Baby Walker Patents (Class 280/87.051)
  • Patent number: 7657968
    Abstract: An improved wheel interface for walkers that includes a spring interface connection between the frame of the walker and the wheel assembly. The walker is able to better absorb shocks that occur when encountering an obstacle such as a curb, allowing the user to avoid the necessity of allowing the walker to fall or to risk falling himself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Elaine Levin
  • Publication number: 20100007106
    Abstract: A multi-use child seating apparatus is provided for attachment to a number of frame structures, including a shopping cart, a table, a walker unit, a child activity center, and the like. A seating unit includes a seating frame and a flexible seat for receiving a child in a seated position therein. A mounting mechanism attached to the seating frame is adapted for mounting the seating apparatus to a frame structure, such as the handlebar of a shopping cart, and at least one connector is provided to secure the seating apparatus to the frame structure and brace the seating unit from movement when a child is seated in the flexible seat. A plurality of legs may be movably connected to the seating frame and moved to a deployed position to engage a frame structure, such as a table, to further secure the seating apparatus to the frame structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Shaun Gibson
  • Patent number: 7614641
    Abstract: A foldable stroller has a frame assembly reconfigurable between an in-use configuration and a folded configuration. The frame assembly has a left and a right frame side and each frame side includes an elongate bottom part having a front end and a back end. Each bottom part is oriented extending generally from a front to a back of the frame assembly. A fold latch is on the frame assembly and has two latch parts pivotally coupled to one another. A push arm has a lower end connected to one of the latch parts and extends upward and rearward to a handle. A front leg has a lower end pivotally coupled to a front end of the bottom part and extends upward and rearward to an upper end connected to the other of the latch parts. A support strut has an upper end pivotally coupled to the fold latch at a pivot axis and has a lower end pivotally coupled to the bottom part forward of the back end at a pivot connection. The pivot connection of the support strut in one example is positioned further forward than the pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis M. Hartenstine, Daniel N. Newhard, Matthew J. Ransil
  • Patent number: 7568712
    Abstract: The invention relates to a walker having a main supporting frame, a superstructure frame and a body support means. The superstructure frame is operatively arranged for vertical adjustment relative to the main supporting frame and includes an adjustable interior opening for accommodating a user and an entrance gate operatively arranged to provide access to the adjustable interior opening. The body support means is secured to the superstructure frame and operatively arranged to support the user. Furthermore, the walker may include four wheels, each of which may include a directional locking apparatus and/or braking system, and the walker may include at least one arm support operatively arranged for supporting the user. The walker may also include at least one handle operatively arranged for transmission of the walker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: The Research Foundation of State University of NY
    Inventors: Peter Kovachi, Joseph C. Mollendorf, Roger Teagarden, Chee Main Heam
  • Patent number: 7523984
    Abstract: An infant activity center comprising: (a) an infant-activity center tray having an infant seat; (b) a ring having a cushion extending across the diameter of the ring; and (c) a plurality of repositionable pylons concurrently mounted to the ring and the tray, the repositionable pylons being repositionable between a use position and a storage position, wherein the distance between the tray and the cushion is greater when the pylons are in the use position than in the storage position, and wherein each of the pylons cooperates with the ring to form a biased latch securing each pylon in at least the use position or the storage position, and wherein at least one of the cushion and the ring includes a catch operative to interact with the tray to secure the pylons in the storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Evenflo Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Steininger
  • Patent number: 7448633
    Abstract: A pediatric assistance device useful in enabling a pediatric patient to participate in developmental and social stimulus during medical interventions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Mary Patrice Mollick
  • Publication number: 20080179850
    Abstract: A device (1) for guiding a child's first steps, comprising a body (11) mounted on wheels (5, 6) and provided with an upper part (7) having a handgrip or handle (12) which the child grips to support itself during the first steps. The handle (12) can assume a plurality of stable positions corresponding to different handle heights from a surface (P) on which the wheels (5, 6) rest, hence enabling the child to grip the handle (12) with the correct posture at different stages of its growth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: ARTSANA S.p.A.
    Inventor: Francesco CATELLI
  • Patent number: 7404569
    Abstract: A collapsible stroller has a frame assembly with a front, a back, and left and right sides when in an in-use configuration. A seat is positioned between the left and right sides. Each of the left and right sides has an elongate bottom part and each bottom part has a front end and a back end. A back wheel is supported for rotation at the back end of each of the bottom parts. Each of the left and right sides has a front leg with a lower end pivotally connected to the front end of the respective bottom part. Each front leg extends upward from the bottom part and rearward toward the back of the frame assembly and terminates at an upper end. Each of the left and right sides also has a push arm pivotally coupled relative to the upper end of the respective front leg. Each push arm extends upward and rearward from the upper end of the respective front leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc
    Inventors: Curtis M. Hartenstine, Daniel N. Newhard, Matthew J. Ransil
  • Patent number: 7347432
    Abstract: A child walker is provided that includes a frame having a plurality of wheels. The walker includes a handle that is positionable in a first position and a second position. A seat is attached to the frame when the handle is in the first position. When the handle is in the second position, it is positioned to be gripped by a standing child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Kolcraft Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Jonathan Myers, Thomas N. Koltun, Abdelkrim Bedja
  • Publication number: 20080007020
    Abstract: A tray is mounted on the arms of a walker and which includes cup holders, and a compartment that can be closed by a lid that can then serve as a work surface. The lid of the compartment also includes a mirror and a light is mounted on the lid adjacent to the mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventor: David Holman
  • Patent number: 7287768
    Abstract: Multi-mode child entertaining apparatus and methods of using the same are disclosed. A disclosed apparatus may be configured as a walker alternative which includes a base, a seat, and a wheeled walker to at least partially support the seat above the base. The wheeled walker is removable from the base for use apart from the remainder of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Kolcraft Enterprises
    Inventors: Peter J. Myers, Damon Oliver Casati Troutman
  • Patent number: 7163228
    Abstract: A collapsible stroller having a collapsible chair having a seat portion, a back portion, and a pair of arms of foldable material such as textile cloth. The stroller has a collapsible frame having folding legs, folding arm supports, and rear uprights supporting the seat portion, the back portion and the pair of arms. The rear uprights extend beyond the seat portion and have upward open ends receiving an inverted ā€œUā€-shaped handle which is adjustable in height. The legs form four chair leg bases having wheeled castors extending downward from each base. The chair collapses radially inward so as to form a generally cylindrical configuration. The handle has a hinge at the upper center for folding. The collapsed chair portion with wheels is fitted into a zippered duffle-like bag having back loops for storage and carrying on the back of an adult. The folded handle also fits into the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Elizabeth L. Faber
  • Publication number: 20060273538
    Abstract: A wheel includes a support member joined to a frame of a baby walker, and left and right turning part joined together, and supported on the support member; the support member has a stopping protrusion on an upper portion of a first side; the left turning part is positioned over the first side of the support member, and has a middle hole, and first and second confining rooms, which are on two sides of the middle hole, and which extend to the edge of the left turning part; a rolling bead is confined and displaceable in the first confining room of the left turning part; thus, if the baby walker is suddenly speeded up with a great force, the rolling bead will get into contact with the stopping protrusion owing to the great centrifugal force, and in turn rotation of the turning parts is slowed down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Publication date: December 7, 2006
    Inventor: A-Chueh Chuang
  • Publication number: 20060244231
    Abstract: The Walking Scooter is a device that provides mobility for someone who cannot stand in a full weight bearing position because of pain, weakness, or instability. You straddle the device, resting your weight on the seat while maintaining an upright position. This is the main difference from other walking aids. The scooter supports your weight and puts you in a position to propel it by walking. It provides another level of mobility prior to requiring a wheelchair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2006
    Publication date: November 2, 2006
    Inventor: Carol Rogers
  • Patent number: 7114734
    Abstract: A child toy includes a substantially annular base section that has a planar top surface and an outer edge portion integral therewith. The base section includes a plurality of spaced support members extending upwardly from the top surface and further has an inner perimeter spaced inwardly from the outer edge portion. The base section further includes a seat and a foot plate for supporting a foot of a user at an elevated position above ground level. The present invention further includes a substantially annular top section connected to the plurality of support members, and is spaced at a predetermined height from the base section for allowing a child to enter and exit the toy. The toy also includes a plurality of casters connected to the base section and extending downwardly therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: Gavin Jeal
  • Patent number: 7070191
    Abstract: A twist vehicle includes a vehicle frame, a driving system, and a safety driving arrangement. The driving system includes a transmission member, having an upper portion connected to a steering member, rotatably supported by the vehicle frame. The safety driving arrangement includes a twisting member connected to a lower portion of the transmission member, a driving wheel assembly rotatably connected to two rear side portions of the twisting member, and a front stabilizing wheel rotatably and suspendedly supported at a front portion of the vehicle frame with a safety distance between the safety wheel assembly and the lower portion of said transmission member, so as to prevent the twist vehicle from flipping over when the twist vehicle is moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Jar Chen Wang
  • Patent number: 7070188
    Abstract: A support frame having a plurality of wheeled assemblies, mounted at corners of the support frame, each wheeled assembly including a substantially identical mechanism for extending and retracting a respective wheel assembly. Each mechanism has a locking member which includes a locking portion for selectively engaging locking apertures on a rotatable member which rotatably supports the wheel assembly. Each mechanism also includes a grip, spaced from the locking member, to facilitate rotation of the rotatable member and the respective wheel assembly between extended and retracted positions when the locking portion is disengaged from the locking apertures. When each wheel assembly is in an extended position, the support frame is able to roll on a suitable surface. Each wheel assembly is also capable of being retained in a retracted position housed within a recess in its associated housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Simplicity, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Waldman, Jerry Drobinski
  • Patent number: 7055836
    Abstract: An immobilizing mechanism of a baby-walker includes an upper part up and down movably fitted to a lower frame of the walker, a base connected to a lower portion of the upper part in an up and down displaceable manner, and a button fitted on the lower frame; the upper part is biased upwards by several springs, and has a resilient portion, which can engage the lower frame to prevent the upper part from moving up after the upper part is depressed; a spring is arranged between the upper part and the base such that a lower end of the base is normally farthest away from the upper part; the button is used for disengaging the resilient portion from the lower frame; thus, the mechanism can be made to support the baby-walker instead of the wheels by depressing the upper part, and can become inactive when the button is pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventor: Fei-Da Cheng
  • Patent number: 7025364
    Abstract: A stroller has a pivotable seat which may be latched at any rotational angle desired. In addition, a support tray positioned beneath the seat can be folded into a stored position and the height of the support platform adjusted to accommodate the height of the baby occupying the seat, which permits the stroller to be used as a walker and as a play station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: William A Clarke
  • Patent number: 7021638
    Abstract: A twist vehicle includes a vehicle frame, a driving system, and a safety driving arrangement. The driving system includes a transmission member, having an upper portion connected to a steering member, rotatably supported by the vehicle frame. The safety driving arrangement includes a twisting member connected to a lower portion of the transmission member, a driving wheel assembly rotatably connected to two rear side portions of the twisting member, and a front stabilizing wheel rotatably and suspendedly supported at a front portion of the vehicle frame with a safety distance between the safety wheel assembly and the lower portion of said transmission member, so as to prevent the twist vehicle from flipping over when the twist vehicle is moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Jar Chen Wang
  • Publication number: 20060066067
    Abstract: A crawling aid for infants having a partial disability provides a cushioned platform to support the body of the infant. The platform has wheels, including at least one caster, to render the platform maneuverable. Portions of the platform are narrow to allow the infant's good limbs to extend down and engage the floor; and, the head support allows the infant to see on both sides of the platform. Thus, the infant can execute crawling motion while body and disabled limbs are supported on the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventor: Margaret Williams
  • Patent number: 7017924
    Abstract: A child's walker includes a pair of oppositely spaced A-frames provided with wheels conjoined to a lower portion thereof. Each A-frame has an apex centrally positioned above the wheels and pivotal about the apexes. A semi-spherical seat section is nested intermediate of the A-frames and includes an anchor bracket conjoined to an anterior surface thereof for maintaining the seat section at a stable position. The seat section has a pair of spaced openings for receiving the child's legs therethrough, and is formed from flexible, padded material. Such a seat section is adjustably pivotal about a horizontal fulcrum axis passing through the A-frame apexes. A tray is mateable to the anchor bracket and protrudes horizontally from the seat section. The tray is disengageable from the anchor bracket for assisting a caregiver to fold the walker to a compact shape during transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Marie A. Lambert
  • Patent number: 7007959
    Abstract: A walker used by babies to learn to walk includes a base frame on wheels. The base frame is provided with two rockers which are adjustably fastened to the base frame. The two rockers allow the walker a rocking movement. The two rockers are respectively fastened at a first retaining portion of the base frame when the two rockers remain in a standby state. The two rockers are respectively fastened at a second retaining portion of the base frame when the two rockers are at work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Li-Wei Lu
  • Patent number: 6983813
    Abstract: A baby walker includes motor-driven wheels with the motor being connected to sensors on the walker and to a remote control system. The sensors on the walker prevent the walker from colliding with objects, such as furniture or the like, and the remote control system includes hand-held or belt-worn controls that are in the possession of an adult so the adult can exert control over movement of the walker. A seat is also included so small children can be placed in the walker if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventor: Brandi N. Wright
  • Patent number: 6948727
    Abstract: A collapsible walker for providing a user with a walking aid that would be designed for greater comfort and mobility. The collapsible walker includes a base assembly that has perimeter wall. The base member is substantially hollow. The base assembly substantially encircles a user. A plurality of wheels is operationally coupled to a lower end of the base assembly. The plurality of wheels facilitating rolling the base assembly along a horizontal support surface such as a floor. A hand hold portion is operationally coupled to an upper end of the base assembly. The hand hold portion facilitating assistance by a care-giver during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Bettelou D. Bakken
  • Publication number: 20050179223
    Abstract: A child walker is provided that includes a frame having a plurality of wheels. The walker includes a handle that is positionable in a first position and a second position. A seat is attached to the frame when the handle is in the first position. When the handle is in the second position, it is positioned to be gripped by a standing child.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Publication date: August 18, 2005
    Inventors: Peter Myers, Thomas Koltun, Abdelkrim Bedja
  • Publication number: 20050146106
    Abstract: Multi-mode child entertaining apparatus and methods of using the same are disclosed. A disclosed apparatus may be configured as a walker alternative which includes a base, a seat, and a wheeled walker to at least partially support the seat above the base. The wheeled walker is removable from the base for use apart from the remainder of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Publication date: July 7, 2005
    Inventors: Peter Myers, Damon Troutman
  • Publication number: 20050082779
    Abstract: An immobilizing mechanism of a baby-walker includes an upper part up and down movably fitted to a lower frame of the walker, a base connected to a lower portion of the upper part in an up and down displaceable manner, and a button fitted on the lower frame; the upper part is biased upwards by several springs, and has a resilient portion, which can engage the lower frame to prevent the upper part from moving up after the upper part is depressed; a spring is arranged between the upper part and the base such that a lower end of the base is normally farthest away from the upper part; the button is used for disengaging the resilient portion from the lower frame; thus, the mechanism can be made to support the baby-walker instead of the wheels by depressing the upper part, and can become inactive when the button is pressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Publication date: April 21, 2005
    Inventor: Fei-Da Cheng
  • Patent number: 6863287
    Abstract: A child walker is provided that includes a frame having a plurality of wheels. The walker includes a handle that is positionable in a first position and a second position. A seat is attached to the frame when the handle is in the first position. When the handle is in the second position, it is positioned to be gripped by a standing child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Kolcraft Enterprises
    Inventors: Peter Jonathan Myers, Thomas N. Koltun, Abdelkrim Bedja
  • Patent number: 6860497
    Abstract: A twist vehicle includes a vehicle frame, a driving system, and a safety driving arrangement. The driving system includes a transmission member, having an upper portion connected to a steering member, rotatably supported by the vehicle frame. The safety driving arrangement includes a twisting member connected to a lower portion of the transmission member, a driving wheel assembly rotatably connected to two rear side portions of the twisting member, and a front stabilizing wheel rotatably and suspendedly supported at a front portion of the vehicle frame with a safety distance between the safety wheel assembly and the lower portion of said transmission member, so as to prevent the twist vehicle from flipping over when the twist vehicle is moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: Jar Chen Wang
  • Patent number: 6832770
    Abstract: An ambulation aid which has a support structure for the patient that both supports the patient's weight, and is movable laterally with respect to the frame to accommodate sideways hip movement of the patient's gait. The inventors have observed that a patient's hip will shift laterally as the patient steps forward and places weight on the forward stepping leg. This causes prior art ambulation aids to jerk sideways. The present invention overcomes this by providing a support structure which can move sideways without requiring the entire frame to move sideways. In one embodiment, the support structure slides in a track behind the patient, allowing lateral movement. In another embodiment, the support structure includes a belt which either slides through rollers behind the patient, or is attached but is flexible to allow hip movement, or is attached to a slider behind the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Inventors: Christine Wright-Ott, Richard Escobar
  • Publication number: 20040150180
    Abstract: A device that provides resistance to the wheels of a children's toy. The device includes an axle with a first wheel attached to one end of the axle and a second wheel attached to a second end of the axle. A cam with an outwardly extending lever is positioned on the axle adjacent to one of the wheels. The lever rotates the cam which brings the cam closer to the wheel thereby increasing the rolling resistance of the wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: The Little Tikes Company, a corporation of the State of Ohio
    Inventors: Thomas E. Fish, Thomas W. Walraven
  • Publication number: 20040119258
    Abstract: A baby walker is disclosed, which can adjust the height to a height of a dining table for an adult and has a stable structure without any movement or shaking after the adjustment of the height. The baby walker includes a foldable height adjusting unit provided in a lower body to lift the lower body by a predetermined height. The foldable height adjusting unit includes first and second supporting rods intersecting each other and having first ends respectively fixed into clamp units of the lower body, and a rotational joint for fixing the intersection parts of the first and second supporting rods, one of the supporting rods being provided with a foldable joint between the corresponding clamp unit and the rotational joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Ted-Hwan Yoo
  • Publication number: 20040075231
    Abstract: A baby walker allowing the child or baby moving and learning walking in a restrained area on the ground for improving safety is disclosed. The baby walker includes a top shelf, a seat assembly, a plurality of support columns and a base bracket. The seat assembly is rotatably mounted on the top shelf which is adjustably supported through the support columns on the base bracket with a suitable height. The base bracket includes a pivotal base and several wheels so as to limit the walker rotatably movable around the pivotal base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Hung-Chung Hou, Er-Jui Chen
  • Patent number: 6722674
    Abstract: A safety driving equipment for a scooter, includes a twister member with a supporting arm at the end thereof opposite to the driving wheels. A universal safety wheel is mounted at the free end of the supporting arm and a transmission unit is extended to connect the twister member at a position between the safety wheel and the driving wheels. The safety wheel is capable of efficiently providing an increased safety area while the scooter in wobbling mainly to maintain the force center shifting within the safety area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventors: Hong-Jiun Gu, Jar Chen Wang
  • Patent number: 6695327
    Abstract: A convertible toy walking or riding device or mechanism includes a body portion and a seat portion coupled to the body portion. The seat portion is moveable relative to the body portion to position the device in a walking configuration or in a riding configuration for use by a child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert P. Maggiore, Carol D. Snyder
  • 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: 20030222421
    Abstract: A child walker is provided that includes a frame having a plurality of wheels. The walker includes a handle that is positionable in a first position and a second position. A seat is attached to the frame when the handle is in the first position. When the handle is in the second position, it is positioned to be gripped by a standing child.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Peter Jonathan Myers, Thomas N. Koltun, Abdelkrim Bedja
  • Publication number: 20030184036
    Abstract: A baby walker comprises a lower chassis having a plurality of casters mounted to an underside thereof, an upper chassis mounted above the lower chassis and including a seat, and a supporting device mounted between the upper chassis and the lower chassis for supporting the upper chassis. At least one illuminating element is mounted to at least one of the upper chassis and the lower chassis. A power source supplies electricity to the illuminating element, and a switch controls on/off of the illuminating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: Chi-Fang Wu
  • Patent number: 6527285
    Abstract: A stroller for helping an individual to ambulate includes: (a) an upper ring assembly, including an upper ring member and a hinged upper gate segment having an open position and a closed position; (b) a lower ring assembly, including a lower ring member, the upper ring member being substantially parallel to and above the lower ring member, the upper ring member having a diameter between about ¼ and ½ the diameter of the lower ring member; (c) a seat assembly connected to the upper ring member; (d) at least three spaced-apart legs connecting the lower ring member to the upper ring member; and (e) at least three spaced-apart wheels connected to the base of the lower ring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Vito John Calandro, II
  • Patent number: 6494815
    Abstract: A walker for a toddler or infant is disclosed. The walker has a base and a seat operatively coupled to the base. It also includes a plurality of rollers for supporting the base on a walking surface such as a floor. The walker also includes a brake which is positioned to constantly apply friction to at least one of the rollers to thereby inhibit the travel speed of the walker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Kolcraft Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Welsh, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020140196
    Abstract: A walker having a pair of front vertical posts and rear vertical posts carrying vertically adjustable casters at the lower ends. A pair of front cross bars interconnect with the pair of front posts. A pair of first horizontal side bars interconnecting the front and rear vertical posts in spaced positions, and a pair of second horizontal side bars interconnecting second of the front and rear vertical posts, forming an enclosed area. A gate is pivotally connected to a rear post having a pair of horizontally spaced vertical rods interconnected at upper and lower extremities with a pair of vertically spaced horizontal rods forming a generally rectangularly configured gate. The gate has a pivotally connected seat assembly. The seat is operative between a horizontal position allowing the patient to sit and a vertical stored position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: John D. Crouch, L.D. Wood
  • Patent number: 6431566
    Abstract: The invention herein relating to a safety driving equipment for a toddler's scooter is mainly comprised of a driving triangular base with a long extended wheel arm at the end opposite to the driving wheels. A universal auxiliary wheel is mounted at the end of the wheel arm and a shaft level disposed between the auxiliary wheel and the middle of the driving wheels forms a center point. The auxiliary wheel can efficiently provide the increased safety area while the scooter in wobbling mainly to maintain the force center shifting within the safety area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Hong-Jiun Gu
  • Publication number: 20020089140
    Abstract: A walker sliding structure comprises a base, a plurality of rotational wheels mounted in the underside of the front end of the base, two directional wheels mounted at the rear end of the base, two elastic tension devices disposed between the directional wheels and the fastening columns, and a braking device disposed in a receiving cell which is located between the two directional wheels. The motion of the directional wheels is guided by the elastic tension devices in conjunction with the braking device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: Li-Wei Lu
  • Patent number: 6386563
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a swivel seat of a baby walker is provided. The locking mechanism has a lock member which may be configured in a retained, free, or locked state with respect to the seat. When an infant rotates the seat to one of predetermined positions, the baby walker is locked so as to facilitate the feeding or playing of the infant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Link Treasure Limited
    Inventors: Er-Jui Chen, Hung-Chung Hou
  • Publication number: 20020050697
    Abstract: A wheeled walker convertible to a transport chair. The walker has a strap-type backrest that is pivotally attached to the upper end of the handlebars. The backrest can be placed in a forward position when the apparatus is used as a walker and the user wishes to rest in a rearward facing sitting position and in a rearward position when the apparatus is used as a transport chair and the user sits in a forward facing position and is propelled by a care-giver. A novel braking system locates the brake actuating linkage inside the leg and handlebar members and provides accommodates extension height adjustment of the handlebars. A brake lever system providing a linear pull non-cable brake actuation is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventors: Bjarki Hallgrimsson, Sarah Dobbin, Douglas D. Macmillan
  • Publication number: 20020038942
    Abstract: An expandable pediatric walker is provided which has two U-shaped frames which are pivotally connected so as to scissor, and a link is provided between the crossbars of the respective U-shaped frames to define the height of the handgrips supported on the frames, and to allow the walker to be collapsed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventors: Paul Gilles, Jason Gustwiller
  • Patent number: 6352234
    Abstract: A positioning foot member includes a mounting base fixedly fastened to the bottom side of the wheeled bottom rack of a baby walker, and a holder base coupled to the mounting base and supported on a spring member and alternatively set between a received position for enabling the baby walker to be moved on the floor freely and an extended position to support the baby walker on the floor and to stop the baby walker from movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Green Wheel Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kun-Hei Liu
  • Patent number: 6260867
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a child walker, which utilizes a circular base member and a specially designed moving device to provide the functions of tipping preventing and auto-braking. By these designs, the child walker can prevent from tipping when it passes over an edge of a floor or vicinity of stair steps and control the speed of the child walker. The moving device is connected to the bottom of the circular base member for supporting the circular base member, wherein the moving device further comprises un-directional rollers for moving to an uncertain direction, directional rollers for moving to a certain direction but with a little deviation in angle from the forward direction and a stopping means for prevent the child walker from tipping when any roller is passing over an edge of a floor and then inclining by the friction between the bottom of the circular base member and the surface of the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Link Treasure Limited
    Inventors: Cheng-Fan Yang, Kuang-Neng Cheng
  • Patent number: 6244606
    Abstract: A fixing safety-control device for a collapsible child walker is composed by a pressing article and an integral stopping board. On one reinforcing rib near the end of the sliding groove in the base member is provided with a crooked groove. The inserting strip provided on one end of the stopping board is inserted into the crooked groove to be fixed, and then the pressing article is penetrated through the sliding groove of the base member to let the front head be inserted into the hole of the stopping board so as to be in a fixed position. When the seat structure being collapsed, the sliding article of the connection structure will be stopped against the stopping surface of the stopping board and fixed so as to keep a safe distance from the base member to prevent a user's hands from being clamped. At last, the pressing article is pressed to let the stopping board separate from the sliding article, and by the elasticity of the hook, the child walker can be collapsed successfully and safely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Peng-Yao Yang