Traveling device

A traveling device includes a support body, a columnar section extending upward from the support body, and a middle abutting part provided in a middle of the columnar section. The support body includes a right and left support parts that support the feet of a user. A right-rear abutting part and a left-rear abutting part (a rear-side plate) are provided at rear sides of the right support part and a left support part. A right-middle abutting part (a right elastic member) is provided at one side of the middle abutting part, and a left-middle abutting part (a left elastic member) is provided at the other side thereof. The feet of the user are placed on the right and left support parts such that heels abut against the right-rear and left-rear abutting parts and that patellar ligaments or shin bones abut against the right-middle and left-middle abutting parts.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a traveling, device used far moving on a ground surface, a floor surface, or the like.

BACKGROUND

There has been proposed a traveling device enabling a user to travel standing up by shifting weight (see Patent Document 1, for example). This traveling device includes a frame with a center wheel freely rotatably provided at about the center thereof, a front wheel freely rotatably provided at the front thereof, and a rear wheel freely rotatably provided at the rear thereof. The center wheel is formed with larger diameter than the front and rear wheels. Also, right and left decks are provided at about the center of the frame, and right and left grips are provided at the front of the frame.

In use, a user travels by shifting weight back and forth with right and left feet on the right and left decks while gripping the right and left grips with right and left hands. That is, the user shifts the body weight to the front to change a state in which the center and rear wheels contact the ground surface (maintaining the front wheel in a floating state) to a state in which the front and center wheels contact the ground surface (maintaining the rear wheel in a floating state). Shifting the body weight in this manner generates a force in the forward direction to rotate the front and center wheels in the forward direction, moving the frame with the user in the forward direction.Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-228904

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

However, this type of traveling device has the following problem. That is, since the user holds the user's body with the right and left feet on the right and left decks and right and left hands gripping the right and left grips, the user cannot hold the user's body in a stable manner. It is difficult for a person with weak legs, for example, to hold his/her body, making difficult to use this type of traveling device.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a traveling device with which even a person with weak legs can travel standing up while stably holding his/her body.

Means for Solving the Problems

A traveling device according to the disclosure includes a support body, a columnar section extending upward from the support body, and a middle abutting part provided in a middle of the columnar section. The support body includes a right support part that supports a right foot of a user and a left support part that supports a left foot of the user. The right support part is provided with a right-rear abutting part at a rear part thereof, and the left support part being provided with a left-rear abutting part at a rear part thereof. The middle abutting part extends in a horizontal direction and provided with a right-middle abutting part at one side and a left-middle abutting part at the other side. In use, the user places the right foot on the right support part such that a right heel abuts against the right-rear abutting part and that a patellar ligament or a shin bone of a right leg abuts against the right-middle abutting part, and places the left foot on the left support part such that a left heel abuts against the left-rear abutting part and that a patellar ligament or a shin bone of a left leg abuts against the left-middle abutting part.

In at least one aspect of the disclosure, the right-middle abutting part is provided with a right elastic member. The left-middle abutting part is provided with a left elastic member. In use, the patellar ligament or the shin bone of the right leg of the user abuts against the right elastic member, and the patellar ligament or the shin bone of the left leg abuts against the left elastic member.

In at least one aspect of the disclosure, a middle elastic member is provided between the right elastic member and the left elastic member. In use, a right knee of the user abuts against a right side of the middle elastic member, and a left knee abuts against a left side of the middle elastic member.

In at least one aspect of the disclosure, the right support part is provided with a right-outer abutting part; the left support part is provided with a left-outer abutting part. In use, an outer side of the right foot of the user abuts against the right-outer abutting part, and an outer side of the left foot abuts against the left-outer abutting part.

In at least one aspect of the disclosure, a front wheel means is provided at a front side of the support body, and a rear wheel means is provided at a rear side of the support body.

In at least one aspect of the disclosure, a gripping section is provided at an upper part of the columnar section. The gripping section has a horizontal gripping part fixed to the columnar section and extending in the horizontal direction. The horizontal gripping part is provided with a right gripping part at one side and a left gripping part at the other side. In use, the user grips the right gripping part with a right hand and the left gripping part with a left hand.

In at least one aspect of the disclosure, a support belt is detachably attached between both sides of the gripping section, and the support belt supports buttocks of the user.

In at least one aspect of the disclosure, the front wheel means and the rear wheel means are positioned slightly higher than a bottom surface of the support body. In a standstill state, the bottom surface of the support body contacts the ground, and the front wheel means and the rear wheel means are maintained in a floating state. When the right gripping part and the left gripping part are gripped and pushed forward in the standstill state, then the support body floats upward about the front wheel means, moving the support body forward. When the right gripping part and the left gripping part are gripped and pulled rearward in the standstill state, then the support body floats upward about the rear wheel means, moving the support body rearward.

In at least one aspect of the disclosure, the front wheel means and the rear wheel means are freely movable between a traveling position to contact the ground and a non-traveling position shifted upward from the traveling position. In a standstill state, the front wheel means and the rear wheel means are maintained at the non-traveling position, and the bottom surface of the support body contacts the ground, and the front wheel means and the rear wheel means are maintained in the floating state. In a traveling state, the front wheel means and the rear wheel means are maintained at the traveling position, and the front wheel means and the rear wheel means contact the ground, and the support body is maintained in the floating state.

In at least one aspect of the disclosure, the columnar section includes a right columnar section and a left columnar section, and a space is defined at a position above the middle abutting part by the middle abutting part and upper parts of the right columnar section and the left columnar section.

In at least one aspect of the disclosure, a right gripping member is provided at an upper part of the right columnar section, and a left gripping member is provided at an upper part of the left columnar section. The right gripping member includes a right-horizontal part fixed to the right columnar section and extending in the horizontal direction and a right gripping part extending upward toward the front at a slant from the right-horizontal part. The left gripping member includes a left-horizontal part fixed to the left columnar section and extending in the horizontal direction and a left gripping part extending upward toward the front at a slant from the left-horizontal part. In use, the user grips the right gripping part with a right hand and the left gripping part with a left hand.

In at least one aspect of the disclosure, a front wheel means is provided at a front part of the support body, and a rear wheel means is provided at a rear part of the support body. In a standstill state, the front wheel means, the rear wheel means, and a bottom surface of the support body contact the ground. When the right gripping part and the left gripping part are gripped and pushed forward in the standstill state, the support body and the rear wheel means float upward about the front wheel means, moving the support body forward. When the right gripping part and the left gripping part are gripped and pulled rearward in a standstill state, the support body and the front wheel means float upward about the rear wheel means, moving the support body rearward.

In at least one aspect of the disclosure, a front wheel means is provided at a front part of the support body, and a rear wheel means is provided at a rear part of the support body. The front wheel means and the rear wheel means are at positions slightly higher than the bottom surface of the support body. In a standstill state, the bottom surface of the support body contacts the ground, and the front wheel means and the rear wheel means are maintained in a floating state. When the right gripping part and the left gripping part are gripped and pushed forward in the standstill state, the support body floats upward about the front wheel means, moving the support body forward. When the right gripping part and the left gripping part are gripped and pulled rearward in the standstill state, the support body floats upward about the rear wheel means, moving the support body rearward.

In at least one aspect of the disclosure, a support belt is detachably attached to the right gripping part and the left gripping part, and the support belt supports buttocks of the user.

In at least one aspect of the disclosure, an electric motor is provided in relation to any of the front wheel means and the rear wheel means, and a bottom surface of the support body is positioned slightly higher than the front wheel means and the rear wheel means. The support body moves forward when any of the front wheel means and the rear wheel means is driven to rotate in a predetermined direction by the electric motor. The support body moves rearward when any of the front wheel means and the rear wheel means is driven to rotate in a reverse direction by the electric motor.

In at least one aspect of the disclosure, the traveling device further includes an operation means used for controlling the electric motor, a right gripping part that is gripped with a right hand of the user, and a left gripping part that is gripped with a left hand of the user. The operation means is provided at the right gripping part or the left gripping part and operated by the user.

Effects of the Invention

According to at least one aspect of the disclosure, the support body includes the right support part and the left support part. The right-rear abutting part and the left-rear abutting part are provided at the rear part of the right support part and the left support part. The right-middle abutting part and the left-middle abutting part are provided to the middle abutting part. Thus, in use, the right foot of the user is placed on the right support part such that the right heel abuts against the right-rear abutting part and that the patellar ligament or the shin bone of the right leg abuts against the right-middle abutting part, and the left foot is placed on the left support part such that the left heel abuts against the left-rear abutting part and that the patellar ligament or the shin bone of the left leg abuts against the left-middle abutting part. By doing so, even a person with weak legs can support his/her body stably with both heels and the patellar ligaments or the shin bones of both legs.

Also, according to at least one aspect of the disclosure, the right elastic member is provided to the right-middle abutting part, and the left elastic member is provided to the left-middle abutting part. Thus, in use, the patellar ligament or the shin bone of the right leg abuts against the right elastic member, and the patellar ligament or the shin bone of the left leg abuts against the left elastic member. This makes it possible to stably support the body without feeling pain due to abutment.

Also, according to at least one aspect of the disclosure, the middle elastic member is provided between the right elastic member and the left elastic member. In use, the right knee abuts against the right side of the middle elastic member, and the left knee abuts against the left side of the middle elastic member. This makes it possible to make the right and left knees further stable, thereby further stabilizing the state of the right and left legs.

Also, according to at least one aspect of the disclosure, the right-outer abutting part is provided to the right support part, and the left-outer abutting part is provided with the left support part. In use, the outer side of the right foot abuts against the right-outer abutting part, and the outer side of the left foot abuts against the left-outer abutting part. By doing so, it is possible to place feet (parts below the heels) on the right support part and the left support part further stably.

Also, according to at least one aspect of the disclosure, the front wheel means is provided at the front side of the support body, and the rear wheel means is provided at the rear side thereof. Thus, it is possible to travel by using the front wheel means and the rear wheel means.

Also, according to at least one aspect of the disclosure, the gripping section is provided at the upper part of the columnar section, and the horizontal gripping part of the gripping section is provided with the right gripping part at one side and the left gripping part at the other side. Thus, in use, by gripping the right gripping part with the right hand and the left gripping part with the left hand, even a person with weak legs can stably support the body standing up.

Also, according to at least one aspect of the disclosure, the support belt is detachably attached between both sides of the gripping section. Thus, it is possible to the support buttocks of a user, enabling the user to keep standing stably even after disengaging the hands from the right gripping part and the left gripping part.

Also, according to at least one aspect of the disclosure, in the standstill state, the bottom surface of the support body contacts the ground, and the front wheel means and the rear wheel means are maintained in a floating state. Thus, the support body can be maintained in a resting state. Also, when the right gripping part and the left gripping part are gripped and pushed forward in the standstill state, then the support body floats upward about the front wheel means, making it possible to move the support body forward using the front wheel means. Also, when the right gripping part and the left gripping part are gripped and pulled rearward in the standstill state, then the support body floats upward about the rear wheel means, making it possible to move the support body rearward with the rear wheel means.

Further, according to at least one aspect of the disclosure, in the standstill state, the front wheel means and the rear wheel means are maintained at the non-traveling position, and the bottom surface of the support body contacts the ground, and the front wheel means and the rear wheel means are maintained in the floating state. Thus, the support body can be maintained in the resting state. Also, in the traveling state, the front wheel means and the rear wheel means are maintained at the traveling position, and the front wheel means and the rear wheel means contact the ground, and the support body is maintained in the floating state. Thus, it is possible to move the support body with the front wheel means and the rear wheel means.

Also, according to at least one aspect of the disclosure, the space is defined at a position above the middle abutting part. Thus, it is possible to prevent the upper body of the user from contacting parts of the traveling device when, for example, the user moves forward using the traveling device.

Also, according to at least one aspect of the disclosure, the right gripping member having the right gripping part is provided at the upper part of the right columnar section, and the left gripping member having the left gripping part is provided at the upper part of the left columnar section. In use, the user grips the right gripping part with the right hand and the left gripping part with the left hand. By doing so, even a person with weak legs can stably support his/her body standing up.

Also, according to at least one aspect of the disclosure, the bottom surface of the support body, the front wheel means, and the rear wheel means are maintained in contact with the ground in the standstill state. Thus, the support body can be maintained in the resting state. Also, when the right gripping part and the left gripping part are gripped and pushed forward in the standstill state, the support body and the rear wheel means float upward about the front wheel means, making it possible to move the support body forward with the front wheel means. Also, when the right gripping part and the left gripping part are gripped and pulled rearward in the standstill state, the support body and the front wheel means float upward about the rear wheel means, making it possible to move the support body rearward with the rear wheel means.

Also, according to at least one aspect of the disclosure, in the standstill state, the bottom surface of the support body contacts the ground, and the front wheel means and the rear wheel means are maintained in the floating state. Thus, the support body can be maintained in the resting state. Also, when the right gripping part and the left gripping part are gripped and pushed forward in the standstill state, the support body floats upward about the front wheel means, making it possible to move the support body forward with the front wheel means. Also, when the right gripping part and the left gripping part are gripped and pulled rearward in the standstill state, then the support body floats upward about the rear wheel means, making it possible to move the support body rearward with the rear wheel means.

Also, according to at least one aspect of the disclosure, because the support belt is detachably attached to the right gripping member and the left gripping member, it is possible to support buttocks of the user with the support belt. This makes it possible for the user to keep standing stably even after disengaging the hands from the right gripping part and the left gripping part.

Also, according to at least one aspect of the disclosure, the front wheel means and the rear wheel means are driven in the predetermined direction or the reverse direction by driving force from the electric motor. Thus, it is possible to move the support body forward or rearward without using the pushing force or pulling force of the user.

Also, according to at least one aspect of the disclosure, the operation means for controlling the electric motor is provided at the right gripping part or the left gripping part. Thus, the user can operate the operation means while gripping the right gripping part and the left gripping part.

EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

Next, a traveling device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Referring toFIGS. 1 to 3, a traveling device2shown in the drawings includes a support body4, a columnar section6extending upward from the support body4, and a gripping section8provided to an upper part of the columnar section6. The support body4includes a base plate10. A right-side plate12is provided at a right side (right side inFIGS. 2 and 3) of the base plate10, and a left-side plate14is provided at a left side (left side inFIGS. 2 and 3) of the base plate10. Also, a front reinforcing member16is provided between the right-side plate12and the left-side plate14at a front part of the base plate10. Further, a rear-side plate18is provided at a rear part of the base plate10. A middle reinforcing member20is provided between the rear-side plate18and the front reinforcing member16at the center of the base plate10in a width direction (a direction perpendicular to the sheet surface ofFIG. 1, a right-left direction inFIGS. 2 and 3).

With this configuration, a right part10aof the base plate10(i.e., a section surrounded by the right-side plate12, the front reinforcing member16, the middle reinforcing member20, and the rear-side plate18) serves as a right support part. The right-side plate12of the right support part serves as a right-outer abutting part, and the rear-side plate18of the right support part serves as a right-rear abutting part. Also, a left part10bof the base plate10(i.e., a section surrounded by the left-side plate14, the front reinforcing member16, the middle reinforcing member20, and the rear-side plate18) serves as a left support part. The left-side plate14of the left support part serves as a left-outer abutting part, and the rear-side plate18of the left support part serves as a left-rear abutting part. Note that the right-rear abutting part and the left-rear abutting part may be provided adjustable in the front-rear direction (a right-left direction inFIG. 1, a direction perpendicular to the sheet surface ofFIG. 2, an up-down direction inFIG. 3) on an upper surface of the base plate10. Also, the right-outer abutting part and the left-outer abutting part may be provided adjustable in the width direction (the direction perpendicular to the sheet surface ofFIG. 1, the right-left direction inFIGS. 2 and 3) on the upper surface of the base plate10for exclusive use.

The columnar section6is provided at the widthwise center of the front part of the support body4(at the front part of the middle reinforcing member20in this embodiment). The columnar section6includes a lower columnar part22that extends substantially upward in the vertical direction and an upper columnar part24that extends further upward from an upper part of the lower columnar part22. The upper columnar part24extends upward toward the front (left inFIG. 1) in a linear fashion.

The columnar section6is provided with a middle abutting part26. In this embodiment, a middle shaft member28extending in the horizontal direction is provided to penetrate through the upper part of the lower columnar part22of the columnar section6. One side of the middle shaft member28(specifically, a part extending rightward from the columnar section6) serves as a right-middle abutting part, and the other side (specifically, a part extending leftward from the columnar section6) serves as a left-middle abutting part. In this embodiment, the middle shaft member28is covered with a cylindrical right elastic member30at one side and with a cylindrical left elastic member32at the other side.

Further, in this embodiment, a middle elastic member34is disposed between the right elastic member30and the left elastic member32. The middle elastic member34is formed cylindrical. A substantially L-shaped support-shaft part36is provided at the axial middle of the lower columnar part22, and the middle elastic member34is mounted on an upright part of the support-shaft part36. The right elastic member30, the left elastic member32, and the middle elastic member34may be formed other than cylindrical, such as quadrangular prism, hexagonal prism, elliptic cylinder, or any other suitable shape.

Also, the gripping section8has a horizontal gripping part38fixed at the upper part of the columnar section6and extending in the horizontal direction. A right gripping part40is provided at one end (right end inFIGS. 2 and 3) of the horizontal gripping part38, and a left gripping part42is provided at the other end (left end inFIGS. 2 and 3) thereof. The right gripping part40and the left gripping part42are formed from hollow cylindrical members and extend substantially upward in the vertical direction from the horizontal gripping part38as shown inFIG. 1.

In this embodiment, a cylindrical right auxiliary elastic member44is provided to cover the middle of one side of the horizontal gripping part38, and a cylindrical left auxiliary elastic member46is provided to cover the middle of the other side thereof. The right auxiliary elastic member44and the left auxiliary elastic member46are for preventing the user's body from directly contacting the horizontal gripping part38, and the right auxiliary elastic member44and the left auxiliary elastic member46may be dispensed with if there is no danger that the user's body will contact the same.

Further, in this embodiment, a front wheel means50is provided at the front of the support body4, and a rear wheel means52is provided at the rear thereof. The front wheel means50includes right and left front wheels54and56. The right front wheel54is rotatably supported inner side of the front part of the right-side plate12through a support shaft58, and the left front wheel56is rotatably supported inner side of the front part of the left-side plate14through a support shaft60. Also, the rear wheel means52includes right and left rear wheels62and64. The right rear wheel62is rotatably supported inner side of the right-side plate12through a support shaft66, and the left rear wheel64is rotatably supported inner side of the left-side plate14through a support shaft68. In this embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 1 to 3, outer diameters of the right and left front wheels54and56are formed larger than outer diameters of the right and left rear wheels62and64. This configuration stabilizes the forward movement of the support body4as described later.

In this embodiment, the relationship between the support body4and the front wheel means50(the right and left front wheels54and56) and the rear wheel means52(the right and left rear wheel62and64) is set as follows. In a normal standstill state, as shown inFIG. 1(also shown inFIGS. 4 and 5), a bottom part of the support body4(i.e., a bottom surface of the base plate10) contacts the ground (a floor surface if indoors or a ground surface if outdoors), and the front wheel means50and the rear wheel means52float slightly off the floor surface, the ground surface, or the like. The support body4contacts the ground and maintained in a resting state.

The traveling device2described above may be used as follows, for example. Referring mainly toFIGS. 4 to 7, in order for a person with weak legs to ride on the traveling device2, as shown inFIG. 4, the person first places right and left feet on the right support part (the right part10aof the base plate10) and the left support part (the left part10bof the base plate10) of the support body4while sitting on a chair72or the like. Specifically, the right foot of a user P is positioned such that its heel abuts against the right-rear abutting part of the right support part (the rear-side plate18) and that an outer side of the right foot abuts against the right-outer abutting part (the right-side plate12). Also, the left foot of the user P is placed such that its heel abuts against the left-rear abutting part of the left support part (the rear-side plate18) and that an outer side of the left foot abuts against the left-outer abutting part (the left-side plate14).

Next, in this condition, the user P makes patellar ligaments or shin bones of right and left legs abut against the middle abutting part26and right and left knees against the middle elastic member34. In this embodiment, the patellar ligament or shin bone of the right leg is placed to abut against the right elastic member30, and the patellar ligament or shin bone of the left leg is placed to abut against the left elastic member32. At this time, the right knee is maintained in abutment with the right side of the middle elastic member34, and the left knee is maintained in abutment with the left side of the middle elastic member34.

In this condition, rearward movement the right and left heels is restricted by the right-rear abutting part and the left-rear abutting part, and forward movement of the patellar ligaments or the shin bones of the right and left legs is restricted by the right elastic member30and the left elastic member32, so even the user P With weak legs can stably support the user's body standing up. In this embodiment, outward movement of the outer sides of the right and left feet is restricted by the right-outer abutting part and the left-outer abutting part, making it possible to place the right and left feet on the right support part and the left support part stably. In addition, because the right and left knees are supported in abutment with the middle elastic member34from both sides, parts below the right and left knees are highly stable even in a standing position.

While both leas are supported in this manner the user grips the gripping section8with both hands. That is, the user grips the right gripping part40with the right hand and the left gripping part42with the left hand. Then, while gripping in this manner, as shown inFIG. 5, the user lifts up the user's body using arm strength and stands up. When standing in this manner, as will be understood from the above description, rearward movement of the right and left heels is restricted by the right-rear abutting part and the left-rear abutting part, and forward movement of the patellar ligaments or the shin bones of the right and left legs is restricted by the right elastic member30and the left elastic member32. Restricting in this manner enables even a user P with weak legs to keep standing stably. In this embodiment, outward movement of the outer sides of the right and left feet is restricted by the right-outer abutting part and the left-outer abutting part, so the right and left feet can be maintained supported on the right support part and the left support part stably. In addition, because the right and left knees are supported in abutment with the middle elastic member34from the both sides, parts below the right and left knees are highly stable even in a standing position. Thus, adopting the configuration of the traveling device2enables even the user P with weak legs to easily stand up and maintain the standing position.

In order to move forward using the traveling device2, the user grips and pushes forward the right gripping part40and the left gripping part42as indicated by an arrow74. In the normal standstill state (resting state), the bottom surface of the support body4(the bottom surface of the base plate10) contacts the ground, and the front wheels54and56of the front wheel means50and the rear wheels62and64of the rear wheel means52are maintained in a floating state. Thus, it is at a stop in a highly stable state. Pushing forward in this manner, however, as shown inFIG. 6, the support body4floats upward with the right front wheel54and the left front wheel56of the front wheel means50as pivot points, so a force that pushes forward moves the support body4forward, moving the traveling device2forward.

At this time, because the body weight of the user P acts on a part rear of the front wheel means50, the support body4is returned to its initial state by the body weight of the user P. Thus, the traveling device2returns to its initial state, becoming the standstill state, after slightly moving forward. Thus, each time the user P pushes forward, the user P can move forward a little, feeling safe.

Also, in order to move rearward with the traveling device2, in opposite to that described above, the user grips and pulls the right gripping part40and the left gripping part42rearward as indicated by an arrow76while gripping the same. Pulling rearward as indicated by the arrow76in the resting state, then as shown inFIG. 7, the support body4floats upward with the right rear wheel62and the left rear wheel64of the rear wheel means52as pivot points, so a force pulling rearward moves the support body4rearward, moving the traveling device2rearward.

At this time, because the body weight of the user P acts on a part front of the rear wheel means52, the support body4is returned to its initial state by the body weight of the user P. Thus, the traveling device2returns to its initial state, becoming the standstill state, after slightly moving rearward. Thus, each time the user P pulls rearward, the user P can move rearward a little, feeling safe.

Second Embodiment

Next, a traveling device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIG. 8. Note that inFIG. 8the parts substantially the same as those of the above-described first embodiment will be assigned with the same numberings and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

InFIG. 8, in this embodiment, a traveling device2A is provided with a support belt82so that the user P can maintain in a standing position. The support belt82has a belt body84, and ring-shaped metallic parts86(only one is shown inFIG. 8) are attached to both ends of the belt body84. Also, in this embodiment, engaging metallic parts90(only one is shown inFIG. 8) each having a substantially C-shaped engaging part88are attached to the gripping section8side, more specifically to both ends of the horizontal gripping part38. With this configuration, the support belt82can be freely detachably mounted to the gripping section8of the traveling device2by engaging one of the metallic parts86of the support belt82with the engaging part88of the engaging metallic part90at one side of the horizontal gripping part38and the other of the metallic parts86with the engaging part88of the engaging metallic part90at the other side of the horizontal gripping part38, for example.

As shown inFIG. 8, the user P is positioned inside the mounted support belt82, and the support belt82supports the buttocks of the user P. Supported in this manner, the user P is in a state in which the user P sits on the front edge of the support belt82. Hence, the user P can maintain the standing position stably without gripping the gripping section8.

Third Embodiment

Next, a traveling device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the parts substantially the same as those of the traveling device2or2A of the above-described first and second embodiments will be assigned with the same numberings and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Referring toFIGS. 9 to 11, a traveling device2B shown in the drawings includes a pair of columnar sections106aand106bextending upward from the support body4. The columnar section106aon the right side (right columnar section) is provided at the front side of the right side of the support body4(at the front side of the right-side plate12, in this embodiment) and extends substantially upward in the vertical direction from the right-side plate12. The columnar section106bon the left side (left columnar section) is provided at the front side of the left side of the support body4(at the front side of the left-side plate14, in this embodiment) and extends substantially upward in the vertical direction from the left-side plate14.

In this embodiment, the middle abutting part26is provided to the columnar sections106aand106b. Specifically, the columnar sections106aand106bare provided with support parts107aand107b, respectively, that extend rearward from the middle parts thereof, and the middle shaft member28is provided penetrating through the support parts107aand107b. The right elastic member30is mounted on one side of the middle shaft member28, and the left elastic member32is mounted on the other side thereof. With this configuration, a space S is defined above the middle abutting part26by upper parts of the columnar sections106aand106band the middle abutting part26.

Also, a support-shaft part136is provided so as to extend substantially upward in the vertical direction from a middle part of the middle reinforcing member20, and the middle elastic member34is provided at the upper part of the support-shaft part136.

A right gripping member108aand a left gripping member108bare provided at the top ends of the columnar sections106aand106b, respectively. The right gripping member108aincludes a right-horizontal part138afixed to the top of the columnar section106aand extending in the horizontally outward direction (rightward) and a somewhat L-shaped right gripping part140extending upward toward the front at a slant from the right-horizontal part138a. Similarly, the left gripping member108bincludes a left-horizontal part138bfixed to the top of the columnar section106band extending in the horizontally outward direction (leftward) and a somewhat L-shaped left gripping part142extending upward toward the front at a slant from the left-horizontal part138b.

Free ends of the right gripping part140and the left gripping part142are covered with cylindrical elastic members141and143serving as shock-absorbers. When gripping the right gripping part140and the left gripping part142, the user P grips the sections of the right gripping part140and the left gripping part142covered with the elastic members141and143.

A pair of support plates151aand151bextending forward is provided to both ends of the front reinforcing member16in the right-left direction. The right front wheel54is rotatably supported outer side of the support plate151athrough the support shaft58, and the left front wheel56is rotatably supported outer side of the support plate151bthrough the support shaft60. Also, a pair of support plate161aand161bextending rearward is provided at the both ends of the rear-side plate18in the right-left direction. The right rear wheel62is rotatably supported inner side of the support plate161athrough the support shaft66, and the left rear wheel64is rotatably supported inner side of the support plate161bthrough the support shaft68.

In this embodiment, the relationship between the support body4and the front wheel means50(the right and left front wheels54and56) and the rear wheel means52(the right and left rear wheels62and64) is set as follows. In the normal standstill state, as shown inFIG. 9, all of the bottom of the support body4(i.e., the bottom surface of the base plate10), the front wheel means50, and the rear wheel means52contact the ground, maintained in the resting state.

In order to move forward using the traveling device2B, in the same manner as the above-described traveling device2, the user grips and pushes the right gripping part140and the left gripping part142forward. In the normal standstill state (resting state), the bottom surface of the support body4(the bottom surface of the base plate10), the front wheels54and56of the front wheel means50, and the rear wheels62and64of the rear wheel means52contact the ground, being at a stop in a stable manner. By pushing frontward in this manner, however, the support body4and the rear wheels62and64of the rear wheel means52float upward with the right front wheel54and the left front wheel56of the front wheel means50as pivot points, so a force pushing forward moves the support body4forward, making the traveling device2B move forward.

Also, in order to move rearward using the traveling device2B, in the same manner as the above described traveling device2, the user grips and pulls the right gripping part140and the left gripping part142rearward. By pulling rearward in this manner in the resting state, the support body4and the right front wheel54and the left front wheel56of the front wheel means50float upward with the right rear wheel62and the left rear wheel64of the rear wheel means52as pivot points, so a force pulling rearward moves the support body4rearward, making the traveling device2B move rearward.

In this embodiment, because the space S is defined above the middle abutting part26, the upper body of the user P can be prevented from abutting parts of the traveling device2B when moving forward using the traveling device2B, for example.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, a traveling device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the parts substantially the same as those of the traveling device2,2A, or2B of the above-described first, second, or third embodiment will be assigned with the same numberings and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

A traveling device2C shown inFIG. 12has substantially the same configuration as the traveling device2B described above, but differs from the traveling device2B in that the traveling device2C is provided with the support belt82described above. In this embodiment, the engaging metallic parts90are attached to the right-horizontal part138aand the left-horizontal part138bof the gripping members108aand108b. One of the ring-shaped metallic parts86of the support belt82is engaged with the engaging part88of the engaging metallic part90of the right-horizontal part138a, and the other of the ring-shaped metallic parts86is engaged with the engaging part88of the engaging metallic part90of the left-horizontal part138b. With this configuration, the support belt82can be freely detachably mounted to the gripping members108aand108bof the traveling device2C.

Fifth Embodiment

Next, a traveling device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the parts substantially the same as those of the traveling device2,2A,2B, or2C of the above-described first to fourth embodiments will be assigned with the same numberings and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

With reference toFIGS. 13 to 15, a traveling device2D shown in the drawings has substantially the same configuration as the traveling device2B described above, but differs from the traveling device2B in the following points. That is, the traveling device2D includes a rear wheel means52′ instead of the rear wheel means52. The rear wheel means52′ has a right rear wheel62′ and a left rear wheel64′, each made of a caster wheel (free wheel with a revolving structure and a wheel). Also, the front wheel means50and the rear wheel means52′ contact the ground, and the bottom of the support body4(i.e., the bottom surface of the base plate10) slightly and constantly floats off the floor surface, the ground surface, or the like. Further, electric motors M1and M2that drive in the forward and reverse directions are provided in relation to the front wheel means50. The electric motor M1has an output shaft coupled to the right front wheel54of the front wheel means50, and the electric motor M2has an output shaft coupled to the left front wheel56of the front wheel means50.

An operation lever80serving as an operation means is provided at the free end of the right gripping part140. The operation lever80is configured to be operable in the front-rear direction and the right-left direction about a predetermined position. Also, an operation lever sensor81is provided in relation to the operation lever80. The operation lever sensor81detects an operation direction in which the operation lever80is operated by the user P. A control unit100controls the electric motors M1and M2according to an input signal from the operation lever sensor81. Specifically, the control unit100drives the electric motors M1and M2in a predetermined direction if the operation direction of the operation lever80is forward direction, and drives the electric motors M1and M2in a reverse direction if rearward direction. The control unit100only drives the electric motor M1on the right side in the predetermined direction if the operation direction of the operation lever80is leftward direction, and only drives the electric motor M2on the left side in the predetermined direction if rightward direction. Further, when the operation lever80is at the predetermined position (not operated neither in the front-rear direction nor in the right-left direction), then both the electric motors M1and M2are in a halt state.

With this configuration, if the user P operates the operation lever80toward the front, then the front wheels54and56are driven to rotate in the predetermined direction by the electric motors M1and M2, moving the traveling device2D forward. On the other hand, if the user P operates the operation lever80toward the rear, then the front wheels54and56are driven to rotate in the reverse direction by the electric motors M1and M2, moving the traveling device2D rearward. Also, if the user P operates the operation lever80toward the left, then the right front wheel54is driven to rotate in the predetermined direction by the electric motor M1on the right side. At this time, the electric motor M2on the left side is maintained in a halt state, so the traveling device2D moves in a counterclockwise direction in a plan view, thereby turning the traveling device2D to the left. Similarly, if the user P operates the operation lever80toward the right, then the left front wheel56is driven to rotate in the predetermined direction by the electric motor M2on the left side. At this time, the electric motor M1on the right side is maintained in a halt state, so the traveling device2D moves in a clockwise direction in a plan view, thereby turning the traveling device2D to the right. Also, returning the operation lever80to the predetermined position stops the rotation of the electric motors M1and M2.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to move the traveling device2D forward or rearward using the electric motors M1and M2without using the pushing force or pulling force of the user P. Also, the traveling device2D can be easily turned to the right or left by controlling the electric motors M1and M2. Further, because the right rear wheel62′ and the left rear wheel64′ formed of casters can revolve following the movement of the traveling device2D, direction of the traveling device2D can be changed smoothly.

For example, the right elastic member30, the left elastic member32, and the middle elastic member34may be configured such that their positions can be adjusted in the height direction so as to match the height of the user P. The lower columnar part22of the first and second embodiments and the columnar sections106aand106band the support-shaft part136of the third to fifth embodiments may be formed adjustable in their positions with respect to the height direction.

Also, in the above-described first and second embodiments, for example, the pushing force of the user P is used to move forward, and the pulling force is used to move rearward. Instead of adopting this configuration, however, it may be configured to move forward or rearward using electric power. In this case, the front wheel means50(the front wheels54and56) and the rear wheel means52(the rear wheels62and64) may be configured to be movable between a traveling position to contact the ground and a non-traveling position shifted upward from the traveling position, and this movement may be realized using a cylinder mechanism, for example, and an electric motor that devices in the forward and reverse directions may be provided in relation to the front wheel means50(and/or the rear wheel means52). Then, in the standstill state, the front wheel means50and the rear wheel means52are maintained at the non-traveling position, wherein the bottom surface of the support body4contacts the ground while the front wheel means50and the rear wheel means52are maintained in the floating state. Also, in the traveling state, the front wheel means50and the rear wheel means52are maintained at the traveling position, wherein the front wheel means50and the rear wheel means52contact the ground, and the support body4is maintained in the floating state. In this state, if the electric motor is driven in the forward direction, for example, then the front wheel means50(and/or the rear wheel means52) is driven to rotate in the predetermined direction. As a result, the support body4travels forward. On the other hand, if the electric motor is driven in the reverse direction, for example, then the front wheel means50(and/or the rear wheel means52) is driven to rotate in a direction opposite from the predetermined direction. As a result, the support body4travels rearward.

In the fifth embodiment, the front wheel means50(the front wheels54and56) and the rear wheel means52′ (the rear wheels62′ and64′) may be configured to be movable between an electrically travelling position in which the support body4is floating upward and a non-electrically travelling position in which the support body4contacts the ground (same configuration as the second embodiment), and this movement may be realized using a cylinder mechanism, for example. In this case, in the normal state, the front wheel means50and the rear wheel means52′ are maintained in the electrically travelling position, and the bottom surface of the support body4is maintained in the floating state. In a non-electrically travelling state, the front wheel means50and the rear wheel means52′ are maintained in the non-electrically traveling position, and the support body4, the front wheel means50, and the rear wheel means52′ contact the ground. The traveling device travels forward or rearward using the electric motors M1and M2in the normal state as described above, and is moved forward with the pressing force applied by the user P or rearward with the pulling force in the non-electrically travelling state as in the second embodiment. Also, a switch (not shown) for controlling the cylinder mechanism to switch between the electrically traveling position and the non-electrically traveling position may be provided at the free end of the left gripping part142, for example. Further, the operation lever80may be provided at other than the free end of the right gripping part140, such as the free end of the left gripping part142. In this case, the switch (not shown) for switching between the electrically traveling position and the non-electrically traveling position may be provided at the free end of the right gripping part140, for example.

The support belt82described above may be provided to the traveling device2D of the fifth embodiment. Also, a speed control switch may be provided to the traveling device2D for controlling the rotation speed of the electric motors M1and M2. This makes it possible to control the traveling speed of the traveling device2D. Although the electric motors M1and M2are provided in relation to the front wheel means50in the fifth embodiment described above, the electric motors M1and M2may be provided in relation to the rear wheel means52.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, the traveling devices2and2A are configured such that the bottom surface of the support body4contacts the ground and the front wheel means50and the rear wheel means52are maintained in the floating state in the standstill state. Instead of this configuration, they may be configured such that all of the bottom surface of the support body4, the front wheel means50, and the rear wheel means52contact the ground as in the third embodiment.

Also, in the above-described third and fourth embodiments, the traveling devices2B and2C are configured such that the bottom surface of the support body4, the front wheel means50, and the rear wheel means52are maintained in contact with the ground in the standstill state. Instead of this configuration, they may be configured such that the bottom surface of the support body4contacts the ground and that the front wheel means50and the rear wheel means52are maintained in the floating state as in the first embodiment.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMBERS