AU2019100422A4 - Mobility platform device - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A mobility device 10 comprises a base plate 12, a wheel assembly 14, user support 16, and user controls 18. The base plate 12 is made from a lightweight metal or plastic, and in the example is an 85 x 70 cm oval being 5 to 10 cm thick. The base plate 12 comprises an upper surface 20, a lower surface 22 and an internal cavity 24. The wheel assembly 14 is mounted in a removable manner to the lower surface 22. The user support 16 and the user controls 18 are mounted to the upper surface 20. Power means such as a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery are mounted within the internal cavity 24.

Description

MOBILITY PLATFORM DEVICE

Field of the Invention [1] The present invention relates to a mobility platform device. The invention is primarily intended for use by elderly users orthose less mobile, but is not limited to this use.

Background of the Invention [2] The present invention seeks to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[3] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention [4] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a mobility device comprising:

a base plate having an upper surface and a lower surface, a wheel assembly removably mounted to the lower surface, and a user support and user controls mounted to the upper surface.

[5] In one embodiment, the base plate is made from a lightweight metal or plastic.

[6] In another embodiment, power means is mounted within the internal cavity.

[7] In another embodiment, the user support comprises a support post.

[8] In another embodiment, the user support comprises a seat.

[9] In another embodiment, the user support comprises a fold away seat that can be positioned at any level of the support post.

[10] In another embodiment, the post comprises a number of spaced grooves for adding hooks thereto [11] In another embodiment, the user controls comprises a steering wheel which is connected to the wheel assembly.

[12] In another embodiment, the user controls additionally includes pedals for accelerating and for braking or reversing.

[13] In another embodiment, automatic braking is provided when the user does not engage any of the pedals.

2019100422 22 Apr 2019 [14] In another embodiment, the user can dip the steering wheel column to go forward, backwards, or stop.

[15] In another embodiment, the user controls comprises a tiller.

[16] In another embodiment, the wheel assembly comprises a plurality of wheels mounted to a platform, wherein the platform is removably mounted to the base plate.

[17] In another embodiment, the wheels comprise driven wheels and steerable wheels.

[18] In another embodiment, the user support is removable from the base plate.

[19] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings [20] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[21] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a mobility device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Description of Embodiments [22] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[23] Figure 1 shows a mobility device 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The mobility device 10 comprises a base plate 12, a wheel assembly 14, user support 16, and user controls 18.

[24] The base plate 12 is made from a lightweight metal or plastic, and in the example is an 85 x 70 cm oval being 5 to 10 cm thick. The base plate 12 comprises an upper surface 20, a lower surface 22 and an internal cavity 24. The wheel assembly 14 is mounted in a removable manner to the lower surface 22. The user support 16 and the user controls 18 are mounted to the upper surface 20. Power means such as a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery are mounted within the internal cavity 24.

[25] In use, a user stands on the upper surface 20 and is supported by the user support 16. In the example, the user support 16 comprises a support post 30 which the user can hold onto or lean on. In other examples, the user support 16 can include a seat, with or without a backrest and a seatbelt. The seat can be a light weight, casual, fold away seat that can be positioned at any level of the support post 30.

2019100422 22 Apr 2019 [26] The support post 30 extends from the centre of the base plate 12 and is a strong sturdy pole to support the user. The centre pole is of a very sturdy metal, or plastic, solid round in shape for easy gripping. The pole can have a number of grooves for adding hooks to hold any heavy bags the user needs to hold. The pole 30 is removable for transport, or storage and to lighten the load when doing so.

[27] The user controls 18 in the example comprises a steering wheel 32 with a steering wheel column 31 which is connected to the wheel assembly 14 enabling the user to choose direction. The user controls 18 additionally includes pedals 34 for accelerating/going forward and for braking or reversing. Automatic braking can be provided when the user does not engage any of the pedals. Alternatively, the user can dip the steering wheel column 31 to go forward, backwards, or stop. Another alternative is to have a tiller as a control instead of a steering wheel.

[28] The base plate 12 comprises a groove 40 in the upper surface 20 for a privacy wall. The privacy wall can be an acrylic wall to be attached for the purpose of individualizing the device 10 for the owners and for advertising.

[29] The wheel assembly 14 comprises four wheels 50 mounted to a platform 52. The platform 52 is removably mounted to lower surface 22. The wheels 50 comprise driven wheels via the power means for propelling and stopping the mobility device 10 and steerable wheels. The driven wheels can also be the steerable wheels. The wheels 50 can tilt to enable the device 10 to travel on a slight decline such as a sidewalk or driveway. In the example, the wheels 50 are to be made of hard rubber and do not need inflating. The removable platform 52 allows the set of wheels to be removable for easy storage and lighter weight.

[30] The present invention provides a mobility device which is particularly useful for elderly people’s comfort, easy to use, and attractive to look at. The invention allows people with slight mobility problems to be able to live a normal life they did in their younger days. The user can for example perform activities such as walking and access vast area facilities such as airports, shopping centres, fairs, art galleries, zoo , etc.

[31] The invention is a much more people friendly mobility device than any wheelchair, or scooter on the market, as it is lightweight, easy to disassemble then assemble again. The device can be stored in the boot of a car, or any small place.

[32] Other modifications to the device are possible as below.

[33] The wheels can alternatively be a five wheel arrangement. The base plate can be 65 x 40 cm or smaller Oval. The idea is for the device is to fit into small places i. e. shopping

2019100422 22 Apr 2019 aisles in grocery shopping centres. The base can have brakes able to be activated by hand, or foot, such as on the main pole if by hand, or the platform if by foot.

[34] Other features include the addition of child support, and possibly stair climbing possibility.

[35] The device can also have security/parking device for times/places one cannot take the device into Like a toilet.

[36] The product is a mobility platform for elderly, but able body people to take them to places they no longer can, or will negotiate. This is a motorized mobility platform on which an individual can step on, hold onto the central solid pole, turn on the electric motor, which is soundless and go to any distance they want without any exertion on their behalf.

Claims (15)

1. A mobility device comprising:

a base plate having an upper surface and a lower surface, a wheel assembly removably mounted to the lower surface, and a user support and user controls mounted to the upper surface.

2. The mobility device of claim 1 wherein the base plate is made from a lightweight metal or plastic.

3. The mobility device of claim 1 wherein power means is mounted within the internal cavity.

4. The mobility device of claim 1 wherein the user support comprises a support post.

5. The mobility device of claim 1 wherein the user support comprises a seat.

6. The mobility device of claim 4 wherein the user support comprises a fold away seat that can be positioned at any level of the support post.

7. The mobility device of claim 4 wherein the post comprises a number of spaced grooves for adding hooks thereto

8. The mobility device of claim 1 wherein the user controls comprises a steering wheel which is connected to the wheel assembly.

9. The mobility device of claim 1 wherein the user controls additionally includes pedals for accelerating and for braking or reversing.

10. The mobility device of claim 9 wherein automatic braking is provided when the user does not engage any of the pedals.

11. The mobility device of claim 8 wherein the user can dip the steering wheel column to go forward, backwards, or stop.

12. The mobility device of claim 1 wherein the user controls comprises a tiller.

13. The mobility device of claim 1 wherein the wheel assembly comprises a plurality of wheels mounted to a platform, wherein the platform is removably mounted to the base plate.

14. The mobility device of claim 13 wherein the wheels comprise driven wheels and steerable wheels.

15. The mobility device of claim 1 wherein the user support is removable from the base plate.