Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to walking frames, often referred to as Zimmer frames, or Mobility Walkers, or known by the trade mark ROLLATOR.

Background Art

Such walking frames are intended to enable the infirm, the elderly and/or the disabled to support themselves whilst walking and prevent accidental falling over. As such, walking frames are an important mobility aid for the infirm, the elderly and disabled.

The simplest version of such walking frames consists of 4 legs which depend from a U-shaped yoke having two side arms. In use, the side arms are grasped by the hands of the user. In this most simple of versions, the user stands still, lifts the frame and moves it forwardly, then places their weight onto the frame and takes a forward step. This process is repeated for each step. In some instances the front two legs are provided with wheels which speed up the motion.

In the more sophisticated version currently used in significant numbers, two generally H- shaped frames are pivoted together. The two upper members of one of the H- frames constitute two handgrips. The four lower ends of all the lower members of the H-frames are provided with wheels. The crossbar of one of the H-frames constitutes a pivot for a seat, another crossbar constitutes a backrest, and a further crossbar constitutes a support for the front edge of the seat. The provision of the seat enables the user to rest following exertion. The provision of 4 wheels overcomes the need for any lifting or tilting, and the user can maintain a downward pressure on the handgrips and thereby steady themselves.

The two H-shaped frames are pivoted together and movable between an extended use configuration and a compact storage configuration. In the storage configuration, the walking frame is intended to be able to be located within a motor vehicle, for example by being placed on a rear seat, or being placed in the boot (or trunk) of the motor vehicle. However, the size of the walking frame generally makes this location awkward, and thus to some extent difficult. A particular problem arises in retirement villages, nursing homes and like establishments where it is desirable to transport in a small bus, such as a mini-bus, for example, many persons who simultaneously need walking frames. It is essential that the walking frames accompany the persons since the walking frames may well be required en route, or at the final destination, to enable the persons to take toilet breaks, for example. However, the storage of multiple walking frames presents a problem to the bus operator. Similar problems are presented to the carers of such walking frame users, who are often the middle-aged (or older) children of the walking frame user. It is awkward for them to lift the walking frame in the storage configuration into, and out of, a motor vehicle boot (or trunk). Genesis of the Invention

The Genesis of the present invention is a desire to ameliorate such difficulties.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a method of using a motor vehicle, operable on a road surface or equivalent surface, to transport a walking frame foldable between storage and use configurations, said method comprising the steps of:

if necessary, placing said walking frame into said storage configuration;

securing at least one pad to an exterior surface of said motor vehicle; and interconnecting said pad(s) to said walking frame with a lowermost portion(s) of said walking frame separated from said surface on which said vehicle operates by at least a working clearance.

In one embodiment the pad(s) is/are suction pad(s). Alternatively, the pad(s) is/are pressure pad(s).

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a method of using a motor vehicle, operable on a road surface or equivalent surface, to transport a walking frame having at least one suction pad, said walking frame being foldable between storage and use configurations,

said method comprising the steps of:

if necessary, placing said walking frame into said storage configuration; and securing each of said suction pad(s) to an exterior surface of said motor vehicle with a lowermost portion(s) of said waking frame separated from said surface on which said vehicle operates by at least a working clearance.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a walking frame having at least one suction pad.

In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a kit of parts comprising at least one suction pad, a connector for each said suction pad, and instructions to use each said connector to connect the corresponding suction pad to a walking frame.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a bus or equivalent multi-passenger vehicle having a plurality of pads secured to one side surface of the exterior of said bus. In one embodiment the pad(s) is/are suction pad(s). Alternatively, the pad(s) is/are pressure pad(s).

In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a mounting device for connecting a walking frame to a motor vehicle, said device comprising a central body having at least one pressure pad, a plurality of fabric straps extending from said body and each having a hook at an extremity thereof able to be engaged with a clearance gap between adjacent panels of said motor vehicle, an arcuate recess shaped to receive a portion of said walking frame, and securing means to releasably retain said walking frame engaged with said recess. Preferably the connector is a fabric strip having hook and eye fasteners such as those sold under the Registered Trade Mark VELCRO. Preferably a similar fabric strip is able to be applied to the H-shaped frames of the walking frame when in the storage configuration to ensure that the walking frame is maintained in the storage configuration. Brief Description of the Drawings

Six embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view from the front of a walking frame in accordance with the first embodiment in its operational use configuration,

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the walking frame of Fig. 1 in its compact storage configuration,

Fig. 3 is a front elevation of the walking frame of Fig. 2,

Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the releasable inter-engagement of a suction cap with a back support bar of the walking frame, the inter-engagement being achieved by means of a VELCRO strap,

Fig. 5 is a side elevation of the walking frame of Figs. 1-3 secured to the rear window of a hatch style motor vehicle,

Fig. 6 is a side elevation of the walking frame of Figs. 1-3 secured to the rear end of a sedan style motor vehicle,

Fig. 7 is a side elevation of the walking frame of Figs. 1-3 secured to the rear window of an SUV style motor vehicle,

Fig. 8 is a side elevation of a multiplicity of the walking frames of Figs. 1-3 secured to the curb side wall and rear wall of a mini-bus type of motor vehicle,

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a suction cap in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention,

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the rear of a station wagon illustrating a third embodiment in which a mounting device utilises pressure pads,

Fig. 11 is a cross-section taken along the line XI- XI of Fig. 10,

Fig. 12 is a side elevation of the mounting device of Figs. 10 and 11,

Fig. 13 is a plan view of the mounting device of Figs. 10-12,

Fig. 14 is a bumper bar able to be attached to the walking frame and used with any embodiment to maintain a clearance between the walking frame and the vehicle, Fig. 15 is a side elevation of the bumper bar of Fig. 14, Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the rear of a sedan illustrating a fourth embodiment consisting of a pair of mounting devices utilising pressure pads,

Fig. 17 is a side elevation of one of the mounting devices of Fig. 16,

Fig. 18 is a plan view of the mounting device of Fig. 17,

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the rear window of a station wagon illustrating a fifth embodiment consisting of a pair of three legged mounting devices,

Fig. 20 is a side elevation of one of the three legged mounting devices of Fig.

19, Fig. 21 is a plan view of the three legged mounting device of Fig. 19,

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the rear of a hatchback motor vehicle having a mounting device of a sixth embodiment installed thereon, and

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the rear of the motor- vehicle of Fig. 22 showing a walking frame mounted on the mounting device.

Detailed Description

As seen in Fig. 1, a walking frame 1 of the first embodiment takes the form of a first H-frame 3 the two upper members 4, 5 of which are fashioned to constitute handgrips 6, 7. The first H-frame 3 has a back support bar 8 which constitutes a first cross- member of the H frame. A further cross-member 9 provides a support bar for a pivoted seat 11. A second H frame 12 has a seat support bar 13 which constitutes the cross-member of the second H frame and which supports the rear edge of the seat 11. Each of the four lower ends 15 of the H frames 3, 12 is provided with a castor wheel 16. Adjacent the wheels 16 of the first H frame 3 is a further cross-member 32. In known fashion, provision is made for foldable storage 17 for a handbag or shopping purchases, in the space underneath the seat 11. In the use configuration illustrated in Fig. 1, the walking frame 1 can be used to support an elderly, disabled or infirm person in their efforts to walk from one place to another.

In Figs. 2 and 3, the walking frame 1 is illustrated in its compact storage configuration

20. In the storage configuration 20 the walking frame 1 is able to be lifted from the ground and stored within the interior of a motor vehicle, or within the trunk, boot, or cargo space of a motor vehicle. However, as indicated above, this movement is relatively awkward and thus is to some extent difficult. In accordance with the first embodiment, in order to ameliorate this difficulty, a pair of suction caps 25 is either permanently or releasably secured to the back support bar 8 by means of VELCRO straps 26, a suitable arrangement being as illustrated in Fig. 4. It will be seen from Fig. 4 that each of the suction caps 25 has a fixed handle 30 and a pivoted handle 31 which, when in the open position illustrated in Fig. 4, releases the suction, and when pivoted in the direction of arrow A so as to lie alongside the fixed handle 30, applies the suction. The strap 26 has conventional hooks 27

(diagrammatically represented in Fig. 4 as small crosses) and conventional eyes 28 (diagrammatically represented in Fig. 4 as dots) which are able to be releasably inter- engaged. In addition, each strap 26 includes a short portion 29 of plain fabric which forms a convenient handle to enable the remainder of the strap 26 to be either opened or closed as required to engage or disengage the suction caps 25 with the back support bar 8. Turning now to Figs. 5-7, rather than place the walking frame 1 when in its storage configuration 20 within the interior of a motor vehicle, as seen in Fig. 5 the suction caps 25 can be adhered to the exterior surface of the glass of the rear window of the motor vehicle 41. Preferably this is done so that the wheels 16 are approximately at the height of the rear bumper of the motor vehicle 41. Thus there is an adequate clearance between the wheels 16 and the road or other surface upon which the motor vehicle 41 is standing and/or is to be operated. In this instance, the motor vehicle 41 has a hatch configuration with a single rear door. Furthermore, the spacing between the lower ends 15 means that the license plate, or number plate, of the vehicle 41 is not obscured by the walking frame 1. Similarly, the width of the H-frames is not sufficient to obscure the rear facing lights of the motor-vehicle. Nor is the height of the walking frame 1 sufficient to obscure the driver's rear view. Clearly the interior volume within the motor vehicle 41 previously occupied by the walking frame 1, is now available for the carriage of people or objects. Similarly, as seen in Fig. 6, where the motor vehicle 42 is a sedan, then the suction caps 25 can be secured to a substantially vertical portion of the lid of the boot or trunk. In this connection, most motor vehicle manufacturers display a logo at the centre rear of the lid and the flat surface to which the logo is attached provides a convenient surface to which the pair of suction caps 25 can be releasably adhered. A still further alternative arrangement is illustrated in Fig. 7 where an SUV type vehicle 43 is illustrated. Here the suction caps 25 are adhered either to the rear window of the vehicle as illustrated, or to a substantially vertical portion of the vehicle tailgate. Clearly the suction caps 25 are able to be positioned in various places and at various heights thus catering for a wide range of motor vehicle shapes.

In many retirement villages and nursing homes, one or more minibuses 44 is, or are, provided for the benefit of the residents. Regular outings by means of minibus, for example, are thought to be beneficial for the maintenance of a positive mental outlook for such residents. However, where the residents are required to use a walking frame, this can severely restrict such outings. In particular, the need to use toilet facilities at a destination means that it is essential that many residents travel with their walking frame. Hitherto the storage of such walking frames in a minibus has been difficult. In accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, this difficulty is overcome by the use of the walking frames 1 of Figs 1-3, each of which is able to be individually secured to either a curb side of the minibus 44 (being a right-hand drive vehicle as illustrated in Fig. 8), or another vertical surface of the minibus such as a rear surface or even the front surface (as indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 8).

It will be appreciated that in respect of Fig. 4, only one way of releasably engaging a suction cap 25 and the VELCRO strap 26 is illustrated. For example, if desired, the VELCRO strap 26 can be passed around both handles 30 and 31 after the suction cap 25 has been secured to the vehicle. In addition, if desired, a safety strap (not illustrated) can have one end secured to the motor vehicle by the attachment bracket provided for its spare tyre, and the other end secured to the walking frame 1 (for example, by means of another VELCRO fastener). Such a safety strap passes under the closed vehicle tailgate or boot lid. Still further, if desired another strap or other restraining means can be wrapped around a pair of adjacent lower ends 15

immediately above the castor wheels 16 so as to ensure that the walking frame 1 remains in its storage configuration 20 during transport.

Turning now to Fig. 9, in a second embodiment a modified suction cap 125 is provided which again has two handles. The fixed handle 130 is provided with an arcuate support 132 which is dimensioned to receive the back support bar 8 of the walking frame 1. The movable handle 131 as before engages and disengages the suction. The movable handle 131 is also provided with an arcuate support 133 which is dimensioned to receive the back support bar 8. With the movable handle 131 moved into the suction applying position, and thus abutting the fixed handle 130, the two arcuate supports 132, 133 are substantially flush and occupy approximately 180°. Preferably the arcuate support 132 extends for approximately 170° and the arcuate support 133 extends for approximately 10°. Extending from the movable handle 131 is a first Velcro strap 126 indicated by dot- dash lines in Fig. 9. On the underside of the fixed handle 130, and therefore not visible in Fig. 9, is adhered a second Velcro strap 127.

It is intended that the suction cap 125 of the second embodiment be engaged with a vehicle for long periods of time and that the walking frame 1 be engaged and disengaged with the suction cap 125 by means of the Velcro strap 126 on each occasion at which it is desired to transport the walking frame 1.

Turning now to Figs. 10-13, a four- legged mounting device 54 of a third embodiment is illustrated. The device 54 has a central body 55 through which passes a left-right slot 56 and an up-down slot 57. That is, the slots 56 and 57 are transversely arranged. In addition, the central body 55 has an arcuate mouth 58 which is closed by a

VELCRO strap 226. The strap 226 has a handle 59 which includes a hole 60 able to be engaged with a hook 61 formed on the central body 55.

In addition, the central body 55 has four legs 64 each of which has a pivoted pressure pad 65 formed from rubber or other elastomeric material. As best seen in Figs. 10 and 11, the mounting device 54 can be positioned on the tailgate of a station wagon 45 immediately below the hub 46 of a rear windscreen wiper assembly 47. A pliant fabric strap 66 passes through the left-right slot 56 and a similar pliant fabric strap 67 passes through the up-down slot 57. Each of the straps 66, 67 is of adjustable length and has an L-shaped hook 68 at each extremity. Each hook 68 is dimensioned to engage with a clearance opening 69 between adjacent panels of the station wagon 45. By so engaging the hooks 68 with the clearance opening 69, and tightening the straps 66, 67, the mounting device 54 can be secured to the station wagon 45 and a force exerted on the mounting device 54 so as to bring the pressure pads 65 into

engagement with the exterior surface of the station wagon 45. In this way the mounting device 54 is securely attached to the motor vehicle 45. As seen Fig. 11, the length of the legs 64 and the position of the up-down slot 57 are selected so that the strap 67 clears the hub 46 and rear windscreen wiper assembly 47. As a consequence, the rear windscreen wiper assembly 47 may be operated, notwithstanding that the mounting device 54 is installed on the station wagon 45.

As best seen in Fig. 12, the arcuate mouth 54 is curved so as to receive, and mate with, the back support bar 8 of the walking frame 1 of Figs 1 and 2 (not equipped with the suction caps 25). After placing the support bar 8 in the arcuate mouth 58 of the mounting device 54, the bar 8 is secured to the mounting device 54 by moving the Velcro strap 226 in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 12 and engaging the holes 60 with the hooks 61. This action places the walking frame 1 in relation to the station wagon 45 in essentially be same position as illustrated in Figs. 5-7.

Preferably, a U-shaped bumper bar 50 is secured to the lowermost cross rail 32 of the walking frame 1 as seen in Fig. 14. The bumper bar 50 is secured to the cross rail 32 by means of clamps 51 as best seen in Fig. 15. In addition, the bumper bar 50 is provided with a cylindrical pad 52 which abuts the motor vehicle 41, 43 or 45 and maintains a clearance space between the rear of the motor vehicle and the forward wheels 16 of the walking frame 1. In this way, any tendency for the walking frame 1 to repeatedly noisily contact the motor vehicle during motion, is counteracted.

Turning now to Figs. 16-18, a mounting device 71 of a fourth embodiment having a single pressure pad 65 is illustrated. As seen in Fig. 16, two of the mounting devices 71 are provided and each has a left to right slot 56 and up and down slot 57 as is provided on the mounting device 54. Again, a left-right strap 66 and two upright straps 67 are provided to secure the pair of mounting devices 71 to the vehicle, in this instance to the boot of a sedan 42. Each mounting device 71 has an arcuate mouth 58 like the mounting device 54, but in this embodiment the mouth is closed by means of a hinged clasp 72 which is dimensioned so that in the closed position illustrated in Fig. 17, the padding of the back support bar 8 is firmly grasped and held in the mounting device 71.

Turning now to Figs. 19-21, a pair of three legged mounting devices 75 of a fifth embodiment are illustrated, each of the mounting devices 75 having three legs 76 arranged in the configuration of a tripod. Each of the legs 76 has a pressure pad 65 which is pivotally mounted at the foot of the corresponding leg 76. One of the legs 76 is preferably adjustable in length and each of the legs 76 is kinked to direct a compressive force towards the pressure pad 65 in a direction substantially normal to the plane of the pad 65. The arrangements of slots 56, 57 and straps 66, 67, 67 for the mounting device 75 are substantially the same as for the mounting device 71. The mounting device 75 is also provided with the arcuate mouth 58 and hinged clasp 72 of the mounting device 71.

In Figs. 22 and 23 a sixth embodiment is illustrated in the form of a modified four- legged mounting device 154 which is similar to the mounting device 54 of Fig. 10. Each of the four legs 164 is provided with a corresponding pressure pad 165. In addition, an arcuate mouth 158 and a VELCRO strap 326 are provided and all function as for the embodiment of Fig. 10.

The mounting device 154 is provided with a left-right strap 166 but only an upwardly extending upright strap 167. The strap 166 has two hooks 168 and the upright strap 167 has only a single hook 168. By placing the lower legs 164 of the device 154 on a generally vertical portion of the tailgate of the vehicle, and placing the upper legs 164 on a generally inclined portion of the tailgate, the mounting device 154 can be maintained in position with only three hooks 168. This arrangement of straps and three hooks 168 is sufficient to maintain the mounting device 154 in position in the unloaded state, and when loaded by the positioning of the walking frame 1 on the mounting device 154 as illustrated in Fig. 23, the extra weight of the walking frame 1 is supported by the strap 167 and its hook 168. As before, the windscreen wiper assembly 47 passes underneath the strap 167 and therefore is not impeded in its operation. In the light of the foregoing description, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that in those circumstances where a suction cap 25 may not supply sufficient adhesive power, or may not supply adhesive power for a sufficiently long period of time, (because, for example of failure to adequately clean the surface to which the suction cap 25 is to be applied), then the suction cap 25 can be replaced by a mounting device having one or more pressure pads 65, 165 and straps 66, 67, 166, 167.

Now that the present invention has been ascertained by the reader, the results of prior art searches conducted after the present invention was conceived indicate that frames have previously been attached to motor vehicles, particularly for the purpose of the transport of bicycles. Sometimes the frames have been attached to a tow ball or tow hitch as indicated in US Patent No. 5, 219, 105, and in other arrangements the frames have been attached by means of fasteners utilising the holes provided in a motor vehicle to attach a number plate or license plate as indicated in US Patent No. 5, 593, 076. As indicated in US Patent No. 7, 404, 504 it is also known to releasably attach a complicated articulated frame for a bicycle to the rear window of vehicle, the frame being supported by pads and secured by fabric straps. Thereafter the bicycle is secured to the frame. All these arrangements are cumbersome and require additional parts such as a special purpose frame, over and above the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

The foregoing describes only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the mobility arts, can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, a reflective adhesive strip can be applied to the walking frame 1 so as to make it more visible to motorists following the motor vehicle transporting the walking frame. Similarly, various parts of the walking frame 1 can be provided with padding, such as the cylindrical pad 52 on bumper bar 50, similar to that already provided on the back support bar 8. Suitable locations for this additional padding include the further cross member 9, the cross member 32 immediately below the further cross member 9, and the axle supports for the castor wheels 16 of the first H-frame 3. In addition, if desired the suction caps 25 can be connected to another location on the walking frame 1, for example one on the back support bar 8 and one on the cross member 32. In this arrangement, the walking frame 1 can be stored in a horizontal position on the roof or lid of the boot or trunk of the motor vehicle 42 at the location indicated by arrow B in Fig. 6. That is, in these circumstances the walking frame 1 extends substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle.

In some instances, a permanent or semi-permanent installation of the suction caps 125, for example, is desirable. A nursing home minibus is an example of such an instance. Under these circumstances each of the suction caps 125 can function as a large washer which surrounds a bolt which passes through the painted metal exterior surface of the vehicle and is engaged with an interior washer and nut.

In addition, with reference to Fig. 12, the arcuate mouth 58 can be angled to the left as seen in Fig. 12 thus moving it outwardly slightly from the rear windscreen of the vehicle. In addition, the arcuate mouth 58 can be moved upwardly relative to the pressure pads 65 thereby positioning the walking frame slightly higher and further away from the vehicle than is the case with the mounting device 54 as illustrated in Fig. 12.

Still further, as seen in Figs. 16 or 19, the angle between the hinged clasp 72 and the left to right slot 56 can be changed slightly so as to effectively move the clasp 72 of the left-hand mounting device 71, 75 by approximately 10-20 degrees anticlockwise, and move the clasp 72 of the right-hand mounting device 71, 75 clockwise by approximately 10-20 degrees. This has the combined effect of better aligning the clasps 72 with the curve (in the horizontal plane) of the back support bar 8.

Similarly, with reference to Figs. 14 and 15, the centre portion of the bumper bar 50 carrying the cylindrical pad 52 can be curved in the same manner as the back support bar 8.

Finally, if desired, a combination of mounts such as one of the mounts 71 and one of the mounts 75 can be used. The term "comprising" (and its grammatical variations) as used herein is used inclusive sense of "including" or "having" and not in the exclusive sense of "consisting only of.