Roller Patents (Class 135/85)
  • Patent number: 11969391
    Abstract: Devices and methods for assisting and guiding a person with visual and/or hearing impairment. In various embodiments there is a computer-guided, motorized walking stick. Preferably, at least one wheel at the distal end of the stick, and in contact with the ground, can be steered or pivoted over a range of angles, and thus establish a desired direction. In yet other embodiments there are one or more powered wheels that further drive the walking stick in the desired direction. Various algorithms are disclosed for providing instructions to the computer controller by way of various input devices. Still further embodiments include various types of sensors that provide data to the computer with regards to objects proximate to the walking stick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Smart Guider, Inc.
    Inventor: Kelvin William Crosby
  • Patent number: 11813223
    Abstract: An external structural brace apparatus for supporting a user in a semi standing position on a surface includes first and second support extension beams that to attach to the surface, also included is a channel having a base with first and second legs, wherein the first and second legs extend in the same direction from opposing sides of the base, the first leg is affixed to the first support structure and the second leg is affixed to the second support structure, the channel can be lockably positioned along the first and second beams. In addition, a saddle seat with a midpoint extension portion, the saddle is attached between the first and second legs and positioned such that the midpoint extension extends opposite of the base, wherein operationally the user partially rests their buttocks on the saddle and leans their back against the base to assume a semi supported standing posture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Inventor: John Threlfall
  • Patent number: 11633322
    Abstract: A convertible wheelchair is provided. The convertible wheelchair can have a wheelchair configuration and a walker configuration to allow a user to alternately sit and stand, and can include a frame supporting a chair. The chair can be foldable and can include a chair back and a chair seat. The convertible wheelchair can include support and stability mechanisms accessible in the wheelchair configuration and the walker configuration including one or more torso supports, a fall seat, and stability bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Inventors: Leo Harden, Jerrell Harden, Russell Harden, Floyd Hicks
  • Patent number: 10932984
    Abstract: A convertible scooter and crutch assembly is provided that is comprised of a front assembly and rear assembly. The front assembly is preferably pivotably, rotatably or equivalently interconnected to the rear assembly. In a first configuration, the convertible scooter is configured as a scooter that employs a handlebar, wheels, and a knee rest. In a second configuration, the front assembly and rear assembly is aligned in a liner manner to form a crutch. The convertible scooter is easy to manipulate, store and use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Inventor: Nemindra Mahathalagalage
  • Patent number: 10537490
    Abstract: A cane that includes a handle and a pylon that includes a satellite leg control operably connected to the handle. The cane further includes a terminal feedback device that is operably connected to the pylon and slidable relative thereto for retracting the terminal feedback device to expose a cane tip. The terminal feedback device includes a plurality of satellite legs. The terminal feedback device also includes a plurality of wheels. Each wheel is operably connected to a satellite leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: John-Ross Rizzo
  • Patent number: 10376729
    Abstract: An exercise device is provided that replicates on dry land the movement and resistance of a paddling motion. The exercise device includes a hollow upper shaft, a handle connected to an upper end of the upper shaft, and a lower shaft coupled at least partially within the upper shaft by a spring, to allow retraction into and extension from the upper shaft. The exercise device further includes a blade replacement assembly connected with a bottom end of the lower shaft, the blade replacement assembly comprising one or more wheels connected with a bottom end of the lower shaft and a resistance mechanism to provide resistance against a rolling direction of the one or more wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: Peter Fuller
  • Patent number: 9016297
    Abstract: The present invention is a quad-wheeled and quad-legged cane. The cane typically includes one or more wheels, one or more rigid supporting structures, and one or more handles. The wheels of the cane are preferably retractable. The rigid support structures preferably overhang the wheels and generally provides fail-safe braking. The handles may be adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Gregg Salomon
  • Patent number: 8936033
    Abstract: A walker for aiding locomotion comprises a frame structure including: a first and second side frame comprising (i) a first and second anterior frame portion, (ii) a first and second posterior frame portion, and (iii) a first superior frame portion connecting an upper end of the first anterior frame portion with an upper end of the first posterior frame portion, and (iv) a second superior frame portion connecting an upper end of the second anterior frame portion with an upper end of the second posterior frame portion. The first posterior frame portion of the first side frame comprises a first upper posterior collar and the second posterior frame portion of the second side frame comprises a second upper posterior collar. A first and second rotatable hand-rail are connected pivotally to the first and second upper posterior collar of the first and second posterior frame portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Arvin Jay D. Velarde
  • Patent number: 8925563
    Abstract: A robotic cane may include a grip handle, a cane body extending from the grip handle at a first end, a motorized omni-directional wheel coupled to a second end of the cane body, a balance control sensor, and a controller module. The balance control sensor provides a balance signal corresponding to an orientation of the robotic cane. The controller module may receive the balance signal from the balance control sensor and calculate a balancing velocity of the motorized omni-directional wheel based at least in part on the balance signal and an inverted pendulum control algorithm. The controller module may further provide a drive signal to the motorized omni-directional wheel in accordance with the calculated balancing velocity. The calculated balancing velocity is a speed and direction of the motorized omni-directional wheel to retain the robotic cane in an substantially upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Illinois Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Ota, Masaru Ryumae, Keiichi Sato, Shin Sano
  • Patent number: 8858401
    Abstract: A training apparatus for a Nordic walker has an elongated pole whose lower end carries at least one wheel having a freewheel permitting rolling of the wheel on the surface only in a forward travel direction. A forearm rest is freely pivotal on an upper end of the pole and defines with the pole an angle increasing on forward rolling of the wheel from a position behind the athlete to a position in front of the athlete as the arm in the rest swings forward in the travel direction. A handgrip fixed on a front end of the forearm rest is gripped by a hand of the forearm in the rest and pivots with the forearm rest. A spring braced between the rest and the pole and pivotally biases the rest so as to increase the inclination angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Georg H. Kaupe
  • Publication number: 20140261594
    Abstract: The present invention is a quad-wheeled and quad-legged cane. The cane typically includes one or more wheels, one or more rigid supporting structures, and one or more handles. The wheels of the cane are preferably retractable. The rigid support structures preferably overhang the wheels and generally provides fail-safe braking. The handles may be adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Gregg Salomon
  • Publication number: 20130306120
    Abstract: A walking assist apparatus includes a pair of wheels, at least one first driving unit that drives the pair of wheels, a main body that rotatably supports the pair of wheels, and a grip that is disposed at one end of the main body to be able to be gripped. The walking assist apparatus includes a sensor unit configured to detect an angular change in an inclination angle of the main body in a pitch direction, and a first control unit configured and programmed to control an operation of the at least one first driving unit based on an output of the sensor unit such that the angular change of the main body is zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeki FUKUNAGA, Arata SUZUKI, Kenichi SHIRATO
  • Patent number: 8474471
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stick (23), such as, for example, a trekking, downhill skiing, hiking or Nordic walking stick, which has a stick handle (28), a stick tube (24) comprising at least three telescopic tubular sections (25, 26, 27), and a stick point (29). Two adjacent tubular sections can each be adjusted relative to each other. The stick (23) according to the invention has a damping device (1) with a compression spring device (35), wherein an axial pin (2) which is secured axially on a second tubular section (26) is guided in a guide sleeve (10) held in a rotationally fixed manner in a first tubular section (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Lekisport AG
    Inventor: Klaus Lenhart
  • Patent number: 8418705
    Abstract: A robotic cane may include a grip handle, a cane body extending from the grip handle at a first end, a motorized omni-directional wheel coupled to a second end of the cane body, a balance control sensor, and a controller module. The balance control sensor provides a balance signal corresponding to an orientation of the robotic cane. The controller module may receive the balance signal from the balance control sensor and calculate a balancing velocity of the motorized omni-directional wheel based at least in part on the balance signal and an inverted pendulum control algorithm. The controller module may further provide a drive signal to the motorized omni-directional wheel in accordance with the calculated balancing velocity. The calculated balancing velocity is a speed and direction of the motorized omni-directional wheel to retain the robotic cane in an substantially upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Illinois Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Ota, Masaru Ryumae, Keiichi Sato, Shin Sano
  • Patent number: 8256442
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tray for use with a walker. The tray includes a generally rigid tray base having an essentially rectangular shape with a front long side, a back long side, a first short side and a second short side, and wherein the tray has a length that extends to or past the essentially horizontal support member; a ridge extending along the sides of the tray, wherein the ridge has a height of at least about a ½inch; a strap having a hook and loop fastener wherein the strap is positioned at or near the back long end; and a first hinge and a second hinge, the first and second hinges are positioned, when the tray is in use, at or near the front leg of the first and second support, respectively. The length of the tray is greater that the distance between the support member of the first support and the support member of the second support; and the width of the tray is less than the length of the support member of the first support or second support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: The Alice M. McCarthy Trust Amended and Restatement Dated July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Alice McCarthy
  • Patent number: 8215652
    Abstract: The mobilizer consists of an open, inverted “U” shaped frame when view from above with the legs or the “U” pointed towards the rear. Pivoting caster wheels are attached to the front lower corners and rear wheel support arms extend rearward and curve downward each bearing a smaller non-pivoting wheel. Two vertical upright support members rise from the frame and are equipped with height adjustment mechanisms. Horizontal arm support assemblies, each with a hand grip and brake handle are attached to the upper ends of the support members. The user is supported by his elbows and shoulder girdle resulting in decompression of his spine. The arm support assemblies can be pivoted 180 degrees so that the grip portions and the hand brake levers face the rear of the mobilizer at about waist height. This allows the user to stand and grasp the handles as he walks forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Dashaway Company
    Inventors: Stanley Dashew, Charles Blount
  • Patent number: 8166987
    Abstract: A walker device including a walking aid and a lifting arm attached to, and extending in an approximate vertical direction from, the walking aid. The walking aid may include two front legs and two back legs. The walking aid may include two or more wheels attached to the bottom of the two front legs and/or two back legs. The walking aid may be a multiple-legged cane. The walking aid may be a wheeled mobility device. The lifting arm may include a gripping handle positioned at its approximate distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: WeCare Products, Inc. USA
    Inventor: Craig E. Weaver
  • Publication number: 20120000496
    Abstract: A sit down and stand up walker for assisting a user during walking and when not walking in a standing, partially standing or sitting positions with partial or full weight bearing support and with means to change from standing, partially standing to sitting positions with partial weight bearing support to a fixed elevation with full weight bearing support in any varied or repeated sequence. The partial or full weight bearing means supports a seat assembly which includes a seat and front body support with adjustable positioning to provide pelvic stability. The angle of the seat assembly relative to a flat ground surface is maintained at any elevation of the seat assembly between a standing and sitting position. The weight bearing means is responsive to the variable force supplied by the user as the user walks, stands or sits allowing the seat assembly to move up or down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventor: Eli Razon
  • Patent number: 8079379
    Abstract: The invention relates to a baby walking stick which facilitates and accelerates the transition from crawling to walking in a physiologically appropriate manner. In addition, the invention prevents the accompanying adult from adopting unsuitable postures and the design of the stick provides increased safety by connecting the adult and the baby. The invention comprises a folding stick having an upper curved section which curves around the baby's erect head. The upper end of the stick is provided with a T-shaped handle for the adult and the centre of the stick, at the height of the baby's arms, is provided with handlebars with which the baby can hold himself/herself upright. The lower end of the stick is provided with two wheels so that the stick slides as the baby and adult walk, which wheels are in contact with the ground and joined by an axle parallel to the above-mentioned handle and handlebars, all of said components being disposed in parallel to the direction of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: Antonio Vilar Peron
  • Patent number: 8061376
    Abstract: A posterior walker is disclosed comprising: a foldable, tubular frame; adjustable handles; wheels including anti-rollback wheels in the back and pivoting wheels in the front; a flexible, adjustable lower back support strap; features to adjust the handling and stability of the walker, to meet the mobility and standing needs of persons with unsteady gait and standing posture, namely an adjustable weighting means; and optionally backpack storage. In one embodiment, the adjustable weighting means is provided by use of weighted stability cuffs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
    Inventors: Stephen Ryan, Susan Hardy, William Johnson, Michael Doell
  • Patent number: 7992584
    Abstract: A walker with wheels that are retracted upon the application of a force of predetermined magnitude to permit a user to move the walker when he or she partially leans on the walker while providing a solid anchored support if he or she leans with more weight exceeding a predetermined magnitude. The walker includes a structural elongated assembly with a handle and forearm cuff at one end. The other end is rigidly mounted to two base assemblies that are kept at a parallel and spaced apart relationship with respect to each other. The base assemblies have a bottom surface. Retractable wheels are mounted to the base assemblies. The wheels are spring biased to protrude beyond the bottom surface so that they support the walker when at rest and as long as the user does not apply a force that exceeds a predetermined magnitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Bernardo Birnbaum
  • Publication number: 20110094550
    Abstract: A compressible wheel tip for a walking aid that restricts rolling when a force is applied down on the walking aid. The tip may have a compressible wheel configured to deform under an applied pressure and thereby restrict shifting or rolling of the wheel. The compressible wheel may include rigid spokes and a compressible material forming an arcuate perimeter between the spokes to define a wheel shape. The compressible material may be a resilient elastomeric material adapted to deform under an applied force and return to its original shape when the force is no longer applied. The spokes may be formed of plastic or metal, or formed of the same material as the spokes and structured to better resist deformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: STANDER, INC.
    Inventor: F. Troy Miller
  • Patent number: 7931036
    Abstract: A walker is disclosed that may be adjusted in width during use for allowing the user to pass safely through narrow doorways or passageways. Walkers of the present invention have crossbars at a front thereof constructed of telescoping tubing and locking/unlocking mechanisms. During use, the telescoping tubes may be unlocked so that a smaller tube may be moved into a larger tube, reducing a width of the walker. In other embodiments, a lead screw assembly may be rotated in order to reduce width of the walker. In yet other embodiments the walker may be automatically increased or decreased in width responsive to the tubes being unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Inventor: Chad Eric Hobbs
  • Publication number: 20100313924
    Abstract: A folding walker is formed in an X-shaped rear body having a pair of tubular frames. The frames are pivotally mounted on a pivot joint. Wheels are attached to the lower end of the body. A front leg is hingedly connected to the pivot joint so that the front leg is collapsible toward the legs and forms a tripod with the rear legs. Handle structures are adjustable to a desired height and angle. A brace is for locking the walker into unfolded position and unlocking the walker into folded position. A brake system shows that applying either of brake levers attached on the handle or both enables the brake shoes onto the wheels simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: SANG DEOG CHO
  • Patent number: 7743779
    Abstract: A mobility aid (FIG. 1) design for providing stabilized mobility support by the practical use of a two sided vertically supported rigid frame comprising front and rear bilaterally double support members (12), (12a), (13), (13a), (15), and (15a), and not limited to but preferably of aluminum construction to include a plurality of upper and lower substantially identical bilaterally horizontal and vertical tubular main frame members (17), (18), (19), (20), (22), (27), (28), and (29), supported on a plurality of sufficiently sized wheels (26), and (30), attached to the underside of the main frame (26), and (30), with predetermined spacing. Base members (22), (28), and (29), are sufficiently elevated-providing for unhindered foot movement during mobilization. A guide wheel assembly (23), (25), (25b), (26), and (26a), is vertically attached at a contiguously anterior junction surface of the two sided main frame assembly (20), and (23), thereby providing selective directional steering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Larry Ellis Gee, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7735499
    Abstract: An activity walker has three wheeled legs positioned about an adjustable trunk surround member. The trunk surround member is hinged to open and is curved to approximate a users oval-shaped midriff. An adjustable closure on the torso/trunk surround member compensates for users of various girths. A flexible sling support extends across the interior of the surround member from its rear portion to its front portion, with fixed rearward attachments and a releasable front attachment to the interior of the surround member. This sling support is shaped to pass between a user's legs and provides body/trunk support when the user is standing upright. A length of each leg may be adjustable. The lateral extension of each leg outwardly from the surround member may be adjustable to reconfigure the stance/footprint of the walker. A friction pin may be utilized to adjust the rolling rate of each wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: Paul A Pennise
  • Patent number: 7712477
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tray for use with a walker. The tray includes a generally rigid tray base having an essentially rectangular shape with a front long side, a back long side, a first short side and a second short side, and wherein the tray has a length that extends to or past the essentially horizontal support member; a ridge extending along the sides of the tray, wherein the ridge has a height of at least about a ½ inch; a strap having a hook and loop fastener wherein the strap is positioned at or near the back long end; and a first hinge and a second hinge, the first and second hinges are positioned, when the tray is in use, at or near the front leg of the first and second support, respectively. The length of the tray is greater that the distance between the support member of the first support and the support member of the second support; and the width of the tray is less than the length of the support member of the first support or second support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Alice McCarthy
  • Publication number: 20100101616
    Abstract: The invention relates to a baby walking stick which facilitates and accelerates the transition from crawling to walking in a physiologically appropriate manner. In addition, the invention prevents the accompanying adult from adopting unsuitable postures and the design of the stick provides increased safety by connecting the adult and the baby. The invention comprises a folding stick having an upper curved section which curves around the baby's erect head. The upper end of the stick is provided with a T-shaped handle for the adult and the centre of the stick, at the height of the baby's arms, is provided with handlebars with which the baby can hold himself/herself upright. The lower end of the stick is provided with two wheels so that the stick slides as the baby and adult walk, which wheels are in contact with the ground and joined by an axle parallel to the above-mentioned handle and handlebars, all of said components being disposed in parallel to the direction of movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Antonio Vilar Peron
  • Patent number: 7677259
    Abstract: An apparatus that combines the functionality of a walker with that of a single crutch is herein disclosed. The apparatus provides for one crutch that comes up from the side support of the walker and thus the side of the user's body and is adjustable in height, as is the walker support handles, such that the invention can be customized for any sized user. The adjustment is facilitated by use of spring pin slip fittings, and thus can be adjusted in a matter of minutes without tools. The crutch support can be easily moved from the right to left hand side of the walker by use of a removable clamp system. It is also envisioned that certain models of the invention can provide crutches on both the right and left hand side of the walker simultaneously, based upon the needs of the patient. When not in use or not needed, the invention folds up in a manner similar to a conventional walker thus providing a low profile for ease of storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventors: Jetta E. Arbuckle, David M. Arbuckle
  • Patent number: 7673641
    Abstract: A cane with a base having at least one wheel and an aperture, a support shaft having a user adjustable length and a first end connected to the base, a brake disposed within the aperture having a user adjustable length and at least one grip connected to the support shaft and the grip being operably engaged with the brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Full Life Products LLC
    Inventors: Craig Karasin, Robert Popek, David Reed, Andrew Vallrath, Thomas J. Powers, Danny A. Freund
  • Patent number: 7647937
    Abstract: An Assistive Walking Device that provides added support to persons requiring a mobility aid. Three or more stiff or flexible spherical or partial spherical-shaped structures are attached to a support or frame structure that includes a handle or grip. The three or more spherical structures attached to the support structure or frame, absorb shock during the walking motion and grip the ground, thus improving walking stability. The three or more spherical or partial spherical-shaped structures can vary in size, composition, construction design, pattern arrangement and pliability characteristics, and the frame or support structure to which the spherical structures are attached is variable in design according to the specific application requirements of the person requiring the mobility aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Ellis David Gordon
  • Patent number: 7644719
    Abstract: An improved walker leg tip having a felt nap is provided. The walker leg tip has an arcuate shaped shell with the shell having a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion has an aperture at least partially therethrough, the aperture dimensioned to accept an end portion of the walker leg. The felt nap covers at least part of the bottom portion of the arcuate shaped shell. In some instances, the arcuate shaped shell is spherically shaped and can be made from a polymer, vulcanized rubber and the like. Optionally, a sleeve can extend from the top portion of the shell, the sleeve having a sleeve aperture that is in alignment with the aperture of the top portion and dimensioned to fit at least partially over an end portion of a walker leg. A removable insert can also be included, the insert having an outer diameter dimensioned to fit at least partially into the aperture of the top portion and an inner diameter dimensioned to fit at least partially onto the end portion of the walker leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Margaret Galanty
  • Patent number: 7347428
    Abstract: A weighted sunscreen for outdoor use, which includes a shade having an elongated post with a first end, a second end, and a canopy attached to the first end, a weight, to which the second end is attached, a platform comprising an upper side upon which the weight is mounted, and a lower side, and at least three wheels attached to the lower side of the platform. The weighted sunscreen may also include a stopping device to keep the weighted sunscreen from moving. The weight may be concrete, a statue, a planter, an aquatic planter, or an aquarium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: Lawrence L Edenso
  • Patent number: 7334592
    Abstract: A cane having a base having at least one wheel, a substantially vertical member connected to the base, a brake within the vertical member, the brake including at least one actuator and a brake pad and a hand grip proximate the actuator wherein the brake is engageable by the application of a substantially downward force from a user's hand while the user's hand is on the hand grip and a method for using same. A cane having a brake releasable and engageable by the substantially downward force of a user's hand while the user's hand substantially continuously maintains a grip on the cane and while the user walks beside the cane. A cane having a plurality of hand grips, an upright member connected to the plurality of hand grips, a base, having wheels, connected to the upright member, a brake connected to each of the plurality of hand grips wherein the brake is engageable by a hand having a substantially continuous grip on any of the plurality of hand grips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: John Tartaglia
  • Patent number: 7261114
    Abstract: A cane with a base having at least one wheel and an aperture, a support shaft having a user adjustable length and a first end connected to the base, a brake disposed within the aperture having a user adjustable length and at least one grip connected to the support shaft and the grip being operably engaged with the brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Full Life Products, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Karasin, Robert Popek, David Reed, Andrew Vellrath, Thomas J. Powers, Danny A. Freund
  • Patent number: 7252105
    Abstract: A lightweight metal or plastic framework which has a handle (11) at the top of a vertical shaft (12) with built in arms (13,14) below the handle and a bottom shaft (15) attached to the end of the vertical shaft (12). The said bottom shaft (15) is bent down at both ends on which are attached rubber bumper-pivots (16,17) that act as bumpers for the ends of shaft (15) and lift said wheels from said surface when said framework is leaned toward the user. Two bearing fitted wheels (18,19) are attached on the same side of said framework to said bottom shaft (15) by axles (20,21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: John Francis Otis
  • Publication number: 20070175503
    Abstract: An Assistive Walking Device that provides added support to persons requiring a mobility aid. Three or more stiff or flexible spherical or partial spherical-shaped structures are attached to a support or frame structure that includes a handle or grip. The three or more spherical structures attached to the support structure or frame, absorb shock during the walking motion and grip the ground, thus improving walking stability. The three or more spherical or partial spherical-shaped structures can vary in size, composition, construction design, pattern arrangement and pliability characteristics, and the frame or support structure to which the spherical structures are attached is variable in design according to the specific application requirements of the person requiring the mobility aid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Ellis David Gordon
  • Patent number: 7182179
    Abstract: A walker including a main frame with a main part with a telescopic frame member being slidably adjustable in relation to main part, a handle bar with a brake handle bar for activating a brake via a brake pull wire, a brake wire connected to a brake wire fastener and brake, and a brake tensioner plate arranged in frame member. The brake tensioner plate includes upper, lower and brake tensioner sheaves, one of the brake tensioner sheaves being laterally displaceable and arranged for adjusting the running length of the brake wire, so that the brake wire may be tensioned and the brake activated, for displacement along the brake wire and for telescopic displacement of the frame member, so that tensioning of the brake wire may occur independently from the vertical position of the brake tensioner plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Access AS
    Inventor: Ulf Tolfsen
  • Patent number: 7040637
    Abstract: A rollator with a tubular frame assembly includes a pair of U-shaped side frames connected by a front brace. Each side frame has a cross bar that extends between front legs and back legs of the frame. The side frames are pivotably attached to the front brace so that the side frames can fold inwardly. The rollator has a molded rigid seat that is mounted on pivot brackets to allow it to pivot upwardly out of the way of the user. The pivot brackets have an offset axis of rotation so that the seat is arranged in a curved area of the front brace when pivoted upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: John Owens, Robert R. Bly, Kevin S. Wysocki
  • Patent number: 6899660
    Abstract: A walker particularly suitable for rehabilitation of a patient's legs includes a base provided with casters, a pair of handlebars, and a suspension frame for holding a safety belt. A leg separator is height-adjustably connected to the base to locate between and separate apart the patient's two legs, so that a cerebral palsied patient may bear inner sides of two legs against two lateral sides of the leg separator during practicing walking. Direction control members adapted to limit the casters to rotate forward and backward only are provided on the base to effectively enable the cerebral palsied patient to practice walking straightly forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Dynamic Healthtech Inc.
    Inventors: Kao Chin Chin, Wang Jen Cheng, Tin Cheng Shing
  • Patent number: 6877520
    Abstract: A cane having a base formed from a cup-shaped support having a concave bottom surface and a top surface defined by a circumscribing exterior sidewall having a bottom edge. The concave bottom surface is formed to have a plurality of resilient projections extending therefrom a distance to project slightly beyond the bottom edge of the sidewall. The projections are formed in a spoke-like pattern on the bottom surface such that the density of the projections is greater near the central section of the bottom surface than at the periphery of the bottom surface. The projections are also formed to have a length that varies according to their position on the bottom surface so that a substantially planar contacting edge is presented to a support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: James K. Morris
  • Patent number: 6877519
    Abstract: A collapsible side wheeled walker accommodates a user walking to one side of the walker while holding the walker and supporting at least a portion of the user's weight on the walker. The walker can be collapsed in a tripod-like manner into a compact configuration that is easily transported and stowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Daniel J. Fink
  • Publication number: 20040216776
    Abstract: A lightweight metal or plastic framework which has a handle (11) at the top of an adjustable vertical shaft (12) with built in hooks (13,14) below the handle and a bottom shaft (15) attached to the end of the vertical shaft (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: John Francis Otis
  • Patent number: 6708705
    Abstract: There is a walking cane, for supporting and balancing a user, and allowing a user to retard forward motion. The walking cane includes a base, having a wheel rotatably coupled thereto. The cane further includes a braking member, coupled to and positioned relatively above the base, having a contact portion that contacts the wheel to retard the wheel's rotation when a threshold downward force is applied to the cane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Mike Nasco, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6675820
    Abstract: The safety support device of this invention includes a frame having a mounting section. A pair of forward legs are attached to a forward end of the mounting section and a pair of rear legs are attached to a rear end of the mounting section. Each leg has a distal end to which is attached a roller assembly that includes a roller member mounted so that with the weight of the user bearing down on the assembly the roller member is prevented from moving. In a second embodiment used to assist injured or elderly person stand erect, the legs are long and arm support members engage the arm pits of the user when the user is being supported by the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Ruben Balan
  • Publication number: 20030205265
    Abstract: There is a walking cane, for supporting and balancing a user, and allowing a user to retard forward motion. The walking cane includes a base, having a wheel rotatably coupled thereto. The cane further includes a braking member, coupled to and positioned relatively above the base, having a contact portion that contacts the wheel to retard the wheel's rotation when a threshold downward force is applied to the cane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Mike Nasco
  • Publication number: 20030127121
    Abstract: A walker for providing a patient having a breathing disorder the ability to carry an oxygen bottle safely upon the walker. The walker has a pair of side frames having front vertical bars that are connected by a pair of cross members. Wheels are attached to the front bars of the frame for propelling the walker. An open top canvas bag containing the oxygen bottle is suspended from the top cross member so that the center of gravity of the bottle lies in a common vertical plane with the wheel axis and is centered between the frames. Stabilizers are provided to prevent the bottle from moving side to side or out of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventor: Roger H. Hamilton
  • Publication number: 20030094191
    Abstract: A walk assistance device includes a handle and a base connected to a lower end of the handle. Two brake members extend from two ends of the base and two frames are pivotally connected to the base. Each of the frames has two wheels connected thereto, a gap is defined between each of the brake members and the wheels. A spring is connected between each of the frames and the brake members when pushing the handle toward the wheels which are pushed upward by the ground to contact the brake members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Mei-Yu Lin
  • Patent number: 6494469
    Abstract: A rolling walker 1 comprises a first frame 3 supported by a front caster 2 at both ends thereof and a second frame 5 supported by a rear caster 4 at both ends thereof, and a handle 7 provided to either first frame 3 or second frame 5. The first frame 3 and the second frame 5 are foldably connected each other by a connecting shaft 6. The rolling walker 1 has a closed frame fixing means 11 which fixes the first frame 3 and the second frame 5 in a closed position and connects the first frame 3 and the second frame 5 to stand when the first frame 3 and the second frame 5 are rotationally folded around the connecting shaft 6, so that each frame 3, 5 can be kept folded to stand when the rolling walker 1 is not used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Takano Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasunori Hara, Tsunetaro Ito
  • Patent number: 6367494
    Abstract: A sunshade base comprises a base adapted to engage with a support tube of a sunshade and two wheel assemblies each having a mounting plate and at least one wheel. The mounting plate is pivotally mounted to the base. The wheel is rotatably mounted to the mounting plate. The mounting plate is pivotable between a storage position in which the wheel does not contact the ground and an operative position in which the wheel is located on the ground and thus raises the base above the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Benson Tung