• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:

    公开号:BE1019744A4
    申请号:E2010/0394
    申请日:2010-07-01
    公开日:2012-12-04
    发明作者:Schaik Herman Van
    申请人:Metaalindustrie Van Schaik B V；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Title: Rollator carrier
    The invention relates to a walker carrier adapted for attaching at least one walker to a towing hook of a car in a transport position, and to a system comprising such a walker carrier and one or more supporting elements. The invention further provides a coupling piece for securing a frame to a towbar of a car.
    Commonly known are carriers for attaching a bicycle to a car. Such bicycle carriers are often mounted on the towbar. The drawback of using bicycle carriers for transporting a rollator is that the carriers are not adapted to support a walker.
    Moreover, the bicycle carriers are large and heavy to be able to offer sufficient support to, as a rule, two bicycles, which are relatively large and heavy in comparison with a walker. In practice, such bicycle carriers are less easy to place on a towbar, in particular by older people. Furthermore, a walker is not optimally supported by a bicycle carrier because bicycle carriers are only adapted to support the wheels of a bicycle, which differ in position and cross-section from the wheels of a walker.
    The object of the invention is to provide a walker carrier that is adapted to attach a walker to a car, such that the above disadvantages are at least partially overcome.
    To this end, the invention provides a roller carrier according to claim 1. Such a roller carrier is adapted to attach at least one walker to a car provided with a towbar. The walker carrier comprises a frame for fixing the walker carrier on the towing hook of the car via a coupling piece, at least one supporting element adapted to support rollator wheels, and at least one fixing element adapted to fix the at least one walker on the at least one support element.
    Because the walker carrier, and in particular the at least one supporting element, is specifically adapted for transporting a walker, a walker carrier is less bulky and / or lighter than a bicycle carrier. As a result, the coupling piece for fixing the frame to the towing hook can be made relatively simple. Moreover, the driver of the car has little trouble with the roller carrier, for example while driving or parking, because the size and weight of the roller carrier are limited in comparison with a bicycle carrier.
    Also, a rollator carrier, in particular when adapted to support only one rollator, can be placed relatively lightly and compactly compared to a bicycle carrier, and therefore with a relatively small effort on a towbar.
    Furthermore, the walker carrier provides a stable support for the walker in that the walker carrier is arranged for supporting one or more of the walker wheels, preferably for supporting all the walker wheels.
    The invention further provides a system according to claim 29, comprising a roller carrier provided with one or more support elements according to at least claims 7, and one or more interchangeable support elements. Such a roller carrier can easily be adapted to the size of different walkers by changing the carrier elements. By combining a standard frame with different support elements, the production costs of the walker carrier can be kept low.
    The invention further provides a coupling piece according to claim 30 for mounting a frame on a towbar of a car. Such a coupling piece provides a stable support for a frame and can be produced relatively easily and thus at low costs.
    Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the subsequent claims.
    The invention will be further elucidated on the basis of exemplary embodiments which are represented in a drawing. In the drawing:
    FIG. 1 in a view obliquely from above a walker carrier according to the invention which connects a walker to a car;
    FIG. 2 in a view obliquely from above the roller carrier of FIG. 1 without walker;
    FIG. 3 in a view obliquely from above a coupling piece of a roller carrier according to the invention;
    FIG. 4 is a view in partial section of a coupling piece and a frame of a roller carrier according to the invention;
    FIG. 5 shows a view obliquely from above of an alternative roller carrier according to the invention with clamping means in the blocking position; and
    FIG. 6 in a view obliquely from above a further alternative roller carrier according to the invention.
    FIG. 1 shows a rollator carrier 1 according to the invention which fixes a rollator 2 to a car 3 provided with a towbar 5. FIG. 2 shows the same walker carrier 1, but without walker. FIG. 3 shows a coupling piece 4 in the mounted state for fixing the roller carrier of FIG. 1 and 2 on the tow bar 5 of the car 3. FIG. 4 is a sectional side view of a frame of an alternative roller carrier shown in FIG. 5, which frame engages the same coupling piece 4 as shown in FIG. 3.
    Most rollators can be folded into a compact position in which the size of the rollator is more compact than the size of the rollator during use.
    As a result, the walker can easily be stored on a small surface or in a small space, for example under the coat rack. A roller carrier according to the invention is adapted for connecting a walker to a car in a transport position, which transport position preferably corresponds to this folded state.
    The in FIG. The walker shown in 1 is supported in a transport position in which the frame of the walker is folded such that the front and rear wheels of the walker are brought together. The radiator carrier 1 is provided with four support elements 8, each adapted to support a walker wheel.
    The walker carrier shown is further adapted to support the walker in a transport position in which the wheel axle of the wheels extends substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction of the car. In this transport position, the combined outer contour of the car and roflator carrier remains limited, which is advantageous, for example, during parking.
    In the preferred embodiment shown, the walker carrier is provided with a support element for each wheel of the walker. The support elements 8 are adapted to support the wheels 9 of the walker. The support elements are provided with a rectangular recess with a width equal to or greater than the width of a walker wheel and a length smaller than the diameter of a walker wheel such that a walker wheel can only be partially accommodated in the floor.
    The supporting elements shown are formed from bar material that is bent and attached to a supporting frame in such a way that rectangular recesses are created where the wheels of the rollator fit. When the walker is placed on the walker carrier, the wheels partially fall into the recesses and are received therein.
    The supporting elements can be designed in many alternative ways, for example they can be formed from a plate provided with slots for forming the recesses, or from a plastic shell part which is shaped such that it connects to the circumference of the wheels of the rollator , etc.
    Because the wheels are partially received in the support elements, a rollator is stably supported and at the same time secured against movement in the horizontal plane.
    The walker carrier is further provided with fixing elements adapted for fixing the walker to the support elements. In the preferred embodiment shown, the walker carrier is provided with fixing elements which are designed as a clamping mechanism comprising clamping means movably connected to the frame. In an alternative embodiment, the securing elements can for instance consist of flexible strips for securing the walker to the support elements.
    The roller carrier 1 shown is provided with fixing elements 10 for fixing both front wheels as well as fixing elements in the form of a clamping mechanism 11 for fixing the two rear wheels of the rollator. The securing elements 10, 11 are adapted for securing the walker 2 in a blocking position on the support elements 8 and for releasing the walker in a release position. FIG. 1 and 2 show the fixing elements 10, 11 in the blocking position.
    The fixing elements 10 for fixing the front wheels are each designed as an L-shaped element which, when the roller carrier is mounted on a towing hook, extends in a substantially horizontal direction. The L-shaped securing element is rotatably mounted such that the element can rotate about a vertical axis through the point where the two legs of the L-shape meet. The one leg of the L-shape is intended for fixing the rollator in the blocking position by engaging the outer circumference of the rollator wheel. The other leg of the L-shape is intended as a handle, so that the locking element can easily be turned by hand between the blocking position and the release position. In Figs. 1 and 2 the L-shaped securing elements are shown in the blocking position. By turning the locking elements a quarter turn around the vertical axis, they are moved into the release position.
    The clamping means 11 for the two rear wheels of the walker 2 are pivotable in the plane of the wheel of the walker placed on the walker carrier. The pivot axis 65 extends in the horizontal direction transversely of the plane of the rollator wheel.
    In the preferred embodiment shown, the two clamping means are connected to each other via a connecting part so that the two securing elements move simultaneously from the blocking position to the release position and vice versa. The connecting part is also adapted to carry a number plate.
    In fig. 1 and 2 the clamping means are shown in the blocking position. By folding the license plate backwards, that is to say away from the rollator, the clamping means are moved into the release position.
    Preferably, spring means are provided which force the clamping means into the blocking position and / or the release position. A coil spring can for instance be arranged between frame and clamping means, such that the coil spring pulls the clamping means into the release position or the blocking position depending on the position of that clamping means.
    In an alternative embodiment, the securing elements for the rear wheels are embodied as the securing elements shown for the front wheels. Conversely, the fixing elements of the front wheels can also be designed as hinged clamping means as shown for the rear wheels. Other designs of the securing elements are also possible. For example, a securing element may be designed as a slide or pin which extends substantially parallel to the wheel axis of the rollator wheels, and which releases the wheels in a retracted state and engages in an extended state preferably on the outer circumference of a support element supported wheel for securing the rollator.
    Furthermore, a roller carrier can be provided with a locking mechanism for blocking the securing elements in the blocking position, and / or in resilient elements which force the securing elements into the blocking position.
    The walker 2 is fixed on the walker support by the fixation elements 10, 11 locking the walker wheels in the support elements 8. In the shown preferred embodiment the fixation elements 10, 11 engage in the blocking position on the outer circumference of the wheels 9 of a walker placed on the support elements . The support elements are adapted to receive at least partially the rollator wheels, and are provided with a rectangular recess with a width more or less equal to or slightly larger than the width of a rollator wheel and a length smaller than the diameter of a rollator wheel, such that a walker wheel can only be partially accommodated in the floor.
    A wheel of the walker carrier is thus clamped between three points. The wheel rests on a support element via two peripheral points, and is fixed with a securing element at a third peripheral point. This is an extremely efficient method for stable clamping of the wheels.
    By enclosing the rollator wheels between three points, and because the bearing elements also prevent lateral movements of a wheel, i.e. in a direction along the wheel axis, the rollator is efficiently fully secured to the walker carrier, and the rollator, for example when the car passes a speed bump falls from the support elements.
    In the example shown in Figs. 1-2, the two fixing elements 10 for the front wheels are each mounted on a support arm 13 which is movably connected to the frame. The carrying arms can be moved between an embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and 2, an operating position shown in which the carrying arm 13 positions the securing element 10 for engaging a rollator, and an inactive position, not shown, in which they release the rear door of a car. Preferably, in the inactive position, the arms 13 extend substantially in the plane of the support elements 8, such that the rear door of the car is not blocked by the securing elements.
    In an alternative embodiment, the carrying arms can be detached from the frame. In a further alternative embodiment, the carrying arms can be telescopic or slidably connected to the frame so that at least the upper end of the carrying arm and the securing elements attached thereto can be moved vertically to release the rear lid of the car.
    In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the frame of the roller carrier is provided with an engaging part and the coupling piece is provided with a receiving part for releasably connecting the coupling piece and the frame of the roller carrier.
    FIG. 3 shows a coupling piece 4 for securing a roller carrier according to the invention to a tow bar 5 of a car. The coupling piece 4 is provided with a receiving part 16. FIG. 4 shows a side view of the coupling piece 4 placed on the towing hook 5 and the portion 15 of the frame 14 of a roller carrier 1 which engages the coupling piece. A portion of the frame, at the height of the head of the towbar, is shown in section.
    The in FIG. 3 and 4, the preferred embodiment of the coupling piece 4 engages in the mounted state on the rod 17 of the towing hook 5, such that the coupling piece is mounted against the ball 18 of the towing hook. The attachment comprises two clamping members 19,20 which together define a clamping opening for receiving the rod of the tow bar in the mounted state. The clamping parts 19,20 are clamped from opposite sides on the rod 17 of the tow bar 5 for securing the coupling piece on the tow bar.
    The clamping parts 19, 20 shown are formed from plate material, and form brackets, as it were, which are clamped against each other in the assembled state by means of bolts 21. The coupling piece 4 lies with a flat part 22 against the flat underside of the head of the tow bar. Because a part of the coupling piece connects to the shape of the head of the tow bar, the coupling piece can be positioned in a simple manner by placing the clamping parts against the head and then clamping them onto the rod. In an alternative embodiment, the coupling piece is designed such that it partially connects to the double-curved surface of the head of the tow bar
    The coupling piece 4 is provided with a receiving part 16 in the form of an opening in a retaining plate 23, for receiving an engaging part 15 of the frame 14. The receiving part 16 is adjustable in height and mounted on the coupling piece 14.
    In mounted condition, the receptacle is positioned on the side of the towbar facing the car such that when the frame engages the coupling piece, the frame rests on the head of the towbar as shown in Fig. 4.
    In the preferred embodiment shown, the receiving opening, in particular the retaining plate 23, is adjustably mounted in vertical direction relative to the ball 18 of the towing hook 5 on the coupling piece via a bolt 25 and nuts. This makes it possible to adjust the distance between the receiving opening and the coupling piece. By adjusting the receiving opening, the position of the frame can be adjusted relative to the support point of the frame on the ball of the towbar.
    The bolt 25 protrudes through a hole in the coupling piece 19 and is fixed to the coupling piece in the correct position by means of two nuts. The retaining plate 23 lies partly along the flat side of the coupling piece 19, so that rotation of the retaining plate with respect to the coupling piece is prevented during tightening of the bolt or by engaging the frame.
    The frame 14 is provided with an engagement part 15 in the form of a lip. In the mounted state, the end of the frame 14 lies against the retaining plate 23 which includes the receiving opening for receiving the engagement part of the frame, and the lip extends through the opening. The lip is preferably flanged at the end such that when the frame rests on the tow bar in a substantially horizontal position, the lip hooks behind the retaining plate and cannot be pulled out of the opening. The frame can then only be detached by lifting it up and partially tilting it. In this way it is prevented that the frame, for example during the transport of a rollator, easily comes loose from the coupling piece.
    The portion of the lip which protrudes into the receiving opening is preferably substantially equal to the width of the receiving opening, such that in the mounted position the lip lies more or less confined in the opening with regard to lateral movements. The end of the lip 15 is preferably slightly tapered, so that the lip can simply be inserted into the receiving part of the coupling piece 4.
    The frame 14, at least the part of the frame that engages the coupling piece, is preferably formed from a U-profile, which is placed over the ball 18 of the towing hook 5. The inner width of the U-profile, at least the part that is in the mounted state at the height of the ball of the towbar, is substantially equal to the diameter of the ball. When the frame is placed over the ball, the U-profile is not movable in the transverse direction. For the sake of completeness, it is noted that the frame can also be formed in other ways than from a U-profile, for example from strips of sheet material or from injection-molded plastic parts. Such frames can also be arranged, for instance be provided with a receiving opening or receiving chamber, for the form-fitting reception of a head of the towing hook.
    The roller carrier is further provided with a tensioning member, in the embodiment shown in the form of a bolt 24, for securing the frame 14 to the coupling piece 4. The tensioning member is positioned on the side of substantially opposite to the receiving part 15 of the ball 18 of the towing hook 5 so that the frame, when mounted, is fitted with a bearing point on the ball of the towing hook, and on either side of the supporting point on the ball, is clamped onto the coupling piece.
    The tensioning member is preferably designed as a bolt which engages the coupling piece, which makes it possible in a simple manner to adjust the clamping to an adjusted position of the frame.
    In an alternative embodiment, the clamping member can be designed as a clamp, a wedge, a slider, etc. For example, the frame can be provided with openings on either side of the coupling piece, such that a key can be inserted through the openings that engage on the bottom. of the coupling piece. The frame can for instance also be provided with a hinged bracket which engages the underside of the coupling piece in a clamping position.
    For attaching the roller carrier 1 as shown in Figs. 1 on a car, the coupling piece 4 is first attached to the tow bar 5 of the car. The two clamping parts 19, 20 of the coupling piece 4 are placed on either side against the rod 17 of the towing hook and positioned against the head 29 of the towing hook. The clamping parts are then clamped against each other with the aid of tensioning elements in the form of bolts 21. The coupling piece is mounted on the towing hook with the receiving part 16 on the side of the ball 18 facing the car, and the part for engaging the tensioning element 24 on the opposite side of the ball.
    For attaching the frame to the coupling piece, the frame 14 is held in a tilted position and the engagement part 15 of the frame, in particular the raised end of the lip, is inserted into the receiving opening of the coupling piece 4, such that the end of the frame 14 comes to rest against the retaining plate 23 which defines the receiving opening. By positioning the frame 1, in particular the engagement part of the frame, against the retaining plate 23, the frame is oriented such that it extends in a direction perpendicular to the retaining plate.
    Subsequently, the frame 1, preferably a U-profile, is placed over the ball 18 of the towbar such that the frame rests on the ball of the towbar. By adjusting the position of the retaining plate 23, in particular the receiving opening relative to the coupling piece, the position of the roller carrier can be adjusted such that the tension element 24 can correctly engage the coupling piece 4. With the aid of a tension element 24 , for example a bolt, the frame 1 is subsequently fixed on the coupling piece 4, the frame being supported on the ball 18 of the towing hook, and being pulled on either side of the ball through the receiving opening and the tensioning element towards the coupling piece.
    When the walker carrier shown in Figure 1 is mounted on the towing hook, a walker can be placed on the support elements. The clamping means are first moved into the release position, while at the same time the number plate is folded away, so as to release the support elements for placing the rollator. The walker is then lifted and placed in the support elements. The clamping means are moved into the blocking position and preferably locked in that position, in order to confine the wheels of the walker in the support elements and thus secure the walker on the walker carrier.
    In the embodiment shown in figures 1-5, the roller carrier is provided with a frame with an engaging part for engaging a receiving part of a coupling piece for releasably connecting the frame to the coupling piece. Once the towbar of a car is provided with the coupling piece, the frame can be easily detached from and connected to the coupling piece. This has the advantage that, for example, if the roller carrier is not used in the meantime, the frame can simply be detached from the towing hook for some time. Moreover, it is easier to attach the relatively small and light coupling piece to the towbar in a correct position than to attach the heavier combination of frame and coupling piece to the towbar as a whole.
    In an alternative embodiment, the coupling piece and the frame form a whole. Such a construction requires few parts and is preferably suitable when the roller carrier is used for long continuous times. The frame can also be adapted to engage with, or integrate with, coupling pieces known from the prior art, for example coupling pieces that are also suitable for supporting a bicycle carrier.
    The embodiment shown in FIG. The coupling piece shown in 3 is provided with a receiving part 16 in the form of an opening in a retaining plate 23 for receiving a gripping part of a frame. The coupling piece 4 is further provided with a hole with internal screw thread for receiving a tensioning element in the form of a bolt for fixing the frame on the coupling element.
    In the mounted state, the frame rests on the head of the tow bar positioned between the receptacle and the attachment point of the tensioning element. A two-point clamp is formed in this way. The receiving opening is herein designed to be broad for receiving a wide lip. A wide lip and a wide receiving opening are particularly suitable for absorbing tilting moments about the longitudinal axis of the car.
    To provide additional stability, for example for a walker carrier for supporting two walkers, the coupling between the frame and the coupling piece can also be designed as a three-point clamp. In such an embodiment the coupling piece is provided with two spaced-apart receiving openings, the mutual distance between the receiving openings being greater than the width of the receiving opening of a two-point clamp. The frame is provided with two spaced apart engagement parts for engaging the two receiving openings. The spaced apart openings and engaging parts function in practice as an extra-wide receiving opening and engaging part. Such a three-point clamp is particularly suitable for accommodating large tilting moments about the longitudinal axis of the car.
    In the folded state of the device shown in FIG. 1, the wheels of the walker carrier lie against each other and the width, i.e. the size of the walker in the direction transverse to the direction of movement during use of the walker, of the folded walker carrier is greater than the length, i.e. the size of the walker in the direction of movement during use of the walker. The walker carrier preferably supports the walker such that the walker extends substantially in the width direction of the car. In this example, the width direction of the rollator in the transport position thus corresponds to the width direction of the car. As a result, the walker carrier only protrudes to a limited extent relative to the circumference of the car. The combined length of the car and the roller carrier is thus limited, which is advantageous, for example, when parking in a short parking port.
    There are also rollator types in which, during folding, the left front and rear wheel are brought, respectively, near the right front and rear wheel, and wherein in the folded state the length of the rollator is greater than the width of the rollator. The walker carrier is preferably arranged, or adjustable, for supporting such a walker type such that the longitudinal direction of the walker in the transport position corresponds to the width direction of the car. The wheel axle of the wheels of a walker placed on the roller carrier then extends substantially in the longitudinal direction of the car.
    FIG. 6 shows an alternative walker carrier 51 according to the invention, which is adapted to connect a first and a second walker of the type shown in FIG. 1, with a car 53. The first walker and the second walker are supported side by side in a transport position, each with its wheel axes substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the car.
    The walker carrier 51 is provided with four support elements 58 which are of such a wide design that they can each support a front wheel and rear wheel of a walker that are offset relative to each other. The carrying elements 58 are mounted on frame 64. Furthermore, the walker carrier is provided with a number plate carrier. Furthermore, the walker carrier is provided with brackets 60 for securing tensioning straps, not shown, which are passed over the frame of the walker such that they clamp the walker on the support elements.
    In a preferred embodiment, the walker carrier is provided with a lock for locking the securing elements, so that a walker placed on the walker carrier and secured cannot be taken along by third parties. In an alternative embodiment, the frame can be provided with a bracket or with a chain connected to the frame for securing the rollator, which bracket or chain can then be locked with, for example, a padlock.
    The in FIG. The walker carrier shown in 1 is provided with four support elements for supporting and securing the four wheels of the walker in the folded state. This makes the walker carrier optimally geared to supporting a specific walker type.
    In a preferred embodiment, the walker carrier is arranged such that it can attach a plurality of types of walkers to a towing hook, or that the walker support can be adjusted or adjusted for attaching different types of walkers.
    The walker carrier can for instance be provided with a support element which is detachably connected to the frame, such that it can be replaced by at least one alternative support elements for making the walker carrier suitable for supporting another type of walker. Each support element is then adapted to support a configuration of wheels that is specific to a certain type of walker.
    For example, support elements formed from profile elements which can be detachably fastened with bolts can be provided on a frame so that they can be exchanged for other support elements, or for example supports made of rod material that can be fixed in openings on the frame such that supports of different dimensions can be attached to the frame. The walker carrier can also be designed such that it can be adjusted to adapt the carrier to different types of walkers. The walker carrier can for instance be provided with two or more support elements for supporting a walker, wherein the distance between the support elements can be adjusted to make the walker support suitable for a type of walker whose wheels are positioned at a different mutual distance. For example, the frame and support elements can be designed such that the support elements can be coupled to the frame at different positions.
    A walker carrier can also be provided with support elements provided with recesses, the dimensions of the recesses of which can be adjusted so as to be able to adapt to widths of different types of wheels.
    The fixing elements of the walker carrier are also preferably arranged such that they can be used for fixing different types of walkers. For example, the walker carrier is provided with a clamping mechanism that can engage on wheels of different diameter, or with locking elements that can be adjusted to different frame sizes.
    A roller carrier according to the invention is preferably provided with at least two mutually movably connected parts, such that in a mounted condition of the rollator, the parts can be moved from an operational position to an inactive position, and vice versa. With the parts in the operational position, the walker carrier is suitable for supporting a walker, and with the parts in the inactive position the tailgate of the car is released and / or a compact configuration is obtained compared to the parts in the operational position. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the mutually movable parts are formed by the frame 4 on the one hand and two securing elements 10 which are each mounted on a supporting arm 13 movably connected to the frame on the other. The carrying arms 13 can be moved between an embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and 2, an operational position shown in which the carrying arm positions the securing element for engaging a rollator, and an inactive position, not shown, in which the carrying arm releases the rear door of the car.
    The walker carrier can also be provided with support elements that can be folded up in a vertical position when the walker carrier is not used for transporting a walker.
    The roller carrier can also be designed such that when the carrier is not used for transporting a rollator, the frame can be folded up in a position in which the carrier elements extend substantially in the vertical direction and in the vicinity of the car. The frame thus protrudes to a limited extent, which is advantageous, for example, when parking the car in a small parking port.
    When the roller carrier is dimensioned in such a way that in mounted condition the view of the license plate is limited, the roller carrier is provided with a carrier for a license plate.
    The walker carrier is preferably provided with a license plate carrier movably connected to the frame. Such a license plate carrier is movable between an operational position for displaying the license plate during transport of the rollator, and a loading position for facilitating the placement of the rollator on the support element and the removal of the rollator from the support element.
    By providing the walker carrier with a movable number plate carrier, on the one hand the walker carrier, in particular the carrier elements of the walker carrier, can be attached relatively low to the car. This has the advantage that a walker on the walker carrier does not, or to a limited extent, block the view through the interior mirror and the rear window.
    On the other hand, the license plate carrier is positioned high enough in the operational position to not come into contact with curbs and speed bumps, while in the loading position the license plate carrier does not obstruct access to the support element. As a result, the walker does not have to be lifted over the license plate carrier when the walker is lifted onto or from the support element.
    In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, two securing elements are connected to each other by means of such a displaceable, in particular hinged, carrier for a license plate, such that both securing elements are simultaneously moved from the blocking position to the release position and vice versa.
    In a further embodiment of a walker according to the invention, the walker carrier is provided with lighting, for example for illuminating a license plate and / or flashing lights. In a preferred embodiment the roller carrier is provided with lighting elements which are provided with a voltage source, for example a battery, so that the lighting elements do not have to be connected to the car battery. This facilitates the installation of the roller carrier on the car and also makes the roller carrier suitable for use with a towbar which is not provided with a connection for connecting lighting elements to the car battery.
    In a further preferred embodiment the roller carrier is provided with protective means such as a protective cover and / or protective cap for at least partially shielding a rollator placed on the roller carrier against environmental influences such as rain or splashing water. The protective cover can, for example, be designed as a cover formed of tarpaulin which can be pulled over a rollator placed on the walker carrier. A protective cap can for instance be formed from a plastic shell part which is fixed to the frame such that it shields a rollator placed on the walker carrier from the road surface.
    A rollator carrier according to the invention is provided with at least one support element adapted to support one or more of the wheels of the rollator. The at least one support element is preferably adapted to partially receive one or more of the wheels of the rollator.
    Such a support element is provided with a recess in the form of, for example, a slot for receiving a walker wheel. In an alternative embodiment, the support element, in particular the recess, is formed by a support surface for supporting the circumference of the wheel, and parts projecting relative to the support surface that limit the wheel in movement over the support surface.
    In a further embodiment the support elements are designed as a gutter, for example formed from a V-profile or U-profile, for supporting the wheels. See, for example, the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. The walls of the gutter block the lateral movement of the wheels and thus ensure lateral stabilization of the rollator.
    In a further embodiment, the trough can be provided with transverse connections, or with a recess in the bottom that receives a part of the wheels, for blocking movement of the wheels in the longitudinal direction of the trough. In a further alternative embodiment, the support elements are formed by a rectangular opening in, for example, a plate in which a part of the wheels is received.
    By partially accommodating one or more wheels of a walker in the at least one support element, the walker carrier according to the invention is capable of supporting the walker in a stable manner and connecting it to the car.
    The in FIG. The walker carrier shown in Fig. 1 is adapted for fixing the walker to the walker carrier by locking all the walker wheels between the fixing elements and the bearing elements. Such a walker carrier is particularly suitable for securing a walker in the folded state.
    In an alternative embodiment, the walker carrier can also be adapted to support and / or secure a limited number of wheels of a walker. For example, when a walker is provided with a lock for locking the walker in a folded state, the walker carrier can be provided with two support elements for partially receiving only the two front wheels of the walker. The walker is then secured with the two front wheels, and the two remaining wheels can then, for example, be supported on a flat support, for example a platform, or not supported by a support element.
    An alternative embodiment of a walker carrier according to the invention can also be provided with means such as for instance a tensioning strap, a clamp or a hook for engaging the frame of a walker for securing said walker in a folded state. With such a roller carrier, not all the wheels of the roller carrier need to be locked in a fixed position, but support of, for example, the two front wheels is sufficient.
    FIG. 5 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a walker carrier 101 according to the invention with fixing elements 110, 11 in the blocking position for fixing a walker on the support elements 108.
    The front clamping means comprise a T-shaped arm 113 provided with extendable pins 110 for securing the wheels of a rollator in the recesses of the support elements 108 on either side of the arm 113. In the embodiment shown the pins 110 are in the withdrawn state for releasing the walker. The pins 110 are provided with an engagement 127 for manually shifting the pins 110 between the retracted state and the extended state. The engagement pins 127 are slidably received in an L-shaped slot in the transverse arms of the T-shaped arm 113. The L-shaped slot functions as a bayonet closure for securing the pins in the retracted state, as shown in FIG. 5.
    In the preferred embodiment shown, the pins are provided with a resilient body, such as, for example, a coil spring, for forcing the pins into the extended position. In such an embodiment, the pins are moved by the spring force from the retracted state to the extended state as soon as the engagements have been moved from the short leg of the L-shaped slot functioning as a bayonet catch. The spring force is light enough to manually move the pins against the spring force to the retracted state.
    Forcing the pins into the extended position prevents them from accidentally releasing a rollator wheel during the transport of a rollator. In an alternative embodiment, the pins can be locked in the extended position, for example by providing a second bayonet fitting, whereby the slot acquires a U-shape instead of an L-shape.
    The T-shaped arm 113 is accommodated with its leg in a base 122 which is pivotally connected to the frame 114 of the roller carrier 101, such that the arm 113 can be moved between an active position shown for clamping a rollator, and an inactive position, not shown, in which the arm extends approximately along the frame.
    In the inactive position, a rear-hinged tailgate of the car can be opened without the T-shaped arm getting in the way. The walker carrier with the T-shaped arm in the folded-down position is also more compact, and therefore easier to store in, for example, the gagrage or to be carried in the rear of a car.
    The T-shaped arm 113 is secured in the active position by locking the securing arm 129 pivotally connected to the T-shaped arm in the frame. For this purpose, the fixing arm 129 is provided with a pin which can be inserted into an opening intended for this purpose in the frame. Figure 5 shows the securing arm with the pin secured in the frame.
    The T-shaped arm 113 is slidably received in the base 128, so that the distance between the support elements 108 and the transverse arms, in particular the pins 110, is adjustable. The securing elements can be adjusted in this way between different blocking positions for securing different types of rollators to the support elements
    The T-shaped arm can be fixed in the correct position by means of adjusting screws. By adjusting the position of the cross arms, the walker carrier can be adjusted to the wheel diameter of different walkers. For example, a wheel with a large diameter will be absorbed less deeply in the recesses of the support elements than a wheel with a small diameter. By adjusting the T-shaped arm, the position of the locking elements can be adjusted to the diameter of the wheel in question.
    The rear fixing elements of the roller carrier 101 are designed as a clamping mechanism comprising clamping means in the form of a clamping rod 111 which is hingedly connected to the frame 114 via two arms 131 and a rotatable tubular element 132. The clamping rod 111 is hinged between a blocking position shown in the figure, and a release state.
    The arms 131 carrying the clamping rod each comprise two parts which are interconnected by means of bolts. The two parts are provided with several openings so that the two parts can be connected to each other via bolts in mutually offset position. In this way the distance from the clamping rod 111 to the supporting elements 108 can be adjusted to the diameter of the wheels of the rollator. In an alternative embodiment, the adjustability can also be obtained in a different way, for instance by making the arms telescopic.
    The arms carrying the clamping rod are connected to a tubular element 132 rotatably received in the frame and again provided with a locking arm 133. In the blocking position of the clamping mechanism shown in the figure, the locking arm 132 extends along part of the frame, on which it can be secured with a clamp screw that is mounted in the frame. The clamping screw is not shown in the figure. In an alternative embodiment, the arm can for instance be fixed with a clamp.
    In the shown preferred embodiment, both the securing arm for the rear clamping means and the securing arm of the front clamping means can be secured to the frame with a clamping screw. This has the advantage that in an action the pivotable arm can be fixed as the fixing means for the rear wheels of the rollator. In an alternative embodiment, both parts are provided with their own fixing means, such as, for example, a screw or clamp.
    In an alternative embodiment, the clamping mechanism for securing the rear wheels can for instance be provided with spring elements which force the clamping mechanism into the blocking position, and / or a lock for locking the clamping mechanism in the blocking position.
    The support members 108 are formed from curved bar material defining a recess for receiving a walker wheel. The bar material is prohibited with an L-shaped plate 129 which is bolted to a support arm 130 of the frame 114.
    The bolt is received in a slot in the plate, so that the support element can be fixed in different positions along the support arm 130 of the frame. Thus, the mutual distance between the support elements on both sides of the frame can be changed, and the walker carrier can be adapted to the distance between the left and the right wheel of a certain type of walker.
    In the embodiment shown, both the carriers for the front wheels of the walker and for the rear wheels of the walker are adjustable.
    In an alternative embodiment, the adjustability of the carrier elements can also be achieved in another way, for example by telescoping the carrying arm of the frame to which the carriers are attached. Such adjustments are deemed to be within the reach of the skilled person.
    The advantage of using extendable pins or a clamping rod is that they are suitable for clamping wheels at mutually different distances. Only the carrier elements therefore have to be shifted for adapting the walker carrier to a walker.
    The walker is fixed to the position shown in FIG. 5, by placing the wheels in the support elements 118 and allowing the pins 110 and the clamping rod 111 to engage on the outer circumference of the wheels.
    For adapting the roller carrier to the diameter of the wheels, the distance between the clamping pins and the clamping rod on the one hand and the bearing elements on the other can be adjusted. The roller carrier described above is easy to manufacture and is certainly no less suitable for adaptation for use with different types of rollators.
    FIG. 6 shows an alternative walker carrier 51 according to the invention, which is adapted to connect a first and a second walker of the type shown in FIG. 1, with a car 53. The first walker and the second walker are supported in a transport position next to each other, with the wheel axle of the wheels substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the car.
    The walker carrier 51 is provided with four support elements 58 which are of such a wide design that they can each support a front wheel and rear wheel of a walker that are offset relative to each other. The carrying elements 58 are mounted on frame 64. Furthermore, the walker carrier is provided with a number plate carrier. Furthermore, the walker carrier is provided with brackets 60 for securing tensioning straps, not shown, which are passed over the frame of the walker such that they clamp the walker on the support elements.
    It will be clear that the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments shown here. For example, a walker carrier can be provided with clamping means which engage on the frame of the walker, on a wheel axle or on the rims of the walker wheels.
    In a further embodiment of a walker carrier according to the invention, the fixing elements comprise flexible strips for fixing the walker to the support elements.
    Furthermore, the frame of the walker carrier can be adapted to engage on an alternative coupling piece, or be adapted to engage on different types of coupling pieces. Furthermore, intermediate pieces can be provided which are adapted to engage on a specific coupling piece such that the frame can be coupled to that coupling piece via the intermediate piece.
    Furthermore, the walker carrier shown is composed of bar material and profiles of metal. In an alternative embodiment, the walker carrier can for instance be composed of plastic parts, such as profiles or blow molded parts, or of a combination of metal and plastic parts, such as a combination of a bearing metal frame with plastic shell parts mounted thereon.
    Such variants will be clear to those skilled in the art and are understood to fall within the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
    For the sake of completeness, it is noted that in this text walker is understood to mean a walking aid comprising at least one frame provided with three or more wheels, which frame is adapted to support a person when walking.
    权利要求:
    Claims (30)
    [1]
    A walker carrier (1) adapted to attach at least one walker (2) to a towing hook (5) of a car (3) in a transport position, which walker carrier comprises: A frame (6) adapted for connecting, via a coupling piece attaching the roller carrier (1) to the towbar (5) of the car in a transport position; at least one support element (8) adapted to support two or more of the wheels of the rollator in a position with the wheel axle substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the car; and at least one securing element adapted for securing the at least one walker to the at least one support element, movable between a blocking position for securing the at least one walker to the at least one support element, and a release position for releasing the at least one rollator, wherein the locking elements each engage a wheel of the rollator in the blocking position.
    [2]
    Rollator carrier according to claim 1, wherein in the transport position the rollator is folded such that the size of the rollator is more compact than the size of the rollator during use.
    [3]
    Rollator carrier according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each wheel of the rollator is supported by a support element.
    [4]
    Rollator carrier according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the roller carrier is adapted to attach a first and a second rollator to a car, and wherein the first rollator and the second rollator are arranged next to each other in the transport position such that a wheel axle of the first walker is in line with a wheel axle of the second walker.
    [5]
    A walker carrier according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one bearing element is adapted to at least partially receive the walker wheels, and is preferably provided with a rectangular recess with a width equal to or greater than the width of a rollator wheel and a length smaller than the diameter of a walker wheel such that a walker wheel can only be partially accommodated in the recess.
    [6]
    A walker carrier according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the walker carrier is adapted to fix the walker to the walker support by locking the one or more wheels, preferably all the walker wheels, between the at least one locking element and the support element.
    [7]
    7. Roller carrier according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein two or more bearing elements are provided for each supporting at least one walker wheel of a first type of walker, and wherein the distance between the bearing elements is adjustable for making the rollator carrier for supporting a second type of rollator whose rollator wheels to be supported are positioned at a different mutual distance than the wheels of the first type of walker.
    [8]
    8. Roller carrier according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one carrier element is adapted to support a first type of rollator, and wherein the at least one carrier element is detachably connected to the frame such that it can be replaced by at least one alternative support element for making the walker carrier suitable for supporting a second type of walker with dimensions other than the first type of walker.
    [9]
    9. Roller carrier according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein a bearing element is provided for each wheel of the rollator.
    [10]
    10. Roller carrier according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the roller carrier further comprises the coupling piece, which coupling piece forms part of the frame such that the coupling piece and the frame form a whole.
    [11]
    11. Roller carrier according to one or more of claims 1-9, wherein the roller carrier further comprises the coupling piece, which coupling piece and the frame are separate parts, and wherein the frame is provided with an engaging part and the coupling piece is provided with a receiving part for the receiving the engaging part such that the coupling piece can be releasably connected to the frame.
    [12]
    A walker carrier as claimed in claim 11, wherein the engaging part and the receiving part are arranged such that the frame can be detached from and connected to the coupling piece while the coupling piece is mounted on the towing hook of the car.
    [13]
    13. Roller carrier as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the coupling piece, when mounted, engages the rod of the towbar, and is preferably mounted against the ball of said towbar.
    [14]
    14. Roller carrier as claimed in claim 13, wherein the attachment comprises two clamping parts for fixing the coupling piece on the towing hook, which clamping parts together define a clamping opening for receiving the rod of the towing hook in mounted condition such that this rod is connected between the two clamping parts. clamped, the clamping parts being placed on opposite sides of the towbar's rod.
    [15]
    The walker carrier according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein in the mounted state of the coupling piece the receiving part is positioned on the side of the towball ball facing the car, and wherein the engaging part of the frame is designed such that when the frame is connected to the coupling piece the frame supports on the ball of the towbar.
    [16]
    16. Roller carrier as claimed in claim 15, wherein a tensioning member is provided for fixing the frame to the coupling piece, preferably such that in mounted condition the tensioning member is positioned on the opposite side of the ball of the towbar.
    [17]
    17. Roller carrier according to claims 15 or 16, wherein, in mounted condition, the receiving part is adjustable in vertical direction relative to the ball of the towing hook for positioning, preferably tilting, the frame relative to the support point of the frame on the ball of the towbar.
    [18]
    18. Roller carrier according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one securing elements is designed as a clamping mechanism comprising one or more clamping means connected movably to the frame and adapted to secure the at least one rollator in the blocking position on the at least one rollator. one supporting element and for releasing the at least one rollator in a release position, such that in the blocking position a part of the rollator, preferably one or more wheels of the rollator, is clamped between the at least one support element and the clamping means.
    [19]
    19. A roller carrier according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein two or more securing elements are connected to each other, preferably by means of a carrier for a number plate, such that both securing elements can be moved simultaneously from the blocking position to the release position and vice versa.
    [20]
    20. Roller carrier according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the roller carrier comprises at least two mutually movably connected parts, such that in a mounted condition of the rollator, the parts can be moved between an operational position and an inactive position, the roller carrier with the parts in the operational position being suitable for supporting a walker, and with the parts in the inactive position the rear lid of the car releases and / or protrudes less far relative to the car compared to the walker carrier with the components in the operational position.
    [21]
    The walker carrier of claim 20, wherein the at least one securing element is mounted on a support arm movably connected to the frame for moving between an operational position wherein the support arm positions the securing element for engaging a walker, and an inactive position where the support arm releases the rear door of the car.
    [22]
    A roller carrier according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the securing elements are adjustable between different blocking positions for securing different types of rollators on the at least one carrier element
    [23]
    The walker support according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing elements comprise flexible strips for fixing the walker.
    [24]
    A walker support according to one or more of the preceding claims, further comprising a lock for locking the securing elements in a blocking position while securing a walker on the at least one support element, such that a walker placed and secured on the walker support is not secured by third parties can be taken along.
    [25]
    25. Roller carrier according to one or more of the preceding claims, further comprising protective means such as a protective cover and / or a protective cover for at least partially shielding a rollator placed on the roller carrier against environmental influences such as rain or splashing water.
    [26]
    A roller carrier according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the roller carrier is provided with lighting elements, for example for illuminating a license plate.
    [27]
    27. A roller carrier according to claim 26, wherein the roller carrier is provided with lighting elements which are provided with their own voltage source, so that the lighting elements do not have to be connected to the car battery.
    [28]
    A roller carrier according to one or more of the preceding claims, provided with a carrier for a license plate, which license plate carrier is movable between an operational position for displaying the license plate during transport of the rollator, and a loading position in which the license plate is folded away for facilitating the placement of the walker on the at least one support member and removing the walker from the at least one support member.
    [29]
    29. System comprising a roller carrier according to at least claim 7, and one or more exchangeable carrier elements.
    [30]
    30. Coupling piece according to one or more of claims 13-17, for fixing a frame on a towbar of a car.
    类似技术:
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    DE202010007974U1|2010-12-09|
    NL2003130C2|2011-01-04|
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    法律状态:
    2013-01-31| RE| Patent lapsed|Effective date: 20120731 |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    NL2003130|2009-07-03|
    NL2003130A|NL2003130C2|2009-07-03|2009-07-03|ROLLATOR CARRIER.|
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