Occupant-pushed Patents (Class 280/87.021)
  • Publication number: 20140091543
    Abstract: A vehicle with at least three stable bearing points on the ground, of which at least one at the front and at least one at the rear of the vehicle, comprises an arm fixed to the front of the vehicle, at a free first end of which arm are mounted a steering unit, and a seat situated at the rear of the vehicle. The arm is movable relative to the seat between a first remote and lockable position, relating to a self-support mode, wherein a first distance is provided between the steering unit and the seat in order to receive a person in seated or semi-seated position on the seat, and a second closer and lockable position, relating to a walking assistance mode, wherein a second distance smaller than the first is provided between the steering unit and the seat. The steering unit forming a support means in this second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENE ALT
    Inventors: Olivier Menard, Sae Kyoung An, Jerome Colleaux
  • Patent number: 8646804
    Abstract: A convertible wheeled patient aid for assisting a patient in a first transport mode and a second transport mode comprising a frame having at least one wheel, a seat, a handle. A configurable backrest, configurable from a first position to a second position. The aid further comprising a leg rigging movably coupled to the frame from a first position to a second position. A leg rigging retaining member, selectively engageable with the leg rigging member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. Derks, Ishwor P. Adhikari
  • Patent number: 8632092
    Abstract: A rollator includes a support frame assembly, a seat having first and second positioning notches, and a backrest unit including a backrest frame having two opposite ends pivoted to the support frame assembly, and a positioning frame having two opposite ends pivoted to the backrest frame. The positioning frame is engageable with a selected one of the first and second positioning notches. The backrest frame cooperates with the seat unit to define a seating space that faces rearward when the positioning frame is engaged with the first positioning notch, and cooperates with the seat unit to define a seating space that faces forward when the positioning frame is engaged with the second positioning notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Wendy Huang
  • Patent number: 8613457
    Abstract: A deck assembly for a scooter comprises a deck having a top surface, a bottom surface, and two side surfaces, and a grind plate having a front end, a rear end, a mating surface, and a grinding surface. The grind plate may be slidably attachable to the deck such that the mating surface of the grind plate mates with the bottom surface of the deck, and the bottom surface of the deck and at least a portion of each side surface of the deck are covered by the grind plate. A scooter assembly may further comprise a neck, a handlebar assembly, and steer tube extending through a down tube. The steer tube may be a butted tube member having a first wall thickness near a bottom portion of the butted tube member and a second wall thickness near a top portion of the butted tube member, the first wall thickness being greater than the second wall thickness. The steer tube may define a linear slot at or near the bottom portion of the steer tube and a key adapted to fit into the linear slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventor: Andreas C. Wegener
  • Patent number: 8608184
    Abstract: A mobility assistance device for use as a walking aid includes a frame member extending from a front assembly to a rear assembly. The front and rear assemblies comprise a pair of wheels for rotational movement of the assistance device. The mobility device further comprises an energy absorption assembly located between the frame member and an axle housing of a rear assembly. The energy absorption assembly includes first and second ends, the first end is operably connected to a rearward position of the frame member and the second end is rotatably connected to the axle housing assembly supporting the pair of wheels of the rear assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventors: Leonard R. Janis, Matthew Comer
  • Patent number: 8596658
    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: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Dashaway Company
    Inventors: Stanley Dashew, Charles Blount
  • Patent number: 8590907
    Abstract: A stool includes a body having a seat and a wheel assembly. The seat is selectively rotatable about an axis of the stool. The wheel assembly is engaged to the seat. The wheel assembly includes a plurality of wheels. Each of the wheels includes an exterior surface having a first portion and a second portion. The second portion includes a contoured surface. The body is adapted to tilt onto the second portions of the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: White Pine Concepts LLC
    Inventors: Dan Hurt, Sherry M. Rovig
  • Patent number: 8573612
    Abstract: A method of producing a natural gait by a patient using an ambulatory device having a patient positioned in the middle of the ambulatory device to allow for an upright trunk, minimizing abnormal lower extremities kinematics and weight bearing on arms. By having hinged corners with an adjustable friction the device allows reciprocal arm swing when unlocked. The use of four wheels permits a continuous stepping motion that does not disrupt normal gait kinematics. Having an adjustable height allows the ambulatory device to have an optimal height for placement of patient hands that minimizes weight bearing on arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Clarkson University
    Inventors: George D. Fulk, James J. Carroll
  • Patent number: 8573613
    Abstract: There is provided a foldable walker apparatus with a wheel fork and a frame portion having a first end facing the wheel fork, a first bore extending from the first end towards a second end opposite thereof, an exterior disposed between the first end of the frame portion and the second end of the frame portion, and a second bore disposed between the first end of the frame portion and the second end of the frame portion. The second bore extends from the exterior of the frame portion to the first bore in a direction generally perpendicular to the first bore. A shaft couples with the first bore and includes a recess facing the second bore. A bearing outer race couples to the wheel fork and a bearing inner race couples to the shaft. A securing member extends through the second bore and engages with the recess of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Evolution Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Julian Liu
  • Patent number: 8567803
    Abstract: A seat member for use with a child's scooter vehicle for preventing the unintended flipping over of the scooter. The seat member having a body portion having opposing top and bottom surfaces and front and back surfaces. The seat member includes a generally planar seat surface on the top surface of the body portion and a projection member provided on the top back surface of the body portion. At least a portion of the projection member extends into the generally planar seat surface configured to prevent a user from leaning too far backwards on the seat member thus preventing the unintended flipping over of the scooter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: PlaSmart Inc.
    Inventor: Hongzhi Bao
  • Patent number: 8567800
    Abstract: Pair of runners for walking and/or travel movement characterized by the fact that the secondary beam (1b) contains at least two sets of wheels (5), one in the rear of a runner and the second the front of a runner, while the main beam (1a) includes at least two feet (6a) made of flexible material or at least two rolling sets (6b); at least one set of wheels (5) in every runner is equipped with mechanism for locking of the wheels rotation and runners are connected by a stabilization rod (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Alreh Medical SP. Z.O.O.
    Inventor: Zbigniew Lukasiak
  • Publication number: 20130277934
    Abstract: Balance bike having a frame provided with a steering bush or holder for rotatably holding handlebars with a front wheel fork whereby one or several front wheels are connected to the front wheel fork and whereby the balance bike having two back wheels, characterised in that the frame of the balance bike having two frame parts which are directly or indirectly hinge-mounted at a distance (D) from one another to the steering bush or holder by hinges from where the frame parts extend up to a distance thereof and are each provided with a back wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: THE CHILLAFISH COMPANY NV
    Inventor: Sebastian De Roeck
  • Patent number: 8562004
    Abstract: Knee boards for riding in a kneeling position on a ground surface and methods of riding the same. Knee boards include a body with a knee support region, front and rear wheel assemblies, and a gripping member. The body defines an open kick region laterally adjacent to the knee support region. The open kick region permits a user to extend his/her foot to contact and kick the ground surface to propel the knee board and the user along the ground. Some knee boards include a left knee support region and a right knee support region laterally spaced from the left knee support region, and which collectively define the open kick region therebetween. Some knee boards include a central knee support region and a body that defines a left kick region and a right kick region to the left and right of the knee support region, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Acorn Products, LLC
    Inventors: Scott H. Stillinger, Kathryn Kelsey Anne Stillinger
  • Patent number: 8540256
    Abstract: An up-right walker for supporting a patient with up-right posture. The up-right walker includes side frames having a back leg frame and a front leg frame. Wheels are coupled to the back leg frame and to front leg frame for contacting a surface for enabling motion. A first support frame is disposed at the top of the first side frame and a second forearm support frame disposed at the top of the second side frame. A first support structure is coupled to the first support frame and a second support structure is coupled to the second forearm support frame. The first and second support structures are configured to have an angled slope not parallel to the surface engaged by the wheels. A knee support fixture may be provided that includes a knee support platform and a pivoting repository for receiving and supporting a knee therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Grady Simpson
  • Patent number: 8534685
    Abstract: Described is a mechanism for traveling over carpet and other uneven or resistant surfaces and objects. The mechanism may be used in connection with office chairs, desk chairs, school chairs, dinner table chairs, lounge chairs, shopping carts, and the like. A base assembly includes relatively large spheres of a rigid or pliant material. The spheres operate in any direction with the assistance of a set of bearings. The spheres allow improved operation over surfaces compared to castors and other known mechanisms. The spheres substantial reduce floor wear and provide improved stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Fred A. Tohm, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8528921
    Abstract: An interlocking neck and deck system for scooters includes an elongate deck having a front end with a longitudinal neck-receiving slot with a first profile and at least one lateral locking member receiver. A removable and interchangeable neck is engageable with the deck. The neck includes a lower mounting portion with a second profile complementary to the first profile of the neck-receiving slot and at least one lateral locking member receiver complementary to the at least one lateral locking member receiver of the deck. The neck also includes an upper stem-receiving portion comprising a bore. At least one lateral locking member is engageable with the lateral locking member receivers of the deck and neck when the removable neck is mated with the longitudinal neck-receiving slot of the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Andrew D. Broussard
  • Patent number: 8523211
    Abstract: A knee roller that is easy to use and provides improved maneuverability is disclosed. The knee roller may include a support frame for supporting a handlebar assembly, a knee support and a pair of coaxial wheels. The pair of coaxial wheels may be positioned substantially underneath the knee support, where the pair of coaxial wheels rotates about a common rotation axis, and a vertical plane defined by the rotation axis intersects the knee support. The position of the pair of coaxial wheels with respect to the knee support substantially distributes a weight received at the knee support over the pair of coaxial wheels and allows the knee roller to turn about a vertical axis perpendicular to and intersects with the rotation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Clinton Allen Mailahn
  • Patent number: 8523204
    Abstract: A structure of connectable skateboard includes a skateboard body that carries casters. The skateboard body has a front end forming a plurality of connection lugs and a rear end forming a plurality of mating slots at locations corresponding to the connection lugs, whereby with the inter-engagement between the connection lugs and the corresponding mating slots, multiple skateboard bodies can be inter-connected to each other to form a connected skateboard assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Chia-Liang Chen
  • Patent number: 8517403
    Abstract: A child vehicle includes a front portion having a front wheel and a first handlebar configured to steer the vehicle, and a rear portion coupled to the front portion and having a rear wheel. The front portion is capable of rotating relative to the rear portion about a first pivot axis. A pivot member is coupled to the vehicle and rotatable about a second pivot axis between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the pivot member operates as a seat for supporting a rider thereon to define a ride-on configuration. In the second position, the pivot member operates as a second handlebar to define a scooter configuration. The second handlebar is also configured to steer the vehicle when in the scooter configuration. The vehicle may include a graphical interface for decorating or otherwise marking the vehicle in a manner preferred by the child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Huffy Corporation
    Inventor: Donald K. Jessie, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8511694
    Abstract: An apparatus for assisting people with walking wherein those apparatus are reconfigurable to provide seating in either the forward-facing, or the rear-facing direction, includes a foldable, wheeled frame assembly, a seat mounted to the frame, and a reversible cross-arm, or backrest, for reconfiguring the apparatus from a rear-facing seating arrangement to a forward-facing seating arrangement. In a further aspect, hinged arms, one on each side of the frame assembly, are operable to at least partially rotate in a plane adjacent to the plane of the frame to which it is attached, thereby offering alternative positions of the arms that are convenient to the forward-facing seating position and the rear-facing seating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventors: Scott N. Bradshaw, Bernarde Linde
  • Patent number: 8505936
    Abstract: There is provided a wheel mounting assembly having a wheel fork. The fork includes an interior and an inwardly extending protrusion disposed within the interior. The assembly includes a rotatable member operatively connected to the fork and disposed within the interior of the fork. The protrusion abuts and positions in place the rotatable member. The assembly includes a shaft. The rotatable member rotatably connects the shaft to the wheel fork. The assembly includes a retaining member connected to the shaft. The retaining member is configured to abut the protrusion of the fork and thus inhibit dislodgement of the rotatable member from the fork when the shaft is tilted relative to the fork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Evolution Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Julian Liu
  • Patent number: 8500143
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a walking assistance device with detection function, which includes a movable frame, a power transmission device mounted under the frame, a detachable power unit mounted on the frame, at least one signal transmitter and at least one signal receiver for detecting the distances from a first portion and a second portion on the user's body to a correspond position of the frame respectively. According to the distances detected, a control unit sends signals to the power transmission device to maintain the distance between the user and the frame within a preset range, therefore to provide supporting forces when the user needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: National Yang-Ming University
    Inventors: Chung-huang Yu, Chih-wei Chien
  • Patent number: 8500147
    Abstract: A folding scooter has an upright handlebar position, suitable for riding the scooter, and a folded handlebar position, suitable for storing the scooter. The folding scooter features a base, a handlebar shaft having locking hinge plates, and a base shaft having a lower locking hinge plate. The locking hinge plates of the handlebar shaft rotate with respect to the lower locking hinge plate as the handlebar shaft moves from the upright position to the folded position. A locking mechanism has a first locked position when the handlebar shaft is in the upright position, and a second locked position when the handlebar shaft is in the folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Radio Flyer Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Johnson
  • Patent number: 8500144
    Abstract: A modular interlocking design for a scooter. The present invention introduces a design for a scooter providing modular parts of a scooter that allows for easy assembly. The detent design of the present invention also provides for stronger joints unlike the traditional scooter with weak and brittle welded joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: VERTX Industries LLC
    Inventors: Paul Douglas Querro, John Charles Querro
  • Patent number: 8480100
    Abstract: The shower chair/walker combination incorporates the features of a walker and a shower chair into a single appliance. The appliance includes a folding walker having a pivoted seat thereon. The seat is of a split toilet seat design, having a gap at its front end. This feature allows a caregiver to have access to all parts of the patient's body to assure complete bathing. The appliance is provided with brakes and controls therefor, as is conventionally provided for walkers. All moving parts are either covered to prevent rusting or fabricated from rust-resistant materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Gary M. Staggs
  • Patent number: 8465027
    Abstract: A triple action roller skate steering and suspension mechanism includes upper and lower cushions clamped on either side of a skate truck, plus a third action comprising a floating cushion mechanism supporting and surrounding the pivot cup portion of a pivot joint mechanism. A pivot pin is threaded into the skate truck and can be preloaded against the pivot cup and floating cushion mechanism, thereby providing improved shock absorbing, durability and adjustability. The roller skate base plate is a unitary structure including a hollow arch for lightweight structural reinforcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Jacob Burke
  • Patent number: 8465033
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-piece folding scooter whereof the front and rear wheels are fixed on two side bases (b) and (c). Each wheel is hinged to a central base formed from two oblong openings in which the wheels retract respectively when the side bases are folded down flat against the central base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Jacques Benarrouch
  • Patent number: 8459669
    Abstract: A skateboard includes a deck, a rear assembly and a front assembly. The rear assembly is attached to the deck. The front assembly includes a base plate, a friction-resistant plate, a hanger, a front wheel, a baring and a king pin. The base plate is attached to the deck, made of a plastic material, and formed with an inclined face. The friction-resistant plate is made of a friction-resistant metal material and located against the inclined face. The hanger includes a ring and two branches extending from the ring. The front wheel is attached to the branches. The bearing is located in the ring. The king pin is inserted in the bearing located in the ring, the friction-resistant plate and the base plate so that the axis of the king pin extends downward and toward the rear assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Henkel Lin
  • Patent number: 8439376
    Abstract: A mobile support assembly disposable between a stored orientation and an operative orientation including a frame having a front leg assembly including a pair of front legs, and a rear leg assembly including a pair of rear legs. At least one but preferably each of the front and rear leg assemblies include at least one cross member spanning the corresponding legs thereof. Each cross member is structured to have a variable length so as to effectively vary an overall width of the mobile support assembly and thereby facilitate a compact configuration of the frame when in the stored orientation. Further, at least one of the leg assemblies includes a lower portion wherein the wheels are included, the lower portion disposable into a non-operative storage position that at least partially defines a reduced longitudinal dimension of the frame when in the stored orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: AMG Medical, USA.
    Inventors: Phillip Minyard Willis, Randy Bernard
  • Patent number: 8414000
    Abstract: A flexible skateboard may include a pair of direction casters mounted for steering rotation on a twistable one piece skateboard with a multi-arm spring return assembly using pivoting stops associated with the wheel fork and non-pivoting stops mounted to the skateboard. Centering spring arrangements including range or rotation limitations such as hard stops are included. One or two dual wheel assemblies may be exchanged for the single wheel assemblies for ease or riding or learning how to ride. One piece skateboard bodies are formed by rigidly connecting together multiple pieces of the same or similar plastic molded parts to form a bridge like connecting member having increased structural strength for its weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Razor USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Chen, Robert A. Hadley
  • Publication number: 20130082451
    Abstract: A multifunctional vehicle includes a frame, front and rear rolling gears, a head set, a handlebar, a board, a brake and a tube. The frame includes two first, second and third crossbars for interconnecting two lateral bars. The front rolling gear is rotationally connected to the lateral bars by the head set. The handlebar is connected to the front rolling gear. The rear rolling gear is connected to the third crossbar. The board includes a hook for engagement with the first crossbar as the board is in an upper position and for engagement with the second crossbar as the board is in a lower position. The brake is connected to the board for frictional contact with the rear rolling gear. The tube includes an end pivotally connected to the lateral bars by the second crossbar and another end pivotally connected to the board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventor: Henkel Lin
  • Publication number: 20130062848
    Abstract: A rollator includes a support frame assembly, a seat having first and second positioning notches, and a backrest unit including a backrest frame having two opposite ends pivoted to the support frame assembly, and a positioning frame having two opposite ends pivoted to the backrest frame. The positioning frame is engageable with a selected one of the first and second positioning notches. The backrest frame cooperates with the seat unit to define a seating space that faces rearward when the positioning frame is engaged with the first positioning notch, and cooperates with the seat unit to define a seating space that faces forward when the positioning frame is engaged with the second positioning notch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Wendy HUANG
  • Patent number: 8388006
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a foldable motorized vehicle for locking a main frame body thereof comprises a pulling arm, locking shafts, shaft sleeves, elastic elements, and locking pins. The shaft sleeves are fixedly positioned in parallel below the main frame body and respectively sleeved on the locking shafts. Each of the locking pins is fixed on one end of a corresponding locking shaft and penetrates corresponding locking holes on the main frame body. Each elastic elements is sleeved on the corresponding locking shaft and pressing against the locking shaft and the corresponding shaft sleeve, respectively. The pulling arm comprises a pulling rod pivoted on one end of one locking shaft, and a connecting member with one end pivoted on one end of the other locking shaft, and the other end pivoted on the pulling rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventors: Chichun Wu, Zhao Zhang
  • Patent number: 8376377
    Abstract: In order to temporarily close off the open end or ends of a supermarket cage to reduce risk of products falling out, a supermarket cage protection device is proposed which comprises a roller (16) mounted between respective brackets (30) which are adapted to be fitted removably to opposing upper regions of opposing side frames (22) of a supermarket cage (20). A sheet of flexible material (12) is mounted upon and extensible from the roller (16) so as to cover, in use, an open end of the supermarket cage. Means for releasably securing the sheet (12) when so extended may comprise a channel element (14) providing a hook to engage a bottom cage element and optionally a grip portion (45) to facilitate its release. In its simplest form such a device is, in effect, a roller blind adapted for fitting to a delivery cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Technological Systems Limited
    Inventor: Walter Stephen Weston
  • Publication number: 20130020777
    Abstract: A balance bike balance bike includes a frame, front and rear wheels, a seat, a joining structure, a front fork, and a steering handle. The joining structure is pivotally joined to the frame and pivotal between first and second positions. The joining structure includes a joining end and a receiving end. The front and rear wheels are disposed apart from each other and the balance bike defines a first longitudinal dimension when the joining structure is in the first position. The front and rear wheels are disposed adjacent to each other and the balance bike defines a second longitudinal dimension when the joining structure is in the second position. The first longitudinal dimension is larger than the second longitudinal dimension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Wang-Chuan Chen
  • Patent number: 8348288
    Abstract: A knee scooter having pivotable handle bars, a U-shaped frame with a wide rear axle and an adjustable knee support for use by injured or disabled users. The wide rear axle of the U-shaped frame can be laterally moved to accommodate either an injury to a right or left leg. The scooter is steered by turning a pair of front wheels and hand brakes are positioned on the handle bars to manually stop the scooter as needed. The steering or turning of the front wheels is limited to about 60° rotation for safety purposes. The method of use includes securing the handle bars in an upright position, adjusting the steering column height, adjusting the knee support height and moving the rear axle laterally to accommodate supporting either a right or left leg as needed as the other leg is used to propel the scooter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Design Source Limited Properties, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas C. Laughon, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8336894
    Abstract: A three wheeled scooter comprises a chassis having forward and aft ends with a front wheel non-pivotally mounted to the forward end and a pair of rear wheels coaxially mounted to the aft end. The chassis defines a longitudinal axis and includes a support assembly and a handle assembly extending upwardly from the support assembly. The rear wheels are configured to be angularly yawable relative to the longitudinal axis between a neutral position and a yawed position. Steering of the scooter is thereby effectuated by angular yawing of the rear wheels relative to the longitudinal axis such as by asymmetric loading of one of opposing sides of the support assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: B.E.W. Squared, LLC
    Inventor: Bradley E. Wernli
  • Patent number: 8322735
    Abstract: A scooter is presented which allows the rider to maintain a secure forward facing stance with both feet parallel to the direction of travel and a combined center of gravity of both rider and scooter centrally between the front and rear wheel irrespective of the vertical tilt of the scooter. The scooter comprises a frame with high torsional strength, suitable for attaching an adjustable footrest thereto. The footrest may comprise two footrests, one on each side of the frame, or a footboard sufficiently wide to allow the rider to place both feet parallel to the direction of travel thereon. The longitudinal position of the footrests or footboard may be adjustable by selectively attaching the footrests or footboard to one of two or more attachment features at the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Steinbach
  • Patent number: 8313116
    Abstract: A mobility device includes at least a first front leg and at least a first rear leg connected to the first front leg connected to the first front leg. The first rear leg includes an upper member having a first end a second end and a lower member having a first end and a second end. The first end of the upper member is pivotally connected to the first end of the lower member, and the lower member is preferably pivotal between an extended use position and a folded storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: AMG Medical, USA.
    Inventor: Phillip Minyard Willis
  • Patent number: 8302974
    Abstract: An adaptable mobility aid device is disclosed that has length-adjustable front and rear legs, a handle, and a knee support platform coupled to the legs and the handle, the legs being adjustable within a range of lengths suitable to straddle steps for ascending and descending stairways, as well as to function on the level, or on a ramp. The lengths of the legs can be adjusted in tandem via single-hand operability of an adjustment mechanism. The knee support platform provides support for an impaired lower leg of a user, not requiring the leg to contact the stairs, and also not requiring the leg to be held mid-air in a hopping motion. The handle enables one-handed use of the adaptable mobility aid device. In some embodiments, spring loaded pins or a pull bar to activate the pins, enable the single-hand operability of the adjustment mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Kevin Roger Kline
  • Patent number: 8282113
    Abstract: Rideable luggage that can be used as either a rolling suitcase or as a baggage scooter for carrying a rider, or additional baggage. The rideable luggage has a suitcase and a platform that can be selectively deployed for holding additional baggage or a person. The deployable platform has at least one scooter wheel at an outboard end and a pair of suitcase wheels at its inboard end. A center steer wheel is connected to an extendable handle to provide steering control. When the platform is deployed, the suitcase wheels retract so that only the steer wheel and scooter wheel are in contact with the floor. When the platform is retracted, the suitcase wheels extend and are in contact with the floor along with the steer wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventors: James W. Veal, Madelyn T. Veal
  • Patent number: 8231133
    Abstract: Knee walker assemblies and methods of manufacturing a knee walker assembly are provided herein. One concept of the present disclosure is directed to a knee walker assembly that includes a frame, a support platform and a handle mounted to the frame, at least one rear wheel mounted proximate the rear end of the frame, and at least two front wheels swivel mounted proximate the front end of the frame. A locking mechanism is operatively engaged with the at least two front wheels. The locking mechanism is configured to substantially simultaneously lock both of the at least two front wheels in a rigid-type mounting configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Linda M. Walther, Ethan S. Abernathey, Ishwor P. Adhikari, John H. Kutsch, Vincent R. Lackowski
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8118319
    Abstract: A twisted structure for a skateboard includes a first board member having a first groove defined therein and extending therearound. A second board member is connected with the first board member. The second board member has a second groove defined therein and extending therearound. An elastic band is stretchably received in the first groove and the second groove. The elastic band encloses the first board member and the second board member for connecting the first board member with the second board member. Accordingly, the first board member is pivotally twisted related to the second board member by the elastic band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Chao Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20110298190
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a device for transporting users having an injured leg across a surface and a method of adjusting the device. An embodiment of the device includes a frame, at least two wheel assemblies, and a support for supporting the knee of the injured leg of the user. The frame may have a top portion and at least two legs. The wheel assemblies may be operatively connected to the legs of the frame. The support may be at least partially supported by the top portion of the frame. The device may include an anti-rotation arrangement that increases the resistance to the rotation of a wheel of at least one of the wheel assemblies to assist alignment of the device with a forward direction when a force is applied by the non-injured leg of the user in a direction that is parallel to the forward direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: Invacare Corporation
    Inventor: Fidias Diaz
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110248460
    Abstract: A structure of connectable skateboard includes a skateboard body that carries casters. The skateboard body has a front end forming a plurality of connection lugs and a rear end forming a plurality of mating slots at locations corresponding to the connection lugs, whereby with the inter-engagement between the connection lugs and the corresponding mating slots, multiple skateboard bodies can be inter-connected to each other to form a connected skateboard assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventor: CHIA-LIANG CHEN
  • Patent number: 8029006
    Abstract: A stackable dolly includes a platform having upper and lower surfaces and a peripheral edge. A plurality of legs are generally coextensive with the platform and extend from the platform beyond the peripheral edge and extend radially outwardly from the platform beyond the platform periphery. Each leg includes an upper surface generally coextensive with the upper surface of the platform a lower surface serving as a mounting surface. The legs are equally angularly spaced from each other about the axis along the periphery of the platform. Casters are secured to each mounting surface of each leg. Engaging members are provided below the platform lower surface each engaging member being arranged approximate to the peripheral edge to abut against the peripheral edge of a cooperating dolly placed below the platform when the platform is supported on the cooperating dolly. The engaging members are restricting lateral movements of the engaged dollies relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: JPJ Investment Holding Co.
    Inventor: Artem Kalajyan
  • Patent number: 8025300
    Abstract: A three wheeled off road sports board provides a rider with the experience of snowboarding while traveling on dirt, gravel or other coarse surfaces, the sports board supplying a platform, a wheel secured within a cutout portion in the front of the board, and two rear wheels upon a common axle, with the rear end of the board providing an upward angled rear end with an adjustable lower braking apparatus to slow the rider and also to assist the rider in stopping, slowing or turning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Christopher Jordan