Abstract:
An adjustable walking frame design for walking aid device is provided. The adjustable walking frame has a pair of beam assemblies where the pair of beam assemblies is pivotally mounted to each other. The pivotal mounting provides flexible angle adjustment between the pair of beam assemblies. The height and width of the beam assemblies can be adjusted to meet individual&#39;s physical measurements. The adjustable walking frame can be collapsed to occupy minimal space when the adjustable walking frame is stored or transported.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a non-provisional application which claims the benefit to Provisional Application No. 61/906,174 filed on Nov. 19, 2013. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to medical appliances. More particularly the present invention relates to an adjustable walking frame designed to provide support to a user while walking. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Many elderly patients or people with disabilities often require walking aid that provides structural support while walking. A walking frame provides structural supports to aid a person to balance better or to provide vertical support while walking. While there are currently many available walking frames, most of them are designed to support a single patient&#39;s body attributes, such as height and length of arms. Currently available walking frames are limited in its adjustability. The adjustability of the walking frames often requires multiple added elements to allow adjustment in height or width of the walking frame. Moreover, walking frames are often bulky in design and heavy, as such they are not very convenient to transport or store when it is not in use. 
         [0006]    Therefore, what is needed is a walking frame that is adjustable in heights and widths to accommodate various sizes of patients while collapsible and less bulky to provide ease in transporting and storing. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    The subject matter of this application may involve, in some cases, interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular problem, and/or a plurality of different uses of a single system or article. 
         [0008]    In one aspect, an adjustable walking frame is provided. The adjustable walking frame may comprise a pair of beam assemblies pivotally mounted about a pivot axis, where the pivot axis may be located near at a center of each of the pair of beam assemblies. The pair of beam assemblies may define a pivot angle when in an open position, and the pair of beam assemblies may be pivotable towards each other within a pivot plane defined by the pivot angle. The pair of beam assemblies may be pivotable between the open position and a closed position, where the pivot angle is substantially zero when in the closed position. 
         [0009]    Further, each of the pair of beam assemblies may comprise an upper beam and a lower beam. The upper beam may form a handle at a distal end with respect to the pivot axis, and may be positioned to be grasped by a user. The lower beam may form a foot at a distal end, and may be positioned to contact a ground. Each of the pair of beam assemblies may be adjustable by extending and retracting each of the pair of beam assemblies along its length, enabling adjustment in height of the adjustable walking frame, and enabling adjustment in width defined between the handles when in the open position. 
         [0010]    In another aspect, an adjustable walking frame may comprise a first pivot piece and a second pivot piece. The pivot pieces may be pivotally mounted to each other about a pivot axis, where the first pivot piece and the second pivot piece are pivotally spaced apart from each other defining a pivot angle when in an open position. The first and second pivot pieces may be pivotable within a pivot plane defined by the pivot angle, and the first and second pivot pieces may be pivotable between the open position and a closed position. At the closed position, the pivot angle may be substantially zero. 
         [0011]    The adjustable walking frame may further comprise a pair of beam assemblies, where each of the pair of beam assemblies may be segmented into an upper beam and a lower beam. The upper beam may form a handle at a distal end and a first end at a proximal end. Similarly, the lower beam may form a foot at a distal end and a second end at a proximal end. 
         [0012]    Each of the first pivot piece and the second pivot piece may comprise a first aperture and a second aperture, where the first aperture and the second aperture may be formed along a length of the respective pivot pieces. They may be parallel to each other. The first aperture may be sized to slidably receive the first end and the second aperture may be sized to slidably receive the second end. The first end and the second end may further be received by the respective apertures in an opposing direction. 
         [0013]    Each of the pair of beam assemblies may be independently adjustable by extending and retracting each of the pair of beam assemblies along its length through one or more of the first aperture and the second aperture. Thereby, enabling adjustment in height of the adjustable walking frame, and enabling adjustment in width defined between the handles when in the open position. 
         [0014]    In yet another aspect, a method of adjusting the above identified devices is provided. The method comprises reducing the width between the handles of the adjustable walking frame by retracting at least one of the upper beam of the pair of beam assemblies; increasing the width between the handles of the adjustable walking frame by extending at least one of the upper beam of the pair of beam assemblies; reducing the height of the adjustable walking frame by retracting at least one of the upper beam and the lower beam of the pair of beam assemblies; and increasing the height of the adjustable walking frame by extending at least one of the upper beam and the lower beam of the pair of beam assemblies. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  provides an embodiment of an adjustable walking frame in a perspective view. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  provides another embodiment of the adjustable walking frame in a side view. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  provides a yet another embodiment of the adjustable walking frame in a front view. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  provides an exemplary embodiment of the pair of pivot pieces. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  provides an exemplary embodiment of a detailed pivotal relation between the pair of pivot pieces. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  provides an exemplary embodiment of the adjustable walking frame collapsed to have the pivot angle at zero. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  provides an embodiment of the adjustable walking frame with a plurality of globes placed at corner of the lower beam. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  provides another embodiment of the adjustable walking frame with a plurality of globes placed at corner of the lower beam. 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  provides an exemplary embodiment of the adjustable walking frame mounted with a wheel member. 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  provides a close up view of the exemplary embodiment of the wheel member being mounted to the globe. 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  provides an embodiment of the adjustable walking frame when it is collapsed to provide ease in storing and transporting. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and does not represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. 
         [0027]    Generally, the present disclosure concerns an adjustable walking frame designed to aid a patient while walking. The adjustable walking frame provides height and width adjustments to fit different users with various physical attributes and physiques. The present disclosure also adds versatility to the space the adjustable walking frame takes when it is stored or transported. Such versatility is achieved by a pivotal mounting mechanism and an adjustable extension mechanism which allow the entire structure to collapse into a minimal volume or a storage position. 
         [0028]    The present disclosure provides an adjustable walking frame being generally shaped in ‘X’ shaped structure. In an embodiment, the adjustable walking frame comprises a pair of beam assemblies that are pivotally mounted to each other to provide adjustment in a pivot angle defined by the pivoting movement. The length of the each of the pair of beam assemblies may be adjusted to accommodate different physiques of the user. The adjustable walking frame may be opened at the pivot angle and may be collapsed or closed to the pivot angle of substantially zero, thereby providing compact storage position. 
         [0029]    In another embodiment, a pair of beam assemblies may form a pivotal relation to each other via a pair of pivot pieces. The pair of pivot pieces may be pivotally mounted to each other about a pivot axis. One of the pair of pivot pieces may receive one of the pair of beam assemblies, and the other of the pair of pivot pieces may receive the other of the pair of beam assemblies. Thereby the pair of beam assemblies can exercise a scissors action. The pivot piece may be of any size and shape. 
         [0030]    Each of the beam assemblies may comprise a handle and a foot where the handle is grabbed by the user when in use, and the foot being in contact with the ground when the adjustable walking frame is pressed against the ground. 
         [0031]    Further the present disclosure provides a method of adjusting the adjustable walking frame, where variety of orientations of adjustable walking frame may be achieved by adjusting the length of the beam assemblies and pivot angle therein. In one embodiment, each of the pair of beam assemblies may be independently or collectively extend or retract along its length. 
         [0032]    An adjustable walking frame for aiding a user when walking is provided. The adjustable walking frame generally may comprise a pair of beam assemblies where the pair of beam assemblies is pivotally affixed to each other. In some embodiments, the pair of beam assemblies may be pivotally affixed to one another by a pair of pivot pieces. 
         [0033]    Each of the pair of beam assemblies may comprise an upper beam and a lower beam. The upper beam may generally have an upside down L-shape structure which may be made of a uniform beam. The upper beam may comprise a handle and a first end, where the upper beam extends at an angle downwardly towards the ground from the handle forming the first end at a proximal end with regards to the pivot axis. The lower beam generally may have an L-shape structure which may be made of a uniform beam. The lower beam may comprise a foot and a second end, where the lower beam extends at an angle upwardly away from the ground from the foot forming the second end at a proximal end with regards to the pivot axis. In one embodiment, the upper beam and the lower beam may be of a continuous bream. In another embodiment, each of the pair of beam assemblies may be segmented into the upper beam and the lower beam. 
         [0034]    In some embodiments, the first end and the second end may be coupled to one of the pair of pivot pieces. Each of the pair of pivot pieces may form a first aperture and a second aperture formed along a length of the pivot piece, parallel to each other in an extending direction, and may be configured to slidably receive the first end and the second end respectively. The first end and the second end may be adjustable in length through the first aperture and the second aperture, respectively. The pair of pivot pieces may be configured to mate in a pivotal relation to allow pivoting movement of each of the pair of beam assemblies resulted from the pivotal relation of the pair of pivot pieces. The pair of pivot pieces may be pivotable within a pivot plane defined by the pivot angle created, when the pair of pivot pieces pivots from an open position to a closed position. 
         [0035]    In some embodiments, each of the pair of pivot pieces may form an aperture formed along a length of each of the pivot pieces in an extending direction. The aperture may slidably receive the first end and the second end at its opposite ends respectively. 
         [0036]    In some embodiments, the upper beam and the lower beam may be independently or collectively extend or retract along its length, resulting in a length adjustment of the pair of beam assemblies. 
         [0037]    In some embodiments, the foot of the lower beam may comprise a wheel member, contacting the ground, adding additional mobility when the adjustable walking frame is in use. The wheel member allows a user to push the adjustable walking frame instead of lifting it to move. A plurality of globes may be placed at each corner of bent beams to provide cushion and stability when pressured. 
         [0038]      FIG. 1-3  show embodiments of an adjustable walking frame at an open position viewed from various angles  100   200   300 . In these embodiments, the adjustable walking frame comprises a pair of beam assemblies pivotally mounted around a center of the pair of beam assemblies about the pivot axis. 
         [0039]    As shown in  FIG. 1-3 , each of the pair of beam assemblies comprises an upper beam  103  and a lower beam  105 . The upper beam  103  and the lower beam  105  are connected by one of a pair of pivot pieces  106  and  107 . The upper beam  103  has a handle  108  which extends at an angle to form a first end  102 , and the handle is positioned at a distal end from the pivot axis. The lower beam  105  has a foot  110  which makes contact with the ground and further forms a second end  104  extending from the foot  110  away from the ground, and the foot is positioned at a distal end from the pivot axis. The first end  102  and the second  104  end are connected by one of the pair of pivot pieces  106  or  107 . 
         [0040]    Each of the pair of beam assemblies is pivotable about the pivot axis via the pair of pivot pieces. The pair of pivot pieces are pivotally mounted to each other about the pivot axis, where each of the pair of pivot pieces forming a pivot angle when the adjustable walking frame is in the open position. The pivot angle is adjustable about the pivot axis. The pair of pivot pieces is pivotable within the pivot plane defined by the pivot angle about the pivot axis. At the closed position, the pivot angle is substantially at zero. 
         [0041]    In one embodiment, each of the pair of beam assemblies may be slidably coupled to one of the pair of pivot pieces, which allows the pair of beam assemblies to be adjusted by sliding towards and away from the pair of pivot pieces. The pair of pivot pieces may be located at the center of the pair of beam assemblies, where the pivot axis is located. 
         [0042]    In another embodiment, the upper beam  103  and the lower beam  105  may be slidably coupled to one of the pair of pivot pieces in parallel relation, at a distance from one another. The first end  102  and the second  104  end are slidably received by the pair of pivot pieces, where one of the pair of pivot pieces  106  receives the first end and the second end from one of the pair of beam assemblies, and the other of the pair of pivot pieces  107  receives the first end and the second end from the other of the pair of beam assemblies. In this embodiment shown in  FIG. 1-3 , each of the pair of beam assemblies are segmented into the upper beam and the lower beam, where each of them are slidably received by corresponding pivot pieces  106   107  within the plane thereof. The upper beam and the lower beam may extend and retract in an opposing direction from one another. 
         [0043]    A plurality of globes  112 ,  114  may be placed at a bending point of the lower beam  104  making contact with the ground. The plurality of globes  112  may provide required friction and cushion to aid a user while the adjustable walking frame is in use. 
         [0044]    In one embodiment, the handles  108  and the foot  110  may extend at a various angles, so long as the handle is positioned to be graspable by the user and the foot provides contact against the ground when the adjustable walking frame is in use. 
         [0045]    In another embodiment, the upper beam and the lower beam may be a continuous structure where the two beams are mounted end-to-end to form a straight and continuous beam structure. The upper beam and the lower beam may extend and retract in an opposing direction from one another. 
         [0046]    In yet another embodiment, the pivot angle may be limited to prevent the pair of beam assemblies from widening beyond a desired pivot angle, setting a maximum angle between the upper beams  102  about the pivot angle defined by the angle between the pair of pivot pieces. 
         [0047]    In a further embodiment, the first end  102  and the second end  104  may be slidably mounted to one of the pair of pivot pieces in a parallel relation. Thereby, the upper beam and the lower beam are adjustable by extension and retraction. Lengths of the each of the pair of beam assemblies are adjustable by independently adjusting at least one of the upper beams or lower beams. Length adjustment of the upper beam may not only provide adjustability in height of the adjustable walking frame, but also provide adjustability in width between the handles when each of the pair of beam assemblies are at the open position. The pivot angle also may be adjustable where the pair of pivot pieces may be pivoted away from each other to form a pivot angle at an open position. The pivot pieces may be at a closed position when the pivot angle is substantially zero, thereby the pair of beam assemblies are in parallel to each other. 
         [0048]    A locking member may be placed to keep the lower beam and the upper beam in place once the adjustable walking frame reaches a desired height or length. The locking member may be releasable. The locking member may be formed on each of the beam assemblies limiting the adjustment of the each of the beam assemblies individually. Similarly, the locking member may be formed on at least one of the upper beam of the lower beam, individually limiting their adjustment, when the locking member is engaged. 
         [0049]    In a further embodiment, the upper beam  103  and the lower beam  105  may have a telescopic extending mechanism. Such telescopic extending mechanism is well known in the art to a person of ordinary skills in the art. 
         [0050]    In  FIG. 4 ,  400  shows an exemplary embodiment of the pair of pivot pieces. The pair of pivot pieces  106  and  107  is pivotally mounted to each other allowing adjustment of the pivot angle. A pivot locking member  406  prevents the upper beams  102  or the lower beams  104  from collapsing inwardly to form a pivot angle beyond zero or widening beyond a desired pivot angle (maximum pivot angle). The pivot locking member  406  may releasably affix the pair of pivot pieces  106  and  107  in place at the maximum pivot angle. 
         [0051]    Each of the pair of pivot pieces  106 ,  107  may comprise a first aperture  402  and a second aperture  404  formed along a length of the pivot piece  106   107  parallel to each other, at a distance, in an extending direction configured to receive the first end  102  and the second end  104  respectively in an opposing direction. The first and second aperture slidably receives the first end  102  and the second end  104  respectively, allowing adjustments of length of the upper beam  103  and the lower beam  105 , as well as allowing adjustment of the width between the handles of each of the pair of beam assemblies. 
         [0052]    In one embodiment, the pivot locking member  406  may be a snap fit mechanism where a pivot locking aperture is formed to receive a pivot locking arm. The pivot locking aperture may be formed on one of the pair of pivot pieces configured to receive the pivot locking arm formed on another one of the pair of pivot pieces. The pivot locking aperture and the pivot locking arm may be positioned to limit the pivot angle at a desired angle when the pivot locking member is received by the pivot locking aperture. The pivot locking member may be releasable once the pivot locking member is disengaged. 
         [0053]    In another embodiment, the locking members  408  may be placed on the first ends  102  and the second ends  104 . The locking members  408  may releasable lock in the first ends and the second ends, when they are at desired lengths. 
         [0054]      FIG. 5  shows an exemplary embodiment of a detailed pivotal relation between the pair of pivot pieces. The pair of pivot pieces, a first pivot piece  107  and a second pivot piece  106  are configured to be pivotally mounted together sharing a contact surface in a face to face relation. The contact surface includes a pivot plane defined by the pivot angle where the first pivot piece and the second pivot piece pivots about the pivot axis. The first aperture  402 - 1 ,  402 - 2  and the second aperture  404 - 1 ,  404 - 2  are shown, each formed length wise through the first pivot piece  107  and the second pivot piece  106  respectively. In this embodiment, the first and second apertures are formed parallel to one another within the plane thereof. The contact surface (the pivot plane) may be substantially flat and smooth, allowing a smooth and frictionless sliding when the first pivot piece  107  and the second pivot piece  106  are pivotally attached in a face to face relation. The first aperture  402   s  and the second apertures  404   s  are positioned to slidably receive the first end and the second end respectively, in opposing directions. As such, the upper beam and the lower beam may extend away from each other and retract towards each other. 
         [0055]    The first pivot piece  107  and the second pivot piece  106  may be configured to mate about a pivot axis to create a pivotal relation. In one embodiment, the first pivot piece  107  may comprise a pivot slot  518  formed at the pivot axis. The second pivot piece  106  may comprise a pivot arm  516  sized to engage the pivot slot  518  at the pivot point, creating a pivotal relation between the first pivot piece  107  and the second pivot piece  106 , when engaged across the pivot plane thereof. 
         [0056]    Embodiments of the pivot locking member, a mechanism for limiting the pivot angle between pivotally connected pair of pivot pieces, are provided. The first pivot piece  107  may further comprise a pair of ball catch slots  508 - 1 ,  508 - 2  and a projecting stud  514  formed at the contact surface. The second pivot piece  106  may comprise a ball catch  510  and a curved slot  512  formed at the contact surface. 
         [0057]    In one embodiment, the pivot locking member may be a ball catch mechanism. The pair of ball catch slots  508 - 1 ,  508 - 2  may be formed at the pivot plane of the first pivot piece  107 . The pair of ball catch slots  508 - 1 ,  508 - 2  may selectively engage with the ball catch  510 , formed on the contact surface of the second pivot piece  106 . The ball catch slot to ball catch engagement is releasable. Once the first pivot piece  107  and the second pivot piece  106  are pivotally affixed, the pair of ball catch slots  508  may be placed at a distance from each other determining a boundary of the pivot angle when the ball catch  510  engages with either one of the pair of ball catch slots  508 - 1 ,  508 - 2 . Thereby, when either one of the pair of ball catch slots  508 - 1 ,  508 - 2  engages with the ball catch  510 , an accidental closing of the pair of pivot pieces may be prevented. The pair of ball catch slots  508 - 1 ,  508 - 2  may releasably retain the ball catch  510  when engaged. 
         [0058]    In another embodiment, the projecting stud  514  may engage with the curved slot  512  to limit the pivot angle between pivotally connected pair of pivot pieces  107   106 . The projecting stud  514  may be formed on the surface of the first pivot piece  107 , positioned to slidably mate with the curved slot  512  formed on the surface of the second pivot piece  106 . The curved slot  512  may form a pivotal trajectory, guiding a pivotal movement of the projecting stud  514  about the pivot axis defined by pivot arm  516  and pivot slot  518 . The projecting stud  514  may lock into the curved slot  512  to enable the pair of pivot pieces  107   106  to pivotally engage firmly. The curved slot  512  may form a cavity along the pivotal trajectory, setting boundaries to the pivotal engagement between the first pivot piece  107  and the second pivot piece  106 , when the projecting stud  514  is engaged to the curved slot  512 . 
         [0059]    A person of ordinary skills in the art would appreciate that the mechanism for limiting the pivot angle between pivotally connected pair of pivot pieces may be modified to achieve the desired range of pivot angles between the pair of pivot pieces about the pivot axis. 
         [0060]      FIG. 6  shows an exemplary embodiment of the adjustable walking frame collapsed having the pivot angle between the pair of beam assemblies at zero. The adjustable walking frame  600  is at the closed position. The adjustable walking frame, when collapsed  600 , may be configured to prevent each of the pair of beam assemblies from pivoting inwardly about the pair of pivot pieces  106   107  pass the pivot angle of zero. 
         [0061]    In one embodiment, the pivot locking member  508 - 1   508 - 2  may be placed to keep the collapsed adjustable walking frame  600  in a collapsed position for convenient storing and transporting. 
         [0062]      FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate the plurality of globes  112  placed at corners of the lower beam, show in a perspective view  700  and in a dissected view  800 . One of the plurality of globes  112  is fitted at the corner of the lower beam where the foot  110  and the second end  104  meets. A groove  602  may be formed along a surface of the globe  112 , configured to mate with the lower beam. 
         [0063]    In one embodiment, a globe aperture  604  is formed on the globe  112  configured to receive a wheel member. 
         [0064]    In another embodiment, the globe  112  provides cushion and stability to a user once the user puts pressure on the adjustable walking frame against the ground. The globe  112  may be made of a flexible material or a shock absorbent material. 
         [0065]    In yet another embodiment, the globe may be affixed to the lower beam by bolt and nut mechanism, as shown in  FIG. 8 . In order to receive the globe  112  in a locked position, in some embodiments, the globe may be affixed to the corners of the lower beam through a central axis of the globe, configured to receive a bolt  702  and nut  700  to securely mount the globe  112  to the corner of the second end  104  and the foot  110 . 
         [0066]    In a further embodiment, another globe  114  may be placed at an end of the foot  110 , contacting the ground. The globe  114  may also provide cushion and stability to a user once the user puts pressure on the adjustable walking frame. The globe  112   114  may be made of a high friction material, preventing slipping when in use. In some embodiments, the globe  114  may be socketed  706  into the foot beam, where the foot beam is made of a hollow tube. 
         [0067]      FIG. 9  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the adjustable walking frame mounted with wheel member  802  at the open position  900 . Each of the globes  112  may be affixed to the wheel member  802 , providing additional mobility to the user when the wheel member makes contact to the ground. In this embodiment, the adjustable walking frame is shown at the open position. Alternatively, the wheel member may increase transportability to the adjustable walking frame when in the closed position. 
         [0068]      FIG. 10  illustrates a close up view  1000  of the exemplary embodiment of the wheel member  802  being mounted to the globe  112 . The wheel member  802  provides the user with mobility when the adjustable walking frame is in use. The wheel member  802  allows the user to roll the adjustable walking frame on the ground instead of lifting it to move forward. 
         [0069]    A person of ordinary skills in the art would appreciate that the attachment of the wheel member  802  to the adjustable walking frame may be modified to achieve additional mobility when the adjustable walking frame is in ues. 
         [0070]      FIG. 11  shows an embodiment of the adjustable walking frame when it is fully collapsed to provide ease in storing and transporting. The lower beam is pushed towards the handle  108  through the second aperture to collapse into a minimal volume. In this embodiment, the adjustable walking frame is at a storage position  1100 , where the adjustable walking frame is fully retracted by retracting the pair of beam assemblies, while the pivot angle is kept substantially at zero. The locking member  408  may releasably limit the pair of beam assemblies from extending or retracting in length. As such, the locking member  408  may prevent the first end  102  and the second end  104  from either retracting or extending. 
         [0071]    While several variations of the present invention have been illustrated by way of example in preferred or particular embodiments, it is apparent that further embodiments could be developed within the spirit and scope of the present invention, or the inventive concept thereof. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and are inclusive, but not limited to the following appended claims as set forth. 
         [0072]    Those skilled in the at will readily observe that numerous modifications, applications and alterations of the device and method may be made while retaining the teachings of the present invention.