Tent – canopy – umbrella – or cane – Canes – sticks – crutches – and walking aids – Walker type
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-27
2001-11-06
Yip, Winnie S. (Department: 3635)
Tent, canopy, umbrella, or cane
Canes, sticks, crutches, and walking aids
Walker type
C280S641000, C280S087021, C482S068000, C297S005000, C297S183500
Reexamination Certificate
active
06311708
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to walkers which assist walking.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Walkers are used by children and adults. These devices are typically used by persons who have some ambulatory ability, but who need assistance with support or balance. Walkers typically have frames which the user grips with his or her hands. The walker, in combination with the strength provided by the arms and torso, provides balance to the user, and allows the user's upper body strength to be used in walking.
Walkers known and used in the prior art may, or may not, have two or more wheels. The wheels may be designed to roll in one direction only. Some walkers may be folded for storage, and some walkers provide seats. It is desirable to have a walker which is as light in weight as possible, but which is also sufficiently strong, since a collapsed walker is extremely undesirable. It is also desirable to have a walker which may be folded for ease of storage, since a walker may have an overall foot print which is of substantial size, and space in hospital rooms and nursing home rooms is usually at a premium. However, the folding structure typically adds weight to the device, and is contrary to the goal of having a device of light weight. Accordingly, one of the goals of the present invention is to incorporate a support structure into a folding structure to increase strength without undue addition of weight.
It is also desirable that the device not be capable of folding, while being used as a walker. It is also desirable to provide a seat which allows to user to be seated on the walker, in the event the user becomes weary, or otherwise desires to sit or rest. A goal of the present invention is to use the seat frame as a safety device which prevents the walker from being folded while it is in a position for walking, due to the location and structure of the seat. The same frame may be used for this purpose, even if it does not incorporate a seat.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a walker having a frame which provides two front legs. Two rear legs are attached to the frame. A cross-member provides support for the device which is supplemented by a link. Each of these structural members is in a pivotal relationship with the remaining members.
The construction of the walker according to the present invention may be folded for storage. The cross-member and link provide bracing for structural integrity, but are also incorporated into the folding structure. The optional seat is also in a pivotal relationship with the device, so that it may be folded down for use. However, when pivoted so that the device can be used as a walker, the seat prevents the walker from being folded, thereby acting as a safety device for inadvertent folding of the walker while it is being used as a walker. Also optional is a frame which does not support a seat, but when pivoted, prevents the walker from being inadvertently folded while in use.
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Kaye Products,Inc., Product Catalogue 1997-1998, pp. 26 and 27.
Kaye Products, Inc.
Killough B. Craig
Yip Winnie S.
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