Patent Publication Number: US-11648171-B2

Title: Mobility devices with transitional foot plates

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present specification generally relates to mobility devices for transporting a person and/or cargo and, more specifically, mobility devices having transitional foot plates to permit the mobility devices to be used as a walker. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Mobility devices such as, for example, scooters, walkers, wheelchairs, cargo transport devices, and the like, may be manually operated and/or powered. When manually operated, the mobility device is operated under a user&#39;s own force. For instance, the user may push the mobility device to transport cargo or use as a walker. When the mobility device is used as a wheelchair, the user may manually rotate the wheels of the mobility device to maneuver the mobility device. Further, these mobility devices may be powered to assist in transporting a user and/or cargo. As such, powered mobility devices may permit operation by both manual and powered operation to accommodate the different uses. 
     When these mobility devices are powered, at least one foot plate or platform may be provided for supporting a user or cargo when operating the mobility device as a scooter or cargo transport device. However, these foot plates or platforms typically prevent the user from manually operating the mobility device as a walker by being in the way of the user walking between side rails of the mobility device. Thus, the foot plates or platform must be moved out of the way to permit the user to walk between the mobility device. Further, these foot plates or platforms, even when utilized on a wheelchair, are typically sized to accommodate a person&#39;s feet to avoid taking up excess space and adding to the overall weight of the mobility device. As a result, the user is restricted to the location in which he or she can place his or her feet, as well as the size and amount of cargo that may be transported when the mobility device is used as a cargo transport device. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a mobility device is positionable between a powered transport position and a powered wheelchair position. The mobility device includes a frame including a pair of side rails having a first end and an opposite second end, a wheel provided proximate the first end and the second end of each of the pair of side rails, a distance between each wheel on a corresponding one of the pair of side rails defining a length of the mobility device, a pair of arms coupled to the first end of the pair of side rails, and a seat member positioned between the pair of arms. The mobility device further includes a pair of foot plates pivotally attached to the pair of side rails, each foot plate rotatable between an unfolded position in which the foot plate is horizontal and a folded position in which the foot plate is vertical, each foot plate has a length at least substantially equal to the length of the mobility device. 
     These and additional features provided by the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which: 
         FIG.  1    schematically depicts a mobility device in a transport position and including a pair of foot plates in an unfolded position, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG.  2    schematically depicts the mobility device in a walker position with the pair of foot plates in a folded position, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG.  3    schematically depicts the mobility device in a wheelchair position with the pair of foot plates in the unfolded position, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG.  4    schematically depicts a partial rear view of the mobility device with the pair of foot plates in the unfolded position, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and 
         FIG.  5    schematically depicts a partial rear view of the mobility device with the pair of foot plates in the folded position, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments described herein are directed to powered mobility devices that include foot plates pivotally attached to a frame and transitionable between an unfolded position for supporting a user and/or cargo thereon, and a folded position for allowing a user to walk between the frame of the mobility device and to be used as a walker. 
     The mobility device is positionable between a powered transport position and a powered wheelchair position. The mobility device generally includes a frame including a pair of side rails having a first end and a second end and a wheel provided proximate the first end and the second end of each side rail. A length of the mobility device is defined by a distance between each wheel on a corresponding side rail. The mobility device further includes a pair of arms extending from the first end of the pair of side rails, a seat member provided between the pair of arms, and a pair of foot plates pivotally attached to the pair of side rails. Each foot plate is rotatable between an unfolded position in which the foot plate is horizontal and a folded position in which the foot plate is vertical. Each foot plate has a length at least substantially equal to the length of the mobility device. 
     As used herein, the term “longitudinal direction” refers to the forward-rearward direction of the mobility device (i.e., in the +/−Y direction of the coordinate axes depicted in  FIG.  1   ). The term “lateral direction” refers to the cross direction (i.e., in the +/−X direction of the coordinate axes depicted in  FIG.  1   ), and is transverse to the longitudinal direction. The term “vertical direction” refers to the upward-downward direction of the mobility device (i.e., in the +/−Z direction of the coordinate axes depicted in  FIG.  1   ). As used herein, “upper” and “above” are defined as the positive Z direction of the coordinate axes shown in the drawings. “Lower” and “below” are defined as the negative Z direction of the coordinate axes shown in the drawings. 
     Various embodiments of the mobility devices and the operation of the mobility devices are described in more detail herein. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , a mobility device  10  is illustrated according to one or more embodiments described herein. The mobility device  10  is positionable in at least a transport position ( FIG.  1   ), to be used as a scooter or cargo transport device, a walker position ( FIG.  2   ), and a wheelchair position ( FIG.  3   ). It should be appreciated that the mobility device  10  may be positionable in other positions, not discussed herein, such as, for example, a storage position. Further, it should be appreciated that the mobility device  10  may be powered, i.e., at least partially self-propelled, by a power source such as, for example, a battery or solar-powered. The power source may facilitate operation of the mobility device  10  including transitioning between the different positions disclosed herein. 
     With reference to  FIG.  1   , the mobility device  10  includes a frame  12  including at least one side rail  14 . In embodiments, the mobility device  10  may include a pair of side rails  14  with each side rail  14  having a first end  16  and an opposite second end  18 . Each side rail  14  may include a pair of wheels  20  with one wheel, i.e., front wheel, provided proximate the first end  16  and another wheel, i.e., rear wheel, provided proximate the second end  18  of the side rail  14 . The wheels  20  of the mobility device  10  may be powered many any suitable gears and motors, not discussed in detail herein, for moving the mobility device  10  along a floor surface. The wheels  20  may also may be permitted to be manually operated when the mobility device  10  is pushed to reduce energy consumption. The mobility device  10  has a length L M  defined by a distance between the pair of wheels  20  of a corresponding side rail  14  and extending in the +/−Y direction of the coordinate axes depicted in the drawings. Similarly, the mobility device  10  has a width W M  defined by a distance between opposite rear wheels  20  or opposite front wheels  20  and extending in the +/−X direction of the coordinate axes depicted in the drawings. 
     The frame  12  further includes an arm  22  extending proximate the first end  16  of each side rail  14 . Each arm  22  has a first end  24  and an opposite second end  26 . In embodiments, the first end  24  of each arm  22  is rotatably attached to the first end  16  of a corresponding one of the side rails  14  and positionable between at least an upright position, as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , and an intermediate position, as shown in  FIG.  3   . In embodiments, the first end  24  of the arm  22  may be rotatably coupled to the first end  16  of the side rail  14  either directly or indirectly by a coupling member  28  allowing the arm  22  to rotate between the upright position and the intermediate position relative to the side rail  14 . 
     Each arm  22  may include a handle portion  30 , which may include at least one control member  32  for operating the mobility device  10  such as, for example, powering on or off the mobility device  10 , controlling a speed and/or direction of the mobility device  10 , and transitioning between operating positions of the mobility device  10 . The control member  32  may include at least one switch, button, or the like for controlling the mobility device  10 . 
     Further, as discussed in more detail herein, the frame  12  of the mobility device  10  may include a seat member  34  provided between the pair of arms  22  and rotatable relative to the pair of arms  22 . The seat member  34  may be positionable between at least a stowed position, as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , and a use position, as shown in  FIG.  3   . When in the use position, the seat member  34  forms a seat having a seat surface  36  extending horizontal for supporting a user when the mobility device  10  is in the wheelchair position. 
     The mobility device  10  further includes a pair of foot plates  38 . Each foot plate  38  is coupled to a corresponding one of the pair of side rails  14  and rotatably attached thereto. Each foot plate  38  has a front end  40 , an opposite rear end  42 , a first or inner side  44 , an opposite second or outer side  46 , a first or upper surface  48 , and an opposite second or lower surface  50 . At least one hinge  52 , described in more detail herein, may be provided for rotatably attaching each foot plate  38  to a corresponding side rail  14 . As shown in  FIG.  2   , in embodiments, each foot plate  38  may include a pair of hinges  52 , such as a front hinge and a rear hinge, for rotatably attaching the foot plate  38  to a corresponding side rail  14 . As such, the foot plates  38  are operable between an unfolded or horizontal position, as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  3   , and a folded or upright position, as shown in  FIG.  2   . When the foot plates  38  are in the unfolded position, the upper surface  48  faces an upward direction and the lower surface  50  faces an opposite downward direction. When the foot plates  38  are in the folded position, the upper surface  48  faces a corresponding side rail  14  to which it is rotatably coupled and the lower surface  50  faces away from the corresponding side rail  14  and toward the opposite side rail  14 . 
     In embodiments, a plurality of apertures  54  may be formed in each of the foot plates  38  extending through the upper surface  48  and the lower surface  50  of the foot plates  38  to allow fluid and debris to pass through the foot plates  38 . This prevents fluid and debris from collecting on the upper surface  48  of the foot plates  38 . In embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  1   , each foot plate  38  may include a restraint member  56  such as, for example, a strap, buckle, or the like for securing an object or cargo to the upper surface  48  of the foot plates  38 . The restraint member  56  may be detachably connected to the foot plates  38 , extend from any suitable location of the foot plates  38 , and have an adjustable length. In other embodiments, the restraint member  56  may extend from the side rails  14  as opposed to the foot plates  38  themselves. In embodiments, each foot plate  38  includes a one-piece, monolithic structure extending from the front end  40 , the rear end  42 , the inner side  44 , and the outer side  46 . 
     Each foot plate  38  has a length L F  defined by a distance between the front end  40  and the rear end  42  of the foot plate  38  and extending in the +/−Y direction of the coordinate axes depicted in the drawings. Similarly, each foot plate  38  has a width W F  defined by a distance between the inner side  44  and the outer side  46  and extending in the +/−X direction of the coordinate axes depicted in the drawings. As shown, the length L F  of the foot plates  38  is at least substantially equal to the length L M  of the mobility device  10 . As used herein, the term “substantially” is understood to mean more than 50%. As such, in embodiments, the length L F  of the foot plates  38  is more than 50% of the length L M  of the mobility device  10 . In embodiments, the length L F  of the foot plates  38  is at least 75% of the length L M  of the mobility device  10 . In embodiments, the length L F  of the foot plates  38  is at least 90% of the length L M  of the mobility device  10 . In embodiments, the length L F  of the foot plates  38  is greater than the length L M  of the mobility device  10 . By providing the foot plates  38  having a length L F  that is at least substantially as long as the length L M  of the mobility device  10 , a user or cargo being supported on the foot plates  38  may be permitted to be positioned along a greater portion of the length L M  of the mobility device  10  than would otherwise be provided by typical, commercial supports. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1   , when the foot plates  38  are in the unfolded position, the total width W FT  of the foot plates  38 , which is the sum of the width W F  of both foot plates  38 , is substantially equal to the width W M  of the mobility device  10 . In embodiments, the total width W FT  of the foot plates  38  is more than 50% of the width W M  of the mobility device  10 . In embodiments, the total width W FT  of the foot plates  38  is at least 75% of the width of the mobility device. In embodiments, the total width W FT  of the foot plates is at least 90% of the width of the mobility device. By providing the pair of foot plates having a total width W FT  substantially equal to the width W M  of the mobility device  10 , the risk of a person stepping between the inner side  44  of each foot plate  38 , or cargo falling between the inner side  44  of each foot plate  38 , is reduced or substantially eliminated. 
     When in the unfolded position, the foot plates  38  are configured to support a user and/or cargo being transported. Thus, in embodiments, the foot plates  38  are configured to support at least 100 pounds. In embodiments, when in the unfolded position, the foot plates  38  are configured to support at least 200 pounds. In embodiments, when in the unfolded position, the foot plates  38  are configured to support at least 300 pounds. 
     As described in more detail herein, each foot plate  38  may be manually operated to position the foot plates  38  between the unfolded position and the folded position. However, in embodiments, the foot plates  38  may include any suitable powered mechanism such as, for example, a motor or actuator, for automatically positioning the foot plates  38  between the unfolded position and the folded position. When the foot plates  38  are powered, the foot plates  38  may be operated by utilizing the control member  32  on the handle portion  30  each arm  22 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  3   , the mobility device  10  is shown in the wheelchair position. When in the wheelchair position, the arms  22  are rotated in a rearward direction toward the second end  18  of the side rails  14  and the seat member  34  is rotated to form a seat on which a user may seated. When in the wheelchair position, it should be appreciated that the foot plates  38  extend below the seat member  34  such that the foot plates  38  overlap the seat member  34 , specifically the seat surface  36 , in the +/−Z direction of the coordinate axes depicted in the drawings. The foot plates  38  may be used for supporting the feet of a user seated in the mobility device  10  and further support cargo positioned on the foot plates  38  under the seat member  34 . This differs from conventional wheelchairs having foot supports, which do not extend under a seat of the wheelchair. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  4  and  5   , a non-limiting example of a securing mechanism  58  for rotatably coupling the foot plates  38  to the side rails  14  and securing the foot plates  38  in the folded position is shown. It should be understood that the foot plates  38  may be rotatably coupled to the side rails  14  in a manner different from that illustrated by  FIGS.  4  and  5   . As shown in  FIG.  4   , the foot plates  38  are in the unfolded position and extend across at least substantially the entire width W M  of the mobility device  10 . In embodiments, each side rail  14  includes an inner portion  60  and a bracket  62  fixed to the inner portion  60  and extending in an inwardly direction toward an opposite side rail  14 . The bracket  62  may be an L-shape having a first leg  64  and a second leg  66  extending from an end of the first leg  64 . Thus, a channel  68  may be provided between the second leg  66  of the bracket  62  and the inner portion  60  of the side rail  14  for receiving a corresponding foot plate  38  when in the folded position, as described in more detail herein. In embodiments, the second leg  66  of the bracket  62  has a first locking member  70  such as, for example, a hook, clasp, or the like. The hinge  52  has a first hinge segment  72  and a second hinge segment  74 , pivotally attached to one another, and hingedly couples a foot plate  38  to a corresponding bracket  62 . In embodiments, the first hinge segment  72  includes a second locking member  76  such as, for example, a hook, clasp, or the like for engaging the first locking member  70  when the foot plate  38  is rotated into the folded positioned in the direction of arrow A 2  and lowered into the channel  68  in the direction of arrows B 2 , as shown in  FIG.  5   . It should be appreciated that when the foot plate  38  is in the folded position, the foot plate  38  is positionable between an unlocked state in which the foot plate  38  is raised in the direction of arrow B 1  and the first locking member  70  does not engage the second locking member  76 , and a locked state in which the foot plate  38  is lowered in the direction of arrow B 2  and the first locking member  70  engages the second locking member  76 . 
     In embodiments, the foot plate  38  may be prohibited from being positioned in the unfolded position when the foot plate  38  is lowered into the channel  68  without the use of the first locking member  70  and the second locking member  76 . Specifically, when the foot plate  38  is lowered into the channel  68 , the hinge  52  may be prohibited from rotating against the second leg  66  of the bracket  62  and into the unfolded position based on a pivot point between the first hinge segment  72  and the second hinge segment  74  being below a top of the second leg  66  of the bracket  62 . Lifting the hinge  52  in the direction of arrow B 1  allows the second hinge segment  74  to rotate in the direction of arrow A 1  over the top of the second leg  66  of the bracket  62  and position the foot plate  38  in the unfolded position. 
     As discussed herein, the foot plates  38  may be manually operated or powered to be positioned between the unfolded position and the folded position. When manually operated, a user may lift each foot plate  38  in the direction of arrows B 1  and rotate the foot plates  38  in the direction of arrows A 1  to position the foot plates  38  in the unfolded position. The first locking member  70  and the second locking member  76  may be automatically disengaged when the foot plate  38  is lifted or, in embodiments, may require manual disengagement prior to lifting the foot plate  38 . Similarly, the foot plates  38  may be positioned back into the folded position by rotating the foot plates  38  in the direction of arrows A 2  and lowering the foot plates  38  in the direction of arrows B 2 . Thereafter, the first locking member  70  and the second locking member  76  may automatically engage one another to lock the foot plates  38  in the folded position or, in embodiments, be manually engaged. 
     From the above, it is to be appreciated that defined herein is a mobility device positionable between at least a powered transport position and a powered wheelchair position, including a pair of foot plates positionable between an unfolded position and a folded position. The pair of foot plates each have a length at least substantially equal to a length of the mobility device. Providing the pair of foot plates having a length at least substantially equal to a length of the mobility device allows for cargo to be stored under a seat member of the mobility device when in the powered wheelchair position, and allows a user or cargo to be supported along a substantial length of the mobility device when in the powered transport position and the foot plates are in the unfolded position. 
     It is noted that the terms “substantially” and “about” may be utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue. 
     While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.