Patent Publication Number: US-2023136051-A1

Title: Mobility Device for Varying Surfaces

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Mobility devices, including canes, walkers, and wheelchairs are often prescribed for and used by older adults or those with a physical disability due to injury or illness in order to compensate for decrements in balance, coordination, sensation, strength, and increased risk for falls. While sometimes prescribed by a physician and dispensed under guidance from a physical therapist, these devices are also available for purchase to the general public. 
     In particular, walkers are designed for people who require assistance with mobility or balancing and can provide additional support when walking. The use of a walker helps people struggling with mobility regain the feeling of independence and confidence in one&#39;s daily life while lowering the fear of losing balance and falling. Walkers are frequently accompanied by accessories that customize the use of walkers and include cup holders, walker baskets, rubber glides, walker balls, oxygen holders, and other spare attachments. 
     SUMMARY 
     Devices and systems disclosed herein relate to mobility devices and systems with integrated and interchangeable feet surfaces for use on varying ground surfaces. Namely, a modular leg component or leg-end module includes at least a first surface and a second surface, and a user is able to change between the two surfaces depending on the user&#39;s environment. The two surfaces have different physical properties, such as hardness and coefficient of friction, but are integrated into a single modular device. The leg-end module may be attached to the legs of a standard mobility walker using a telescoping lock mechanism. 
     In one aspect, a device is provided. The device includes a leg component that may be configured to attach to a mobility walker, namely a back leg of a mobility walker. The leg component includes at least a first surface and a second surface. The surfaces may be located at a distal end of the leg component and configured to interface with a ground surface, which the mobility walker may glide, slide, roll, or otherwise move across. The first surface has at least one physical property different than the second surface. For example, the first surface is constructed from a material with a first hardness while the second material is constructed from a material with a second hardness. In one embodiment, the first surface is softer and has a higher coefficient of friction than the second surface. The first surface may be felt, or felt-like, while the second surface may be a hard plastic. The two surfaces are configured to move relative one another. For example, at least one of the first surface or the second surface is rotatable about an axis such that in a first configuration the first surface is arranged to contact a ground surface and in a second configuration the second surface is arranged to contact the ground surface. 
     In another aspect, a system is provided. The system includes at least two pairs of legs as part of a mobility walker. The pair of front legs may have wheels attached to them. The second pair of legs may be the back legs of the mobility walker. A leg-end module is attached to the end of each of the second pair of legs. Each leg-end module may include at least a first surface and a second surface configured to interface with a ground surface. The two surfaces may have different physical characteristics and one surface may be selected for interfacing with certain ground surfaces while the second surface may be selected for interfacing with other ground surfaces. In some examples, a wheel or wheel-like structure may be attached to the distal ends of the leg-end modules and the two surfaces may be attached to different portions of the wheel or wheel-like structures. The system also includes a surface selector that temporarily allows rotation of at least a portion of at least one of the leg-end modules such that either the first surface or the second surface is maintained in a ground interface position. For example, the surface selector may allow a wheel with the two surfaces attached thereto to rotate from an otherwise biased locked position. 
     In yet another aspect, a method is provided. The method includes using a selector to determine which of either a first surface or a second surface to cause to interface with a ground surface. The method may further include causing leg-end modules coupled to back legs of a mobility walker to switch from a first surface to a second surface based on the ground surface in a given environment. 
     In an aspect, another system is provided. The system includes various means for carrying out the operations of the other respective aspects described herein. 
     These as well as other embodiments, aspects, advantages, and alternatives will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the following detailed description, with reference where appropriate to the accompanying drawings. Further, it should be understood that this summary and other descriptions and figures provided herein are intended to illustrate embodiments by way of example only and, as such, that numerous variations are possible. For instance, structural elements and process steps can be rearranged, combined, distributed, eliminated, or otherwise changed, while remaining within the scope of the embodiments as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG.  1 A  illustrates a mobility walker with an interchangeable foot attachment, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  1 B  illustrates an interchangeable foot attachment in a first configuration, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  1 C  illustrates an interchangeable foot attachment in a first configuration, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  1 D  illustrates an interchangeable foot attachment in a second configuration, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  2 A  illustrates a mobility walker with an interchangeable foot attachment, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  2 B  illustrates an interchangeable foot attachment in a first configuration, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  2 C  illustrates an interchangeable foot attachment transitioning between a first configuration and a second configuration, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  2 D  illustrates an interchangeable foot attachment in a second configuration, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  3 A  an interchangeable foot attachment and related components, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  3 B  an interchangeable foot attachment and related components, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  3 C  an interchangeable foot attachment and related components, according to an example embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example systems, devices, and methods are described herein. It should be understood that the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or feature described herein as being an “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or features. Other embodiments can be utilized, and other changes can be made, without departing from the scope of the subject matter presented herein. 
     Thus, the example embodiments described herein are not meant to be limiting. Aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated herein. 
     Further, unless context suggests otherwise, the features illustrated in each of the figures may be used in combination with one another. Thus, the figures should be generally viewed as component aspects of one or more overall embodiments, with the understanding that not all illustrated features are necessary for each embodiment. 
     I. Overview 
     The present disclosure relates to a mobility system and/or device with integrated and interchangeable feet for use on varying surfaces. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a mobility walker and modular attachments thereto. In some embodiments, 
     Mobility walkers, one type of mobility device, are used by millions of people throughout the United States. However, despite the widespread use and commercialization, mobility walkers still have drawbacks, particularly for those that traverse varying surfaces and they move about their day. Typical walkers have two front legs that have wheels and two back legs that commonly have fixed ends, sometimes comprising a rubber or composite material. When using the walker, the wheels on the front two legs roll over most surfaces with limited issues. However, depending on the users balance and coordination, lifting the back two legs off the floor can be difficult, cumbersome, and sometimes cause risk of injury themselves because the surface of the standard back legs may catch on another surface or even just flooring itself. 
     As such, people starting cutting tennis balls and press-fitting or otherwise attaching them to the rear legs. Utilizing the felt or felt-like surface of the tennis ball allows the rear legs to slide along hard surfaces, protects the flooring from impact from the walker leg directly, and can also make use of the walker quieter than compared to lifting up and placing back down the rear legs repeatedly. However, walker balls have significant drawbacks. First, they can be difficult to install due to the nature of squeezing the legs through one or more slits cut into a tennis ball or similar, even for an able-bodied adult, Second, the installation process commonly includes cutting or sometimes enlarging existing slits in the ball which involves the use of sharp knives, which is not an ideal activity for persons requiring assistance with balance and coordination. 
     Additionally, while the felt surface on the outside of a walker ball may smoothly slide over hard interior floor surfaces, the felt is not an ideal surface for many other surfaces, such as concrete, asphalt, grass, or other outdoor surfaces. Moreover, the felt surface can easily capture dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants, both outdoors and indoors (e.g. bathrooms), and is difficult to clean. Walker balls also wear easily and because they are difficult to install, walker balls are not easy to replace, especially for people that require assistance from walkers. It is common to see walker balls so worn that the leg of the walker is protruding through the ball itself. 
     To avoid the difficulty of cutting, installing, having to replace walker balls, people have also created various walker skis or glide attachments that are constructed from a plastic or other hard smooth surface. These walker glides are also commercially available, but do not offer all the advantages of the walker balls, namely the felt or felt-like surface that reduces damage done by the walker on flooring. 
     As such, there is a need for a device that gives people using mobility walkers the ability to change the surface of the rear legs of the walker to match the type of surface the person is walking along. Such a device may leverage the positive aspects of walker balls and walker glides while avoiding many of the downfalls of such existing technology. Other advantages would be apparent to those skilled in the art. 
     II. Example Devices and Systems 
       FIGS.  1 A,  1 B,  1 C, and  1 D  illustrates a mobility walker  100  and components thereof, according to an example embodiment. The mobility walker  100  includes rear legs  110 , front legs  112 , front wheels  114  coupled to the front legs  112 , and handles  116 . The mobility walker  100  also includes leg-end module  120  that is coupled to rear legs  110 . In some regards, the leg-end modules  120  may be integrated with rear legs  110  and in some regards, the leg-end modules  120  may be removably coupled to rear legs  110 . The leg-end modules  120  are also considered to be leg components  120 . 
     At a distal end of the leg-end module  120 , a footing  122  is coupled to the leg-end module  120 . The footing  122  includes at least a base component  124 , a first surface  126 , and a second surface  128 . The first surface  126  and the second surface  128  may be constructed from materials that have at least one different physical characteristic than the other. For example, the first surface  126  may be constructed from a first material with a first hardness and a first coefficient of friction. The first surface  126  may be a felt or felt-like surface. The first surface  126  may be constructed from a material such that the first surface  126  reduces damage to a ground surface when the mobility walker  100  contacts the ground surface. For example, a ground surface may include a hard wood flooring or similar flooring that may be damages by impact from the mobility walker  100 . The first surface  126  may be selected from a variety of materials in order to limit or reduce potential damage to the flooring from the mobility walker  100 . The first surface  126  may be selected from materials to allow easier use of the mobility walker  100  indoors, for example. 
     The first surface  126  may include one or more layers that are constructed from a felt material or similar that is designed to wear down with time. The different layers are configured to allow the first surface  126  to indicate a certain amount of use or wear over time. In some regards, the first surface  126  is configured to provide visual feedback. Visual feedback may include an indication regarding an amount of wear of the first surface  126 . For example, the first surface  126  may have a first color initially as part of an outermost layer of the first surface  126 , and over time and use, the outermost layer may wear down such that a second layer is exposed and the second layer may have a second color or otherwise indicate a certain amount of wear on the first surface  126 . As such, in certain examples, the first surface  126  may indicate that it is time to change or replace the first surface  126 . The first surface  126  may include two or more layers, each of a different color. In some embodiments the first surface  126  may be tri-colored. 
     The first surface  126  may be press fit into the base  124  of the footing  122 . In one embodiment, the base  124  includes cavities  132  that allow access to the first surface  126  such that the first surface  126  can be removed and replaced. The first surface  126  may be replaced with a third surface, the third surface having similar properties as the first surface  126 . 
     The second surface may be constructed from a second material with a second hardness and a second coefficient of friction. The second surface  128  may be a plastic surface. The second surface  128  may be constructed from a material such that the second surface  128  allows the mobility walker  100  to move smoothly over rough or uneven ground surfaces. The second surface  128  may be selected from materials to allow easier use of the mobility walker  100  outdoors, for example. As such, it should be understood that the ground surface may be indoors or outdoors and include any of the variety of materials that an individual using the mobility walker  100  may encounter. 
     The second surface  128  may be harder and smoother than the first surface  126 . The first surface  126  may allow for smoother and lower impact use of the mobility walker  100  in certain environments with certain ground surfaces. The second surface  128  may allow for smoother use of the mobility walker  100  in certain environments with certain ground surfaces. The second surface  128  may not track or collect dirt or bacteria as easily as the first surface  126 . As such, the second surface  128  may also be used indoors in certain settings, such as in public or in bathrooms. In some examples, at least one of the first surface  126  or the second surface  128  may be constructed from or include an anti-microbial layer or material. 
     The footing  122  includes a hinge  130  between the first surface  126  and the second surface  128 . As such, the first surface  126  and the second surface  128  are moveable relative to one another.  FIGS.  1 A,  1 B, and  1 C  depicts the leg-end module  120  in a first configuration in which the first surface  126  is arranged or positioned to interface or otherwise contact (including but not limited to glide, slide, or otherwise move across) the ground surface.  FIG.  1 D  depicts the leg-end module  120  in a second configuration in which the second surface  128  is arranged or positioned to interface or otherwise contact the ground surface. In one example embodiment, the second surface  128  may rotate about an axis, such as the axis corresponding to the hinge  130 , such that the second surface  128  is positioned to contact the ground surface. 
     The base  124  of the footing  122  may include an extended portion  133 . The second surface  128  may include an extended portion  134  is that corresponds to the extended portion  133  of the base  124 . The extend portion  133  may have features, including a toe shape that couples to the extended portion  134  when the footing  122  is in the second configuration depicted in  FIG.  1 D , for example. The extended portion  134  of the second surface  128  may be accessible to a user of the mobility walker  100  to press the second surface  128  down and around to cover the first surface  126  when going from the first configuration to the second configuration, or release the second surface  128  and expose the first surface  126  when going from the second configuration to the first configuration. For example, the extended portion  134  may allow increase access to the footing  122  and interchanging the footing surface being utilized. 
     In other example embodiments, other footing components are contemplated and within the scope of the invention disclosed herein. For example,  FIGS.  2 A,  2 B,  2 C,  2 D,  3 A,  3 B , and  3 C depict a mobility walker system  200  with a wheel component footing. In some regards, the embodiments of  FIGS.  2 A,  2 B,  2 C,  2 D,  3 A,  3 B, and  3 C  may be preferable to the hinge footing because the mechanics of interchanging the first and second surfaces is more accessible to a person requiring help balancing and/or reduced coordination. 
     The mobility walker system  200  may include component and features similar to those of mobility walker  100  previously described. Similar components will be recognized to have similar functionality, even if not described expressly herein. Moreover, a person of skill in the art would recognize the interchangeability of components and understand that components of the mobility walker system  200  may be included as part of the walker  100 , and vice versa. 
     The mobility walker system  200  include a pair of back legs  210 , a pair of front legs  212 , a pair of front wheels  214  coupled to the front legs  212 , handles  216 , and at least one surface selector  218 . Leg-end modules  220  are coupled to the pair of back legs  210 . A footing or wheel  222  is coupled to the distal end of the leg-end modules  220 . Moreover, a first surface  226  and a second surface  228  are coupled to the leg-end modules  220 , and more particularly, coupled to an outer surface  224  of the wheel  222 . The first surface  226  may be coupled to the outer surface  224  of the wheel  222  at a first location, and the second surface  228  may be coupled to the outer surface  224  of the wheel  222  at a second location. 
     The mobility walker system  200  is designed to contact and move across a ground surface  240 . As described above, the ground surface  240  may be indoors, outdoors, and have a variety of characteristics dependent upon the given environment. A user of the mobility walker system  200  may utilize the surface selector  218  to choose between the first surface  226  and the second surface  228  to be the footing surface of the mobility walker system  200  dependent upon the ground surface  240 . Moreover, the first surface  226  may be similar and have similar characteristics and the first surface  126  of mobility walker  100 . The second surface  228  may be similar and have similar characteristics and the second surface  128  of mobility walker  100 . 
     In  FIG.  2 B , the second surface  228  is selected to be in contact with the ground  240 . To transition and interchange the first surface  226  for the second surface  228 , the surface selector  218  or similar release mechanism may be operated such that the wheel  222  is unlocked and allowed to rotate about the wheel axis. As the mobility walker system  200  is moved, the wheel  222  may be rotated as depicted in  FIGS.  2 C and  2 D  such that the first surface  226  comes into contact with the ground  240 . In this regard, the rear legs  210  do not need to be lifted off the ground in order to change the footing surface in contact with the ground. In some other examples, and in addition to or in place of the brake-like handle depicted, the surface selector  218  may include a button, a switch, a dial, or some other type of handle. The surface selector  218  may actively or passively cause the interchange from the first surface  226  with the second surface  228  or vice versa. Releasing a lock or locking mechanism may be an example of passively causing the interchange from the first surface  226  with the second surface  228  or vice versa by allowing the interchange. Actively causing the interchange may include components of a mechanism that forces the mechanical interchange of the first surface  226  with the second surface  228  or vice versa. 
       FIGS.  3 A- 3 C  depict additional details about the surface selector  218  and related components, in one example embodiment. Other known similar systems will be apparent to a person of skill in the art.  FIG.  3 A  depicts the inner side of the wheel  222 . As shown in  FIG.  3 A , the wheel  222  may include a first cavity  254  and a second cavity  252  and be configured to rotate about a wheel axis  250 . The first cavity  254  may correspond with the first surface  226 . As such the first cavity  254  may be located on an opposite side of the axis of rotation of the wheel  222  from the first surface  226 . More specifically, the first cavity may be located on an inner hub of the wheel  222  adjacent to the axis of the wheel  222 . Similarly, the second cavity  252  may correspond with the second surface  228 . As such the second cavity  252  may be located on an opposite side of the axis of rotation of the wheel  222  from the second surface  228 . 
     Continuing to  FIGS.  3 B and  3 C , a movable protrusion  256  and wheel axle  258  may be coupled to the leg-end module  220 . The moveable protrusion  256  is coupled to line  260 , which may be considered brake line  260 . The line  260  is coupled to the surface selector  218 . The moveable protrusion  256  is biased in an extended position such that the movable protrusion  256  is biased to engage either the first cavity  254  or the second cavity  252 . When the surface selector  218  is engaged, the protrusion  256  retracts into the tubing of the leg-end module  220  such that the wheel  222  is temporarily allowed to rotate. After being released, the protrusion  256  will extend into the next available cavity of the first cavity  254  and the second cavity  252  such that either the first surface  226  or the second surface  228  is locked into position. 
     The leg-end module  220  may removably coupled to the rear legs  210  via a telescope locking mechanism. As such the leg-end module  220  may include cavities  270  depicted in  FIG.  3 C  that would correspond to a retractable push button protrusion coupled as part of the rear legs  210 . The telescoping locking mechanism allows for attachment of various accessories to the rear legs of a mobility walker. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the outer surface of the wheel component is also the second surface, and there is no separate second surface material coupled to the wheel surface. In other words, the outer surface of the wheel is designed with the mechanical properties of the second surface. In other alternative embodiments, a footing component may include more than one first surfaces and/or second surfaces without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, a wheeled footing component may include two, separate first surfaces on opposite sides of a second surface. Or in other examples a third surface may be disposed on the footing, the third surface configured for use on a particular type of ground surface. 
     While various examples and embodiments have been disclosed, other examples and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various disclosed examples and embodiments are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.