NZ764546B2 - Table for a walker - Google Patents

Abstract

table unit for a walker the walker including: a first horizontal rail and a second horizontal rail substantially parallel to the first horizontal rail; the table unit having a weight and including a table portion defining a table area; and a first contacting arrangement for contacting, the first rail so as to limit movement of the table unit away from the second rail, and underlying the first rail to limit rotation of the table unit about the second rail; and a second contacting arrangement for contacting the second rail so as to limit movement of the table unit away from the first rail; the first contacting arrangement and the second contacting arrangement being shaped to enable the table unit to be mounted on the walker by contacting the first contacting arrangement against the first rail; and pivoting the table unit about the first rail to contact the second contacting arrangement against the second rail such that at least some of the weight of the table unit bears down on the second rail; and a centre of the table area being spaced from the first contacting arrangement past the second contacting arrangement such that the table unit is a cantilever table unit.

Description

A table unit for a walker the walker including: a first horizontal rail and a second horizontal rail substantially parallel to the first horizontal rail; the table unit having a weight and including a table portion defining a table area; and a first contacting arrangement for contacting, the first rail so as to limit movement of the table unit away from the second rail, and underlying the first rail to limit rotation of the table unit about the second rail; and a second contacting arrangement for contacting the second rail so as to limit movement of the table unit away from the first rail; the first contacting arrangement and the second contacting arrangement being shaped to enable the table unit to be mounted on the walker by contacting the first contacting arrangement against the first rail; and pivoting the table unit about the first rail to contact the second contacting arrangement against the second rail such that at least some of the weight of the table unit bears down on the second rail; and a centre of the table area being spaced from the first contacting arrangement past the second contacting arrangement such that the table unit is a cantilever table unit.

NZ 764546 B2 P1476NZPC TABLE FOR A WALKER FIELD The invention relates to a table unit for a walker.

BACKGROUND Walkers such as wheeled walkers (also known as rollators) are used by people with mobility issues to support them to walk, enhance their balance and reduce the likelihood of a fall.

Walkers can greatly improve the independence of a user in daily life. They range from simple frames which must be lifted and moved one step at a time through to complex engineered designs including lightweight materials, ergonomic handles, and wheels having associated handbrakes. Many walkers include a seat, allowing a user to rest as often as needed while using the walker. Some include a carrying basket, often located under the seat.

The independence in daily living of a person with a mobility issue is greatly impacted by the ability to prepare his or her own food and drink and move it to a table or chair to consume the food or drink and to conveniently carry other small items from one location to be used in another location, e.g. a book or glasses from one room to another. It is common but dangerous for people to continue such activities even at the risk of a fall, in order to reduce or avoid dependence on others.

A person with a mobility issue using a walker should maintain both hands on the walker to obtain maximum benefit from it as one-handed use increases the risk of falls. However, there are many occasions where a carrying basket located under the seat is unsuitable (e.g. for transporting hot drinks) or simply inconvenient (requiring bending down) and users will often still attempt to carry an item in one hand while using the walker rather than use the carrying basket or seek assistance.

P1476NZPC The inventor has recognised that many users of walkers have arthritis in their hands or otherwise lack the dexterity to use tools and assemble nuts and bolts, etc.

It is desirable to provide a table unit for a walker on which a user can transport small items while maintaining grip on the walker with both hands. Ideally, the table unit should be stable, at a convenient height, easy to install and use and not require specialist customization, tools or adaptations to fit it to the walker.

US Patent Publication No. US2014/0232078A1 discloses a wheeled walker with a removable utility tray. Figures 1 and 3 of that publication are substantially reproduced herein as Figures 1 and 2. The walker incorporates a low-mounted cross-bar CB and a higher mounted second cross-bar 2CB. A seat S, incorporating handle H, is pivotally mounted to the second cross-bar 2CB.

The tray T incorporates a groove G co-operable with the cross-bar CB and a 'lip or flange' (hereinafter 'lip') LF co-operable with the second cross-bar 2CB.

The seat handle H fits over a rear section RS of the tray to lock the tray against vertical movement. Without the handle H in place, a small bump (e.g. with one's knees) on the tray generally in the direction of arrows A in Figures 1 and 2 could see the tray T disengage the cross-bars CB, 2CB move upwards and rearwards and then fall down.

Various implementations of the present invention aim to provide a more robust table unit, to provide table units co-operable with walkers without the handle H (or any analog thereof), or at least to provide an alternative for those concerned with walkers.

It is not admitted that any of the information in this patent specification is common general knowledge, or that the person skilled in the art could be reasonably expected to ascertain or understand it, regard it as relevant or combine it in any way before the priority date.

P1476NZPC SUMMARY A table unit for a walker is disclosed, the walker including a first horizontal rail; and a second horizontal rail substantially parallel to the first horizontal rail; the table unit having a weight and including a table portion defining a table area; and a first contacting arrangement for contacting the first rail so as to limit movement of the table unit away from the second rail; and a second contacting arrangement for contacting the second rail so as to limit movement of the table unit away from the first rail; the first contacting arrangement and the second contacting arrangement being shaped to enable the table unit to be mounted on the walker by contacting the first contacting arrangement against the first rail; and pivoting the table unit about the first rail to contact the second contacting arrangement against the second rail such that at least some of the weight of the table unit bears down on the second rail.

Preferably the first contacting arrangement for contacting the first rail is a first receiving arrangement for receiving the first rail.

Preferably the second contacting arrangement for contacting the second rail is also a second receiving arrangement for receiving the second rail.

P1476NZPC Preferably the first receiving arrangement opens away from the second receiving arrangement, and the second receiving arrangement opens downwardly.

A centre of the table area may be spaced from the first contacting arrangement past the second contacting arrangement such that the table unit is a cantilever table unit.

Optionally the table unit includes a pair of forwardly projecting arms defining the first contacting arrangement and being mutually spaced from each other.

The table unit may have a left and a right side with the pair of projecting arms located with one arm on each of said left and right sides.

Optionally the table unit includes a cup holder.

Optionally the table unit includes a first cup holder and a second cup holder larger than the first cup holder.

Optionally the table unit is at least predominantly molded from HDPE.

Optionally the table unit is at least predominantly molded from expanded polystyrene.

Also disclosed is a method, of releasably attaching the table unit to a walker, including: contacting the first contacting arrangement onto the first rail; and pivoting the table unit about the first rail to contact the second contacting arrangement on the second rail.

Also disclosed is a method, of manufacturing the table unit, including injection moulding the table unit from HDPE.

Also disclosed is a method, of manufacturing the table unit, including moulding the table unit from expanded polystyrene.

P1476NZPC BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS An embodiment of the apparatus will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a prior art walker and tray unit; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the tray unit of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of the walker of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a table unit mounted on a walker; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the table unit and walker of Figure 4 with selected components to show the first and second rails of the walker more clearly; Figure 6 is a side view of the table unit of Figure 4; Figure 7 is a plan view of the table unit of Figure 4; Figure 8 is a side view of a supporting arm for a table unit; and Figure 9 is a side view of an alternate supporting arm; and Figures 10 to 14 are perspective views of table units.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Many people need to use a walker as an ambulatory support. Walkers may also be called rollators. Described below is a table unit for mounting on the walker to carry objects such as food and beverages, books or other small items when moving, and to serve as a convenient table or working surface when not in motion.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a table unit 30 mounted on a walker 2. The walker 2 has a forward direction of travel indicated by arrow 'A'. Directions as used in P1476NZPC this specification are given relative to the forward direction of travel, and the orientation of the table unit and walker in ordinary forward travel use.

A user stands rearward of the walker 2 holding a pair of left and right handles 4 to support the user as the user walks. Conveniently, handbrakes 11 are easily applied, for example when the walker 2 is used on a slope. The handbrakes 11 can also be applied to lock the walker 2 in a stationary position.

The walker 2 includes a tubular metal frame including left hand and right hand front supports 6, left hand and right hand rear supports 8, back support 10, and handles 4.

Each support 6, 8 has a wheel 12. A carry basket 14 is supported on a horizontal frame portion 15.

The walker 2 has a seat 5 supported by first and second horizontal rails 21, 22.

These rails are substantially parallel to each other and extend transverse to the forward direction of travel A. Each of the rails is at substantially the same height.

When a user wishes to rest the user may lock the handbrakes 11 to prevent turning of the wheels 12 and sit on the seat 5 facing rearwardly, taking advantage of back rest 10 if desired. In order to do so, the user must remove the table unit 30 from the walker. Therefore, it is important that the table unit 30 is easily mounted and unmounted from the walker 2 as it will not be convenient to permanently mount the table unit to the walker. Ease of use is very important as it will be common that the user is frail, has issues with manual dexterity or lacks grip strength.

The table unit 30 includes a table portion 35 defining a table area 38 on which objects such as food, beverages, books or other small items may be supported. The table area 38 is supported by a pair of forwardly extending arms 36 spaced mutually apart on the right and left sides of the table unit 30, each arm 36 including first and second contacting arrangements 31, 32 for contacting respective first and second horizontal rails of the walker 21, 22.

Figure 5 is a view of the walker and table unit of Figure 4, but with the seat carry basket and table portion omitted. As seen more easily in Figure 5, the table unit 30 is mounted to the same first and second horizontal rails 21,22 that support the seat 5.

P1476NZPC The rails 21, 22 extend beyond the width of the seat, providing convenient locations to mount the table unit.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, an embodiment of the table unit has two arms 36 spaced apart on left and right hand sides of the table unit, each arm having a forward portion 37. The forward portions of the arms 37 are spaced apart to bracket, and thereby avoid interference with, the seat 5 when the table unit is mounted to the walker 2.

The table unit includes first and second contact arrangements 31, 32 which in this embodiment are provided on both the left and right hand forward portions of the arms 37 and take the form of C-shaped receiving arrangements 31, 32. Receiving arrangement 31 receives first rail 21 and receiving arrangement 32 receives second rail 22. The contacting points are arranged to contact the rails from the sides of the rails, as opposed to other potential arrangements that might fit over the end of a rail.

The table unit 30 may be conveniently mounted to the walker 2 by positioning the forward portions 37 of the arms 36 to bracket the seat 5 fitting the contacting arrangements 31 to rest against the first rail 21, pivoting the table unit 30 about the first rail 21 such that the second contacting arrangements 32 contact and bear down upon the second rail 22. The weight of the table unit 30 bears down on the second rail 22. In this embodiment, both the centre of mass of the table unit 30 and the centre of the table area 38 are spaced from the first contacting arrangements 31 past the second contacting arrangements 32 such that the table unit 30 is a cantilever table unit and the second rail 22 is a fulcrum.

Other cantilever arrangements in which the second rail 22 is not a fulcrum are within the scope of the invention. For example, multiple pairs of arms could be used so that one arm does not contact two rails.

Even a user with limited dexterity or grip strength is able to position the table unit and lower it in a pivoting action to quickly and easily mount the table unit to the walker.

P1476NZPC As seen most easily in Figures 6, 8 and 9, the first contacting arrangement 31 is at the forward end of the arm 37 and faces away from the second contacting arrangement 32. In this embodiment, the first contacting arrangement 31 is a C-shaped receiving arrangement with the opening of the C facing forward. The receiving arrangement 31 limits movement of the table unit 30 away from the second rail 22 when the table unit is mounted to the walker 2. Similar effect is obtained with an L-shaped contacting arrangement 31 as shown in Figure 6 – the vertical stroke of the L prevents forward movement of the table unit 30 relative to the second rail 22, while the horizontal stroke of the L limits rotation of the table unit 30 about second rail 22 when mounted for use.

The second contacting arrangement 32 is located rearward of the first contacting arrangement 31 and faces downwardly. In this embodiment, the second contacting arrangement 32 is a C-shaped receiving arrangement with the opening of the C facing downward. By receiving the second rail 22, the receiving arrangement 32 limits movement of the table unit 30 away from the first rail 21 when the table unit 30 is mounted to the walker 2. Similar effect is obtained with an L-shaped contacting arrangement 32 as shown in Figure 9 – the vertical stroke of the L prevents rearward movement of the table unit 30 relative to the first rail 21, while the horizontal stroke of the L limits rotation of the table unit 30 about first rail 21 when mounted for use.

The embodiment shown has arms 36 extending forwardly, in the form of webs extending downwardly from the table portion. Optionally the receiving arrangements could be L, C or U-shaped, capable of receiving any standard rail diameter used on standard walkers. A contacting arrangement could be of any shape, for example as shown in Figure 9 where the first contacting arrangement 31 is an L-shape and the second contacting arrangement 32 is a curve. In this embodiment the arms 36 are a web with cut out portions but many other geometries and constructions are possible.

For example, forwardly extending rods having attached contact arrangements of wire claws shaped to receive the rails fall within the scope of this invention.

The embodiment of Figure 8 is to be preferred over the embodiment of Figure 9 because the receiving arrangements 31, 32 provide a greater level of stability and ease of use than the contacting arrangements 31, 32 of Figure 9. For example, for P1476NZPC Figure 5, when mounting the table unit 30 to the walker 2 the receiving arrangement 31 can be positioned by simply guiding rail 21 into the C-shaped opening and the upper curve of the C will support the table unit 30 while pivoting to seat the second rail 22 in second receiving arrangement 32 occurs. In Figure 9, a user will need to ensure that the forward end of the table unit does not fall during the mounting process. Furthermore, the arrangement of Figure 8 is more stable when in actual use, for example where a walker 2 encounters bumps. The arrangements of Figure 8 places a greater limit on horizontal movement of the table unit 30 relative to the walker 2, as well as limiting rotation of the table unit around the second rail 22.

Figure 7 shows a top plan view of Figure 6. Also shown are cup holders 42 and 44 in table area 38. Cup holder 42 is a cut-out in which a cup or bottle can be supported.

Cup holder 44 is a larger diameter cut-out. Alternative cup holders (not shown) could be in the form of a deep recess having a base to prevent a cup or bottle of constant small diameter falling through. Alternatively (not shown), a shallow recess such as the slight indentation (for positioning a tea cup) that is typically present on a saucer can be provided to better allow for the presence of cup handles. Yet another alternative is to provide a retaining ring or arc, supported at an appropriate height above the top surface of the table unit, to encircle, abut or at least prevent tipping of a cup or bottle placed on the table unit.

The embodiment shown is manufactured with a timber table portion and arms 36 of metal sheet or plate. For additional stability, a transverse brace portion 39 is also provided, securing the arms 36 parallel but mutually spaced apart from each other on the left and right hand sides of the table unit 30. Where the table portion 35 is of sufficient rigidity, this brace portion could be omitted.

Indeed, it is possible and advantageous to mould the entire table unit 30 as a single or unitary article from high density polyethylene HDPE, or from expanded polystyrene EPS. If additional strength or rigidity is required, reinforcing elements could be over- moulded, for example elongate reinforcing members could be provided for each forwardly extending arm.

P1476NZPC Advantageously, moulding is very cheap in production, results in a very light weight product which is highly desirable for mobility impaired users, and gives further advantages such as the ability to provide a non-slip surface, etc. It also permits the moulding of cup holders and of universal cup holders rather than simple cut-outs.

Figures 10 to 14 show various alternative variants of the table.

Figure 10 shows a moulded tray 30A having cup holders of different sizes including universal cup holders and a non-slip knurled surface. A counter bore recess, sometimes known as a universal cup holder as it can accommodate multiple cup sizes, provides two different diameters for receiving cups or bottles, having different diameters to cut-out cup holder 42. For the avoidance of doubt, the size of a cup holder is the size of a cup it can receive.

As illustrated, the tray 30A includes a rim about the periphery of the table area defining a recessed table area. Optionally, a board (e.g. a wooden board) may be dimensioned for receipt within this recess to define a convenient planar surface uninterrupted by the cup holders. As such, the tray may be reconfigurable from the illustrated cup holder configuration to a planar work surface configuration. Moreover, different boards may be used for different aesthetic effect.

As used herein, 'integral' and similar terms are used in their ordinary sense to refer to a single continuous phase of material. Two bodies may be integrated through processes such as welding, but not through other processes such as typical adhesives or fasteners which result in separate albeit mutually fastened bodies.

Whilst one preferred approach to injection moulding has been described in respect of one of the preceding table units, various other injection moulding techniques are possible and similar techniques can be applied in respect of the various embodiments. Extending the present teachings to other injection moulding techniques is well within the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art of injection moulding.

P1476NZPC Figure 11 shows an elegantly simple implementation of the concept at least substantially consisting of a single integrally formed body of material, e.g. of plastic.

The body may have substantially uniform thickness throughout.

Figure 13 illustrates another substantially-constant thickness mode of construction in the form of tray unit 30D predominantly formed of plywood. This particular variant incorporates hinges 39 by which the forward portions of the arms are pivotally mounted to pivot inwardly for more compact storage and transit.

The tray unit 30C of Figure 12 incorporates a wooden tabletop underpinned by a pair of separate arms attached thereto.

Figure 14 illustrates a simple utilitarian table unit 30E incorporating a plastic tabletop and a pair of arm units which each comprise aluminium (or other light metal) tube fitted with plastic fittings to define the contact points. The arms may be separable from the tabletop for storage.

The invention is not limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the invention is defined by the claims.

P1476NZPC

Claims (15)

1. A table unit for a walker; the walker including a first horizontal rail; and 5 a second horizontal rail substantially parallel to the first horizontal rail; the table unit having a weight and including a table portion defining a table area; and a first contacting arrangement for contacting, the first rail so as to limit movement of the table unit away from the second rail, and underlying the first 10 rail to limit rotation of the table unit about the second rail; and a second contacting arrangement for contacting the second rail so as to limit movement of the table unit away from the first rail; the first contacting arrangement and the second contacting arrangement being shaped to enable the table unit to be mounted on the walker by 15 contacting the first contacting arrangement against the first rail; and pivoting the table unit about the first rail to contact the second contacting arrangement against the second rail such that at least some of the weight of the table unit bears down on the second rail; and a centre of the table area being spaced from the first contacting arrangement past 20 the second contacting arrangement such that the table unit is a cantilever table unit. P1476NZPC

2. A table unit according to claim 1 wherein the first contacting arrangement for contacting the first rail is a first receiving arrangement for receiving the first rail.

3. A table unit according to claim 1 or 2 wherein 5 the second contacting arrangement for contacting the second rail is a second receiving arrangement for receiving the second rail.

4. A table unit according to claim 3, wherein the first receiving arrangement opens away from the second receiving arrangement, and the second receiving arrangement opens downwardly. 10

5. A table unit according to claim 1 wherein the first rail and the second rail are at substantially the same height.

6. A table unit according to any one of the preceding claims including a pair of forwardly projecting arms defining the first contacting arrangement and being mutually spaced from each other. 15

7. A table unit according to claim 6 wherein the table unit has a left and a right side and the pair of projecting arms are located with one arm on each of said left and right sides.

8. A table unit according to any one of the preceding claims including a cup holder.

9. A table unit according to any one of the preceding claims including a first cup 20 holder and a second cup holder larger than the first cup holder.

10. A table unit according to any one of the preceding claims at least predominantly molded from HDPE.

11. A table unit according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9 at least predominantly molded from expanded polystyrene. P1476NZPC

12. The table unit of any one of the preceding claims and the walker.

13. A method, of releasably attaching the table unit of any one of the preceding claims 1 to 12 to a walker, including: contacting the first contacting arrangement onto the first rail; and 5 pivoting the table unit about the first rail to contact the second contacting arrangement on the second rail.

14. A method, of manufacturing the table unit of any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, including injection moulding the table unit from HDPE.

15. A method, of manufacturing the table unit of any one of the preceding claims 1 10 to 9, including moulding the table unit from expanded polystyrene.