Abstract:
An apparatus that mounts in a horizontal disposition on the frame member(s) of a knee scooter for the transportation of goods between locations. The apparatus is a generally rectangular main body member having recesses in the top surface thereof of various shapes for the lodging of articles in the recesses for the retention thereof during the operation of the knee scooter. Straps are provided for the retention of articles that are not disposed in the recesses, but instead will rest on the top surface of the apparatus, such as books or a newspaper for carrying same from place #1 to place #2. The apparatus is removably mounted to the frame member(s) of the scooter by medium size spring type grip clips or a clamp formed form a bar held by machine screws. Anti-torque attachments mountable facing forward are also shown.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This patent application relates to an apparatus, which is removably mountable on a knee scooter for retaining and transporting articles while a person is utilizing a knee scooter. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Knee scooters also known as knee walkers are a relatively new invention. These are wheeled devices that provide a means of mobility to persons with single leg issues, such as broken toes, dislocated ankles, broken bones below the knee, etc. The user bends the injured leg at the knee and then rests the area between the knee and the ankle of the bad leg on the knee support, which is generally a rectangular shaped pillow attached to a height adjusting rod, which in turn is attached to the superstructure of the knee walker. 
     The apparatus of this invention came about because one of the applicants had a fractured right ankle and did not want to use crutches to get around. He knows of the existence of a knee walker from others who had had ankle and toe problems. The mobility apparatus used by the applicant is the subject matter of U.S. Pat. No. 7,780,180 issued to John Hoepner et al and marketed by Essential Medical Supply, Inc. of Orlando Fla. Yet another patented knee walker is that of Gomes et al found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,287,767. Yet another style of knee walker is the unit designated as the Weill knee walker invented by Dr. Lowell Weill of the Chicago area. This unit has an available basket that mounts on the up tube of the walker, which offers limited carrying capability. 
     The Hoepner apparatus as marketed is just fine for mobility. That is, it works as needed for moving from point A to point B. Or from getting out of a vehicle to the time of seating at a restaurant. Other knee scooters such as the one forming the subject matter of U.S. Pat. No. 7,938,413 issued to Michael Anderson issued on May 10, 2011 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,348,288 issued Jan. 8, 2013 to Thomas Laughon, suffer from the same limitation in that the carrying of articles thereon is next to impossible. 
     The distributors of the Hoepner apparatus supply a small vinyl bag that attaches to the handlebar and hangs vertically in front of the main vertical tube. It is suitable for carrying fruit or other small items for lunch or small items from a grocer. Applicant Jacobs did not have such a bag, as the medical supply company that rented the unit did not provide one. Applicant Jacobs discovered that there was a need for a way to transport kitchen items, such as silverware and plates, and milk cartons, and other items from the refrigerator to the table while still being able to drive and steer around such items as a kitchen island, and chairs either occupied or not occupied by other persons. Baskets and bags that were accessories sold for knee scooters were not a satisfactory answer. 
     Not only was there a need for carrying kitchen items, but it was quickly discovered that it would be beneficial to be able to transport other items such as a pen, a book, a cell phone or land line house phone. It was later discovered that students with football or soccer injuries needed a means of carrying their books as they went from classroom to classroom in a high school or college environment. Once these needs were understood, the applicants decided to create an apparatus to fill these needs. That is they set out to create an apparatus for carrying various items from one location to another on a knee scooter. 
     It is to be seen that the terms knee walker and knee scooter are used interchangeably. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention as noted relates to an apparatus that mounts in a horizontal disposition on the frame member(s) of a knee scooter for the transportation of various goods from one location to another. The apparatus is a generally rectangular member having recesses therein of various shapes for the lodging of articles in the recesses for retention of the articles during the operation of the knee scooter. Straps are provided for the retention of articles that will rest on the top surface of the apparatus, such as books or a newspaper for carrying same from place #1 to place #2. The apparatus is removably mounted to the frame member(s) of the scooter by medium size grip clips made by Lehigh Consumer Products LLC and sold under the Crawford brand. Other sources of such spring type clips are also available in the marketplace. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B  are rear elevational views of a user operating a prior art knee scooter, where in the right foot is the injured foot in  FIG. 1A  and the left foot is the injured foot in  FIG. 1B . 
         FIG. 2  is a closeup view of an injured foot with a “walking boot” thereon resting on the seat portion of a prior art knee walker. The boot is not related to the invention of this application. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the Hoepner et al prior art knee scooter. 
         FIG. 4  is a closeup view of a portion of the steering mechanism of a prior art knee walker. 
         FIG. 5  is a closeup view of the Hoepner et al knee scooter with the invention of this application mounted thereon. 
         FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of the first embodiment of this invention mounted on a knee scooter. 
         FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of the first embodiment hereof. 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom perspective view of the first and second embodiments of this invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom front view of this apparatus, showing the optional external retention straps. 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom right perspective of the apparatus of this invention with the optional book straps thereon. 
         FIG. 11  is a bottom left perspective of the apparatus of this invention with the optional book straps thereon. 
         FIG. 12  is a top view showing the first embodiment in mounted position, carrying a calculator and a cordless land line phone. 
         FIG. 13  is top view showing various items of mail laying flat on the apparatus of this invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a left side perspective view showing the first embodiment in mounted disposition carrying a pen and a land line cordless phone. 
         FIG. 15  shows the first embodiment carrying a square bottom milk jug and a round bottom water bottle. 
         FIG. 16  is a closeup view of the first embodiment carrying a small square bottom milk container. 
         FIG. 17  is a top view of the apparatus of this invention carrying a dinner plate and silverware. 
         FIG. 18  is a top perspective view of the second embodiment of this invention. 
         FIG. 19  is an exploded view showing one method of construction of the devices of this invention, though illustrating only the first embodiment 
         FIG. 20  illustrates an alternative means of mounting the apparatus to the tubes of knee scooter using strap members. 
         FIG. 21  is an end view depicting a variant of the mounting means for the platform of this invention on a two tube bodied knee scooter. 
         FIG. 22  is an end view depicting a variant of the mounting means for the platform of this invention on a single tube bodied knee scooter. 
         FIGS. 23 and 24  are perspective views each of which depict an alternative additional retaining means to prevent the device of this invention from moving from a horizontal plane after mounting on the tube(s) of a knee scooter. 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of a minor modification of the first embodiment of this invention for mounting on the Drive Medical model 790D knee scooter of the prior art. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       FIG. 1 , has a part A wherein the rider is shown using the prior art knee scooter of U.S. Pat. No. 8,348,788, wherein the right leg is the injured leg and as such is shown disposed on the kneepad  115  of the scooter  100 . In  FIG. 1B , it is just the opposite, the injured leg is the left leg and it shown disposed on the kneepad  115  of knee scooter  100 . 
       FIG. 2  is a view unrelated to the invention, showing an injured foot in what is called a protective walking boot—also a prior art item—resting on the kneepad  115  of a prior art scooter  100 . The purpose of this view is to illustrate the appliance worn by one of the applicants of this application that necessitated the use of the prior art knee scooter that led to the invention of this patent application due to limited mobility 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a typical prior art knee scooter, namely the one of U.S. Pat. No. 7,780,180. The text of that US issued patent is incorporated herein by reference. Thus only a brief discussion will be set out of the construction of such a knee walker. The apparatus is seen to have spaced front wheels on an axle, forming a front wheel assembly  106 , attached to a steering mechanism  107  in  FIG. 4  that allows the front wheels to turn left and right like those of an automobile. The rear wheels are on a fixed axle (rear wheel assembly  102 ) and move only in a straight line. Steering is manually controlled from the handle bar and the steering mount  108 , whose movement directionally is mimicked by the front wheels. A vertical height adjustable shaft  105  seen also in  FIG. 5  is disposed between the frame members  101  and is connected to the handle bars and other elements for steering the scooter. The frame comprises a pair of inverted U-shaped parallel tubular members,  101  A and  101 B which are disposed on one end to a front frame cross member that extends laterally outwardly from the frame and on the other end to a rear frame member and wheel assembly  102  that also extends laterally outwardly therefrom. A knee cushion  115 , is adjustably upwardly supported on the upper side of said frame. Reference is also made to  FIG. 4  a closeup view which also shows some of these elements as ell as  FIG. 5 . Elements  108  and  109  will be discussed infra. 
     For the invention at hand the reader only needs to be concerned about the frame, the knee cushion and vertical tube  105 . In  FIG. 5 , the relative positioning of the apparatus of this invention is seen when mounted for use on the scooter  100 , relative to the knee pillow  115 . Other elements of the scooter have been discussed supra. 
     In  FIG. 6  we see the first embodiment of this invention. The apparatus  10 , is generally rectangular in cross section, and is about 13 inches wide and about 11 inches long from front to rear. Length is intended to mean the dimension of the inventive unit between the front and back wheels of the scooter, while width is the transverse dimension across the frame of the scooter. The height of the unit is preferably about 1.75 inches, measured at the circumferential raised rim  13  which is raised up about 0.5 inches above the top surface  12 . Thus general elevation of the main body  15 , is about one inch from bottom to top surface. 
     Apparatus  10  is seen to have a series of defined recesses on its upper surface and a raised rim  13  along the entire periphery of the storage platform of this invention. The left front corner has a first recess  29 , formed in the shape of a chamfered square, about 4.25×4.25 inches in cross section of 4 normally disposed strips of wood,  28  or molded as a unitary member 0.625 inches wide and about 0.5 inch down from the top surface  12  of the apparatus. This first recess  29  is sized to hold a ½ gallon carton of milk or juice within the recess on the surface of the strips. 
     A second concentric square recess  30  is sized about 3.0 inches×3.0 inches and is disposed at a lower second level from the top surface  12 . Square  30  is formed from the vertical edges of the strips  28  or molding and is intended due to its size, either a one quart cardboard container or a ½ pint cream size container. Since there are small vertical surfaces between the different recess depths, the properly sized containers will stay within the confines of their recess for transportation from refrigerator to table and back. 
     On the right side of the first embodiment there are two concentric circular recesses. Circular recess  31  is formed of an approximately 0.375″ circular strip about 0.25 inch deep, and is about 3.50 inches in cross section and designated  32 ; while the lower surface concentric circle therein is about 2.625 inches in diameter. These are sized to receive common household jars and cups and coffee mugs. It is within the scope of this invention to have a third concentric circle of an even smaller diameter, at a third level down from top surface  12 , such as to hold an espresso cup or a jar from such products as instant coffee. Likewise a third concentric square recess of even smaller diameter is also envisioned at a third level down. 
     A preferably diagonally disposed trough  33 , about 0.75 inches to 1.0 inches in the small dimension and about 7 inches long by about 0.25 to 0.75 inches deep is intended to hold a pen or pencil or a single piece of flatware such as a butter knife or steak knife. If made smaller than 7 inches in length, the trough  33  could also be disposed parallel to the front wall  13 F of the rim  13 . 
     Rear recess  36  is disposed downwardly to the second level and may have chamfered corners for its rectangular shape. This recess is about ⅜ ths inch deep and measures between 8 inches and 10 inches in width parallel to front wall  13 F, and about 3.0 to 3.5 inches in length. This large well  36  is intended for reception of a land line or cell phone, or several items of flat ware, or even the base of a small plate such as a saucer. It is within the skill of the art to determine what other items one might want to carry in this large well  36 / 
     As mentioned earlier the rim  13  is raised up above the top level  12 . This is done to permit large items, both flat and non flat, to lie on the top surface  12  and be transported without fear of falling off. The raised edge of  13  acts like a guard to retain items on the surface  12 . 
     Mounted on the left side wall  16  and on the right side wall—but not visible in  FIG. 6  are a pair of hook and loop closure straps,  22  and  24 . These are each retained on one end, at about the midpoint of the sidewall  16  by a one or more screws  25 , as is seen in  FIG. 8 . The other end of each strap is matingly engaged to a tab  26  of the opposite gender self adhesive hook and loop material, of which Velcro® is the most well known brand, attached to the front wall  20 . Usually the tab is the hook portion and the loop portion of the strap is the end having the loop connections capability. 
     Note how the platform  10  of this invention is disposed beneath and forwardly of the pillow  115  such that all items placed on the storage platform  10  can be easily accessed. In  FIG. 7 , a top slightly perspective view thereof, the depth  11  which is the difference in elevation between the top of the rim  13  and the upper or top surface  12  can be readily seen. 
       FIG. 8  is a bottom perspective view wherein strap  22  the left strap is seen on the right side of the figure. A series of 4 medium size grip clips  39 A,  39 B,  39  C, and  39  D marketed under the Crawford brand by Lehigh Consumer Products LLC of Macungie, Penna and available at Ace and other hardware stores, are seen to be attached to the underside of the apparatus  10 . Note that the R and L are for the convenience of the reader and set out the side of the unit when viewed from the top. The four clips are mounted such that  39 C the left side forward clip is disposed rearwardly of right front clip  39 A, while the two rear clips  39 B and  39 D are in alignment parallel to the rear wall  21  of the apparatus. The reason for the disposition configuration is that by placing  39 C rearwardly, yet aligned with  39 D to ensure mountability to left tube  101 , the screw used to hold  39 C is able to be driven into an area where there are no troughs or recesses, thus ensuring a good grasping hold for the mounting screw. Clips  39 A and  39 B are in a line and evenly spaced apart laterally from  39 C and  39  D to ensure that all 4 clips will fit onto the two parallel tubes  101 A—right and  101 B—left of the frame of the scooter. While 4 clips is preferred, 2 clips, one per tube will work also. It is believed that there are other manufacturers of similar clips in the marketplace. 
       FIG. 9  is a bottom front perspective view of this apparatus. The two straps  24  and  22  are both seen to be removingly attached to front tab  26  on wall  19  B of the rim  13 , such as to be out of the way when not in use over the top of the apparatus, thus ensuring that they do not interfere with forward movement of the scooter should they be left dangling down. 
       FIG. 10  is a bottom right side perspective view showing right strap  24  retained by screw  25  on the side wall  19 B of the rim  13 . The disposition of the clips has already been discussed. Note however that the positioning of the clips is NOT critical, in that they need not be at any specific location along the mounting line that permits mounting on the two frame tubes of the scooter. The only critical dimension is the lateral spacing to ensure the mating engagement with the frame tubes. 
       FIG. 11  is a view similar to  FIG. 10  but taken on the opposite side of the apparatus and as such strap  22  the left strap is seen attached by screw  25 . However here, the strap has been moved forwardly to connect to the tab  26  as discussed supra. 
       FIGS. 11-17  inclusive are all present to illustrate how various types of everyday goods may be carried on this apparatus by the scooter user. In  FIG. 12 , a calculator  70  is seen partially disposed in square recess  30  below the rim  13 , while a land line phone is resting neatly within rear trough  36 . Whereas in  FIG. 13 , a % gallon milk jug is seen resting in the larger square recess  28  on strip  29 , while the water bottle  73  rests in the smaller circular recess  34  below the strip  32  that defines the upper larger circular recess. 
     In  FIG. 14 , a small ½ pint of half and half is seen disposed in the smaller square recess  30  with strip  28  which defines the to recesses acting as a retainer barrier. In  FIG. 15  a large (12 inch) dinner plate and accompanying flatware  75  are seen resting on top surface  12  and over the edge of the rim  13 . Even so disposed, the plate can be safely transported to the dinner table without fear of spillage, should it be filled with food. 
       FIG. 16  shows today&#39;s assorted mail articles resting on the top surface  12  of the apparatus, while in  FIG. 17  a conventional ball pen  77  is resting in the deep angled trough  38 . Again the land line phone  71  or equally well a cell phone could be, disposed in the elongated rear trough  36 . 
       FIG. 18  is a top plan view of a second embodiment of this apparatus  110 . This embodiment is laid out differently from the first embodiment. Here at the forward end of the apparatus  121  on the left is a large square recess  129  and to the right thereof in this top plan view a second smaller square recess is seen,  130 . Each of these have only a single level recess, and can be used for carrying the same items discussed for the square recesses of the first embodiment. In the center is a dual level round recess of concentric circles duplication the elements  31 ,  32  and  34  but in the 100 series, wherein similar numbers refer to like parts. These concentric circular recesses can be used to transport, jelly jars, water bottles, among other consumables, and even cups or mugs that fit within either of the two recesses. In the rear right hand corner of the platform  110  is a different retainer means not discussed previously, designated  130 . This retainer has a metal or plastic plate  131  disposed over a flexible strap  132 . The plate is screwed down or other wise attached to the surface of the top surface  112 , and the flexible strap of any length is fixedly disposed under the plate as by screws or glue. The portion of the flexible strap  132  not under the plate has an unseen male portion of a snap connector that can releasably matingly engage a fixed female portion of a snap connector disposed at a location on surface  12  where engagement can transpire. Being flexible, such as of a polymeric material or fabric, strap  132  can retain all types of small items tightly against the surface  12 . Among such items are pill bottles, pens, pencils, the handle of a magnifying glass, a glasses case and many other useful objects. Since a rim is optional it is shown only in part on the left front to rear edge of the platform  121 . If present the rim would be similar to rim  13  of the first embodiment and would be raised above the top surface  112 . 
     While quite a few modes of attachment of the main body to the tubes of a knee scooter will be shown, other modes of attachment available in the marketplace are contemplated well. Also, since certain brands of prior art scooters only have a single body tube, only 1 set of front and rear mounting means would be required for such scooters. Though front retainers as discussed infra may be employed for added stability to prevent pivoting of the device. 
     The main body as in the exploded view of  FIG. 19  of the apparatus may be made of various layers of wood, glued, screwed or nailed together, which body would be strong and not easily dislodge. In addition, the body could be made by injection molding of various thermo plastics, as well as by roll molding. Reference is made to  FIG. 19 , which illustrates how 3 separate layers, “A”, “B”, &amp; “C”. of wood or hard plastic can be glued or screwed together to create the first embodiment of the invention. The method is equally applicable to the second embodiment. 
     In this method, of construction, there are three layers or segments; namely A, B, and C, which are shown apart prior to gluing or screwing of one to the other with B in between A &amp; C. The assembly by screwing is deemed conventional with a set of screws passing from beneath segment C through B and into A, or in reverse, from A, through b into C; or a set of countersunk screws going through from the bottom of B segment into A segment and a second set of screws going from the bottom of B into segment A. 
     Segment A is comprised of upper platform  50  with its cutouts and trough as described supra, connected to the rim here designated  51 . This rim is the same rim as designated  13  in other figures. Platform  50  may be abutted to the surface of rim  50 , or a slot,  53 , may be routed out such as is shown in rim section  52  in the same FIGURE, into which slot  53 , segment  50  may be inset for greater strength. Of course it is to be recognized that for ease and convenience of the reader and illustration, two sections of the rim  51  are not shown attached. Thus the renumbering of the rim. 
     Segment  52  is seen to be a platform with 3 openings there through, Segment B is sized the same as segment A if segment A is butt fitted, if not it is slightly smaller so as be butt fitted within the confines of the rim  51 . Of course the sections of the rim not shown in A can be added after A and B are fastened together. Platform C which is segment  53  can also be sized to fit within the confines of the rim, or the rim can only retain platforms A and B with segment C overlying both platform B and the underside of the rim. Thus there are various permutations of how to assemble the invention of this application, all of which are deemed conventional and within the scope of this invention. 
     The main body could also be made by molding polyurethane elastomer or some other filled polymer into the desired shape in one piece or the rim could be attached to a sandwich of platforms A, B, and C, as may prove most cost effective in manufacture. 
     While the spring clips mentioned above are the primary mode of attachment to the tubes of the commercial knee scooter, other modes of attachment are also contemplated.  FIG. 20  is an exploded perspective view showing two segments, “B” &amp; “C” of the main body of the apparatus and illustrates the use of boltable plates to act as clamp devices mounted to the under side of the main body  15 . In the version of embodiment #1 shown here, the upper layer as seen in  FIG. 20 , is not shown for ease of understanding. Also only 1 such clamping means  49  is shown. 
     Clamping means  49  consists of passing through segment “C” a pair of spaced flathead machine screws  55  that are placed through screw apertures  56 , prior to attachment of segment B to segment C, which screws  55  when placed through apertures  57   a  in plate  57  and then tightened rest against the tubes  101 A and  101 B by wing nuts  58  tightly retain the platform to the two tubes. It should also be noted that it is contemplated that machine screws  55  could be placed through a pre-made sandwich of segments ‘A”, “B” &amp; “C’ at suitable locations as well. Use of this clamping means  49  instead of the spring clips will provide a more permanent, yet removable, mounting of the apparatus to the two parallel tubes  101  A &amp; B. Indeed, the clamping means shown in  FIG. 20 , can be used alone singly with one pair of grip clips—not seen in  FIG. 20 , or two spaced clamping means  49  may be employed or clamping means  49  may be employed a supplement to the two pairs of grip clips  39 . 
       FIG. 21  is a rear view showing the clamp means  49  mounted to a two tube knee scooter&#39;s tubes. Here however, an optional sheet of rubber  59  is shown glued or other wise secured to the underside of segment “C” and interposed against the two tubes. The rubber sheet may be 1/16 to ⅛th inch thick and serves to add friction to help prevent movement of the device relative to the tubes.  FIG. 22  is related to  FIG. 21  but shows a prior art single tube scooter&#39;s tube retained in like manner as in  FIG. 21 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 3 , element  109  is a lower steering tube, and element  108  is an upright retention means, which when loosened, allows steering column  105  to tilt downwardly toward the knee pad  115  for compact storage in a vehicle. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 23 and 24 , two modes of preventing pivoting of the mounted device, particularly on single tube scooters are shown. In both of these FIGURES all but one of the grip clips have been omitted for ease of illustration as have two straps  22 , 24 . In  FIG. 23 , a first anti-rotational means, namely a broom clip such as one sold under the Crawford brand by Leheigh Consumer Products LLC or any other conventional broom clip  61 , can be attached as by screws  62 , through suitable bores to the front wall  20  of device  10  to snap around lower steering tube, so as to still permit the tube to rotate as in some model scooters, while providing an anti-torque means to prevent pivoting of the removably mounted device. 
       FIG. 24  illustrates another anti-torque means,  64 . This second anti-torque means employs a bored block of metal or plastic  65  which is mounted by screws  65  to the bottom of device  10  and which has a threaded U-bolt  66  passing through the bores unseen. This U-bolt may be loosely tightened around lower steering tube  109 —per FIG.  3 —by wing nuts  67  to provide an anti rotational force on device  10  to keep it in a true horizontal plane. Either of these anti-rotational means can be employed with either the clamping mode of attachment or the grip clip mode of attachment to both single and double tube knee scooters. 
     When applicant Jacobs had a fractured ankle he used the two tube scooter made by Essential Medical Supply as illustrated in the drawings of this application. Drive Medical of Port Washington N.Y. sells a prior art knees cooter, model 790 that has two arcuate tubes. See  FIG. 25 . Therefore to permit either embodiment of the platform of this invention to be employed with that scooter it is necessary to interpose a suitably sized sizing block,  41  between the underside of the device and the front set of grip clips. See  FIG. 10 . Sizing block  41  would be screwed or otherwise attached to the underside of the platform and the grip clips would be mounted thereon. It is within the skill of the art to determine the dimensions of the sizing block  41  for this or any other arcuate tube knee scooter. 
     It is seen that we have a devised a series of storage platforms that can be mounted both removably and semi-permanently upon knee scooters (knee walkers) made by various manufacturers. A variety of mount means have been set forth such that the devices of this invention will appeal to the users of a variety of the knee scooters that are available in the marketplace today. 
     While a specific brand of gripping clips has been set forth, it is to be understood that any similar arcuate shaped metal or plastic clip that can releasably grip metal tubing can be employed.