# US 8,740,240 B1 · User-operated mobility apparatus > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 8,740,240 B1 - Document ID: US8740240B1 - Status: Granted - Kind: B1 - Application number: 14/139,165 - Filed: 2013-12-23 - Granted: 2014-06-03 - Earliest claimed: 2013-12-23 - Applicants: Maynard I. Merel - Inventors: Maynard I. Merel - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8740240B1 ## CPC - A61G 5/046: {at least three driven wheels} - A63B 22/025: {electrically, e.g. D.C. motors with variable speed control} - A61G 5/14: Standing-up or sitting-down aids - A63B 22/0023: {the inclination of the main axis of the movement path being adjustable, e.g. the inclination of an endless band} - A63B 2071/025: {on rollers or wheels} - A61G: TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS (appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk A61H3/00); OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES (embalming corpses A01N1/00) - A63B: APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT (apparatus for passive exercising, massage A61H) ## Abstract A user-operated mobility apparatus includes a base unit having a drive assembly and wheels mounted thereto for enabling selective movement of the base unit along a surface. A plurality of support members extend from the base unit, define an interior area therebetween that is configured to receive a user, and each includes a plurality of spaced-apart engagement features for releasably engaging at least one accessory at various different positions along the support member. A user support assembly is mounted adjacent the free ends of the support members and includes a support cord extending into the interior area. The support cord is configured for releasably engaging a user to support the user within interior area. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A user-operated mobility apparatus, comprising: a base unit including a drive assembly retained therein and a plurality of wheels mounted thereto and operably coupled to the drive assembly, the drive assembly configured to selectively control and drive the wheels to move the base unit along a surface; a plurality of support members, each support member extending from a respective corner of the base unit to a free end, each of the support members including a plurality of spaced-apart engagement features for releasably engaging at least one accessory at various different positions along the support member, the plurality of support members cooperating to define an interior area therebetween that is configured to receive a user; a user support assembly mounted adjacent the free ends of the plurality of support members, the user support assembly including a support cord extending therefrom into the interior area, the support cord configured for releasably engaging a user to support the user within interior area; wherein the support cord includes a connector configured for releasably engaging a user, the connector including a sensor configured to detect whether the connector is engaged to a user; and wherein operation of the drive assembly is inhibited when it is detected that the connector is not engaged to a user. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The user-operated mobility apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support cord is movable between a retracted position and an extended position and is biased towards the retracted position. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The user-operated mobility apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the user support assembly is configured as a locking retractor configured to permit gradual extension of the support cord towards the extended position and to lock the support cord in position in response to rapid extension of the support cord. ### Claim 4 (depends on 2) The user-operated mobility apparatus according to claim 2, wherein operation of the drive assembly is inhibited when it is detected that the support cord is locked in position. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The user-operated mobility apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support cord defines a fixed length. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The user-operated mobility apparatus according to claim 1, wherein first and second support cords of fixed length are provided, the first and second support cords defining different lengths. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The user-operated mobility apparatus according to claim 1, further including an emergency button configured to be selectively activatable by a user. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The user-operated mobility apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, in response to activation of the emergency button, operation of the drive assembly is inhibited. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The user mobility apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a treadmill assembly disposed on the base within the interior area. ### Claim 10 The user mobility apparatus 1, wherein the at least one accessory includes a front panel configured for engagement between adjacent support members. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The user mobility apparatus according to claim 10, further including a controller coupled to the front panel, the controller configured to receive user input to selectively control and drive the wheels to move the base unit. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The user mobility apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one accessory includes a seat assembly configured for selective engagement between adjacent support members. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The user mobility apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the seat assembly is transitionable between a use position, wherein a seat member of the seat assembly is presented for supporting a user, and a storage position, wherein the seat member is folded away. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The user mobility apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one accessory includes a table assembly configured for selective engagement between adjacent support members. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The user mobility apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the table assembly is transitionable between a use position, wherein a tabletop of the table assembly is presented to a user, and a storage position, wherein the tabletop is folded away. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The user mobility apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one accessory includes at least one safety bar configured for selective engagement between and to extend between adjacent support members. ### Claim 17 (depends on 1) The user mobility apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one accessory includes a handle configured for selective engagement with one of the support members. ### Claim 18 (depends on 1) The user mobility apparatus according to claim 1, further including a ramp configured to facilitate a user's entry and exit into the interior area.