensured by the fact that, according to an advantageous embodiment, the chassis rests on the ground by at least two front rollers at the front end of the chassis on either side of the access opening, by at least one rear caster at the rear end of the chassis, and by at least two opposite side castors on either side of the free central zone, the side casters being offset laterally towards the outside beyond the plumb of the lateral arms

longitudinaux de la structure de prehension. longitudinal of the gripping structure.

De preference, l'assise est associee a un dossier posterieur, assurant une grande stabilite d'assise, et evitant un trop grand recur de l'utilisateur, recur qui conduirait a une Preferably, the seat is associated with a posterior backrest, ensuring great stability of the seat, and avoiding too great recur of the user, recur which would lead to a

instabilite vers l'arriere.instability backwards.

D'autres objets, caracteristiques et avantages de la Other objects, features and advantages of

presente invention ressortiront de la description suivante de modes present invention will emerge from the following description of modes

de realisation particuliers, faite en relation avec les figures jointes, parmi lesquelles: - la figure 1 est une vue en perspective de cote d'un fauteuil deambulateur selon un mode de realisation de la presente invention; - la figure 2 est une vue en perspective d'arriere d'un fauteuil deambulateur selon le mode de realisation de la figure 1; et - la figure 3 est une vue de cote schematique en coupe d'un dispositif de frein adapte au freinage des roulettes pivotantes particular embodiment, made in relation to the attached figures, among which: - Figure 1 is a perspective side view of a wheelchair ambulator according to one embodiment of the present invention; - Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of an ambulator chair according to the embodiment of Figure 1; and - Figure 3 is a schematic side view in section of a brake device adapted to the braking of the swivel casters

selon un mode de realisation de ['invention. according to an embodiment of the invention.

Dans le mode de realisation illustre sur les figures, le fauteuil deambulateur selon l' invention comprend un chassis 1 qui repose sur le sol par des roulettes pivotantes. Le chassis 1 est constitue de tubes cintres, comprenant en particulier un tube longitudinal gauche 2, un tube longitudinal droit 3, qui se rejoignent l'un et l'autre a leur extremite posterieure selon une structure montante 4 avec un tube raidisseur posterieur 5, et qui restent ecartes l'un de l'autre selon leurs extremites anterieures In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the ambulator chair according to the invention comprises a frame 1 which rests on the ground by swivel casters. The chassis 1 is made up of hanger tubes, comprising in particular a left longitudinal tube 2, a right longitudinal tube 3, which join each other at their rear end in a rising structure 4 with a rear stiffening tube 5, and which remain separated from each other according to their former ends

respectives 6 et 7.respectively 6 and 7.

Ainsi, le chassis 1 presente une forme generale en U. les S tubes longitudinaux gauche 2 et droit 3 constituent deux branches laterales longitudinales reliees par une branche posterieure constituee par le tube raidisseur posterieur 5, pour entourer selon Thus, the frame 1 has a general U-shape. The S left 2 and right 3 longitudinal tubes constitute two longitudinal side branches connected by a rear branch formed by the rear stiffening tube 5, to surround according to

les cotes lateraux et le cote posterieur une zone centrale libre 8. the lateral dimensions and the posterior dimension a free central zone 8.

La zone centrale libre comporte une ouverture d'acces 9 selon le cote anterieur, entre les deux extremites anterieures 6 et 7 des The free central zone has an access opening 9 along the front side, between the two front ends 6 and 7 of the

branches laterales longitudinales 2 et 3. longitudinal side branches 2 and 3.

L'utilisateur peut penetrer par l'ouverture d'acces 9 dans la zone centrale libre 8, et l'utilisateur peut rester dans la zone The user can enter through the access opening 9 in the free central zone 8, and the user can remain in the zone

centrale libre soit en position debout, soit en position assise. free central unit either in a standing position or in a seated position.

Une structure de prehension 10 est prevue, portee par le chassis 1, et conformee pour l'appui des membres superieurs d'un A gripping structure 10 is provided, carried by the chassis 1, and conformed for the support of the upper limbs of a

utilisateur place dans la zone centrale libre 8. user places in the free central area 8.

Une assise 11, portee par le chassis 1, est prevue pour permettre a l'utilisateur de s'asseoir depuis la zone centrale A seat 11, carried by the chassis 1, is provided to allow the user to sit from the central area

libre 8.free 8.

La structure de prehension 10 est disposee au-dessus des branches laterales longitudinales 2 et 3 du chassis 1. L'assise 11 The gripping structure 10 is arranged above the longitudinal lateral branches 2 and 3 of the chassis 1. The seat 11

est disposee selon le cote posterieur du chassis 1. is arranged according to the rear side of chassis 1.

Dans le mode de realisation illustre, la structure de prehension 10 comprend deux bras lateraux longitudinaux 12 et 13 In the illustrated embodiment, the gripping structure 10 comprises two longitudinal lateral arms 12 and 13

relies au chassis 1 par des moyens de liaison a reglage en hauteur. connected to the chassis 1 by height-adjustable connecting means.

Pour cela, la structure de prehension 10 est articulee selon sa zone posterieure 14 par un axe transversal posterieur 14a sur le chassis 1, et est reliee au chassis 1 selon sa zone anterieure 15 For this, the gripping structure 10 is articulated according to its posterior zone 14 by a posterior transverse axis 14a on the chassis 1, and is connected to the chassis 1 according to its anterior zone 15

par une structure telescopique bloquable 16. by a lockable telescopic structure 16.

Par exemple, la structure de prehension 10 comprend des bras lateraux longitudinaux 12 et 13 sous forme de tubes cintres selon des courbures convexes. Les portions medianes 12a, 13a des bras lateraux longitudinaux 12 et 13 vent plus ecartees pour degager la zone centrale libre 8, leurs portions anterieures 12b, 13b vent plus rapprochees pour assurer une prehension anterieure, et leurs portions posterieures 12c et 13c vent rapprochees et se raccordent au chassis 1 au-dessous de l'assise 11 en degageant For example, the gripping structure 10 comprises longitudinal lateral arms 12 and 13 in the form of bent tubes according to convex curvatures. The middle portions 12a, 13a of the longitudinal lateral arms 12 and 13 are further apart to clear the free central zone 8, their anterior portions 12b, 13b are closer together to provide anterior grip, and their posterior portions 12c and 13c are close together and connect to chassis 1 below seat 11 by releasing

ltespace lateral de part et d'autre de l'assise 11. the lateral space on either side of the seat 11.

Selon ['invention, le dispositif est prevu pour autoriser According to the invention, the device is designed to authorize

une grande liberte de mouvement lors de la marche de l'utilisateur. great freedom of movement when the user is walking.

Pour cela, la distance longitudinale L est suffisante entre la zone anterieure 15 de la structure de prehension 10 et l'assise 11 pour que l'utilisateur en position debout soit en appui par ses membres superieurs sur la zone anterieure 15 de la structure de prehension , le dos tourne vers le tube raidisseur posterieur 5 et l'assise 11, et qu'il puisse faire les mouvements de deambulation en accompagnant le fauteuil deambulateur sans contacts avec l'assise For this, the longitudinal distance L is sufficient between the anterior zone 15 of the gripping structure 10 and the seat 11 so that the user in the standing position is supported by his upper limbs on the anterior zone 15 of the gripping structure , the back turns towards the rear stiffening tube 5 and the seat 11, and that it can make the movements of ambulation by accompanying the ambulator chair without contact with the seat

11 et le tube raidisseur posterieur 5 du chassis 1. 11 and the rear stiffening tube 5 of the chassis 1.

Dans le mode de realisation illustre, la structure telescopique bloquable 16 comprend un tube montant gauche 16a et un tube montant droit 16b, les deux tubes etant cintres comme illustre sur les figures et se raccordant a leurs extremites inferieures aux extremites anterieures 6 et 7 respectives des branches laterales longitudinales 2 et 3 du chassis 1. A leurs extremites superieures, les tubes cintres montants 16a et 16b se raccordent aux zones anterieures des bras lateraux longitudinaux 12 et 13 de la structure de prehension 10 par des vis a bouton molete 16c et 16d qui coulissent dans des lumieres longitudinales 12d et 13d. En outre, les tubes cintres montants 16a et 16b vent telescopiques, comprenant une partie inferieure dans laquelle coulisse une partie superieure. De la sorte, pour le reglage en hauteur, on fait coulisser la partie superieure du tube dans la partie inferieure du tube correspondent, apres avoir desserre les vis a bouton molete 16c et 16d, et le coulissement dans les lumieres longitudinales 12d et 13d permet aux bras lateraux longitudinaux 12 et 13 de pivoter autour de l'axe transversal posterieur 14a de la structure In the illustrated embodiment, the lockable telescopic structure 16 comprises a left upright tube 16a and a right upright tube 16b, the two tubes being hangers as illustrated in the figures and connecting at their lower ends to the front ends 6 and 7 respectively of the longitudinal lateral branches 2 and 3 of the chassis 1. At their upper ends, the upright hanger tubes 16a and 16b are connected to the anterior zones of the longitudinal lateral arms 12 and 13 of the gripping structure 10 by knurled button screws 16c and 16d which slide in longitudinal lights 12d and 13d. In addition, the upright hanger tubes 16a and 16b are telescopic, comprising a lower part in which an upper part slides. In this way, for the height adjustment, the upper part of the tube is slid in the lower part of the corresponding tube, after having loosened the knurled button screws 16c and 16d, and the sliding in the longitudinal lights 12d and 13d allows the longitudinal side arms 12 and 13 pivot around the posterior transverse axis 14a of the structure

posterieure montante 4.rising posterior 4.

Le chassis 1 depasse vers l' avant du dispositif au-dela de la structure de prehension 10, et repose sur le sol notamment par deux roulettes anterieures 17 et 18 deportees vers l' avant au-dela de la structure de prehension 10. On assure ainsi une bonne The frame 1 extends towards the front of the device beyond the gripping structure 10, and rests on the ground in particular by two anterior rollers 17 and 18 offset forwardly beyond the gripping structure 10. It is ensured well good

stabilite du dispositif vers l' avant. stability of the device towards the front.

Pour une bonne stabilite en rotation a l'arret, on prevoit deux freins respectivement sur deux roulettes anterieures montees pivotantes en orientation autour de deux axes verticaux decentres par rapport a l'axe horizontal transversal de roulement de la roulette anterieure. De preference, la zone anterieure 15 de la structure de prehension 10 comprend des poignees 15a et 15b munies de leviers inferieurs de freinage respectifs 15c et 15d. Chaque levier inferieur de freinage 15c ou 15d assure le freinage d' au moins deux roulettes anterieures 17 et 18 du chassis 1. Les roulettes anterieures 17 et 18 vent disposees de part et d'autre de For good rotational stability when stationary, two brakes are provided respectively on two anterior castors pivotally mounted in orientation around two vertical axes decentered with respect to the transverse horizontal axis of rolling of the anterior caster. Preferably, the anterior zone 15 of the gripping structure 10 comprises handles 15a and 15b provided with respective lower braking levers 15c and 15d. Each lower braking lever 15c or 15d brakes at least two front casters 17 and 18 of the chassis 1. The front casters 17 and 18 are arranged on either side of

l'ouverture d'acces 9.access opening 9.

Les leviers inferieurs de freinage 15c et 15d vent rappeles vers une position de repos a ltecart des poignees IS respectives 15a et 15b par des moyens elastiques, et assurent le blocage des roulettes anterieures 17 et 18 dans cette position de repos. Par contre, ils liberent les roulettes anterieures 17 et 18 pour une libre rotation lorsqu'ils vent presses par l'utilisateur a l'ecart de la position de repos, c'est-a-dire vers la poignee anterieure de prehension correspondante 15a ou 15b. De la sorte, on assure un freinage automatique des que l'utilisateur lache les leviers inferieurs de freinage 15c et 15d, tout en l'autorisant a rester en appui sur les poignees anterieures de prehension 15a et b. Le chassis 1 repose sur le sol par au moins deux roulettes anterieures 17 et 18 en extremite anterieure du chassis 1 de part et d'autre de l'ouverture d'acces 9, et il repose sur le sol en outre par au moins une roulette posterieure 19 en extremite posterieure du chassis 1 et par au moins deux roulettes laterales The lower braking levers 15c and 15d are returned to a rest position away from the respective IS handles 15a and 15b by elastic means, and ensure the locking of the front rollers 17 and 18 in this rest position. On the other hand, they release the front rollers 17 and 18 for free rotation when they are pressed by the user away from the rest position, that is to say towards the corresponding front grip 15a or 15b. In this way, automatic braking is ensured as soon as the user releases the lower braking levers 15c and 15d, while allowing it to remain in abutment on the anterior grips 15a and b. The frame 1 rests on the ground by at least two front rollers 17 and 18 at the front end of the frame 1 on either side of the access opening 9, and it rests on the ground in addition by at least one caster rear 19 at the rear end of the chassis 1 and by at least two lateral casters

20 et 21 opposees de part et d'autre de la zone centrale libre 8. 20 and 21 opposite on either side of the free central zone 8.

Les roulettes laterales 20 et 21 vent deportees lateralement vers ltexterieur au-dela de ['aplomb des bras lateraux longitudinaux 12 et 13 de la structure de prehension 10, assurant ainsi une grande stabilite, en combinaison avec la forme cintree convexe des tubes longitudinaux gauche et droit constituent les branches laterales The lateral rollers 20 and 21 are offset laterally towards the outside beyond the vertical arms 12 and 13 of the gripping structure 10, thus ensuring great stability, in combination with the convex arched shape of the left and right longitudinal tubes. right constitute the lateral branches

longitudinales 2 et 3 du chassis 1.longitudinal 2 and 3 of chassis 1.

Dans le mode de realisation illustre sur les figures, l'assise 11 est. de preference, inclinee vers l' avant. Cela facilite le passage entre les positions debout et assise et In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the seat 11 is. preferably tilted forward. This facilitates the passage between the standing and sitting positions and

reciproquement par un utilisateur a mobilite reduite. vice versa by a user with reduced mobility.

Le chassis 1 est avantageusement constitue d'un assemblage de tubes cintres, comprenant les tubes lateraux longitudinaux gauche 2 et droit 3, mais egalement la structure posterieure The frame 1 is advantageously constituted by an assembly of hanger tubes, comprising the left lateral 2 and right lateral 3 tubes, but also the rear structure

montante 4 qui relic la base du chassis a l'assise 11. rising 4 which connects the base of the chassis to the seat 11.

Les leviers inferieurs de freinage 15c et 15d peuvent l0 avantageusement etre relies aux deux roulettes anterieures 17 et 18 The lower braking levers 15c and 15d can advantageously be connected to the two front rollers 17 and 18

par des cables circulant dans ou sur des tubes du chassis 1. by cables circulating in or on tubes of the chassis 1.

La distance longitudinale L entre les poignees anterieures de prehension 15a et 15b de la structure de prehension 10 et le bord anterieur lla de l'assise 11 est avantageusement comprise lS entre 60 cm et 80 cm environ. De meme, la largeur de la zone centrale libre 8 entre les bras lateraux longitudinaux 12 et 13 de la structure de prehension 10 dans la zone centrale est comprise entre 60 cm et 80 cm environ, tandis que la distance laterale entre les poignees anterieures de prehension 15a et 15b est comprise entre 30 cm et 40 cm. Ainsi, lorsqu'il est dans la zone centrale libre 8, l'utilisateur se trouve entoure par la structure de The longitudinal distance L between the anterior grips 15a and 15b of the gripping structure 10 and the anterior edge lla of the seat 11 is advantageously comprised between approximately 60 cm and 80 cm. Likewise, the width of the free central zone 8 between the longitudinal lateral arms 12 and 13 of the gripping structure 10 in the central zone is between approximately 60 cm and 80 cm, while the lateral distance between the anterior gripping handles 15a and 15b is between 30 cm and 40 cm. Thus, when he is in the free central zone 8, the user is surrounded by the structure of

prehension 10 selon presque la totalite de son pourtour. gripping 10 according to almost the whole of its circumference.

Dans la realisation illustree sur les figures, on a prevu en outre des appuie-bras 12e et 13e, respectivement sureleves par rapports aux bras lateraux longitudinaux 12 et 13 de la structure de prehension 10 et positionnes de facon que l'utilisateur, appliquant ses mains sur les poignees anterieures de prehension 15a et 15b, puisse appayer ses coudes ou ses avant-bras sur les appuie In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, provision has also been made for armrests 12e and 13e, respectively raised relative to the longitudinal lateral arms 12 and 13 of the gripping structure 10 and positioned so that the user, applying his hands on the anterior grips 15a and 15b, can support his elbows or forearms on the supports

bras 12e et 13e.arms 12th and 13th.

On a prevu en outre sur chacun des tubes longitudinaux gauche 2 et droit 3, un repose-pied 2a ou 3a, positionne de facon que l'utilisateur puisse y placer ses pieds lorsqutil est en There is also provided on each of the left 2 and right 3 longitudinal tubes, a footrest 2a or 3a, positioned so that the user can place his feet there when he is in

position assise sur l'assise 11.sitting on the seat 11.

L'assise 11, dans le mode de realisation illustre sur les figures, est en outre associee a un dossier 32 incline de facon appropriee vers l'arriere comme le represente la figure 1, et supporte par la structure posterieure montante 4 de facon reglable en hauteur. On peut ainsi adapter l'assise a toute taille de The seat 11, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, is also associated with a backrest 32 inclined appropriately towards the rear as shown in FIG. 1, and supported by the rear posterior structure 4 so as to be adjustable in height. We can thus adapt the seat to any size of

personne utilisatrice.user.

On se referee maintenant a la figure 3, qui illustre une structure possible de frein permettant le freinage d'une roulette S meme lorsque celle-ci pivote autour d'un axe vertical pour son orientation. On retrouve ainsi par exemple la roulette anterieure 17, qui peut rouler sur le sol en roulant autour d'un axe transversal 17a relic au chassis 1 par une chape 17b qui elle-meme pivote par Referring now to Figure 3, which illustrates a possible brake structure for braking a wheel S even when it rotates about a vertical axis for its orientation. We thus find for example the front wheel 17, which can roll on the ground by rolling around a transverse axis 17a connected to the chassis 1 by a yoke 17b which itself pivots by

rapport a une platine support 17c autour d'un axe vertical. relative to a support plate 17c around a vertical axis.

La platine support 17c est fixee sur le chassis 1, et elle The support plate 17c is fixed on the chassis 1, and it

comprend une butee de gaine 17e traversee par un cable 22. includes a 17th sheath stop crossed by a cable 22.

La platine support 17c comporte en outre un trou traversant 17f pour le passage d'une piece rapportee 23 qui constitue l'axe de pivotement de la roulette anterieure 17. La piece rapportee 23 est une vis qui traverse le trou 17f et qui est bloquee par un ecrou 24. La piece rapportee 23 retient sur la platine support 17c un roulement a billes 25 qui guide la chape 17b en autorisant son pivotement autour de l' axe vertical materialise par la piece rapportee 23, loquel axe est deporte par rapport a The support plate 17c further comprises a through hole 17f for the passage of an insert 23 which constitutes the pivot axis of the front roller 17. The insert 23 is a screw which passes through the hole 17f and which is blocked by a nut 24. The added piece 23 retains on the support plate 17c a ball bearing 25 which guides the yoke 17b allowing its pivoting around the vertical axis materialized by the added piece 23, loquel axis is offset relative to

l'axe transversal 17a de la roulette anterieure 17. the transverse axis 17a of the front wheel 17.

La piece rapportee 23 est en outre percee longitudinalement pour le passage d'une tige axiale verticale 17d montee a coulissement vertical. Ainsi, la piece rapportee 23 constitue un tube qui realise l'axe de pivotement de la roulette The insert 23 is further pierced longitudinally for the passage of a vertical axial rod 17d mounted for vertical sliding. Thus, the added piece 23 constitutes a tube which realizes the pivot axis of the caster

anterieure 17.previous 17.

Une couronne 26 est montee en extremite inferieure de la tige axiale verticale 17d, et est conformee pour venir en appui sur la peripherie de la roulette anterieure 17 lorsque la tige axiale verticale 17d est poussee vers le teas, et pour remonter a l'ecart de la roulette anterieure 17 lorsque la tige axiale verticale 17d est tiree vers le haut. Des moyens elastiques tels qu'un ressort de compression 27 repoussent la tige axiale verticale 17d et la couronne 26 vers le teas. Un levier horizontal 28, pivotant autour d'un pivot intermediaire 29 du chassis 1, est articule a sa premiere extremite 28a a l'extremite superieure de la tige axiale verticale 17d a laquelle il est tenu par un ecrou-frein 28b. Le levier horizontal 28 est sollicit vers le teas sa seconde extr@mitA 28c par le cable 22 qui Lraverse la Lute de gaine 17e et coulisse dans une gaine 22a. [e cable 22 relic le levier hoizontal 28 l'un des leviers infrieurs de freinage 15c ou lSd actionnables par l'utilisateur. Le mcanise de frein autorise ainsi le pivotement angulaire de la roulette antArieure 17 autour de l'axe vertical matArialisA par la pice rapportbe 23, queue que soit la position angulaire de la roulette antArieure 17 tout en A crown 26 is mounted at the lower end of the vertical axial rod 17d, and is conformed to come to bear on the periphery of the anterior caster 17 when the vertical axial rod 17d is pushed towards the teas, and to go back away from the front wheel 17 when the vertical axial rod 17d is pulled up. Elastic means such as a compression spring 27 push the vertical axial rod 17d and the crown 26 towards the teas. A horizontal lever 28, pivoting around an intermediate pivot 29 of the chassis 1, is articulated at its first end 28a to the upper end of the vertical axial rod 17d to which it is held by a lock nut 28b. The horizontal lever 28 is biased towards the teas its second end @ mitA 28c by the cable 22 which crosses the sheath lute 17th and slides in a sheath 22a. [e cable 22 relic the hoizontal lever 28 one of the lower braking levers 15c or lSd actuable by the user. The brake mechanism thus allows the angular pivoting of the front wheel 17 around the vertical axis materialized by the attached part 23, tail whatever the angular position of the front wheel 17 is while

assuant le freinage de la roulette.taking care of the braking of the caster.

En ralitA, on peut Agalement prAvoir que le freinage des deux roulettes antrieures 17 et 18 soit assur par l'actionnement In reality, it can also be provided that the braking of the two front rollers 17 and 18 is ensured by actuation

de l'un au moins des leviers infArieurs de freinage lSc et lSd. at least one of the lower braking levers lSc and lSd.

Pour cela, les leviers infrieurs de freinage 15c et lSd vent reliAs, par des cables primaires respectifs qui coulissent dans ou sous les bras latAraux longitudinaux 12 et 13, une liaison commune, telle que le bras rotatif transversal 33 situe dans la structure postArieure montante 4 et raccordAe deux cbles secondaires 34a, 34b qui la relient respectivement l'un et l'autre des leviers tels que le levier horizontal 28 associAs aux roulettes antrieures 17 ou 18. Un systme de dverrouillage, actionnable par un levier 30 situA l'arriAre du dispositif, pe=met en outre de dAconnecter les leviers infArieurs de freinage lSc et 15d par rapport aux freins des roulettes antArieures 17 et 18. En position dverrouillAe, le dispositif dAconnecte les levier de freinage lSc et 15d par rapport aux treins des coulette antArieures 17 et 18, permettant une personne d'accompagnement de pousse librement le fauteuil dambulateur alors que la personne mobilitA rAduite est en position assise sur l'assise 11 avec ses For this, the lower braking levers 15c and lSd wind connected, by respective primary cables which slide in or under the longitudinal side arms 12 and 13, a common connection, such as the transverse rotary arm 33 located in the rising post-rear structure 4 and connected to two secondary cables 34a, 34b which connect it respectively to one and the other of the levers such as the horizontal lever 28 associated with the front rollers 17 or 18. An unlocking system, actuable by a lever 30 located at the rear of the device, pe = additionally disconnects the lower braking levers lSc and 15d relative to the brakes of the front casters 17 and 18. In the unlocked position, the device disconnects the braking lever lSc and 15d relative to the stirrups of the front casters 17 and 18, allowing an accompanying person to freely push the walking chair while the disabled person is in a sitting position on the seat 11 with s es

pieds posAs sur les repose-pieds 2a et 3a. feet posAs on the footrests 2a and 3a.

SimulLanAment, on peut prAvoir une poignde de pousse 31 SimulLanAment, we can plan a push handle 31

sur la face postArieure du dossier 32. on the back of the backrest 32.

La prAsente invention n'est pas limite aux modes de ralisation qui ont LA explicitement dcrits, mais elle en inclut les diverges variantes et gAnralisations contenues dans le domaine The present invention is not limited to the embodiments which have LA explicitly described, but it includes the various variants and generalizations thereof contained in the field.

des revendications ci-aprAs.of the claims below.

Claims

1 - Ambulator chair, comprising: - a frame (1) resting on the ground by swivel casters

(17,18,19,20,21),

- a gripping structure (10), carried by the chassis (1), and designed to support the upper limbs of a user, - a seat (11) carried by the chassis (1) and on which the user can be seated, characterized in that: - the frame (1) has a general U-shape with two longitudinal lateral branches (2,3) connected to each other at their posterior ends to surround according to the lateral dimensions and the rear side a free central area (8) with access opening (9) according to the front side and in which the user can engage in a standing or seated position, - the gripping structure (10) is arranged at the - above the longitudinal lateral branches (2,3) of the chassis (1), - the seat (11) is arranged along the rear side of the free central zone (8), - the longitudinal distance (L) is sufficient between the anterior area (15) of the gripping structure (10) and the seat (11) so that the user in the standing position is in support by its upper limbs on the anterior zone (15) of the gripping structure (10), the back turns towards the seat (11), and that it can make the movement s of ambulation with its members lower ors by accompanying the ambulator chair without contact with the seat

(11) and the rear part of the chassis (1).

2 - ambulator chair according to claim 1, characterized in that the gripping structure (10) comprises two longitudinal lateral arms (12,13), connected to the frame (1) by

connecting means (16) with height adjustment.

3 - ambulator chair according to one of claims 1

or 2, characterized in that the gripping structure (10) is articulated according to its rear region (14) on the chassis (1) and is connected to the chassis (1) according to its front region (15) by a

lockable telescopic structure (16).

4 - Rollator chair according to any one of

claims 1 3, caract @ isA in that the frame (1) exceeds

forward beyond the gripping structure (10), and placed on the ground in particular by two front casters (17,18)

dAportes forward beyond the gripping structure (10).

- Walking chair according to any one of

claims 1 4, caractArisA in that the end zone

front (15) of the gripping structure (10) comprises front grips of front (15a, 15b) provided with lower braking levers (lSc, lSd), each lower braking lever (lSc, lSd) ensuring the braking at least two front rollers (17,18) of the chassis (1), the front rollers (17,18) both disposed on either side of the accAs opening (9) 13 6 - Roller chair according to claim 5, caractArisA in that the lower brake levers (lSc, lSd) wind return to a rest position by Alatic means, and ensure the locking of the front casters (17,18) in this rest position, while it release the front rollers (17,18) for free rotation when pressed by

the user the deviation from the rest position.

7 - Walking chair according to one of the

claims 1 6, caractArisA in that the chassis (1) rests

on the ground by at least two front casters (17,18) at the front end of the chassis (1) on either side of the access opening (g), by at least one rear caster (l9) at the end rear of the chassis (1), and by at least two lateral rollers (20,21) opposite on either side of the free central zone (8), the lateral castors (20, 21) Having sideways outwards BEYOND THE PLATFORM OF THE LATERAL ARMS

longitudinal (12,13) of the gripping structure (10).

8 - walking chair according to any one of claim 1 7, caractArisA in that the seat (11) is

ASSOCIATE A POSTERIOR FILE (32).

g - Stroller chair according to any one of

claims 1 8, caractArisA in that the structure of

grip (10) comprises longitudinal lateral arms (12,13) in the form of bent tubes according to convex curvatures with median portions (12a, 13a) further apart to clear the free central area (8), with anterior portions (12b, 13b ) closer together to ensure anterior grip, and with rear portions S (12c, 13c) close together which connect to the frame (1) below the seat (11) by clearing the lateral space on either side

of the seat (11).

- Ambulator chair according to any one of

Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that:

- the seat (11) is tilted forwards, - the chassis (1) is made up of an assembly of hanger tubes, - lower braking levers (15c, 15d) connected to two front rollers (17, 18) by cables circulating in or on

chassis tubes (1).

11 - Ambulator chair according to any one of

Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that two wind brakes

provided respectively on two front rollers (17,18) pivotally mounted in orientation around two vertical axes decentered with respect to the horizontal transverse rolling axis (17a) of the front wheel (17), each brake comprising: - an axial rod vertical (17d) sliding vertically in an insert (23) constitute the pivot axis of the front caster (17), - a crown (26) is mounted at the lower end of the vertical axial rod (17d), and conforms to come to bear on the periphery of the front caster (17) when the vertical axial rod (17d) is pushed towards the teas and to go back away from the front caster (17) when the vertical axial rod (17d) is pulled upwards, - elastic means (27) pushing the vertical axial rod (17d) and the crown (26) towards the teas, - a horizontal lever (28), pivoting around an intermediate pivot (29) of the chassis (1), articulated at its first end (28 a) at the upper end of the vertical axial rod (17d), and urges towards the teas at its second end (28c) by a cable (22) which connects it to a lower braking lever (15c, 15d)

user operated.

12 - Ambulator chair according to any one of

Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that:

the longitudinal distance (L) between the anterior grips (15a, 15b) of the grip structure (10) and the anterior edge (lla) of the seat (11) is between approximately 60 cm and 80 cm, - the width of the free central zone (8) between the longitudinal lateral arms (12,13) of the gripping structure (10) in the central zone is between approximately 60 cm and 80 cm, while lO the lateral distance between the anterior grips