Abstract:
A combined device includes a frame unit that has support braces located to provide support for a person entering or exiting the device and which are located to provide maximum stability to the device, even if the user has impaired balance, yet will not interfere with use of the device with a table or a desk. The device can be easily modified for use as either a wheelchair, or as a walker, or as a sitting chair.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to the general art of chairs and seats, and to the particular field of interchangeable occupant-propelled and third party-assisted chairs and seats. 
   2. Discussion of the Related Art 
   Many people who require the use of a walker at times also require a wheelchair and as with everyone, a sitting chair. Often, these people are required to own more than one device in order to fulfill their needs. Not only is this expensive, it may also be wasteful of space and may require the person to move from one device to another. Space may be an important consideration in nursing and adult homes, and the like, where many people may require use of such devices. This, in turn, often requires the assistance of another person thereby inhibiting a person&#39;s mobility. 
   While the today&#39;s walker-chairs offer some similar functionality, they offer neither the safety nor do they fully satisfy all of the needs of certain individuals who at times require the wheelchair function as well. 
   Therefore, there is a need for a combination device, which is versatile and can be easily folded, stored, re-assembled. The device combines the functions of sitting, standing, ambulation assistance and assisted and self-propelled transfer (via wheelchair functionality), to be most versatile. 
   Still further, many people have a balance problem. This may make getting into, or out of a wheel-chair difficult. Some people may require the assistance of another person when getting into or out of presently available walker-chairs. If such an assistant is not available, the person may try to hold onto something outside of the chair, such as a table or the like. This may not be safe, especially if the person has a balance problem or is weak. 
   Therefore, there is a need for a combined device, which makes getting into, or out of the device as easy and safe as possible without requiring the person to hold on to an object located outside the device (which in most cases are non-stationary objects which creates for an unsafe transfer). Armrests on the device provide the necessary safety and comfort feature currently lacking in today&#39;s devices. Anything other than armrests is inherently anatomically and physiologically incorrect for people with low balance and muscle weakness. 
   Due to their currect structure, walker-chairs are not amenable for use at a table or at a desk because the front beams are not recessed and the chair cannot be pulled beneath the table or desk. If special designs for the tables or desks are required, comfort of use of the walker-chair would be restricted or the user&#39;s mobility may be inhibited. Therefore, there is a need for a combined device, which can be used in connection with presently existing tables and/or desks or the like. 
   PRINCIPAL OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
   It is a main object of the present invention to provide a combined device that is versatile. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a device, which combines the functions of a wheelchair (self-propelling and assisted), a walker and a sitting chair. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a device, which is easy to store, set up and modify. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a combined device, which can be used with presently existing tables and desks. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a combined device, which provides a sound support for a user during all phases of the use of the device. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a combined device, which promotes good posture. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a combined device, which permits a user to enter or exit the device safely, without grasping onto an element located outside the device. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   These, and other, objects are achieved by a combined device which combines the functions of a wheelchair, a walker and a sitting chair in a manner that permits the maximum use of the device yet still permits the device to be easily and efficiently used and stored. 
   The device includes armrests, located in a way so a person can easily grasp them for support to perform anatomically and physiologically correct seat to stand transfer, whereby the person need not grasp an element located outside the device. The support braces are also located with respect to the seat of the device so the device remains stable during such entry or exit movements even by someone who may have balance problems. The support braces are spaced apart from the front of the device so the device can easily fit to a table or desk. This permits the user to ambulate, transfer, utilize wheelchair and seating chair functionality with maximum safety and adaptability. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of the combined device embodying the present invention with wheel units on all legs thereof. 
       FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the combined device embodying the present invention with walker covers on the two front legs thereof, the side opposite to the side shown in  FIG. 2  being identical thereto. 
       FIG. 3  is a rear elevational view of the combined device embodying the present invention with a back support pillow strapped thereto. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of two foot rests that are used in the combined device of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of two walker covers that are used in the combined device of the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of a combined device embodying the present invention with a foot pedal mounted on a rear cross brace element. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. 
   The device embodying the present invention combines the functions of a wheelchair, a walker, and a sitting chair. In the interest of brevity, the combined wheelchair, walker, and sitting chair will be referred to herein as a combined device. As shown in the figures, the invention is embodied in a combined device  10 . The combined device  10  comprises a frame unit  12  which includes a first front leg element  14  which extends vertically upward in the use orientation shown in  FIG. 1  and has a first end  16  and a second end  18  with the first end  16  of the first front leg element  14  being located beneath the second end  18  of the first front leg element  14  in the use orientation. Device  10  further includes a second front leg element  20  which extends vertically upward in the use orientation and has a first end  22  and a second end  24  with the first end  22  of the second front leg element  20  being located beneath the second end  24  of the second front leg element  20  in the use orientation. A first rear leg element  26  extends upward at an oblique angle in the use orientation and has a first end  28  and a second end  30  with the first end  28  of the first rear leg element  26  being located beneath the second end  30  of the first rear leg element  26  in the use orientation. A second rear leg element  32  extends upward at an oblique angle in the use orientation and has a first end  34  and a second end  36  with the first end  34  of the second rear leg element  32  being located beneath the second end  36  of the second rear leg element  32  in the use orientation. 
   A first arm rest element  40  connects second end  18  of the first front leg element  14  to second end  30  of first rear leg element  26 . The first arm rest element  40  has a first end  42  connected to second end  18  of the first front leg element  14  and a second end  44  spaced apart from the second end  30  of the first rear leg element  26  with the second end  30  of the first rear leg element  26  being connected to the first arm rest element  40  at a location between first end  42  of the first arm rest element  40  and second end  44  of the first arm rest element  40 . A second arm rest element  46  connects second end  24  of the second front leg element  20  to second end  36  of the second rear leg element  32 . The second arm rest element  46  has a first end  48  connected to second end  24  of the second front leg element  20  and a second end  50  spaced apart from second end  36  of the second rear leg element  32  with the second end  30  of the first rear leg element  26  being connected to the second arm rest element  46  at a location between first end  48  of the second arm rest element  46  and second end  50  of the second arm rest element  46 . 
   A first cross arm element  60  connects the first front leg element  14  to the first rear leg element  26 . The first cross arm element  60  has a first end  62  connected to the first front leg element  14  at a location between first end  16  of the first front leg element  14  and second end  18  of the first front leg element  14 , and a second end  64  connected to first rear leg element  26  at a location between the first end  28  of the first rear leg element  26  and the second end  30  of the first rear leg element  26 . The first cross arm element  60  extends parallel to the first arm element  40 . A second cross arm element  66  connects second front leg element  20  to second rear leg element  32 . The second cross arm element  66  has a first end  68  connected to second front leg element  20  at a location between the first end  22  of the second front leg element  20  and the second end  24  of the second front leg element  20 , and a second end  70  connected to second rear leg element  32  at a location between the first end  34  of the second rear leg element  32  and the second end  36  of the second rear leg element  32 . The first cross arm element  60  extends parallel to the second arm element  46 . 
   A first back rest element  74  has a first end  76  connected to first rear leg element  26  adjacent to the second end  64  of the first cross arm element  60  and extends vertically upward therefrom in a use orientation. The first back rest element  74  has a second end  78  located above the first end  76  of the first back rest element  74  in the use orientation. A second back rest element  80  has a first end  82  connected to second rear leg element  32  adjacent to the second end  70  of the second cross arm element  66  and extends vertically upward therefrom in a use orientation. The second back rest element  80  has a second end  84  located above the first end  82  of the second back rest element  80  in the use orientation. 
   A front cross brace element  90  has a first end  92  connected to the first front leg element  14  adjacent to the first end  62  of the first cross arm element  60  and a second end  94  connected to the second front leg element  20 . A rear cross brace element  96  has a first end  98  connected to the first rear leg element  26  adjacent to the second end  64  of the first cross arm element  60  and a second end  100  connected to the second rear leg element  32 . 
   The first or front cross brace element  90  and the rear cross brace element  96  and the first cross arm element  60  and the second cross arm element  66  are all co-planar with each other. 
   A second rear cross brace element  102  has a first end  104  connected to the second end  78  of the first back rest element  74  and a second end  106  connected to the second end  84  of the second back rest element  80 . The second rear cross brace element  102  is parallel to first rear cross brace element  96 . 
   A first top brace element  110  has a first end  112  connected to the second end  78  of the first back rest element  74  and a second end  114 . The first top brace element  110  extends parallel to the first arm rest element  40 . A second top brace element  116  has a first end  118  connected to the second end  84  of the second back rest element  80  and a second end  120 . The second top brace element  116  extends parallel to the second arm rest element  46 . 
   A first support brace element  130  has a first end  132  connected to the second end  114  of the first top brace element  110 , and a second end  134  connected to the first arm rest element  40  at a location between second end  30  of the first rear leg element  26  and first end  42  of the first arm rest element  40 . The first support brace element  130  extends vertically upward from the second end  134  of the first support brace element  130  to the first end  132  of the first support brace element  130  in a use orientation as shown in  FIG. 1 . A second support brace element  136  has a first end  138  connected to the second end  120  of the second top brace element  116 , and a second end  140  connected to the second arm rest element  46  at a location between the second end  36  of second rear leg element  32  and the first end  48  of the second arm rest element  46 . The second support brace element  136  extends vertically upward from the second end  140  of the second support brace element  136  to the first end  138  of the second support brace element  136  in a use orientation. 
   A seat unit  150  is mounted on the first or front cross brace element  90  and the rear cross brace element  96  and the first cross arm element  60  and the second cross arm element  66 . 
   A back support element  152  has a first end  154  connected to the first back rest element  74  at a location adjacent to the first arm rest element  40  and a second end  156  connected to the second back rest element  80  at a location adjacent to the second arm rest element  46 . 
   A first arm rest cover element  160  is mounted on the first arm rest  40  between the second end  134  of the first support brace element  130  and the first end  42  of the first arm rest element  40 , and a second arm rest cover element  162  is mounted on the second arm rest  46  between the second end  140  of the second support brace element  136  and the first end  48  of the second arm rest element  46 . 
   A first tray mounting element  166  is mounted on the first arm rest element  40  and a second tray mounting element  168  is mounted on the second arm rest element  46 . A tray  170  is mounted on the mounting elements  166 ,  168  to support food, work, or the like, for a person sitting in the device  10 . 
   A first handle element pivot mount  172  is located on the first top brace element  110  and a second handle element pivot mount  174  is located on the second top brace element  116 . 
   A first handle element  180  has a proximal end  182  pivotally mounted in the first handle element pivot mount  172  and a distal end  184  spaced apart from the proximal end  182  of the first handle element  180 . The first handle element  180  is pivotally movable between a use position, shown in  FIG. 1 , having the second top brace element  116  located between the distal end  184  of the first handle element  180  and the proximal end  182  of the first handle element  180 , and a stored position, shown in  FIG. 2 , having the first support brace  130  located between the distal end  184  of the first handle element  180  and the proximal end  182  of the first handle element  180 . 
   A second handle element  190  has a proximal end  192  pivotally mounted in the second handle element pivot mount  174  and a distal end  194  spaced apart from the proximal end  192  of the second handle element  190 . The second handle element  190  is pivotally movable between a use position, shown in  FIG. 1 , having the second top brace element  116  located between the distal end  194  of the second handle element  190  and the proximal end  192  of the second handle element  190 , and a stored position, shown in  FIG. 2 , having the second support brace  136  located between the distal end  194  of the second handle element  190  and the proximal end  192  of the second handle element  190 . 
   A first sleeve  200  is telescopingly connectable to the first front leg  14  of the frame unit  12 . The first sleeve  200  includes a first end  202 , a second end  204 , and a cover  206  on the second end  204  of the first sleeve  200 . A first lock  208  releasably connects the first sleeve  200  to the first front leg  14  and includes a plurality of holes, such as hole  210 , defined through the first sleeve  200  with the holes  210  being spaced apart from each other from adjacent to the first end  202  of the first sleeve  200  toward the second end  204  of the first sleeve  200 . A button  212  on the first front leg  14  of the frame unit  12  is received in one of the plurality of holes  210  of the first sleeve  200  when the first sleeve  200  is connected to the first front leg  14  of the frame unit  12 . A second sleeve  220  is telescopingly connectable to the second front leg  20  of the frame unit  12 , and includes a first end  222 , a second end  224 , and a cover  226  on the second end  224  of the second sleeve  220 . A second lock  230  releasably connects the second sleeve  220  to the second front leg  20  and includes a plurality of holes, such as hole  234  defined through the second sleeve  220  with the holes  234  being spaced apart from each other from adjacent to the first end  222  of the second sleeve  220  toward the second end  224  of the second sleeve  220 . A button  236  is on the second front leg  20  of the frame unit  12 . The button  236  is received in one of the plurality of holes  234  of the second sleeve  220  when the second sleeve  220  is connected to the second front leg  20  of the frame unit  12 . 
   One form of the device  10  further includes a third sleeve telescopingly connectable to the first front leg  14  of the frame unit  12 , the third sleeve including a first end and a second end. The further form also includes a third lock releasably connecting the third sleeve to the first front leg  14 , the third lock including a plurality of holes defined through the third sleeve with the holes being spaced apart from each other from adjacent to the first end of the third sleeve toward the second end of the third sleeve, the button on the first front leg  14  of the frame unit  12  being received in one of the plurality of holes of the third sleeve when the third sleeve is connected to the first front leg  14  of the frame unit  12 . The further form also includes a fourth sleeve telescopingly connectable to the second front leg  20  of the frame unit  12 . The fourth sleeve including a first end and a second end. A fourth lock releasably connects the fourth sleeve to the second front leg  20 , the fourth lock including a plurality of holes defined through the fourth sleeve with the holes being spaced apart from each other from adjacent to the first end of the fourth sleeve toward the second end of the fourth sleeve, the button on the second front leg  20  of the frame unit  12  being received in one of the plurality of holes of the fourth sleeve of when the fourth sleeve is connected to the second front leg  20  of the frame unit  12 . 
   Wheel units, such as first wheel unit  250  and second wheel unit  252 , can be connected to either the first and second sleeves  200 ,  220  or to the third and fourth sleeves as desired. 
   A first set of rear wheels  260  is mounted on the first end  28  of the first rear leg element  26 , and a second set of rear wheels  262  is mounted on the first end  34  of the second rear leg element  32 . 
   Device  10  further comprises a brake unit which includes a first brake handle  270  on the first handle element  180  and a second brake handle  272  on the second handle element  190 . A first brake shoe element  274  is on the first set of rear wheels  260 , and a second brake shoe element  276  is on the second set of rear wheels  262 . A first connection mechanism  280  operably connects the first brake handle  270  to the first brake shoe element  274  and a second connection mechanism  282  operably connects the second brake handle  272  to the second brake shoe element  276 . The brake connection mechanisms  280 ,  282  may include cables, joints, and the like such as might be used to connect the hand brake of a bicycle to the brake shoes of the bicycle as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Thus, the exact structure of the brake mechanisms will not be discussed in detail. Brakes can also be operated by a person sitting in the device using straps, or the like, as is known to those skilled in the art. The strap brakes can be used to provide further stability to the device  10  while the person is moving into or out of the device  10 . 
   The first cross brace element  90  and the rear cross brace element  96  and the first cross arm element  60  and the second cross arm element  66  are all located beneath the second ends  134 ,  140  of the first and second support brace elements  130 ,  136  at a distance sufficient to locate a center of gravity of the frame unit  12  beneath the second ends  134 ,  140  of the first and second support brace elements  130 ,  136 . A weight, such as weight  288 , can be included to further control the location of the center of gravity of the device  10  and thus increase the stability thereof. 
   Another form of the device  10  includes a back support cushion  290  having straps, such as strap  292 , which releasably engage the back support element  152  when the back support cushion  290  is in place, as shown in  FIG. 2 . The back support cushion  290  assists in maintaining proper posture. The device  10  may also include first and second foot rest elements  294  and  296 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , mounted on the front cross brace element  90 . Yet another form of the device  10 , shown in  FIG. 6 , includes a lower cross brace element  300  and a foot pedal  302  on the lower rear cross brace element  300 . The lower cross brace element  300  and the foot pedal  302  provide further control of the device  10  for a person pushing the device  10 . 
   It is understood that while certain forms of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts described and shown.