U.S. patent application number 10/159850 was filed with the patent office on 2002-12-05 for tray apparatus and methods regarding same.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Regents of the University of Minnesota. Invention is credited to Johnson, Steven A., Sims, Laura LaVoie.
Application Number | 20020179131 10/159850 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26856370 |
Filed Date | 2002-12-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020179131 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnson, Steven A. ; et
al. |
December 5, 2002 |
Tray apparatus and methods regarding same
Abstract
A tray apparatus that can be attached to a walker and methods of
using the tray apparatus. The tray apparatus has multiple
configurations such that various object receiving surfaces may be
selected for use.
Inventors: |
Johnson, Steven A.;
(Brimson, MN) ; Sims, Laura LaVoie; (Culver,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MUETING, RAASCH & GEBHARDT, P.A.
P.O. BOX 581415
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55458
US
|
Assignee: |
The Regents of the University of
Minnesota
|
Family ID: |
26856370 |
Appl. No.: |
10/159850 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60295145 |
Jun 1, 2001 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/66 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 2003/004 20130101;
A61H 3/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/66 |
International
Class: |
A45B 003/00; A45B
005/00 |
Claims
1. A tray apparatus for use with a walker, the tray apparatus
comprising: at least a first object receiving surface and a second
object receiving surface; a connection apparatus configured to
position the second object receiving surface generally orthogonal
to the first object receiving surface, wherein the connection
apparatus further comprises walker connection elements for use in
coupling the first object receiving surface and the second object
receiving surface to one or more portions of the walker.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the walker connection elements
are configured to allow for coupling of the tray apparatus to
different walkers having different spacing between leg elements
thereof.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tray apparatus is
configured such that when the tray apparatus is connected to the
walker at least one of the first and second object receiving
surfaces is located over a bar of the walker extending between two
leg elements thereof.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connection apparatus is
configured to hold the first object receiving surface in a
generally fixed orthogonal position relative to the second object
receiving surface.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the connection apparatus is
operable to allow a user to move the tray apparatus between a first
configuration and a second configuration when the tray apparatus is
coupled to the walker, wherein the first object receiving surface
is at a substantially horizontal position relative to a ground
plane and the second object receiving surface is at a substantially
vertical position relative to the ground plane when the tray
apparatus is in the first configuration, and further wherein the
first object receiving surface is at a substantially vertical
position relative to the ground plane and the second object
receiving surface is at a substantially horizontal position
relative to the ground plane when the tray apparatus is in the
second configuration.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the connection apparatus
further comprises at least one pair of brackets connected to one or
both of the first object receiving surface and the second object
receiving surface, wherein each bracket of the at least one pair of
brackets comprises at least one opening for use in moving between
the first configuration and second configuration.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the connection apparatus
further comprises at least one crossover rod substantially
orthogonal to the at least one pair of brackets, wherein the at
least one crossover rod is coupled to the walker connection
elements, and further wherein the at least one crossover rod
extends through the at least one opening of each bracket of the at
least one pair of brackets.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the connection apparatus
further comprises a detent mechanism associated with the at least
one crossover rod, wherein the detent mechanism is operable to lock
the tray apparatus in either the first configuration or the second
configuration.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the detent mechanism comprises
a biased member operable to selectively engage with one or more
notches in each bracket of the at least one pair of brackets.
10. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one opening of
each bracket of the at least one pair of brackets is generally
T-shaped.
11. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the connection apparatus
further comprises a back member lying in a plane generally parallel
to one of the first and second object receiving surfaces, and
further wherein the back member is spring coupled to the one of the
first object receiving surface and the second object receiving
surface such that a trapping compartment is formed between the back
member and portions of the one of the first object receiving
surface and the second object receiving surface when the back
member is separated from the portions thereof.
12. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the apparatus further
comprises a lid hingedly coupled to one of the first object
receiving surface and second object receiving surface, wherein the
lid covers at least a portion of the one of the first object
receiving surface and second object receiving surface.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connection apparatus is
operable to allow a user to move the second object receiving
surface into a generally orthogonal position relative to the first
object receiving surface.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the connection apparatus is
operable to allow a user to move the tray apparatus between a first
configuration, a second configuration, and a third configuration
when the tray apparatus is coupled to the walker, wherein the first
object receiving surface is at a substantially horizontal position
relative to a ground plane and the second object receiving surface
is at a substantially horizontal position relative to the ground
plane when the tray apparatus is in the first configuration,
wherein the first object receiving surface is at the substantially
horizontal position relative to the ground plane and the second
object receiving surface is at a substantially vertical position
relative to the ground plane when the tray apparatus is in the
second configuration, and further wherein the first object
receiving surface is at a substantially vertical position relative
to the ground plane and the second object receiving surface is at
the substantially vertical position relative to the ground plane
when the tray apparatus is in the third configuration.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the connection apparatus
comprises a hinge, wherein the hinge is used to couple the first
object receiving surface to the second object receiving
surface.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the connection apparatus
further comprises: an extension element comprising a first length
and a second length, wherein the extension element is coupled to
the second object receiving surface; and an actuator coupled to the
extension element, wherein the actuator is operable to move the
extension element between the first length and the second
length.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the extension element
comprises a gas spring.
18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first
object receiving surface and the second object receiving surface
comprises at least one cup holder.
19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the walker connection
elements comprise at least one pair of J-clamps, wherein a cross
section of a first portion and a second portion of each J-clamp of
the at least one pair of J-clamps parallel to a ground plane when
connected to a walker comprises an elongated arcuate cross section,
and further wherein the first portion and the second portion at
least partially engage leg elements of the walker.
20. A tray apparatus for use with a walker, the tray apparatus
comprising: a first tray comprising a first working surface; a
second tray comprising a second working surface, wherein the second
working surface is substantially orthogonal to the first working
surface; a connection apparatus connected to both the first tray
and the second tray, wherein the connection apparatus is operable
to couple the first tray and second tray to a walker via walker
connection elements, and further wherein the connection apparatus
is operable to allow a user to move the tray apparatus between a
first configuration, where the first working surface is at a
substantially horizontal position relative to a ground plane and
the second working surface is at a substantially vertical position
relative to the ground plane, and a second configuration, where the
first working surface is at a substantially vertical position
relative to the ground plane and the second working surface is at a
substantially horizontal position relative to the ground plane.
21. The tray apparatus of claim 20, wherein the connection
apparatus comprises a back member lying in a plane generally
parallel to one of the first and second working surfaces, and
further wherein the back member is spring coupled to the one of the
first tray and the second tray such that a trapping compartment is
formed between the back member and portions of the one of the first
working surface and the second working surface when the back member
is separated from the portions thereof.
22. The tray apparatus of claim 20, wherein one of the first tray
and second tray comprises a lid hingedly coupled to the one of the
first tray and the second tray to form a covered compartment.
23. The tray apparatus of claim 20, wherein the walker connection
elements are configured to allow for coupling of the tray apparatus
to different walkers having different spacing between leg elements
thereof.
24. The tray apparatus of claim 20, wherein the tray apparatus is
configured such that when the tray apparatus is connected to the
walker at least one of the first and second trays is located over a
bar of the walker extending between two leg elements thereof.
25. The tray apparatus of claim 20, wherein the connection
apparatus further comprises at least one pair of brackets connected
to one or both of the first tray and the second tray, wherein each
bracket of the at least one pair of brackets comprises at least one
opening for use in moving between the first configuration and
second configuration.
26. The tray apparatus of claim 25, wherein the connection
apparatus further comprises at least one crossover rod
substantially orthogonal to the at least one pair of brackets,
wherein the at least one crossover rod is coupled to the walker
connection elements, and further wherein the at least one crossover
rod extends through the at least one opening of each bracket of the
at least one pair of brackets.
27. The tray apparatus of claim 26, wherein the connection
apparatus further comprises a detent mechanism associated with the
at least one crossover rod, wherein the detent mechanism is
operable to lock the tray apparatus in either the first
configuration or the second configuration.
28. The tray apparatus of claim 27, wherein the detent mechanism
comprises a biased member operable to selectively engage with one
or more notches in each bracket of the at least one pair of
brackets.
29. The tray apparatus of claim 25, wherein the at least one
opening of each bracket of the at least one pair of brackets is
generally T-shaped.
30. The tray apparatus of claim 20, wherein the walker connection
elements comprise at least one pair of J-clamps, wherein a cross
section of a first portion and a second portion of each J-clamp of
the at least one pair of J-clamps parallel to a ground plane when
connected to a walker comprises an elongated arcuate cross section,
and further wherein the first portion and the second portion at
least partially engage leg elements of the walker.
31. A tray apparatus for use with a walker, the tray apparatus
comprising: at least a first object receiving surface and a second
object receiving surface; a connection apparatus operable to allow
a user to move the second object receiving surface into a generally
orthogonal position relative to the first object receiving surface,
wherein the connection apparatus further comprises walker
connection elements for use in coupling the first object receiving
surface and the second object receiving surface to one or more
portions of the walker; wherein the connection apparatus is
operable to allow the user to move the tray apparatus between a
first configuration and a second configuration when the tray
apparatus is coupled to the walker, wherein the first object
receiving surface is at a substantially horizontal position
relative to a ground plane and the second object receiving surface
is at a substantially horizontal position relative to the ground
plane when the tray apparatus is in the first configuration, and
further wherein the first object receiving surface is at the
substantially horizontal position relative to the ground plane and
the second object receiving surface is at a substantially vertical
position relative to the ground plane when the tray apparatus is in
the second configuration.
32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the walker connection
elements are configured to allow for coupling of the tray apparatus
to different walkers having different spacing between leg elements
thereof.
33. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the tray apparatus is
configured such that when the tray apparatus is connected to the
walker at least one of the first and second object receiving
surfaces is located over a bar of the walker extending between two
leg elements thereof.
34. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the connection apparatus
further comprises a back member lying in a plane generally parallel
to one of the first and second object receiving surfaces, and
further wherein the back member is spring coupled to the one of the
first object receiving surface and the second object receiving
surface such that a trapping compartment is formed between the back
member and portions of the one of the first object receiving
surface and second object receiving surface when the back member is
separated from the portions thereof.
35. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the connection apparatus
further comprises at least one crossover rod substantially parallel
to the first object receiving surface and the first object
receiving surface, wherein the at least one crossover rod is
coupled to the walker connection elements, and further wherein the
first object receiving surface is connected to the at least one
crossover rod.
36. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the connection apparatus is
further operable to allow the user to move the tray apparatus
between the first configuration, the second configuration, and a
third configuration when the tray apparatus is coupled to the
walker, wherein the first object receiving surface is at a
substantially vertical position relative to the ground plane and
the second object receiving surface is at a substantially vertical
position relative to the ground plane when the tray apparatus is in
the third configuration.
37. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the connection apparatus
further comprises a hinge, wherein the hinge is used to couple the
first object receiving surface to the second object receiving
surface.
38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the connection apparatus
further comprises: an extension element comprising a first length
and a second length, wherein the extension element is coupled to
the second object receiving surface; and an actuator coupled to the
extension element, wherein the actuator is operable to move the
extension element between the first length and the second
length.
39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the extension element
comprises a gas spring.
40. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the walker connection
elements comprise at least one pair of J-clamps, wherein a cross
section of a first portion and a second portion of each J-clamp of
the at least one pair of J-clamps parallel to a ground plane when
connected to a walker comprises an elongated arcuate cross section,
and further wherein the first portion and the second portion at
least partially engage leg elements of the walker.
41. A walker apparatus comprising: a walker comprising at least one
pair of ground engaging leg elements; a tray apparatus coupled to
the walker, the tray apparatus comprising: at least a first object
receiving surface and a second object receiving surface; and a
connection apparatus configured to position the second object
receiving surface generally orthogonal to the first object
receiving surface, wherein the connection apparatus further
comprises walker connection elements for use in coupling the first
object receiving surface and the second object receiving surface to
the at least one pair of ground engaging leg elements.
42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the connection apparatus is
configured to hold the first object receiving surface in a
generally fixed orthogonal position relative to the second object
receiving surface.
43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the connection apparatus is
operable to allow a user to move the tray apparatus between a first
configuration and a second configuration when the tray apparatus is
coupled to the walker, wherein the first object receiving surface
is at a substantially horizontal position relative to a ground
plane and the second object receiving surface is at a substantially
vertical position relative to the ground plane when the tray
apparatus is in the first configuration, and further wherein the
first object receiving surface is at a substantially vertical
position relative to the ground plane and the second object
receiving surface is at a substantially horizontal position
relative to the ground plane when the tray apparatus is in the
second configuration.
44. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the connection apparatus is
operable to allow a user to move the second object receiving
surface into a generally orthogonal position relative to the first
object receiving surface.
45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the connection apparatus is
operable to allow a user to move the tray apparatus between a first
configuration, a second configuration, and a third configuration
when the tray apparatus is coupled to the walker, wherein the first
object receiving surface is at a substantially horizontal position
relative to a ground plane and the second object receiving surface
is at a substantially horizontal position relative to the ground
plane when the tray apparatus is in the first configuration,
wherein the first object receiving surface is at a substantially
horizontal position relative to the ground plane and the second
object receiving surface is at a substantially vertical position
relative to the ground plane when the tray apparatus is in the
second configuration, and further wherein the first object
receiving surface is at a substantially vertical position relative
to the ground plane and the second object receiving surface is at a
substantially vertical position relative to the ground plane when
the tray apparatus is in the third configuration.
46. A method of using a tray apparatus with a walker, the method
comprising: providing a tray apparatus, wherein the tray apparatus
comprises a first object receiving surface and a second object
receiving surface; connecting the tray apparatus to a walker; and
moving the tray apparatus between at least a first configuration
and a second configuration, wherein the second object receiving
surface is at a substantially horizontal position relative to a
ground plane when the tray apparatus is in the first configuration,
and further wherein the second object receiving surface is at a
substantially vertical position relative to the ground plane when
the tray apparatus is in the second configuration.
47. The method of claim 46, wherein the tray apparatus further
comprises a back member spring coupled to the second object
receiving surface, and wherein the method further comprises
separating the back member from portions of the second object
receiving surface to form a trapping compartment.
48. The method of claim 46, wherein the method further comprises
removing the tray apparatus from the walker and connecting the tray
apparatus to a different type of walker having different spacing
between leg elements thereof to which the tray apparatus is
connected.
49. The method of claim 46, wherein the first object receiving
surface is at a substantially horizontal position relative to the
ground plane when the tray apparatus is in the first
configuration.
50. The method of claim 49, wherein the first object receiving
surface is at a substantially horizontal position relative to the
ground plane when the tray apparatus is in the second
configuration.
51. The method of claim 50, wherein the method further comprises
moving the tray apparatus to a third configuration, wherein the
first object receiving surface is at a substantially vertical
position relative to the ground plane and the second object
receiving surface is at a substantially vertical position relative
to the ground plane when the tray apparatus is in the third
configuration.
52. The method of claim 51, wherein the method further comprises
collapsing the walker into a generally flat configuration when the
tray apparatus is in the third configuration.
53. A method of using a tray apparatus with a walker, the method
comprising: providing a tray apparatus, wherein the tray apparatus
comprises a first object receiving surface and a second object
receiving surface, wherein the first object receiving surface is
held in a generally fixed orthogonal position relative to the
second object receiving surface; connecting the tray apparatus to a
walker; and moving the tray apparatus between at least a first
configuration and a second configuration, wherein the first object
receiving surface is at a substantially horizontal position
relative to a ground plane and the second object receiving surface
is at a substantially vertical position relative to the ground
plane when the tray apparatus is in the first configuration, and
further wherein the first object receiving surface is at a
substantially vertical position relative to the ground plane and
the second object receiving surface is at a substantially
horizontal position relative to the ground plane when the tray
apparatus is in the second configuration.
54. The method of claim 53, wherein the tray apparatus further
comprises a back member spring coupled to the second object
receiving surface, and wherein the method further comprises
separating the back member from portions of the second object
receiving surface to form a trapping compartment.
55. The method of claim 53, wherein the method further comprises
removing the tray apparatus from the walker and connecting the tray
apparatus to a different type of walker having different spacing
between leg elements thereof to which the tray apparatus is
connected.
56. A method of using a tray apparatus with a walker, the method
comprising: providing a tray apparatus, wherein the tray apparatus
comprises a first object receiving surface and a second object
receiving surface; connecting the tray apparatus to a walker; and
moving the tray apparatus between at least a first configuration
and a second configuration, wherein the first object receiving
surface is at a substantially horizontal position relative to a
ground plane and the second object receiving surface is at a
substantially horizontal position relative to the ground plane when
the tray apparatus is in the first configuration, and further
wherein the first object receiving surface is at a substantially
horizontal position relative to the ground plane and the second
object receiving surface is at a substantially vertical position
relative to the ground plane when the tray apparatus is in the
second configuration.
57. The method of claim 56, wherein the tray apparatus further
comprises a back member spring coupled to the second object
receiving surface, and wherein the method further comprises
separating the back member from portions of the second object
receiving surface to form a trapping compartment.
58. The method of claim 56, wherein the method further comprises
removing the tray apparatus from the walker and connecting the tray
apparatus to a different type of walker having different spacing
between leg elements thereof to which the tray apparatus is
connected.
59. The method of claim 56, wherein the method further comprises
moving the tray apparatus to a third configuration, wherein the
first object receiving surface is at the substantially vertical
position relative to the ground plane and the second object
receiving surface is at a substantially vertical position relative
to the ground plane when the tray apparatus is in the third
configuration.
60. The method of claim 59, wherein the method further comprises
collapsing the walker into a generally flat configuration when the
tray apparatus is in the third configuration.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Serial No. 60/295,145 entitled "Tray Apparatus and
Methods Regarding Same," filed Jun. 1, 2001, wherein such documents
are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to equipment for
providing assistance to persons in need thereof. More particularly,
the present invention pertains to tray apparatus, e.g., such as
those used with a walker, and methods related thereto.
BACKGROUND
[0003] It is estimated that over two million people in the United
States alone use walkers to enhance mobility. Factors such as the
aging baby boomer generation, managed care, and the demand for home
care as an alternative to hospital care ensure continued growth in
the use of walkers.
[0004] Although generally safe to use, a user may find a walker
very impractical. For example, without some sort of carrying device
attached to the walker, the user may be unable to safely transport
items such as a cup of coffee or a plate of food because the user
must keep both hands on the walker at all times.
[0005] Currently, this problem is addressed by attaching to walkers
such products as bags, pouches, baskets, caddies, trays, and flip
trays. However, none of the current products provide a
comprehensive solution to the problem. For example, bags and
pouches, while small enough to not interfere with a person's
mobility, may not be able to carry clothes, cups, or large items
such as a dinner plate. Caddies may be able to carry cups but not
plates or changes of clothes. Most baskets do not have cup holders
and cannot carry dinner plates. Depending on their width, baskets
could interfere with the user's ability to maneuver in a small
area.
[0006] Another type of device that is utilized is a flip tray that
is attached to the front of the walker and is unfolded into a
horizontal position that extends out from the front of the walker.
Although the flip tray may be able to accommodate cups and a plate,
it must be in an unfolded position to do so. For example, if the
user wanted to carry a tooth brush and tooth paste to the bathroom
sink, they would have to have the tray completely unfolded;
therefore, the tray would interfere with the user's ability to
reach into the sink or prevent the user from maneuvering in a small
bathroom.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present invention provides a tray apparatus for use with
a walker and methods regarding same. The tray apparatus may be
attached to a variety of different walkers having varying distances
between legs of the walker. The tray apparatus has multiple
configurations such that various different object receiving
surfaces may be selected for use. The tray apparatus is capable of
being positioned in several configurations such that the tray
apparatus does not inhibit mobility by being fixed in an extended
position in front of the walker.
[0008] A tray apparatus for use with a walker according to the
present invention includes at least a first object receiving
surface and a second object receiving surface. The tray apparatus
also includes a connection apparatus configured to position the
second object receiving surface generally orthogonal to the first
object receiving surface. The connection apparatus also includes
walker connection elements for use in coupling the first object
receiving surface and the second object receiving surface to one or
more portions of the walker.
[0009] In one embodiment of the tray apparatus, the connection
apparatus includes a back member lying in a plane generally
parallel to one of the first and second object receiving surfaces.
The back member is spring coupled to the one of the first object
receiving surface and the second object receiving surface such that
a trapping compartment is formed between the back member and
portions of the one of the first object receiving surface and the
second object receiving surface when the back member is separated
from the portions thereof.
[0010] Another tray apparatus for use with a walker according to
the present invention includes a first tray including a first
working surface and a second tray including a second working
surface. The second working surface is substantially orthogonal to
the first working surface. The tray apparatus also includes a
connection apparatus connected to both the first tray and the
second tray. The connection apparatus is operable to couple the
first tray and second tray to a walker via walker connection
elements. The connection apparatus is also operable to allow a user
to move the tray apparatus between a first configuration, wherein
the first working surface is at a substantially horizontal position
relative to a ground plane and the second working surface is at a
substantially vertical position relative to the ground plane, and a
second configuration, where the first working surface is at a
substantially vertical position relative to the ground plane and
the second working surface is at a substantially horizontal
position relative to the ground plane.
[0011] Another tray apparatus for use with a walker according to
the present invention includes at least a first object receiving
surface and a second object receiving surface. The tray apparatus
also includes a connection apparatus operable to allow a user to
move the second object receiving surface into a generally
orthogonal position relative to the first object receiving surface.
The connection apparatus also includes walker connection elements
for use in coupling the first object receiving surface and the
second object receiving surface to one or more portions of the
walker.
[0012] The connection apparatus is operable to allow the user to
move the tray apparatus between a first configuration and a second
configuration when the tray apparatus is coupled to the walker. The
first object receiving surface is at a substantially horizontal
position relative to a ground plane and the second object receiving
surface is at a substantially horizontal position relative to the
ground plane when the tray apparatus is in the first configuration.
And the first object receiving surface is at the substantially
horizontal position relative to the ground plane and the second
object receiving surface is at a substantially vertical position
relative to the ground plane when the tray apparatus is in the
second configuration.
[0013] In one embodiment of the tray apparatus, the connection
apparatus is further operable to allow the user to move the tray
apparatus between the first configuration, the second
configuration, and a third configuration when the tray apparatus is
coupled to the walker. The first object receiving surface is at a
substantially vertical position relative to the ground plane and
the second object receiving surface is at a substantially vertical
position relative to the ground plane when the tray apparatus is in
the third configuration.
[0014] A walker apparatus according to the present invention
includes a walker including at least a pair of ground engaging
elements, and a tray apparatus coupled to the walker. The tray
apparatus includes at least a first object receiving surface and a
second object receiving surface. The tray apparatus further
includes a connection apparatus configured to position the second
object receiving surface generally orthogonal to the first object
receiving surface. The connection apparatus further includes walker
connection elements for use in coupling the first object receiving
surface and the second object receiving surface to the at least one
pair of ground engaging elements.
[0015] A method for using a tray apparatus with a walker according
to the present invention includes providing a tray apparatus. The
tray apparatus includes a first object receiving surface and a
second object receiving surface. The tray apparatus is connected to
a walker. The method further includes moving the tray apparatus
between at least a first configuration and a second configuration.
The second object receiving surface is at a substantially
horizontal position relative to a ground plane when the tray
apparatus is in the first configuration, and the second object
receiving surface is at a substantially vertical position relative
to the ground plane when the tray apparatus is in the second
configuration.
[0016] Another method for using a tray apparatus with a walker
according to the present invention includes providing a tray
apparatus. The tray apparatus includes a first object receiving
surface and a second object receiving surface. The first object
receiving surface is held in a generally fixed orthogonal position
relative to the second object receiving surface. The tray apparatus
is connected to a walker. The method further includes moving the
tray apparatus between at least a first configuration and a second
configuration. The first object receiving surface is at a
substantially horizontal position relative to a ground plane and
the second object receiving surface is at a substantially vertical
position relative to the ground plane when the tray apparatus is in
the first configuration. The first object receiving surface is at a
substantially vertical position relative to the ground plane and
the second object receiving surface is at a substantially
horizontal position relative to the ground plane when the tray
apparatus is in the second configuration.
[0017] Another method of using a tray apparatus with a walker
according to the present invention includes providing a tray
apparatus. The tray apparatus includes a first object receiving
surface and a second object receiving surface. The tray apparatus
is connected to a walker. The method further includes moving the
tray apparatus between at least a first configuration and a second
configuration, The first object receiving surface is at a
substantially horizontal position relative to a ground plane and
the second object receiving surface is at a substantially
horizontal position relative to the ground plane when the tray
apparatus is in the first configuration. The first object receiving
surface is at a substantially horizontal position relative to the
ground plane and the second object receiving surface is at a
substantially vertical position relative to the ground plane when
the tray apparatus is in the second configuration.
[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method
further includes moving the tray apparatus to a third
configuration. The first object receiving surface is at a
substantially vertical position relative to the ground plane and
the second object receiving surface is at a substantially vertical
position relative to the ground plane when the tray apparatus is in
the third configuration.
[0019] The above summary of the present invention is not intended
to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the present
invention. Advantages, together with a more complete understanding
of the invention, will become apparent and appreciated by referring
to the following detailed description and claims taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a tray apparatus in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention that uses a lift
and flip type connection apparatus, wherein the tray apparatus is
shown coupled to a walker in a first configuration;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the tray apparatus of
FIG. 1 in a second configuration;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a plan view of one embodiment of a J-clamp for use
with the tray apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the connection
apparatus of the tray apparatus of FIG. 1 in the first
configuration;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the connection
apparatus of the tray apparatus of FIG. 1 with the tray apparatus
in the second configuration as shown in FIG. 2;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the tray apparatus of
FIG. 1 having a lid in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a tray apparatus in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention that
uses a push button type connection apparatus, wherein the tray
apparatus is shown coupled to a walker;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the connection
apparatus of the tray apparatus of FIG. 7;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the tray apparatus of
FIG. 7 showing a back member that forms a trapping compartment;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a tray apparatus in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the tray apparatus is shown coupled to a walker in a first
configuration;
[0030] FIG. 10A is a top perspective view of the tray apparatus of
FIG. 10;
[0031] FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the tray apparatus
of FIG. 10;
[0032] FIG. 11A is a schematic view of an extension apparatus of
the tray apparatus of FIG. 10;
[0033] FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of the tray apparatus of
FIG. 10 in a second configuration in accordance with the present
invention;
[0034] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the tray apparatus of
FIG. 10 showing a trapping compartment;
[0035] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the tray apparatus of FIG.
10 in a third configuration according to the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 14A is a rear perspective view of the tray apparatus of
FIG. 10 in the third configuration; and
[0037] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the tray apparatus of FIG.
10 in the third configuration and with the walker collapsed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] In the following detailed description of the embodiments,
reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part
hereof, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific
embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be
understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural
changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0039] Generally, the present invention is directed to a tray
apparatus operable to be attached to a walker of the type commonly
used to assist those having limited mobility. More specifically,
the present invention is directed to a tray apparatus operable to
be moved into multiple configurations such that, for example,
various different object receiving surfaces or other various
features (e.g., trapping compartment) may be selected for use.
[0040] In one exemplary embodiment, the tray apparatus includes a
first object receiving surface and a second object receiving
surface. A connection apparatus is configured to position the
second object receiving surface generally orthogonal to the first
object receiving surface. The connection apparatus includes walker
connection elements for use in coupling the tray apparatus to one
or more portions of the walker. The walker connection elements
(e.g., J-clamps) allow for coupling of the tray apparatus to
different walkers having different spacing between leg elements
thereof.
[0041] The connection apparatus of the present invention may be
configured to hold the first object receiving surface in a
generally fixed orthogonal position relative to the second object
receiving surface. For example, in one embodiment of the present
invention as illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, connection apparatus 40 is
configured to hold a first object receiving surface 26 in a fixed,
generally orthogonal position relative to second object receiving
surface 36. In other words, the spatial relationship between the
first object receiving surface 26 and the second object receiving
surface 36 remains fixed.
[0042] A user may operate the tray apparatus 10 such that the
apparatus 10 is in either a first configuration or a second
configuration. When in the first configuration, the first object
receiving surface 26 is in a substantially horizontal position
relative to a ground plane 18 (e.g., FIG. 1). Because the
connection apparatus 40 in this embodiment holds the first object
receiving surface 26 in a generally fixed orthogonal position
relative to the second object receiving surface 36, the second
object receiving surface 36 will be in a substantially vertical
position when the tray apparatus 10 is in the first configuration.
When the tray apparatus 10 is in the second configuration, the
second object receiving surface 36 is in a substantially horizontal
position while the first object receiving surface 26 is in a
substantially vertical position (e.g., FIG. 2).
[0043] To move the tray apparatus 10 from the first configuration
to the second configuration, the user in the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1-6 lifts and rotates the tray apparatus 10. In another
embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in FIGS. 7-9, a
user moves a tray apparatus 100 from the first configuration to the
second configuration by activating a detent mechanism that unlocks
the tray apparatus such that it can be rotated. The detent
mechanism is used to lock the tray apparatus 100 into place once
the second configuration is reached.
[0044] The connection apparatus of the present invention may also
be operable to allow a user to move the second object receiving
surface into a generally orthogonal position relative to the first
object receiving surface. For example, one embodiment of such a
connection apparatus is illustrated in FIGS. 10-15. As shown
therein, tray apparatus 200 includes a connection apparatus 240
configured such that the second object receiving surface 236 is
movable into a generally orthogonal position relative to the first
object receiving surface 226.
[0045] A user may operate the tray apparatus 200 such that the
apparatus 200 is in either a first configuration, a second
configuration, or a third configuration. When in the first
configuration, the first object receiving surface 226 is in a
substantially horizontal position in relation to a ground plane 218
(e.g., FIG. 10). Unlike the previously discussed embodiments,
because the connection apparatus 240 of this embodiment is
configured to move the first object receiving surface 226 and the
second object receiving surface 236 into a generally orthogonal
position relative to one another, the second object receiving
surface 236 may also be in a substantially horizontal position when
the tray apparatus 200 is in the first configuration. When the tray
apparatus 200 is in the second configuration, the first object
receiving surface 226 is in the substantially horizontal position,
and the second object receiving surface 236 is in a substantially
vertical position (e.g., FIG. 12). Finally, when the tray apparatus
200 is in the third configuration, the first object receiving
surface 226 is in the substantially vertical position, and the
second object receiving surface 236 is also in the substantially
vertical position (e.g., FIG. 14).
[0046] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be
described with reference to FIGS. 1-15.
[0047] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tray apparatus 10 in
accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the present
invention. Tray apparatus 10 includes a first tray apparatus
component 20 having a first object receiving surface 26, a second
tray apparatus component 30 having a second object receiving
surface 36, and a connection apparatus 40. The tray apparatus 10 is
illustrated as being connected to a walker 60 via walker connection
elements 50.
[0048] The first object receiving surface 26 and the second object
receiving surface 36 are configured to receive various objects that
may be of need to a user, e.g., plates, containers, cups, glasses,
newspapers, books, etc. As used herein, an object receiving surface
is a working surface that forms at least a part of one or more
compartments of the overall tray apparatus. The object receiving
surface is a surface configured to support one or more various
objects when the surface is in one or more different
configurations.
[0049] The object receiving surfaces 26 and 36 may be of any
suitable shape and size. For example, the first object receiving
surface 26 of FIG. 1 is shown as being part of a recessed working
surface and a pair of cup holders 29. Further, the second object
receiving surface 36 is shown in FIG. 1 as having five sides with
rounded corners distal from the user when the user is operating the
walker 60. Alternatively, the object receiving surfaces 26 and 36
may form any other shape for holding or supporting objects.
[0050] The tray apparatus components 20 and 30 may be any
configuration known in the art, e.g., rectangular, circular,
elliptical. Further, both the first tray apparatus component 20 and
the second tray apparatus component 30 may be made of any suitable
material, e.g., polymeric materials, stainless steel, aluminum,
cardboard, wood, etc. In one embodiment, disposable liners made of
any suitable material may be fitted over one or both of the first
tray apparatus component 20 and second tray apparatus component 30
such that the liners may be discarded after use.
[0051] The first tray apparatus component 20 includes a first end
22 proximate a position that a user would occupy when the user is
operating the walker 60 (hereinafter the "operating position"), and
a second end 24 distal from this position. A lip 28 is adjacent the
first end 22 of the first tray apparatus component 20 such that
objects placed on the first object receiving surface 26 may be
prevented from sliding off during walker operation. The first
object receiving surface 26 may be recessed below the lip 28 to
form a container for storage of items as will be further described
below. The first object receiving surface 26 may be a generally
smooth surface, or the first object receiving surface 26 may be
textured to also aid in preventing objects placed on the first
object receiving surface 26 from sliding during walker 60
usage.
[0052] The first tray apparatus component 20 also includes at least
one pair of cup holders 29 that are configured to receive a cup or
glass when the first object receiving surface 26 is in a
substantially horizontal position as further described below. In
one embodiment, the cup holders 29 include a notch 29a that is
configured to receive the handle of a cup or mug. Although depicted
as having at least one pair of cup holders 29, the first tray
apparatus component 20 may have no cup holders or any number of cup
holders. Further, the cup holders may be positioned anywhere
relative to the first object receiving surface 26 of the first tray
apparatus component 20.
[0053] The second tray apparatus component 30 includes a first end
32 proximate the second end 24 of the first tray apparatus
component 20, and a second end 34 distal from the second end 24 of
the first tray apparatus component 20. The second tray apparatus
component 30 also includes the second object receiving surface 36
for receiving objects, e.g., plates, newspapers, cartons, clothes,
etc., when the second object receiving surface 36 is in a
substantially horizontal position. At least one pair of cup holders
39 are positioned adjacent the first end 32 of the second tray
apparatus component 30 and are configured to receive a cup or glass
when the second object receiving surface 36 is in a substantially
horizontal position. Although depicted as having at least one pair
of cup holders 39, the second tray apparatus component 30 may have
no cup holders or any number of cup holders. Further, the cup
holders 39 may be positioned anywhere relative to the second object
receiving surface 36 of the second tray apparatus component 30.
[0054] The second object receiving surface 36 may also be of any
suitable shape and size. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1,
the second object receiving surface 36 is a generally planer
surface. Alternatively, the second object receiving surface 36 may
be a recessed surface for use as part of a container for storing
objects. The second tray apparatus component 30 may also include a
lip 38 that may prevent objects from sliding off of the second
object receiving surface 36 when the walker 60 is in use.
[0055] The second object receiving surface 36 may be a generally
smooth surface, or the second object receiving surface 36 may be
textured to also prevent objects placed on the second object
receiving surface 36 from sliding during walker 60 usage. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the second tray apparatus
component 30 has five sides including rounded corners to facilitate
maneuverability, although any suitable shape may be utilized.
[0056] The first object receiving surface 26 and/or the second
object receiving surface 36 are coupled to the connection apparatus
40. The connection apparatus 40 includes at least one pair of
brackets 42 having an opening 44 in each bracket 42 (as better
shown, e.g., in FIGS. 4 and 5). Extending through each opening 44
is a first crossover rod 48a and a second crossover rod 48b. Each
end of the first crossover rod 48a and the second crossover rod 48b
is connected to risers 47 using any suitable method for
connection.
[0057] The first object receiving surface 26 may be coupled to the
connection apparatus 40 via a back member 90 (as best seen in FIG.
4). The back member 90 includes a first portion 92 and a second
portion 94. The first portion 92 is substantially orthogonal to the
second portion 94. In one embodiment, the back member 90 may be a
generally planar sheet of material that has been reconfigured such
that the first portion 92 is substantially orthogonal to the second
portion 94. In one embodiment, a second major surface (e.g., second
major surface 27 as best shown in FIG. 4) of the first tray
apparatus component 20 is connected to a first major surface 92a of
the first portion 92 of the back member 90. A second major surface
92b of the first portion 92 of back member 90 is connected to a
first edge 43a of bracket 42. The first tray apparatus component 20
may be connected to the first portion 92 of back member 90 using
any suitable method known in the art, e.g., welding, spot welding,
adhesive bonding, rivets, etc. In one embodiment, the first tray
apparatus component 20 may be manufactured such that the first tray
apparatus component 20, the at least one pair of brackets 42, the
back member 90, and the second tray apparatus component 30 may be
molded into one unified element.
[0058] The second tray apparatus component 30 may also be coupled
to the connection apparatus 40 via the back member 90. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, a second major surface 37 of the
second tray apparatus component 30 is connected with a first major
surface 94a of the second portion 94 of back member 90. A second
major surface 94b of the second portion 94 of the back member 90 is
in turn connected to a second edge 43b of the bracket 42. The
second tray apparatus component 30 may be connected to the back
member 90 using any suitable method known in the art, e.g.,
welding, spot welding, adhesive bonding, riveting. In one
embodiment, the second tray apparatus component 30 may be connected
to the back member 90 using a spring such that a trapping
compartment may be formed between the second tray apparatus
component 30 and the back member 90 (see FIG. 9).
[0059] The connection apparatus 40 is configured to position the
second object receiving surface 36 generally orthogonal to the
first object receiving surface 26. In one embodiment, the
connection apparatus 40 is configured to hold the first object
receiving surface 26 in a generally fixed orthogonal position
relative to the second object receiving surface 36 such that the
surfaces 26 and 36 remain in a generally orthogonal
relationship.
[0060] The connection apparatus 40 further includes walker
connection elements 50 for use in coupling the first object
receiving surface 26 and the second object receiving surface 36 to
one or more portions of the walker 60. In the embodiment depicted
in FIG. 1, the walker connection elements 50 couple the tray
apparatus components 20 and 30 via the connection apparatus 40 to
the walker 60 at a portion 64 on leg element 62.
[0061] The walker connection elements 50 may include any device
suitable for connecting one apparatus to another, e.g., clamps,
bolts, fasteners, welds. In one embodiment, the walker connection
elements 50 include at least one pair of J-clamps 52.
[0062] An exemplary J-clamp 52 is illustrated in plan view in FIG.
3. The J-clamp 52 includes a slot 55, a leg 56, and an opening 58.
The opening 58 allows the J-clamp 52 to be connected to the
connection apparatus 40 as is further described below. The slot 55
includes a first portion 53, a second portion 54, and a third
portion 59. The first portion 53 of slot 55 has a generally
rectangular cross section. The second portion 54 and third portion
59 of slot 55 that engages the leg elements of a walker have an
elongated arcuate cross section taken parallel to a ground plane 18
(e.g., FIG. 1). As used herein, the term "elongated arcuate cross
section" defines a cross section of a portion of a slot that
slightly deviates from a circular configuration. For example, in
the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the third portion 59 of slot
55 has a first radius r that is measured from a focus 59a to an
inside surface 59b of the third portion 59 of slot 55. The second
portion 54 has a second radius r.sub.2 that is measured from a
focus 54a to an inside surface 54b of the second portion 54 of slot
55. Focus 54a is offset from focus 59a. The first radius r is equal
to or less than the second radius r.sub.2. In other words, the
radius of curvature of the second portion 54 is less than the
radius of curvature of the third portion 59.
[0063] The first portion 53 of J-clamp 52 allows a leg element of a
walker (e.g., leg element 62 of walker 60 in FIG. 1) to be inserted
into the slot 55 and holds the J-clamp 52 in place on the leg
elements of the walker 60. The second portion 54 and third portion
59 of the slot 55 allow the J-clamp 52 to rotate around the leg
element such that the tray apparatus may be connected to walkers
having a variety of distances and angles between front leg
elements.
[0064] For example, various walkers may have leg elements that are
not orthogonal to the ground plane 18. The elongated arcuate cross
section of slot 55 allows the J-clamp 52 to be coupled to a leg
element that is at an angle to an axis orthogonal to the cross
section of J-clamp 52 shown in FIG. 3 through focus 59a.
[0065] Further, for example, referring to FIG. 1, J-clamp 52 may be
pivotably connected to riser 47 such that the J-clamp 52 is free to
rotate in a plane parallel to ground plane 18. Walker 60 has a
width 68 that is the distance from the outside of front leg element
62 to the outside of front leg element 63. For the connection
apparatus 40 to span width 68, each J-clamp 52 pivots about risers
47 to effectively lengthen the distance from slot 55 of J-clamp 52
on one side to slot 55 of J-clamp 52 on the other side of tray
apparatus 10.
[0066] The J-clamp 52 may be manufactured of any material known in
the art, e.g., polymeric material, stainless steel, aluminum, etc.
Further, the J-clamp 52 may be manufactured using any suitable
method known in the art, e.g., plastic injection molding, machining
from a solid, bent into form from sheet metal, vacuum formed,
etc.
[0067] When coupled to the walker 60, one of the first and second
object receiving surfaces 26 and 36 is located over a bar 66 of
walker 60. By positioning one of the surfaces 26 and 36 over the
bar 66, the walker's center of gravity may be maintained to prevent
the walker 60 coupled with the tray apparatus 10 from being prone
to tipping, e.g., tipping forward.
[0068] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the connection
apparatus 40 is operable to allow the user to move the tray
apparatus 10 between a first configuration and a second
configuration when the tray apparatus 10 is coupled to the walker
60. FIG. 1 shows the tray apparatus 10 in the first configuration
and FIG. 2 shows the tray apparatus 10 in the second configuration.
In the first configuration, the first object receiving surface 26
is at a substantially horizontal position relative to ground plane
18. As used herein, a ground plane is a plane that is generally
defined by the ground engaging portions (e.g., front leg elements
62 and 63) of walker 60. In other words, all ground engaging
portions of the leg elements of walker 60 are in contact with the
ground plane 18 at the same time. For example, a walker having four
leg elements would define a ground plane that is in contact with
the ground engaging ends of all four leg elements. A user operating
the walker would therefore be substantially orthogonal to the
ground plane. One of skill would know that the receiving surfaces
may not be exactly parallel to the ground plane but will likely
deviate slightly therefrom. The term "substantially" has been used
to describe such deviation. For example, the term "substantially
horizontal" may include a deviation that would not effect the
overall usability of the receiving surfaces.
[0069] The first object receiving surface 26 extends along a first
axis 12 between the first end 22 and the second end 24 of the first
tray apparatus component 20; the axis 12 is parallel with and lies
in a plane defined by the first object receiving surface 26. When
the first object receiving surface 26 is in the substantially
horizontal position, the axis 12 is substantially parallel to the
ground plane 18.
[0070] Similarly, the second object receiving surface 36 extends
along a second axis 14 between the first end 32 and the second end
34 of the second tray apparatus component 30; the axis 14 is
parallel with and lies in a plane defined by the first object
receiving surface 26. When the tray apparatus 10 is in the first
configuration, the second object receiving surface 36 is in a
substantially vertical position, i.e., the second axis 14 is
orthogonal to the ground plane 18. In this embodiment, the first
axis 12 and the second axis 14 remain in a generally fixed
orthogonal position relative to one another. In other words, when
the first object receiving surface 26 is in a substantially
horizontal position, the second object receiving surface 36 must be
in a substantially vertical position. Likewise, when the first
object receiving surface 26 is in a substantially vertical
position, the second object receiving surface 36 is in a
substantially horizontal position.
[0071] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tray apparatus 10 of
FIG. 1 positioned in the second configuration. When in the second
configuration, the first object receiving surface 26 is in a
substantially vertical position, while the second object receiving
surface 36 is in a substantially horizontal position. In other
words, the first axis 12 that is defined by the first tray
apparatus component 20 is substantially orthogonal to the ground
plane 18, while the second axis 14 that is defined by the second
tray apparatus component 30 is substantially parallel to the ground
plane 18.
[0072] When in the first configuration (e.g., FIG. 1), the tray
apparatus 10 may be used to store objects on the first object
receiving surface 26 and glasses or cups in the at least one pair
of cup holders 29 of the first tray apparatus component 20. The
first object receiving surface 26 is positioned above bar 66 of
walker 60. This enables the user to reach objects placed on the
first object receiving surface 26. Also, when the tray apparatus 10
is in the first configuration, the second object receiving surface
36 is in the substantially vertical position. This position
maintains a more compact profile in front of the walker 60, which
enables the user to maneuver into more restricted spaces.
[0073] When in the second configuration, the tray apparatus 10
enables objects to be placed on the second object receiving surface
36 of the second tray apparatus component 30, such as plates,
clothes, cartons, newspapers, etc. Cups or glasses may also be
placed in the at least one pair of cup holders 39 of the second
tray apparatus component 30 when in the second configuration.
[0074] The connection apparatus 40 is configured and operable by
the user to move the tray apparatus 10 between the first
configuration and the second configuration. As illustrated in FIG.
4, the tray apparatus 10 is in the first configuration (i.e., the
second object receiving surface 36 is in the substantially vertical
position). The opening 44 in the bracket 42 is generally T-shaped
and includes a first slot 45 and a second slot 46, i.e., the first
slot 45 is substantially orthogonal to the second slot 46 and one
end of slot 45 intersects with a middle portion of slot 46 to form
a T-shape. The connection apparatus 40 includes washer 49 that
prevents the tray apparatus 10 from laterally sliding along
crossover rods 48a and/or 48b. In this embodiment, the crossover
rods 48a and 48b are both located in a plane that is substantially
orthogonal to ground plane 18. When the tray apparatus 10 is in the
first configuration, both the first crossover rod 48a and the
second crossover rod 48b extend through the first slot 45 of
opening 44.
[0075] To move the tray apparatus 10 from the first configuration
to the second configuration, a user lifts the tray apparatus 10
upward (e.g., away from ground plane 18) by grasping the first tray
apparatus component 20. When the tray apparatus is lifted upward,
the second crossover rod 48b leaves the first slot 45 of opening 44
and enters the second slot 46. Once fully lifted upward such that
the second crossover rod 48b contacts the edge of opening 44, the
user then simultaneously pulls the first tray apparatus component
20 toward his body and downward toward ground plane 18 in a
circular path. As the user is operating the tray apparatus 10 in
this manner, the second crossover rod 48b engages the second slot
46 while the first crossover rod 48a acts as a pivot within the
first slot 45. As the tray apparatus 10 nears the second
configuration, the first crossover rod 48a leaves the first slot 45
and enters the second slot 46. The tray apparatus 10 completes its
rotation as the first crossover rod 48a engages a first end 46a of
the second slot 46 as illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0076] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
the tray apparatus 10 of FIG. 1. The first tray apparatus component
20 includes a lid 70 that is hingedly connected to the second end
24 of the first tray apparatus component 20 such that the lid 70
covers a portion of the first object receiving surface 26 to form
container 72. The lid 70 may also include an engaging member 74
that engages the lip 28 of the first tray apparatus component 20
such that the lid 70 remains closed when the first object receiving
surface 26 is positioned in a substantially vertical position
(i.e., the second configuration illustrated in FIG. 2). Objects
that are placed in container 72 will remain within the container 72
when the tray apparatus 10 is moved between configurations. Any
type of hinge may be used to couple lid 70 to the first tray
apparatus component 20, e.g., metal, piano, living hinge, spring
hinge, etc. The lid 70 may be manufactured using any suitable
material, e.g., polymeric, stainless steel, aluminum, wood,
cardboard. Further, in another embodiment, although not shown, the
second tray apparatus component 30 may also include a lid such that
a container is formed with the second object receiving surface
36.
[0077] FIGS. 7-9 are perspective views of a tray apparatus 100
according to another embodiment of the present invention. The
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7-9 is substantially identical to
the embodiment discussed above in reference to FIGS. 1-6 with the
exception of the connection apparatus that will be described below.
Therefore, the same numbers have been used for certain elements of
tray apparatus 100.
[0078] Tray apparatus 100 includes a first tray apparatus component
20 having a first object receiving surface 26, a second tray
apparatus component 30 having a second object receiving surface 36,
and a connection apparatus 140 configured to hold the first object
receiving surface 26 in a generally fixed orthogonal position
relative to the second object receiving surface 36.
[0079] The connection apparatus 140 includes one crossover rod 148.
The crossover rod 148 extends through an opening 144 in each
bracket 142 of at least one pair of brackets 142 that are
substantially equivalent to brackets 42 except for openings 144
instead of T-shaped opening 44. The crossover rod 148 includes a
detent mechanism 182 (e.g., a pin) that includes a biased member
(e.g., a spring inside rod 148 that is not shown) operable to
selectively engage with one or more notches 186 in each bracket 142
of the at least one pair of brackets 142.
[0080] FIG. 8 illustrates the crossover rod 148 without the first
tray apparatus component 20 and the second tray apparatus component
30 coupled thereto. An actuator 184 is also coupled to the biased
member such that pressing the actuator 184 compresses the biased
member linearly along the crossover rod 148. The actuator 184 may
be a button, tab, or other type of lever or device configured to
compress the biased member within the crossover rod 148 while
laterally moving the detent mechanism 182 such that the mechanism
182 is no longer engaged with notch 186.
[0081] The connection apparatus 140 is operable to allow a user to
move the tray apparatus 100 between a first configuration and a
second configuration when the tray apparatus is coupled to the
walker 60. The first and second configurations of tray apparatus
100 are substantially similar to those of tray apparatus 10. To
operate the tray apparatus 100, a user first depresses the actuator
184, causing the detent mechanism 182 to disengage from notch 186
in bracket 142. While depressing the actuator 184, the user grasps
the first tray apparatus component 20 and pulls towards his body
while also pushing down. Thus, the tray apparatus 100 moves in a
circular motion, pivoting around the crossover bar 148. Once the
tray apparatus 100 is in the second configuration, the user
releases actuator 184 and the detent mechanism 182 locks the tray
into place by engaging a second notch (not shown) in bracket 142.
To move the tray apparatus 100 from the second configuration to the
first configuration, the user would repeat the above steps while
rotating the tray apparatus 100 up and away from his body.
[0082] The tray apparatus according to the present invention
preferably includes a back member as previously described herein
with reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, coupled to one of
the first object receiving surface and the second object receiving
surface with a spring or other type of resilient member to provide
a trapping compartment as described in detail with reference to the
embodiment having back member 190 as is illustrated in FIG. 9.
Although depicted as being included particularly with the tray
apparatus 100, any tray apparatus embodiment described herein may
provide a trapping compartment as described herein.
[0083] Tray apparatus 100 of FIG. 9 includes back member 190
connected to the first tray apparatus component 20 adjacent a
second end 24 of the first tray apparatus component 20. The back
member 190 may also be connected to one or both of the at least one
pair of brackets 142. For example, as described in regard to the
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the back member 190 may be
a substantially planar sheet of material having a first portion 192
and a second portion 194 that is substantially orthogonal to the
first portion 192. The first portion 192 of back member 190 may be
connected to the second major surface 27 of tray apparatus
component 20 on the first major surface 192a of first portion 192.
The second major surface 192b of the first portion 192 of back
member 190 may be connected to the bracket 142. Similarly, the
second portion 194 of back member 190 may be connected to brackets
142 via a second major surface 194b of second portion 194.
[0084] The back member 190 may be manufactured using any suitable
material, e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, polymeric, cardboard.
Further, the back member 190 may be any suitable shape, e.g.,
rectangular, oval, etc. In one embodiment, the back member 190 is
approximately the same size and shape as the second tray apparatus
component 30.
[0085] The back member 190 is coupled to the second tray apparatus
component 30 proximate a second end 34 of the second tray apparatus
component 30 using any suitable method of coupling known in the art
that would provide trapping function as described herein.
Preferably, the back member 190 is spring coupled to the second
tray apparatus component 30 using, e.g., a general spring, a living
hinge, a biased piano hinge (as best seen, e.g., in FIG. 11 as
spring 292).
[0086] In an alternative embodiment, the back member 190 may be
spring coupled to the first tray apparatus component 20. For
example, the spring hinge may couple the first portion 192 of the
back member 190 to the first tray apparatus component 20 proximate
the second end 24 of the first tray apparatus component 20 using a
hinge similar to those described above.
[0087] The back member 190 forms a trapping compartment 188 with
the second tray apparatus component 30 when the user pushes the
second tray apparatus component 30 away from the back member 190.
As shown in FIG. 9, the second tray apparatus component 30 has been
forced away from the first tray apparatus component 20, creating
trapping compartment 188. Various objects may be placed in the
trapping compartment 188, e.g., newspapers, cartons, clothing. The
trapping compartment 188 acts to hold objects in place because of
the spring coupling between the second tray apparatus component 30
and the back member 190.
[0088] FIGS. 10-11 are perspective views of tray apparatus 200
according to another embodiment of the present invention. Tray
apparatus 200 includes a first tray apparatus component 220 having
a first object receiving surface 226, a second tray apparatus
component 230 having a second object receiving surface 236, and a
connection apparatus 240 coupled to a walker 260. The first tray
apparatus component 220 includes a first end 222 proximate the
operating position of the walker 260. The first tray apparatus
component 220 also includes a second end 224 distal from the
operating position. The second tray apparatus component 230
includes a first end 232 proximate the second end 224 of the first
tray apparatus component 220, and a second end 234 distal from the
first tray apparatus component 220.
[0089] The tray apparatus 200 further includes a back member 290
that is coupled to the first tray apparatus component 220 proximate
the second end 224 of the first tray apparatus component 220 using
hinge 294 (as best shown in FIG. 11). Any suitable hinge known in
art may be used to couple the back member 90 to the first tray
apparatus component 220, e.g., piano hinge, living hinge, etc.
[0090] The back member 290 is coupled to the second tray apparatus
component 230 using a spring hinge 292 for providing a trapping
formation as further described herein. Any suitable spring hinge or
combination of hinges may be used, e.g., regular hinges, spring
loaded clamps, torsional springs, etc. The spring hinge 292 is
located proximate the second end 234 of the second tray apparatus
component 230.
[0091] The connection apparatus 240 is operable to allow the user
to move the second object receiving surface 236 into a generally
orthogonal position relative to the first object receiving surface
226. The connection apparatus 240 includes a crossover rod 248
coupled to walker connection elements 250 at each end via risers
244 (e.g., FIG. 11). The crossover rod 248 may be coupled to the
risers 244 using any suitable method known in the art, e.g., bolts,
welds, friction fits, etc.
[0092] Also coupled to the crossover rod 248 is a pair of extension
elements 282. The extension elements 282 extend the second tray
apparatus component 230 as is further described below. The
connection apparatus 240 may include one or more of these extension
elements 282. The extension elements 282 may be any suitable
element, e.g., gas springs, spring loaded hinges, braces, torsional
springs coupled with standard hinges, etc. The extension elements
282 are coupled to the back member 290 via hinge points 283
adjacent the second end 234 of the second tray apparatus component
230.
[0093] Coupled to the crossover rod 248 and the extension elements
282 is an actuator 280. The actuator 280 may be any suitable
actuator (e.g., mechanical or electrical) known in the art, e.g.,
lever, push button, paddle, handle, etc. The actuator 280 releases
and locks the extension elements 282 as further described
below.
[0094] In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11A, the connection
apparatus 240 includes extension assembly 300. The extension
assembly 300 includes actuator 310, engaging member 320, and gas
hinges 330. The actuator 310 includes knob 312 and a distal end
318. The actuator 310 is connected to a crossover rod (e.g.,
crossover rod 248 of FIG. 11) via pivot 314 such that the actuator
310 pivots about pivot 314. The pivot 314 may be coupled to
crossover rod 248 (see FIG. 11). The actuator 310 is coupled to
connection point 322 of engaging member 320 at distal end 318 of
actuator 312.
[0095] The actuator 310 engages the engaging member 320, which, in
turn, engages the gas springs 330 as is further described below.
Generally, each gas spring 330 includes a cylinder 332 having a
first end 334 and a second end 336. The cylinder 332 is coupled to
the crossover rod 248 (see FIG. 11) via standoff 338 located
proximate the first end 334 of cylinder 332. The standoff 338 may
be coupled to the crossover rod 248 at connection points 284 (see
FIG. 11) using any suitable method known in the art. Each gas
spring 330 is coupled to the crossover rod 248 such that the gas
spring 330 may pivot from a position substantially orthogonal to
the ground plane to a position substantially horizontal to the
ground plane as piston rod 340 extends away from the second end 336
of cylinder 332.
[0096] The gas spring 330 may also include a piston mounted in the
cylinder 332. The piston is coupled to a piston rod 340 at a first
end 344 of the piston rod 340 (not shown). A second end 346 of the
piston rod 340 is coupled to the second tray apparatus component
230 (see FIG. 11) at hinge points 283. Also located inside cylinder
332 is a control valve. The control valve is in turn coupled to
valve stem 350 located at the first end 334 of the cylinder 332.
The valve stem 350 is operable to open and close the control valve.
The valve stem 350 has a rounded end that engages the engaging
member 320 as is further described below. The gas spring 330 may
also include a spring inside the cylinder 330 that biases the
piston rod 340 in the extended position.
[0097] An exemplary embodiment of a gas spring is disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,709,963 to Uecker et al. entitled "Adjustable Office
Chair," issued Dec. 1, 1987.
[0098] The gas spring 330 is preloaded with compressed gas and/or
fluid so that piston rod 340 is normally biased so that it is
extended away from second end 336 of cylinder 332. When the valve
stem 350 is extended outward from cylinder 332, the control valve
inside the cylinder 332 is closed. When depressed, the valve stem
350 opens the control valve, thus allowing the compressed gas to
flow from one side of the piston nearest the second end 336 of
cylinder 332 to the other side nearest the first end 334 of
cylinder 332. This movement of compressed gas forces the piston to
extend piston rod 340 away from the second end 336 of cylinder 332.
Because the second end 346 of piston rod 340 is connected to the
second tray apparatus component 230 at hinge points 283, the
extension of the piston rod 340 forces the second tray apparatus
component 230 to move from the substantially vertical position to
the substantially horizontal position in an arc. As the piston rod
340 extends, the gas spring 330 also moves from a substantially
vertical position to a substantially horizontal position.
[0099] When the control valve is open and the piston rod 340 is
extended, the piston rod 340 may be forced inward into cylinder 332
against the force of the compressed gas.
[0100] As mentioned above, the actuator 310 is coupled to the
engaging member 320 at connection point 322. The engaging member
320 includes sloping portions 324 that engage the rounded ends of
the valve stems 350 of gas springs 330. The engaging member 320 is
connected to the crossover rod 248 by being seated within a track
249 in the crossover rod 248 (as seen in FIG. 11). The engaging
member 320 is operable to slide in direction 360 and back in
direction 362 within the track 249 of crossover rod 248. The
engaging member 320 is also coupled to the crossover rod 248 by a
spring 326 that is stretched when the engaging member 320 is moved
in direction 360. In other words, spring 326 biases the engaging
member 320 such that it moves in direction 362.
[0101] To operate extension assembly 300, the user first engages
actuator 310 by lifting upward (i.e., away from ground plane 218 of
FIG. 10). As the user lifts upward, the actuator 310 pivots about
pivot 314, causing the distal end 318 of actuator 310 to pull the
engaging member 320 in direction 360. When the engaging member 320
moves in direction 360, the sloping portions 324 of engaging member
320 engage the valve stems 350 of both gas springs 330, depressing
each valve stem 350 toward the first end 334 of cylinder 332. When
depressed, the valve stem 350 opens the control valve inside
cylinder 332. Once open, the control valve allows compressed gas to
move from proximate the second end 336 of cylinder 332 to proximate
the first end 334. As the compressed gas migrates to the first end
334, the gas forces the piston toward the second end 336 of
cylinder 332, thereby extending the piston rod 340 outward, away
from the second end 336 of cylinder 332. As the piston rod 340
extends, the second tray apparatus component 230 moves from the
substantially vertical position to the substantially horizontal
position. Once the second tray apparatus component 230 is in the
substantially horizontal position, the user releases the actuator,
allowing the spring 326 to pull the engaging member 320 in
direction 362. As the engaging member 320 moves in direction 362,
the sloping portions 324 of engaging member 320 release the valve
stems 350, thereby closing the control valves. Once closed, the
control valves do not allow compressed gas to migrate, thus holding
the piston and control rods 340 in place.
[0102] To move the tray apparatus component 230 from the
substantially horizontal position to the substantially vertical
position using extension assembly 300, the user once again engages
actuator 310 by lifting knob 312 upward. The actuator 310 in turn
pulls engaging member 320 in direction 360 such that sloping
portions 324 of engaging member 320 engage valve stems 350. Once
engaged, the valve stems 350 open the control valves. While
engaging actuator 310, the user also applies a downward force on
the second end 234 of second tray apparatus component 230. The
downward force allows the piston rod 340 and piston to overcome the
force of the compressed gas within cylinder 332, thereby causing
the piston rod 340 to retract into cylinder 332. Once the piston
rod 340 is completely retracted, the user releases actuator 310,
allowing the engaging member 320 to move in direction 362. As the
engaging member 320 moves in direction 362, the sloping portions
324 of engaging member 320 release valve stems 350 such that the
control valves are closed. Once closed, the control valves do not
allow compressed gas to move from one end of the cylinders 332 to
the other, thereby holding the piston and piston rods 340 in
place.
[0103] The connection apparatus 240 is operable to allow the user
to move the tray apparatus 200 between at least a first
configuration, a second configuration, and a third configuration
when the tray apparatus is coupled to the walker 260.
[0104] For example, FIG. 10 is an exemplary illustration of the
tray apparatus 200 in a first configuration. The first object
receiving surface 226 extends along a first axis 212 between the
first end 222 and the second end 224 of the first tray apparatus
component 220; the axis 212 is parallel with and lies in a plane
defined by the first object receiving surface 226. The second
object receiving surface 236 extends along a second axis 214
between the first end 232 and the second end 234 of the second tray
apparatus component 230; the axis 214 is parallel with and lies in
a plane defined by the second object receiving surface 236.
[0105] When the tray apparatus 200 is in the first configuration,
the first object receiving surface 226 is in a substantially
horizontal position as is evidenced by the first axis 212 being
parallel to a ground plane 218. Further, when the tray apparatus
200 is in the first configuration, the second object receiving
surface 236 is also in a substantially horizontal position as shown
by second axis 214 being parallel to the ground plane 218. In other
words, when the tray apparatus 200 is in the first configuration,
the first object receiving surface 226 and the second object
receiving surface 236 may form a single, substantially horizontal
working surface that may accommodate a large plate or tray.
[0106] FIG. 10A is a top perspective view of tray apparatus 200 in
the first configuration. In one embodiment, the second object
receiving surface 236 also includes a lip 238 that is proximate the
first end 232 of the second object receiving surface 236. The lip
238 lies on top of the first object receiving surface 226 when the
tray apparatus 200 is in the first configuration. When the tray
apparatus 200 is in the second configuration (as described in
greater detail below), the lip 238 extends above the plane of the
first object receiving surface 226 such that objects placed on the
first object receiving surface 226 do not slide off towards the
front of the walker 260.
[0107] FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of the tray apparatus 200
of FIG. 10 in the second configuration. When the tray apparatus 200
is in the second configuration, the first object receiving surface
226 remains in a substantially horizontal position, i.e., first
axis 212 is parallel with ground plane 218. The second object
receiving surface 236 is in a substantially vertical position when
the tray apparatus 200 is in the second configuration. This
position is illustrated in FIG. 12 by axis 214, which is
substantially orthogonal to ground plane 218. When in the second
configuration, the first object receiving surface 226 may still
receive objects, e.g., cups, glasses, pencils, toothbrushes, while
the second object receiving surface 236 is folded down such that it
does not hinder the user's mobility in front of the walker 260.
[0108] To move the tray apparatus 200 from the first configuration
to the second configuration, the user engages the actuator 280 and
applies a slight, downward force proximate the second end 234 of
the second tray apparatus component 230 until the second object
receiving surface 236 is in the substantially vertical position.
Once the second tray apparatus component 230 is in the
substantially vertical position, the user releases actuator 280.
Once the actuator 280 is released, the extension elements 282 hold
the second tray apparatus component 230 in the substantially
vertical position.
[0109] To move the tray apparatus 200 from the second configuration
to the first, the user engages the actuator 280, thereby allowing
the extension elements 282 to extend until the second object
receiving surface 236 is in the substantially horizontal position.
Once the tray apparatus 200 is in the first configuration, the user
releases the actuator 280, and the extension elements 282 then hold
the second tray apparatus component 230 in the substantially
horizontal position.
[0110] Further, when the tray apparatus 200 is in the second
configuration, the second object receiving surface 236 and the back
member 290 form trapping compartment 296 as illustrated in FIG. 13.
Various objects may be placed within trapping compartment 296 and
transported, e.g., newspapers, cartons, clothes. The user forms the
trapping compartment 296 by applying a generally linear force to
the first end 232 of the second tray apparatus component 230 to
separate the second tray apparatus component 230 from the back
member 290.
[0111] The connection apparatus 240 of FIG. 10 is further operable
to allow the user to move the tray apparatus 200 from the second
configuration to a third configuration as illustrated in FIG. 14.
In the third configuration, the first object receiving surface 226
is in a substantially vertical position as shown by first axis 212
being substantially orthogonal to ground plane 218. The second
object receiving surface 236 is also in a substantially vertical
position as shown by second axis 214 being substantially orthogonal
to ground plane 218 as well.
[0112] FIG. 14A is a rear perspective view of a second major
surface 228 of the first tray apparatus component 220 in the third
configuration as would be seen from the operating position of the
walker. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14A, the first tray
apparatus component 220 is coupled to the connection apparatus 240
by a spring hinge 270. The spring hinge 270 may be any suitable
spring hinge as described herein. Preferably, the spring hinge 270
is a biased piano hinge. The spring hinge 270 is biased such that
the first tray apparatus component 220 is biased in the
substantially horizontal position. The spring hinge 270 is
connected to the crossover rod 248 of the connection apparatus 240
at the second end 224 of the first tray apparatus component
220.
[0113] Also coupled to the connection apparatus 240 is a lever 272.
The lever 272 is any suitable lever or bar known in the art. The
lever 272 is pivotably connected to the crossover rod 248 at a
first end 272a of the lever 272 such that the lever 272 may be
rotated until a second end 272b of the lever 272 is in contact with
the second major surface 228 of the first tray apparatus component
220. When the second end 272b of the lever 270 is in contact with
the second major surface 228 of the first tray apparatus component
220, the lever 272 holds the first tray apparatus component 220 in
the substantially vertical position.
[0114] The user moves the tray apparatus 200 from the second
configuration to the third configuration by applying a rotational
force on the first end 222 of the first tray apparatus component
220 away from the operating position such that the first tray
apparatus component 220 pivotably rotates away from the user. Once
the first object receiving surface 226 reaches the substantially
vertical position, the user engages the lever 272 such that the
second end 272b of the lever 272 is in contact with the second
major surface 228 of the first tray apparatus component 220. The
lever 272 prevents the restoring force of the spring hinge 270 from
forcing the first tray apparatus component 220 to return to the
substantially horizontal position.
[0115] To move the tray apparatus 200 from the third configuration
to the second configuration, the user would first move the lever
272 from its position in contact with the second major surface 228
of the first tray apparatus component 220. The spring hinge 270
then causes the first tray apparatus component 220 to rotate away
from the ground plane 218 and toward the operating position until
the first tray apparatus component 220 reaches the substantially
horizontal position.
[0116] When in the third configuration, the tray apparatus 200 is
clear of the walker 260 such that, in some embodiments, the walker
may be collapsed by folding the leg elements toward the center of
the walker as shown in FIG. 15. Because the tray apparatus 200 can
be collapsed in this manner, the walker 260 may be collapsed
without removing the tray apparatus 200 from the walker 260. This
enables the walker 260 and tray apparatus 200 to be placed in the
trunk or back seat of a vehicle and transported.
[0117] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described
above. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many
embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention. Other
variations, modifications, and combinations of the various parts,
various connection apparatus, and assemblies can certainly be made
and still fall within the scope of the invention. Thus, the
invention is limited only by the following claims, and equivalents
thereto.
[0118] All references cited herein are incorporated in their
entirety as if each were incorporated separately. This invention
has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments and
is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various
modifications of the illustrative embodiments, as well as
additional embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to
persons skilled in the art upon reference to this description.
* * * * *