TWI897804B - Cane chair with assistive support - Google Patents

Abstract

A cane chair with auxiliary support includes a base unit, a support unit, a center column unit and a bearing unit. The base unit includes an axis and a through hole. The support unit includes at least three support rods, each of which has a hub, a top end and a bottom end, and the top ends and the bottom ends can be converted between a folded state and an extended state. The bearing unit includes a slide and a bearing assembly. The center column unit includes an upper end and a lower end. When the top ends and the bottom ends are in the extended state, the position of the lower end corresponds to the bottom ends, and the bottom ends and the lower end can be simultaneously abutted against the ground, providing auxiliary support.

Description

Cane chair with assistive support

The present invention relates to a seating device, and more particularly to a cane chair with auxiliary support.

A linked retractable device and a chair having the same (disclosed in Republic of China Patent No. I730881) are currently available. The device comprises a base unit and at least three support units. Each support unit includes a support rod and a latching member having two latching surfaces. The support units are capable of switching between a folded state and an extended state. When one support unit pivots relative to the base unit, one of the latching surfaces pushes the latching surface of an adjacent support unit, causing the adjacent support unit to pivot and deploy the support units. The chair also includes a seating unit comprising a seating assembly connected to one of the support rods and a connecting rod assembly. Operation of the seating assembly enables the support units to transition between the folded state and the unfolded state.

Although the above structure can achieve the purpose of easy opening and closing operations, the applicant believes that the support stability of the overall structure can be further improved, which ultimately led to the birth of the present invention.

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a cane chair with auxiliary support that can improve support stability.

Therefore, the cane chair with auxiliary support of the present invention includes a base unit, a support unit, a central column unit and a supporting unit. The base unit includes an axis and a through hole arranged along the axis. The support unit is pivoted to the hub unit and includes at least three support rods that are respectively pivotable about the axis. Each of the support rods has a pivot portion pivoted to the hub unit, a top end located on one side of the pivot portion, and a bottom end opposite the top end and located on the other side of the pivot portion. The top end and the bottom end are switchable between a retracted state approaching the axis and an extended state away from the axis. The carrying unit includes a slide slidably mounted on one of the support rods and a carrying assembly pivoted to the slide. The central column unit is slidably disposed through the through-hole and includes an upper end pivotally connected to the supporting assembly and a lower end opposite the upper end. When the top and bottom ends of the support rods are in the extended position, the lower end of the central column unit corresponds to the bottom ends, and the bottom and lower ends of the support rods can simultaneously rest on the ground.

The present invention utilizes a central column unit pivotally connected to the support assembly. When the support unit's slide is operated along one of the support rods, the central column unit is driven. When the bottom ends of the support rods are extended, the bottom ends of the support rods and the lower end of the central column unit simultaneously rest on the ground. This not only provides the stability of multi-point support, but also provides support for the support assembly.

1: Hub unit

11: Top

12: Bottom surface

13: Outer Surface

14: Perforation

15: Limiting hole

16: Pivot

2: Support unit

201: Support rod

21: Joint

22: Top end

23: Bottom end

24: Lower pivot

3: Linkage device

31: Linkage seat

301: Main body

311: Perforation

312: Inner Ring

313: Main Trail Section

314: Trail Section

315: Shoulders

316:Guide Channel

317: Inner protrusion

318: Card

302: Pivot

32: Lower connecting rod

4: Center column unit

401: Center column

41: Backswing

411: Upper end

412: Outer end

413: Circumferential Groove

414: Class Hole

415: Expansion section

416: Narrow hole section

417: Shoulder

418: Guidance Department

410: Guide block

42: Downswing

421: Lower end

422: Inner end

423: Abutment

424: Outer Surface

425: External protrusion

426: Sliding guide

427: Tooth marks

428: Slip groove

43: Ring

431: Grooving

432: Bump

402: Limit buckle

403: Trending Articles

5: Carrier unit

51: Slide seat

52: Carrier Group

521: Shu Er

L:Axis

Other features and effects of the present invention will be clearly presented in the embodiments with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a three-dimensional view of a first embodiment of the cane chair with auxiliary support of the present invention; Figure 2 is a partial three-dimensional enlarged schematic view of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an incomplete three-dimensional exploded schematic view of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a three-dimensional view of a second embodiment of the cane chair with auxiliary support of the present invention; Figure 5 is a partial three-dimensional exploded schematic view of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a front cross-sectional view of the second embodiment; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along line Ⅶ-Ⅶ in Figure 4; Figure 8 is an operating action schematic view of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a three-dimensional view of a third embodiment of the cane chair with auxiliary support of the present invention; Figure 10 is a partial three-dimensional exploded schematic view of Figure 8; Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view along line ＸＩ-ＸＩ in Figure 9; Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 11 FIG13 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the cane chair with assisted support of the present invention; FIG14 is a partially exploded perspective view of FIG13; FIG15 is a front cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment; FIG16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI in FIG13; FIG17 is a perspective view of FIG16; FIG18 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the cane chair with assisted support of the present invention. FIG19 is a perspective view of a partially exploded perspective view of FIG18 ; FIG20 is a front sectional view of the fifth embodiment; FIG21 is a sectional view taken along line XXI-XXI in FIG18 ; FIG22 is a schematic diagram of an operating action of FIG21 ; FIG23 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the cane chair with auxiliary support of the present invention; and FIG24 is a front sectional view of the sixth embodiment.

Before the present invention is described in detail, it should be noted that similar components are represented by the same reference numerals in the following description.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a first embodiment of the cane chair with auxiliary support of the present invention includes a base unit 1, a support unit 2, a linkage device 3, a center column unit 4, and a load-bearing unit 5.

The hub unit 1 is arranged along an axis L and has a short cylindrical shape. It includes a top surface 11, a bottom surface 12 opposite the top surface 11 along the axis L, an outer peripheral surface 13 connecting the top surface 11 and the bottom surface 12, a through-hole 14 arranged along the axis L, three stop holes 15 extending from the top surface 11 to the bottom surface 12 and spaced about the axis L, and three hubs 16 spaced about the axis L and extending through corresponding stop holes 15. The number of stop holes 15 is not limited to three and may also be four (not shown).

The support unit 2 is pivoted to the hub unit 1 and includes three support rods 201 that are pivotable about the axis L and are respectively inserted into the limiting holes 15. The number of support rods 201 is not limited to three and may be four (not shown). Each support rod 201 has a pivot portion 21 pivoted to the corresponding pivot axis 16, a top end 22 located on one side of the pivot portion 21 and disposed above the top surface 11, a bottom end 23 located opposite the top end 22 and on the other side of the pivot portion 21, and a lower pivot portion 24 disposed between the pivot portion 21 and the bottom end 23. Each pivoting portion 21 can pivot in the corresponding limiting hole 15. The top end portion 22 and the bottom end portion 23 can be switched between a retracted state (not shown) close to the axis L and an extended state (see the state in Figure 1) away from the axis L.

The linkage device 3 includes a linkage base 31 and three lower connecting rods 32. The linkage base 31 is located between the support rods 201 and comprises a hollow, annular main body 301 and three pivoting members 302 circumferentially connected to the main body 301. The main body 301 has an inner annular surface 312 formed around the axis L and defining a through hole 311. Opposite ends of each lower connecting rod 32 are pivotally connected to a corresponding pivoting member 302 and the lower pivot portion 24 of the support rod 201.

The center column unit 4 comprises a single rod-shaped center column 401 slidably inserted through the through-hole 14, and two retaining rings 402 secured to the center column 401. The center column 401 extends along the axis L and has an upper end 411, a lower end 421 opposite the upper end 411, and two spaced annular grooves 413. The retaining rings 402 are respectively secured to the annular grooves 413, allowing the linkage 31 to rotate relative to the center column 401 while being retained between the retaining rings 402.

The support unit 5 includes a slide 51 slidably mounted on one of the support rods 201, and a support assembly 52 pivotally connected to the slide 51. The support assembly 52 has a hinge 521 disposed on the bottom surface 12, and the upper end portion 411 is pivotally connected to the hinge 521 of the support assembly 52.

To further understand the functions, technical means, and expected effects of the various components of this invention, the following explanation will provide a deeper and more detailed understanding of the invention.

When the support rods 201 are switched between the retracted and extended positions, the slide 51 is operated to slide along the support rod 201. The slide 51 first pulls the support assembly 52, which in turn drives the center column unit 4 to slide up and down relative to the hub unit 1. The support rods 201 can also pivot relative to the hub unit 1. Furthermore, the pivoting motion of the support rods 201 further pulls the lower connecting rods 32 to rotate, and the rotation of the lower connecting rods 32 in turn pulls the linkage 31 to rotate relative to the center column 401 (see Figures 1 and 2).

As shown in FIG1 , when the support rods 201 are moved from the folded state to the extended state, the top portions 22 can collectively define a larger bearing surface when the support rods 201 are extended, and can be used to support the bearing assembly 52.

At the same time, when the bottom ends 23 of the support rods 201 are extended, the lower end 421 of the center column unit 4 is positioned corresponding to the bottom ends 23. The bottom ends 23 and the lower end 421 of the support rods 201 can simultaneously contact the ground. This creates a multi-point contact positioning effect for the cane chair relative to the ground, and the center column unit 4 also provides auxiliary support for the load-bearing assembly 52. This provides greater stability and safety for the occupant.

As shown in Figures 4 to 6, a second embodiment of the cane chair with auxiliary support of the present invention also includes a base unit 1, a support unit 2, a linkage device 3, a center column unit 4, and a load-bearing unit 5. The following description only focuses on the differences from the first embodiment.

The inner annular surface 312 of the linkage seat 31 is stepped, wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. It has a large diameter section 313, a small diameter section 314, and a shoulder 315 at the junction of the large and small diameter sections 313 and 314. The large diameter section 313 has a guide groove 316. The small diameter section 314 has a plurality of internal protrusions 317 spaced about the axis L and projecting toward the axis L.

The center column unit 4 includes a center column member 401 and a trend member 403 mounted on the center column member 401.

The central column 401 has an upper rod section 41 and a lower rod section 42 that are connected inside and outside.

The upper rod section 41 has an upper end 411, an outer end 412 opposite the upper end 411 and capable of abutting the shoulder 315, and a stepped hole 414 recessed from the outer end 412 toward the upper end 411 and wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. The stepped hole 414 is defined by an expanded hole section 415, a narrow hole section 416, and a shoulder surface 417 at the junction of the expanded hole section 415 and the narrow hole section 416. The expanded hole section 415 has two groove-shaped guide portions 418 parallel to the axis L, and a guide block 410 protruding from the outer end 412. With the guide block 410 nested in the guide groove 316, the linkage 31 can rotate relative to the center column 401 but does not move relative to the center column 401 along the axis L, and the linkage 31 is rotatably connected to the outer end 412.

The lower rod section 42 has a lower end 421, an inner end 422 opposite the lower end 421 and slidably but non-rotatably disposed within the interior of the upper rod section 41, an abutment portion 423 disposed between the lower end 421 and the inner end 422, an outer peripheral surface 424 extending from the lower end 421 to the inner end 422, and a plurality of external protrusions 425 protruding from the outer peripheral surface 424 and extending from the inner end 422 toward the lower end 421. The inner end 422 has two guide sliding portions 426 that are concave and convex and engage with the guide portions 418, allowing the lower rod section 42 to slide but not rotate within the interior of the upper rod section 41. The guide slide 426 of this embodiment can be an elastic claw (or compression spring, not shown). These guide slides 426 utilize their elastic deformation and automatic release after deformation. Once inserted into the narrow hole section 416 of the step hole 414, they engage the shoulder surface 417, preventing the lower rod section 42 from easily disengaging from the upper rod section 41. The external protrusions 425 are spaced apart around the axis L, and each external protrusion 425 has a rough surface.

The trend member 403 utilizes a compression spring and is positioned between the upper and lower rod sections 41 and 42. Opposite ends of the trend member 403 are positioned between the top of the step hole 414 and the inner end 422. The spring force of the trend member 403 keeps the inner end 422 of the lower rod section 42 moving outward from the outer end 412 of the upper rod section 41, while the spring force of the trend member 403 keeps the lower end 421 in contact with the ground.

As shown in Figures 6, 7, and 8, when the entire assembly is complete and the support rods 201 transition between the retracted and extended positions, the lower connecting rods 32 can be used to drive the linkage seat 31 to rotate about the axis L relative to the upper rod section 41 (as indicated by the arrow in Figure 7). As the linkage seat 31 rotates, the inner protrusions 317 engage with the outer protrusions 425 of the lower rod section 42, allowing the linkage seat 31 to link with the lower rod section 42. The rough surface of the outer protrusions 425 enhances the engagement between the inner protrusions 317 and the outer protrusions 425 of the lower rod section 42.

Therefore, the overall structure of the second embodiment of the present invention can also achieve the same purpose and effect as the first embodiment.

As shown in Figures 9 and 10 , a third embodiment of the cane chair with auxiliary support of the present invention is similar to the second embodiment, but differs from the second embodiment in that each outer protrusion 425 of the lower rod section 42 of the central column unit 4 has a plurality of teeth 427 arranged at intervals along the axis L. The provision of these teeth 427 enhances the locking effect between the inner protrusions 317 and the outer protrusions 425 of the lower rod section 42.

As shown in Figures 11 and 12, when the support rods 201 transition between the retracted and extended positions, the lower connecting rods 32 can drive the linkage seat 31 to rotate about the axis L relative to the upper rod section 41 (as indicated by the arrows). Furthermore, when the linkage seat 31 rotates, the inner protrusions 317 engage with the outer protrusions 425 of the lower rod section 42. Therefore, the overall structure of the third embodiment of the present invention can achieve the same objectives and effects as the second embodiment.

As shown in Figures 13 to 15 , a fourth embodiment of the cane chair with auxiliary support of the present invention comprises a base unit 1, a support unit 2, a linkage 3, a center column unit 4, and a load-bearing unit 5. The center column 401 has an upper rod section 41, a lower rod section 42, and a collar 43 disposed between the linkage 31 and the lower rod section 42.

The linkage seat 31 has a structure similar to that of the second embodiment. The inner annular surface 312 has a guide groove 316 and a plurality of inner protrusions 317 spaced about the axis L and protruding toward the axis L.

The upper rod section 41 and the lower rod section 42 have substantially the same structure as their counterparts in the second embodiment and will not be further described.

The ring 43 has a plurality of grooves 431 and a plurality of protrusions 432 disposed on the outer surface.

As shown in Figures 15, 16, and 17, when the lower connecting rod 32 drives the connecting seat 31 to rotate about the axis L relative to the upper rod section 41, the inner protrusions 317 of the connecting seat 31 squeeze the protrusions 432, causing the collar 43 to constrain the lower rod section 42, thereby locking the connecting seat 31, the collar 43, and the lower rod section 42 together.

Therefore, the overall structure of the fourth embodiment of the present invention can also achieve the same purpose and effect as the above embodiments.

As shown in Figures 18 to 20, a fifth embodiment of the cane chair with auxiliary support of the present invention includes a base unit 1, a support unit 2, a linkage device 3, a center column unit 4, and a supporting unit 5.

The linkage seat 31 has a plurality of cards 318 spaced apart around the axis L.

The central column 401 has an upper rod section 41, a lower rod section 42, and a ring 43 fixed to the top of the lower rod section 42. The lower rod section 42 has a plurality of sliding grooves 428 parallel to the axis L and for the card 318 to be nested.

The ring 43 can slide within the upper rod section 41 but does not rotate. It has a plurality of grooves 431 and a plurality of protrusions 432 provided on the inner ring surface.

By nesting the clips 318 and the grooves 428, the linkage 31 can slide relative to the lower rod section 42 but does not rotate. The linkage 31 can rotate relative to the upper rod section 41 but does not slide.

As shown in Figures 21 and 22, when the lower connecting rod 32 drives the connecting seat 31 and the lower rod section 42 to rotate about the axis L relative to the upper rod section 41, the outer protrusions 425 of the lower rod section 42 squeeze the protrusions 432 and push the collar 43 apart, locking the connecting seat 31, the collar 43, and the upper rod section 41 together.

Therefore, the overall structure of the fifth embodiment of the present invention can also achieve the same purpose and effect as the above embodiments.

As shown in Figures 23 and 24, a sixth embodiment of the cane chair with auxiliary support of the present invention includes a base unit 1, a support unit 2, a linkage device 3, a center column unit 4, and a supporting unit 5.

The center column unit 4 includes a single-rod center column 401 and a trend member 403 mounted on the center column 401. The elastic force of the trend member 403 provides a support for the lower end 421 against the ground. The trend member 403 of the center column unit 4 is sleeved onto the exterior of the center column 401 and is located between the hub unit 1 and the linkage 31.

Therefore, the overall structure of the sixth embodiment of the present invention can achieve the same purpose and effect as the first embodiment. Furthermore, the elastic force of the trend member 403 can enable the support unit 2 to quickly open.

It is worth mentioning that the trend member 403 is provided in the second to fifth embodiments of the present invention. However, if the trend member 403 is omitted, the lower rod section 42 can also slide relative to the upper rod section 41 by utilizing its own weight (not shown).

In summary, the cane chair with auxiliary support of the present invention has a simple overall structure, is easy to manufacture and assemble, and can achieve the stability of multi-point support. The supporting assembly 52 can also be supported, truly achieving the purpose of the present invention.

However, the above descriptions are merely examples of the present invention and should not be construed to limit the scope of the present invention. Any simple equivalent variations and modifications made within the scope of the patent application and the contents of the patent specification are still covered by the present patent.

1: Hub unit

2: Support unit

201: Support rod

21: Joint

22: Top end

23: Bottom end

24: Lower pivot

3: Linkage device

31: Linkage seat

32: Lower connecting rod

4: Center column unit

401: Center column

411: Upper end

421: Lower end

5: Carrier unit

51: Slide seat

52: Carrier Group

521: Shu Er

Claims (12)

A cane chair with auxiliary support comprises: a base unit including an axis, a through-hole arranged along the axis, and at least three limiting holes arranged at intervals around the through-hole; A support unit is pivotally connected to the hub unit and includes at least three support rods that are respectively pivotable about the axis and are respectively inserted into the limiting holes. Each of the support rods has a pivot portion pivotally connected to the hub unit, a top end portion located on one side of the pivot portion, and a bottom end portion opposite to the top end portion and located on the other side of the pivot portion. The top end portion and the bottom end portion are switchable between a retracted state approaching the axis and an extended state away from the axis. A linkage device, comprising a linkage seat and at least three lower connecting rods, the linkage seat being positioned between the support rods, each lower connecting rod having two opposite ends pivotally connected to the linkage seat and the corresponding support rod; a bearing unit, comprising a sliding seat slidably mounted on one of the support rods, and a bearing assembly pivotally connected to the sliding seat; and a central column unit slidably disposed in the through hole and in the linkage seat, the central column unit comprising an upper end pivotally connected to the bearing assembly, and a lower end opposite to the upper end, wherein, When the top ends and the bottom ends of the support rods are in the extended state, the lower end position of the central column unit corresponds to the bottom ends, and the bottom ends and the lower ends of the support rods can stop at the ground at the same time. As described in claim 1, the cane chair with auxiliary support, wherein the linkage seat of the linkage device is positioned along the axis relative to the central column unit, and when the support rods are switched between the folded state and the extended state, the linkage seat can be rotated around the axis relative to the central column unit through the lower linkage rods. As described in claim 1, the cane chair with auxiliary support, the central column unit further includes a central column member and a trend member mounted on the central column member, the upper end and the lower end are arranged on the central column member, and the elasticity of the trend member provides the lower end with abutment against the ground. A cane chair with auxiliary support as described in claim 3, wherein the central column member of the central column unit extends along the axis and has an upper rod section and a lower rod section that are internally and externally coupled, the trend member springs between the upper rod section and the lower rod section, the upper end portion is arranged on the upper rod section, and the lower end portion is arranged on the lower rod section, the upper rod section also has an outer end portion opposite to the upper end portion, and the lower rod section also has an inner end portion that is slidable but not rotatable and is passed through the interior of the upper rod section, and the elastic force of the trend member provides the inner end portion of the lower rod section with a tendency to maintain moving outward from the outer end portion of the upper rod section. A cane chair with auxiliary support as described in claim 4, wherein the lower rod section of the central column unit has an outer peripheral surface, a plurality of outer protrusions protruding from the outer peripheral surface and extending from the inner end toward the lower end, each outer protrusion having a rough surface, and the linkage seat rotatably connected to the outer end, the linkage seat having a plurality of inner protrusions, and when the supporting rods are switched between the folded state and the extended state, the linkage seat can be rotated around the axis relative to the upper rod section through the lower connecting rods, and the inner protrusions of the linkage seat are clamped with the outer protrusions of the lower rod section, and the linkage seat links the lower rod section. A cane chair with auxiliary support as described in claim 5, wherein each outer protrusion of the lower rod section of the central column unit has a plurality of teeth arranged at intervals along the axis. A cane chair with auxiliary support as described in claim 5, wherein the upper rod section of the central column unit has a stepped hole that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, and the stepped hole is defined by an expansion section, a narrow hole section, and a shoulder surface at the junction of the expansion section and the narrow hole section. The expansion section has at least one guide portion parallel to the axis, and the inner end portion of the lower rod section has a guide sliding portion that is concave and convex and can be interlocked with the guide portion, so that the lower rod section can slide but not rotate through the interior of the upper rod section. A cane chair with auxiliary support as described in claim 4, wherein the central column unit further includes a set of rings arranged between the connecting seat and the lower rod section, the connecting seat has a plurality of inner protrusions, the ring has a plurality of grooves, and a plurality of protrusions, and when the lower connecting rod links the connecting seat to rotate around the axis relative to the upper rod section, the inner protrusions of the connecting seat squeeze the protrusions and cause the ring to restrain the lower rod section, and the connecting seat, the ring and the lower rod section are locked with each other. A cane chair with auxiliary support as described in claim 8, wherein the upper rod section of the central column unit has a stepped hole that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, and the stepped hole is defined by an expansion section, a narrow hole section, and a shoulder surface at the junction of the expansion section and the narrow hole section. The expansion section has at least one guide portion parallel to the axis, and the inner end portion of the lower rod section has a guide sliding portion that is concave and convex and can be interlocked with the guide portion, so that the lower rod section can slide but not rotate through the interior of the upper rod section. A cane chair with auxiliary support as described in claim 3, wherein the central column unit further includes a ring fixed to the top of the lower rod section, the lower rod section has a plurality of external protrusions arranged at the top, the ring can slide inside the upper rod section but not rotate, and has a plurality of grooves and a plurality of protrusions, the connecting seat can rotate relative to the upper rod section but not slide, and when the lower connecting rods link the connecting seat and the lower rod section to rotate around the axis relative to the upper rod section, the external protrusions of the lower rod section squeeze the protrusions and push open the ring, and the connecting seat, the ring and the upper rod section are locked with each other. A cane chair with auxiliary support as described in claim 10, wherein the upper rod section of the central column unit has a stepped hole that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, and the stepped hole is defined by an expansion section, a narrow hole section, and a shoulder surface at the junction of the expansion section and the narrow hole section. The expansion section has at least one guide portion parallel to the axis, and the ring sleeve also has a guide sliding portion that is concave and convex and can be embedded with the guide portion, so that the ring sleeve and the lower rod section can slide but not rotate inside the upper rod section. In the cane chair with auxiliary support as described in claim 3, the trend piece of the central column unit is mounted on the outside of the central column, and the trend piece is located between the hub unit and the linkage seat.